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TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 4766
Volume 31, Number 12
December 1, 2020
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Restrictions are added for COVID-19
COVID-19 To page 4
Jim Ramstad
FILE PHOTO
Minnesotans are going into what could be a very hard winter, with COVID-19 numbers soaring upward. The state’s death toll has passed 3,000. Hospitals are overwhelmed. For people with disabilities who are struggling to maintain care and protect their health, it will be a very isolating and stressful time. “We are at a breaking point,” said Gov. Tim Walz. His latest round of restrictions closes Minnesota bars, restaurants, fitness clubs and entertainment venues until midDecember. Social gatherings outside of immediate families are on hold, with state officials urging that only immediate families gather. Vulnerable Minnesotans should continue to stay at home and social distance to protect themselves from the virus. Walz said his actions will prevent more families from losing loved ones, and help reduce the pressure on hospitals statewide. What continues to affect many people with disabilities is the closing of pools, which provide needed therapy as well as recreation. Many pools have been closed since spring but others have just closed for a time. Amateur sports also went on pause for four weeks. Adapted soccer is one of many Minnesota prep sports that had its season cut short. The adapted hockey season’s start is delayed. As Access Press went to press, disability service providers were taking different approaches to the pandemic’s spread. Some already made many changes due to the pandemic, shutting down some services and programs and offering other services remotely. Others have dialed back to remote services only or further limited what is done inperson. Check with providers before making plans and stay in touch to be informed about changes. Retail stores and barber/beauty salons can stay open. But museums, bowling alleys and movie theaters are again closed. Restaurants can offer carryout. Walz and other state officials are hoping that by reducing exposure, Minnesotans can be better prepared when vaccines start to become available “I know that hospitalizations are going to continue to go up for the next few weeks and I know that the death numbers will continue to go up for the next few weeks,” Walz said. “But the bright spot of this is, the moves we take now will start to bend that at just the time when the potential for a vaccine is coming.” Another difficult issue is that of limiting social gatherings. At one point in November, state officials tried to limit the size of social gatherings and ordered bars and restaurants to close at 10 p.m. That was a focus on places larger virus outbreaks were traced to. But the accelerating pace of the pandemic spreads forced another change. Religious services can still go on with restrictions, but in some denominations, leadership has again ordered a halt to in-person worship. Schools are online, in-person or with
As a grateful recovering alcoholic for 24 years myself, I am living proof that treatment does work and that recovery is real.
Congressman Jim Ramstad
Jim Ramstad is remembered as mental health champion Jim Ramstad is remembered as a champion for people with chemical dependency, recovery and mental health issues, drawing on his own life experiences to shape policy and help others. Ramstad, who served in the Minnesota Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, died November 5. He was 74 and had battled Parkinson’s disease. Ramstad served nine terms in the Congress before retiring in 2009, representing Minnesota’s Third District. A moderate Republican, Ramstad built coalitions with lawmakers from all parties at the state and federal levels. He had many allies in Minnesota’s disability community and often drew on them for support to get state and federal legislation passed. Dean Peterson, Ramstad’s longtime
chief of staff, paid tribute to his friend and former boss. “He leaves a legacy of love, service, dignity and respect, especially for the most vulnerable in our society,” Peterson said in a letter to supporters. Other elected officials also paid tribute. Gov. Tim Walz, who served in Congress with Ramstad, called him “a colleague, mentor and friend. ... Few members of Congress commanded the respect and admiration of their peers and constituents that Jim Ramstad did. ” Sen. Amy Klobuchar described Ramstad as “a friend and a hero.” “He was a faithful public servant who worked across party lines to improve the lives of all Americans," Klobuchar said. “He worked with Sen. Paul Wellstone on mental health parity
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RAMSTAD To page 3
Advocacy groups prepare for 2021 legislative session It’s beginning to look a lot like … the start of the 2021 session of the Minnesota Legislature. Lawmakers gavel into action January 5, for what promises to be a long and complex several months. Legislative agendas for 2021 were underway even as lawmakers went through several special sessions needed during the pandemic. Dozens of groups will be bringing forward action items. But with the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 promises to be another difficult year. Much of the 2020 session was forced online, creating challenges for selfadvocates and lobbyists who are missing the days of one-on-one access to their legislators. It will be another tough year in terms of outreach, communication and networking. The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) is already making plans for its Tuesdays at the Capitol to be held online, rather than in person. Rallies are on hold or shifting to a virtual mode. Then there is the pandemic’s impact on the state’s finances. Minnesota’s budget
The 2019 Disability Services Day at the Capitol drew a large crowd. 2021 rallies are on hold. situation is being watched very closely as requests move forward, as the pandemic has devastated parts of the state’s economy. While some tax collections have been higher than projected in the spring, a large deficit is still projected. Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Myron Franz has indicated that the deficit for the next two-year budget could reach $4.7 billion. That could make any request for additional program or project funding
more difficult. But the pandemic cannot stop policy and program needs. MNCCD approved its priorities this fall, working in concert with several groups. Its highest-priority or top tier requests include work with the Autism Society of Minnesota on a package of accessibility proposals and working with Arc Minnesota and Minnesota Disability Law Center on a package to transform SESSION To page 3
December 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 12 Pg 2
Have a good month, stay masked, keep your distance, avoid crowds, stay healthy. And somehow: enjoy the holidays! What can you say about the weather? One day it's in the 50s and the next day the highs are in the 30s. I know this will not last and we will soon be seeing those temperatures stay cold and get to below zero with several inches of snow—all coming in one day and lasting for what will seem like eternity. But the weather isn’t the news. COVID-19 is, especially during this dialback period, between November 20 and December 18, when COVID cases are at record numbers and the hospitals are full. You can get free COVID tests at a number of locations. You can also get free at-home tests from the State of Minnesota. The site’s not easy to find, so here’s the URL: https://www.health.state.mn.us/ diseases/coronavirus/testsites/athome.html. It is free to Minnesota residents. If you have insurance you'll need to fill out some insurance information but it will still be free to you. This is a saliva test so there's no probes in your nostrils. For frequently asked questions about the test check out this website: https://learn.vaulthealth.com/
state-of-minnesota/. It's worth checking out and knowing if you need to use this service. You don't have to leave your house and put your health at risk. We all need to stay very diligent about maintaining social distance, even isolation, and wear masks when around any other people. Because the hospitals are getting overrun and cannot take care of all the patients they have with COVID, it will be twice as hard for a person with a disability to be hospitalized with your extra needs. And of course, most of us with disabilities would have a real hard time fighting off the coronavirus if we did have to be hospitalized. I am going to contact my doctor to make sure he knows that I want to be first in line when the vaccine is available, after hospital staff and caregivers in nursing homes are taken care of. I do think the risk of taking the vaccine is far and away less risky than contracting COVID. In my case, with respiratory problems, it would put me at an extremely high risk if I contract the virus in a healthcare environment where care is
[W]e need to make home care a real career with a livable wage and good benefits to draw more people into this essential workforce.
competitive and staffing is difficult. Nurses and doctors are telling their stories in newspapers and social media, and it's hard to see how tough this pandemic is for them. They are literally putting their lives on the line every day. But when they don’t have any relief and are burned out, it’s no wonder that hospitals and clinics are finding it hard to find enough medical staff. And for those of us who rely on home care, we know it’s hard enough to staff in regular times, without the hospitals and other institutional care facilities having such shortages. I don't know why there haven't been any substantial increase in wages for caregivers in all environments. We could only hope that the next stimulus package will increase salaries instead of increasing unemployment benefits for lower-paid vital workers. They have to be compensated for the risk they are taking by putting themselves in harm's way. This crisis is underscoring the fact that these workers have been underpaid for many years. We've been arguing that we need to make home care a real career with a livable wage and good benefits to draw more people into this essential workforce. Although we are celebrating these workers now, will there be people willing to jump in and fill the staff shortage after the pandemic is over? We need to have healthcare programs overflowing with students at all levels. But while the medical field has always been a place where people were proud to work, I am truly afraid that
won't be the case in the years to come. And speaking of years to come, our next issue will be a month from now, in January 2021. As you’re finishing up the year, one of the things you might be doing is planning for taxes and charitable donations. The Access Press Board of Directors asked me to remind you that donations to Access Press are deductible because we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. But there’s also a special opportunity for those of you who may have IRAs, need to make required minimum distributions, and would like to share a special gift with Access Press: “Whether itemizing or claiming the standard deduction, individuals age 70 1⁄2 and older may make up to $100,000 per year in distributions from their collective IRAs ‘directly’ to qualifying public charities tax-free for 2020, even though RMDs (required minimum distributions) from IRAs are waived for 2020 under the CARES Act. No RMDs are required for 2020 but they resume in 2021.” This means that a charitable minimum distribution to Access Press could be taxfree. I hope before the end of the year you will consider donating to Access Press to keep our disability news resource widely available. Thanks to all of you who have made donations to Access Press in 2020; your gifts are truly appreciated. Have a good month, stay masked, keep your distance, avoid crowds, stay healthy. And somehow: enjoy the holidays!
HISTORY NOTE
Christmas at Crowley School: Cookies, carols and tradition This month’s History Note is from the book, A Collection of Teacher Memories, 1910-1960. The book was compiled by the St. Paul Association of Retired Teachers. The book includes dozens of stories from former teachers, including the late Ann Covart, who taught what were originally called “special classes” between 1921-1965. “Special classes” were for students with physical and cognitive disabilities, as well as students with speech disorders and learning disabilities. When Covart began teaching in St. Paul, students with disabilities had classes in separate buildings. Covart was considered a pioneer in special education, pushing for students to be offered more opportunities. She was beloved by former pupils and took pride in their accomplishments as they went out on their own and found gainful employment. But her memories show practices that would not be used now. How
students were classified for education wouldn’t be acceptable today. Students were classified by I.Q., without regard to the nuances and complexity of their disabilities. Students with the lowest I.Q. levels were called “betas” or “trainables.” “Subnormals” were considered to be capable of getting a basic education. Students with the highest I.Q. levels were considered “alphas.” Over the years Covart taught at longgone schools, including the original Washington, Jefferson and Monroe, as well as Crowley. This Christmas story is from Crowley, which was located on the city’s West Side. Covart taught at Crowley for 23 years, during its years as an all-girls and then co-ed school. While we wouldn’t have a school holiday program with religious overtones today, the Crowley programs were a pleasant memory for former students. During the year we sang Christmas songs,
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including O Tanenbaum (sp) in German and Silent Night in Spanish. Every Christmas, the whole school gathered in the lovely, lower hall of the Crowley building. The principal or the sewing-cooking teacher played the piano and I led them. Sometimes we had readings. It was beautiful as we sang Silent Night going back to our classrooms. For many years we had a program at Christmas time depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. It was really the best program I had heard, including those done in churches. It was a tradition when I came to Crowley so we continued until the (Department of Education) said we could not have programs of a religious type. We had a cradle and the baby. The students voted on whom they’d like for Mary and also who should be Joseph. I bought some beautiful white dresses for the angels. We had a chorus to sing the appropriate songs. Our best readers read the Christmas story from the Bible. We typed sheets for
them from which they read. The little ones marching in singing Away in a Manger. The boys sang We Three Kings and came down the aisle in costume to present the gifts. It was a touching presentation. The cooking students served Christmas cookies and coffee or punch. Covart stayed in touch with many students before her death at age 100. Interestingly, she was opposed to mainstreaming students with disabilities, saying “every one of us needs to be best in something and they don’t have a chance.” The History Note is a monthly column produced in cooperation with the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. Past History Notes and other disability history may be found at www. mnddc.org
December 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 12 Pg 3
PEOPLE & PLACES Schultz leads Opportunity Partners
Longtime Hennepin County interacting with Commissioner Jeff Johnson is the dogs are passions new executive director at Can Do for Johnson. Canines. Johnson will leave the Johnson joined county board in early December the Hennepin to take on his new role. County Board of Can Do Canines is a nonprofit Commissioners organization that raises and trains in 2009. During service dogs for people with his time on the disabilities. Johnson will succeed county board, he Alan M. Peters, the longtime has focused his Jeff Johnson leader and founder of Can Do attention on issues Canines. Peters will work with of public safety, Johnson through a leadership transition before enjoying fiscal restraint his retirement. and ensuring that Peters, who founded the organization in 1989 and programs produce has served as the executive director since then, is measurable retiring at the end of 2020. positive results Peters leaves an impressive legacy. During his and outcomes. time, Can Do Canines has earned an international “It has been reputation among Assistance Dog International a tremendous (ADI) member organizations, being one of only two honor to serve Alan M. Peters ADI-certified organizations in Minnesota. Can Do my constituents Canines has provided 750 high quality assistance on the board for dogs—all free of charge—to people with disabilities. nearly three terms,” Johnson said. “While I've certainly Peters also led a $4.4 million capital campaign, resulting raised a lot of questions over the years about programs in a 25,000-square-foot, mortgage-free facility in New and spending priorities, I've found the commitment Hope. of our staff and the quality of county leadership to be Can Do Canines staff and board members expressed exceptional." gratitude to Peters for the leadership and passion he has Born in Detroit Lakes, Johnson graduated from Detroit shown these past three decades. During retirement Peters Lakes High School in 1985. He holds degrees from plans to spend more time with family, embark on a writing Concordia College and Georgetown University Law project and pursue some long overdue travel. School, earning a J.D. in 1992. Peters announced his retirement in April 2020, giving He worked as an employment attorney at law firms Can Do Canines leadership time to conduct an extensive in Chicago and Minneapolis, worked for Cargill and national search for a new executive director. Johnson’s founded his own firm 20 years ago providing training and selection was announced this fall. investigation services to businesses throughout the country. The Can Do Canines staff and board are committed Johnson was a member of the Minnesota House from to not only preserving what is best about their client, 2001 to 2006 and twice was the Republican nominee for volunteer and donor experience, but also finding new and governor. He is married with two children. better ways of serving others. Throughout this transition Johnson has held numerous leadership positions at process, the mission will continue to be the driving factor organizations including Northwest Twin Cities Young in finding new ways to increase the number of graduating Life, Community Action Partnership of Hennepin teams and create future successes for the organization. County, and Governor’s Workforce Development “Jeff is an experienced leader whose reputation for Council. He is the author of two books on positive family, ethical, committed, transparent leadership abounds,” said personal and professional relationships. Judy Sharken Simon, leader of the search committee. He also recently collaborated to launch the non-profit Johnson announced in 2016 that his third term would organization, Northstar Neighbor, which exists to spread a be his last on the county board, consistent with the message of hope and compassion by serving our neighbors same three-term limit he placed on himself while in the who are at higher risk of COVID-19 complications. Minnesota House. Northstar Neighbor has grown to nearly 1,000 volunteers “My time in government and politics has been exciting in an extremely short period of time. and meaningful to me, but it’s time to move on and use my Can Do Canines is dedicated to enhancing the quality of experience and the talents God has given me in a different life for people with disabilities by creating mutually benefiway. I couldn’t be more excited to lead Can Do Canines cial partnerships with specially trained dogs. Learn more at into its next season,” Johnson said. Serving people and https://can-do-canines.org/
Bill Schultz is president and CEO of nonprofit disability services organization Opportunity Partners. He was recently named to the position on a permanent basis, after serving in an interim role for a time. Schultz joined Opportunity Partners in 2015 as executive vice president, business development and operations, overseeing all business services operations. He came to Opportunity Partners with more than 20 years of experience in Bill Schultz a variety of business leadership positions, and was drawn to the organization for its strong mission and history of making a difference in the community. He holds degrees from Michigan State and Emory University. Schultz succeeded Armando Camacho, who went to Wilder Foundation. Opportunity Partners is a Twin Cities nonprofit organization, serving 1,500 adults with disabilities each year. Established in 1953, Opportunity Partners works alongside people with disabilities to provide job training, employment and residential support for people to live more independently, succeed on the job and lead lives filled with purpose and meaning. Opportunity Partners serves people with many different types of disabilities. Some examples include autism spectrum disorder, Asperger syndrome, brain injury, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Fetal Alcohol syndrome, and many others. Learn more at www.opportunities.org
FILE PHOTO
Johnson retires from county board to work with nonprofit Can Do Canines
RAMSTAD From page 1
legislation and carried the torch to pass the bill after Paul died ... He was a true mentor to me on how to get things done by working with Republicans and Democrats.” Ramstad was born in Jamestown, North Dakota. He earned degrees from the University of Minnesota and George Washington University Law School. He was an officer in the United States Army Reserve from 1968 to 1974. He worked as an attorney and as a legislative aide in the Minnesota House. He served in the Minnesota Senate from 1981 to 1990, moving on to Congress. But that career almost ended before it began. Months after being elected to the Minnesota Senate, Ramstad was arrested for disorderly conduct after an incident in South Dakota. In an interview, Ramstad recalled, “I was mortified, I was humiliated, I was embarrassed beyond words, I wanted to be dead. … But, instead of being the end of my life, the end of my career, it was just merely the beginning. For the first time in my life, I decided to tell the truth about my drinking. Even though it was very, very humiliating and embarrassing to wake up in jail, to be under arrest, it was also very freeing to be able to talk about who I really was.” Before his death Ramstad had marked 39 years of sobriety. As a state legislator, Ramstad sponsored funding for a pilot program that eventually became Metro Mobility paratransit service. He was also the legislative champion for Minnesota’s in-home personal care assistant program, to give every qualifying person with a disability the right to inhome care under the state’s Medicaid program. In 1999, he co-sponsored the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, a major federal law to pass benefiting people with disabilities. The act gives people searching for employment more control in choosing where they can go for assistance. It also expanded access to Medicare, even in the event of a job loss. Ramstad also cosponsored, with Wellstone, the Mental Health Parity Act. After Wellstone’s death in a 2002 plane crash, Ramstad continued to work toward the bill’s passage. It required most group health plans to provide coverage for treatment of mental illnesses, comparable to
what they provide for physical illnesses. He also successfully championed similar legislation for people with chemical dependency issues. Over the years Ramstad won many honors, including the Courage Center National Courage Award in 2008 for his many contributions to the health, welfare and rehabilitation of people with disabilities. Ramstad is also remembered as someone who would tirelessly help people caught in the cycle of addiction. He helped friends and strangers alike to see that recovery is possible. He founded the Ramstad Recovery Fund to provide access to treatment for veterans who are unable to otherwise have access to treatment. Ramstad is survived by his wife, Kathryn, and a daughter, Christen DeLaney. Services have been held.
SESSION From page 1
disability services. Fraser has brought forward a proposal to make changes in board-certified behavior analyst or BCBA licensing. That and Cassie’s Law, a focus of the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance, are second-tier proposals, Cassie’s Law would help people with conditions including traumatic brain injuries or strokes who are caught up in the criminal justice system. It provides for a neuropsychological exam during the pre-sentence investigation to assist judges with proper sentencing for people with these injuries or disabilities. The intent is to improve outcomes for people with brain injuries involved in the criminal justice system. A third second-tier effort centers on home and community-based services, and hospitalization reimbursement. Lutheran Social Service, Arc Minnesota, Minnesota First Provider Alliance and PCA Reform Coalition are leading the work. Gillette Children’s Specialty healthcare is taking charge of a fourth initiative tied to health plans and required diagnoses of treatment and rare diseases, and a fifth initiative to make changes to the recently created rare Disease Advisory council. Two more second-tier efforts are tied to the Personal Care Attendant or PCA program. The PCA Reform Coalition, the Minnesota First Provider Alliance and Minnesota First Community Solutions are leading both. One is on rate reform and the other is on driving. Two third-tier proposals are moving ahead. One, from the Proof Alliance, would expand the definition of brain injury. The second, from SEIU, is the United Homecare Workers and Clients collective bargaining agreement.
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
A great resource, Wasie Pool has made its last splash The Wasie Pool has been a resource for Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and for the community for the past 41 years. It was made possible by the Wasie Family Foundation. The family was passionate about having a place to provide services for their child who had a disability. We are grateful for this generous donation and for all the patients and families that have been able to utilize this important resource over the years. Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute has utilized the Wasie Pool to provide aquatic physical therapy, fitness programming, and independent exercise opportunities for individuals throughout the years. In March, the Wasie Pool was closed as a precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic. After careful consideration, the difficult decision was made in September to keep the Wasie Pool closed permanently. This decision only affects services delivered in the Wasie pool. Land-based services will continue to be provided at: • Courage Kenny Sports & PT- Minneapolis, 2800 Building • Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute outpatient therapy services • Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Stay Fit services • Penny George Institute for Health and Healing- Live Well services
Wasie Pool Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute aquatics and therapy are still offered at CKRI’s Golden Valley and Stillwater locations. CKRI wellness and pool services are available for people of all ages and abilities. CKRI offers warm water pool classes and services, adaptive fitness centers, fitness classes, personal training and other one-on-one services. Visit: https://account.allinahealth.org/services/585 For additional information contact: • Aquatic therapy services 612-262-7900 • Community aquatics and fitness 612-863-0922 • couragekenny@allina.com
We welcome your letters and commentary published. Access Press welcomes letters to Because Access Press is a the editor and commentary pieces non-profit publication and from readers, on topics of interest to must follow regulations on Minnesota’s disability community. political partisanship, political Letters should be no more than endorsement letters are not 500 words, with 750 words per published. That is true for commentary. Ask the editors if more candidates’ endorsements as space is needed. well as for ballot questions. Letters and guest commentaries Before making a submission, PO Box 40006, Industrial Station must be signed by the authors or writers are always encouraged authors. With letters, a writer’s St. Paul, MN 55104-5458 to contact the newspaper to hometown is published but not a Phone: 651-644-2133 discuss ideas or to ask questions street address. Please send contact Email: access@accesspress.org about From Our Community information, in the form of a phone Website: www.accesspress.org submissions, at 651-644-2133 number or email, in case the editor or access@accesspress.org. has questions about a letter or Let the newspaper staff commentary. Contact information know if accommodations are needed to submit a letter or isn’t published unless the writer specifically requests that commentary, and we will help you. the newspaper do so. Letters and commentaries reflect the view of the Pictures of the author can be published with a guest authors and not the views of the staff and board of commentary but aren’t required. directors of Access Press. Access Press asks that letters and guest commentaries be Deadline for the print edition of the newspaper is the 15th specifically written for the newspaper. Letters must have of each month, with publication the following month. a focus on disability issues and ideally, a focus on those issues as they affect Minnesotans. Form letters will not be
December 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 12 Pg 4
HoodWave Radio is reaching out. Give them a listen! Hello, this is Daniel, with Leah, and we are HoodWave Disability Radio. We are looking for organizations and people with disabilities who want to have their shows air on our online station. I am working with Conor, Conor's Corner, and he is co-hosting with me once a month of HoodWave. Anyone who wants to be a part of HoodWave, we are looking for co-hosts for our station, please contact us. Leah and Daniel Hood met at a self-advocacy conference. They were immediately drawn to one another. Now, they have been married for two years and live on the East Side of St. Paul with their leopard gecko, Spotty. For Leah and Dan, independence is critical, but it's not without challenges. Together, they are exploring their dreams and letting their true selves shine through. "I want to be treated like everybody else - with dignity," Dan says. "So, I will be able to show my true self.” Find us at https://www.hoodwave.org/p/hoodwavedisability-radio-live/ or www.hoodwave.org Daniel and Leah Hood HoodWave Disability Radio
COVID-19
From page 1 hybrid learning on a county-by-county basis, based on outbreaks in each county. In November Walz issued an executive order focuses on students with disabilities, which cites the challenges distance learning has had for many families. He urges schools to make sure that students have access to mental health and telehealth services on their school-issued devices, and that they use current planning guidance on mental health and well-being. Schools are also discouraged from reporting students for educational neglect or truancy. State officials are scrambling to keep on top of changing trends. “Two weeks ago, I thought a 5,000-case day was horrific. Now, that looks like a good day,” said Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm. The time leading up to December 18 could be critical and will likely affect plans for the holidays. COVID-19 incubates for up to 14 days. The goal with the December restrictions is to try to level off infection rates. Trying to slow the spread and ease pressure on hospitals is a huge concern. Many hospitals are at capacity and have hundreds of workers out sick. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Health post regular updates on program changes. DHS also provides a link to detailed information on its disability services page. Go to https:// mn.gov/dhs/ and https://www.health.state.mn.us/ for information. State officials also hold press conferences daily, which are broadcast on public television.
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December 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 12 Pg 5
PEOPLE & PLACES Diverse class is involved in 2020-2021 Partners in Policymaking Twenty-four Minnesotans comprise the 2020-2021 Partners in Policymaking class. The participants, who were chosen from a statewide pool of applicants, receive eight months of leadership training. Participants include adults with disabilities and parents raising children with developmental disabilities. Partners in Policymaking was created by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. “The goal is to develop leaders statewide to partner with school systems, medical and business communities so all individuals with disabilities are supported as they become self-confident, independent and contributing citizens across the state,” said Colleen Wieck, executive director of the council. The program began in 1987. Over the years more than 27,000 people from around the world have benefited from the training. The 2020-2021 Minnesota participants represent a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences.
Parents want resources, policy roles
Partners is Policymaking has long been a resource and training hub for parents of children with disabilities. This year’s class is no exception, with several parents whose children have a wide range of disabilities. Some families have had to relocate to find services for their children. Corina Ficzeri, Cannon Falls, has a school-age child with disabilities. Ficzeri is completing a degree in early childhood education and youth development and interns at an elementary school. She is Corina Ficzeri interested in inclusion for her child and wants to be involved in statewide educational policy and best practices. Carly Schecter, Apple Valley, has two children with autism. As a clinical social worker she is committed to raising her children to have their best independent lives. She is concerned about the quality Carly Schecter of school programs and long waiting lists for many private services. Cora Holland-Koller, Arden Hills, has a son with Down syndrome. Holland-Koller wants to learn more about the policies that directly impact her son, with a focus on education. She wants to use skills gained from Cora Holland-Koller the program to better advocate for her son and for others. Jodi Copa, Brooklyn Park. Copa has two daughters with cognitive, emotional and behavioral disabilities. Her daughters require continuous care and prompting to complete daily living habits and do schoolwork. Copa hopes to Jodi Copa gain a better understanding of services and which are appropriate for her children. Rachael Ryan, Burnsville, has a teenage daughter and son with autism and body regulation difficulties. Ryan herself has severe hearing and mental health disabilities. Her experience with services for her children is mixed. Her goals are Rachael Ryan to improve special education distance learning and gain skills in advocating for her children and herself. Sabeen Zehra, Burnsville, has a daughter with Down syndrome and other physical challenges. Zehra is interested in school and sports inclusion for her daughter. She is working to remove the stigma around developmental Sabeen Zehra disabilities in South Asian communities. She wants to be the part of the change that those with disabilities are treated with equal rights and is pleased to gain the tools to become an advocate. Adrienne Payne, Duluth, has a non-verbal, teenage son with autism. Trained as a behavior therapist, she quit her job and moved to find the best Adrienne Payne
supports possible for her son. Payne believes his inability to communicate could leave him as a victim for the rest of his life, but is determined to give him and others like him the best life possible. Deqa Farah, Eagan, has a preschooler with child with multiple disabilities, who with Deqa Farah his family’s help is learning through therapies, supports and assistive technologies. Farah is concerned about county services and school inclusion for her son. Through Partners she hopes to build positive relationships with lawmakers and decision makers to benefit the Somali autism community. Chandler Hill, Farmington, Chandler Hill has a son with receptive and expressive language disabilities. Hill is interested in learning more about school inclusion and access to services. Surprised by some cold-hearted responses to disabilities, she has learned to slow down to her son’s pace and be grateful for small steps taken together. With Partners Melissa Schlemmer she hopes to gain skills to be an advocate for other families raising children with disabilities. Melissa Schlemmer, Forest Lake, has a son with PMM2, a congenital disorder of glycosylation. She works with a non-profit to help families like hers purchase equipment that insurance doesn’t cover. She worries about her ability to care Kari Stordahl for him over time, and to prove his worthiness to the world. Schlemmer’s goal is become a stronger advocate for her son and to understand the bigger picture of disabilities. Kari Stordahl, Fridley, has a son with multiple disabilities. She is involved with parent child interactive therapy at his Tiffany Goodchild school and is interested in other services. She values her role in being her son’s advocate but is willing to learn more to guide him to a successful life. She is excited to meet other parents who have similar struggles. Tiffany Goodchild, Hugo, has a son with a severe form of spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, requiring G-tube feeding Pam Crawford and nursing care. Her family went through a long process to get help for her son. Goodchild is a psychologist, and founded a non-profit to provide resources and support for families raising a child with severe neurological disabilities. She is speaking up about the significant support needed during the first year of Karen Keenan caring for children like her son, and to stop the inconsistencies of benefits between counties, and issues with regulations for homecare nursing. Pam Crawford, Corcoran, has a teenage son with Down syndrome who has outstanding social skills and a desire for new challenges. Crawford has intentionally networked Sharon Caswell with other parents on issues of inclusive education and developing friendships with other children. She is interested in competitive work opportunities for her son’s future and meaningful community involvement. Karen Keenan, Pine Springs, has a daughter with Down syndrome. Keenan is interested in learning more about school inclusion, advocacy and state and federal policies. She’s the former chair of ConnectWC, a 2013 Mahtomedi Ted X Speaker “What if we created a Community of Belonging,” and co-organized Chloe’s Cannonballs, her daughters’ team, for the Polar Plunge. She’s the new executive director of Valley Friendship Club, which provides opportunities for children and young adults living with disabilities. Sharon Caswell, Prior Lake, has a son with Down syndrome. She believes multiple therapies could benefit
him, but many resources are in short supply, such as service dogs and therapies covered by insurance. Caswell wants improvements in school/educational inclusion, particularly post-secondary opportunities, and access to meaningful work opportunities. She is an advocate for everyone with special needs.
Rural areas are a focus
Some parents join the program because of the challenges they face as families living in rural areas, far from resources. Lindsay Heinecke, Appleton, has a son with disabilities. Limited area resources mean that the family Lindsay Heinecke must travel for therapy, testing and other services. Heinecke wants to learn advocacy skills to help other families in rural areas with similar challenges, and to find resources for her son as he grows up. Karissa Benoit, Deer River, has a son with Down syndrome. Living in a rural area requires Karissa Benoit at least a one-hour drive for services. Often Benoit has challenged assessments and asked for additional tests. Benoit will use her training to help overcome barriers and speak up for other parents in her community who want additional help for their children. Melissa Karsky, Finlayson, Melissa Karsky is the full-time caregiver for her teenage daughter with intellectual disabilities. Karsky is studying human services fulltime and would like to learn more about a continuum, of services for her daughter, and for others in the community. Crystal Henderson, Red Wing, has two children with multiple disabilities, which makes daily Crystal Henderson life a challenge for their family. With few resources available, Henderson is desperate for respite care, crisis care and family therapy services. Henderson wants to find better solutions for her children DIVERSE CLASS To page 9
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Trisha Stark
NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center
One highlight of the recent NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) annual conference was its annual presentation of awards for outstanding service. This year’s conference was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Minneapolis psychologist Trisha Stark was honored with a Special Board Award, for outstanding work to improve the lives of people living with mental illnesses and their families. NAMI Minnesota Executive Director Sue Abderholden said, “Dr. Stark is an exceptional advocate for people with mental illnesses and their families and for providers as an active member of the Mental Health Legislative Cindy Nollette Network, the Minnesota Psychological Association and through serving on numerous task forces. “She has also been a strong advocate for a more culturally diverse and informed workforce, the expansion of telehealth, increased rates for providers and better treatment for people with co-occurring disorders. As an active supporter of NAMI’s mission, Trisha is not afraid to do the hard work of legislative advocacy. Thanks to her efforts, people have increased access to a better mental health system.” Lindstrom resident Doug Kraft was feted with a Volunteer of the Year Award, for someone who has given generously of time, resources and energy to either a NAMI affiliate or NAMI Minnesota. “When the pandemic hit Doug worked closely with our staff to quickly take NAMI’s six-hour Hope for Recovery class and turn it into a three-hour class on Zoom. We greatly appreciate Doug’s exceptional leadership as a volunteer and passion for educating others,” said Abderholden. “For those who have a family member who lives with a mental illness it can be a difficult path to find information and support. Doug has made it his mission to ensure that Minnesotans around the state have access to information and support by teaching Family-toFamily and Hope for Recovery classes.” NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center, Minneapolis, was presented with the Provider of the Year Award. The award recognizes an organization that provides mental health services and demonstrates excellence, respect and best practices. NorthPoint focuses on the whole person, providing culturally responsive, integrated, holistic primary health, mental health, and social services. It has a community board of directors made up of NorthPoint’s patients and people who live and/or work in the community. People NorthPoint serves are largely people of color, nonEnglish speakers, recent immigrants and clients facing a myriad of health, social and economic disparities. “2020 has shed a spotlight on disparities, the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on communities of color and the impact of George Floyd’s murder,” said Abderholden. “We are grateful that NorthPoint is there to provide excellent, integrated, and holistic mental health care to the community that has endured great trauma.” Northpoint’s behavioral health services help children, including providing school-linked mental health services in several schools, and running the North Side Teen Clinic. It also serves adults by providing integrated mental health and substance use services along with a
Doug Kraft multitude of support groups. St. Paul-based RECLAIM was also presented with a Provider of the Year Award. RECLAIM works to increase access to mental health support so that youth who identify as queer or trans may reclaim their lives. RECLAIM partners with youth ages 13 – 25 who are marginalized because of their gender identity, gender expression and/or sexual orientation. The program not only provides accessible mental health care and integrative health care to these youth and their families, but also includes efforts to increase access to care for queer and trans youth of color and their families by providing training, education and outreach. Edina psychologist Cindy Nollette was presented with a Professional of the Year Award, given to a professional who provides high quality services, exemplifies best practices, and demonstrates commitment and leadership to the field. “Cindy Nollette is known for working with children who have complex needs, often autism and a mental illness. She understands the importance of engaging the family and the child’s team at school. In addition, every year, she collects gifts for NAMI Minnesota’s holiday drive – where we make sure that every child or adult who is hospitalized or in residential treatment during the holidays receives a gift. She is truly an outstanding mental health professional and we thank her for her work,” said Abderholden. Intermediate District 287 Superintendent Sandy Lewandowski was given the the Educator of the Year Award, for helping children with mental illnesses to succeed in school, and include families at the table. Intermediate District 287 serves students with the highest needs for 11 member school districts in Hennepin County. Students require special education and alternative learning programs. Many have experienced trauma and a large percentage struggle with their mental health. Many have been unsuccessful in school and in danger of becoming part of what is called the school to prison pipeline. “Sandy has testified at the legislature for specialized funding to provide a mental health professional in the classroom. She led her district to use alternatives to school resource officers by developing strong, trusting relationships with students and their families and by hiring staff who specialize in mental health, de-escalation, restorative justice and safe physical interventions. In the pilot school, arrests went NAMI MINNESOTA To page 7
December 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 12 Pg 7
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From page 6 from 65 to 12 in the first year. Now, across all four of its school buildings, the district averages just five arrests per year,” said Abderholden. “Through innovation and dedication, and because of her leadership, District 287 now provides a trauma-informed environment designed to meet the high mental health and academic needs of its students.” Two state lawmakers were also honored. Sen. Jerry Relph (R-St. Cloud) and Rep. Rena Moran (DFL-St. Paul) were each given a Legislator of the Year Award, for being outspoken advocates for children and adults with mental illness and their families. “Senator Relph was the chief author of many of NAMI’s bills including one during the special session to ensure that mental health providers had funding to deal with the pandemic, the enormous civil commitment bill which was over 60 pages and had to go to several committees, the
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Sen. Jerry Relph bill to expand our mental health workforce, the bill that funded our children’s residential treatment facilities when we lost federal Medicaid funding and many more,” said NAMI’s board president Carrie Borchardt. “Thank you, Senator Relph, for your advocacy.” “Representative Moran has focused much of her energies on ensuring that children receive the support they need to succeed. This has led to her authoring bills to support trauma informed schools, changing child protection laws, promoting early and effective childcare, and funding culturally competent mental health care. She has also worked on police reform, and expunging eviction records so they don’t become a permanent barrier to housing,” said Borchardt. “NAMI greatly appreciates her advocacy on children’s mental health and wellbeing and her work to make our mental health system more accessible and culturally competent.” Frank Lee of the Brainerd Dispatch was given the 2020 Media Award, which is for an individual or organization instrumental in reporting on the needs of people with mental illnesses or effectively portraying the stories of people with mental illnesses and their families. Lee, who covers Crow Wing County government and other regional news, also helps share information on important mental health issues through social media “Frank often writes stories about mental illnesses or the mental health system. He makes sure that people in the region know about efforts to raise awareness, provide education on mental health and substance use, and resources that are available. We are very pleased to honor him with this award.,” said Abderholden. The Nickel Open Fund was honored with a Best Independent Event Award, given in recognition of an individual or group who organizes an event to raise awareness and funds for NAMI Minnesota. Since the loss of their son, Nick, Jordan residents Bruce and Lori Hunstad mobilized their network of friends to host five events to support NAMI’s mission, including starting the Nickel Open Fund and captaining teams for NAMIWalks Minnesota. Their dedicated efforts to raise funds have educated hundreds of people and raised almost $100,000 for NAMI Minnesota’s programs. The Nickel Open Fund’s Golf and Soulshine Bean Bag Tournaments have helped educate people about mental illnesses and raise funds for NAMI Minnesota’s programs of education, support and advocacy for the past several years, beginning in May 2018. “Bruce’s goal is to make sure no other family experiences the pain of suicide and depression alone,” said Abderholden. “Bruce and Lori wanted the entire team of the Nickel Open Fund to be recognized for their hard work to make these events so successful. So we honor this network of friends and families for their determination to help others in need.” The next Soulshine Bean Bag Tournament is set for Feb. 27 in Jordan. For information, go to nickelopenfund.org.
December 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 12 Pg 8
REGIONAL NEWS Villavicencio wins city council seat Disability community activist Nikki Villavicencio has won a seat in the Maplewood City Council. She topped the city council race by garnering 28.6 percent of the vote, followed by Rebecca Cave who drew 26.1 percent. Incumbent Sylvia E. Neblett received 25.1 percent while Garrett Krueger trailed with 19.5 percent. Villavicencio has advocated for equity issues to multiple levels of government for more than a decade. Priorities for her upcoming term include growing a sustainable environment, making policies inclusive to families and local businesses and bringing back public comments to city council meetings. “I was so shocked, now I'm starting to realize it's a real thing," Villavicencio told KSTP-TV. She takes office in January. In 2018, Villavicencio lost a council race by just five votes in a recount, but this time around, she gathered 700 more votes than the next candidate. “This means a lot to people with disabilities, and marginalized people," Villavicencio said. Villavicencio uses a wheelchair to get around. She was born with a rare congenital joint condition known as arthrogryposis. She’s been active at the local state, regional and federal government levels. Her post recent municipal post has been as a member of the Maplewood Parks and Recreation Commission. “What has been heavy on my mind, is the fact that I do sit on the shoulders of folks with disabilities who have come before me in Minnesota," Villavicencio said. She and volunteers with Neighbors for Nikki waged an
Sanford steps back from statement
Top Sanford Health executives have disavowed an email sent by the health system’s president and CEO regarding masking and COVID-19. They also apologized to the organization’s employees. Sanford Health President and CEO Kelby Krabbenhoft, who is not a doctor, sent an email to employees in which said he wouldn’t wear a mask because he considered it a “symbolic gesture” since he had caught COVID-19 and now considered himself immune. The health system issued a statement on Friday flatly distancing itself from Krabbenhoft’s claims. Kelby Krabbenhoft’s email was based on his own experience with COVID-19 and his personal opinions about the virus. They do not reflect the views of our health system as a whole,” wrote Sanford Executive Vice President Micah Aberson. Sanford executives also sent an email to all employees distancing themselves from Krabbenhoft’s statements and apologizing for their effects. “We know that words matter, and words have power, and we regret that the message left many frustrated and disappointed,” wrote the five executives, in the email obtained from multiple sources by Forum News Service. “You are our heroes working tirelessly to take care of our patients and we hear you, support you and appreciate you.” Sioux Falls-based Sanford Health is one of the nation’s largest non-profit health systems, with major medical facilities and hundreds of clinics in South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. (Source: Forum News Service)
Man sentenced for scam
One day before the nation marked Veterans Day 2020, a Georgia man was sentenced to more than two years in prison for exploiting and financially damaging four disabled Minnesota veterans. While the veterans did without, he collected more than $365,000 in government benefits that he diverted as their money manager to buy a home and a luxury car. Jeffrey F. Horner, 57, of Mableton, Ga., was sentenced
Nikki Villavicencio energetic campaign. But some future constituents made thoughtless comments. “When I was door-knocking, people would very bluntly ask me, 'Why would somebody like you want to run for office,'" she recalled. “I say to them 'If I can make the community accessible to me, and people like me, it's going to be more accessible for the moms with strollers, and the senior citizens who want to walk to the grocery store.'" Villavicencio hopes her victory can inspire everyone to try and create change in their community. “Everybody has the right to be seated at the table of power," she said. "When we have more voices, we become more diverse and have better solutions at that table." (Source: Pioneer Press, KSTP-TV) in U.S. District Court in St. Paul for 2 1/2 years in prison. It follows him pleading guilty to wire fraud and calls for him to make restitution to his victims and serve a year of supervised release. In his role as a fiduciary, Horner was responsible for managing the veterans’ benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Between April 2010 and September 2018, he funneled the benefits from the federal agencies to at least 12 bank accounts in his name and the names of his businesses. “Horner’s scheme was accomplished through numerous falsified checks and fraudulent forms submitted to government agencies year after year,” the prosecution wrote in a filing before sentencing that argued for him to be imprisoned for a longer term. “And when he wanted to steal larger sums that could not be explained as everyday living expenditures, Horner falsified copies of checks to charities in order to further bolster his lies.” One of the veterans with bipolar disorder lived in East Bethel. Another lived in Minneapolis and battled Parkinson’s disease and had a schizoaffective disorder. A third also lived in Minneapolis and lived with depression and other afflictions. The fourth was a son of the East Bethel veteran who lived in Iowa and was eligible for SSA benefits. One of his victims, the prosecution filing noted, said that Horner’s actions ruined his credit rating and forced him “to live on the streets of Minneapolis starting Feb. 19, 2012, when it was 30 below zero actual temperature.” Another victim told of being worried about getting money for food and having “to use the food banks when we didn’t get paid.” (Source: Star Tribune)
Farmers with disability in group
Seventeen Minnesotans appointed to a legislatively created Emerging Farmers Working Group this month through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will help shape the future of farming in the state. “Many Minnesotans are interested in agriculture and looking for a pathway to succeed at farming, only
to encounter numerous barriers when entering the field,” Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan said. “I’m excited about the trail-blazers and risk-takers who are lending their abilities and perspectives to this effort to make agriculture more inclusive.” The group’s purpose is to advise the MDA and Minnesota Legislature on ways to advance the success and sustainability of farmers who traditionally face barriers to the resources necessary to build profitable agricultural businesses. Emerging Farmers are defined as women, veterans, persons with disabilities, American Indian/Alaskan Native, communities of color, young and urban farmers. The inaugural working group members include: Gina Aguilar and Hindolo Pokawa, Hennepin County; Hannah Bernhardt, Pine County; Elizabeth Bryant, Rice County; Naima Dhore and Miah Ulysse, Ramsey County; Jessika Greendeer, Washington County; Janssen Hang and Sai Thao, Dakota County; Denise King, Anoka County; Lucas Kruse, Blue Earth County; Erika Legros and Kaitlyn Walsh, Carlton County; Moses Momanyi, Isanti County; Emily Reno, Otter Tail County; Michael Walgrave, Rock County and Shelly Woods, Sibley County. The MDA convened six listening sessions throughout Minnesota in 2019. The findings of those listening sessions were compiled in a legislative report, which recommended the creation of a working group to provide guidance to Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen and the Minnesota Legislature on developing programs and initiatives to support emerging farmers in Minnesota. “We know that Minnesota’s agricultural economy benefits when everyone gets a fair shot to succeed in farming, and we know we have work to do to make that possible,” Petersen said. “I’m grateful to the working group volunteers for accepting this challenge and I look forward to working with them.” The working group began meeting in November. (Source: Minnesota Department of Agriculture)
Lights go out on recycling
A longtime holiday lights and cords recycling program isn’t taking place this year. ProAct, which provides jobs and related services for people with disabilities in Minnesota and Wisconsin, isn’t conducting its e-waste recycling program this holiday season. ProAct in the past would set up bins at businesses in Twin Cities suburbs and southern Minnesota communities. Holiday lights and cords would be collected and then processed for recycling. Metal in lights and cords has value and can be recycled. The program provided work and also helped the environment. Jen Cavalier of ProAct said the program isn’t taking place for a number of reasons. Like other service providers, ProAct has made changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was also evaluated after last year’s collection and the evaluation results also factored into the decision to not continue. Anyone with lights or cords to recycle should contact their home county to see about recycling options. (Source: Access Press staff)
Mandatory wellness help for police
St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell has told his officers they would each have a mandatory wellness consultation next year. With the coronavirus pandemic and the unrest that followed the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody, Axtell said he’s heard from officers about “how stressed out they are and how under the microscope they feel.” Five St. Paul officers currently seeking disability claims, which can include post-traumatic stress disorder, said Steve Linders, a department spokesman. He said it’s unusual for the department to have that many at one time. In Minneapolis, meanwhile, an attorney announced in REGIONAL NEWS To page 9
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PEOPLE & PLACES The Minnesota Department of Human Services has announced the winners of its Circle of Excellence awards, which recognize organizations that have partnered with DHS and done an exemplary job of providing food, shelter and other assistance to Minnesotans in need. Many of the winners serve Minnesotans with disabilities. “These six organizations have provided exceptional service to Minnesotans in need of assistance, which is especially remarkable during this extraordinarily difficult year,” said Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “They stand out not just for clearly meeting the Circle of Excellence Award criteria, but for their unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in communities across our state.” Awards will be presented in the weeks ahead. The winners are: American Indian Community Development Corporation, Minneapolis, has done exemplary work in providing services and protection to the American Indian community, businesses and the homeless encampments in South Minneapolis, particularly in response to
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the pandemic. New initiatives included an overnight drop-in center; a hygiene services area to provide showers, food, supplies and a point of outreach; a 50-bed, 24-hour emergency shelter; and a 20-bed permanent supportive housing facility. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud has had to change its model for providing low-cost nutritious meal options for older adults in Central Minnesota during the pandemic. By incorporating frozen foods, developing pop-up sites and partnering with food shelves, the Senior Dining Program more than tripled its capacity and has been able to prepare and
deliver about 91,000 meals per month (up from 26,000 meals a month in 2019). CHUM (formerly known as Churches United in Ministry) provides shelter, food and assistance to people experiencing homelessness in St. Louis County. Open 365 days a year, it has 79 beds in a congregate shelter, six apartments for families and a drop-in center. CHUM allows people under the influence to stay at the shelter, welcomes companion animals and provides tele-health and tele-court services. Its food shelf distributes more than 600 five-day food packages a month. FamilyWise, Minneapolis, educates, empowers and enriches families who are struggling with poverty, substance abuse, mental health issues, homelessness and domestic violence. When the pandemic hit, FamilyWise had to overhaul its operations. Within two weeks, it had converted its in-person visitation, parent education and coaching services to virtual formats to ensure families continued to receive critical services. Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority developed contingency plans and partnerships to address unsheltered homelessness when the pandemic forced the closure of shelters in Olmsted County. The county’s Housing Stability Team partnered with the Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota and the City of Rochester's library staff to open a day center and opened a nighttime shelter
at the Mayo Civic Center. Among other things, their efforts led to housing more than 120 homeless individuals and the creation of 27 units of transitional housing. United Community Action Partnership, Marshall, works to eliminate poverty and support families in southwest Minnesota. UCAP quickly responded to COVID-19 this spring by offering its income tax assistance virtually and using its community transit service to deliver food to seniors and others facing barriers to leaving their homes. It also stepped up to meet the need for childcare by reopening some of its Head Start sites in June. The Circle of Excellence Awards are in their ninth year. Winners were selected based on how well they met the following award criteria: Supports the DHS mission to help people meet their basic needs so they can live in dignity and achieve their highest potential. Contributes to current DHS goals and priority projects. Demonstrates best practices. Achieves results that impact clients. Partners with others in the human services system. Special consideration was given this year to organizations that provided exceptional service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
DIVERSE CLASS From page 5
to be enrolled in transition services and job counseling. Educating others about disabilities and neurofibromatosis is also important to her. Marie Lego, St. Cloud, works at Connect Ability of Minnesota specializing in community Kellianne Blood Marie Lego Jonathan Murray Amber Roberts Heidi Storm Maria Raasch outreach and transportation. She’s also a single parent of a son change, and speaking up for those with enjoys community action groups. She is presenter for Ambassadors for Respect with multiple disabilities. While he disabilities. looking forward to learning from others where she talks to fourth grade students has benefitted from an Individualized Heidi Storm, St. Peter, is a selfhow to increase self-determination and about bullying prevention, inclusion and Education Plan, he still has struggles. advocate living with multiple disabilities community connections. respect. Blood is especially interested Lego and her son face challenges including autism. She participates Kellianne Blood, White Bear Lake, is about making the voting process inclusive together. She is interested in learning in adult rehabilitation mental health a self-advocate who works as a janitor and less overwhelming for those with more about waivered services and school services and case management. Storm at Merrick in Vadnais Heights. She is a disabilities. inclusion, and using her Partners skills at work and for her son.
Self-advocates find a voice
Many people with disabilities have blossomed in the Partners program, learning to speak for themselves and their needs. Many have gone on to have a regular presence at the state capitol and in advocacy groups. Two of the selfadvocates this year are from Merrick, Inc. Amber Roberts, Roseau, has a mild case of fetal alcohol syndrome disorder (FASD) that leaves her with anxiety, depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. She was successful in her work as a school paraprofessional but has concern for her siblings with more severe FASD and are bullied. Roberts’ mother suggested applying for Partners due to Robert’s strong compassion for others. Jonathan Murray, Roseville, has autism. He is specifically aware that his mind processes the world around him differently than others. He uses voice recognition technology and specialized supports to function more efficiently. Murray has many interests, ranging from hunting and fishing to programming and design. He’s a volunteer and board member for Twin Cities Maker, a community workshop where people share and learn. Maria Raasch, St. Paul, lives with multiple disabilities. She attends the Merrick day training program, and is a strong advocate for school inclusion and bullying prevention. Naturally shy, she is proud of her role with the Ambassadors for Respect and taking on the challenge of speaking up and voicing her concerns. She is involved with her church and enjoys helping others. She wants to learn more about the history of people with disabilities, becoming an agent for
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PEOPLE & PLACES RADIO TALKING BOOK
December 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 12 Pg 9 December 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 12 Pg 10
Seasons’ Greetings the Festival of Lights in the village of Chelm, Kwanzaa has been a holiday tradition, and an DHS Circle of Excellence awards are recognized During this unique holiday season, here’s to a Poland. Read by Carol McPherson. Five expression of cultural pride. Read by Stevie
A Redbird Christmas, fiction by Fannie Flagg, 2004. Oswald Campbell moves to a small Alabama town, expecting to die there. at the Mayo Civic Center. Among other Instead, the holidays give him a new lease on things, their efforts led to housing more life. Read by Pat Muir. Six broadcasts; begins than 120 homeless individuals and the Mon, Dec. 21. creation of 27 units of transitional housing. The Wedding Party, fiction by Katie Jasmine United Community Action Partnership, Guillory, 2019. Maddie thinks Theo is Marshall, works to eliminate poverty an irksome Theointhinks Maddie is and support jerk. families southwest a snobbish UCAP party girl. Both are in their Minnesota. quickly responded wedding What could possibly tofriend’s COVID-19 thisparty. spring by offering its go wrong? Read by Brenda Powell. income tax assistance virtually and 10 using begins Tue, Dec. 29. – L, S itsbroadcasts; community transit service to deliver food seniors and others facing barriers to RTBtoAfter Hours* leaving their homes. also stepped up to Monday – Friday 11 It p.m. meet the need forfiction childcare by reopening In Grace’s Time, by Kathie Giorgio, some its Head Start sites June. 2019.ofAfter Grace loses herinson Paul in an The Circle Excellence accident, sheofsets out on a Awards. road trip and Are in their ninth were learns to cope withyear. painWinners and grief. Read by selected on how well theyMon, met the Pat Muir.based 16 broadcasts; begins Dec. following award criteria: 7. – L Supports the DHS mission to help Weekend Program Books people meet their basic needs so they can live inPersonal dignity and achieve their Your World, 1 p.m. Sat,highest presents potential. There I Am by Ruthie Lindsey (L), read by Contributes to current DHS goals and Beverly Burchett. priority Rated Rprojects. , 11 p.m. Sat, presents The Kids Are Demonstrates best practices. Gonna Ask by Gretchen Anthony (L), read by Achieves results Scott McKinney. that impact clients. Partners with others in the human For thesystem. Younger Set, 11 a.m. Sun, presents services The Nowhere Emporium by Mackenzie, Special consideration wasRoss given this readtobyorganizations Mike Piscitelli.that provided year exceptional service in response to the Poetic Reflections, noon Sun, presents COVID-19 pandemic. Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver, read by Myrna Smith; followed by The Road By Heart by Greg Watson and Richard Broderick, read by Dan Sadoff.
joyful and aDepartment well-remembered broadcasts; begins Mon, Dec. 14. Ray. 13 broadcasts; Mon, Dec. 14. Thepresent Minnesota of past. from 26,000 meals abegins month in 2019). May the Services warmth ofhas friends and the comforts The Return of the Light, fiction by Carolyn Barack and Joe, nonfiction by Steven Human announced CHUM (formerly known as Churches of home renew spirits. Many McVickar Edwards, 2000. Storyteller Carol Levingson, 2019. While Joe Biden andfood the winners of everyone’s its Circle of United in Ministry) provides shelter, holiday selections are offered in December. McVickar Edwards collects folk tales about Barack Obamatohad distinct styles, they Excellence awards, which and assistance people experiencing Radio Talking Book offers its traditional Holthe winter solstice. Read by Dan Sadoff. formed an effective partnership and a close recognize organizations that have homelessness in St. Louis County. iday Programming broadcasts, beginning at 8 Three broadcasts; begins Thu, Dec. 17. personal partnered with DHS and done Open 365relationship. days a year,Read it hasby79Stevie beds Ray. in 12 p.m. Thu, Dec. 24, regular programming Dec. 31. an exemplary jobwith of providing abroadcasts; congregate begins shelter,Thu, six apartments for Bookworm* resuming at 6 and a.m. on Sat,assistance Dec. 26. food, shelter other families and a drop-in center. CHUM Monday – Friday noon Night Journey* Learn more about Book to Minnesotans inRadio need.Talking Many of allows people under the influence to stay at Beware of Cat, nonfiction by Vincent Wyckoff, Monday – Friday 7 p.m. Learn more about on the the winners servebroadcasts Minnesotans the shelter, welcomes animals 2007. Minneapolis letter carrier provides a The Noel Diary, fictioncompanion by Richard Paul Evans, Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network with disabilities. and provides tele-health and tele-court common thread that connects neighbors 2017. A man returns to his late mother’s available through the Minnesota “Thesefor sixloan organizations have services. food shelf distributes more with one another. Read by Isla Hejny. Five home atIts Christmastime, to find a mysterious Braille andexceptional Talking Book Library provided service to in Faribault. than 600 five-day food packages a month. broadcasts; begins Mon Dec. 7. diary and a woman seeking her own mother. The catalog isinonline Minnesotans needat ofwww.mnbtbl.org, assistance, FamilyWise, Minneapolis, educates, Read by John Holden. Six broadcasts; begins The Gift Counselor, fiction by Sheila M. click onisthe link Search the Library Catalog. which especially remarkable empowers Mon, Dec. and 14. enriches families who are Cronin, 2014. Though Jonquil Bloom advises Call thethis Minnesota Braille and Talking Book during extraordinarily difficult struggling with poverty, substance abuse, holiday shoppers, she is unable to give Merry Christmas, Alex Cross, fiction by James Library at 800-722-0550, year,” said CommissionerMonday-Friday, Jodi mental health issues, homelessness and her son the gift he wants most. Read by Patterson,violence. 2012. On Christmas Alex Cross 9 am - 4 pm“They CST. Persons living Harpstead. stand out notoutside of domestic When theEve, pandemic Marylynn Burridge. Eight broadcasts; begins takes on hostages.had Read Robb Empson. Six Minnesota maymeeting obtain copies of books via just for clearly the Circle hit, FamilyWise to by overhaul its Mon, Dec. 14. broadcasts; Within begins Tue, 22. - itV,had L anExcellence inter-libraryAward loan bycriteria, contacting of but their home operations. twoDec. weeks, The Christmas fiction by Sheila M. Crostate’s Library for the National for theirNetwork unwavering commitment converted its in-person visitation, Off the Shelf* services area toPact, provide showers, food, nin, 2014. Though coworkers Riley and KenLibrary Service. to making a positive difference in parent education coaching services Monday – Friday and 8 p.m. supplies and a point of outreach; a 50-bed, nedy dislike one other, they concoct a plan The sampling published monthly in Access communities across our state.” toJubal’s virtual formatsGift, to ensure Christmas fiction families by Dennis 24-hour emergency shelter; and a 20-bed to be each other’s holiday date. What could Press doesn’t the full of Awards willrepresent be presented in array the weeks continued receive D. Skirvin, to 2019. Jubalcritical Flowersservices. sets out to permanent supportive housing facility. possibly goCharities wrong? Read byDiocese MichelleofJunprogramming. Many are: more programs and ahead. The winners Olmsted County Housing and long ago. repay a holiday good deed from Catholic of the tunen. Sixhas broadcasts; beginsits Thu, Dec.for 24. books are available. American Indian Community Redevelopment Authority developed begins Read by John Beal. Four broadcasts; St. Cloud had to change model To find moreCorporation, information go to the Development Minneapolis, contingency Tue, Dec. 15.plans and partnerships to providing low-cost nutritious meal options The Writer’s Voice* Facebook site, Minnesota Talking has done exemplary work Radio in providing address unsheltered homelessness when for older adults in Central Monday – Friday 1 p.m. Minnesota The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the the Book. Audio informationto about the daily book services and protection the American pandemic the closure ofby shelters during the pandemic. The 13th Gift, nonfictionBybyincorporating Joann Huist Smith. Christmasforced Miracle Dog, fiction Dave in listingscommunity, is also on thebusinesses National Federation for Indian and Olmsted County. county’s Housing frozen sites and 2014. Afoods, familydeveloping dealing withpop-up an unexpected Barry, 2006. DougThe plays a shepherd in the homeless Blind (NFB) Newsline. Register for the the encampments in South Stability Team partnered with the Catholic partnering withthe food shelves, thetraditions Senior of death reclaims holidays with the holiday pageant. But the director is NFB Newslineparticularly by calling 651-539-1424. Minneapolis, in response to Charities of Southern Minnesota and the Dining Program more its kindness. Read by Pat than Muir. tripled Six broadcasts; crabby, Doug’s crush shares the spotlight The NFB-NEWSLINE serviceincluded provides the pandemic. New initiatives City Rochester's to dog openisn’t a capacity andDec. has been begins Thu, 16. able to prepare and withof a smooth guy, library and thestaff family access to more than 500 magazines and an overnight drop-in center; a hygiene day center opened a nighttime deliver about 91,000 meals per month (up doing well.and Read by Holly Sylvester. shelter Two His Truth Is Marching On, nonfiction by Jon newspapers, plus information on COVID-19 broadcasts; begins Mon, Dec. 21. Meacham, 2020. Pulitzer Prize winning in the “Breaking News” section. To learn reporter Jon Meacham narrates the inspiring Potpourri* DIVERSE CLASS more, visit www.nfb.org/programs-services/ life of prominent civil-rights leader Rep. Monday – Friday 9 p.m. The Great North 4 p.m. Sun, presents From page 5 nfb-newsline. John Lewis. Read by Michelle Juntunen. 11 Dreidels on the Brain, fiction by Joel ben Izzy, Secret Partners by Tim Mahoney, read by Jim Donate to the State Services for the Blind broadcasts; begins Thu, Dec. 24. aatson with multiple disabilities. 2016. As he endures Hanukkah 1971 in Los Gregorich. mn.gov/deed/ssbdonate While heto has benefitted from an programs Angeles, 12-year-old Joel learns to appreciate Choice Reading* Listen RTB’s live or archived All times listed are Central Standard Time. Individualized Education Plan, small miracles. Read by Eileen Barratt. Six Monday – Friday 2 p.m. online at www.mnssb.org/rtb Abbreviations: V – violent content, R – racial he still has struggles. Lego and broadcasts; begins Wed, Dec. 9. How to Spell Chanukah, and Other Holiday epithets, L – strong language, G – gory Chautauqua* her son face challenges together. Dilemmas, nonfiction by Emily Franklin, 2007. Good Night Owl* descriptions, S – sexual situation Monday – Fridayin6learning a.m. She is interested more Writers share tales about Chanukah and Monday – Friday 10 p.m. Hanukkah in America, nonfiction by Dianne about waivered services and school American Jewish life. Read by Michele Potts. Ashton, 2013. scholar presents inclusion, andPublisher using herand Partners 6 broadcasts; begins Mon, Dec 7. – L Kellianne Blood Jonathan Murray a guide to theand evolution the Festival of Marie Lego Amber Roberts Heidi Storm skills at work for herofson. Maria Raasch also each have a wellness consultation with REGIONAL NEWS Doc Christmas and the Magic of Trains, Lights in America. Read by Pat Kovel-Jarboe. an employee assistance program therapist. From page 8 fiction compassion by Neil Enock, An illness at strong for2015. others. bullying prevention. Naturally shy, she is connections. 13 broadcasts; begins find Mon, Dec. 7. Self-advocates a voice It’s confidential and will be a chance for the North Pole endangers Christmas. Doc Jonathan Murray, Roseville, has proud ofmore her role with the Ambassadors Kellianne White Bear Lake, is July that than 150 officers were filing Kicks: The Great American Story of Sneakers, officers “to askBlood, questions about anything Many people with disabilities have StevensHe must find a cure –aware once he finds autism. is specifically that hishis for Respect and takingclaims, on thewith challenge a self-advocate who works as a janitor work-related disability about nonfiction by Smith, 2018. The story from relationship issues to financial issues to blossomed in Nicholas the Partners program, holiday spirit. Read Johnaround Mandeville. mind processes theby world himSix of speaking upciting and voicing at Merrick in Vadnaisand Heights. She is that a three-quarters PTSD.her Lastconcerns. week, the of athletictoshoes their invention chemical dependency anything else learning speakfrom for themselves andto their broadcasts;than begins Tue, Dec. 15. voice differently others. He uses She is involved with her church aand presenter for Ambassadors for Respect City Council narrowly approved $500,000 enduring popularity. Read by Scott human beings struggle with from time to their needs. Many have gone on to McKinhave a recognition technology and specialized enjoys She wants to learn whereAxtell she talks to in fourth grade Afternoon Report* plan to helping bring in others. outside police officers to ney. 10 broadcasts; Thu, Dec. and 24. -in L time,” wrote an email to students officers. regular presence at begins the state capitol supports to function more efficiently. morefill about the history of people with about bullying prevention, inclusion and Monday – Friday 4 p.m. help the resulting shortfall in staffing. Axtell said he’ll take the first advocacy groups. Two of the self-advocates Past is Prologue* Murray has many interests, ranging from disabilities, becoming an agent for change, respect. Blood is especially interested Kwanzaa: Black Power and the Making of the St. Paul officers already go through an appointment to “demonstrate how deeply I this year are from 11 Merrick, Monday – Friday a.m. Inc. hunting and fishing to programming and speaking upfitness for those disabilities. about making the program.” voting process inclusive African-American Holiday Tradition, nonfiction annual physical test.with Starting in believe in this new Roberts, has by a mild A Amber Hanukkah Present,Roseau, nonfiction Markcase and design. He’s a volunteer board Heidiand Storm, St.through Peter, isthe a selfand less overwhelming for those withPress) by Keith A. Mayes, 2009. Sinceand 1966 January going year, they’ll (Source: Pioneer of fetal alcohol syndrome disorder (FASD) Binder, 2008. Storyteller Mark Binder tells of member for Twin Cities Maker, a advocate living with multiple disabilities disabilities. that leaves her with anxiety, depression community workshop where people share including autism. She participates in and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. and learn. adult rehabilitation mental health services She was successful in her work as a school Maria Raasch, St. Paul, lives with and case management. Storm enjoys paraprofessional but has concern for her multiple disabilities. She attends the community action groups. She is looking siblings with more severe FASD and Merrick day training program, and is a forward to learning from others how to are bullied. Roberts’ mother suggested strong advocate for school inclusion and increase self-determination and community applying for Partners due to Robert’s
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December 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 12 Pg 11
OPPORTUNITIES APPOINTMENTS
Find ways to serve Interested in serving on a state board, commission or committee? Openings are posted by the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office. Several disability-focused groups have openings posted at this time. Applications may be submitted online, and must be submitted within 21 days of the public date listed on the Open Positions page, to be assured of full consideration by the appointing authority. Appointing authorities may choose to review applications received by the Secretary of State after the 21 day application period. FFI: 651-201-2640, https:// commissionsandappointments.sos.state.mn.us
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
PACER offers workshops PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with any disabilities. Workshops are online at this time. Advance registration is required for all workshops. At least 48 hours’ notice is needed for interpretation. Workshops are live-streamed. Check out PACER’s website and link to the newsletter of statewide workshops that allows participants to pick and choose sessions designed for their needs. Tech for Girls Club: Coding a Story is 10-11 a.m. Sat, Dec. 5. In the workshop, middle school girls of all abilities will create their own story and use Scratch, an online coding program, to code scenes and animate characters. Zoom access links for this workshop will be emailed to participants the week of the virtual meeting. Focus on Wellness: Apps to Support Mental Health for All Ages is 2-3 p.m. Tue, Dec. 8. The workshop will offer a onehour overview of a variety of mobile apps that can support wellness for individuals of all ages. Working Toward Positive Educational Outcomes: Mental Health and Special Education is 6:30-8 p.m. Thu, Dec. 10. The workshop will provide parents and others with information to help prepare for a positive IEP team approach to supporting a child’s mental health needs in school and during distance learning. FFI: PACER, 952-8389000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org
INFO & ASSISTANCE
Training on self-care NAMI Minnesota in collaboration with McCubbin Training and LeadingAge Minnesota has created a free, online training on Self-Care for Senior Workers During COVID-19. The training helps caregivers develop personal strategies for managing stress and practicing self-care as they continue to provide
AROUND THE DIAL Disability Channel Minnesota Disability Landscape/Disability Channel Minnesota has launched its YouTube channel. Mark Knutson, Charlie Brose and their team are regularly posting shows. They are looking for contributors to the channel. Contact them at disabilitychannelmn@gmail.com Disability and Progress KFAI Radio, 6-7 p.m. Thu. Shows are now available on podcast. Just a few episodes are on podcast now but more will be there in the future. 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. Visit the show’s 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
care for others. The training is targeted for caregivers of older adults living in care centers, assisted living, their own home and adult foster care settings. It is about 20 minutes long and can be viewed on a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer. To access the training go to namimn.org and see “Self-Care Training for Senior Workers.” FFI: 651-645-2948. Learn about assistance dogs Can Do Canines is hosting its Tails to Tell presentations virtually, to share information about Can Do Canines and its assistance dogs program. Upcoming dates include 11 a.m. Thu, Dec. 10; and Sat, December 19. Each presentation will be led by a Can Do Canines staff member and will include testimonials from an assistance dog team and a puppy raiser, a photo tour of the facility and more. Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions. Preregister. FFI: 763-331-3000, ext. 152, tailstotell.can-do-canines.org Helping employees live in a pandemic NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has developed an online mental health program for employers to offer their employees to help them manage their stress, coping skills and resiliency during this unprecedented time. The new program is called HELP – Helping Employees Live in a Pandemic. HELP program classes include: Minding Your Mental Health During COVID-19, Keeping in Touch: Staying Connected During COVID-19, Coping with Kids, Self-Care and Mindfulness, Physical Activity, Nutrition, Positive Psychology, and Question, Persuade and Refer, which teaches the three steps anyone can take to help prevent a suicide. Classes are one hour long. Employers can choose one or all of the classes to be offered through Zoom or another online platform. NAMI Minnesota appreciates, but does not require, an honorarium for delivering the classes. Contact NAMI to schedule a class or classes. FFI: namihelps@namimn.org Minnesota STAR program The Minnesota STAR program staff is working to provide services and keep clients safe. The equipment lending library has specific procedures and only no-contact loans are offered. All equipment is tested and sanitized prior to shipping. STAR staff wears proper PPE (personal protective equipment) during the process. Device loans continue to be for 30 days. After equipment is returned to STAR it is quarantined for five days. After the quarantine period equipment is once again sanitized, inspected and tested. Virtual demonstrations are done on as needed. Information and assistance services continue as usual. FFI: 651-201-2640, star.program@state.mn.us
Conor’s Corner Happy one-year anniversary for Conor’s Corner. St. Paul Highland Park resident Conor O’Meara can be heard 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 The on-air studio line, offered 10-11 a.m. Mondays, is 651-313-5125. 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. T-shirts from the show are for sale at the St. Paul Highland Park Lund’s & Byerly’s store.
Online mental health support NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers a variety of free online peer support groups for adults and young adults living with a mental illness, their families, friends, spouses/partners, as well as parents of children and teens. Led by trained peer facilitators, the support groups help individuals and families learn coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. The groups are specifically for those individuals suggested by the group’s title. For example, Family Support Group is only for family members and NAMI Connection is only for those who live with a mental illness and are over 18 years old, etc. Find a complete listing of group meetings and how to join in by going to namimn.org and clicking on “Support Groups”. FFI: https://namimn.org/ support/nami-minnesota-support-groups/. MCIL is online The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living provides classes and activities, currently in a virtual format. MCIL is at 530 N. Robert Street, St. Paul and most activities are there or start there. Check the website to see what events are listed on the website, www.mcil-mn.org. Click on “Classes Groups and Sessions” for classes 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 Centers for independent living statewide Minnesota centers for independent living statewide have gone to a mix of operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Typically centers offer an array of classes, training programs and other services tied to independent living. Centers that provide PCA, homemaker and other staffing for clients continue to do that in person. But most services aren’t provided at facilities. Facilities aren’t open to the public at all or on a limited basis, varying by center. Check with a local center before going in. FFI: www.macil.org/ Vision loss group offers activities Vision Loss Resources has opened with safety protocols in place. Some services are offered virtually. Low vision assessments are available by phone. Ask about virtual support groups, distance learning, and no-contact grocery shopping and reading support. Events and activities are offered virtually through the community center. The rehabilitation center is open for vision rehabilitation training, both in-person and remotely. DeafBlind Services Minnesota provides one-to-one services to adults and children with deafblindness. No deafblind community activities are scheduled at this time. FFI: 612-871-2222, info@visionlossresources.org
ENJOY! Less to Enjoy!
Many of the museums, arts and theater groups that typically have listings in the Access Press Enjoy! calendar have suspended activities, moved to online services or are offering limited in-person services with social distancing and safety measures. Please check with a venue or organization before making plans. Check to see what is available through the Minnesota Access Alliance and its calendar, at https://mnaccess.org/
Open Flow Forum
The Artists with Disabilities Alliance meets via Zoom 7-9 p.m. the first Thu of the month. Upcoming dates Thu, Dec. 4 and Jan. 7. Virtually join artists with disabilities and supporters to share visual art, writing, music, theater and artistic efforts or disability concerns. Facilitators are Tara Innmon, Kip Shane and Springboard for the Arts. The gatherings are fully accessible. Anyone needing special accommodations should contact Andy at host organization Springboard for the Arts. FFI: 651-294-0907, resources@ springboardforthearts.org
CLASSIFIEDS
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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. Rates: $15 (first 18 words) and 65¢ per word thereafter. Classified ads prepaid. Mail to: Access Press, PO Box 40006, Industrial Station, St. Paul, MN 55104-5485; Phone: 651-644-2133; Email: access@accesspress.org
December 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 12 Pg 12
...BECAUSE
Connect with us for these statewide services: Self-Directed Services
everyone has a right to be empowered. Resources for Individuals, Families and Employers.
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