July 2021 Edition - Access Press

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TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 4766

Volume 32, Number 7

July 2021

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Service directory needs your listing

- Sen John Hoffman, on the health and human services legislation

NEWS DIGEST

JILL BOOGREN/LONGFELLOW MESSENGER

Since our very first issue in May 1990, Access Press has published a listing of disability service organizations.

The first issue included two pages of organizations, with names starting from A through H. The directory was the first installment of what was to be a continuing feature. A goal for founding editor Charlie Smith was to compile all of the organizations into a guide.

In the pre-email and fax machine days, Smith asked organizations to mail him information on their letterhead, so that they could be listed. The initial directory was a free service; it eventually became paid advertising space.

Much has changed since that early directory 31 years ago. Just about all of the remaining organizations have moved offices, likely more than once over the years.

Camp Friendship is now part of True Friends. The many local Arc chapters have been merged into one. Handicapped Organized Women, Cloud Nine Therapeutic Horsemanship and the Edina Disabled Citizens Club are no more.

That early directory shows us that organizations change, as does language.

We’d never call anyone “handicapped’ or “crippled” today, yet that was in some organizational names.

What has not changed is that the Directory of Organizations still provides a valuable service for Minnesotans with disabilities, their families and their allies.

In print four times a year and online 24/7, the directory provides one-stop shopping for a wide array of resources.

But our directory has lost members, and we’d like them to consider returning.

We’d also like others to join.

Cost is just $60 per year for a listing, with an extra charge for additional listings. Organizations get a writeup and web links on the Access Press website.

This month’s directory is on pages 8-9.

Join us in providing needed resources and information in the directory.

Questions? Call us at 651-644-2133 or email access@accesspress.org

The words in this bill uplift those in the most challenging situations.

George Floyd's 2020 death has spurred ongoing debate about equity and law enforcement reform. This sign is in Minneapolis.

HHS, public safety measures go down to the wire at capitol

by Jane McClure As the clock ticked toward a June 30 deadline, Minnesota lawmakers were wrapping up work on a stack of budget bills. Disability community members were closely following health and human services, education, jobs, transportation and public safety as the legislative special session wound down.

While there was happiness with many

Partners in Policymaking graduates celebrate Page 7, 10 Sensory-friendly vaccine clinic Page 3

disability-related gains in the health and human services and education budgets, there were still unknowns. Some disability service providers were on the move in June, making plans in case they faced a government shutdown on July 1.

State leaders gave assurances that they would reach a budget agreement and keep the doors open. But the specter of going

Disability Hub is 15!

Page 4 Use our Directory of Organizations to find services Page 8-9 Service dogs available Page 13

LAWMAKERS To page 3

The 2021 Minnesota Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) celebration is noon1:30 p.m. Monday, July 26. Commemorate 31 years of the ADA at the free, online celebration, with the theme of resilience.

Registration deadline is Sunday, July 25.

Register at http://bit.ly/ada-31.

The 90-minute virtual event will feature informative, engaging and entertaining speakers and performances from across Minnesota. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson will share ways the Zenith City is working to ensure greater accessibility for all its residents and visitors.

Much focus will be on the COVID-19 pandemic. NAMI Minnesota Executive Director Sue Abderholden will reflect on ways the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people with disabilities and the resilience shown by so many.

Great Lakes ADA Center Project Manager Peter Berg will discuss the transformation to teleworking as a vital accessibility accommodation during the pandemic. Disability lead for the COVID-19 Community Coordinators Initiative Mai Thor will share the state's efforts to reach people with disabilities during the pandemic.

Todd Grugel, who is responsible for ADA design and construction guidance with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), will discuss improvements on state highways.

Event attendees will be treated to

FILE PHOTO

31 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act: Minnesotans celebrate resilience

Minnesotans will celebrate the ADA July 26. performances by acclaimed jazz guitarist and recording artist Sam Miltich and Duluthbased BOLD-choice Theatre Company.

ARC Northland's Adult and Family Services Manager Meredith Kujala will serve as event emcee.

ASL and CART services will be provided.

Portions will be audio described. To request additional accommodations, contact Cindy Tarshish at 651-603-2015, 1-888-6309793, MN Relay 711, or cindyt@mcil-mn. org. Deadline for accommodation requests is July 12. For more information, go to CelebrateADAMN.com and on Facebook at Celebrate ADAMN. The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by then-President George H.W. Bush.

It was the world's first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities, and was signed in front of 3,000 people on the White House lawn. The event represented a milestone in America's commitment to full and equal opportunity for everyone.

Bush said, “Let the shameful walls of exclusion finally come tumbling down.” The ADA Handbook states that enactment of the ADA reflected deeply held ideals that treasure the contributions that individuals can make when free from arbitrary, unjust or outmoded societal attitudes and practices that prevent the realization of their potential.

“The ADA reflects a recognition that the surest path to America's continued vitality, strength and vibrancy is through the full

realization of the contributions of all of its citizens,” the handbook stated.

Minnesotans have celebrated the ADA since that July 1990 signing. The first-ever statewide celebration was held in August 1990 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. More than 1,000 people, including many local, state and national officials, attended the event. Attendees enjoyed speeches, music and displays from many of the state’s disability service organizations.

Over the years, the state and local celebrations continued to commemorate the ADA. Minneapolis held its own celebration for many years, as did other cities.

The statewide celebration has been at many venues over the years. It has taken many forms.

The 1991 event was at Lake Phalen in St. Paul, with entertainment, refreshments and a more relaxed park atmosphere. Subsequent events have been held at the Minnesota History Center, Nicollet Island, Hamline University, Science Museum of Minnesota, state office buildings and the capitol. Some years the event has included a march.

In 2020, what had been envisioned as a grand celebration of the ADA’s 30-year anniversary had to be scaled back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many websites have comprehensive history of the ADA and celebrations to mark its passage. One interesting website is https:// www.adaanniversary.org/findings_purpose

July 2021 Volume 32, Number 7

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It was great to be in the company of more than 100 people who loved and admired Rick Cardenas. It was an outstanding event with several proclamations from our politicans celebrating Rick and his successes in making Minnesota more disability-friendly.

I’m writing this toward the end of June, so I can’t really know what the weather’s like the day you’re reading this, but the summer started with a scorching, long and dry heat wave. I hope by the time this reaches you we’ve either cooled down or are having more typical Minnesota heat and rain.

Right in the middle of the heat wave we had Rick Cardenas' memorial celebration on June 13. The heat wasn’t a factor, though; we enjoyed strong breezes and chatting in the shade. It was great to be in the company of more than 100 people who loved and admired Rick. It was an outstanding event, with several

proclamations from our politicians celebrating Rick and his successes in making Minnesota more disabilityfriendly.

Throughout the speeches we heard many people say, “We need a new Rick.”

The last speaker was Rick’s grandnephew and he proclaimed, “I am the new Rick.”

He went on to talk about the momentum we have today, and how if we keep it up we can make things happen. It really was like Rick speaking through him. It was very moving and just shows how much Rick inspired so many around him, including one of the youngest in the crowd. His nephew understood Rick’s

I found myself thinking about the impact of Amanda Gorman, the first youth poet laureate of the United States. It turns out she has a disability. She was born with auditory sensitivity disorder and is hypersensitive to sound. That caused a speech impediment for which she had speech therapy for years.

message, that you have to speak out for what you want and for what is best for the community.

Maybe it was that young person’s influence, but I found myself thinking about the impact of Amanda Gorman, the first youth poet laureate of the United States. Gorman read her poem, “The Hill We Climb” at the presidential inauguration of Joe Biden. The poem is posted on YouTube, along with many videos of her reading more of her poetry and excerpts from the two books she has written. Both books became best sellers after her reading at the inauguration.

I was so impressed by her I did some research and it turns out she has a disability. She was born with auditory sensitivity disorder and is hypersensitive to sound. That caused a speech impediment for which she had speech therapy for years. She doesn't think of her disability as a weakness but as a source of strength, “because since I was experiencing these obstacles in terms of my auditory and vocal skills, I became really good at reading and writing.”

She also worked very hard at performing her poetry. You wouldn't know it when she is reading aloud, but when she speaks one-on-one in interviews you can detect the speech disorder. She surely hasn't let her

disability slow her down. She is a prominent example for all of us that we must speak out, and speak clearly, with the right words and honestly, to be heard and to make change. She proclaimed that she will be running for president in 2036, but I hope it doesn't take that long for the first female president. From what we know of her now, she has the potential to be a wise leader.

Gorman received a Milken Family Foundation scholarship. She graduated in 2020 from Harvard, with highest honors.

Her degree is in sociology. The executive director of Urban Word NYC jokingly said, “her bio goes out of date about every two weeks.” We will be seeing a lot more of her over the years, I can guarantee you that.

We don't really know what is happening in the special session at the capitol except that they are trying to iron out budget recommendations behind closed doors. Things looked very hopeful for the disability-related agenda a week into the session, but it soon became very unclear what would happen. We will get the news out to you on Facebook or Twitter as soon as we know something solid.

Have a good summer. Don't get sunburnt.

HISTORY NOTE

Fifty years of innovation and changes are reflected in Accord's history The disability service provider Accord celebrates 50 years’ operations in 2021. Here’s a look back at some past accomplishments.

In 1967, members and leaders of Minneapolis’ Westminster Presbyterian Church saw a need to serve families whose loved ones lived with disabilities.

The need was apparent as the number of people served by a church program more than tripled, from seven in the first year to 25 the following year. The program grew to become Community Involvement Programs or CIP, which was founded May 28, 2021.

CIP had a long history of innovative and first-of-their-kind programs, addressing needs at a time when many people with disabilities were transitioning out of institutions. One program was an apartment training program, to help people live in their own homes.

A downtown day activity center opened its doors in 1972.

From the early years, a big CIP focus

was housing, with an array of housing options opening their doors in locales from Minneapolis to Pine County. Group homes, mental health adult foster homes, semi-independent living situations or SILS, and the opening of the first home in Hinckley under the Home and Community-Based Services waiver were among the many accomplishments.

In the 1990s CIP worked with nonprofit housing providers and Hennepin County suburbs through a shared housing program, to renovate vacant and foreclosed upon homes for use as supportive homes for persons living with mental illness. In newspaper articles, then-CIP Director Tim Burkett said the program was launched to break the cycle of people leaving hospital settings for group homes, moving to independent living and then going back into hospitals or institutions because they couldn’t live completely on their own.

CIP also played a lead role in creation of the Minnesota Supportive Housing

Consortium while continuing to provide an array of new services.

CIP went far beyond typical case management and housing placement and supervision. One 1980s Star Tribune article described how CIP clients were learning to defend themselves, through physical tactics and assertiveness training led by the Midwest Karate Association.

The training took place after some clients were crime victims.

In 2015, under new leadership with CEO Rita Wiersma, CIP joined Altair Accountable Care Organization as a provider focusing on how health care is integrated with social services for people with disabilities. In response to health care and social services often occurring in isolation, a new vision is emerging. Established in 2013, Altair Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is the first social service-initiated ACO in Minnesota, and believed to also be the first in the nation. It embraces a vision of a system that coordinates, evaluates,

and plans financing for a wide range of services that impact health.

The ALLY People Solutions-CIP merger in 2019 allowed further expansion in day support services and employment services.

The ever changing landscape of Minnesota social services, coupled with the merger, called for a new name. The name Accord was chosen in 2020. It was one of many changes as services locations and offices consolidated into a new St. Paul headquarters, on Energy Park Drive.

Now Accord is poised for its next 50 years of helping people with an array of disabilities to live their greatest lives..

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

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

Website: accesspress.org email: access@accesspress.org phone: 651-644-2133 Co-Founder/Publisher........................................................................................................................ Wm. A. Smith, Jr. (1990-96) Co-Founder/Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief....................................................................................Charles F. Smith (1990-2001) Editor-in-Chief/Executive Director................................................................................................. Tim Benjamin (2001-2020) Board of Directors..........................................................................................................................................Mohamed Alfash, John Clark, .............................................................................................................................Shannah Mulvihill, Walt Seibert, Joel Ulland, Kay Willshire Managing Editor........................................................................................................................................................................ Jane McClure Advertising Sales............................................................................................................................................................................. Staci Reay Columnist/Staff Writer...........................................................................................................................................................Tim Benjamin Cartoonist.......................................................................................................................................................................................Scott Adams Production.........................................................................................................................................................................................In-Fin Tuan

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July 2021 Volume 32, Number 7

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Sensory-focused clinic

People who live with sensory issues have an option for the COVID-19 vaccine. The Multicultural Autism Action Network (MAAN) and the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) are partnering with Hennepin Healthcare to offer a free sensory-friendly COVID-19 vaccine clinic for persons ages 12 and older, 3-7 p.m.

Thursday, July 15. The clinic will be at the AuSM office at 2380 Wycliff St., #102, St. Paul.

Hennepin Healthcare nurses, along with MAAN and AuSM staff, will be available to help families and individuals access the vaccine that will help everyone stay safe. Private vaccine areas will be available as well as other accommodations to make the vaccine experience go as smoothly as possible.

Pfizer (2 doses, ages 12 and older) and Johnson & Johnson (1 dose, ages 18 and older) vaccines will be available. Oromo, Somali, and Spanish interpreters will be available at the clinic.

The autism group-led event comes as changes come to Minnesota’s vaccine landscape. Ten of the state’s 87 counties are at or above the 70 percent adult vaccination mark. According to the most recent data from the state, more than seven out of every 10 people aged 16 and up in the 10 counties have received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. Six of these 10 counties are in the Twin Cities metro, with the remaining four split between the northeast and southeast.

The counties are Cook, Olmsted, Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington, Dakota, Carver, Houston, Carlton and Scott. Cook leads the state with 82.3 percent of adults vaccinated.

Seven more counties are at or above the 65 percent mark – Big Stone, Fillmore, Lake, Wabasha, Goodhue, Brown and St. Louis.

But in 13 other counties, fewer than half of adults have received their vaccines. Those counties are Jackson, Marshall, Sibley, Meeker, Sherburne, Hubbard, Morrison, Benton, Isanti, Pine, Clearwater, Kanabec and Todd.

The 70 percent vaccination rate is a key benchmark, set by Gov. Tim Walz. Walz had hoped the state would reach that mark by July. That is in line with a goal set by the White House. It is a percentage presented as the minimum needed to reach “herd immunity” and stopping the pandemic for good.

The current Minnesota statewide adult vaccination rate was more than 65 percent as June ended.

The rising vaccination rate and declining demand meant that pop-up testing and vaccine sites around the state have closed. That included a large vaccination site

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Vaccination rate increases but more are urged to get their shots

Drive-up vaccines offer convenience for people with disabilities that impact mobility. at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, which offered many disability accommodations.

People can still contact pharmacies, doctor’s offices and local public health agencies for vaccines and testing.

More than 10 million COVID-19 tests have been performed in Minnesota.

As June ended the state had had more than 7,500 deaths and more than 600,000 known infections.

COVID-19 testing remains free for recipients in Minnesota, regardless of where people are tested.

Walz has announced he plans to end the pandemic state of emergency August 1. The state has been under peacetime emergency status since March 2020, with the

status renewed every 30 days. That gave Walz the power to make decisions during the pandemic.

The governor was able to set up vaccine and testing centers, activate the State Emergency Operations Center and take steps on other measures including unemployment insurance.

Walz said at a news conference that his office will need time to redeploy hundreds of state employees who had been reassigned to other duties during the pandemic. He has extended the state of emergency during a series of legislative special sessions, so state lawmakers will gather one more time in mid-July for that action.

Start thinking about elections and planning to vote, volunteer As in-person events return in Minnesota, those who attend community festivals and fairs may see a familiar sight. Booths urging everyone to register to vote are a fixture at many community events, alongside the kiddie games, face painters and popcorn stands.

Access Press and Ramsey County Elections will be launching a series of public service articles, prior to the November 2 election. A goal is to increase the number of Minnesotans with disabilities who vote. Another goal is to get more people with disabilities interested in becoming election judges.

While the focus is Ramsey County, the information presented will be useful to voters statewide. And while not every Minnesota community will have an election in 2021, the information will be useful for years to come.

In the meantime, here are some voting reminders for Access Press readers. If a community has a primary election, mail voting and early voting started June 25 and will end August 9.

Voters need to register by July 20 to save time on Primary Election Day, August 10. Registration will be available at the polls.

LAWMAKERS

Health and human services Some lawmakers invoked the memory of longtime activist Rick Cardenas before passing the $18.8 billion omnibus health and human services budget late June 26.

Cardenas, 79, died in March. He had been a fixture at the capitol for decades, championing an array of disability rights measures. A section of the bill is named the Rick Cardenas Self-Advocacy Network.

The 484-page bill was passed 62-4 by the Senate, then repassed 69-56 by the House and sent to Gov. Tim Walz for his signature.

The health and human services bill funds a wide array of services for people with disabilities. Peer to peer support networks, a study of parents with disabilities and supports for them, telehealth programs, creation of a culturally informed mental health task force and various grant programs are among the many gains in the bill.

Speakers thanked self-advocates and the many disability service organizations that worked to get provisions of the bill passed. Still, much had to be left out as the bill started at 960 pages.

Senators Jim Abeler and John Hoffman were among those speaking to the disability-related bill provisions.

Abeler (R-Anoka) spoke to how the bill would help people with disabilities live more independent lives, making home and community-based services more readily available. He called it a “bill for the ages” when disability is considered.

A big focus is increased funding and policy changes for personal care attendant (PCA) programs. State lawmakers spoke of PCAs as lifelines for the clients. Hoffman (DFLChamplain) said the pay increase would help address the worker shortage. He praised other policy changes, such as allowing PCAs to accompany clients in short-term acute care situations and easing of transportation regulations, as plusses.

LAWMAKERS To page 5

From page 1 down to the wire caused worrisome moments for many.

The Senate and House passed the health and human services budget bill late in the evening of June 26.

Another encouraging step was that agreement was reached that same day on the key public safety measures.

The special session, which began June 14, was a frustration at times for those who watch the Minnesota Legislature. 2021 marked the second year of largely virtual state law and policy-setting. Although the capitol finally opened to the public in mid-June, access to state offices and elected officials is still limited. Getting budget information has also been a challenge. The $52 billion, two-year budget is the largest in state history.

Another issue is resources. With tax collections up about $1.8 billion more than anticipated and about $2.4 billion in reserves, Minnesota’s budget debate has not been a matter of a state scrambling to pay its bills.

Another $2.8 billion in federal stimulus money is in play.

All of that made it easier to not raise taxes and provide some new spending. But there are concerns that use of one-time federal funding now could mean tax increases or program cuts later.

Hovering over all of the discussions is public safety and law enforcement and criminal justice reform. That’s also been an issue for the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD), NAMI Minnesota and other organizations.

Members of the House and Senate have debated law enforcement reform and accountability measures, as well as changes to criminal justice policies. Democrats especially wanted to build on measures passed in 2020 after the death of George Floyd at the hands of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin.

For the general election, mail voting and early voting start September 17 and end November 1. Register by October 10 to be able to vote in-person on Election Day, and not have to register at the polls..

Election Day is November 2.

Remember that early voting location may not be the same as where people vote for the primary and general elections, so check in advance.

Handi Medical Supply Providing rehab and mobility equipment for your specific needs!

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July 2021 Volume 32, Number 7

FROM OUR COMMUNITY Disability Hub MN celebrates 15 years of service

by Disability Hub MN Disability Hub MN is a free statewide resource network that helps people with disabilities solve problems, navigate the service system and plan for the future. The network originally launched as the Disability Linkage Line but changed its name in 2017 to Disability Hub MN to capture its growing scope of services.

Fun facts from 15 years of service

• Since opening, the Hub has received more than 800,000 calls, chats and emails.

• Their highest number of contacts served in a single year is 84,000.

• The top questions are about getting and managing health insurance and cash benefits, finding and keeping housing, and setting goals around health/wellness • The network started with six staff and now has more than 40 staff providing services throughout the state.

• Since starting, the Hub’s services expanded to meet community needs. These expanded services include online planning tools and support, benefits planning and training, and one-to-one support over time to help people resolve complex barriers and reach goals.

• The Hub now has a website, a Facebook page and a newsletter to help people stay connected.

Over the last 15 years, the Hub has been a place all people with disabilities can turn to in whatever way they prefer – people can call at 1-866-333-2466, chat online at www.disabilityhubmn.org, or use the Contact Us form on the website. Their team knows the ins and outs of community resources and government programs, and has years of experience helping people to fit them all

together. It is a true “hub” of support.

Their impact through the years is best captured through the voice of their customers.

• Hub staff are well-versed in what they're doing. They just pick up on what you're talking about right away. It's a very effective and personally comforting service.

Here are some Disability Hub client comments: • I really like how the Hub does "person first." They don't give you a bunch of resources and tell you to figure it out for yourself. They guide you and help you.

• I called the Hub about a medication that I needed but couldn't afford. I was shocked by how they knew the answer to my question right away. They helped me get the medication for free.

• The Hub gets you more involved in your life, getting you where you need to be and helping you to function on your own. They've helped me concentrate on what I need vs. what I don't need. I feel better because I've gotten the help I need.

• So not only are they ... helping me get through the process, but they're giving me extra info that I wouldn't get from others that really helps me not just to navigate the system, but to understand the way that things are working and what my rights are and what my options are.

Share your story

The Hub has changed a lot in the last 15 years, and so have you – share your story with the Hub and tell the staff how they’ve impacted you.

Visit Disability Hub MN at https://disabilityhubmn.org/

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Diary of a lobbyist To the editor: 2020-2021 has been extremely difficult for the disability community. For two years, I have tried to get legislation passed, working with Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL-Minneapolis) and Sen. Patricia Torres Ray (DFL-Minneapolis). The bills would provide winter safety for walker users as they disembark from buses.

The legislation would require bus driver training to avoid accidents such as the one that injured me a few years ago. I was injured getting off of a Metro Transit bus and spent more than two weeks in the hospital, two months of

rehabilitation and wiping out my finances.

I am 85 and have already outlived three fellow activists. I cannot die with this bill in limbo.

My accident was avoidable and Metro Transit needs to understand how failure to remove snow at a bus stop, and how the angle of the bus ramp led to my injuries. But they didn’t stop it. Nor have I been compensated for my injuries.

Joy Rindels Hayden Minneapolis

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We welcome your letters and commentary Access Press welcomes letters to the editor and commentary pieces from readers, on topics of interest to Minnesota’s disability community. Letters should be no more than 500 words, with 750 words per commentary.

Ask the editors if more space is needed.

Letters and guest commentaries must be signed by the authors or authors. With letters, a writer’s hometown is published but not a street address. Please send contact information, in the form of a phone number or email, in case the editor has questions about a letter or commentary. Contact information isn’t published unless the writer specifically requests that the newspaper do so.

Pictures of the author or content subject matter can be published with a guest commentary but aren’t required.

Access Press asks that letters and guest commentaries be specifically written for the newspaper. Letters must have a focus on disability issues and ideally, a focus on those issues as they affect Minnesotans. Form letters will not be published.

Here’s an important reminder during an election year. Because Access Press is a nonprofit publication and must follow regulations on political partisanship, political endorsement letters are not published. That is true for candidates’ endorsements as well as for ballot questions.

Before making a submission, writers are always encouraged to contact the newspaper to discuss ideas or to ask questions about From Our Community submissions, at 651-6442133 or access@accesspress.org.

Let the newspaper staff know if accommodations are needed to submit a letter or commentary, and we will help you.

Letters and commentaries reflect the view of the authors and not the views of the staff and board of directors of Access Press.

Deadline for the print edition of the newspaper is the 15th of each month, with publication the following month.

Minnesota's care workers celebrate budget package, wage increase Home care workers and clients celebrated the health and human services budget and its inclusion of funding and ratification of the union contract that covers nearly 29,000 home care workers across Minnesota. The contract agreement was reached between members of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and state officials in January rafied by members if February and then sent to state lawmakers. It will bring in more than $350 million in additional state and federal funding over the next four years for services for seniors and people with disabilities.

The contract includes gains such as a $15.25 minimum wage for all home care workers beginning July 1, 2022.

Kristina Walker, a home care worker from Crystal who helps provide care for her older brother who needs 24-hour care after having a stroke, was pleased. “I love that I can keep my loved one near me and make sure they get good care,” she said. “I am literally my brother’s keeper. I’ve cared for other people but caring for my brother has brought us even closer. But it’s hard to survive paying the bills with the ways things are. I’m excited for the wage increase which will help me and my brother be able to look for better housing and bring stability to our family. Home care workers did so much this last year, and have so much dignity in our work, so winning this wage increase, increased training gains and extra benefits will be a big step towards getting us where we need to be. And some of the other home care policy changes adopted by lawmakers are going to make other needed improvements too.”

Marty Eleby, a 25-year home care worker from Minneapolis who currently makes $13.25,said, “I love caring for people, making sure they are safe and happy, but it is hard to do this work for such little pay. With the higher pay coming from this contract, I can make sure myself and my client have more of the things we need to get by. So many Minnesotans depend on home care workers to survive, get the treatment they need to stay at home and just to have company so they aren’t alone.

Seeing the wage floor go up to $15.25 and getting more benefits & training will help make sure we have enough caregivers who will do this work to ensure our clients get the care they deserve.”

Lauren Thompson, a home care client from Crystal who was on the bargaining team, said the contract is important for people who rely on home care services.

“This contract starts to create a stable foundation that home care clients haven’t had in a very long time. These investments will mean our workers can have sustainable employment and we as clients can be safer. This industry has been so deprived for so long and this contract begins to fill the gaps and professionalize and incentivize this critical work,” said Thompson. “COVID exacerbated the existing problems of finding home care workers for so many Minnesotans. Funding home care and making sure people can live at home is not only the right thing to do, but saves lives and money. This contract, and the other improvements to home care made by Gov. Tim Walz and state lawmakers, is a step towards dismantling ableism and creating equity not only in terms of helping build a sustainable workforce for workers but also making it so clients have access to our community and can simply live our lives.”

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of families across Minnesota were struggling with a care crisis causing seniors and people with disabilities to not be able to find workers to provide the care they need to stay safely in their homes.

Highlights of the contract include: • Minimum wage increased from $13.25 to $14.40 in October 2021 and to $15.25 in July 2022, a 15% increase • More paid time off: accrual rate improved from 1 hour per 40 hours worked to 1 hour per 30 hours worked • Additional floating holidays and more funding and stipends for training.

• Concrete steps toward further professionalization of the Minnesota home care workforce in the future, such as establishing a higher wage for long-time/experienced home care workers and providing better orientation to new home care workers Through President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan and strong bipartisan support for home care at the state level, an additional set of improvements and investments in home care were also approved by state legislators and Walz. They include: • more than $30 million in additional state funding for PCAs (matched by a greater amount than that from the federal government thanks to the American Rescue Plan) through a new PCA rate framework that will

allow an additional wage increase, on top of the $14.40 negotiated in the union contract, to be set through collective bargaining • Home care workers will be compensated for time spent driving clients to appointments, for the first time • Home care workers will be compensated for providing services to their clients when their clients are in the hospital, for the first time • More home care workers will qualify for the 7.5 percent “enhanced rate” (an additional wage increase made available through our union contract): now the threshold to qualify will be if a client is assessed to need 10 or more hours a day of services, instead of 12 • The pandemic measure to allow parents and spouses to be compensated for PCA services will be extended until the end of the peacetime emergency • $5 million in workforce-developments grants for Home and Community Based Services From SEIU

July 2021 Volume 32, Number 7

Pg 5

FROM OUR COMMUNITY A direct support provider’s story is one of great love and greater sacrifice

LAWMAKERS

From page 3 (See related story on page 4.)

Funding for mental health programs, with a focus on assistance for children and students through schools, was called out on the Senate floor. Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) cited the challenges the pandemic has caused for many students. “Mental health services are something that cannot be delayed,” she said.

The bill heard more praise than criticism during the final hours of committee and floor reviews. “We are fully funding agencies. We are helping moms and babies.

We are supporting independence for the disabled, the elderly, for little kids who need nurses in their homes.

We are funding dental, but we added accountability as we increase their rates. We are taking the lessons we learned from COVID, off-ramps for waivers, support for child care, telehealth and support for local public health ... there is a lot of good in this bill, and I thank the people who worked to get it here,” said Sen. Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake).

Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester) called it “the best HHS bill that we’ve seen in a generation,” “The best investments we can make are in our people,” Liebling said.

But not everyone supports the HHS package, with some senators and representatives questioning whether such spending increases are sustainable over the long term. Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington) called the bill “Spendosaurus Rex.” “There is no revenue stream to the state of Minnesota that is growing as fast as the spending in this bill,” he said. “Certainly, the federal money that is helicoptered

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in is going to paper over some of those costs, but this is a fiscally irresponsible act. … It spends us into oblivion, it spends us into bankruptcy.”

Public safety

Killings at the hands of law enforcement spurred along the debate over public safety spending and reforms.

Discussions have involved law enforcement along with advocates, and elected officials.

MNCCD urged state lawmakers to adopt public safety measures and judiciary provisions “to promote equity, safety, and justice for people who have disabilities.”

“People who have disabilities are overrepresented in every part of the criminal justice system. More than 750,000 adults behind bars report having a disability, with two-thirds experiencing a cognitive disability,” a MNCCD letter stated.

relatively low-wage workforce and "adequate" services for people with disabilities. That acceptance must be challenged and labeled as what it is: a fundamental lack of respect for people with disabilities and the staff who choose careers in providing support to them.”

The article indicated that one of the contributing factors to DSP shortage is high turnover. The Minnesota state average turnover rate for DSPs in 2018 was 46 percent. One cause is low wages.

The national average wage for DSPs is $11.76 hour (NCL, 2018).

How do we fight the shortage?

Please spread the word: Direct support professionals are valuable, professional, hardworking, caring individuals. They love their jobs.

Direct support professionals deserve recognition for the career path that they have chosen to support persons with disabilities to reach their personal goals. Direct support professionals are critical care professionals who necessitate a living wage to provide safe, person-centered, and quality care to the people they serve.

KAREN M. LARSEN

by Karen M. Larson, Region 10 Quality Council, The Arc Minnesota What is a DSP? Direct support professional.

Some other titles you may be more familiar with are … nurse, job coach, family care provider, personal assistant, personal care assistant and habilitation specialist.

DSPs assist people with daily living and work activity. Depending on an individual’s needs, some of the duties that DSPs might handle are those of chef, housekeeper, secretary, beautician, laundry worker, banker, chauffeur, personal shopper, first aid administrator, medication administrator, physical therapist, occupational therapist, music therapist, art therapist, dietitian and job coach.

Shea Erickson has been a DSP since 1997 and has loved every minute of it. She was inspired by her Aunt Nancy and her mother to become a care provider. Shea has been working with Andrew for 12 years. Shea starts her day off at 7 a.m. The first thing she does is check in with the overnight crew to gather information such as: sleep hours, pain Shea and Andrew are a great team. level, seizure activity and any snacks given. If Andrew is sleeping, Shea sets up for her day. hardworking, caring, professional and gives everything she If Andrew is awake, Shea checks with him to see what has to do her job so Andrew smiles and giggles every day. he would like to do first. Shea learned hands-on how to Shea has told us repeatedly that she loves every minute read Andrew’s communications and facial expression of her job working with Andrew and would not change quickly. Usually Andrew’s day starts off with bathing, a thing. However, after some lengthy discussion and dressing, breakfast and medications. Andrew lets Shea thinking it through Shea would like a raise. Shea has not know what he would like to do for the day, whether it is gotten a raise since 2007. Shea also said that many DSPs watching his favorite movie, listening to country or rock have to work two or three jobs just to be able to pay rent and roll music, hanging out and talking, catching up on and put food on the table. life events, checking the newspaper and chatting about We are in a DSP crisis. The University of Minnesota what is going on in the world, or going for a walk or van Institute on Community Integration Impact magazine ride. Shea reports the best part of her job is Andrew’s article indicates that the situation is greater than that. smiles and giggles.

The article stated, “The reality is that significant ”I know that I am doing my job right when I hear Andrew challenges remain in finding, keeping and training DSPs giggle and he shows me his awesome smile,” Shea said. who support persons with intellectual and developmental To be a good DSP, you have to be here to love and show disabilities and these challenges – often labeled a compassion. Far too often, DSPs leave because they think ‘crisis’ – have plagued this industry since the inception it is going to be “easy money”, but it’s far from easy. When of community services. A 30 year crisis is not a crisis; asking Andrew about Shea he puts a big smile on his it is a systematic and pervasive failure in the long-term face and nods “yes” to the idea that Andrew and Shea are services and supports system in the United States that partners, they work together and respect each other. The has created a public health crisis. This failure is rooted facts are that Andrew could not get out of bed, get dressed in the tacit acceptance that, although not ideal, intense or eat without Shea. Shea is Andrew’s lifeline. Shea is a competition for public funding seems to translate to a

Karen M. Larson is the Region 10 Regional Quality Council Program Coordinator, and is an employee of the Arc Minnesota Southeast Region in Rochester. The state’s quality councils are funded by the Minnesota Legislature, with disability-focused nonprofits as fiscal agents. A new request for proposals for the councils is being sent out soon, so how region 10 operates could change in the future.

The Region 10 Quality Council is a group consisting of 22 members that include individuals with disabilities, family members, service providers, county representatives, advocates, and community members. The overall purpose of the Region 10 Quality Council is to develop a continuous quality improvement system so that individuals with disabilities have the services and supports they need, when and where they need them, so they can live the life they choose in their community. This involves focus on quality at both the individual, regional and statewide levels. The council serves Olmsted, Wabasha and Houston counties.

"The intersection of race and disability, and the ways that our criminal justice system perpetuates racism and ableism, impose a direct threat of incarceration. Many people who have disabilities experience aftereffects of living with a criminal record, such as a lack of access to state support services.” The letter went on to point out that others lose their lives for charges directly related to the disability experience."

“Until we address the disparities that continue to penalize individuals at a criminal level for having a disability, we will not meet our state goals of serving and supporting the disability community,” the letter stated.

MNCCD went on to point out a number of issues needing attention including police interactions, court proceedings, incarceration and re-entry into society following incarceration or conviction.

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July 2021 Volume 32, Number 7

Pg 6

REGIONAL NEWS Mental health facilities’ closure creates gaps The loss of two facilities that provided intensive in-patient mental health treatment for young people is a huge concern for families and advocates, and adds to the care crisis.

Parent company Hills Youth and Family Services closed Cambia Hills in East Bethel in June. Hills Youth and Family Services in Duluth was to close as of July 2.

The Duluth facility’s closure meant 34 young people had to be placed elsewhere. It had been open since 1909, starting as a facility to treat juvenile offenders.

The East Bethel facility opened in spring 2020.

Seventeen young people had to be placed elsewhere or sent home. Between the two facilities closing, more than 100 people lost their jobs.

Hills CEO Leslie Chaplin cited high fixed costs and an inability to get a state rate increase as factors in the closings.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact.

Chaplin took the helm at Hills in March and said the residential programs couldn’t continue without more state funding. Such programs are usually paid for by the state, as insurers don’t provide coverage.

The Duluth facility was licensed for juvenile justice and mental health programs. It has 40 children in daytreatment programs, and hopes to continue those and the community-oriented Neighborhood Youth Services, Chaplin said. Day and community programs are funded differently from the residential program.

Cambia Hills closed its doors June 11. Facility leaders contend that a payment dispute with state regulators is their biggest hurdle to climb, which subsequently has led to the closure.

“After many years of finding the right community to build in, construction starts and delays, opening the doors during a pandemic (which brought about staffing challenges and affected the census and thus, our ability to pay for this facility), licensing issues, and bad press, we are forced to close our doors,” a message on the Cambia Hills website stated.

Its leaders said that the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) didn’t give a rate adjustment to the facility's bondholders. Bondholders had been funding the operations since December 2020. The bondholders reached their limit of $1.5 million in additional funds to keep the building open. The deadline for the rate adjustment was May 1.

The lack of resources for Cambia Hills had a direct impact on the Duluth facility, forcing it to close as well.

Advocates said the closings are a big loss, as Minnesota hospitals report a rise in emergency room visits from children in psychiatric health care needs.

Some must wait for days or weeks before they can get

Metro Transit rolls out accommodations

Twin Cities area transit riders who have visual disabilities can utilize a new app to navigate travel. The Aira app is undergoing a six-month free trial for users. Metro Transit recently launched the trial.

Through December 7, Metro Transit is paying a $25,000 fee to the company to allow train and bus riders to use the service at no cost.

Aira is a subscription service for which “explorers,” as customers are called, pay a fee to access a live operator who watches a video stream from the user's cellphone camera. Through a video chat, the agent can help them read schedules and bus destination signs, direct them to the proper bus stop or complete a transfer, and route them around construction while providing a description of what's in the camera's field of vision.

“Wayfinding is a known customer complaint for those who are blind or have low vision,” said Bre Grand, a Metro Transit project manager. Offering the service for free “is

Cambia Hills closed in June. into treatment facilities or hospitals.

“These are kids with extremely high needs,” Sue Abderholden, executive director of NAMI Minnesota, told the Star Tribune. “I don't know what they expect these families to do. Once again families are left in the lurch with no options for their kids.”

DHS points out that the East Bethel facility was investigated in the past for maltreatment. Cambia Hills was fined $5,000 for a July 2020 incident when neglect occurred. In October 2020, DHS placed the facility's license on conditional status for one year due to its “noncompliance with Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) licensing variance requirements.”

They reached a settlement agreement in January and Cambia Hills had been working to meet the conditions of the settlement.

DHS Assistant Commissioner Gertrude MatembaMutasa provided the following statement on the matter to KSTP-TV: “Our focus right now is the health and safety of the children served by Cambia Hills. We are doing everything we can to assist Cambia Hills in providing an appropriate transition to another facility that can meet residents' needs. By providing only two days' notice of intent to close, Cambia Hills is violating its obligations under its license and state contract.”

“While this situation is unfortunate, it does not diminish the need for psychiatric residential treatment facilities, nor does it lessen our commitment to see this level of care become available to more Minnesota children.”

Kirsten Anderson, executive director at AspireMN, an association of mental health providers, said at least two residential treatment programs are working to become licensed in the state as psychiatric treatment facilities. Those require more staffing and medical direction by psychiatrists. Anderson said the programs are receiving daily phone calls for placements, even though neither is open.

(Sources: KSTP-TV, Star Tribune, Duluth News Tribune) part of the commitment we have to improve accessibility for customers.”

About 10 percent of Metro Transit riders have a disability, but it is not known how many have visual disabilities, she said.

Ken Rodgers, who serves on Metro Transit's Transportation Accessibility Advisory Committee, said Aira has been a game changer. After losing his sight as an adult, he had to relearn how to get around. Sometimes he had to have a person who could see escort him to his destination. Other times, he missed his bus simply because he didn't know it was there. With Aira, it's like he can see again, he said.

“Every bus in the world stops on Nicollet Mall and figuring out which bus to get on is impossible,” said Rodgers, who commutes from his home in northeast Minneapolis to his job with the state in St. Paul. “I would put out my cane and get as close to the bus and wait for them to call out the bus number, but you'd still miss it and

would not know it. That is a common occurrence for blind people.”

Metro Transit riders will have unlimited use during the pilot. To access the app and avoid fees, riders can click on the Product section of the app and select Metro Transit from the list. That will allow them to connect with an agent.

The service is available 24 hours a day. Grand said Metro Transit will gather data on usage, seek feedback from focus groups and conduct a broad electronic survey to gauge whether to continue the free service when the contract expires.

(Source: Star Tribune)

Thrift store meets a need

A new thrift and consignment store called Northern Lights Community Action has opened in Cloquet. It not only fills a need in a community that lost two other thrift stores over the past three years, it also benefits people with disabilities.

"We knew that there was no place for people to come in and get things at a low cost," said building owner Heather Wright. "We opened this truly as a nonprofit to just help the community."

Wright also owns NorthStar Community Services in Cloquet, which provides services for people with disabilities. She previously worked for 10 years in the Carlton County Public Health and Human Services Department.

Jackie Meyer, the executive director of the nonprofit, was in charge of Cloquet's Salvation Army for 17 years.

“So I'm making a full circle back up what I used to do,” said Meyer, who has known Wright her whole life. “We're all just a big team. … People are so happy to have a thrift store back in our community. We're helping so many people.”

The thrift store currently employs seven staff members, most of whom are people with disabilities. They also are seeking employment services through NorthStar or other local agencies, and gaining experience at the new store.

People in need of assistance can use the store's voucher program, Wright said. The voucher program utilizes donations from different community agencies.

Everything in the store is labeled with a colored dot that corresponds to the price in a simple pricing guide, ranging from 25 cents to $20. Adult T-shirts, for example, all cost $2.

Northern Lights Community Action is intended to be more than just a store. Wright said she hopes to host events such as backpack, bike and winter clothing drives.

(Source: Duluth News Tribune)

Street name eyed for change

A drive to rename Minneapolis’ Dight Avenue is rolling ahead, with support from a petition push and the council member whose ward includes the street.

Dight Avenue in south Minneapolis was named for Charles F. Dight, a physician who served four years on the City Council. The naming took place shortly after he left office in 1918. Dight served one term and after leaving office, became well-known his strong support for eugenics.

Eugenics is the study of how to arrange reproduction within a human population to increase the occurrence of heritable characteristics regarded as desirable and to “improve” the human race. It historically has targeted people with disabilities and minority groups.

In the 20th century, Nazi leader Adolf Hitler championed eugenics in order to build a master race and to justify horrific treatment of Jews, people with disabilities and minority groups. Eugenics has been discredited as unscientific and biased.

Dight was a fan of Hitler’s championing of eugenics.

Dight also drove the creation of the Minnesota Eugenics Society in 1923 and championed a forced sterilization REGIONAL NEWS To page 15

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July 2021 Volume 32, Number 7

Pg 7

PEOPLE & PLACES Partners in Policymaking graduates ready to use their new skills Time is running out for 2021-2022 program The internationally known Partners in Policymaking is seeking candidates for the 2021-2022 class. Applications are due Friday, July 9.

“This program is based on the belief that systems change is best brought about through the efforts of those most affected by them, and we seek to arm these individuals with the tools needed to be successful in the public policy arena,” said Colleen Wieck, executive director of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities and creator of Partners in Policymaking.

Costs for the Partners program are covered by a federal grant. Childcare and respite allowances are given. Overnight accommodations are provided for those who travel from outside the metro area to attend. Mileage is reimbursed and meals are provided. Sessions are held at the Crowne Plaza Aire, at 3 Appletree Square in Bloomington, near Mall of America and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Limited to 35 Minnesotans, the first weekend session for the 2021 to 2022 program year is September 17-18, 2021. Those selected to participate in the program must attend all sessions and complete homework assignments.

For the application, go to https://mn.gov/mnddc/partnersinpolicymaking/class39/index.html For further information, or to get an application form, go to PartnersinPolicymaking.com or contact Brenton Rice at brenton@togevents.com, or 651-242-6589.

The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities introduced the Partners in Policymaking program in 1987. Through expansion to other states and countries, the program has provided education and training for more than 27,000 people worldwide.

Graduates celebrated their accomplishments.

Council chairman Lee Shervheim and Kellianne Blood

Rachael Ryan Sharon Caswell and family

Jodi Copa

Sabeen Zehra and family

Deqa Farah and family

Pam' Crawford and family

The 2020-2021 Minnesota Partners in Policymaking Class of 20202021 is a diverse group that will use its newfound knowledge of self-advocacy, disability law and policy to bring about change. Graduates ended their studies knowing they will benefit from what they learned and how their confidence was built through the training program.

Applications for the 2021-2022 program are due Friday, July 9. (See related story.)

Each class is capped at 35 participants.

This time around, virtual options were offered for class members. Here are stories of some of the 2020-2021 graduates, who went through their training during the

months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This session, many participants came from the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota or DSAMN. White Bear Lake resident Kellianne Blood said that the most important thing she learned was the importance of speaking for what she wants as a self-advocate. She appreciated learning about the history of the disability community and considered the whole class to be very informational and helpful. Blood said the presentations were thought-provoking.

“Every single weekend I felt like I was drinking from a firehose,” said Sharon Caswell of Prior Lake, who has a son

with Down syndrome. She was drawn in by the topic choices, including effective Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) meetings, connecting with state and federal legislators, and information on housing, employment and post-secondary opportunities. Her goal is to be a stronger advocate for her son.

Caswell was humbled to meet tireless champions for disability rights and realized that she now benefits from their efforts. In the class, she found allies and a wide web of resources. Caswell is looking forward to expanding her network of individuals who care about the lives of people with disabilities.

Brooklyn Park resident Jodi Copa wished to be a better advocate for herself and her children. It was clear to her that communication skills give advocacy its real power as people express concerns and show

willingness to partner with others. Several speakers gave specific tips that helped Copa achieve things for her children she never thought possible.

“I would recommend this class to any parent or self-advocate. The material learned and the relationships formed are truly priceless,” said Copa.

Pam Crawford of Corcoran wanted to learn more about community resources for her son, Max. He is 17, a senior in Wayzata High School and lives with Down syndrome. She developed expertise from local and national resources, and was able to meet more self-advocates and other families raising children with disabilities.

She found each session inspiring, was energized, and felt encouraged through the support of her classmates. Most eye-opening was the presentation about the history of how people with disabilities have been treated. Crawford said better laws and more inclusion have made a positive difference, but there are still challenges ahead.

Deqa Farah of Eagan has a son with autism. She described her Partners experience as lifechanging. Farah said all GRADUATES To page 10

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DIRECTORY of Organizations HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES ACCORD

V-612-224-9101

www.accord.org

HOUSING-CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING AmRamp

V-651-339-3075

TF-800-649-5215

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Lifeway Mobility

V-651-323-1190

TF-800-561-2333

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Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI)

V-651-645-7271

TTY-800-627-3529

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LSS Host Homes

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hosthomes@lssmn.org www.lssmn.org/hosthomes

National Handicap Housing Institute, Inc

V-651-639-9799

F-651-639-9699

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HOUSING-RENTAL

INFORMATION/REFERRAL RESOURCES ADA Minnesota; a program within MCIL

V-651-603-2015

711 relay service

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Minnesota Council on Disability

V/TTY-651-361-7800

TTY-800-945-8913

www.disability.state.mn.us

PACER Center, Inc.

V-952-838-9000

TTY-952-838-0190

www.pacer.org

United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota

V-651-265-7361

info@ucpmn,.org

www.ucpmn.org

F-651-644-0602

www.handimedical.com

MEDICAL SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT Handi Medical Supply

V-651-644-9770

Next Day Access

V-763-219-8122

Phoenix Medical Services Inc.

V-651-636-0848

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Reliable Medical

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reliamed@reliamed.com www.reliamed.com

Accra

V-952-935-3515

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ACCORD

V-612-362-4400

Mental Health Minnesota

V-651-493-6634

TF-800-662-1799

https://mentalhealthmn.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness of MN

V-651-645-2948

TF-888-NAMI-Helps

www.namihelps.org

Reach for Resources

V-952-200-3030

F-952-229-4468

www.reachforresources.org

Vinland National Center

V/TTY-763-479-3555

www.nextdayaccess.com www.PhoenixMedical.org

MENTAL HEALTH www.accracare.org

www.accord.org

www.vinlandcenter.org

MOVIES/PERFORMING ARTS

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Young Dance

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RECREATION-TRAVEL/CAMPING True Friends

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RESIDENTIAL/GROUP HOME PROGRAMS ACCORD

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LSS Specialized Community Supports

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Opportunity Partners

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Can Do Canines

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V-651-967-6050

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July 2021 Volume 32, Number 7

Pg 10

PEOPLE & PLACES GRADUATES

Adrienne Payne and family

Karen Keenan and family

Carly Shecter

Chandler Hill and family

Congressman Pete Stauber met with the class.

Maria Raasch introduced two universities that have created supportive and inclusion in the schools. inclusive programs for students with disabilities.

Maple Grove resident Sabeen Zehra has a daughter with Covid concerns and the fragile health of her daughter Down syndrome. who has Hypogammaglobulinemia, a primary immune Zehra is concerned about a world that often does not deficiency, required absolute protection from the virus. accept people with disabilities. In Partners, Zehra found Alicia Schaupp, Lakeville, chose to attend the course fellow participants who also want each child to be valued. virtually, to gain leadership opportunities and increased The well-organized curriculum, presentations and training self-confidence, and make public processes less intimidating. exercises were impressive and valuable to Zehra, who found The Olmstead Plan speakers impressed upon Schaupp that, new ways to effectively advocate for her daughter. She also despite her reluctance to speak publicly, testimony by the found helpful information on assistive technology, medical everyday citizen was needed. When legislation for individuals outreach for Down syndrome diagnosis, and person-centered with disabilities has an unexpected impact, legislators need to planning they will prove useful to her advocacy efforts. hear that personal experience to make changes.

...BECAUSE

From page 7 elements of the course were valuable in helping her become a better advocate and planner for her son’s future.

One speaker’s comment said that “we are all one banana peel away from caring about the rights of people with disabilities,” resonated with Farah. She recommends Partners to anyone who values human life, dignity, and pursuit of a just and equitable world for people with disabilities.

Crystal Henderson of Red Wing applied for the class to enhance her opportunities to advocate for her children and to increase awareness of neurofibromatosis, the disabling condition that affects her daughter. The program helped her to connect and network with others, confirming to her that working together brings success. She gained experience in talking with representatives, speaking up for personal rights and the changes needed when injustice is obvious.

Chandler Hill of Farmington learned how to be the best advocate for her son, who has a speech and language disorder. She appreciated the focus on personcentered planning and making decisions for one’s self.

Several speakers demonstrated to her the power of communication and understanding how to work with various personality types.

“When you are asking for resources and telling your story, you not only advocate for yourself but also others who are struggling with similar issues,” said Hill. She plans to utilize national and local resources as she advocates for her son. Hill gained self-confidence by knowing that “a whole tribe of people understand what you are going through and want to help you.”

Cora Holland-Koller of Arden Hills serves on the board of directors for the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota (DSAMN). She described the program as “onestop shopping” for disability-related resources.

Holland-Koller sought more resources for her five-yearold son with Down syndrome. As a graduate of the Mitchell Hamline School of Law, she understands the power of knowing statutes and advocating for individual rights.

Partners helped her apply that legal perspective to advocate for her son and others with disabilities.

The training also introduced her to Upstream Arts in Minneapolis, which Holland-Koller plans to use as a resource for her son’s school.

Melissa Karsky of Finlayson took the course to gain more knowledge about services available for her daughter, and to become a better advocate for those with disabilities in her area. She valued learning the history of how people with disabilities were treated, and the importance of including them in community activities. Karsky realized that she and her husband are not alone as they advocate for their daughter.

A bonus to the class on federal legislation was meeting U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Duluth), who has children with disabilities. Karsky said her area would benefit if more selfadvocates, and parents raising children with disabilities would apply for the training. “We need to come together as a community to form a partnership in our area.”

Pine Springs resident Karen Keenan and her husband are raising a daughter with Down syndrome. Keenan is the executive director of Valley Friendship Club, which provides safe, accessible social and educational programs for children and young adults with disabilities in Washington County. She took the Partners course to better understand disability services and issues in the state of Minnesota. Her goal is to continue to advocate for people with disabilities and give her daughter the best future possible.

Keenan valued the training from elected officials who taught her how to find current bills, prepare conversations with legislators, and effectively provide input for legislation.

She appreciated the self-advocates in the class who repeated the priority “Nothing about us, without us.”

Duluth resident Adrienne Payne felt that for years, she was on her own while advocating for her son. He is autistic, non-verbal and struggles to express himself daily. At Partners, she found like-minded people who also wanted to stand up to systems that fail their loved ones.

Emphasis was placed on advocating for a purpose and to get results, and for advocates to be strong, confident and knowledgeable about their cause. “The Honorable Judge Donovan Frank talked about what my heart beats for, justice for people like my son Mazi. It was truly awesome,” said Payne.

Self-advocate Maria Raasch of St. Paul applied to Partners to understand the history of the disability community and how a bill becomes law. She has learned the importance of speaking up for what one believes.

She is inspired when looking at disability history, saying that a lot of progress has been made in how people with disabilities are treated. Raasch recommends the class to those who are struggling and want to feel heard.

Burnsville resident Rachael Ryan sought advocacy skills as she is raising a teenage son and daughter who have autism. She herself has disabilities, and believes the class gave all three of them a voice. Ryan valued the class experience of learning from other mothers who are also raising children with disabilities.

Learning about post high school options for her daughter was valuable. “It is so exciting that my daughter now has options after high school graduation,” said Ryan. A documentary video

Schaupp is now involved with the Immune Deficiency Foundation. “The program is empowering and impressive in the connections you can make and the confidence you gain, as you share your story to change policy and law.”

Apple Valley resident Carly Schecter and her husband have two young children with autism.

She took the course to provide them every opportunity to live their best lives. She was amazed at the parent advocates as they told of their success stories and struggles. That personal connection helped her feel less alone and gave her hope for her children. She recommends Partners to “parents who feel lost and overwhelmed. It will help you know where to start and offer the support you might be seeking for your life and your family.”

Kari Stordahl of Fridley applied for the course to learn how to best advocate for her six-year-old son, who has a stress and deprivation disorder from infancy/early childhood, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and severe anxiety. Two years ago her son was removed from prekindergarten. She was told that no school setting could handle him. She had to move him to another school. Stordahl now realizes that Partners’ information on effective communication and negotiation with officials, plus having a support group like the Partners class, would have given her more confidence to handle that situation.

The class showed her the importance of knowing one’s rights and speaking up for

everyone has the right to be empowered “MRCI-CDS has always been accessible and prompt in their availability and hands on approach to assisting me.”

Robert K. | Rochester, MN | MRCI-CDS Family Member

Statewide services to fit your needs

Directed Community Supports CDCS Consumer • The most flexibility and control for directing your services and supports • Receive care in your own home and community • Hire and manage your direct care staff, including family and friends To learn more about CDCS and all of our services, call or visit us online.

800.829.7110 MRCICDS.ORG

July 2021 Volume 32, Number 7

Pg 11

PEOPLE AND PLACES Ric Nelson is new ARRM board president ARRM, a nonprofit association of more than 200 provider organizations, businesses and advocates announced that Ric Nelson, President and CEO of New Ulm-based EON, Inc., has been elected to a two-year term as president of the board of directors for the association.

Nelson brings more than 25 years of industry experience, including being EON, Inc.’s President/CEO since 2014.

In that time, he has worked Ric Nelson with local and state legislators to bring awareness to the disability services in Minnesota in how they are funded and regulated. Nelson is also the immediate past president of the Rotary Club of New Ulm. In addition to his industry experience, Nelson

MRCI adds worksource program

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, according to the Autism Society of America. And with that climb comes the need for care for the individuals affected by the condition.

The public school system helps children with autism, but there is very little in the area of adult programs.

In an effort to provide adults with autism a richer life, MRCI will add a new worksource program to its facility in Rosemount. The program will cater to the special needs of autistic individuals while providing individuals employment opportunity.

MRCI provides employment opportunities to people with developmental disabilities ranging from downs syndrome to autism. The company offers supported jobs in the community as well as center based work.

The company moved to a new facility in Rosemount in March.

Katy Sunsdahl, who has worked with children with autism for more than four years in public schools, developed the work program for MRCI. And while a trial and error period will surely change some aspects of the program, Sunsdahl hopes it will meet the needs of adults with autism.

"I am really excited there's going to be a good option for adults with autism," said Sunsdahl.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that usually appears in the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder. While the disease usually affects communication and social skills, each individual is affected by the disease differently.

No proven cause for the disease has been found but Sunsdahl said there are a number of theories. She said some people believe it is genetic, carried on the male gene; some think it is caused by vaccinations and others believe it's the result of pollution.

She said experts haven't determined why the number of cases has risen either.

Whatever the cause, the number of individuals with autism has risen sharply in the last 20 years. Sunsdahl

∏∏f Klas had long record of service

as served on the ARRM Board of Directors since 2015, most recently serving as the association’s vice resident. He takes over as president from Shannon Bock, executive director of Creative Care for Reaching Independence (CCRI) in Moorhead.

“The heart and resilience shown by the disability services industry and the employees who support individuals with disabilities inspires me daily and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to lead ARRM and support their efforts to advance our common cause in a post-COVID-19 world,” said Nelson.

ARRM is the Association of Residential Resources of Minnesota. ARRM is a nonprofit association of more than 200 provider organizations, businesses and advocates dedicated to leading the advancement of home and community-based services supporting people living with disabilities in their pursuit of meaningful lives.

Founded in 1970, ARRM continues to lead advocacy and training for positive industry reforms that support Minnesotans with disabilities. To learn more, visit arrm.org or follow the organization on Facebook and Twitter said as adults those individuals will need the MRCI program and others like it.

The program will officially start Oct. 1 with three participants -- or consumers, as they are known at MRCI. Program manager Julie Beckman said MRCI has looked at adding such a program for a long time.

With a new facility, encouragement from Dakota County and Sunsdahl's experience with autistic people, Beckman said they decided it was time.

The encompassing program will tailor to the specific needs of each person as well as address issues that people with autism face, Sunsdahl said. The focus will be on social interaction, communication, functional skills, work experience and community integration.

"One thing we're proud to do, is this program is tailored to each individual," Beckman said.

As with all MRCI consumers, they will be put to work. But instead of the large group setting that most of the programs have, the autism consumers will have a smaller, quieter, less chaotic setting said Beckman. Also similar to other programs some of the jobs will be on site and others will be off site.

While the jobs may be similar to other MRCI consumers, Sunsdahl said they will be more structured and reflect the needs of the individuals.

"People with autism strive in structure and they'll be able to be more successful," she said.

While the program will start small, Beckman said as more people learn of the program she anticipates it will grow significantly.

"Over the years a number of people will be served well," Beckman added.

Depending on the success of the program, other MRCI locations may adapt similar programs.

ASD results

Tartan of Oakdale earned its first-ever team championship with 1,716 pins. Junior Christopher Conoryea led the Titans with 471 pins. Seniors Christan Carruthers Jr and Ubong Sampson and ninth-grader Vincent Hickenbottom rounded out Tartan’s squad.

Alexandria and St Michael-Albertville placed second and third in ASD team competition.

Anoka-Hennepin junior Josiah Bueltel won the boys’ singles title with a score of 478 and JWP/Waseca junior Ashlynn Cameron went home with the girls’ crown after posting a score of 437. The St. Michael-Albertville duo of juniors Brock Apold and Nicholas Hoefener won the doubles competition with 924 pins.

Complete ASD results are at https://www.mshsl.org/ sports-and-activities/adapted-bowling-asd

CI results

The Alexandria Area Cardinals took home their fourth team title, but first since 2011. The team also won in 2004 and 2008. Ninth-grader Shon Platt Jr paced this year’s squad with 429 pins. Senior Robert Goor and ninth-graders Zechariah Davidson and Logan Usher also competed for Alexandria Area.

Mankato East and Lake City took second and third place.

Senior Ellie Tanem and junior Ella Charette of AnokaHennepin combined for 892 pins to claim the doubles championship. Junior Bryce Tinnel of Cambridge-Isanti (464) won the boys’ title and senior Lily Gilbertson of Detroit Lakes (483) earned the girls’ championship.

Complete CI results are at https://www.mshsl.org/ sports-and-activities/adapted-bowling-ci

PI results

North High of North St. Paul captured two honors at the 2021 tournament. Senior Kathleen Hubert and ninth-grader Lucas Eide (887) won top honors in the double event. The Polars captured their third team title with 1,724 pins. Hubert had a team-high 454 pins and Eide, junior Isaiah Bendorf and sophomore Noah Vang completed North’s team. North won previous team championships in 2018 and 2019.

Moorhead and Goodhue County placed second and third.

Austin junior Lupita Carrion and Minnetonka/ Wayzata ninth-grader Hugh Kelly won the singles titles.

Carrion had 497 pins and Kelly won with 498.

Complete PI results are at https://www.mshsl.org/ sports-and-activities/adapted-bowling-pi PEOPLE AND PLACES To page 12

New, returning champs in bowling

The Minnesota State High School League’s 2021 Adapted Bowling State Tournament took place at local sites this spring, instead of at one site. Student-athletes competed in three divisions – autism spectrum disorder

In Memoriam f∏∏

Frances Alexandra “Sandy” Bride Boardman Klas dedicated her life to helping people with developmental disabilities. Klas died this spring. She was 90 years old and lived in Mendota Heights.

Born and raised in St. Paul, Klas married Robert Klas in 1950 while he was still an undergraduate student at Hamline University. Less than five years after getting married, they were the parents of four children and he had begun his business, the Tapemark Company. The Klas family eventually included six children.

The Klas family may be known best for their founding of the annual Tapemark Charity Pro-Am Golf Tournament, which raises money for people with disabilities.

Klas’ family included children with disabilities, and she was committed to making sure they were included in family and community life. She had a strong interest in public policy and inclusion.

Klas was an energetic volunteer and volunteer leader.

The Arc Minnesota can count Klas as a foundational member, with her early involvement in St. Paul’s ARC chapter. She served as president of the Minnesota Association of Children with Learning Disabilities. She was a leader and founder of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts groups for children with disabilities. She co-founded the Grime Stoppers, an employment opportunity for people with developmental disabilities.

Other involvements included the Minnesota Opera Guild, St. Mary’s Home, National Eagle Center, Hamline University Board of Trustees and faith-based groups.

Klas’ husband Robert and a daughter preceded her in

(ASD), intellectual disabilities (CI) and physical disabilities (PI). Results were tabulated and sent to high school league staff.

This was the first bowling tournament since 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancelation of the 2020 tournament.

death. She is survived by five children and their families, and a sister.

Services were held in June. Memorials are preferred to Arc Minnesota.

Good helped many youngsters

In her 35-year career as a psychologist for Minneapolis Public Schools, Patricia Good helped many young people.

Good died in June. She was 87 and lived in St. Anthony.

Patricia King Ellison was born in St. Paul. Her family moved to Columbia Heights when she was a teenager. She met Gary Good at a youth group at Community United Methodist Church in Columbia Heights. They went on to attend the University of Minnesota together. She earned a Ph.D. in psychology and he became a family physician.

They married and moved to St. Anthony, where they raised four daughters on Silver Lake and pursued a wide range of hobbies and musical interests.

Good co-authored a guide to the widely used assessment tool, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), called A Practical Guide to the MMPI: An Introduction for Psychologists, Physicians, Social Workers and Other Professionals.

In Minneapolis Public Schools Good worked extensively with junior and senior high students, screening for learning disabilities, anxiety or depression, for example, and recommending services.

Gary Good died in March. Patricia Good's brother, Tom, died in May. She is survived by four daughters and their families. Services have been held.

NOTICE: OPENING THE 1 BEDROOM WAIT LIST Summit Point 5010 Summit Ave Edina, MN 55436 (952) 920-6113 Seniors 62 years or older, rent based on income for qualified applicants.

Applications may be downloaded at www.summitpoint.commonbond.org beginning 9am July 1, 2021 until July 30, 2021.

Completed applications must be received by mail and postmarked or hand delivered during office hours

by August 5, 2021.

All qualified Applicants will be placed on the Waiting List in the order they are received.

CommonBond Communities Equal Housing Opportunity

July 2021 Volume 32, Number 7

Pg 12

ACCESSIBLE MOVIES After being closed during much of the COVID-19 pandemic, many movie theaters have reopened. Others have closed for good.

Almost all theaters have some area for wheelchair or power scooter seating, as well as companion seating. Most theaters offer assisted listening devices of some types.

Accommodations for other visual, hearing or sensory disabilities vary by theater and can change over time, so call or email a theater to see what is new. Keep in mind that some small town theaters, which may be operated by volunteers or a mix of volunteers and staff, may not have the same accommodations found in larger theater chains.

Be aware that not every movie is designed to be accessible, so having assistive technology available doesn’t guarantee the chance to see a new movie. Here’s an overview of technologies and technology resources: Rear Window Captioning displays reversed captions on a light-emitting diode (LED) text display which is mounted in the rear of a theater. Patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing use transparent acrylic panels attached to their seats to reflect the captions, so they appear superimposed on the movie screen. The reflective panels are portable and adjustable, enabling the caption user to sit anywhere in the theater without bothering patrons in surrounding seats.

DVS Theatrical presents concise descriptive narration of visual cues, including actions, settings, scene changes, facial expressions and silent movement, through an FM or infrared system, making movies more meaningful to people with vision loss. The moviegoer hears the narration on a headset.

CaptiView closed caption viewing systems allow moviegoers to read movie dialogue.

Digital Theatre Systems or DTS superimposes opencaptions over the bottom of movie theater screens.

Fidelio is a wireless audio system that delivers descriptive narration for people with vision loss and amplified sound for people with hearing loss. Patrons can get a compact audio receiver with a plug-in headset at the box office or bring their own headset. Descriptive narration and closed captioning availability are subject to the content made available from distributors.

Other websites outline additional options. The American Council of the Blind has an Audio Description Project to enhance movies as well as museums, national parks and live events. It includes many links to audio-

Landmark Theatres has closed the Edina Cinema and Uptown Theatre. described DVDs, Blu-ray discs, television programs and more. Visit www.acb.org for more information.

WGBH in Boston has worked for years on making movies accessible to all and has been involved in the creation of various forms of accessible technology for moviegoers, through its National Center for Accessible Media. Visit www.wgbh.org for more information.

Captionfish, at www.captionfish.com, is an Internet search engine. it can help moviegoers find captioned films by city and theater.

Minnesota movie theater chains and access options: AMC Theatres has theaters in Apple Valley, Coon Rapids, Eden Prairie, Edina, Inver Grove Heights, Mankato, Maple Grove, Roseville. AMC offers offer

AROUND THE DIAL

Disability and Progress KFAI Radio, 6-7 p.m. Thu. 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 suggestions, call 612-341-3144, or email disabilityandprogress@tcq.net. Mail can be sent to KFAI, 1808 Riverside Ave. S., Disability and Progress, Box 116, Minneapolis MN 55454.

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

PEOPLE AND PLACES From page 11

LIFE Mower County presents awards

LIFE Mower County hosted its 69th Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony recently. The disability service agency is based in Austin.

This year’s winners are: Community Partner of the Year - Hill, Larson, Walth, P.A. Direct Service Professional of the Year - Kersten Tollefson Distinguished Service Award - Kathleen Huffman Professional of the Year - Mary Barinka Volunteer of the Year - John Gray Robert Qual Memorial Self-Advocate of the Year Emily Johnson Life Mower County was founded in 1952 as the Arc Mower County. Its name was changed to LIFE Mower County was in early 2019.

Watch the recording of the meeting and slide show at www.lifemowercounty.org/annualmeeting.

Minnesota Autism Center opens doors

The Minnesota Autism Center opened its doors in Woodbury this spring, providing a needed option for families in the Twin Cities east metro area. The center opened in a former Allina clinic.

The autism center has a Minnetonka facility and also provides in-home therapy services as well as parent and

Conor’s Corner Conor’s Corner by 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. T-shirts from the show are for sale at the St. Paul Highland Park Lund’s & Byerly’s store.

HoodWave Disability Radio Daniel and Leah hood produce HoodWave Disability Radio. They work with Conor’s Corner and are looking for organizations and people with disabilities who want to have their shows air on the online station. Anyone who wants to be a part of HoodWave can contact them. Find HoodWave radio at www.hoodwave.org/p/hoodwavedisability-radio-live/ or www.hoodwave.org sibling support programs. Its center-based approach is designed to provide one-on-one treatment in a controlled setting, said Kathryn Marshall, the center's executive director.

The Woodbury center is more than double the size of the Minnetonka facility and it is the largest facility providing one-on-one treatment outside of the home in Minnesota, Marshall said.

“This is a huge undertaking for autism,” she said. The center is nonprofit and funded through private insurance or government medical assistance.

The center's expansion is in part a response to demand for more autism treatment options as the number of diagnosed cases rises. Autism is among a spectrum of disorders linked to an unknown neurological condition that can affect communication, behavior and social skills.

assisted listening devices available at all of its theaters, according to the main AMC website Some theaters offer closed captioning, CaptiView and Fidelio. The Roseville and Eden Prairie theaters have offered sensory film experiences through the national Autism Society. FFI: www.amctheatres.com CEC Theaters has theaters in Albert Lea, Alexandria, Andover, Bemidji, Fergus Falls, Marshall, Mountain Iron, Owatonna, Winona and Hudson, WI. Sensory-friendly showings are offered at locations that have had requests from the community. FFI: www.cectheatres.com Cinemark Theatres operates Cinemark River Hills Movies 8, Mankato. Contact the theater to ask about accommodations. FFI: www.cinemark.com Emagine Theaters are in Delano, Eagan, East Bethel, Lakeville, Monticello, Plymouth, Rogers, Waconia and White Bear Township. Theaters offer open captioning, assisted listening devices, personal open caption devices and descriptive video devices. FFI: www.emagineentertainment.com/accessible-screenings/ Landmark Theatres has closed the Edina Cinema, and Uptown Theatre. Lagoon Cinema in Minneapolis remains open. Landmark offers CaptiView and Fidelio.

FFI: www.landmarktheatres.com Mann Theatres has locations in Baxter, Champlain, Grand Rapids, Grandview and Highland in St. Paul, Hibbing and Plymouth. Hopkins has closed. Contact theaters to learn about accommodations. FFI: https:// manntheatres.com/ Marcus Theatres has theaters in Duluth, Elk River, Hastings, Hermantown, Oakdale, Rochester, Rosemount, Shakopee and Waite Park. Marcus has assisted listening devices and CaptiView at all of its Minnesota locations.

Closed captioning, open captioning, descriptive narration and assistive listening device available. FFI: www.marcustheatres.com/amenities/theatre-technology/ accessibility-devices Odyssey Theaters are in Austin, Detroit Lakes, Hutchinson and Rochester. FFI: http://www.odysseytheatres.com/ ShowPlace ICON has one Minnesota theater, Showplace ICON at West End, St. Louis Park. It offers assistive listening devices, closed captioning and descriptive video services. FFI: www.showplaceicon.com

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

The center's therapy varies for each child, but can include teaching and reinforcing actions such as eating with utensils, sitting quietly or learning to use the bathroom. Each child has an individual treatment program and works with a team of specialists.

At capacity, the Woodbury location will serve more than 50 children, ages 2 to 21, whose treatment programs vary from 15 hours weekly to a full 40-hour schedule.

Make the news!

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Please don’t be late!

Access Press welcomes submissions for the People and Places pages. Submissions are due by the 15th of each month.

Questions?

Call 651-644-2133 or email access@ accesspress.org

Can Do Canine Retirement Celebration Set Can Do Canines hosts an open house for Al Peter, founder and recently retired executive director. save the date of 5:30-8 p.m. Wed, Aug. 4 for the event at can Do Canines’ headquarters at 9440 Science Center Dr, New Hope. A 6:30 p.m. program will include brief messages from a client, a volunteer, a board member, a staff member and Al, a video made for Al and other fun surprises.

Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.

Please RSVP by July 26 at can-do.link/rsvp.

Also, save the date of sat, Sept. 18 for the can Do Woofaroo event. FFI: Kathy Broten, 763-331-3000, ext. 152, kbroten@candocanines.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, July 1, Aug. 5 and Sept. 2. 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 Sturdevant at host organization Springboard for the Arts as funding is available for those needs. FFI: 651-294-0907, resources@ springboardforthearts.org. FFI: 651-294-0907, resources@springboardforthearts.org Zoomtopia Interact Theater presents Zoomtopia, when life as we know it has been kicked to the curb, COVID has us locked down, and virtual reality is our new neighborhood. Plucked straight from the imagination of Interact artist Michael Engebretson and more than 65 visual and performing artists, Zoomtopia’s alternate universe hurls us past the storms of isolation, uncertainty, and technical aggravation, and into a world of miracles and wonders. Kevin Kling is narrator.

Virtual performances through July 11. FFI: www. interactcenter.org/zoomtopia Upstream Arts offers virtual self-advocacy classes, July 7 through Sept. 20. Artists aged 18 and older are welcome to attend one of three weekly times at 10-11 a.m. Mon, 1-2 p.m. Wed, or 4-5 p.m. Thu. Classes are online and pay-whatone-can. All classes have ASL interpretation and close captioning. In-person classes are coming in the fall. FFI: 612-331-4584, upstreamarts.org Ready for the Challenge?

Autism Society of Minnesota invites everyone to the second annual AuSM Community Unity Challenge July 17-18. Connect with friends and family. Get creative. Share kindness. All while having some quirky, scavenger-hunt-type of fun.

The photo and video scavenger hunt is a chance for teams to complete a list of challenges ranging from random acts of kindness to the absolutely bizarre. The list will be released July 17, giving

Assistance dogs are available

PACER offers workshops PACER Center offers many useful free or lowcost workshops and other resources for families of children with any disabilities. Workshops are online and livestreamed at this time. Advance registration is required for all workshops. At least 48 hours’ notice is needed for interpretation. 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.

Beyond Keyboards: Alternative Tools for Controlling Your Computer is 2-3 p.m. Wed, July 7. See many different ways to control a computer and mobile devices, from voice control to switches, adaptive mice, and even keyboards, too. Staff will demonstrate several simple things to make accessing the computer easier, as well as some more complex setups.

Reading and Vision Accessibility in Your Pocket is 2-3 p.m. Tue, July 20. The presentation will introduce a sampling of built-in features on Apple and Android mobile devices that assist with reading and vision accessibility. FFI: PACER, 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org

Info & Assistance Online course is updated The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities has updated and revised its popular Partners in Making Your Case online course. Partners in Making Your Case introduces learners to the important role advocacy plays in changing public policies that affect people with developmental disabilities.

The course reinforces that everyone, including people with developmental disabilities, has the right to make their case to policymakers. The course explores key social movements that helped to

Service dogs can be life changing.

Autism assist dogs are often described as being "bomb-proof," because they cannot be alarmed by screaming, tugging on their harness, etc. while being around their person--something that is critical for keeping an eye ... or in this case, a nose, “on” their handler. Can Do Canines takes pride in not only allowing dogs to have their own say in what they grow up to be, but also in customizing each dog for its particular client's needs.

Can Do Canines assistance dogs are provided at no cost to clients, thanks to generous donors.

Contact https://can-do-canines.org/

teams two days to complete their tasks. Tasks might include sharing favorite stims, spelling out a word with team members’ bodies or finding something hidden in a website.$15 per team of up to seven people. Preregister. FFI: www.ausm.org

Circus Abyssinia of their new show. This season marks Peter C. Brosius’ 25th anniversary as CTC’s Artistic Director. Ticket prices and disability accommodations information is online. FFI: childresntheatre.org

Susan Hensel Gallery shows online Minneapolis’ Susan Hensel Gallery offers shows online. The focus of Susan Hensel Gallery is on compelling objects, meaningful use of materials, and engaging sculpture. It is a gallery where experimental ideas and works of the hand join to create unique sensory experiences. The current show, through Aug. 15, is dimensional paintings

by Linda Kind Ferguson. The paintings and other past shows can be seen online. FFI: https:// susanhenselgallery.com/current-exhibition/

Guthrie Theater announces 2021-2022 season The Guthrie Theatre has announced a 20212022 season. The national tour of the critically acclaimed What the Constitution Means to Me by famed writer Heidi Schreck; a world-premiere adaptation of A Christmas Carol by Lavina Jadhwani, featuring all-new creative design; Lorraine Hansberry’s heralded A Raisin in the Sun; William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, directed by former Artistic Director Joe Dowling in his first return to the Guthrie; Kate Hamill’s worldpremiere adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, commissioned by the Guthrie; Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Sweat; and a seventh title to be announced. The Guthrie is to open its doors July 8. Up-to-date information about the season, ticketing, disability accommodations and health and safety plans is available online. FFI: guthrietheater.org

OPPORTUNITIES Children & Families

Looking for four-legged help? Waiting times are shorter than normal for clients who need a specific type of assistance dog from Can Do Canines.

These include mobility, hearing, diabetes a and seizure assist dogs.

These dogs, along with autism assist dogs, are provided free of charge to accepted applicants. Interested applicants must meet criteria to be considered for a Can Do Canine assistance dog. Eligible candidates must be residents of Minnesota or Wisconsin. They must be physically and financially able to take full responsibility for a dog after certification.

Candidates must be at least 10 years old for a mobility assist dog or at least 18 years old for a hearing, diabetes or seizure assist dog. Candidates must not have an additional dog in the home, if applying for a hearing, diabetes or seizure assist dog. Candidates must meet other physical-need criteria related to the type of dog needed. Those are detailed on the Can Do Canines website, candocanines.org.

Of the five types of assistance dogs Can Do Canines trains, autism assist dogs consistently have the longest wait times. Such dogs serve children ages 4-12.

Executive Director Jeff Johnson said it is difficult to control the different waiting lists, because Can Do Canines intentionally allows dogs to choose their own career type, if any. Approximately 30 percent of dogs who start the program do not end up being placed with a client. Many dogs are “career changed” to become a family pet instead, due to identified allergies or other health concerns. For other dogs, the life of an assistance dog just isn’t their calling.

“We want our dogs to love what they do,” said Johnson. If Can Do Canines trainers sense that is not the case for a dog, it will not be placed with a client. “Our mission statement talks of a mutually beneficial partnership between a person and a dog,” said Johnson. “And so while this is really important that we know what can help our client, it's also really important to us that this enhances the dog's life.”

The Can Do Canines training staff performs certain assessments with each dog to see what its true passion is. A hearing dog is often one that is extremely alert and eager, as it is working 24/7. These dogs must be able to jump right into action at 3 a.m. if the smoke alarm goes off.

Children’s Theater Company 2021-2022 season Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) celebrates the excitement, power, and joy of live theatre with its 2021–2022 Season, which includes five inspiring productions that will enthrall and delight audiences of all ages. These include two world premieres by celebrated playwrights Lloyd Suh and Cheryl L. West well as the American premiere by Ethiopia’s internationally acclaimed

further the rights of people with developmental disabilities, how public policy is made at the local, state and federal levels and key elements of the advocacy process. It reinforces the connection between personal stories and systems change, and introduces ways to make your case in writing and in person.

The course also introduces ways you can build and maintain momentum by partnering with others who share a similar vision. The course is free and takes approximately four hours to complete. FFI: https:// partnersonlinecourses.com/partners-in-makingyour-case/ Call the help desk The Arc Minnesota Help Desk offers a direct link to information an assistance. call and an Arc Minnesota staff member will answer. Callers can discuss a personal situation goals, options, and a way forward. If staff is unable to help with a situation directly, callers will be connected with a partner agency.

If no one can take a call, leave a message for a call back. The help desk is presented as a way to be helpful and equitable. The public can still use the website’s Ask an Advocate form or use the Frequently Asked Questions to quickly find resources. FFI: 952-920-1480, www.arcminnesota.org 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 proving PCA, homemaker and other staffing for clients continue to do that in person. But most services aren’t provide 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/

Pg 13

CAN DO CANINES

ENJOY!

July 2021 Volume 32, Number 7

To make the patron experience as clean, safe, Vision loss group offers activities Vision Loss Resources has a new audio activities line. To listen to the audio version of the calendar, call 612-235-3654. The calendar is also available on the website. Ask about virtual support groups, events, distance learning and no-contact grocery shopping and reading support. FFI: 612-843-3439, 612-871-2222, info@visionlossresources.org 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/namiminnesota-support-groups/ Classes offered online NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental

and enjoyable as possible, CTC has added MERV-13 air filters and ionization systems to all HVAC units. HVAC ionization kills the coronavirus and other types of viruses, such as the flu and other air pollutants. CTC has installed touchless fixtures to all public restrooms. CTC will have hand sanitizing stations, increased cleaning of surfaces, and electronic ticketing available. CTC will continue to monitor CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines and adjust protocols as recommended. CTC keeps updated information on the website at childrenstheatre. org/covid19.

Less to Enjoy!

Restrictions have eased in the entertainment world, so look for changes. Some of the museums, arts and theater groups that typically have listings in the Access Press Enjoy! calendar have moved to online services or are offering inperson services with social distancing and safety measures. Others are offering their art in-person.

Please check with a venue or organization before making plans. Check to see what classes and performances are offered online. See what is available through the Minnesota Access Alliance and its calendar, at https://mnaccess.org/ Illness) has set up a wide variety of free online mental health classes. Choices include Hope for Recovery, Transitions, Ending the Silence, Understanding Early Episode Psychosis for Families, In Our Own Voice, Family to Family, Positive Psychology, Creating Caring Communities, a suicide prevention class called QPR – Question, Persuade and Refer, a special QPR class for Agricultural Communities and many more.

The classes are designed for family members and caregivers, persons living with a mental illness, service providers, and also the general public. Find a complete listing of these classes and how to join in by going to namimn.org and clicking on “Classes” or go straight to https://namimn.org/educationpublic-awareness/classes/scheduled/rces.org

Volunteer

Help with volunteers The St. Cloud Area Parkinson’s Disease Support Group is looking for a volunteer facilitator. More than 150 participants need a leader to organize and conduct our meetings (virtual and soon in-person meetings). Independent Lifestyles, the supporting organization, will continue to work with the facilitator to recruit guest speakers, coordinate sponsorships, house the members’ library, and solicit free materials. FFI: Pam, 320-529-9000, pamt@independentlifestyles.org

Be part of our

Directory of Organizations!

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July 2021 Volume 32, Number 7

RADIO TALKING BOOK Use an App for Radio Talking Book Radio Talking Book is not just for listeners with visual disabilities. It can be an asset for people whose disabilities limit hand movements, making it difficult to read a book. The sampling published monthly in Access Press doesn’t represent the full array of programming. Many more programs and books are available.

The service has phased out its longtime receivers. Enjoy programming anytime and anywhere on a hand-held mobile device, for either iOS or Android. Just visit the Apple App Store for iOS, or Google Play for Android, and download the Minnesota Radio Talking Book app. It’s quick, it’s easy, and provides a convenient way to tune in wherever and whenever.

Books broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network are available for loan through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault. The catalog is at www.mnbtbl.org, click on the link Search the Library Catalog. Call the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library at 800-722-0550, Mon-Fri, 9 am - 4 pm CST for details. Persons living outside of Minnesota may obtain copies of books via an inter-library loan by contacting their home state’s Network Library for the National Library Service.

To find more information about Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network events go to the Facebook site, Minnesota Radio Talking Book. Audio information about the daily book listings is also on the National Federation for the Blind (NFB) Newsline.

Register for the NFB Newsline by calling 651-539-1424.

The NFB-NEWSLINE service provides access to more than 500 magazines and newspapers, plus information on COVID-19 in the “Breaking News” section. To learn more, visit www.nfb.org/ programs-services/nfb-newsline.

Donate to the State Services for the Blind at mn.gov/deed/ssbdonate Listen to RTB’s live or archived programs online at www.mnssb.org/rtb Chautauqua* Monday – Friday 6 a.m.

Eat A Peach, nonfiction by David Chang,

2020. Restaurant owner and TV star David Chang describes how success dominated his life. Amidst the fame, he was also battling his demons. Read by Robb Empson. 10 broadcasts; begins Wed, July 7. - L Broad Band, nonfiction by Claire L. Evans, 2018. Claire L. Evans tells of the women who built and developed the Internet.

Read by Parichay Rudina. 13 broadcasts; begins Wed, July 21.

Past is Prologue* Monday – Friday 11 a.m.

Armies of Deliverance, nonfiction by Elizabeth R. Varon, 2019. The Union Army believed it would be greeted with open arms as liberators in the Reconstruction South. Read by John Potts. 20 broadcasts; begins Mon, July 5.

Bookworm* Monday – Friday noon Things I’m Seeing Without You, fiction

by Peter Bognanni, 2017. After a young man commits suicide, his girlfriend moves in with her estranged father. She then encounters her boyfriend’s best friend. Read by Connie Jamison. Eight broadcasts; begins Mon, July 5.

Miss Benson’s Beetle, fiction by Rachel Joyce, 2020. Margery Benson sets out to find the golden beetle of New Caledonia.

But soon she finds herself teamed up with Enid Pretty, an impetuous woman who never seems to stop talking. Read by Pat Muir. 12 broadcasts; begins Thu, July 15.

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

His Very Best, nonfiction by Jonathan Alter, 2020. Jimmy Carter’s achievements are momentous, both during his presidency and after. Columnist Jonathan Alter provides a deeply researched and engaging journey through the life of this highly multifaceted man. Read by Stevie Ray. 32 broadcasts; begins Mon, July 19.

Choice Reading* Monday – Friday 2 p.m.

The Sun Collective, fiction by Charles Baxter, 2020. Harry and Alma Brettigan search for their son Tim, who left home months earlier. They’re drawn to Ludlow and Christina at the Sun Collective, a community group that assists homeless

people. Read by Edy Elliott. 17 broadcasts; begins Tue, July 6. - L The Dreamers, fiction by Karen Thompson Walker, 2019. A college student thinks she is coming down with the flu. Instead she has a mysterious disease that causes victims to fall into deep sleep, and sometimes leads to death. Read by Marylyn Burridge. 10 broadcasts; begins Thu, July 29. - L Afternoon Report* Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

The Fate of Food, nonfiction by Amanda Little, 2019. Ecology journalist Amanda Little suggests ways we can feed our hotter, drier, and more crowded world.

Read by Michelle Juntunen. 14 broadcasts; begins Tue, July 6.

Hudson Bay Bound, nonfiction by Natalie Warren, 2021. After college Natalie Warren and Ann Raiho re-created the historic 1935 voyage of Eric Sevareid and Walter C. Port: a 2,000-mile canoe trip from Minneapolis to northeastern Canada’s Hudson Bay. Read by Laura Young. 10 broadcasts; begins Mon, July 26.

Night Journey* Monday – Friday 7 p.m.

Slough House, fiction by Mick Herron, 2021. Slough House, the British home for spies too old, compromised, or ineffectual to defend queen and country, is under attack. Someone has been killing their alumni and is now coming for the current crop. Read by John Potts. 11 broadcasts; begins Thu, July 15. – L, V Off the Shelf* Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

Homeland Elegies, fiction by Ayad Akhtar, 2020. Playwright Ayad Akhtar is the son of Muslim immigrants from Pakistan. He presents a novel that finds no pat answers about what it means to be a MuslimAmerican today. Read by Jack Rossmann.

12 broadcasts; begins Thu, July 15.

Potpourri* Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

Monsieur Mediocre, nonfiction by John von Sothen, 2019. Journalist John von Sothen moved to Paris with his French actress wife, planning to stay only a few years.

Fifteen years later, he still makes France

Pg 14

All times listed are Central Standard Time.

Abbreviations V – violent content R – racial epithets L – strong language S – sexual situation G – gory descriptions his home. Read by Eileen Barratt. 10 broadcasts; begins Wed, July 21.

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

The Passengers – Fiction by John Marrs, 2018. Government-mandated self-driving cars become the norm in Britain —until they prove susceptible to a terrorist hack.

Read by Tom Speich. 12 broadcasts; begins Mon, July 12. – L, S RTB Late Night* Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

One Last Child, fiction by Anni Taylor, 2020. Five small children vanished from their nursery school. Three and a half years later, the children return -- except for Ivy, the granddaughter of homicide detective Kate Wakeland. Read by Jodi Lindskog. 16 broadcasts; begins Mon, July 14. – S, L Weekend Program Books Your Personal World, 1 p.m. Sat, presents Things Worth Keeping by Christine Harold (L); followed by The Handbook for Bad Days by Eveline Helmink (L); both read by Beverly Burchett.

Rated R, 11 p.m. Sat, presents American Gospel by Lin Enger (L), read by Scott McKinney.

For the Younger Set, 11 a.m. Sun, presents Expelled by James Patterson and Emily Raymond, read by John Mandeville.

Poetic Reflections, noon Sun, presents The Half-Finished Heaven by Tomas Transtromer, read by Jess Banks.

The Great North, 4 p.m. Sun, presents November’s Fury by Michael Schumacher, read by Chris Colestock.

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July 2021 Volume 32, Number 7

Pg 15

A new mural in a historic Minnesota town is inclusive for people of all abilities.

The “Love for All” mural was painted on the side of a two-story building at the intersection of Third Street and First Avenue in Faribault. The mural is colorful and welcoming for the entire community — even those who can’t physically see it or hear about its design and significance.

The mural artist’s name is Jordyn Brennan. She was selected by city officials through an application process. The city wanted the work to focus on inclusion while pulling inspiration from the town’s rich history and diverse demographics.

“I hope that when people look at the mural they feel a sense of pride for the town,” Brennan said. “When I get to be out in the community, with the community and for the community, that’s so rewarding.”

The mural can be understood in English, American Sign Language (ASL) and Braille. On top of that, there will be an option for people to enjoy a video by scanning a QR code, which will describe

REGIONAL NEWS From page 6

law that was passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 1925.

The petition to rename Dight Avenue has gathered 750 signatures since June 1 and has the support of City Council Member Andrew Johnson, whose ward includes the street.

Noah McCourt, executive director of the Minnesota Disability Justice Network, said he started the petition because the neighborhood is diverse and the name could be hurtful to residents.

“In a community that's been traumatized, making some of these more simplistic strides to address the historical and generational trauma that people face, I think, is a really positive step forward,” McCourt said.

Johnson said he is pursuing a name change, and his staff is drafting a letter to residents of the area seeking their feedback.

“Having a street named after you is a huge honor,” Johnson said. “I think we have an obligation to regularly consider how we are honoring people.”

(Source: Star Tribune)

Eagan opens accessible playground In Eagan's Woodhaven Park, a new, accessible Destination All Play playground is getting rave reviews. The $2 million playground is believed to be the first of its kind in the twin Cities region.

“Yeah, it's a lot of fun, and it's amazing,” said Eagan resident Anna Kimmel, who uses a power chair to get around.

“The fun part is when you watch a kid play, you'll see where they gravitate,” said Jay Webber, the designer. “The Americans with Disabilities Act has a law out there that governs how we design, but we actually go farther than that.”

There is wheelchair access almost everywhere. Studded ramps take guests smoothly from the parking lot to the playground itself. Raised play areas — normally a barrier for children with disabilities — have ramps of their own.

There are basketball hoops of almost every height and a pulley ride that has a special strap-in chair that makes it accessible for everyone.

“It's a safe, accessible place space,” Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire said. “You can play a melody or play a bank shot, do anything you want in here.”

And then there's the specially made rubber ground covering designed to prevent injuries from falls.

“The number used to be 80-85 percent of all injuries from falls off of the playground,” Webber said. “If there's not adequate surfacing under the play equipment, you're going to find more injuries.”

Even with the recent heat wave, plastic and rubber materials keep the playground cool. Slides and seats are pastel-colored to keep them from getting too hot to the touch. The cushioned ground areas are tancolored, cooler than say, green or black.

There are touch panels that make animal

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REGIONAL NEWS New mural in Faribault features design to promote inclusion, access

The mural is accessible in a variety of ways. it in ASL, Spanish and eventually Somali.

The flowers that are painted on the mural also have connections to the area.

Minneapolis resident Brennan works at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

“Jordyn [Brennan] knocked it out of the park consulting with our academies for the blind and the deaf on developing her proposal and incorporating them into the mural,” said Kim Clausen, community

sounds that allow children to learn and grow.

“All the kids in the community now have one place they can come,” Webber said.

“Regardless of whether they've got mobility issues, sensory issues, or are able bodied kids to be able to come and play together in one place.”

(Source: KTSP-TV)

“He wanted to open a milk carton on his own, and I started to do some research on it and I couldn't find anything that would make any sense at all,” said Debra Godfrey, one of Yang’s teachers. The she saw that Harding High School was seeking ideas for a technology class.

Working with the teachers, Harding High School senior Nuege Xiong designed and 3D printed a little yellow device for Yang.

“The first thing we had to do was decide what do we want it to do what do we want to accomplish,” Xiong said.

Yang calls the device his “yellow opener’ and uses it for milk cartons, juice and fruit cups. It has four handles and a cup holder.

His right hand or arm holds it in place while he opens the containers with his left hand.

“As a teacher, I don't think it could be any better, my heart is overflowing, my tears overflowing with joy,” Godfrey said.

The device has become quite popular, and about a dozen students in six different schools are using them. Requests for more are made each day.

“It makes me feel so happy for him because I can only do so much for him to have Nuege create such a great device to help him so he can be more independent that just makes me so happy and I'm super thankful,” said Ka Yang, Orion’s mother.

The inventor and youngster recently met. “It brings me a lot of joy to see that he can use it and it allows him to help open a lot of stuff that we take for granted, so it brings me a lot of joy,” Xiong said.

(Source: KSTP-TV)

Red River organization to move The Red River Human Services Foundation is set to move into their new south Fargo office come August. The new office is currently under construction at a cost of $5.6 million.

The new office will serve two main purposes, CEO Tom Newberger said: unifying the Red River Human Services Foundation's Fargo offices under one roof and providing better services to the residents they support.

In total, the Red River Human Services Foundation supports 565 residents in both Fargo and Wahpeton, Newberger said.

The foundation provides lifetime care, he said, assisting residents with intellectual disabilities from birth through death.

“We purchased the property a little over a year ago. The purpose of that is to co-locate all of our offices across Fargo,” he said. “We're co-locating everyone just to create some efficiencies and to meet our specific needs.”

RRHSF spent a year scouting possible locations across the city but could not find a perfect fit, Newberger said. “None of them really met the needs of the people with intellectual disabilities,” he noted.

The new facility will do just that, allowing RRHSF to “meet the specific needs of the people we support,” Newberger said.

All of RRHSF's Fargo staff will work in the new three-story building. Staff include case workers, job coaches, individuals who care for residents at their homes or apartments and other pre-employed staff which work in schools.

Highlights of the building's first floor are a gymnasium which will be heavilyutilized by those with intellectual disabilities as well as an activities center.

The activities center will allow staff to help people accomplish “whatever their desires and dreams are,” Newberger said, be it relaxing inside watching television or movies or taking part in outdoor physical activities such as camping or bicycling.

The second floor will house more programs in addition to in-office case workers who assist with day-to-day tasks such as writing checks, making appointments or paying bills. The third floor will be home to accounting, human resources and information technology staff.

(Source: Fargo Forum) Got milk? Assistive device can help Orion Yang is an 8-year-old second grader in the St. Paul Public Schools, described by his mother as outgoing and independent. But his independence has been compromised by a physical disability affecting the right side of his body.

Cyclist raises TBI awareness William Galloway and his recumbent tricycle have crisscrossed the United States for more than three years, to raise awareness of traumatic brain injuries.

He stopped in the western Minnesota community of Marshall this spring.

“It’s a life I never thought I’d be living,” Galloway said. But although it could be physically tough, he couldn’t give up. “I’m on a mission.”

Galloway is currently on his ninth trip across the continent. The New Jersey man said he hopes to raise awareness of traumatic brain injuries, and the issues that people recovering from TBI face.

“I’ve always been a bicycle nut, ever since I was a kid,” Galloway said. But several years ago he was hit by a drunk driver and hospitalized with a serious head injury.

Recovery was hard, and Galloway said he was frustrated with being in assisted living and group homes. He didn’t like the medications he was prescribed.

Communicating and finding employment were challenges. When he started his cycling journey, Galloway was headed for a clinic in California where he hoped he could get a different kind of treatment.

“I started trekking towards that clinic,” he said. But he’s stayed on the road since then, towing his gear in a trailer. Galloway said he’s currently on his third bike. By

development coordinator for the city of Faribault.

Faribault has been home to the Minnesota State Academies for the Deaf and Blind for more than 150 years.

Brennan worked closely with the schools to ensure the mural’s inclusivity.

“It brings a really good feeling of unity — the different colors, the hands, the Braille, the different hand shades.

It really feels like we are part of the Faribault community,” Terry Wilding, superintendent of schools with the academies, said.

Wilding has not been able to hear his entire life.

“This project feels very different because they truly reached out and involved us from the very beginning,” Wilding said.

“They got our feedback as part of steps of the project and they showed they really care about our community and that’s the big difference here that we noticed in this mural project.”

(Source: KSTP-TV)

now, he’s been to every U.S. state except Alaska and Hawaii, he said.

“I just can’t give up. Shelters are not really my cup of tea,” Galloway said.

Galloway said he’s faced plenty of good and bad out on the road. He talked about times he’s faced bitterly cold weather and hypothermia, or been run off the road by other vehicles. But he’s also met people who have helped him out, or donated money or time to keep his bike in working order.

“I met a lot of great people. I wouldn’t have made it this far without them,” Galloway said.

Galloway said his overarching goal is to help get the word out about how brain injuries affect people. He said he hopes people can learn “Not to treat everyone the same.” Every brain injury and disability is different, he said.

(Source: Marshall Independent)

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TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 4766

Volume 32, Number 1

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January 2021

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You're not asking for a new stadium.

You're asking for the same things everybody else has.

Vaccinations and priority are key topics

RICHARD CUSHING

for The advent of vaccines measure COVID-19 brings some with of relief for Minnesotans months be Governor Tim Walz disabilities. But it could a vaccine before everyone who needs vigilant. stay gets one, so people must also dictates pandemic ongoing The , service that people with disabilitiesmust t providers and governmen NEWS DIGEST times. maintain flexibility in changing ner of Jan Malcolm, commissio of nt the Minnesota DepartmeHarpstead, Health (MDH) and Jodi commissioner of the Minnesota Services Department of Human (DHS), outlined the current 17 pandemic issue at a December Disability Minnesota Council on a forum. The council hosted as breakout legislative update as well the on sessions, including one pandemic. described The department heads pandemic the to the state response as a and the rollout of the vaccines are a ray of process. While vaccines to be a need MDI hope, there is still going to practice New equipment helps 2020 rally. for everyone to continue and take in preparation for the February Page 9 up Members of DSAM made signs social distancing, mask for other precautionary measures Bostrom was a pioneer some time. and Page 3 First responders, hospital nursing health care workers, and the first home residents are among who are Look at vaccination priority Council on 17 with the Minnesota pre-session to get the vaccine. People the 2021 Page 4 and The January 5 start of Disability, for the annual is more vital considered at risk for disability has advocacy a priority.

Minnesota Legislature review. “The work we do health reasons are also of the final bill and enough Use our Directory of groups hurrying to get today, because of the challenges But it may be months before The COVID-19 council director. the for all. available policy details into place. different time,” said David Dively, Organizations to find vaccinations are session, life The council hosted a general pandemic will mean a very resources for your best Some disability rights advocates virtually. topics on done work sessions all too easy session, with much as well as breakout Page 5-8 contend that it could be to be at the equity and the to be left Advocates don’t expect meeting in including mental health, for people with disabilitiesof the line from Gov. capitol, having rallies and pandemic. Advocates heard out or pushed to the back ns.

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NONPROFIT page To lawmakers URE with vaccinatio person LEGISLAT ORG. when it comes to December a number U.S. POSTAGE A large group met online Session participants had officials state of questions. One issue is how said they have to sort outand direct TWIN CITIES personal care attendants If they , MN care workers are classified. care PERMIT NO. Volume 32, health 4766 are indeed considered Num ber up in 4 workers, they would move . Malcolm said order to get vaccinated WW W.ACCE on SSPRESS.OR clarification would be provided G that issue. discussed Malcolm and Harpstead listened April 2021 have how their departments . They carefully and been responsive with people have virtually met with January 2020 s. providers service retirement disabilities and 2020 began with notable nt of Human Services throughout the pandemic.

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Housemake change having a disabil ionals who also identify as grant to and mentees. Thisi connections for mentors s in fall 2021, ity. “They’re seeing ; least in the Minne offering menFletcher said. “They’ success pushing for reform to pass down advicecould be a valuable way re seeing that once ,” Democrats are colleagues have on how to overco they me their Republican measures to allow rd GRANT To page rs 4 brought forwa continue operations winne d Poetz to Clifford MOHR Awar state agencies us biennium funding Page 6 under the previo res would provide measu spring levels. Those s Press this ions after operat Acces ort state Supp of a for continued the prospect Page 3 June 30 and avoidshutdown. But that Training to merge contentious statekey funding increases Research and LSS, Lifetrack liaison with the unity Living within the could leave out disability community Page 6 Institute on Center on Comm sought for some Minnesota’s of Jane McClure by rsity Unive closes initiatives. selfIntegration (ICI). are expected Thrift store only defined Community Poetz became an activist, State lawmakers budget for the Cliff Poetz notthe example and opened At the time were still Page 8 billion set Minnesotans to pass a $52 operations. There’s to take up advocacy, he about 200,000 tions. He began his adult countless others. Poetz died a next two years’ difference in the the door for living in institu t aspirations, even telling of disability rights through a fair amount the cause of was 71 years old and is life with modes er in the 1970s that his that have come the March 25. 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No one ally open to amend especi l session yet, receive l talking specia specia of number more Minnesotans after a record As more and vaccine, state officials sessions in 2020. year of restricted the COV ID-19reach populations that are due to But the second are working to vaccine opportunities and offices’ access capital and state pandemic, and what missing out on strategies to draw in those developing newting. the COVID-19 of progress on several 16 who are hesita vaccines for everyone age e ce of is seen as a lack testing the patien many peopl Opening of key issues, is s. been a help for , barriers and older has many self-advocate session is the But for others with disabilities. g drive-through sites for A wild card this Plan Act of 2021, e still exist. Findin ity issues continues to American Rescu passed in March. 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ahead at Challenging times are ion start the state capitol as sess

Vaccines ramp up statewide

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of Organiza

Remembering Cardenas a co our Rick: mmunity “hero ”

Check our Directory of Organizations for the supports and services you need for daily living!

DIRECTORY tions

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Do what they think you can't do.

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May 17 looms as deadline for adjournment

Grant provides mentors, suppor t for Macalester students

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SUBMITTED PHOTO

s mote vaccine ntinues to pro Outreach co

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July26, 26,2021 2021 • 12 noon July 1:30 p.m.

July 26, 2021 • 12 noon noon---1:30 1:30p.m. p.m.

Celebrate Resilience Celebrate Resilience Celebrate Resilience aswe wemark mark the the 31st 31st Anniversary as Anniversaryofof

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More Info: CelebrateADAMN.com More Info: CelebrateADAMN.com This event would not be possible without the CelebrateADAMN.com contributions thebe 31st ADA Anniversary This event wouldofnot possible without the Celebration Planning Committee contributions of the 31st ADA Anniversary

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