July 2023 Edition - Access Press

Volume 34, Number 7

Police violated civil rights

People with behavioral health disabilities are among whom the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) and City of Minneapolis discriminated against. An 89-page report from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) describes in great detail the longstanding issues of misconduct.

The DOJ also announced that city and MPD leaders agree in principle to resolve the issues found through a court-enforceable consent decree with an independent monitor. This is an option to contested litigation, which could take many years to resolve.

“George Floyd’s death had an irrevocable impact on his family, on the Minneapolis community, on our country, and on the world,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The patterns and practices of conduct the Justice Department observed during our investigation are deeply disturbing. They erode the community’s trust in law enforcement. And they made what happened to George Floyd possible. Today, we have completed our investigation, but this is only the first step. We will continue to work with the city and the MPD toward ensuring that MPD officers have the support and resources they need to do their jobs effectively and lawfully as we work together toward meaningful and durable reform.”

“These findings present a sobering picture of a flawed system – but today we turn towards change through justice,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Bildtsen for the District of Minnesota. “This thorough investigation is the foundation to make fair and lawful policing a reality for our entire community.”

The report was released June 16 by Garland. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has already pledged to address the problems. Doing so could take many months and cost millions of dollars.

The report describes how police used excessive force against residents from 2016 to 2022, and violated their constitutional and federal rights. The report also recommends several ways that city officials can address the situation.

The DOJ report outlines four primary categories of violations. Those are:

Both the police and city officials are found to violated the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in situations involving people with behavioral health disabilities. People who were having mental health crises and behaving erratically were found to have posed no threats to others in many situations. But police used tasers, chokeholds and other forcible measures of arrest in these cases.

MPD was found to have used excessive force, caused unnecessary death, struck people who were restrained and not given needed medical aid to people in custody. The best-know of these cases was the May 2020 police killing of George Floyd, who was accused of using a counterfeit $20 bill in a south Minneapolis store.

Huppert will highlight Access Press celebration

by Access Press staff and Board Award-winning broadcast journalist Boyd Huppert will emcee the November

3 Access Press Award Celebration/ Fundraiser November 3. The event will be held at the university of Minnesota McNamara Center.

Huppert is a skilled storyteller, award-winning journalist and longtime producer/host of KARE TV’s Land of 10,000 Stories. He’ll share a compilation of some of his stories featuring people who live with disabilities.

Huppert will also discuss the role of Access Press as an essential and crucial source of information for Minnesotans with disabilities and the general public.

Huppert has been described as “one of the most admired and celebrated TV

reporters in the country” by the Star Tribune. During his 40-year career in television news, Huppert has become widely known for his work as a video storyteller and teacher.

He is marking his 28th year at KARE. In addition to his reporting duties, Huppert serves as National Storytelling Coach for the 49 newsrooms of TEGNA, KARE’s owner.

He has presented hundreds of visual storytelling workshops across the United States and abroad. He has served for nearly three decades as a faculty member at the Advanced Storytelling Workshop, sponsored by the National Press Photographers Association.

His work as a reporter has earned some

HUPPERT To page 4

Adaptive sports roundup Page 5

(Not) summer fun Page 2

Letter from the editor Page 4

Use the Access Press Directory to find services and programs Page 6-7

Apply for program Page 11

Lengthy case based on living choices is settled

by Jane McClure

A settlement in a lengthy federal court case centered on living choices won approval June 15. While intervenors didn’t get what they sought in the class action case of Murphy versus Harpstead, they are using the court case to mobilize on issues and draw new people into self-advocacy.

At issue was a legal settlement negotiated by the Disability Law Center and the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), and whether that settlement addressed issues raised by the Disability Law Center on behalf of Minnesotans with disabilities who want to live in the least restrictive settings possible.

U.S. District Court Judge Donovan Frank’s ruling concludes that the settlement warrants approval. While many issues raised by those parties have merit, those claims are outside of the case’s scope. Frank agrees with the plaintiff’s contention that the lawsuit is not about addressing staff shortages or how the state funds waiver services.

The case is about whether the agreement is fair, adequate and reasonable, Frank said. It’s not about where a better deal could have been negotiated

between the Disability Law Center and the Minnesota Department of Human

CIVIL RIGHT To page 10

Boyd Huppert

LIVING CHOICE To page 4

Advocates gathered outside of the federal courthouse in St. Paul prior to the fairness hearing.

Summertime and the living is not

Many of us who live with disabilities have a love/hate relationship with summer. Those whose disabilities are impacted by winter’s cold and icy conditions welcome the chance to be outdoors more. It’s great to be able to be outside and not worry about a slip and fall on ice. Those of us who use chairs or other mobility devices don’t miss wheeling through the snow.

Many of us do struggle with the need to stay cool. But while we cannot change the weather, there are issues we’d like to see addressed. Call it our summer sidewalks wish list, with three wishes to help us get around.

Our first wish is to coexist with sidewalk cafes. Outdoor dining is in full swing in many places. Enjoying a meal or cup of coffee outdoors is one of our summer pleasures.

What’s not a pleasure is trying to navigate a sidewalk where tables and chairs block the path. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the minimum clear width for single wheelchair passage shall be 32 inches (815 mm). That has to be maintained continuously, to enable someone to get through.

And that is a minimum. We know there are wider wheelchairs out there that wouldn’t be able to clear such a tight space. And single clearance means friends and caregivers travel single file, not side by side.

As coffee shop and restaurant patrons move tables and chairs around, compliance is not always the case. It can be difficult but not impossible for wheelchairs to get through some busy restaurant districts as every single establishment has to have its tables and chairs out.

Asking for compliance can be met with pushback. After all, patrons have paid to enjoy their meals. But compliance is not an option and it’s up to businesses to comply. Even marking a sidewalk with chalk or tape could be helpful, so that staff and patrons

for those of us living with disabilities

walk or wheel through deep puddles at corners. Just a few minutes’ attention to a storm drain can make a big difference!

One more thing

Access Press is always pleased to report on the Minnesota State High School League adapted sports tournaments. The final tournaments of 2022-2023 are in this issue.

Kudos to our community’s prep bowlers, softball players, and track and field athletes. it’s been fun to see athletes and teams shine. (We also really enjoy the fun nicknames some teams have.)

and scooters or vehicles

are flat on the sidewalk.

of us cannot lift or move those abandoned scooters and bikes.

know where they can and cannot be seated.

Our second wish is for shared bicycles and e-scooters to travel and be parked where they belong. Scooters and bikes are popping up in more and more communities as a means of getting around. It’s easy for many people to use an app, find a scooter or bike, and then hop on for a quick trip or just for fun.

It’s not as much fun when bike and scooter riders use sidewalks. In our experience the stickers asking that the vehicles not be ridden or parked on sidewalks are all often disregarded.

Those of us with all kinds of disabilities cannot easily jump out of the way when a scooter zooms up in front of or behind us. We cannot navigate around parked bikes and scooters or vehicles that are flat on the sidewalk. Many of us cannot lift or move

those abandoned scooters and bikes.

The Minneapolis Sidewalk Hunters and other groups are working year-round on access issues. But we need to not have to file complaints all of the time. Compliance needs to be enforced before e-scooter and bike companies have their licenses renewed.

Our third wish for folks to keep storm drains near their homes and businesses cleared of sticks, leaves, grass cuttings and other debris. Those can accumulate at this time of year. When there is a heavy rain, storm drains back up and sidewalks are obstructed. For many of us with disabilities, it’s not a matter of hopping through the puddles.

After a June downpour in the east metro area, we saw people with disabilities struggling to get around and not have to

We are very proud of the fact that Minnesota has always been a leader in adapted sports. We are proud of the many pioneering prep athletes and coaches who got the sports started, and into the league’s fold.

We add big thanks to the Minnesota State High School League for their work in organizing and covering sports season and the tournaments themselves. It takes time to organize sports, provide resources for coaches and officials, prepare tournament brackets and sites, and provide detailed information on the tournaments themselves.

The thing we’d like to see changed is how tournaments are named. We have a PI and CI divisions for most sports, and ASD added for bowling. ASD of course is autism spectrum disorder.

The “I” in PI and CI is for impairments, and we’d kindly suggest that the acronym may need a refresh. Perhaps the teams could be asked if it’s time for new division names and what those names should be. While ideas might not be as creative as, say, the nickname Blazing Cats, it might be a fun exercise and one that generates more pride in our sports.

1950s polio epidemic had costs beyond disabling injuries for Minnesotans

Minnesota came off of a record number of polio cases in 1952. Our state was second in the nation behind Texas for polio patients. Hospital wards were filled with patients on respirators. According to the National Institute of Health, there were 20,000 cases of paralytic poliomyelitis in the United States that year.

If 1952 was a record-breaking year, 1953 was the start of a long road to recovery. Recovery was not just for those dealing with the disabling effects of polio. Hospitals and volunteer groups struggled to regain footing and finances.

Medical facilities were slowly returning to normal. A January 8, 1953 Minneapolis Tribune article described how visiting nurses at Minneapolis General Hospital were starting to return to their homes and jobs. Nurses were shown saying their goodbyes and packing their suitcases. Many had missed the Christmas holidays with their families.

Minneapolis hospitals had 180 visiting nurses come in from around the nation. Their help was needed when polio resurged in fall 1952.

“Nurses came from Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and 12 other states to help out during the peak of the outbreak,” the article stated. More than 60 cities were represented in the visitors’ ranks.

Other nurses came from the Twin Cities area’s ranks of county and public health nurses, blood centers and other facilities.

Nurses worked at Minneapolis General, Mount Sinai, Sister Kenny, Swedish and Sheltering Arms hospitals. The plus$100,000 cost for extra nursing help was covered by donations from the Hennepin County chapter of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis and the March of Dimes fundraising drives.

Local chapters of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis struggled under the weight on so many needs.

Groups statewide had busied themselves with education about helping polio patients. They met with county public health nurses to learn about patient treatment.

They raised money to help provide care.

A look at newspapers statewide showed basketball tournaments, luncheons, style shows, auctions and other fundraisers held to raise money.

The high costs of care overwhelmed many volunteer groups. The January 15, 1953 Winona Republican-Herald included an article headlined, “Winona Chapter Owes $6,600 on 1952 Polio Bill.” Providing care had put the Winona County Chapter of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis in debt.

The southeastern Minnesota group raised almost $9,000 in the 1952 March of Dimes campaign. That money was quickly spent. Fae Griffith, chair of the Winona group, said four of five polio patients in Minnesota needed help from

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Editor ............................................................................................................................................................................................ Jane McClure

Board of Directors Tim S. Benjamin, John Clark, Adrienne Coatley, Mark Daly, Brendan Downes, ............................................................................................................... Catherine Hunter, Jane Larson, Ann Roscoe, Kay Willshire (Chair)

Business Operations and Advertising Manager Mary Graba

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Digital Production

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)

Tricia Donovan

the March of Dimes.

“The average daily cost for care and treatment of polio patients in Minnesota has risen from $13 in 1948 to $20 today,” the article stated.

Some respirator patients run up daily costs of $40 and more,” she told the newspaper.

Soon the availability of polio vaccines would quell the disease and ease the burden on so many.

Minneapolis General became part of what is now Hennepin County Medical Center. The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis is now known simply as the March of Dimes.

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.

DEADLINE: 15th of each month.

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ABOUT ACCESS PRESS: A monthly newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd.

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so easy

Those of us with all kinds of disabilities cannot easily jump out of the way when a scooter jumps up in front of or behind us. We cannot navigate around parked bikes

that

Many

A pooled trust preserves money and protects eligibility for benefits

You can avoid the need to spend down financial assets in order to qualify for benefits with a Pooled Trust account.

For almost four decades, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota has been helping individuals with disabilities preserve financial assets while protecting eligibility for benefits such as Medicaid (medical assistance), Social Security Income or other public benefits.

A Pooled Trust account is a financial investment tool containing the assets of an individual with disabilities. It can preserve financial assets — like proceeds from the sale of a house or an inheritance — that would otherwise need to be part of a spend down to qualify for benefits.

An individual’s funds are “pooled” together with the resources of other individuals for investment purposes – that is the Pooled Trust. Each individual has their own account within the Pooled Trust that contains their financial assets.

A Pooled Trust account can be established and funded by the individual or by family and friends. The funds can only be used for the benefit of the beneficiary – helping protect individuals from potential exploitation and improving quality of life.

Consider these real-life illustrations of how individuals chose to spend funds from their LSS Pooled Trust accounts:

• D’Angelo purchased his own car, fulfilling a dream fueled by the mutual love

of cars he shared with his father.

• Emma was thrilled when she got to meet “Elvis” – at an Elvis festival. Bringing home souvenirs and purchasing meals of her choice while traveling made her trip more memorable.

• Born with Down syndrome and autism, Indigo found great pleasure in working with horses as well as improved coordination and speech with Equine therapy.

• Skye’s mental health improved significantly when they purchased their own home after an auto accident left them with a traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress and depression.

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.

Example of expenses that can be paid from a Pooled Trust Funds from Pooled Trust accounts can be used for many things that make life more pleasurable.

Benefits of a Pooled Trust Account with LSS

• Efficient, professional management by LSS Pooled Trust experts – we take care of the details so you don’t have to.

• Accounts can be established quickly.

• Pooling funds can command better interest rates compared to many other investment options.

• Individuals and family members don’t need to become a trustee or gain expertise in trust management.

Two kinds of LSS Pooled Trusts: Special Needs and Supplemental Needs Pooled Trusts are designed specifically to benefit people with disabilities and must be administered by a non-profit organization.

• Special Needs/First-party: the funds in the trust account come from personal injury settlements, retroactive disability payments, an inheritance or savings.

• Supplemental Needs /Third-party: the funds in the trust account come from family and friends to provide financial gifts or an inheritance. Protect your future.

Putting money in a Pooled Trust instead of doing a spend down or risking losing benefits makes good sense for supporting a sound financial future. It can provide the freedom to purchase experiences like vacations or educational opportunities that might otherwise be unaffordable. Therapeutic or medical services not covered by benefits can help improve overall health and well-being; many can be funded from a Pooled Trust account.

Lutheran Social Service Pooled Trust provides trustworthy, reliable service with professional, experienced trust advisors. We are bonded and insured to protect your interests. We work closely with attorneys and other professionals. We are knowledgeable about Medicaid

and Social Security so you don’t need to keep up on any changes. We will ensure disbursements from your account meet all legal requirements to protect your eligibility for benefits.

Our comprehensive trust services have low administration and investment fees. And, we have time-tested financial and reporting systems in place, so you can rest assured your money is being handled with safety and integrity.

To inquire about opening an account: call 888.806.6844 or email: lsspooledtrust@ lssmn.org

To learn more about LSS Pooled Trust, visit lsspooledtrust.org/access

About LSS

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota has been serving Minnesotans since 1895. We are neighbors helping neighbors, with supportive services in all 87 counties. LSS supports 1 in 65 Minnesotans through services that inspire hope, change lives and build community. Statewide, the organization seeks to foster safe and supportive homes for children, restore health and wellness in families, empower people with disabilities to live the lives they imagine, and promote health, independence and quality of life for older adults.

Here’s a news update from Access Press, Minnesota’s disability news source

Access Press brings readers news about Minnesota’s disability community. Now we’d like to share some news about us.

Access Press has struggled in recent years. That’s all too true for many publications.

We’re pleased to announce that we’re turning the corner. While some news sources have gone to online-only status, we will continue our print publication and work to improve our online product. We’ll re-evaluate those decisions at the end of 2023.

Retaining a print edition is important for us because not all of our readers are able to read news online. That is especially true in parts of Greater Minnesota where Internet access can be challenging.

We’re grateful for the support that allows us to do this. Access Press thanks our advertisers and donors. We don’t take any of you for granted.

My byline started appearing in newspapers when I was 12. I turned 65 in June and extend thanks to all who donated to my recent Facebook birthday fundraiser for Access Press.

LIVING CHOICE

From page 1

Services.

“Nothing in the court’s ruling today is meant to minimize the lived experiences of the objectors or any class member,” Frank said in his ruling. “People with disabilities confront stigma and discrimination on a regular basis. It is a shameful part of our country’s past and present. While many issues remain that are separate from this litigation, the court is hopeful that this agreement will create positive change. And the court sincerely hopes that the objectors, plaintiffs, and others within the disability rights community will continue to advocate for their rights. Ultimately, we will all be judged by how we treat the most vulnerable members of our society.”

The decision approving the settlement followed a May 12 fairness hearing, and comments from a total of 14 objectors. Hovering over the comments was the state’s Olmstead Plan, which requires people with disabilities to live in the least restrictive setting possible.

Class action cases like Murphy versus Harpstead allow affected parties to intervene. in this case intervenors

From page 1

of journalism's highest honors, including 22 National Edward R. Murrow Awards, multiple National Headliner and Sigma Delta Chi Awards, the Scripps Howard Award, the national Emmy for feature reporting and 148 regional Emmys.

In 2023, the Radio Television Digital News Foundation presented Huppert with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Also in 2023, the National Press Photographers Association bestowed on Huppert the Founder’s Award, the NPPA’s highest honor. This fall, Huppert will be inducted in the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame. In 2016, Huppert was inducted into the Emmy Silver Circle, recognizing career contributions to the television industry.

Prior to his arrival at KARE, he worked at WITI-TV in Milwaukee, KETV in Omaha, and WSAW-TV in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Huppert grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and graduated with a journalism degree from UW-River Falls, where he was named the university's 2013 distinguished alumnus.

The event also features the presentation of the Charlie Smith Award, which honors the founding editor of Access Press Nominees should be Minnesota individuals or groups working to improve the lives of Minnesotans with disabilities.

Deadline to submit nominations is 5 p.m. July 31. More information is on page 3.

Past winners said the award is a meaningful tribute. “Charlie was a

Things have really changed since I would drop off typed articles in rural Iowa newspaper offices. That’s as true for newspaper production as it is for newspaper economics.

There’s much more competition for fewer advertising dollars.

Some locally owned businesses have been purchased by or pushed out by regional or national chain

believe the settlement didn’t do enough to end what they see as an overreliance of community residential facilities. They contend that the state’s action create segregation as people with disabilities cannot live in desired community settings.

Frank cited the length that the court dispute went on and recapped key actions in the case. Murphy versus Harpstead began in in August 2016. Murphy is Tenner Murphy, one of the case’s original plaintiffs. Harpstead is DHS Commissioner Jodi Harpstead.

Frank also pointed out in his ruling that the case needs to be resolved. It has gone on for almost seven years. He said “The cost, risks, and delay of trial and appeal are enormously high . . . . the case has been hotly contested from the beginning. Without settlement, it is likely that this case would continue to drag on for years and require millions of additional dollars in attorney’s fees. Defendant has indicated that if she lost at trial, she would appeal the case which would result in further delay. It is also possible that after trial and appeal a third discovery period would be necessary, which would be both costly and time consuming. In the meantime, the class would receive nothing.”

The settlement provides what is called

businesses that lack connections to local

grant funding than we ever did. Smaller newspapers and websites are muscled out by the bigger sites that can dedicate staff

In July, we’re having to move legislative updates to our website and other news. But

puts specific requirements on a defendant.

These will bring a wide range of changes

we’re committed to print. We have to be.

So here’s our request:

• Let us know your immediate advertising needs. Talk to Mary Graba, Business Operations and Advertising Manager, at 651-644-2133 ext. 2 and she can help.

• As your business or nonprofit prepares its 2024 budget, factor us in for advertising and promotions. We can help with cost estimates. We offer a good range of print and online options. Mary can discuss those.

• If your nonprofit has communication needs tied to a grant, talk to us about a communications partnership before the grant is submitted. That will help us both!

• Keep the donations coming! Donations to Access Press are taxdeductible.

• Consider supporting our November 3 awards celebration and fundraiser. But tickets, sponsor a table or help us cover other expenses.

Thank you again for supporting Access Press. We couldn’t do it without you.

- Jane McClure, Editor

changes to the Community Based Services Manual. It would require more tracking of actions tied to housing choices and more information to be provided in a waiver recipient’s community support plan.

and older who are eligible for and who have received a disability waiver, live in a licensed not been given the opportunity and choice

meditation and includes more than a dozen provisions that would have to be followed,

The settlement requires additional steps

service would require specific steps to be more training for MNCHOICES assessors,

is needed with a form call 651-644-2133 Access Press

someone who might otherwise be unable

Within three months of the settlement agreement DHS will generate a report for each county of financial responsibility, identify disability waiver recipients who live in licensed community residential settings, and see if those people meet specific criteria. Detailed steps would have to be followed.

The agreement also calls for the plaintiff’s attorneys to be paid costs and fees of $1.138 million.

Frank’s ruling pointed out that the settlement requires state officials to make a variety of data publicly available, including the number of people in community residential settings facilities who have applied for Housing Stabilization Services, the number of people in facilities who have been approved for such services, the number of people who have moved out of facilities, the number of people on the original MnCHOICES report, and the number of people for whom DHS reached out to a lead agency.

Tax deductible donations of scholarship tickets cost $75 per ticket. These donations will be used to provide seats at the table for members of our community who would otherwise be unable to attend. Call 612-562-7803 to ask about tickets. A link for tickets is also on the Access Press website, at www.accesspress.org

good friend, who lived by grit and determination,” said Margot Imdieke Cross, the first award winner in 2003.

“His goal at Access Press was to share our stories and experiences, thereby advancing our community and improving communication. Receiving the first Charlie Smith Award was a huge honor and I will continue to remember Charlie with fondness and respect.”

Jeff Bangsberg won the award in 2011. “It was an honor to receive this award because I had a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for Charlie Smith,” he said. “It also meant a lot to be recognized by the disability community for my years of work in promoting public policies for Minnesotans with disabilities. I was humbled to see all the people who came to the dinner when I received the award.”

For an award form, contact us at newspaper at CSAnominations@

Read more about our first sponsors on page 7. For information on sponsorship and donor opportunities, please contact Jane Larson or Catherine Hunter at Support@AccessPress.org

HUPPERT

Minnesota prep athletes wrap up 2022-2023 adapted sports seasons

Summer ends the 2022-2023 adapted sports season for Minnesota prep athletes in track and field, bowling and softball. Track and field athletes compete in wheelchair events. Softball has tournaments for athletes with physical (PI) and cognitive (CI) disabilities. Bowling adds a third category for athletes on the autism spectrum (ASD).

Athletes roll to several titles

In the track and field state meet at St. Michael-Albertville, the state meet meant triple titles for several athletes and four titles for one competitor.

In Class AAA boys’ competition, Wayzata’s Michael Allen won the 100, 800 and 1,600 meter races and shot put.

Wayzata teammate Macalister Hedtke won 200 meters and discus crowns, and placed second in shot put. Hedtke and Logan Hovanetz, Elk River, finished second and third in 100 meters. Hovanetz placed second in 200 meters and discus.

Mankato East eighth grader Adaylia

Borgmeier won three races in Class AA girls’ competition, breaking her own class record set last year in the girls AA 100-meter race. Borgmeier also won 800 and 200 meters.

Placing second and third in the 100 meter race were Madison Harbath, Mankato East, and Tayla Gassman, Big Lake. Gassman finished second in 200 meters. Gassman and Harbath finished one-two in shot put and discus.

Fairmont sophomore Nelson

Remington won 100, 200 and 800 meters in boys’ AA competition,. Devin Filzen, Winona, was second. Filzen won the boys’ AA shot put.

Familiar names appeared in Class A boys’ competition. Sophomore Tyler Gunnarson, St. Charles won 100 and 200 meter races, with Toby Hagen and James Hagen of River Valley finishing second and third. Gunnarson also won 800 meters. Gunnarson and his older brother Peyton hold many state wheelchair race records.

In Class A boys’ field events, Lakeview took the top two spots in shot put behind the arms of Lucas Taylor and Terrek Jenniges. Toby Hagen placed third and James Hagen placed fourth. Discus was won by Taylor, with Gunnarson second, Jenniges third and Toby Hagen fourth.

Softball champs crowned

At the beginning of the adapted softball season, Burnsville/Farmington/Lakeville coach David Diehl had questions as the Blazing Cats set to defend their CI Division crown. The team got a slow start but came through in the end.

“This was our magic moment,” he said. “This is when we found out what we were all about.”

The Blazing Cats, second seed in their bracket, went to great lengths to prove that to their coach, outlasting top seed Dakota United for a 7-5 victory in 11 innings in the championship. After tension-packed bonus softball produced no runs but plenty of frayed nerves, Burnsville/Farmington/Lakeville scored two runs in the top of the 11th inning to break the deadlock on the scoreboard.

JT Koczur snapped the tie with a double to the gap that scored Drayden Fox, who had led off the inning with a single. Two batters later, Caden Roseth sent Koczur home. The Blazing Cats’ defense stepped up to shut down the previously unbeaten Hawks. The title game lasted nearly two hours.

“The defense on both sides was great,” Diehl said. “Balls were hit in the right places and kids made plays. It made for an entertaining game. Our kids showed they had plenty of endurance to stay in it.”

Dakota United used a two-run single from senior Thomas Christopherson in the bottom of the sixth inning to forge a 5-all tie.

In the third place game, New Prague defeated St. Cloud, 8-4 victory. Chaska/ Chanhassen/Prior Lake/Shakopee topped Osseo 13-7 victory in the consolation final. Other teams in the tournament were South Washington County and White Bear Lake.

CI All-Tournament team members are Cayleigh Sorenson, J.T. Koczur and

Caden Roseth, Burnsville/Farmington/ Lakeville; Drew Hennen, Chaska/ Chanhassen/Prior Lake/Shakopee; Mark Manwarren, Colin Price and Thomas Christopherson, Dakota United; Trystan Seger and John Lafurie, New Prague; Alec Singh, Osseo; and Jeremiah McGee and Isaoiah Jancik, St. Cloud Area

In the PI title game, it seemed somewhat poetic and just that Dakota United senior shortstop Fiona Sitzmann ended her adapted athletics career with a nifty fielding play. Her range on a throw that drew her to the right side of second base allowed her to apply a tag to secure Dakota United’s 13-6 victory over Robbinsdale/Hopkins/Mound Westonka.

It was Dakota United’s second consecutive PI Division title and third since 2019. Overall, it was Dakota United’s sixth PI Division state crown in softball since 2006. In that span, the Hawks had finished runner-up three times.

The game drew a close to another stellar career of a student-participant affiliated with the Dakota United program. Sitzmann, a student at Eagan High School, began her career with Dakota United as a seventh grader.

“We were a really good program before she started playing with us,” Hawks head coach Brett Kosidowski said. “When she arrived, though, she took us to another level.”

Sitzmann finished her prep career with 11 state championships in soccer, floor hockey and softball. Throughout her career, she was the type of player that was able to pick spots to lead, both through her play and calm demeanor. During the 2022 soccer season , she scored three goals in the championship game.

“I don’t know if I will ever be able to experience anything more amazing than being a part of this team and program,” Sitzmann said. “I am very grateful that I have had the opportunities to be a part of this. It will be a time in my life that I will cherish forever.”

Eagan High School had its commencement ceremony at the same time as the tournament. Sitzmann said the decision to stay with her teammates was an easy one, a choice that a leader would make.

“It was important for me to stay and be with this team,” she said. “They are a big part of my life. I wanted to do my part to help. I am so excited to celebrate with

them again.”

Anoka-Hennepin defeated Rochester, 13-5, in the third-place game. Osseo topped Minneapolis South. 11-5 in the consolation final. St. Paul Humboldt was

also in the tournament.

PI All-Tournament Team members are Maci Mauch and Nick Reither, AnokaHennepin; Jordan Johnson, Cayden Needham and Fiona Sitzmann, Dakota United; Jazmyn Mendez, Minneapolis South; Abhi Prasad, Osseo’ Darius Larson, Grady Lease and Jayda Johnson, Robbinsdale/Hopkins/Mound Westonka; and Joseph Hanson and Andrew Westerman, Rochester.

The tournament was at Chanhassen High School.

Bowlers rolls to titles

The state adapted bowling tournament was held at Bowlero, Brooklyn Park. Singles, doubles and team championships were awarded in ASD, CI and PI divisions. Zimmerman won the ASD team championship with 1,638 pins. Team members included Jacob Arola, Chris Maller, Cayleb Merten and Kamren Hamilton. Tartan was the team runnerup with 1,610 and Goodhue County was third.

Alexandria Area earned championship and runner-up honors in girls’ singles. Shayla Nelson placed first with 474 pins and Montana Hinnenkamp placed second. Anoka-Hennepin’s Isabelle Sturgeon was third.

St. Michael-Albertville’s Waseem Ezzaid captured the boys’ singles crown with 490 pins. Alex McCullough, Houston, was runner-up and Dylan Ongaga, Anoka-Hennepin was third.

The Fergus Falls duo of Zade Carlson and Nathan Graham rolled to a state championship with a score of 890. The Mankato West team Emma Christenson and Ilhan Gabri were runners-up. AnokaHennepin was third behind Cayden Gilbert and Dylan Ongaga.

It was close for the CI team title. Lake City recorded a narrow four-pin victory over Tartan. The Tigers compiled 1,663

Adapted bowling draws many participants.

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to the University of Minnesota Institute for Community Integration (ICI) and Disability Resource Center (DRC) for sponsorship in hosting the Access Press Banquet at the McNamara Alumni Center on November 3.

For information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jane Larson or Catherine Hunter by email at Support@AccessPress.org.

Tax deductible donations of scholarship tickets at $75 per ticket or $600 for a table of 8. These donations will be used to provide seats at the table for members of our community who would be otherwise unable to attend the Access Press Banquet.

Access upgrades at state park

A construction project with accessibility updates to William O’Brien State Park is slated to begin in September. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hosted an open house in June in Mahtomedi to unveil the improvements. DNR staff shared information and answer questions about the construction project, its impact on park visitors, and how the project fits into the park’s management plan.

The park is an hour east of the Twin Cities, along the banks of the St. Croix River. Hiking trails offer quiet exploration of the park's rolling, wooded hills. For anglers, the channels of the St. Croix have northerns, walleye, bass and trout. Ideal for canoeing, the river is also a migratory pathway that offers visitors an exciting diversity of sights and sounds. In the winter, snowshoeing, skiing and camping attract enthusiasts.

The project was set to begin in the spring but was pushed back. The work is expected to take one year and will affect the east side of the park.

The primary purpose of the project is to upgrade and improve facilities in the lower part of the park, including the Riverway Campground and Riverside Group Camp, as well as the Walter Mondale Day Use Area. Updates will focus on accessibility for disabled visitors, including campsites and buildings that comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

“Many facilities in the state parks and trails system are aging and do not comply with current state or federal accessibility standards or best practices,” the DNR said in a statement. “We are continually making improvements to make our parks and trails more accessible as funding allows. The research is clear, time spent in the outdoors has great health and wellness benefits, and it’s a priority of the DNR to make our parks and trails accessible to all people who want to enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation.”

For more information about the accessibility update project, visit the DNR’s William O’Brien State Park webpage (mndnr.gov/obrien).

(Source: Minnesota DNR)

Spinal implant scrutinized

A first-of-its-kind clinical trial at HCMC in Minneapolis is giving hope to people with spinal cord injuries. While results have varied among about 20 trial participants, the takeaway so far is that people can regain function after spinal cord injuries and not merely maintain whatever limited mobility they have, said Dr. David Darrow, lead investigator.

The trial could be the first that compels the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve a device that restores function after spinal cord injuries, he said. “So this, using neuromodulation, is exciting, because if we get a positive change then hopefully it means we can parlay that into bigger and bigger changes.”

Crystal LaBo was proof at her third follow-up appointment at HCMC after having the stimulator implanted in March.

When the device is active at certain settings, she can lift her legs and bend her ankles — limbs that had been immobile for 23 years after LaBo was injured in a car accident.

While relatives and friends are amazed by her newfound movements, LaBo said they are largely for show because she can't yet put enough pressure on her legs to stand or walk. Far more meaningful are the hidden benefits. The stimulation has stabilized her blood pressure, eliminated extreme temperature swings and allowed her to urinate without using a catheter. She maintains an active, independent lifestyle as the mother of four children and the coowner with her husband of two restaurants.

Darrow said FDA approval could be swift if the HCMC trial succeeds, because the stimulator is widely used for pain management. Most people with severe spinal cord injuries only have a fraction of their nerve fibers still capable of sending signals from the brain to lower limbs.

“Clinically we don't see any movement, we don't see any function at all," he said. "When we turn on the stimulation on the bottom of the spinal cord, it's actually changing how receptive it is to those remaining fibers. … We're just revving up the spinal cord so it's better able to receive.”

(Source: Star Tribune)

Telehealth wins praise

A new study produced by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) highlights the potential for telehealth to make care more accessible while providing similar levels of service to traditional, in-person ways of delivering care. Telehealth is the use of electronic or telecommunications technology to access health care remotely.

The preliminary report aligns with the Health and Human Services bill recently passed by the Minnesota legislature and signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz. The law extends coverage for audio-only care past its planned sunset in June 2023 while the state develops permanent policies for

those services.

“Telehealth has shown strong potential for improving health care access, especially in the delivery of mental and behavioral health services,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham. “However, it’s important that it not be viewed as a one-size-fits-all solution. An increased reliance on video telehealth without adequate investments to address the existing digital divide and remedies for other structural inequities impacting health care delivery and outcomes could unintentionally increase health disparities.”

The preliminary report’s findings, which focus on Minnesotans with private health insurance coverage, show that the use of telehealth increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data also showed that most patients receiving telehealth services were satisfied with their experience. Overall, about 80 percent of Minnesotans surveyed by MDH during the study period were satisfied with the telehealth services they received, regardless of whether it was a video or audio visit. In addition, the study found telehealth has the potential to increase access to health care by removing barriers like transportation and the need to arrange child care.

The study also highlights how phone, or audio-only, telehealth addresses narrow but important access issues, especially for Minnesotans in rural areas or with challenges accessing or using the technology supporting video-based telehealth. Without the recent legislative extension, some audio-only visits may no longer be covered.

“Audio-only telehealth came into play during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic and was used by many Minnesotans to access care, including mental health care,” said State Health Economist Stefan Gildemeister. “MDH is pleased that it will continue to be available to Minnesotans as we learn more about when and how it fills health care access

and delivery gaps, and where ongoing availability and use is beneficial.”

In 2021, the Minnesota Legislature requested that MDH produce a study exploring the role of telehealth in the future of health care for Minnesotans. MDH’s final report will be released in 2024.

Telehealth’s impact has been particularly strong in expanding access to mental and behavioral health providers. During the first half of 2021, about 60% of all mental and behavioral health services were delivered through telehealth. This finding is especially important for improving access to care for residents of Greater Minnesota, where telehealth has the potential to fill provider coverage gaps that make attaining care especially challenging.

The report does note several equity issues to consider with telehealth. For instance, some providers reported challenges in ensuring adequate support for patients whose first language is not English. In addition, while patient satisfaction with telehealth was positive overall, it was somewhat lower for Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) Minnesotans. Communities that face disproportionate inequities in digital access and affordability, or comfort in using digital technology, face barriers to telehealth access. Still, telehealth provides opportunities to address disparities compared to in-person care, particularly the potential for connecting culturally or linguistically “matched” provider and client pairs without the barrier of physical distance.

For more information on MDH’s telehealth research and the preliminary telehealth report are available at www. health.state.mn.us/data/economics/ telehealth/index.html

(Source: Minnesota Dept. of Health)

Check on mail status

Minnesotans with Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare can now look up the month they can expect their health insurance renewal forms to arrive in the

mail. People can look up their renewal month at mn.gov/dhs/renewmycoverage/.

To use the lookup, people must enter the case number printed on their notices or premium bills and the member number listed on their Minnesota Health Care Program card. If a person doesn’t know their case or member number, they can call their county or Tribal worker.

When the forms arrive, it’s essential to complete and return them promptly with any necessary documentation. If people who are eligible don’t return the forms, they may lose their health insurance. Keeping health insurance makes it easier to get health care and avoids making health disparities worse.

“It’s so important for people to be ready to take action when their renewal forms arrive in the mail,” said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “The renewal lookup lets them know when to watch their mail so they can do everything possible to keep their health insurance.”

The timing of a person’s Medical Assistance renewal is based on the month they first got insurance. If someone became eligible in August 2019, their renewal month is August, and they can expect forms to arrive in the mail in June.

People with MinnesotaCare can expect to receive their renewal forms by November.

One in four Minnesotans has insurance through Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare. State, county and Tribal workers will be checking eligibility for 1.5 million people in monthly batches through May 2024.

DHS has implemented user-friendly ways to reach people about their renewals, including text messages reminding people to watch their mail and submit forms on time. Individuals can also complete the renewal process by submitting documents online or over the phone.

Find out more about renewals at https://mn.gov/dhs/renewmycoverage/

New book announced by Gillette Children's Healthcare Press PEOPLE & PLACES

Gillette Children’s Healthcare Press has released Proud To Be Me, a colorful new board book designed to teach toddlers about children of all abilities.

Proud To Be Me was written by Gillette Children’s pediatric hand surgeons Ann Van Heest, MD and Deborah Bohn, MD. It is illustrated by Rick Korab.

Proud To Be Me is a board book that teaches children about physical differences and promotes self-confidence. Whether it's surgery that gave a child a thumb, a guide dog that helps them see or a prosthesis that allows them to run,

Proud To Be Me teaches children to love and accept themselves for who they are. The book uses simple text and easy-tounderstand illustrations to encourage children to be proud of their differences.

It is the fourth book published by Gillette Press, founded by Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul. It is one of the only children’s hospitals in the world that publishes books for children, families and professionals.

Proud To Be Me teaches toddlers about physical differences in multiple different body parts (fingers, hair, eyes, ears, legs, feet) showcasing that our differences make us unique and something to be proud of,

the authors said. Advocacy and celebrating differences are vital in fostering a world that embraces inclusivity.

∏∏f In Memoriam f∏∏

Scott-Poole lived by example

Nila Frances Scott-Poole had a long record of community service, including advocacy for people with disabilities. Scott-Poole died this spring. She was 89 and lived in Minneapolis.

As a person of color with a disability, Scott-Poole believed it was important to give back. She successfully completed an early mental health training program for Minneapolis community centers, in the 1960s. She was also involved in the Minnesota Special Olympics.

Yet another interest was having her family host students from abroad, including the countries of Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya. She was a longtime church volunteer and vocalist, and worked at the Star Tribune for more than 23 years.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family members. Services have been held.

Runyon helped start outdoors group

Greggory Lynn Runyon considered hunting to be an important part of his life. Runyon died this spring. He was 65 and lived in Elk River.

During his years at Littlefork - Big Falls High School, Runyon sustained an injury and became paraplegic. He graduated from St. Cloud State and worked for Unisys for more than 40 years.

He enjoyed the outdoors and helped found the Capable Partners Hunting Group to share that activity with others who are disabled. Capable Partners is a non-profit organization that provides hunting, fishing and other outdoor trips and activities by bringing together able bodied and disabled people who enjoy outdoor sports.

Runyon is survived by his wife Janie, children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, his mother, brothers and their families. Services are to be held in August.

Proud To Be Me was funded by the James House, MD, MS, Fund for Hand and Upper Extremity Excellence at Gillette

PREP ATHLETES

From page 5

pins to 1,659 for the Titans. Scoring for Lake City were Michael Koontz, Brooklyn Barton, Andrew Hawn and Sydnee Stolzenberg. A second Tartan team placed third.

St. Michael-Albertville’s Jasmine Brutskiy rolled to the girls’ singles championship with a score of 492. Grace French-Miller, Hopkins and Molly Landsteiner, Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial, tied for runner-up honors.

Nate Fischer, Zimmerman, won the boys singles competition with a score of 464, 17 pins better than St. MichaelAlbertville’s Seth Wright. St. MichaelAlbertville’s Amari Salkey, placed third. Hopkins’ Clayton Carlson and Nolan Hilson, cruised to the doubles championship with a score of 906.

St. Michael-Albertville’s Carter Patyk and Seth Wright were second. AnokaHennepin’s Gabriel Mueller and Austin Williams placed third.

In the PI Division, North High School-North St. Paul won the team championship with a total of 1,844

Children’s. All of the proceeds from the book go back to the fund to support ongoing research and care by Gillette’s orthopedic hand and upper extremity team. The book is available on Amazon,. A series of books authored by experts at Gillette Children‘s that provides in-depth understanding of conditions treated at the hospital is coming soon. Gillette Children’s Healthcare Press is dedicated to creating greater understanding of complex medical conditions. Gillette Press was established in March 2020, right before the pandemic, to coincide with the publication of Spastic Diplegia. In June 2021, Pure Grit: Stories of Remarkable People Living with Physical Disability was published. It's Okay to Ask is an earlier publication that was translated to Spanish in 2023. Over the next two years the press will publish further books on conditions treated at Gillette Children's. Gillette Children’s specializes in treating children who have brain, bone and movement conditions.

pins. Champion Polars are Tashayanna Collins, Lucas Eide, Nardin Izaola and Victoria Kulstad. Wayzata/Minnetonka was runner-up with 1,639. Minneapolis South placed third.

Bella Angell, Monticello, emerged as state champion in singles competition with a score of 469. St. Paul Humboldt’s Mckenzie Green was second. Lupita Carrion, Austin, and Janesville-WaldorfPemberton/Waseca’s Destiny Woitas tied for third.

New London-Spicer’s McGwire Hatlestad captured the boys singles title with 516 pins. Andrew De Armond, Simley, and Cooper Johnston, St. Peter/ LeSueur-Henderson, placed second and third, respectively.

North St. Paul grabbed the top two spots in doubles as Tashayanna Collins and Victoria Kulstad scored 987 to win the title. Lucas Eide and Nardin Izaola teamed for a runner-up total of 963. Moorhead’s Addie Loerzel and Alex Cannizzaro placed third with.

Authors and doctors Deborah Bohn and Ann Van Heest display their new book.

GILLETTE CHILDREN'S HEALTHCARE PRESS

RADIO TALKING BOOK

Missed a book broadcast?

Listeners can Be a reader or broadcaster

Help bring Radio Talking Book (RTB) to listeners. Opportunities for broadcasters and volunteer readers are available. Volunteers read the materials featured every month. Potential volunteers should contact Roberta Kitlinski at 651-539-1423 or roberta. kitlinski@state.mn.us.

For information on staff broadcaster opportunities, contact RTB Supervisor Joseph Papke at 651-539-2316 or joseph. papke@state.mn.us to learn more.

Use an app to hear programs

Have a smartphone? Radio Talking Book’s app allows listeners to take “reading material” on their summer adventures.

Radio Talking Book is not just for listeners with visual disabilities. Anyone with difficulty reading or turning pages can enjoy the service.

Enjoy programming on a hand-held mobile device, for either iOS or Android. Visit the Apple App Store for iOS, or Google Play for Android, and download the Minnesota Radio Talking Book app.

Listen to RTB’s live or archived programs online at www.mnssb.org/rtb

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 updates, go to the Facebook site Minnesota Radio Talking Book.

Audio information about the daily book listings is on the National Federation for the Blind (NFB) Newsline. Register for NFB Newsline by calling 651-539-1424. The NFBNEWSLINE service provides access to more than 500 magazines and newspapers. To learn more, visit www.nfb.org/programsservices/nfb-newsline

Donate to the State Services for the Blind at mn.gov/deed/ssbdonate

The sampling published monthly in Access Press doesn’t represent the full array of programming.

Chautauqua*

Monday – Friday 6 a.m.

A Traveler's Guide to the Stars, nonfiction by Les Johnson, 2022. A brief guide to the real science of interstellar travel. Read by Andrea Bell. Eight broadcasts; begins Mon, July 13. The Gospel of Wellness, nonfiction by Rina Raphael, 2022. A look at the explosion of the wellness industry: how it stems from legitimate complaints and how seductive

CIVIL RIGHTS

From page 1

MPD was found to have discriminated against Black and Native American people during stops. One issue found after Floyd’s death was that many officers stopped reporting race in incident reports. That created incomplete data and also caused problems in trying to address racial disparities. That negatively impacted public trust.

The fourth police violation is of the First Amendment, with retaliation against journalists and community members who record police actions.

The DOJ found that persistent deficiencies in policy, training, supervision, and accountability contribute to the unlawful conduct.

Garland announced the report’s launch in April 2021. it is known in the DOJ as a “pattern and practice’ report. It focused on violations of various federal laws including the ADA and the federal Civil Rights Act. MPD and city officials cooperated fully with the report.

It is a separate report from the criminal cases against four former MPD officers in Floyd’s death.

Changes have already been made by the city and MPD, and it identifies additional remedial measures that the DOJ believes are necessary to fully address its findings.

MPD is already in a consent decree process with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, after a state investigation found problems last year.

Several issues related to behavioral health issues were raised in the June 16 report. Training that has been provided has not

marketing targets hopeful consumers. Read by Michele Potts. 13 broadcasts; begins Thu, July 20.

Past is Prologue*

Monday – Friday 11 a.m.

Indigenous Continent, nonfiction by Pekka Hämäläinen, 2022. A prize-winning scholar rewrites 400 years of American history from indigenous perspectives, overturning the dominant origin story of the United States. Read by Yelva Lynfield. 25 broadcasts; begins Mon, July 3.

Bookworm*

Monday – Friday 12 p.m.

Still True, fiction by Maggie Ginsberg, 2022. New friends and old family members navigate complex relationships in smalltown Wisconsin. Read by Carol McPherson. 14 broadcasts; begins Mon, July 3.

Temporary, fiction by Hilary Leichter, 2020. The near-farcical chaos of the gig economy is explored in this story of a young woman’s journey through a series of increasingly wild job placements, from shining shoes to swabbing the deck of a pirate ship. Read by Yelva Lynfield. Seven broadcasts; begins Wed, July 19.

Foster, fiction by Claire Keegan, 2022. A young girl in Ireland is sent to her aunt's house while her mother gives birth to a baby and these new relationships bring her to realizations about herself. Read by Therese Murray. Two broadcasts; begins Mon, July 31.

The Writer’s Voice*

Monday – Friday 1 p.m.

The Palace Papers, nonfiction by Tina Brown, 2022. The inside story of the British royal family’s battle to overcome the dramas of the Diana years—only to confront new 21st century crises. Read by Tamara Pratt. 22 broadcasts; begins Wed, July 12. – L, S

Choice Reading*

Monday – Friday 2 p.m.

Till the Wheels Fall Off, fiction by Brad Zellar, 2022. A novel about an unconventional childhood among the pleasures and privations of the pre-digital era: from roller rinks to coin-operated condom dispensers. Read by John Holden. 14 broadcasts; begins Mon, July 3. – L

City of Likes, fiction by Jenny Mollen, 2022. A wickedly funny and sharply insightful novel about motherhood, female friendships and the seductive allure of social media. Read by Cintra Godfrey. Nine broadcasts; begins Mon, July 24. – L, S

been found to be effective or appropriate.

Another issue is that just 0.45 percent of plus-100,000 mental health calls resulted in an arrest at the scene. Many advocates contend that the current reliance on policeonly responses is unwarranted, and this statistics emphasizes their point.

Not only is such police response inappropriate in many behavioral healthrelated situations, and harmful for that response alone, such responses can increase the stigma associated with behavioral health issues. It can contribute to distrust of public services. In some cases the responses have caused trauma.

MPD officers often failed to use appropriate de-escalation techniques when responding to mental health-related calls. these measures can include active listening, giving the individual extra space and time, and speaking slowly and calmly.

The report also urges a better connection with other behavioral health crisis service providers, saying those resources are largely unused.

The report’s focus on training singles out the MPD Crisis Intervention Team training as having “serious flaws” including medically inaccurate information and perceptions that people with mental illness are dangerous. One issue raised in the report is that of “excited delirium” and how that can be misused by police and those in the emergency communications center.

The report also scrutinizes the Behavioral Crisis Response (BRC) team that Minneapolis created in 2021. NAMI Minnesota and a number of Minneapolis mental health providers were opposed to its creation and recommended that the city contract with the Hennepin County crisis

Afternoon Report*

Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

Liberalism and Its Discontents, nonfiction by Francis Fukuyama, 2022. A clear account of the challenges to liberalism from the right and the left, offering an essential defense of a revitalized liberalism for the 21st century. Read by John Potts. Six broadcasts; begins Tue, July 4. Breathless, nonfiction by David Quammen, 2022. The story of the worldwide scientific race to understand and control SARSCoV-2 and what it might mean for the next potential global health crisis. Read by Carol McPherson. 17 broadcasts; begins Wed, July 12.

Night Journey*

Monday – Friday 7 p.m.

The Butcher and the Wren, fiction by Alaina Urquhart, 2022. A thrilling debut novel told from the dueling perspectives of a notorious serial killer and the medical examiner following where his trail of victims leads. Read by Jim Gregorich. Six broadcasts; begins Tue, July 4. – L

Rainbow Rock, fiction by Dan Jorgensen, 2022. A deadly cat-and-mouse thriller of illicit drug dealing and murder set in 1955 South Dakota. Read by Tom Speich. 11 broadcasts; begins Wed, July 12. – L Everybody Knows, fiction by Jordan Harper, 2023. A fearless black-bag publicist exposes the belly of the L.A. beast in this Hollywood noir. Read by John Potts. 10 broadcasts; begins Thu, July 27. – L, S, V,G

Off the Shelf*

Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

The Wintering Place, fiction by Kevin McCarthy, 2023. Deserting to escape the horrors of the Indian wars, two soldiers, Irish brothers, seek peace with the woman they love. Read by Pat Muir. 11 broadcasts; begins Mon, July 10. – L, S, V, G

Very Cold People (re-broadcast), fiction by Sarah Manguso, 2022. A masterly debut novel about growing up in (and out of) the suffocating constraints of small-town America. Read by Parichay Rudina. Five broadcasts; begins Tue, July 25. – L, S

Potpourri*

Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

Break Point, nonfiction by Sheri Brenden, 2022. How two teenage girls in Minnesota jump-started a revolution in high school athletics. Read by Holly Sylvester. Seven broadcasts; begins Thu, July 6.

The Case Against the Sexual Revolution, nonfiction by Louise Perry, 2022. A

team, COPE, to expand their capacity. The DOJ report mentions that mental health specific responses like the BCR have great potential, but the city must address capacity and resources.

The DOJ will reach out to members of the Minneapolis community for input on remedies to address the report’s findings. Individuals may also submit recommendations by email at Community.

All times listed are Central Standard Time.

Abbreviations V – violent content R –racial epithets L – strong language S –sexual situation G – gory descriptions

countercultural polemic from one of the most exciting young voices in contemporary feminism about the reigning sexual orthodoxies. Read by Laura Young. Nine broadcasts; begins Mon, July 17. – S

Good Night Owl*

Monday – Friday 10 p.m.

Killers of a Certain Age, fiction by Deanna Raybourn, 2022. The Golden Girls meets James Bond in this thriller about four old friends who can’t just retire. Read by Jodi Lindskog. 11 broadcasts; begins Mon, July 3. – L

All the Living and the Dead, nonfiction by Hayley Campbell, 2022. A deeply compelling exploration of the death industry and the people―morticians, detectives, crime scene cleaners, embalmers, executioners―who work in it and what led them there. Read by Dan Sadoff. 11 broadcasts; begins Tue, July 18. – L, S, G

RTB After Hours*

Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

Part of Your World (re-broadcast), fiction by Abby Jimenez, 2022. A charming story of an unlikely small-town romance between a surgeon and a carpenter. Read by Michelle Juntunen. 13 broadcasts; begins Wed, July 5. – L, S

To Marry and to Meddle (re-broadcast) fiction by Martha Waters, 2022. An ingenious, laugh-out-loud and sweepingly romantic historical rom-com about a seasoned debutante and a rakish theater owner as they navigate a complicated marriage of convenience. Read by Holly Sylvester. 11 broadcasts; begins Mon, July 24. – S

Weekend Program Books

Your Personal World, 1 p.m. Sat, presents Toxic Positivity by Whitney Goodman, read by Beverly Burchett.

For the Younger Set, 11 a.m. Sun, presents Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley, read by Jan Anderson – L. Poetic Reflections, noon Sun, presents Cinderbiter by Martin Shaw and Tony Hoagland, read by Mary Knatterud. The Great North, 4 p.m. Sun, presents A Private Wilderness by Sigurd F. Olson read by Judith Johannessen.

All times listed are Central Standard Time

Find

department-finds-civil-rights-violationsminneapolis-police-department-and-city

OPPORTUNITIES

Health Care Video

In Our Own Words: Improving Care for People with Disabilities

Released as an unlimited run for health care providers everywhere, "In Our Own Words: Improving Care for People with Disabilities" is a twopart video series on Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid's YouTube channel. The first installment, Communication, began June 14. The second, Understanding, dropped June 21. Both are subtitled in Spanish. Enlightening and powerful, the voices featured in this production reveal with sheer frankness what works and what doesn’t work for members of the disability community in health care settings. Produced in partnership with the University of Minnesota's Institute on Community Integration and Special Olympics Minnesota, the intended audience for the series are health care professionals. But anyone can learn and benefit. Distributors will be Mid-MN Legal Aid's Minnesota Disability Law Center—direct to providers—but key distributors will be health care recipients themselves. The channel has many other useful free videos. FFI: https:// www.youtube.com/results?search_ query=mid+minnesota+legal+aid+channel

Conference

Register for symposium

The PACER Symposium on Students with Mental Health and Learning Disabilities is 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Wed, Aug. 16 at Minneapolis Convention Center. Registration fee is $40, and includes lunch. Clock hours will be available at the end of the symposium. Join PACER for a full day of informative, engaging sessions on current best practices related to children’s mental health and learning disabilities. Parents, educators, administrators, and other professionals will learn strategies to more effectively support students at school and at home.

One keynote presenter is Sheletta Brundidge, Emmy Award-winning comedian, radio host, television anchor, newspaper columnist, and best-selling author of children’s autism books. She is also the mom of children with autism,

Post your event online

Access Press would like to move more of its event listings online, and that is possible with our redesigned website. There is a word limit and we’d ask that those posting information include event costs as well as accommodations. Are ASL and AD offered? Is there companion seating? A quiet room? Fidgets?

Accommodations are much more than a ramp for many of us. That kind of information can help someone decide where or not to attend an event.

To post an event, go to www. accesspress.org, click the resources tab at top right, and go to the post an event line. Consider that a small web or print ad can also generate interest in an upcoming

and founder of ShelettaMakesMeLaugh. com, an online podcasting company that provides culturally competent commercial production. FFI: FFI: PACER, 952-8389000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org

Children and families

PACER workshops sampling

PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with any disabilities. Some in-person workshops are offered at PACER Center and also offered online. Other workshops are wholly 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. Access Press only provides a sampling of the workshops offered.

Managing Money: Tools to Help Increase Financial Independence is 2-3 p.m. Wed, July 12. The workshop for parents and consumers will showcase tools that help to develop money management skills to support independent living. Tools will focus on understanding and counting money, planning a budget, and tracking money spent. Online.

Location: Online Web Streaming

Communication with School Staff in the IFSP Process is 6:30-8 p.m. Tue, July 25. Families of young children with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) will learn skills to effectively communicate with the other members of their IFSP teams so the IFSP reflects their concerns and priorities and the strengths and needs of their child. The workshop is rescheduled from July 18. Online. FFI: PACER, 952-8389000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org

Info & Assistance

Many classes available

NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has set up a wide variety of free and in-person online mental health classes. Choices include Hope for Recovery, Transitions, Ending the Silence, Understanding Early Episode Psychosis

event. For questions about ads, email ads@accesspress.org

Access Press reserved the right to reject events if they do not meet our guidelines. Call the editor at 651-644-2133 ext. one or email jane@accesspress.org with events questions.

Open Flow Forum

The Artists with Disabilities Alliance meets via Zoom 7-9 p.m. the first Thu of the month. Upcoming dates are July 6 and August 3.. 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

Learn to be

The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities is now accepting applications for the Partners in Policymaking Class 41 advocacy and leadership training program. Deadline is July 14, so don’t delay.

Partners in Policymaking is a leadership training program for parents of young children with disabilities and adults with disabilities.

Created by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities 35 years ago, the Partners program has been offered nationally and internationally. Through informative and interactive sessions, Partners teaches leadership skills and the process of developing positive partnerships with elected officials and other policymakers who make decisions about the services that Minnesotans with disabilities use. Partners is accessible, informative, and empowering. Since 1987, more than 1,100 selfadvocates and parents have graduated in Minnesota and more than 29,000 people worldwide. Many well-known Minnesota disability rights advocates are graduates of the program.

To participate, the Partners program requires:

• A commitment to attend all eight

for Families, In Our Own Voice, Family to Family, Positive Psychology, Creating Caring Communities, smoking cessation, a suicide prevention class called QPR –Question, Persuade and Refer, a special QPR class for Agricultural Communities and many more.

NAMI Minnesota’s Online Support Groups moved to a new and improved platform, HeyPeers. HeyPeers provides a safe, easy to access environment exclusively designed for online support

Springboard for the Arts. Funding is available for access needs. FFI: 651-2940907, resources@springboardforthearts.org

Resources to Enjoy!

The Enjoy listings are for arts events as well as banquets, fundraisers and fun events by and for disability services organizations. Schedules may be subject to change. Some venues still may have mask and vaccine requirements. Please check with a venue or organization before making plans.

The Minnesota Access Alliance (MNAA) provides an Accessible Arts & Culture Calendar for arts patrons who use accessibility accommodations such as audio description, captioning, ASL interpreting and sensory-friendly accommodations. Link to more details at https://calendar.mnaccess.org. Be sure

sessions and to do required homework.

• An interest in learning and practicing new skills in a comfortable and safe environment.

• A desire to build and strengthen a network of people from diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences.

• A willingness to learn from national and state experts who share our vision and values.

Classes are held in Bloomington. Many expenses are covered. Class size is limited to 35 people.

For a list of frequently asked questions, list of session dates and locations, as well as apply online, visit the Class 41 website at https://mn.gov/mnddc/ partnersinpolicymaking/class41/index.html

To request a hard copy application, email Brenton Rice at brenton@TOGevents.com or call 651-242-6589.

group meetings.

The classes and online support groups 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/ education-public-awareness/classes/ scheduled/

to check the listing or venue to find out its COVID-19 protocol and if an advance reservation is needed for the accessibility service.

Accessible events can be submitted to the MNAA Calendar (and MinnesotaPlaylist.com). A list of other venues follows the event listings.

To receive a free monthly events calendar: email mactfactor@icloud.com and/or info@mnaccess.org. Ask for the entire events list or specific lists for ASL interpreting, captioning, audio description, sensory-friendly accommodations or disability-related topics.

For other accessibility resources or upcoming webinars presented by MNAA, sign up for emails at https://mnaccess.org

DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH

Celebrate Disability Pride Month!

More than 61 million Americans identify as having a disability. Celebrate Disability Pride this July to give the disability community the moment in the spotlight it deserves.

• For adults with qualifying disabilities.

• Over 50 barrier-free apartment communities & homes throughout the Metropolitan Area, Greater Minnesota and the Midwest.

• Locations also available in many other states. Income limits apply.

• Immediate openings in Hibbing, Willmar and Hibbing, Minnesota

Affordable Senior Apartments

• For qualifying senior households age 62 or better.

• Metro & Greater MN locations available. Income limits apply.

• Accessible apartments, available for seniors in these locations.

• Immediate openings in Worthington and Albert Lea, Minnesota

• 24-hour Assisted Living Services

• Independent Living Services

• Resident Community Setting (Adult Foster Care)

• Eligibility for or selection of ASI services is not required to qualify for housing. ASI services are not available in all locations. Services openings. Call Today!