Minnesota champions of disability rights remembered

Minnesotans with disabilities and their allies mourn the loss of two champions in the halls of government. David Durenberger played a key role in passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in his years in the U.S. Senate. Lee Greenfield was a tireless worker for improved health care and disability programs as a member of the Minnesota Legislature.

Part of ‘Gang of Seven’ Greenfield, a DFLer who served 11 terms in the Minnesota House, was a true disability rights advocate. He was deeply concerned about the affordability of health care, and played a key role in establishing MinnesotaCare.

The Minneapolis resident was 81 when he died February 7.

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Greenfield graduated from Stuyvesant High School. He earned his B.S. in physics from Purdue University. In interviews Greenfield said his scientific background and love of data uniquely prepared him for legislative work, and led to his interest in health care issues.

At the rally Page 6-7 MENTAL philosophy of science at the University of Minnesota. Greenfield became active in

He attended graduate school in

Living in one’s home community, and having good housing choices, is part of the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and of the Olmstead U.S. Supreme court ruling on community inclusion. Those promises are not being met.

Too many of us have lost our ability to live in our home communities due to the personal care staffing crisis. Limits placed on staff in some assisted living situations – such as no-lift policies – make the housing search even more challenging.

But another huge barrier is simply finding housing that is accessible, affordable and safe.

Gov. Tim Walz has earmarked $1.5 billion to help meet a growing need for working-class and low-income housing, through various tax breaks and subsidies

These measures include more veterans’ housing, money to build new housing, rent assistance and restoration of the state’s historic tax credit.

The historic tax credit expired last year. Efforts to continue it were lost in the meltdown at session’s end. The credit doesn’t just preserve stately mansions. It also is an important tool that can help preserve and create needed housing of all types, including affordable and accessible housing. Some estimates are that $1 of historic tax credits can generate $9 to $10 in added investment toward housing production.

The Metropolitan Council has indicated that the Twin Cities region needs 13,000 new housing units per year through 2040 to keep up with demand created by projected population and workforce growth. Even more housing is needed in Greater Minnesota, especially in communities where too much rental space that can accommodate accessible van. We need cabinet and closet doors that don't take superhuman effort to open and close. housing is dated and inaccessible.

Those big old clawfoot bathtubs are charming as can be. But try getting in and out of one if you have mobility issues. Finding a reasonably priced rental unit with a roll-in shower, that is near family and friends and work, can be like hunting for a unicorn.

Try finding an accessible and affordable rental unit large enough for a family, and it can be like hunting for a flying unicorn that speaks four languages.

One in four of us will become disabled. Yet try to find an accessible dwelling unit for the “ones” and you’ll see how daunting the search can be. That’s especially true for people who have modest incomes.

Don’t believe us? Do a search on any apartment or housing rental website and look for accessibility. That narrows the field. Then look at the pictures to see the so-called accessible rentals that are available. Tell us that tall countertops or narrow doorways are truly accessible. Taking a tour in-person can be truly eyeopening.

We see big new apartment buildings springing up in many places, and we know they’re not for us. Rents can be