December 2019 Edition - Access Press

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Volume 30, Number 12

December 10, 2019

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New plan, new leaders at Human Services

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$10,000 Outgoing Access Press Board Chair Steve Anderson is shown at a past Charlie Smith Award banquet.

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to support Access Press Donations matched through December 30, 2019.

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It's the final push to help Access Press as paper nears fundraising goal Editor’s note: Access Press board members are writing guest articles to highlight the newspaper’s matching grant campaign, which goes on until year’s end.

This article is by Steve Anderson, outgoing board chair at Access Press.

How on earth did we come to December already? It seems like I ask that question every time the winds of winter come around. Time just seems to fly by more quickly every year.

I have had the privilege to sit on the Access Press Board of Directors for the past nine years and the honor to serve as board chair. In the time that I have been on the board I have witnessed many changes, both on our board and with our newspaper. Like with anything change can be good, it can be difficult, it can be uncomfortable, it can also be exciting and

STORIES To page 13

A perfect match!

Help us support Minnesota’s disability news source. The Access Press board and Friends of Access Press will match dollar for dollar up to $10,000. We appreciate your support. Thank you!

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MNCCD prepares for another successful session

by Jane McClure When the 2020 session of the Minnesota Legislature starts February 11, the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) will be ready.

A wide range of issues, from proposed changes in rules for personal care attendants (PCAs) to public facilities access, are on the group’s legislative agenda.

More than two dozen MNCCD members approved the agenda December 4.

Board Chairperson Marnie Falk of Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare said additional legislative items can be added as the session start nears and during the session itself. One item that could be added later is the Homes for All effort, to meet a wide range of housing needs statewide.

MNCCD met much success in 2019, with 11 of 18 policy priorities meeting a favorable response from state lawmakers. That includes PCA rate reform, Mitchell’s law, changes to the spend-down and a reduction in Medical Assistance TEFRA fees.

Attorney Bill Amberg praised the success, noting that in his 20 years’ work at the capitol, he’s never seen anything have the same kind of impact that MNCCD’s Tuesdays at the Capitol has.

“There’s just nothing like it,” he said.

“Nobody hits 11 out of 18.”

What’s even more remarkable is how well MNCCD has done, in a time of

FIEL PHOTO

Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead is moving ahead with changes at the embattled state agency. Gov. Tim Walz is also acting to quell problems in the wake of turmoil and allegations of financial mismanagement.

As Access Press went to press, Walz was poised to announce how he would possibly restructure DHS. Some state lawmakers have called for DHS to be split up. But that has raised red flags for the state’s counties, which work with DHS to provide an array of human services programs. For counties, dealing with multiple state agencies instead of one could be problematic.

DHS has an $18.5 billion budget.

It serves more than one million Minnesotans in many programs, including programs that serve Minnesotans with disabilities.

As December began Harpstead announced key appointments, including new leadership for the Community Supports Administration. Community Supports has a $393 million annual budget and includes disability services, mental health, substance use disorder services and housing support. This division already has seen change with the reform in substance abuse disorder program payments and changes to the Medicaid waiver program.

Gertrude Matemba-Mutasa, former executive director of the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center in north Minneapolis, will be assistant commissioner of Community Supports.

Doug Annett, former vice president at Opportunity Partners, will take a new state post as deputy assistant commissioner of Community Supports.

Annett has also served on the board of directors of ARRM. Harpstead is also setting up an outside advisory council that will include Bill George, former Medtronic CEO. House and Senate leaders and community representatives will also be part of the task force. George will co-chair with someone else, who has yet to be named.

Harpstead and her team have had to move quickly to address concerns including more than 200 violations of state procurements laws and more than $90 million in overpayments for substance abuse treatment services.

The latter could mean difficult cuts to county and tribal programs, as they have been ordered to pay back the funds.

Many counties have said they cannot pay the funds back, as 2020 budgets have already been approved and/or they simply don’t have the money available. They contend it is the state’s error, not theirs.

In his last legislative meeting before stepping down, Rep. Nick Zerwas, R-Elk River, said the overpayments are a huge burden for counties and the tribes.

“The tribes don't have the money. The counties don’t have the money,” he said.

“The state is going to be left holding the bag at the end of the day.”

Speaking before state House members December 2, Harpstead didn’t say what changes could be coming to DHS. One idea might be to split off the Direct Care and Treatment division, which treats people with disabilities, mental illnesses, chemical dependency, the elderly, and HUMAN SERVICES To page 4

Self-advocate Rik spoke at an MNCCD capitol rally in 2017. transition. Membership had dropped, as some disability advocate groups have merged and others have struck out on their own at the capitol. That in turn affected resources available for staffing.

After having an executive director post for a time, MNCCD operated with parttime staff and contact lobbyists last year.

Attorneys Amberg and Mitch Berggren are the contract attorneys this session.

Staffer Bridget Carter moves to full-time status in early 2020.

MNCCD continues to grow and reinvent itself. The consortium is working on bylaws changes, to restructure how its issues-focused working groups, committees and board can better work together.

Some working groups, such as those focused on housing, staffing and transSESSION To page 5

December 10, 2019 Volume 30, Number 12

EDITOR’S DESK

Tim Benjamin As the year (and the decade) ends, I keep thinking about the upcoming legislative session, and even though I sound like a broken record, all my concerns come back to the problems at DHS. Will the legislature fund anything new for DHS, or stay stuck in a round of audits and plans for splitting up the agency, or making other organizational changes? Will DHS get caught up in political battles between the DFL and Republicans? The fact that it’s the biggest department in the state may make it easy for both parties to decide to divide it up. But then what will happen at DHS and the new agencies as they adjust? Not much progress for a long time, I fear.

A friend of mine has been closely reviewing the details of the “Waiver Reimagine” report that DHS gave the legislature in January. This friend, whose son has multiple disabilities, is baffled by how DHS’s numbers appear to be so imbalanced in favor of facility-based care. DHS’s stated goal is that their “budgets...adapt to support people to live independently or in a residential setting.” But it sure appears that one of their funding models allows for paying “residential settings” anywhere from two to four times as much as independent or family-based options. How does that kind

of a model support the Olmstead Plan?

The funding seems to be designed to support a model of facilities making profit. Companies that can house a lot of people and charge $160,000 a year for each person may be able to make a lot of profit because of how many clients each of their staff is supporting.

Meanwhile, many home care agencies are going out of business because they can’t make enough money to survive on the DHS reimbursement rates for home care. They can’t make enough money because they can’t find enough workers to work for $12-13 per hour. Home care PCAs provide support one-to-one.

Institutions can provide support one-tofive or more. They can make a lot more money with fewer staff for each client, but the model pays them a higher rate.

So these facilities may be more efficient because of “volume,” but they cost the state more per client.

More importantly, they are the option that people resist most. People know that individuals in a facility have to live with lower expectations. My friend said that she fears her son would be fed by people who would shove food in his mouth, ignore his needs while they play on their phone, leave him in dirty diapers, and never bother to get to know or like him.

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Meanwhile, many home care agencies are going out of business because they can't make enough money to survive on the DHS reimbursement rates for home care.

And they can never make up for the fact that he’s not living with people he love and care for him.

Of course, many would say my friend’s fears are about extreme possibilities, and involve stereotypes. Most people who choose to work in facilities would be offended; they often take personal care jobs because they are caring and supportive and that is their gift. But not all facilities offer an environment where employees are encouraged and allowed to develop their skills and gifts.

Even if the staff at facilities were improved, facilities are not structured to allow their residents to interact fully in the community. Concerns about liability come into play when residents use transportation or go out in public, and so facilities do not encourage or support individuals to pursue their interests outside of the building.

Facilities are not made for enjoying time with others, and can be places where family and friends find it unpleasant to visit frequently. They can’t offer individual or flexible transportation, so getting to a job, a movie, a bookstore, or a restaurant to be with friends, is difficult or impossible.

Facilities may use a van or other group vehicle to take everybody to Walmart or a special event, but choices become very limited, residents are made to feel dependent, and the community often ends

up being mainly the people in your facility.

Gov. Tim Walz recently worked for a day shadowing a PCA doing home care.

The story on KSTP-TV highlighted the governor’s understanding of the importance of home-based care and paying fair wages to direct support workers. Maybe the governor will inspire others at the capitol to become informed about this critical topic.

There are many people at DHS working hard on their “Waiver Reimagine” initiative.

I hope they are being realistic about the contrasts between home and facility-based care. I hope they are re-imagining how to help people live where they are happiest, safest, and best supported.

By the way, December 4 was the U.N.’s International Day for Persons with Disabilities. I wonder if you’d tell me in the comments whether you were aware of this at all, and whether you feel like it was like any other day in the year. Maybe the time will come when every day is a day for persons with disabilities.

Of course, the holidays are here, with all their festivities and things going on all around us. I hope you experience some of the real joy that can happen at this season.

Steer clear of the corporate Xmas, and stay upright in all the snow and ice. See you in 2020!

HISTORY NOTE ProAct's recent history is one of innovation, change Editor’s note: The second of two parts, adapted from the Red Wing Republican Eagle What would become ProAct started the 1980s with a time of expansion in Red Wing. This included a new, state-certified community education program for adults with disabilities. By 1981, the center served more than 100 participants. For the first time, a majority of the contract revenue for work performed by participants came from outside of Red Wing. On the housing side, a new trend was emerging to place people in group homes.

The focus expanded to include services to people who had sustained traumatic brain injuries. That led to efforts include a partnership with IBM for computer-aided diagnosis services, therapy and vocational transition services. The brain injury program was one of the first of its kind in Minnesota.

By 1986 IRC was named the Rehabilitation

Facility of the Year by the National Association of Rehabilitation Facilities.

By 1984, the program’s annual budget reached $1 million for the very first time.

Mobile work crews began in 1988 with janitorial services for factories and offices in and around Red Wing.

By 1990, IRC began serving Wisconsin residents with services in Pierce County.

That decade also saw a shift toward more community integration and outreach efforts. By the mid-1990s, the name ProAct was first used at a location in Zumbrota.

The mid-1990s to early 2000s would bring added services in the production department, more work crews in the community, more use of assistive technology and more self-advocacy education.

The move was also on to more person-centered planning and community integration. The year 2000 was particularly exciting, when the move from state institutions to community housing was completed

Co-Founder/Publisher................................................................................................................. Wm. A. Smith, Jr. (1990-96) Co-Founder/Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief........................................................................................Charles F. Smith (1990-2001) Board of Directors.................Mohamed Alfash, Brigid Alseth, Stephen Anderson, John Clark, Jane Larson, Julius Williams, ....................................................................................................................................................................... Kay Willshire, Mark Zangara Advertising Sales.............Michelle Hegarty, 612-807-1078 Cartoonist........................................................ Scott Adams Executive Director......................................... Tim Benjamin Production.......................................................... In-Fin Tuan Managing Editor.............................................Jane McClure Distribution.............................................. S. C. Distribution Business Manager/Webmaster.................Dawn Frederick EDITORIAL: 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.

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for people with developmental disabilities.

“We wanted to ensure that participants had more knowledge of their choices in work, leisure and community activities,” said Sally Ogren, wife of IRC’s founding director Bill Ogren.

A big change came in 2002, when IRC merged with Eagan-based Owobopte. The larger ProAct era had begun.

ProAct in Red Wing and Zumbrota would serve 283 individuals in the next fiscal year, with 141 in extended employment and 124 in day training. Steve Ditschler was the president and CEO at the time of the merger. He continues in that capacity today.

The nonprofit also started ProAct eRecycling Services in 2015, which gathered electronics from a wide area and trained participants in disassembly, customer service and organization. The program received national attention. The service continued until the reimbursement rates for raw materials

made it impractical to maintain.

In a testament to its efforts to integrate people with disabilities in the work world, ProAct in Red Wing has supported crews and employees at more than 50 outside organizations in the area, said ProAct Designated Coordinator Joyann Johnson. It has also contracted with hundreds of businesses for packaging, assembly and other work performed in-house.

“Change in many forms is our constant challenge as we continue to provide person-centered, positive and exciting service offerings to individuals with disabilities,” Ogren said.

The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.mnddc.org or www.mncdd.org and www.partnersinpolicymaking.com.

December 10, 2019 Volume 30, Number 12

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Special elections ahead

Two disability advocates will be missed at state capitol When the 2020 Minnesota Legislature gavels into session in February, two longtime champions of disability issues won’t be there. Fifteen-year Rep. Diane Loeffler (DFL- Minneapolis) lost her battle with cancer in November. Four-term Rep. Nick Zerwas (R-Elk River) announced in November that he was resigning effecting December 6. Zerwas is stepping down for health and family reasons.

Gov. Tim Walz announced special elections for the two seats, so that new legislators can step in when the session starts February 11. The special election for Loeffler’s District 60A seat is February 4. A special primary election will be held January 21 if multiple candidates seek party nominations. The primary date was picked to accommodate college students in the district, who will return to University of Minnesota January 21 for spring semester.

The election for Zerwas’ District 30A seat is also February 4. The primary election, if one is needed, is penciled in for January 14.

Both lawmakers were regular speakers at disability rallies and advocates’ gatherings. Both had also been honored by multiple disability organizations over the years.

Loeffler, 66, had served since 2004, representing northeast Minneapolis. She is remembered as a tireless advocate for people with disabilities, with a focus on those battling mental illness and developmental disabilities. She also was known for her work for immigrants and working people.

Loeffler was very dedicated to her Minneapolis constituents and her longtime Northeast Minneapolis neighborhood.

She had worked as a state education policy analyst and on finance and tax issues for the city of Minneapolis, and recently as a health policy analyst and planner for Hennepin County. Her focus at the county was on services for seniors and people with disabilities.

A personal experience shaped Loeffler’s work for people with disabilities. On her website, Loeffler described her Aunt Lil, who lived with Down syndrome.

Her family didn’t send her to live at a state institution, which was standard practice at that time. Instead, Aunt Lil lived with her family, was able to go to school at age 35 and found work through a government-supported day training program. That sparked Loeffler’s interest in social services, disability, education and health care issues.

Her website stated, “Lil's life taught Diane the power of government policies to open doors of opportunity and ignited her passion to use public policy as a way of improving people's lives.”

Tributes poured in after Loeffler’s death. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., tweeted that Loeffler was “a model legislator — respected, liked and dedicated to the

Rep. Nick Zerwas

Rep. Diane Loeffler

people she served.”

Services have been held. Survivors include her husband, Michael Vennewitz, whom she met after bidding on his home improvement services at a charity auction. She is also survived by siblings, nieces and nephews and many friends.

For Zerwas, his resignation is meant to address health issues, allow him to spend more time with family and return to a career outside of government. “For the last 13 years it has been the honor of my lifetime to serve my neighbors in Elk River on the city council and the state legislature. My recent heart surgery brought into focus the need to spend as much time as I can with my wife and three-year-old son and spend my prime working years providing the best possible life for my family. It is not easy leaving a job that I absolutely love, but I'm able to depart on my own terms with no regrets and with optimism for what lies ahead. I want to thank my parents, my brothers, my wife Bette and my son for being unbelievably supportive of my service in the legislature,” he said.

Zerwas, who was first elected in 2012, has been a

consistent voice for people with disabilities. He has also been active in the fight to allow people with terminal illnesses to use experimental drugs and treatments.

Most recently he was among those calling for reform in the Minnesota Department of Human Services. He attended his final hearing on DHS issues earlier this month.

Zerwas was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect as a child. He wasn't expected to live past the age of 7. The 38-year-old has had numerous heart surgeries, including two during his years in the Legislature. He underwent routine heart surgery in October to replace his pacemaker.

He is known at the capitol for his sense of humor and a well-stocked candy supply in his desk on the House floor.

Zerwas has described the candy as his way of breaking the ice and reaching across the aisle to members of both parties in the House.

Zerwas has worked in forensics in the past, including a stint in the crime lab in Anoka County. He previously served on the Elk River City Council.

FILE PHOTO

Old cords, light strings can be recycled to provide employment

ProAct workers tear down light strings and cords for recycling.

Old extension and power cords may be clutter. Holiday lights that lose their sparkle may be a nuisance. But they are not trash. ProAct, a nonprofit that serves people with disabilities, offers several seasonal drop-off spots for those unwanted light strings, electrical, appliance and phone cords. Drop off unwanted items, help the environment and provide work for people with disabilities.

The program is now underway and will continue until January 2020.

People with disabilities process the cords and bulbs at ProAct’s Eagan facility. ProAct has additional operations in Red Wing, Shakopee, Zumbrota and in Hudson, WI. The program, which is in its sixth season, has expanded over the years. Check the site list carefully before planning a drop-off as some sites have changed and a few are no longer available.

The items collected will be disassembled and sorted by

Anything that is pre-lit needs the light strands removed from the item and the item disposed of separately by the consumer before being recycled through ProAct. That can include wreaths and trees.

Christmas lights and electrical cords cannot be recycled in standard, single-sort recycling bins or in residential curbside recycling programs. The items can cause problems in the regular waste stream. But the material is recoverable, said Cavalier.

ProAct has expanded its holiday recycling effort each of the last few years. Several tons of materials come in each year.

Drop off locations serviced by ProAct are offered in Dakota, Goodhue, Scott, Ramsey and Washington counties in Minnesota and in St. Croix County, WI. These include: Apple Valley: Dakota County Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Ave. Eagan: Lebanon Hills Visitors Center, 860 Cliff Road ProAct, Inc., 3195 Neil Armstrong Blvd., (to office or bin by garage, if closed) Farmington: Farmington City Hall, 430 3rd St.; Farmington Liquor Store, 18350 Pilot Knob Road; Farmington Liquor Store, 109 Elm St.; Rambling River Center, 325 Oak St. Hastings: Dakota County Administrative Services Center, 1590 Highway 55; Hastings City Hall, 101 4th St. E.; Hometown ACE Hardware, 1355 S. Frontage Road; Terry's Hardware, 375 33rd St. W. Hudson, WI: ProAct- Hudson, 1202 Beaudry Blvd.

Inver Grove Heights: ACE Hardware & Paint, 3098

PROGRAM To page 15 people with disabilities. All the work and income from the processed material will benefit individuals with disabilities in ProAct programs.

The holiday lights recycling effort is held in conjunction with several cities in a wide metro area. “Keep your lights and cords out of the trash and recycle bins. Let us handle them properly to reclaim the valuable material for reuse in new products,” said ProAct Work and Recycling Manager Jennifer Cavalier. The effort also helps to employ dozens of people with disabilities.

Some items cannot be recycled through the ProAct program, so keep those out of the donation bins. Don’t leave cord adapters, battery packs, plastic rope lights, CFL lights, light fixtures, trees and garland in the containers.

County solid waste departments can provide information as to how to recycle those items. Where things go is dictated by a person’s county of residence.

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FROM OUR COMMUNITY

December 10, 2019 Volume 30, Number 12

Pg 4

The journey, no matter the pain, is never undertaken alone

by Lilli Sprintz When I throw a ball, I know I can move something in the world beyond me.

The body. That’s the title of this, yes? Survival could be another. I got touched coming out of the womb; nothing was the same after that. The passivity they tried to instill didn’t work. Neither would the slipped vertebrate, struggling to not be taken.

Mary Oliver says, “you only have the let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.” I say you also don’t have to be perfect.

Here is what I love: singing - feeling the love come out of my throat. Walking past the trees and leaves, skies and

singing birds. Laying on the ground at the park listening to birds, trees, feeling the wind: love. Touch the barks. They all feel different. And the soft petals on a flower, and the colors. Colors, for those of us who see, is a grand gift.

This is the poem: I am the body. I love myself. I am body and joy and the woman who threw a softball to survive. I did! I am looking around the dark of my apartment, writing this poem. The subtle turning of my head tells me my neck still works. I still enjoy feeling the strength in my muscles.

My body…loves…women, sometimes. And men, but in different ways. And deep hugs.

I love that my body and I are gentler now, and also stronger again after disability. I lay in bed at night with that nerve pinched in my lower back which prevents me, easily, from

There's more to the story with PCA crisis Editor’s note: Gov. Tim Walz recently observed a day in the life of a personal care attendant, to put a spotlight on the challenges such workers face. Walz used the occasion to highlight the need for the state to invest, and allow people with disabilities to stay in their own homes. There are more than 8,000 job openings for home care workers.

The visit was followed by print and broadcast media, and by members of Minnesota’s disability community. The visit has drawn a mixed reaction from community members, with some saying they appreciate Walz’s efforts and others questioning if the event was simply for the cameras.

The event was called “Walk a Day with an HHA” with HHA standing for home health aide.

Here are comments James “Jimmy Wheels” Lovold of St. Paul sent to WCCO-TV and reporter Reg Chapman after seeing its report.

Mr. Chapman, you were the reporter who did the story where the governor followed a PCA/client team to learn more about the job and what it entails. Your story started something in me.

After seeing your story about the PCA situation, I decided I wanted to write an email to the governor telling him about my situation of lack of PCA services due to the fact that we have a PCA shortage going on seriously right now. All because of the pay!

PCAs can't survive on what they make. I've spent half of this year in Minneapolis in a TCU or transitional care unit because of this situation. I also am a recipient of the PCA services. I'm a disabled man from birth who relies on these services every day of my life.

I thought you might like to hear another side of the story that doesn't get talked about much. What happens to us when we don't have the care in our homes.

I wanted to know if you were interested in another side of the story. Thank you, I'll be looking forward to hearing from you.

(As of early December. Lovold had not heard from WCCO-TV.) James " Jim " Lovold St. Paul

going into any closed property where the doors are heavier than a feather! I drink water which allows me to pee. And I play. Snow still brings me joy. Though cold keeps me inside looking out. And I can see! The walls with the paper with the colors I painted which I moved my body to do.

The pain in my body reminds me to do yoga tomorrow.

And love. Me. And to know I am good. Just remember, dear friends, that you will not always know when I hurt, what my body carries inside; that it helps to get support, to know I am not doing this journey alone.

Lilli Sprintz is a writer living in St. Louis Park.

HUMAN SERVICES

From page 1 sex offenders.

Some state lawmakers have expressed a desire to split DHS into several smaller agencies. But Harpstead countered that such a split could be more expensive for the state. She said that splitting off the large Direct Care and Treatment division might make the most sense. It alone accounts for 4,900 of the agency’s 7,300 employees.

One area Harpstead discussed with state lawmakers is that of addressing problems raised in a recent Legislative Auditor’s report, which took sharp issue with the lack of internal controls at DHS. A new program, Operation Stopgap, now calls for multiple department heads to sign off on payments.

“The buck stops right here,” Harpstead said. But while apologizing for past DHS problems, she also said that the problems shown represent a small part of the many things DHS does.

Legislators had mixed reactions to Harpstead’s remarks. DFLers praised her efforts toward reform.

Republicans were more skeptical, saying they need to see major efforts at reform and systems change before they can consider new programs or new funding.

Republicans also said they are disappointed that an investigation into former DHS Inspector general Carolyn Ham ended with no disciplinary action. That investigation focused on fraud in the state’s childcare assistance program, and the distrust between Ham and the anti-fraud investigators in her own office. Ham is being reassigned to a different role at DHS.

Schuck was disability services director Judy Carpenter Schuck drew on her experiences with disabilities to help others in her professional life. The former dean of students and director of disability services at what is now Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Schuck died of cancer in November. She was 79 and lived in Wayzata.

She was born in Duluth. Her family lived in the Chicago area before they returned to Minnesota. A graduate of Robbinsdale High School, she earned bachelor’s, masters and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Minnesota. Her lifelong career in special education included work as director of service as for students with disabilities at Santa Barbara City College and as a national trainer for the Association on Higher Education and Disability.

She met her husband, Edward Schuck, when they were both counselors at a summer camp. He became an engineer for Medtronic and ran a small medical device company when their family lived in California.

Schuck was known for her lifelong commitment to special education and to people with disabilities. She used a cane most of her adult life. Despite mobility issues, she recently refused to use a wheelchair in order to participate in a march against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

She was involved at St. Luke Presbyterian Church in Minnetonka, chaired the Eden Prairie Human Rights and Diversity Commission and co-founded the Higher Education Consortium on Learning Disabilities.

Schuck was preceded in death by her husband in 2016.

Ramnaraine founded disability network

Barbara Koucky Ramnaraine is remembered for her work to found a faith-based network for people with disabilities. Ramnaraine died in October. She was 85 and lived in St. Paul.

Born to parents who were doctors, Ramnaraine was legally blind since birth. She worked as a teacher and then as an Episcopal deacon until retirement. She founded the Episcopal Network Serving People with Disabilities.

She spent her entire life devoting herself to the poor, the homeless and especially to the inclusion of those with disabilities into the full life of society and the church.

She was also an author. Ramnaraine traveled extensively, on her own and with friends and family. She co-authored the book Wheeling and Dealing in 2008.

She is survived by her two daughters and four grandchildren. Funeral services have been held.

The book provides tips for traveling by train, plane, bus, and automobile, and helps travelers of all ages with disabilities ranging from hearing loss and vision loss, to mobility limitations and diabetes, feel safer and more comfortable as they travel. No matter whether one travels for business or leisure, this book offers sound and practical advice.

Another book she authored addressed accessibility issues for places of worship.

Ramnaraine is survived by her two children and their partners, as sister-in-law and other family and friends.

Services have been held. Memorials are preferred to the American Alzheimer's Association in her name.

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FROM OUR COMMUNITY

December 10, 2019 Volume 30, Number 12

Pg 5

‘Treat People Like People’ campaign focuses on stopping abuse Sarah and John both have a brain injury. They also have interests, talents and unique personalities. Sarah enjoys teaching and John loves music.

Sarah and John are just two of the Minnesotans living with a disability who helped create “Treat People Like People – Abuse Stops With Us” — a high-profile new campaign designed to raise awareness of abuse of adults with disabilities. The campaign was initiated by the Minnesota Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (OMHDD), and the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD).

The Department of Human Services (DHS) will also soon be joining as a partner and funder of the campaign.

From 2012 through 2016 there was an increase of more than 2,000 maltreatment reports of vulnerable adults in the state, according to DHS. During this same period, reports of neglect increased 38 percent among people with disabilities, and abuse grew by 26 percent.

In response to these trends, OMHDD and GCDD have developed a plan to raise awareness of abuse and mistreatment and educate people with disabilities, their families and guardians, mandated reporters and the general public on how to identify and report instances of abuse. An overarching goal of the initiative was to show that individuals living with disabilities are valuable, unique human beings deserving of respect and inclusion.

To help deliver this message people with disabilities shared, in their own voices, their experiences and stories.

In one of the videos produced for the campaign, Sarah

SESSION From page 1

portation, have been more robust than others. The bylaws changes will go out for an e-vote in the near future.

MNCCD is also looking at adding individual memberships, as well as its organizational memberships.

For 2020, MNCCD has three sets of legislative priorities, said Maren Hulden of the Disability Law Center.

The first group is issues MNCCD takes the lead on or works with partners as high priorities. The second issues are those MNCCD partners with another group or groups on and helps as needed. The third are issues MNCCD signs onto as a supporter, but doesn’t have as much direct involvement with.

One of the top priorities is PCA driving reform, so that driving can be considered as an activity of daily living. This is especially needed during the current transportation crisis.

A second key area is guardianship law language changes, to modernize what is currently not person-centered language and to reflect the move toward people with disabilities enjoying more independence and ability to make decisions.

Also ranked as high priorities for 2020 are efforts toward more inclusive childcare and transition to full competitive and integrated employment. The childcare issue has grown in importance as childcare centers lack resources to serve children with disabilities. Employment was a focus in 2019 but fell short.

MNCCD will partner with other groups on several other issues. One is to include access to dental care through MA programs. The need to find dentists who will accept patients in the program is growing and in many places the situation is dire as people cannot access dental care. Dental Access Partners are leading on this issue.

Minnesota Council on Disability is leading the charge on bonding for inclusion, to have more state facilities become accessible. The council has had success as it sought funding for access improvements at state parks. Work with the Department of Natural Resources, which has been successful in the past, would be expanded to the Department of Administration.

Despite recent renovations at the capitol itself, one area cited for access improvements is the capitol complex tunnel system. MNCCD members joked how the tunnel inclines almost have people crawling on their hands and knees.

Another partnership issue is to allow more accessibility in voting. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office wants to allow voters to be able to use their own assistive technology and not have to rely on third-party assistance to cast ballots.

Continued efforts for PCA rate reform, enhanced autism-focused training for first responders and the Best Life Alliance’s continued work on the waiver system are other partnership issues, as is work to establish tax credits for direct support providers.

One effort targets the transportation services Uber and Lyft, and would provide financial incentives for drivers to what wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Drivers use their own vehicles, which typically aren’t accessible.

This is especially needed as traditional taxi companies go out of business.

MNCCD is signing onto several other pieces of legislation. These include changes to the home care rate network, pooled trust changes, improved access to college programs through reciprocity, reform of the health care records act and prior authorization reform. All of these issues have at least one leader, or a coalition of supporters.

describes the struggles she experiences communicating with her caregivers. “When I’ve discovered difficulties or problems, I am having with staff … it’s that I don’t know how to ask for help in the right way, because of my disability,” she said.

The videos as well as tools and resources for direct care providers, vulnerable Minnesotans, their families and the public are available on the new TreatPeopleLikePeople.org website.

The online destination helps those in need respond and report abuse and neglect. Minnesotans can report abuse and neglect against people living with disabilities by calling the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) at 844-880-1574.

“We are excited to launch the “Treat People Like People” initiative. By working together to raise awareness, Minnesota can be a place where people with disabilities are living, learning, working, and enjoying life,” said Roberta Opheim, the State Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. “I want to thank the many talented people, adults with disabilities, their family members, and professionals in policy and care

provision, who gave generously of their time and energy to make this campaign a reality.”

Russell Herder, a Minneapolis-based strategic marketing and advertising firm, was retained to develop the multimedia awareness plan and campaign and we thank them for their sensitivity and commitment to the people the campaign represents.

About the Minnesota Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities: The mission and vision of the OMHDD is to promote the highest attainable standards of treatment, competence, efficiency and justice for persons receiving services for mental health, developmental disabilities, chemical dependency or emotional disturbance.

About the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities: The mission of the GCDD is to provide information, education, and training to build knowledge, develop skills, and change attitudes that will lead to increases independence, productivity, self-determination, integration and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Help at home, while staying community connected Videos highlight practices to help aging, disability care providers For many of us, it’s easier to watch a “how to” video than read the stepby-step instructions. To highlight promising practices discovered while working with disability and aging providers, the Minnesota Department of Human Services created a series of short videos.

The collaborative work helps older adults and people with disabilities get publicly paid long-term services and supports with full connections to the communities where they live.

Videos show providers encouraging community involvement and integrated employment for the people they support. Providers can use the videos to generate ideas on how to better serve older adults and people with disabilities.

Examples featured in videos include: • People building relationships by volunteering for Meals on Wheels, the Humane Society and other nonprofts, and by joining 12-step meetings and faith communities.

• One man enjoys refnishing furniture as part of an adult day program. When it became unsafe the program adapted to allow him to continue his hobby in safety.

• Older Minnesotans partner with local service clubs to assemble care packages for military troops and to fll backpacks with school supplies and food to fght hunger.

Find more more information at:

https://mn.gov/dhs/hcbs-toolkit

December 10, 2019 Volume 30, Number 12

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REGIONAL NEWS Parking meters to be upgraded

Medical marijuana program adds conditions The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has announced it will add chronic pain and age-related macular degeneration as new qualifying conditions for the state’s medical cannabis program. Under state law, the new conditions will take effect in August 2020.

MDH also approved two new delivery methods to give patients more options. The new methods being added are water-soluble cannabinoid multi-particulates such as granules, powders and sprinkles, and orally dissolvable products such as lozenges, gums, mints, buccal tablets and sublingual tablets.

The program’s two medical cannabis manufacturers will double the number of patient cannabis treatment centers in accordance with legislation passed during the 2019 Minnesota session. The new sites will mean greater access to cannabis treatment centers. The manufacturers selected eight locations for additional centers. Leafline Labs has proposed centers in Willmar, Mankato, Golden Valley and Rogers. Minnesota Medical Solutions has proposed centers in Woodbury, Blaine, Duluth and Burnsville.

Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said the changes give patients more options, particularly in light of concerns about potential health impacts of e-cigarettes and vaping.

“We hope the addition of new delivery methods will provide a potential alternative to vaping for some patients and that the additional centers will provide more convenient access,” Malcolm said. The two new qualifying conditions were added to allow patients more treatment options for conditions that can be debilitating.

“Minnesota’s medical cannabis program tracks patient experiences so we can learn about the realworld benefits and downsides of using medical cannabis for various conditions,” Malcolm said. “The generally positive experience patients have had using medical cannabis to treat intractable pain prompted us to add chronic pain as a qualifying condition.

Meanwhile, the decision to add age-related macular degeneration was due to a lack of good treatment options for managing symptoms. The bottom line is that people suffering from these serious conditions may be helped by participating in the program, and we felt it was important to give them the opportunity to seek that relief.”

Adding chronic pain will allow patients with pain to more easily access medical cannabis as an earlier treatment option.

In 2016, MDH added intractable pain to the program. As defined by state law, intractable pain is pain whose cause cannot be removed and, according to generally accepted medical practice, the full range of pain management treatments appropriate for the patient have been used without adequate result or with intolerable side effects.

MDH used a formal petitioning process to solicit public input on potential qualifying conditions.

Throughout June and July, Minnesotans submitted petitions to add qualifying conditions. Following the petition period, the process included public comments and a citizens’ review panel. MDH staff also prepared a set of documents summarizing the available research pertaining to the use of medical cannabis for each prospective condition.

In addition to the newly approved conditions, MDH received petitions for four other conditions: anxiety, insomnia, psoriasis and traumatic brain injury. The petitions were rejected because the conditions had been petitioned previously and this year’s petitions didn’t include new scientific evidence.

Under current state rules, patients certified to chronic pain or age-related macular degeneration will become eligible to enroll in the program on July 1, 2020, and receive medical cannabis from the state’s two medical cannabis manufacturers beginning August 1, 2020. As with other qualifying conditions, patients will need advance certification from a Minnesota health care provider. More details on the process are available on the Medical Cannabis website.

The current list of qualifying conditions includes cancer associated with severe/chronic pain, nausea or severe vomiting, or cachexia or severe wasting; glaucoma; HIV/AIDS; Tourette’s syndrome; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy; severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis; inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn’s disease; terminal illness, with a probable life expectancy of less than one year; intractable pain; posttraumatic stress disorder; autism spectrum disorders; obstructive sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s Currently permitted delivery forms include liquid (including oils), pills, vaporizable liquids or oils, and topical applications.

The two new delivery methods will become effective Aug. 1, 2020. Minnesota law does not permit smokable or edible forms of medical cannabis.

(Source: Minnesota Department of Health)

St. Paul will upgrade its parking meters and pay $45,000 to settle a lawsuit alleging the city violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Jerald Boitnott filed a lawsuit in March alleging that some of the city’s parking meters violated ADA standards, according to a settlement agreement.

“The city agreed to settle this case because it recognized that some of the parking pay stations installed after 2012 do not comply with ADA accessibility requirements,” City Attorney Lyndsey Olson said in a statement. “The city is committed to ensuring compliance with the ADA, and that access is available to all.”

In conjunction with the $45,000 settlement, which will cover attorney’s fees, parking meter provider and third-party defendant Cale America Inc. has agreed to modify the city’s pay stations to meet ADA standards, the statement said. Upgrades must be completed by April 21, 2021, according to the settlement agreement.

Mayor Melvin Carter included $350,000 in the 2020 budget in anticipation of a settlement that included parking meter upgrades, though actual replacement costs are expected to be lower. The budget is to be approved by year’s end.

The ADA generally requires a 48-inch reach range, based on what’s accessible for someone using a wheelchair, said David Fenley, ADA director for the Minnesota Council on Disability. But because the law has no proactive enforcement mechanism, he said, people with disabilities who encounter barriers have limited options: They can complain to the state Department of Human Rights or the U.S. Department of Justice, or they can sue.

Boitnott is known for filing accessibility claims. In the past two years, he has filed two dozen lawsuits alleging ADA noncompliance. Defendants range from neighborhood restaurants and auto body shops to fast-food chains, court records show.

Boitnott also sued the city of Minneapolis over the accessibility of its parking meters, and in October the City Council approved a $60,000 settlement — half of which Cale America Inc. paid. The city agreed to replace its parking pay stations with ADA-compliant ones by May 31, 2023, and is in the process of issuing a request for proposals, according to spokeswoman Sarah McKenzie.

Boitnott could not be reached for comment, and his attorneys did not respond to requests for comment.

According to an October 2018 civil complaint against a St. Paul restaurant, Boitnott has been diagnosed with physical and cognitive disabilities, including a traumatic brain injury and a spinal cord injury.

“As a person with a disability, Boitnott has a personal interest in having full and equal access to places of public accommodation and to the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages or other things offered therein,” the complaint stated.

(Source: Star Tribune)

Nursing Home Report Card is changed

With a refreshed design and new data on short-term stays, the Minnesota Nursing Home Report Card will be more useful than ever to Minnesotans seeking information about nursing home care for themselves or family members.

Increasingly, Minnesotans are using nursing homes for short-term stays after a hospital visit. These stays can include such services as physical, occupational and speech therapy. New information on the report card includes results of short-term resident surveys on their experience as well as data on how well a nursing home is avoiding sending people back to the hospital, discharging people back home, and providing short-term care, as measured by pain management, avoiding pressure ulcers and other indicators.

“Our new, improved Nursing Home Report Card makes it easy for people to compare how well nursing homes perform in areas that matter to them,” said Human Services REGIONAL NEWS To page 15

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December 10, 2019 Volume 30, Number 12

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PEOPLE & PLACES Olive Branch workers extend themselves

SUBMITTED PHOTO

the lives they choose,” said Heidi Olive Branch, a supported home for Reisdorf, senior area director for LSS. people with disabilities that is operated “This team lives and breathes our perby Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota son-centered philosophy, and it shows (LSS) in Fosston, received an international award recognizing the team’s in their everyday work with the people dedication to person-centered support. they support.”

The Council on Quality and LeaderSince 1969, the council has been a ship (CQL) honored the Olive Branch leader in working with human service team with its 2019 Award of Excellence organizations and systems to continuously define, measure, and improve for the team’s commitment to improving quality of life and quality of services the quality of life for the individuals they for youth, adults, and older adults support. with intellectual and developmental LSS’ supported homes like Olive disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities.

Branch offer support so that individuals CQL offers accreditation, training, they serve can live as independently as certification, research, and consulpossible, work toward their hopes and tation services to agencies that share dreams and live full lives in the community. our vision of dignity, opportunity, and “These staff members represent the community for all people. pinnacle of putting people first,” said Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota began in 1865 when a Lutheran Mary Kay Rizzolo, president and CEO of pastor and his congregation opened an CQL. “From helping to develop plans to orphanage for children near Red Wing putting it all into action, they’re focused in southeastern Minnesota. Today, on what really matters to the people they with 2,300 employees and 8,000 support.” volunteers, Lutheran Social Service Katie Hedlund, Olive Branch desigFront Row, from left: Deb Koop (LSS), Mary Kay Rizzolo (CQL President & CEO), Katie Hedlund (LSS), Sarah Garczynski (LSS), Joyce nated coordinator, recently attended the helps one in 65 Minnesotans through Hagen (LSS) and Angie Ealy (LSS). Back Row, from left: Mark Dubbels (LSS), Angie Collins (LSS) and Piya Chomdokmai (LSS) CQL award ceremony in Baltimore to services that inspire hope, change lives accept the award on her team’s behalf. and build community. Statewide, the people with disabilities, including feedback to make a Team members were honored for a wide range of activiorganization seeks to foster safe and supportive homes medication dispenser prototype easier to use. ties: for children, restore health and wellness in families, •Promoting self-advocacy among the people they serve •Ensuring individuals they support participate in comempower people with disabilities to live the lives they through efforts such as the Minnesota Olmstead Academunity activities, such as Halloween parties, volunteer imagine, and promote health, independence and quality my, which offers training on disability rights advocacy. work and involvement supporting the local high school of life for older adults. For comprehensive information “The Olive Branch Team is actively engaged in advofootball team. about the work of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, cacy that ensures the people they support are leading •Aligning employee training and development with visit www.lssmn.org. the goals for each individual.

•Developing innovations that improve support for

Fraser president honored for helping children

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Diane S. Cross, Fraser president and CEO, was recently honored with the Children’s Law Center of Minnesota 2019 Heroes for Children Award, recognizing her service helping Minnesota’s most vulnerable children. The award salutes “her strategic vision, her innovative spirit, and her commitment to making a meaningful difference for youth in our community.”

Cross accepted the award at the Law Center’s Champions Annual Benefit in November at the IDS Center, Minneapolis. In accepting the award, she said, “I am honored to receive this prestigious award. The Children’s Law Center of Minnesota and Fraser both work to help children find brighter futures.”

Each year, the Children’s Law Center of Minnesota selects a child advocate who demonstrates the center’s mission of promoting the rights and interests of Minnesota’s children in the judicial, child welfare, health care, and education systems.

Cross was recognized for her 30 years of service as Fraser president and CEO, helping tens of thousands of children, teens, adults, and families facing autism, mental health issues, and special needs — growing Fraser into the Upper Midwest’s premier provider of autism services and Minnesota’s largest early childhood provider of mental health services. Her leadership has advanced the Fraser mission of making a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of children, adults and families with special needs.

Fraser offers a continuum of healthcare, housing, education and employment services that help children, teens, adults and families with special needs reach their fullest potential, at every stage of life. To schedule an appointment or learn more, call 612-767-7222 or visit www.fraser.org

Awards given for excellence in human services

The Circle of Excellence awards recognize organizations that have partnered with the Minnesota Department of Human Services to do an exemplary job of providing food, shelter and other assistance to Minnesotans in need.

Special events were planned to honor each of the winners.

This year’s honorees include groups that serve people with disabilities. They are: Clare Housing, Minneapolis provides supportive housing to some of the community’s most marginalized individuals – primarily people of color, living in poverty and struggling not only with HIV, but also mental illness, chemical dependency and criminal backgrounds.

Horizon Homes, Mankato has expanded its capacity to serve children and adults in need of mental and chemical health care. Services include a new South Central Crisis

Center and a partnership with law enforcement, the Yellow Line Project, that provides access to a Mobile Crisis Team.

“These organizations go above and beyond each and every day to improve the lives of Minnesotans,” said DHS Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “We are grateful to them for leading the way through their creativity, innovation, skill and commitment to the people we serve.”

This is the eighth year of the Circle of Excellence Awards. Winners were selected based on how well they met the following award criteria. Winners must support the DHS mission to help people meet their basic needs so they can live in dignity and achieve their highest potential and contribute to current DHS goals and priority projects.

Winners also have to demonstrate best practices, achieve results that impact clients and partner with others in the human services system.

Be part of our

Directory of Organizations

Next edition: JANUARY 2020 24/7 online Contact Dawn today! Phone: 651-644-2133 Email: dawn@accesspress.org

December 10, 2019 Volume 30, Number 12

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PEOPLE & PLACES Champions for mental health honored by NAMI Minnesota People and organization were honored in November by the NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness). The 2019 awards were presented to citizen volunteers, a collaborative, an employer, state lawmakers and professionals, during NAMI Minnesota’s annual conference in St. Paul. NAMI Minnesota is a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of children and adults with mental illnesses and their families through its programs of education, support and advocacy.

NAMI Minnesota Executive Director Sue Abderholden explained each award and what each winner has done.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Plymouth resident Bob Swanson, in recognition of his giving generously of his time, resources and energy.

“When his son, Michael who lived with bipolar disorder, died by suicide in 2009 Bob Swanson looked for a way to channel his grief. He first began sharing his family’s story at our one-hour workshop Get To Know NAMI. It was a way to talk about the impact of a NAMI class he had attended and to let people know that they are not alone on this journey. He wanted to reduce the fear and shame and encourage understanding and empathy,” said Abderholden.

In 2016 Swanson was trained to deliver QPR – Question, Persuade, Refer, the three actions that can be taken to Rep. Nick Zerwas prevent suicide, He has since volunteered countless hours and reached hundreds of people in churches, communities and the construction trades. He especially reached out to men – who may be more reluctant to talk about it and to know how to help. He once presented to more 200 carpenters.

Special Events Volunteer of the Year is Sue Lundholm of Minneapolis, for her work on the annual NAMIWalk.

“Sue is what we would call a ‘whirlwind’ – she moves at breakneck, dizzying speeds to get things done. Over the years she has collected amazing gifts for the silent auction and single handedly obtains donations of food for some of the people who attend the NAMIWalk but don’t have the resources to buy a meal that day. She has offered up her culinary skills as a major auction item as well,” said Abderholden.

“Sue is one of those people who work hard behind the scenes and never ask or want recognition. She does what she does because she is so committed to NAMI’s mission and to improving the lives of people with mental illnesses. We are so pleased that we have Sue on our side – she is always cheerful and energetic, and we could not do our work without her support.”

Professional of the Year is Nita Kumar, Ph.D., a mental health consultant for the Anoka Hennepin School District.

St. Cloud Collaborative The award goes to a professional who provides high quality services, exemplifies best practices, and demonstrates commitment and leadership to the field. She has worked for the school district for seven years.

Kumar came to the district after reports of bullying and suicides with the directive to create, implement and direct its mental health programs. By working with the school board and district administration and by extensive collaboration with the community, she helped build an impressive program with full-time embedded mental health professionals in all 40 schools, early childhood therapy services, mental health screening, capacity building with staff in the district and more.

“The mental health needs of the students are front and center for Dr. Kumar and she has done an excellent job in creating avenues for students to get help,” said Abderholden. “She has gone beyond her district by advocating for more funding for school linked mental health programs, school support personnel and a broader array of children’s mental health services.”

The Media Award went to Andy Steiner, mental health and addiction reporter for the online news site MinnPost, for her reporting on the needs of people with mental illnesses or effectively portraying the stories of people with mental illnesses and their families.

Steiner previously worked as editor of Minnesota Women’s Press and Utne Reader. She has published several books including How to Survive: The Extraordinary Resilience of Ordinary People. Steiner looks beyond the typical stories and helps readers understand how mental illnesses affect specific cultural communities and delves into some of the proposed solutions as to how to continue to build the mental health system. Every story is well researched, thoughtful and made real by sharing the stories of people who are impacted.

“At MinnPost she has covered nearly every possible mental health topic – from early childhood CHAMPIONS To page 9

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PEOPLE & PLACES NAMI Champions for mental health

DIRECTORY OF ORGANIZATIONS MEMBER

Established in 1985, the mission of Helping Paws is to further people’s independence and quality of life through the use of Assistance Dogs.

Helping Paws began as a pilot project of the University of Minnesota’s Center for the Study of Human-Animal Relationships and Environment (CENSHARE), and gained independent nonprofit status in 1988.

It has been over thirty years and Helping Paws remains working with their base of volunteers and community support, as they work with dogs from birth to the end of service.

Touchstone

CHAMPIONS

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HELPING PAWS “Thanks to Andy’s work readers have a better understanding Phone: (952) 988-9359 • Online: www.helpingpaws.org of the needs of our community and are more connected to Did you know you can join the Directory for $60/yr? the need to create change.â€?

Available online year-round and in four print editions.

The Provider of the Year award winner is Minneapolis-based Touchstone Mental Health, for providing mental health services that demonstrate excellence, respect and best practices. Touchstone Accessible, Affordable Housing Mental Health was founded in 1982 by five For adults with qualifying disabilities. Over 50 barrier-free apartment social workers interested in developing residential communities & homes throughout the Metropolitan Area, Greater services for older adults Minnesota, & throughout the Midwest. Locations also available in many living with serious mental other states. Income limits apply. illness.

Over the last three Immediate openings Marshall, Willmar and Hibbing, Minnesota decades Touchstone has expanded to offer many Sen. David Senjem programs including Affordable Senior Apartments residential treatment, supportive housing, intentional communities, 'PS RVBMJGZJOH TFOJPS IPVTFIPMET BHF BOE CFUUFS .FUSP HSFBUFS case management, assisted MN locations available. Accessible apts. available for seniors in these living, care coordination and homeless transition services. locations. Income limits apply. “What makes Touchstone stand apart is their commitment to treating the Housing with Care* whole person by integrating physical and mental health t IPVS "TTJTUFE -JWJOH 4FSWJDFT t *OEFQFOEFOU -JWJOH 4FSWJDFT with health and wellness practices. They offer fitness t 3FTJEFOU $PNNVOJUZ 4FUUJOH "EVMU 'PTUFS $BSF

education for people with &MJHJCJMJUZ GPS PS TFMFDUJPO PG "4* TFSWJDFT JT OPU SFRVJSFE UP RVBMJGZ mental illnesses along with expressive therapies such GPS IPVTJOH "4* TFSWJDFT BSF OPU BWBJMBCMF JO BMM MPDBUJPOT as art, movement, music Services openings! Call today and nature based therapy,� said Abderholden. “If you have been to Rising Cedars (assisted living apartments in Minneapolis and New Hope) you can see firsthand how they used research to create a beautiful space that promotes healing. And Volunteers Sue Lundholm and Bob Swanson Touchstone’s leadership and staff are active members of the Mental Health Legislative Network, working to improve the lives not only of the people who use their programs but for people with mental illnesses across the state.�

Touchstone also has residential treatment programs in Minneapolis, Bloomington and Fridley.

The Criminal Justice Award was presented to the St. Cloud Collaborative of Central Minnesota Mental Health Center, CentraCare Health, Stearns County Health and Human Services, and the St. Cloud Police Department. The collaborative is honored for its criminal CHAMPIONS page 12

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December 10, 2019 Volume 30, Number 12 Pg 10

ENJOY! Open Flow Forum The Artists with Disabilities Alliance meets the first Thu of the month, 7-9 p.m. at Walker Community Church, 3104 16th Ave. S., Mpls. Upcoming dates Thu, Jan. 2. Join artists with disabilities and supporters to share visual art, writing, music, theater and artistic efforts or disability concerns. Informal, fragrance-free, with shared refreshments. Facilitators are Dan Reiva, Tara Innmon, Andy Sturdevant and Kip Shane. The church is fully accessible. Anyone needing special accommodations should contact Springboard for the Arts, 651-2940907. Springboard took over the forum from VSA Minnesota and will be distributing the Open Flow notices and Artists’ Pipeline newsletter this fall. Current subscribers will still get information. There may be some small format changes to the look of the newsletter, but otherwise, it will cover the same news and information about artists with disabilities and making the arts accessible to people with disabilities. Submit listings via the Springboard for the Arts website, or by emailing resources@ springboardforthearts.org

GUTHRIE THEATER

Changing of the guard Looking for a play, concert or musical with accommodations? Although VSA Minnesota has closed its doors, other resources are available to plan that arts outing. Minnesota Access Alliance, which is affiliated with the Minnesota State Arts Board, has an online calendar listing online activities. Find the calendar and other resources at www. mnaccess.org

Steel Magnolias is one of the production Guthrie Theater is closing 2019 with. The theater is working to make performances accessible.

First-ever relaxed performances a highlight of past Guthrie season At its 2019 annual meeting in November, the Guthrie Theater leadership reflected upon the artistic and financial successes of its 2018–2019 season, which ended on August 31. In a season that featured a world premiere

by Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, as well as six female directors and many diverse casts who expanded storytelling through unique voices and perspectives, the theater achieved an operating surplus of $23,984 on a $27.8 million budget. It saw an increase in both the number of donors and subscribers supporting the organization, demonstrating continued financial health. The number of Guthrie donors grew to 6,591 in the 2018–2019 season, marking an increase of 8 over the previous year. In addition to seeing an increase in its donor base, the Guthrie also increased its total number of subscribers to 17,922.

Artistic Director Joseph Haj said, “I believe the Guthrie is at its best when it is many things to many people, and the strides we made during the 2018–2019 season to enhance

our artistry, reflect our values and connect with the community were remarkable. This steadfast commitment to growth in these areas makes me proud to lead this incredible organization and serve our community.”

The total attendance in the 2018–2019 season was 353,392. Of that number, 84,770 patrons (24 percent) utilized free or subsidized tickets, maintaining the Guthrie’s commitment to accessibility with a significant focus on K–12 students. Furthering its pursuit of equity, diversity and inclusion, the Guthrie held its first relaxed performance — designed for patrons, families and students who may benefit from a more relaxed and judgment-free theatergoing experience — during A Christmas Carol in November 2018.

Although relaxed performances are open to all patrons, they are intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences or challenges attending the theater.

Holiday Jamboree Reach for Resources invites all individuals with disabilities, ages 13 and older, to a holiday jamboree, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fri, Dec 13, at St. Louis Park Recreation Center’s Banquet Room, 3700 Monterey Dr. S. Attendees will enjoy hot chocolate while making holiday-themed crafts, listening to great music, and playing winter Bingo. Make new friends, win prizes and bring in the holidays with festive cheer. Cost is $10 by 12/9 or $15 at the door. Register at www.reachforresources.org Save the date for PACER PACER Center’s annual gala always features a well-known performer and 2020 is no exception. Guests will spend the evening of April 25 being entertained by Motown legend Smokey Robinson, who has been called the reigning genius of Top 40 and America’s greatest living songwriter.” He is best known for more than 30 chart-topping hits, including “Tears of a Clown,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” and “I Second That Emotion,” all performed in his amazing high tenor voice.

The spectacular evening celebrates PACER’s work on behalf of families of children with disabilities and all students who are bullied. It includes delicious food, live ands silent auctions and more., Tickets start at $75.

FFI: www.pacer.org Sensory Friendly Sundays at the Walker Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Place, Mpls, hosts Sensory Friendly Sundays, 8-11 a.m. Sun, Jan. 12. It is a monthly, free event for kids, teens and adults with autism spectrum disorder or sensory sensitivities and their families, offering the opportunity to make art together, explore the galleries, watch a short film, or just hang out in a different setting.

The galleries will be closed to all other visitors, allowing guests to enjoy the museum in a safe environment where accommodations such as quiet spaces, headphones and fidgets can be provided. In order to ensure an optimal experience and avoid crowds, reserve space ahead of time online. This program was created in consultation with AuSM and the University of Minnesota’s Occupational Therapy Program. Upcoming dates Nov. 10 and Dec. 8. FFI: 612-375-7610, www.walkerart.org Bakken Museum Sensory Friendly Sunday Bakken Museum, 3537 Zenith Ave S, Mpls. offers Sensory Friendly Sundays, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. the second Sun of every month. Next date is Jan. 12. The days allow people with autism spectrum disorders and sensory processing differences to have an enjoyable and interactive learning experience in a comfortable and accepting environment.

Events will include modified programming for diverse sensory needs and

The Guthrie Education Network continued to expand its reach beyond the Twin Cities, embedding Guthrie teaching artists in Cloquet High School to build programming. As a whole, Guthrie teaching artists spent 2,500 hours in 10 Minnesota public schools.

The 2018–2019 season closed with 29 productions and 528 performances across three stages.

At its annual meeting, the Guthrie Board of Directors elected officers: James L. Chosy (executive vice president and general counsel, U.S. Bancorp) was elected chair; Martha Goldberg Aronson (former executive vice president and president of global healthcare, Ecolab, Inc.) was elected past chair; Joseph Haj (artistic director, Guthrie Theater) was elected director; Audrey Lucas (senior partner, McKinsey & Company) was elected treasurer; and Jennifer Reedstrom Bishop (chair, Gray Plant Mooty Health Law & Nonprofit Organizations Practice Group) was elected secretary.

Minnesota Access Alliance was formed after a group of arts and cultural administrators met through attendance at a Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) conference put on by the Kennedy Center. After an initial information session at the Bell Museum drew more than 20 organizations- it was clear that there was interest in sharing knowledge and resources about accessibility. In the spring of 2017 a formal steering committee was formed, articles of incorporation drafted – and the group settled on a name: Minnesota Access Alliance.

Other programs have been rehomed. Services for artists with disabilities, including the Open Flow Forum gatherings, will be provided

by Springboard for the Arts. Andy Sturdevant will be the contact, at 651-294-0907 or www.springboardforthearts.org School arts residencies for students with disabilities and teaching artists will be handled by Julie Strand at COMPAS, www.compas.org, 651-292-3249, 651-292-3254 Access Improvement Grants are now in the hands of the Metro Regional Arts Council: www.mrac.org, 651-645-0402; or Scott Artley, Accessibility Program Director, 651-523-6384.Accessibility assistance can be found through the Minnesota State Arts Board (www.arts. state.mn.us, 651-215-1600 or 800-866-2787), regional arts councils and disability organizations such as the Minnesota Council on Disabilities (www.disability.state.mn.us, 651-361-7800, 800-945-8913).

The Enjoy! Calendar will be evolving. Questions can be directed to Managing Editor Jane McClure at jane@accesspress.org A few tips Here’s a few tips for arts lovers with disabilities, especially as some families plan to attend holiday shows. Make reservations as early as possible and confirm that the accommodation needed is available at the time and date desired. Ask about the run time of a show, so that transportation or a pickup time may be scheduled.

Plan for parking and any walking distance to and from the venue if plans are made to drive there.

It’s always OK to ask if an accommodation can be offered, if one has not been advertised. Again, it’s best to make a request as far in advance as possible.

specialized staff training. Bakken Museum is the world's only library and museum devoted to medical electricity. Its SF program was developed in consultation with AuSM. The museum will continue be open to the general public from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sun. Activities are free with museum admission, which starts at $10 for adults and includes discounts for children and seniors. FFI: www.thebakken.org Gallery tours in ASL Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Place, Mpls, offers free gallery tours in ASL. Next dates are 6 p.m. Thu, Jan. 16. No reservations required.

A different exhibit is viewed each time. FFI: 612-375-7564, www. walkerart.org/calendar/2020/gallery-tours-in-asl Science Museum Sensory Friendly Sundays Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul, hosts Sensory Friendly Sundays, 9 a.m. Sun, Jan. 19. Early access to galleries, and a lights-up, sounds-down Omnitheater show, which starts at 9 a.m.

Tickets $8.95 to $24.95. Discounts for individuals, families and groups with limited incomes and free for working direct support staff when visiting with a client. Other tools for making a museum visit successful for visitors with autism and other sensory processing issues include pre-visit social narratives available for download online, SF companion scripts for Omnitheater films, noise-dampening headphones, SF visitors’ guide, and a renovated wellness room designed to give visitors a private, out-of-the-way space to nurse a child, pray or simply recharge away from the hustle and bustle of a busy museum. Located on Level 4 near the Native American exhibition, the room is outfitted with soft lighting, a door that locks, a changing table, rocking chair, and other seating. Ask at the exhibits entrance for sound dampening headphones, a timer, or a kit containing headphones, fidgets, gloves, and sunglasses.

It is available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. The program was created in consultation with the Autism Society of Minnesota (AusM). FFI: 651-221-9444 or 800-221-9444, www.smm.org Tour for People with Memory Loss At 10 a.m. on the first Tue of every month the historic James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul, offers a sensory-based tour designed for people with memory loss and their caregivers. Each themed tour, usually an hour or less, highlights three rooms and is followed by an optional social time until 11:30 a.m. with pastries and coffee. Private group tours available for care facilities. Next tour Tue, Jan. 7. Free but reservations required. FFI: 651-297-2555, www.mnhs.org

Steel Magnolias Now – Dec 15

by ROBERT HARLING directed by LISA ROTHE Sponsored by

A Christmas Carol Now – Dec 29

by CHARLES DICKENS adapted by CRISPIN WHITTELL directed by LAUREN KEATING

612.377.2224 • accessibility@guthrietheater.org www.guthrietheater.org/access

December 10, 2019 Volume 30, Number 12 Pg 11

OPPORTUNITIES Speak out on access plan The City of Minneapolis is seeking public comment on the draft Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan for Public Works – a plan that identifies priorities for removing accessibility barriers in the City’s public right of way. Comments on the draft plan are accept through Dec. 27. It is a supplemental plan to the City’s ADA Action Plan, a comprehensive policy document for the City of Minneapolis to comply with the Title II requirements of the ADA. The draft plan was last updated in 2012.

An open house on the draft ADA Transition Plan for Public Works is 4:30-6:30 p.m. Mon, Dec. 16 at Minneapolis Central Library, Doty Board Room, 300 Nicollet Mall. The draft plan was developed through engagement with community stakeholders, including the Minneapolis Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, the Minneapolis Pedestrian

ADVOCACY Networking and support The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) Professional Networking Group meetings bring together mental health professionals who provide support to individuals on the autism spectrum together to learn. Each meeting will focus on a topic, such as therapeutic alliance, support services, or other problem-solving challenges.

An AuSM counseling and consulting services staff member will present a case example and then facilitate an open group discussion for sharing relevant cases. Troubleshoot challenges and learn from other professionals. All meetings are held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at AuSM's office, 2380 Wycliff St. #102, St. Paul.

Upcoming dates include Nov. 18, Jan. 27 and March 23. RSVP. FFI: autismcounseling@ausm.org, 651-647-1083

INFO & ASSISTANCE Hope for Recovery Class in St. Paul NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) hosts a free class that provides information on mental illnesses, treatments, crisis management, the mental health system and local resources along with practical strategies for helping a loved one or friend. It includes learning the LEAP strategy for improving communication: Listen, Empathize, Agree-on what you can, and Partner. The class is for family and friends of a teen or adult living with a mental illness and people living with a mental illness who are doing well in their recovery. It will be held 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat, Jan. 11 at NAMI Minnesota, 1919 University Ave. W., Suite #400, St. Paul.

Preregister. FFI: 651-645-2948, “classes” at www.namimn.org MCIL hosts classes and activities The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living provides many life skills classes as well as fun outings and events 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 the alternative format or other accommodations are needed. Events are free, accessible and mostly scent-free. FFI: 651-603-2030 Classes and support in Sauk Rapids Independent Lifestyles, Inc., 215 North Benton Dr., Sauk Rapids, offers many groups and classes, for free or a small fee. These include advocates for independence, post-polio and Parkinson’s support groups, and sports including bowling. Learn self-dense and improve fitness with adapted martial arts and Tae Guk Known Do. Wear loose clothing and bring a bottle of water. The classes are on Fridays unless there is a holiday. Scott Ridlon is instructor. FFI: 320267-7717, 320-281-2042 Mental health support offered NAMI Minnesota offers more than 500 free educational classes and presentations statewide each year, along with help in navigating the mental health system. NAMI also has more than 70 free support groups for people 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.

Parent resource groups are facilitated by a parent who has a child with a mental illness and who has been trained to lead support groups. A group meets 6:30-8 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday at Eagle Brook Church, 2401 East Buffalo St., White Bear Lake. FFI: Jody Lyons 651-645-2948 x109.

Family support groups help families who have a relative with a mental illness. A group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wed at Centennial United Methodist Church, 1524 Co. Rd. C-2 West, Roseville. FFI: Anne Mae. 651-484-0599.

Advisory Committee, the Minneapolis Committee on Aging, partner agencies and two working groups of City staff. Based on public input and ADA regulations and guidance, the draft ADA Transition Plan identifies and outlines recommendations for four types of infrastructure that impact accessibility for people walking or rolling in the public right of way: pedestrian curb ramps, accessible pedestrian signal systems, sidewalks and street crossings.

The draft plan is being coordinated with the Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan, which will be released in draft form in early 2020. The Transportation Action Plan is a 10-year plan to implement the transportation visions outlined in the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan. FFI: Kelsey Fogt, 612-673-3885, Kelsey.fogt@minneapolismn.gov

Open Door Anxiety and Panic support groups help people cope with anxiety disorders. One group meets 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. the second and fourth Thu in Room 104, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 700 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul. Another group meets 6:30-8 p.m. the first and third Thu at Woodland Hills Church, 1740 Van Dyke St., St. Paul.

A peer support group is offered for LGBTQ adults living with a mental illness. The group meets 1-2:30 p.m. Sat, Living Table United Church of Christ, 3805 E. 40th St, Mpls. FFI: David, 612-920-3925, 651-645-2948.

Young Adult NAMI Connection is a free support group for persons ages 16-20. One group meets 7-8:30 the first and third Thu at Friends Meeting House, 1725 Grand Ave., St. Paul. A group also meets 7-8:30 p.m. on the first and third Thu at Dental Office of Dr. Crandall & Associates, 2300 East Highway 96, White Bear Lake. The group is facilitated by young adults who live with mental illnesses and are doing well in recovery. A full calendar of all events is offered online.

FFI: 651-645-2948, www.namihelps.org Vision loss group offers activities Vision Loss Resources provides free and low-cost activities in the Twin Cities for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Check out the newly redone website, accessible on smartphones, tablets, and laptops. 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, at least three working days prior to an event. The calendar is also available on the Vision Loss Resources website and as a printable large-print PDF document for those who wish to print their own or additional copies. FFI: RSVP hotline, 612-843-3439; activity line and audio calendar, 612-2535155, www.visionlossresources.org

participants to pick and choose sessions designed for their needs.

FFI: FFI: 952-838-9000, www.pacer.org Planning for Educational Inclusion: A Viewing of 'Including Samuel' is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tue, Jan. 7 at PACER Center. PACER Center is excited to offer a showing of 'Including Samuel,' produced by photojournalist Dan Habib. This one-hour, award-winning documentary is designed to help schools, families, community groups, and others work toward educational inclusion in an informed and innovative way. It examines the educational and social inclusion of youth and young adults with disabilities. Q&A with a PACER advocate will occur before and after the film.

Living on Your Own Series: Part3: Taking Care of Meal Planning - Technology for Grocery Shopping, Cooking, and More is 2-3 p.m.

Wed, Jan. 15 at PACER Center. The third workshop in the ‘Living on Your Own’ 3-part series will demonstrate apps and devices for meal planning, making a grocery list, and following cooking instructions to help adults with disabilities live more independently.

Tech for Teens Club: Building a Robot is 10 a.m.-noon Sat, Jan. 18 at PACER Center. Teens with disabilities will assemble a robot and program it to respond to the environment. Students will learn about the entire process of building a robot, from assembly to executing code. The workshop is designed for students with basic computer skills, but no previous coding knowledge is required. Students of all abilities are encouraged to attend.

Introduction to Assistive Technology and the PACER Simon Technology Center Services is 2-3:30 p.m. Tue, Jan. 21 at PACER Center. The PACER Simon Technology Center has a variety of services to support the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities. The workshop will explore STC services and an introduction to AT consideration and tools.

St. Cloud Area Parkinson's Disease group St. Could Area Parkinson’s Disease Support Group typically meets 1-2 p.m. third Mon of each month at ILICIL Independent Lifestyles, 215 N. Benton Dr., Sauk Rapids. Meetings are open to those diagnosed with Parkinson’s, their families, caregivers and the general public. The free group provides support, education, and awareness about the disease. FFI: 320-529-9000

VOLUNTEER

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 website for upcoming groups. Groups meet at the AuSM offices at 2380 Wycliff St. FFI: 651-647-1083 ext. 10, www.ausm.org

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES PACER workshop sampling PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with any disabilities.

Workshops are at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, unless specified. Workshops are offered throughout the state, with some workshops available online. Advance registration is required for all workshops. At least 48 hours’ notice is needed for interpretation. Many workshops are live-streamed.

Check out PACER’s website and link to the newsletter of statewide workshops that allows

Book readers sought Volunteers are a valuable resource at Radio Talking Book, broadcasting local news and information programs to blind and print-impaired listeners from sites around the state and at the Communication Center in St. Paul. The goal is to provide accurate and timely information to our thousands of listeners throughout Minnesota and across the nation.

FFI: Roberta Kitlinski, 651-539-1423 Be a tutor Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps are seeking 1,700 tutors for the 2019-20 school year by asking residents to Help Minnesota Be More. Give Your Time As A Tutor. Both full- and parttime tutors are being recruited to begin a year of paid service this fall. By joining Reading Corps or Math Corps, individuals will help more than 35,000 students statewide. These statewide initiatives help every Minnesota student become a successful reader by the end of third grade, and proficient in math by the end of eighth grade.

Tutors are being sought for three different levels of commitment: 35, 25 or 18 hours a week. Tutors receive a stipend every two weeks and can earn up to an additional $4,200 for student loans or tuition, which can be gifted to a family member if the tutor is 55 or older.

Tutors can also qualify for free health insurance and child care assistance. Sign up soon as tutors start work in August. FFI: www. minnesotareadingcorps.org, www.minnesotamathcorps.org

Volunteer!

Hennepin County 2020 Citizen Advisory Boards Vacancies available on: – Adult Mental Health Advisory Council – Capital Budgeting Task Force – City Planning Commission (Minneapolis) – County Extension Committee (University of Minnesota Extension) – Library Board – Mental Commitment Attorney Panel Advisory Board – Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Board – Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Board Application deadline: Tuesday, December 31, 2019 For more information and to apply online: www.hennepin.us/advisoryboards

December 10, 2019 Volume 30, Number 12 Pg 12

PEOPLE & PLACES St. Paul names new ADA coordinator

Tjay Middlebrook

The city of St. Paul has a new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator, as TJay Middlebrook took the post this fall. He likes to note that he began his accessibility career as a child before the ADA was passed.

Middlebrook and his mother are deaf.

His mother fought for access for her son when he started pre-school, which in turn taught him the tools on how to navigate through an inaccessible world.

During college, many years after the passage of the ADA, Middlebrook still found himself fighting for access for his disability. That struggle led him to study political science in college. He experienced transformational internships with U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison’s North Minneapolis office, and the Minnesota Departments of Human Rights and Transportation.

One of his biggest achievements was interning in Washington D.C. and Uganda to train deaf and hard of hearing

CHAMPIONS From page 9

justice work, which has demonstrated through its action a strong commitment to the decriminalization of mental illnesses.

Abderholden described how the partners saw the need for new and creative approaches to their work. “The jail, detox and emergency room were dealing with a handful of people over and over again. When the agencies came together to talk about their problems, they learned that there were seeing the very same people. A small number of people who were struggling with their mental illnesses or substance use disorders were actually high utilizers of services but not in an effective way,” she said. “These organizations decided that they could do better. Their action team identifies people who are touching multiple systems, helps them obtain insurance, clinical care, housing and whatever else people need. Outreach workers connect with these individuals and simply don’t give up on them.

CentraCare provides mental health care in the jails.”

The partners are beginning to see results with lower numbers in the jail, detox and emergency room. Most importantly, more than 50 people have found housing and recovery.

Employer of the Year is Best Buy. NAMI Minnesota honors employers for demonstrated support for hiring and retaining people with mental illnesses; extraordinary measures to educate its employees about mental illnesses; and creation of a supportive workplace for families who have a loved one with a mental illness.

“Nearly three years ago Best Buy contacted NAMI Minnesota wanting to talk about mental health in the workplace. They took that small discussion and launched an internal campaign to raise awareness about mental health and mental illnesses,” Abderholden said. “People shared their stories of living with depression or anxiety. Education was available to learn about mental illnesses and resources.

Managers were trained to identify emerging symptoms or warning signs in employees. Workplace accommodations were made available, including allowing people the time

Ugandans to lobby for disability and accessibility rights in Uganda. He was able to teach year two (second and third grade) students at Uganda School for the Deaf, Ntinda in Kyebando, Kampala, Uganda.

In his new role, Middlebrook has already developed goals and plans to help create an accessible city for the St. Paul residents. One of his biggest tasks is to coordinate with different programs and buildings to implement and sustain compliance for accessibility using the ADA and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) outline for the city. He will be promoting best practices city-wide using both ADA and LEP. The major goal is to advance equality for people with disabilities.

Another aspect of his job is to also address allegations of discrimination and non-compliance under ADA and applicable federal and state laws based on disabilities. The LEP is a newer means

they needed for their recovery. They began offering Life Solutions, a free 24/7 hot- line that covers the entire household and any concern.”

“But they didn’t stop there. They also became an active member of the Mental Health Learning Collaborative organized by the Minnesota Health Action Group to create a checklist and path for self-insured employers to ensure compliance with mental health parity and to build a culture of overall wellbeing. They understood that simply raising awareness was not enough – you needed to make sure that employees could access appropriate and effective treatment.”

Two legislators were also feted for their work, Rep. Nick Zerwas (R-Elk River) and Sen. David Senjem (R-Rocher).

The Legislator of the Year Award at its annual conference is given to a lawmaker who has been an outspoken advocate for children and adults with mental illness and their families.

“When the Star Tribune published a series on the use of solitary confinement in our prisons in December of 2016, reporting that over 17,500 prisoners had been placed in solitary, a fair number of whom lived with a mental illness, Rep. Zerwas was livid. He didn’t believe it was right for people with a mental illness to be locked alone in a small room for months at a time in conditions that would only make them worse off,” said Abderholden.

“Starting in the 2017 legislative session Rep. Zerwas has been the strongest advocate for legislation to restrict the use of solitary, require basic conditions, monitor people’s

of access that he will also be monitoring its' plan outline closely to improving the city’s access to services for individuals with LEP who desires to participate in programs, services and activities provided by the city.

Middlebrook holds a bachelor’s degree graduated from the University of Minnesota and an MBA/MIB at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Prior to working for the city, Middlebrook worked for five years as a deaf and hard of hearing project coordinator at a nonprofit organization serving survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

He grew up in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood of St. Paul and is a member of the Highland Park Senior High School Class of 2005. In his spare time, he loves spending time with his wife, Genna and their two daughters, cheering on football (soccer), and watching tons of Marvel films.

mental health, and provide yearly data to the legislature. He authored bills that came close to passing in 2017 and 2018, but this year it finally happened. This is a monumental change that couldn’t have happened without his leadership and advocacy. There are other issues that he has worked on that have helped the mental health community, but his work on this issue has been nothing short of amazing.”

Zerwas recently stepped down due to health and family reasons.

“Senator Senjem successfully spearheaded legislation to create more supportive housing and crisis homes. Last session he carried NAMI’s bill to create a competency restoration task force to look into why more people with mental illnesses are deemed incompetent to stand trial and to create solutions,” said Abderholden. “He has supported addressing workforce shortages, the mental health of youth in shelters, school-linked mental health and crisis teams. His commitment to building our mental health system is unwavering."

December 10, 2019 Volume 30, Number 12 Pg 13

PEOPLE & PLACES A longtime Twin Cities metro area facility is led by a familiar name in health and human services. The Tjosvold family, owners of Mary T., Inc., a health and human services organization based in Coon Rapids, has fully acquired 100 percent of Camilia Rose. Camila Rose is an 80-bed nursing home and 29-bed group home in Coon Rapids. The deal closed late last month.

A holiday open house is 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, December 10 at the Camilia Rose Care Center, 1 1800 Xeon Blvd NW, Coon Rapids. The public is invited to stop in to meet the new administrator, David McCray, and tour the facility.

This builds on the existing partnership between Camilia Rose and Mary T., Inc. “The combination of skilled nursing and therapy services at Camilia Rose Care Center with the rest of the Mary T., Inc. organization will enable all of us to further our vision to blend a variety of services to meet the unique needs of the people we serve. We will continue to evolve and grow our services to meet the needs of our people for many years to come.” said Jason Tjosvold, operations manager.

Camilia Rose was founded in 1976 and was the first entrepreneurial development by “Mary T” and her mother Margaret Tjosvold on the land that they inherited from Margaret's mother, Rosa Camille. At the time, Camilia Rose

Group Home was the first of its kind in Minnesota. It helped to bring about a transformation in human services being provided in a residential community environment instead of in an institutional hospital setting.

Camilia Rose Care Center had only two residents to a room at a time when nursing homes had three or four, along with an expansive open dining room and in-house therapists. These were significant innovations at the time and have become common features in facilities today.

Mary T said, “My grandmother, Rosa Camille, would be so proud to see the fourth generation continue her legacy of caring for the community on her land. It is a very exciting time to have my nephew, Jason, leading as our Operations Manager as we fully acquire Camilia Rose.”

Mary T. Inc. is a family owned and operated health and human organization based in Coon Rapids. Their menu of services also include one level townhome rentals, home healthcare, independent living and assisted living with memory care, home health care, hospice and hourly independent living options and residential services supporting people with disabilities. Mary T. Inc. currently offers housing and services in four states- Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arizona and Maryland. Mary Tjosvold is also the owner of Crooners Supper Club in the northeast metro area.

AROUND THE DIAL

Conor’s Corner

A new radio show by St. Paul Highland Park resident Conor O’Meara can be heard live at 10 a.m. Mondays, replayed 8 a.m. Saturdays, at 94.1 or WFNU.org Frogtown Community Radio. The show can also be found on Spotify and Mixcloud. Find the radio station at www.wfnu.org O’Meara conducts a wide range of interviews, talks about what is going on in his life and even sings a little Elvis Presley when the time is right. He is a past Minnesota State High School League adapted bowling champion.

DISABILITY AND PROGRESS KFAI Radio, 6-7 p.m. Thursdays. 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 106.7 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 Look for the link to archives and for Disability and Progress.

Listeners need to have a Real Audio Player downloaded. A smartphone app is also available to hear archived programs. To make comments or make suggestions, call 612-341-3144, or email disabilityandprogress@tcq.net. Postal mail can be sent to KFAI, 1808 Riverside Ave. S., Disability and Progress, Box 116, Minneapolis MN 55454.

DISABILITY VIEWPOINTS Disability Viewpoints is an award-winning 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 St. Paul Neighborhood Network. Some shows are archived on YouTube, so search for Disability Viewpoints on that web channel to find past shows. The program has also been shown in the past on tpt. Visit their Facebook page, and www.spnn.org OTHER PROGRAMMING Access Press is interested in listing regularly scheduled broadcast, cablecast or podcast programs by and for people with disabilities. Programming needs to have a tie to Minnesota or the Upper Midwest.

Around the Dial is published on a space-available basis. Anyone with questions can contact jane@accesspress.org

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Mary T., Inc. owners take full ownership at Camilia Rose facility

Camila Rose

STORIES From page 1

refreshing.

Throughout my tenure on the board, we have experienced all these aspects of change. The one thing that has remained and still remains constant is the commitment Charlie Smith made so many years ago to provide news and information to our disability community and to the community as a whole.

News and information regarding disability issues that directly affect our community. Access Press has and will continue to be a source of information directly affecting hundreds of Minnesotans living with a disability.

As a person with a disability of cerebral palsy and as a person with more than a few gray hairs I am keenly aware of life in our community, both before and after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In fact next year we will celebrate 30 years since its passage.

We as a disability community have made great strides in how society views persons with a disability. Those strides have not always come easy and at times have been met with resistance and yet we have continued to fight.

We continue to speak up, educate and advocate, to be seen as any other Minnesotan who contribute to our families, our cities, our state, our nation and yes, our world.

In my role as Director of Disability Resources at Hamline University I come

in contact with many students with a wide range of disabilities. For many of them, especially incoming freshmen I try to help them develop a sense of self-advocacy. Moreover I try by my words and actions to show that having a disability is nothing to be ashamed of.

Itis part of who we are and part of what makes up the wonderful diversity of our society.

Access Press has and continues to share that very same message. As my time on the board comes to an end, I’d like to thank my fellow board members for their hard work and support over the years and especially Tim Benjamin for his wisdom and support, it has been a good ride Tim! So I will end where I began, with the chilly winds ushering in the long night and cold days of a Minnesota winter.

However, we are also approaching a brand new year, 2020, and with the promise of a new year anything is possible.

Challenges will always be there my friends; it is how we approach and take on these challenges that will make the difference.

And so it is time to challenge you, Access Press readers, one more time. We are wrapping up our $10,000 challenge grant at year’s end. We need your help to continue to bring quality journalism, from a disability community point of view. We only have until the end of December to make this match.

DIAMOND HILL TOWNHOMES

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

Diamond Hill Townhomes may be accepting applications for our large number of mobility impaired accessible units. Please contact us for more information.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Please call 612-726-9341.

December 10, 2019 Volume 30, Number 12 Pg 14

Polar Plungers start time of chills, thrills

RADIO TALKING BOOK

Seasons’ Greetings from Radio Talking Book During this holiday season, here’s to a joyful present and a wellremembered past. May the closeness of friends and the comforts of home renew your spirits. Please join Radio Talking Book for seasonal selections, beginning on these dates: • Tue, Dec. 17: Snark! The Herald Angels Sing by Lawrence Dorfman (L), read by Scott McKinney on Potpourri.

• Thu, Dec 19: The Gift Counselor by Sheila M. Cronin, read by Marylyn Burridge on Bookworm.

• Thu, Dec 19: Jubal’s Christmas Gift by Dennis D. Skirvin, read

by John Beal on Off the Shelf.

• Mon, Dec 23: Doc Christmas and the Magic of Trains by Neil Enock, read by John Mandeville on Choice Reading.

• Wed, Dec 25: The 13th Gift by Joanne Huist Smith, read by Pat Muir on The Writer’s Voice.

• Wed, Dec 25: The Noel Diary by Richard Paul Evans, read by John Holden on Night Journey.

• Wed, Dec 25: The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog by Dave Barry, read by Holly Sylvester on Off the Shelf.

Holiday Programming Please join the Radio Talking Book annual holiday broadcast at 8 p.m. Tue, Dec. 24. Regular programming resumes at 6 Thu, Dec. 26.

Books Available Through Faribault Books broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network are available through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault. Call 1-800-722-0550, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon through Fri. The catalog is online at www.mnbtbl.org, click on the link Search the Library Catalog. Persons living outside of Minnesota may obtain copies of books via 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 program from the last week, on the Internet at www. mnssb.org/rtb. The sampling published monthly in Access Press doesn’t represent the full array of programming. Many more programs and books are available.

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, Minnesota Radio Talking Book.

Audio information about the daily book listings is also on the National Federation for the Blind (NFB) Newsline. Register for the NFB Newsline by calling 651-539-1424.

Access Press is featured on It Makes a Difference, 9 p.m. Sun. Donate to the State Services for the Blind at mn.gov/deed/ssbdonate

Chautauqua* Monday – Friday 6 a.m.

The Body: A Guide for Occupants, nonfiction by Bill Bryson, 2019.

Writer and researcher Bill Bryson turns his curious and humorous eye to the wonders of the human body. Read by Yelva Lynfield. 21 broadcasts; begins Thu, Dec 12.

telegraph in the 19th century. Read by Jim Tarbox. Six broadcasts; begins Fri, Dec 30.

Night Journey* Monday – Friday 7 p.m.

D for Daisy, fiction by Nick Aaron, 2017. In World War II a British pilot is killed during a bombing run. His widow Daisy, blind since birth, later learns he was murdered. Read by John Beal. Seven broadcasts; begins Mon, Dec 16. – V The Noel Diary, fiction by Richard Paul Evans, 2017. A man returns to his late mother’s home at Christmastime, to find a mysterious diary and a woman seeking her own mother. Read by John Holden.

Six broadcasts; begins Wed, Dec 25.

Bookworm* Monday – Friday noon The Gift Counselor, fiction by Sheila M. Cronin, 2014. While Jonquil Bloom advises holiday gift shoppers, she’s unable to give her son the gift he wants most. Read by Marylynn Burridge. Eight broadcasts; begins Mon, Dec 19.

Play Dead, fiction by Leslie O’Kane, 1998. Allie Babcock is a dog therapist with a flair for sleuthing. Her first client is a dejected collie, who may have been the only witness to a murder. Read by Dan Gerlach. 12 broadcasts; begins Tue, Dec 31. – V

Potpourri* Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

Snark! The Herald Angels Sing, nonfiction by Lawrence Dorfman, 2011. Bah! Humbug! It’s that time of year again! Humorist Lawrence Dorfman takes a rather cynical look at all the winter holidays. Read

by Scott McKinney. Seven broadcasts; begins Tue, Dec 17. – L The Intelligence Trap, nonfiction by David Robson, 2019. Science journalist David Robson explains how general intelligence is crucial to thinking clearly, but it requires other traits as well. Read by Jack Rossmann. 11 broadcasts; begins Thu, Dec 26.

The Writer’s Voice* Monday – Friday 1 p.m.

The 13th Gift, nonfiction by Joann Huist Smith, 2014. A family shattered by an unexpected death reclaims the holidays with their unique traditions of kindness. Read by Pat Muir. Six broadcasts; begins Wed, Dec 25.

Choice Reading* Monday – Friday 2 p.m.

Doc Christmas and the Magic of Trains, fiction by Neil Enock, 2015.

An illness at the North Pole puts Christmas at risk. Doc Stevens holds the best hope for a cure – once he finds his holiday spirit. Read by John Mandeville. Six broadcasts; begins Mon, Dec 23.

The Dutch House, fiction by Ann Patchett, 2019. Two young children are left to fend for themselves in a luxurious mansion, after their distressed mother absconds. Read by Myrna Smith. 12 broadcasts; begins Tue, Dec 31.

Good Night Owl* Monday – Friday 10 p.m.

Ruff Way to Go, fiction by Leslie O’kane, 2000. Allie Babcock is a dog therapist with a flair for sleuthing. While she tends to a terrier called Shogun, a neighbor is murdered, and Shogun goes missing.

Read by Karen Ray. 10 broadcasts; begins Mon, Dec 16. – V RTB After Hours* Tuesday – Saturday 11 p.m.

The Chain, fiction by Adrian McKinty 2019. For every child kidnapped another must be taken - or else the Chain will be broken, and the children executed. Read by Laura Young. Nine broadcasts; begins Mon, Dec 23. – L, V

Off the Shelf* Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

Jubal’s Christmas Gift, Fiction by Dennis D. Skirvin, 2019. Jubal Flowers sets out to repay a good deed done for him long ago. Read

by John Beal. Four broadcasts; begins Thu, Dec 19.

The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog, fiction by Dave Barry, 2006. Doug Barnes is cast as a shepherd in the Christmas pageant. But the director is stern, Doug’s crush is paired on stage with a charming guy, and the family dog isn’t doing so well.

Read by Holly Sylvester. Two broadcasts; begins Wed, Dec 25.

The Weather Machine, nonfiction by Andrew Blum, 2019.

Weather forecasting wasn’t possible until the invention of the

Weekend Program Books Your Personal World, 1 p.m. Sat., presents More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth (L), read by Beverly Burchett.

For the Younger Set, 11 a.m. Sun, presents Crap Kingdom

by D.C. Pierson (L), read by Jim Tarbox.

The Great North, 4 p.m. Sun, presents Iron and Water by Grant J. Merritt, read by Dan Sadoff.

Abbreviations: V – violent content, RE – racial epithets, L – strong language, G – gory descriptions, S – sexual situations

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December 10, 2019 Volume 30, Number 12 Pg 15

REGIONAL NEWS The new Ain Dah Yung Center on St. Paul’s University Avenue, a 42unit supportive housing community that offers mental health counseling and other services for young people who may need help, was the setting for an announcement in November.

Officials with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development joined Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and community housing leaders to announce nearly $5.4 million in competitive grants for housing voucher programs across Minnesota.

The rent subsidies, targeted to non-elderly individuals and families struggling with trauma and disability, are expected to help more than 590 recipients lease housing in the private market, including 96 families across St. Paul and Ramsey County.

“I am standing here today as your lieutenant governor because of a Section 8 housing voucher that my Ain Dah Yung Center family received as I was growing up in St. Louis Park,” Flanagan said.

“Our administration knows that everything starts with a home.”

Much like traditional Section 8 housing vouchers, the Mainstream Housing Choice disability vouchers are administered by public housing officials across the state.

The largest grants will go to programs run by the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Metropolitan Council housing authorities. The three agencies received a smaller competitive grant award for disability housing a year ago.

Typically, a low-income client pays 30 percent of their income toward rent and the federal housing voucher makes up the difference.

REGIONAL NEWS

From page 6 Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “The information can help them make decisions about where to get care, whether they anticipate a short-term stay for rehab or a long-term stay for ongoing physical or mental health conditions or memory loss.”

The Minnesota Nursing Home Report Card is an online search tool launched in 2006 by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Department of Health in collaboration with the University of Minnesota.

Using the report card, people can compare facilities based on their choice of quality measurements such as: Resident quality-of-life interviews on topics including caregiving, food and activities, family satisfaction surveys, state inspection and complaint results, amount, stability and consistency of workforce and availability of single bedrooms.

They also can search within a preferred geographic area, and then map, download and print detailed results. The report card uses a five-star rating system based on up to five years of performance trends for each nursing home. It also includes the price per day at each facility.

“The Minnesota Nursing Home Report Card was a nation-leading tool for consumers when it was introduced and continues to be among the most comprehensive, with interviews and survey results from residents and family members from almost every nursing home in the state,” said Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm.

The Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Board on Aging are in the process of developing an Assisted Living Report Card with similar quality data.

(Source: Minnesota Department of Human Services, Department of Health)

Money earmarked for new clinic

Hennepin County has accepted a $5 million state grant to reconstruct the first floor of the 1800 Chicago building into a behavioral health and wellness clinic. The clinic, now in its pilot phase, provides people experiencing mental health/addiction crises with immediate health care, behavioral health triage and connections to ongoing services in the community. The goal is to provide a community-based option for people who might otherwise end up in jail or the hospital.

LIGHTS

From page 3 65th St. E.; City of Inver Grove Heights, 8150 Barbara Ave; Inver Grove Veterans Memorial Community Center, 8055 Barbara Ave. E. Lakeville: Lakeville City Hall, 20195 Holyoke Ave.; Lakeville Liquor Heritage, 20164 Heritage Ave.; Lakeville Liquor Kenrick, 16179 Kenrick Ave.; Lakeville Liquor Store, 16000 Galaxie Ave. Mendota Heights: Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve

“It is a big boost because these opportunities don’t come every year,” said Kyle Hanson, managing director of Housing Choice Vouchers for the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority. Hanson said the $1.6 million award will allow them to house 140 clients hand in hand with Hennepin County and the Minneapolis-based Salvation Army Harbor Light Center.

A year ago, the Minneapolis PHA received enough funding to house 99 families.

Dominic Mitchell, program director with the St. Paul Public Housing Agency, said they will use the $687,000 from HUD to house 96 individuals and families referred by 10 nonprofit agencies, including Ain Dah Yung, The Arc Minnesota, Breaking Free, JustUs Health, Ethel Gordon Community Care Center, the Emma Norton Center, Guild Inc., Phoenix Service Inc., Minnesota One Stop and Experience Neshama. The nonprofits will help the clients locate housing and then provide supportive case management services for a year, with the intent of helping them achieve stability. The agency received enough HUD funding last year to help 35 disabled clients through the same voucher program.

In total, HUD is awarding $131.3 million to 325 local public housing authorities across the country to provide affordable housing to approximately 15,363 non-elderly individuals and families with disabilities.

(Source: Associated Press)

The new space will include medical treatment rooms, a behavioral health assessment and observation room, and a single point of entry for emergency responders.

This is part of a larger project to transform 1800 Chicago Ave. into a behavioral health center. The building now houses a crisis stabilization program that provides shortterm residential care for people who do not require intensive inpatient psychiatric care. The withdrawal management program (detox) has also expanded from 50 to 65 beds.

The Chicago Triage Project has been in the works for some time. The latest actions won Hennepin County Board approval in November. The funding is from a larger $28.1 million state capital grants program for behavioral health programs delivering mental health and/or substance abuse disorder services. The grant Hennepin County received is the largest the program can allocate to one entity. The grant program won legislative approval in 2018.

(Source: Hennepin County)

Caregiver charged with assault

A 21-year-old male caregiver has been charged with sexually assaulting two adults with intellectual disabilities at group homes in southwest Minnesota. Samuel Lee Sandbo of Windom said he was “having anxiety and guilt regarding some acts he committed” and told local police that he raped two vulnerable adults. Both victims have significant intellectual and mental disabilities, according to a criminal complaint filed in Cottonwood County District Court.

Sandbo has been charged with two felony counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct that together carry a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison and up to $60,000, or both.

“It is disturbing that somebody who is in a position of authority over extremely mentally impaired individuals would take advantage of them,” said Nicholas Anderson, the Cottonwood County attorney.

Sandbo worked for Habilitative Services Inc. (HSI), which provides residential and in-home support services for people with disabilities in 14 counties, primarily in southwest Minnesota. Sandbo is no longer employed by HSI, and the organization is cooperating with law enforcement.

“As an organization of caring professionals dedicated to supporting the individuals we are privileged to serve, we are devastated that anyone could intentionally cause harm to a person with disabilities,” Devin Nelson, agency director, said in a statement.

According to the criminal complaint, Sandbo said he beRed Wing: ProAct-Red Wing, 204 Mississippi Blvd.

Rosemount: City of Rosemount- Community Center, 13885 S. Robert Trail; City of Rosemount- Steeple Center, 14375 Cameo Center Savage: City of Savage, 6000 McColl Drive Shakopee: ProAct- New Options, 792 Canterbury Road, Suite 132 South St. Paul: City of South St. Paul, 125 3rd Ave. N. West St. Paul: City of West St. Paul, 1616 Humboldt Ave.; Dakota County Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road West

Equity contracting milestone reached

For the first time in state history, the level of state purchasing made through Minnesota small businesses owned by veterans, women, minorities, people with disabilities, or operating in economically disadvantaged areas, (equity vendors) exceeded $100 million, according to the Minnesota Department of Administration, which oversees state contracts and purchasing.

Total spending on equity contracts reached $103.6 million in fiscal year 2019, up from $85 million in 2018.

Since 2015, the value of state contracts to equity vendors increased by more than 58 percent, from $65,423,609 to $103,632,181. The percentage of total state contracting to this category of vendors more than doubled during that time, from 4 percent to 8 percent.

The milestone is a significant step in meeting the goals of Gov. Tim Walz’s One Minnesota Council on Diversity, Inclusion and Equity, which calls for broadening contracting, civic engagement and employment to those who have historically been underserved by government operations and services.

Businesses owned by veterans showed some of the biggest increases – from $1.82 million in FY 2015 to $19.3 million in FY 2019– an increase of 963.3 percent. Total contracts to minority-owned businesses more than doubled, from $12.4 million in 2015 to $27 million in 2019.

“We’ve made a concerted effort over the last five years to broaden the pool of vendors available to state agencies through the work of our Equity in Procurement and Procurement Technical Assistance teams,” said Alice Roberts-Davis, Commissioner of Administration. “Their job is to connect with small business owners and work directly with agencies to understand their procurement needs and create matches between the businesses and the agencies.”

The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) joined the Department of Administration in 2017. Along with the Office of Equity in Procurement (OEP,) they led or participated in 105 outreach events in FY 2019.

State law provides additional strategies that have contributed to the improvement in equity purchasing. They include: • Equity Select allows for the direct selection of a certified targeted group, economically disadvantaged, or a veteran-owned business up to a total dollar value of $25,000. In FY19, state agencies have utilized Equity Select 430 times for a total amount of more than $5.7 million.

• Sheltered Markets, which allows for the designation of contracts to be awarded only to certified targeted group, economically disadvantaged, or veteran-owned small businesses. Thirty-nine projects have been awarded under this provision since 2016.

• Vendor Preference. State law allows up to a six percent preference to businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, economically disadvantaged and persons with substantial physical disabilities.

“Increasing the number of vendors available to state and local purchasers is a big win for Minnesota,” said Commissioner Roberts-Davis. “More vendors, across a broader range of people, foster keener competition for state and local government business. It also increases the likelihood that business is spread across a broader spectrum of Minnesota’s regions and population.”

“Over $100 million in business is a big increase, but we’re still a long way from achieving true equity in how government purchases goods and services. We have the roadmap and processes in place, and we’re confident that we’re on our way to real equity in purchasing.”

(Source: Minnesota Department of Administration)

CLASSIFIEDS

Housing programs get a boost

came physically abusive toward clients “within six months” after he began working for HSI in January 2017. He raped two vulnerable adults. Both rapes occurred at group homes in Windom. The criminal complaint does not identify the exact locations of the alleged assaults or name the victims.

Sandbo has been released on $75,000 bond.

Nationally, the rate of serious violent crime, including rape or sexual assault, robbery and aggravated assault, of people with disabilities is more than three times the rate of assaults on people without disabilities, according to a 2017 report from the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2018, regulators in Minnesota received 2,403 allegations of sexual abuse involving vulnerable adults, and 9,058 allegations of physical abuse, according to state data.

(Source: Star Tribune)

For Rent 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 763546-4988 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.

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December 10, 2019 Volume 30, Number 12 Pg 16

...because everyone has the right to be empowered.

Resources for Individuals, Families and Employers.

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