May 2021 Edition - Access Press

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TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 4766

Volume 32, Number 5

May 2021

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May 17 looms as deadline for adjournment

LEGISLATURE To page 3

- Cliff Poetz

NEWS DIGEST

ICI PHOTO

Clifford Poetz

Poetz defined self-advocacy, led way for many others

by Jane McClure Cliff Poetz not only defined selfadvocacy, he set the example and opened the door for countless others to take up the cause of disability rights. Poetz died March 25. He was 71 years old and is regarded as one of the founders of the self-advocacy movement.

Since 2001 Poetz served as community

liaison with the Research and Training Center on Community Living within the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration (ICI).

At the time Poetz became an activist, about 200,000 Minnesotans were still living in institutions. He began his adult life with modest aspirations, even telling a newspaper reporter in the 1970s that his POETZ To page 4

MOHR Award winners Page 6 Support Access Press this spring Page 3 LSS, Lifetrack to merge Page 6 Thrift store closes Page 8

Outreach continues to promote vaccines As more and more Minnesotans receive the COVID-19 vaccine, state officials are working to reach populations that are missing out on vaccine opportunities and developing new strategies to draw in those who are hesitating.

Opening of vaccines for everyone age 16 and older has been a help for many people with disabilities. But for others, barriers still exist. Finding drive-through sites for people with mobility issues continues to be a challenge in some parts of the state.

When April drew to a close more than 50 percent of Minnesota age 16 and older had been vaccinated. That’s short of the state’s goal of vaccinating 80 percent of the population. After weeks of people traveling long distances and spending hours online to get vaccine appointments, May began with some clinics urging people to come in for open times. Social media posts announced that sites had available vaccines that would go to waste.

But the state was also entering a third wave of COVID-19 cases this spring, which caused worry for health officials as they eyed more infectious virus variants and more demand for hospital bed space. Longterm vaccine supply chain issues also raised questions. Gov. Tim Walz and other state officials have been making more public appearances to urge Minnesotans to get vaccinated and to reach those who have waited.

Almost 85 percent of Minnesota’s senior citizens have been vaccinated. Given that

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The final days of the Minnesota Legislature’s 2021 regular session are ticking down toward the May 17 adjournment date. Omnibus spending bills continue to be passed by the House and Senate. Conference committees took shape in mid-April and readied for the task of seeking agreement. When a state budget can be agreed upon is anyone’s guess.

The complex process of moving measures great and small to the finish line still leaves more questions than answers. Hanging over everything are calls for law enforcement reform, in the wake of the April 20 conviction of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin for the May 2020 murder of George Floyd.

The call for reform legislation could be tied to passage of a budget, at least in the Minnesota House. House Democrats are pushing for reform; their Republican colleagues have brought forward measures to allow state agencies to continue operations under the previous biennium funding levels. Those measures would provide for continued state operations after June 30 and avoid the prospect of a contentious state shutdown. But that could leave out key funding increases sought for some disability community initiatives.

State lawmakers are expected to pass a $52 billion budget for the next two years’ operations. There’s a fair amount of difference in the omnibus bills that have come through the House and Senate, and with the potential for amendments, a lot of debate is likely.

Once the House and Senate reach agreement on bills, those won’t be open to amendments. No one is talking special session yet, especially after a record number of special sessions in 2020.

But the second year of restricted capital and state offices’ access due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and what is seen as a lack of progress on several key issues, is testing the patience of many self-advocates.

A wild card this session is the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which Congress passed in March. It is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by the 117th United States Congress and signed into law

by President Joe Biden on March 11.

Its intent is to speed up the United States' recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing recession.

It covers an array of needs, including home and community-based services.

One ask many disability service groups have gotten behind is for state officials to give priority to a one-time funding increase for disability waiver services, using dollars available from the American Rescue Act. “Every day, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are on the frontlines, providing critical care and support to individuals with disabilities,” disability service provider Rise stated in an action alert. “The

We may have our difficulties but we know when we need help.

Kiosks at a mass vaccine site provided privacy. elders account for almost 90 percent of the state’s COVID-19 death toll, that’s seen as a key accomplishment. The state was nearing 7,000 deaths by April’s end.

Vaccine statistic rates aren’t available for people with disabilities.

Partner disability service organizations continue to host clinics, including Golden Valley-based Workabilities.

Workabilities recently welcomed Walz to its facility for a vaccination clinic that involved about 300 staff and clients with developmental disabilities.

Workabilities is a day habilitation and training center with five programs. Executive Director Luana Ball said Workabilities was eager to host a vaccination clinic, so that staff and clients could get their vaccines.

State officials also worked with FEMA to open a large vaccination site at on the grounds of the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights. State officials have had disability advocates on hand for interpretation and other assistance.

VACCINES To page 3

May 2021 Volume 32, Number 5

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As disabled people who continue to fight for our civil rights and independence, I hope we can visibly stand with people of color in this state. Oppression and inequity are our mutual enemies.

April is one of those (12) months in Minnesota where the weather is unpredictable. It's not that unusual to have beautiful warm days followed by cold, snow or rain. And we all know it seems like the cold is harder to take when it comes after a 70-degree day.

Just like the early warm weather we got, it looked like we were getting a break on the COVID front earlier this year.

But now the number of cases seems to be on the rise again, with all the new variants emerging. I've had both doses of the vaccine and it has made me feel a lot safer, but it seems as though people are still getting sick, and even a few who have been vaccinated are acquiring the virus. I hope you've gotten your shots, and that the vaccine, along with continued masking and distancing, keeps you safe from the virus.

At the state capitol, it's the typical end of the session rush before May 17. By the time you read this, we will know much more about all the health and human

services legislation. But if the legislature goes into a special session as it has so many times in recent years, we will have to keep watching and advocating. You might want to keep a close watch on the Access Press Facebook page. It’s a good idea to follow Access Press Twitter posts, too.

The most important legislation for the disability community are the two bills addressing the state’s unsustainably low reimbursement rate for personal care assistance (PCA) agencies. As you know, the lack of PCA rate reform has caused serious problems over the last two decades, and we’re at a crisis point now.

Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) has found that there are at least 7,971 unfilled PCA jobs in Minnesota. House File 663 and Senate File 497 must be passed.

I urge you to contact your legislators to let them know that your life depends on the PCA program, along with 44,000 other Minnesotans who use the program.

I urge you to contact your legislators to let them know that your life depends on the PCA program, along with 44,000 other Minnesotans who use the program. Literally, our futures depend on it.

Without the passage of these two bills, the program will die, and those of us who use the PCA program will be out of luck because we simply won’t be able to find PCAs as agencies dwindle and the number of open jobs increases into the tens of thousands. Literally, our futures depend on it.

I'm not sure how many people who use the PCA program could survive in a nursing home or a congregate care facility. I know it would bankrupt my wife and me. We would have to impoverish ourselves, paying all of our hard-earned retirement savings for a nursing facility. We would ultimately lose our home and any independence. I would lose my ability to continue working under the Medicaid for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) program, and the state would have to support both of us. How is that cost savings? How is that humane? It's not! It always seems like the PCA program is a high priority for legislators until the end of session when budget decisions are made. While they talk a lot about how they support the programs, and many really do want to be humane and respect the dignity of seniors and people with disabilities, it's been years since they have put their money where their talk is.

President Joe Biden has introduced his "American Jobs Plan.” If it becomes law it would mean the federal government will invest $400 billion in supporting “the infrastructure of our care economy by creating jobs and raising wages and

benefits for essential home care workers.”

I hope that our federal congressional delegation will actively work for enactment of the plan. With a serious investment like this, the state could overhaul our PCA program and build a strong and essential pay framework to increase wages based on the cost of living and comparable jobs. In the meantime, though, Minnesota needs House File 663 and Senate File 497 passed, to sustain us until the American Jobs Plan can help.

I wrote this as we all wait for the verdict in the George Floyd murder case and the next steps in the death of Daunte Wright. It's a terribly sad situation we have going on in our cities concerning police and the racism that seems to run through our community. As disabled people who continue to fight for our civil rights and independence, I hope we can visibly stand with people of color in this state. Oppression and inequity are our mutual enemies. I'm not sure how we will do all that needs to be done but things have to change in the way we look at others; we need to reconsider who we fear and who we trust. We need to live in hope and value each individual Minnesotan. The vast differences in equity between White and Black, between disabled and able-bodied, must not exist. The New York Times published an article, “Minnesota is one of the best places to live in America. Unless you’re black.” Let’s change that.

I hope you stay healthy in the beautiful month of May.

HISTORY NOTE

Spotlight shines on Tower native’s documentary about disability As the 2021 film award season draws to a close, the spotlight shines on one of the disability-focused film competitions and an entry with Minnesota ties. The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge gives filmmakers the opportunity to collaborate to tell unique stories that showcase disability in its many forms.

It is a weekend-long filmmaking contest, open to all, that provides a platform for new voices in the entertainment industry. Actor Nic Novicki launched the Disability Film Challenge in 2014 in response to seeing disabilities underrepresented both in front of and behind the camera.

One of the contenders in the 2020 challenge, Pushing the Boundaries, features Tower native Jason Goulet. The film won top ten honors.

The documentary is not only about disability, but also about a father-son relationship. Goulet was a standout three-

sport athlete in high school, excelling in football, basketball and baseball. His father Tom was his football and baseball coach, as well as the high school principal. The young man was poised for an outstanding senior year.

During an early-season high school football scrimmage in August 1990, Goulet called a play and ran down the field for the Golden Eagles. He was hit and sustained a broken neck and spinal cord injury. When his father knelt beside him, the first sentence out of Goulet’s mouth was, “I don’t want to end up in a wheelchair.”

The documentary includes a grainy clip of the play when he was injured.

For a young man who considered football to be etched in his DNA, losing the ability to walk was a huge challenge. He recalled not only the grueling physical therapy but also the need to figure out who he was.

His parents also struggled. His father quit coaching the football team after his son’s injury. His mother would never watch the video of the accident.

The community rallied, with fundraisers and other shows of support. Jason Goulet was determined to walk by high school graduation as a surprise for his family and community. He did so, with halting steps, and a room full of cheering supporters. The documentary shows that moment, along with scenes from his early physical therapy.

Goulet now lives in North Hollywood.

He works for an entertainment law firm and has also worked as an actor, writer and producer on short films.

In a newspaper interview last year, Goulet said that while he has been urged to taking acting classes, he prefers working behind the scenes and has worked to get more representation of people with disabilities both on screen and on the

production end.

In the documentary, Goulet is also shown as an adult, continuing his physical therapy. He uses a wheelchair and cane at times but can walk unassisted He loves to travel and continues his physical therapy. Both of those activities have been curtailed by the pandemic, as was documentary production. His parents, who now live in the north Twin Cities suburban community of Wyoming, filmed themselves on cell phones.

At the documentary’s end, Goulet speaks of how people with disabilities push the boundaries, “because we just want to live.”

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 Advertising Sales.......................................................................................................................................................................651-644-2133 Managing Editor........................................................................................................................................................................ Jane McClure Columnist/Staff Writer...........................................................................................................................................................Tim Benjamin Cartoonist.......................................................................................................................................................................................Scott Adams Production.........................................................................................................................................................................................In-Fin Tuan

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May 2021 Volume 32, Number 5

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SpringForward with GiveMN during fund drive May 1-11 Spring forward with Access Press during GiveMN’s SpringForwardMN campaign. It’s time to support favorite causes including Minnesota’s disability community newspaper. the drive is May 1-11.

More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, Access Press and many of its disability community nonprofit partners are bouncing back. The availability of vaccines is encouraging as the state continues to open up.

But the work to rebuild what we had goes on. Many of our advertiser partners continue to have trying times. Many of the community service nonprofits are just beginning to reopen their doors. GiveMN’s campaign helps us and many other nonprofits.

A successful GiveAtHomeMN campaign was held in May 2020. In response to needs shared by our community of nonprofits and schools in a February survey, GiveMN is offering

VACCINES From page 1

Mental health impacts Efforts are stepping up to address short and longterm mental health impacts of the pandemic, which has dragged on for more than a year. The Minnesota Department of Health Disability Unit and its partners in April hosted a virtual conversation on mental health issues. The discussion included resources and coping strategies.

More than a year of the pandemic and public health restrictions has left many people with disabilities isolated and struggling. People who live with disabilities had routines upended and miss what had been regular human contact. Many living in group homes or multi-family buildings had access restrictions and could not see family and friends.

Those living with marginalization, uncertainty and stress have had that intensified. People are experiencing more symptoms of mental illness, suicidal ideation, and episodes of psychosis.

Marilyn Dornfeld, NAMI Minnesota’s director of adult programs, oversees family to family classes. The virtual sessions have been “packed” with people seeking help.

“Many families are wanting education and support,” Dornfeld said.

Living with mental illness meant major changes in resources and support systems and resources. Some have been “ghosted” or shut out by their own therapists. Others cannot see medical professionals in person. Although some places have opened up, Dornfeld said there are still fears of going out in public.

For families with school-age children the pandemic has been a very trying time, with more mental health conditions reported. For families with a disabled child, the challenges are beyond parents having to often teach and work at the same time. Support of individual education plans has been a mixed bag, with some families finding little to no support for their plans and the continuity plan services provide.

Session participants discussed coping and self-care

SpringForwardMN. Access Press has been involved with GiveMN since the beginning. GiveMN is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Launched in 2009 by Minnesota Community Foundation, GiveMN is supported by many generous foundation and corporate partners from around the state, as well as generous individuals.

Today, GiveMN serves more than 10,000 nonprofit organizations and schools across every Minnesota county and more than 304,000 donors who have used GiveMN to make a difference in their communities. Organizations rely on GiveMN to help shatter old-school fundraising models and connect more givers with more causes than ever before.

Go to www.givemn.org and look for Access Press. Thank you for your support.

strategies including following a routine, maintaining good daily living habits and staying connected to friends and family as much as possible. Participants expressed mixed feelings about things opening up as more people are vaccinated. Some like the idea of warmer weather allowing outdoor gatherings. Others are wary of a changing pandemic situation, with new variants.

A fluid situation

The pandemic continues to be a fluid situation, as more variants of the COVID-19 virus emerge. While school classrooms have been a major focus, with moves back and forth to virtual learning as outbreaks pop up, little attention has been paid to prep adaptive sports and what happened to those activities.

Minnesota has one of the oldest and most robust adaptive prep sports programs in the United States. Adapted sports for high school students began in the 1960s and eventually became part of the Minnesota State High School League programs. Divisions are in place for athletes with physical and cognitive disabilities. Athletes compete in soccer, floor hockey, softball and bowling.

The state track and field program also offers events for athletes with disabilities, including wheelchair races and field events.

Tournaments and competition came to an abrupt halt in March 2020 and just started back up this season.

Adaptive sports were put on hold, disappointing many athletes, coaches and families. That is especially true for 2020 and 2021 graduates, who missed their final seasons with their teammates and coaches.

Some instead played what were called “practice seasons” and had no tournaments. Not everyone returned as some families opted to have their children not take part.

Champions were unable to defend their titles.

Adaptive high school sports are back this spring, with the state bowling tournaments in mid-May and the track and field meet in June. Bowlers compete in three categories – physical disabilities, cognitive disabilities and athletes on the autism spectrum.

Bowling is typically a large tournament in the Twin

Cities, with schools across the state represented. In 2021, the bowling tournament will be a virtual competition.

Athletes will be bowling at their home sites.

The track and field tournament, in which events for all athletes are held together, is also a very large event. It is usually held at Hamline University in St. Paul. As the newspaper went to press, no location or setup had been announced.

The Minnesota State High School League has implemented many safety protocols due to the pandemic, such as regular testing for athletes and not allowing teams to compete if an athlete or in some cases an opponent has a positive test.

Those protocols have caused controversy. In the boys’ state hockey tournament, one team had to forfeit due to positive tests. Another team had to field its junior varsity.

But while many young people of all abilities miss sports and competition, one huge red flag is that youth sports tournaments have been some of the bigger “super-spreader” events in the Upper Midwest. In recent weeks state health officials have seen an increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations among young people. Many of those cases are linked directly to youth sports and tournament participation. A huge worry is that youth who test positive and become ill can spread the virus to others who may be more vulnerable to illness.

In late April the Minnesota Senate, Minnesota Department of Health staff and youth sports officials held a session discussing decisions made under COVID-19 policies.

Some state lawmakers have complained that more transparency in rules is needed. So has the advocacy group Let Them Play Minnesota, which has demanded fewer pandemic-related restrictions on youth sports. Let Them Play Minnesota has also disputed the findings of the state health department and has also taken unsuccessful legal action to make changes. A federal court case was thrown out earlier this year.

“We are at another critical point with this virus and we need to take action so that our students can continue with in-person learning and all those other activities that make the school experience a memorable experience,” Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Heather Mueller told KSTP-TV. For information on vaccines, disease rates and how to sign up for vaccines, go to www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/

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LEGISLATURE

From page 1 irreplaceable impact DSPs make has been no more profound than during the COVID-19 pandemic. While there are important investments being proposed for the critical Personal Care Assistant (PCA) program, that is an entirely separate disability service from waiver disability services and we are asking for your support of the entire disability services spectrum.”

American Rescue Plan dollars are popping up throughout budget discussions. While in most cases the funds provide needed support, Minnesota Council on Disability has raised a red flag about a proposal in the Senate Transportation Finance and Policy committee.

It would replace state dollars for Metro Mobility with

the federal funding. The concern outlined is that federal funds should supplement state support for paratransit, not replace state dollars.

Another wild card is that of bonding. 2021 is a budget year, not a bonding year. The House and Gov. Tim Walz are supporting additional bonding this session, given high needs and low interest rates.

The House Capital Investment Committee has put forward a preliminary proposal of $1.03 billion for bonding, with several state departments included. In the Senate, the Capital Investment Committee has met only once this session, with a much smaller proposal to amend previous spending.

Follow hearings and floor sessions online, at www.leg. mn.gov/

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ICI PHOTOS

May 2021 Volume 32, Number 5

Poetz and his friends are shown after he received the Access Press Charlie Smith Award.

Cliff Poetz and his lifelong friend Charlie Lakin, shown in 2018.

POETZ

Working for change

From page 1 dream job was to be a janitor or janitor’s assistant. But he was able to do so much more, even while living in dire poverty at times.

The lexicon of Poetz’s world went from the offensive phrase “mentally retarded” to “handicapped” to “disability.” He became a skilled leader, able to effectively champion legislation, navigate the halls of government and raise awareness of important issues. Friends said he showed unbelievable strength of character and courage.

Looking back on his work as a self-advocate, Poetz said in 2016 that he was driven by the desire for everyone to have the best life possible and to be part of the community. Poetz also gave credit to the many people he worked with over the years, adding that he couldn’t have accomplished as much alone.

“It is hard to overemphasize the courage and commitment that Cliff has shown in more than 45 years of community advocacy and leadership,” said Poetz’s longtime friend Charlie Lakin. “Cliff has never relented in his commitment to stand up to injustice and to make life better for people with disabilities. Cliff has given enormously in time and effort to support full citizenship and equal opportunity for people with developmental disabilities.”

“I know of no one who has a better understanding of how politics enters into decisions at all levels, and has the interest and patience to get involved and stick around until his voice is heard,” said colleague John G. Smith.

Poetz was active in countless local, state and national disability rights groups and won many awards including the 2016 Access Press Charlie Smith Award. The award was given for many years to a Minnesotan who provided outstanding service to the state’s disability community.

Services for Poetz will be held at a later date.

Early life

Clifford Linus Poetz was born in Waconia to Alphonse and Mary (Green) Poetz. His family included three other sons and a daughter. His brother LeRoy Poetz preceded him in death by less than a week.

Poetz grew up in the St. Bonifacius and Watertown communities. He lived with cerebral palsy, dyslexia and physical, cognitive and visual disabilities. He attended grade school in Waconia, and then spent three years at the Cooperative Rehabilitation School in Glen Lake.

Opportunities were scarce in small-town Minnesota, so Poetz moved to Minneapolis at age 21, living in a congregate facility with 120 other people.

In his new home, Poetz and two others formed a group, Telling It Like it Is. The Arc’s predecessor organizations supported the group as members traveled the region sharing the experiences of persons with developmental

disabilities living in congregate settings and the pain and discrimination derived from being labeled as “retarded.”

Lakin recalled Poetz’s frequent observation that “When people are labeled retarded, people think they are stupid.”

Activist awakenings

Poetz began to get involved in self-advocacy and disability rights organizations, starting in the 1970s. A 1972 Minneapolis Tribune article headlined “Retarded wish society would learn faster” described Poetz’s participation in a panel discussion before the Minneapolis Association for Retarded Children (MARC).

At the time Poetz described himself as “mentally retarded,” even though he detested the R-word. He described himself as “learning faster than society did.”

“They think right away that you’re crazy,” he said.

“They call you dumb and stupid. It doesn’t make you feel very good. But we’re average people who want to live average lives. We may have our difficulties but we know when we need help.”

Poetz had recently completed basic living classes at Outreach Community Center in Minneapolis, and moved into an apartment building owned by the nonprofit. He was employed at Midway Learning and Manufacturing Company in St. Paul, earning 30 cents an hour for washing, drying and rolling telephone cords. He had worked his way up from 20 cents an hour and described the job as “sorta dull.”

That newspaper article made its way to the desk of U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Massachusetts). Kennedy, who had a lifelong interest in helping people with disabilities, invited Poetz in 1973 to speak at a hearing on the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. That invitation was history-making. Poetz became the first person with a developmental disability to address a congressional subcommittee.

Lakin recalled that Poetz had two poignant memories from that experience. When a congressional staff member called to offer the invitation, the director of the facility where Poetz lived hung up on the caller. The director thought it was a prank call.

Only when Kennedy himself called, and backed his call up with a telegram, was it understood that Poetz was indeed being summoned to the nation’s capital.

“The other memory was that prior to the hearing, a leading advocate of a major disability organization questioned in front of Poetz whether it was a good idea for someone with a developmental disability to be testifying on such important legislation,” said Lakin. “I asked Cliff how that made him feel. He replied matter-of-factly that he knew she was wrong about that. Of course, today Congressional hearings on legislation affecting persons with developmental disabilities always include persons with disabilities.”

Cliff Poetz, John Daggy and Rick Cardenas were active in Remembering With Dignity.

Cardenas died earlier this year.

Cliff Poetz was a People First cofounder.

Poetz often spoke of how people with disabilities wanted the same things others had: meaningful work, their own housing, full community participation, the right to marry and have children.

“We want a good job and we want to live in the community like everybody else. right now, the system does not give us that opportunity,” Poetz said in an interview.

“We want community acceptance,” Poetz said. “and for parents to understand this. They have an overprotective attitude you wouldn’t believe.” His own family questioned his abilities.

Good jobs were a major focus for him. By 1974 Poetz was working at the Occupational Training Center in St. Paul, inspecting labels pasted onto bottles. He earned 75 cents an hour.

He dealt with extreme prejudice, pity and patronizing behavior. As a young man he bristled at those who described him and others with disabilities in child-like terms. The article described a center worker who called Poetz a “good boy.”

“No,” he retorted quickly. “I’m not a boy.”

While Poetz jumped at the chance to lead, he expressed ambivalence about being appointed to the Minnesota Youth Association for Retarded Children. He was 23 years old at the time.

Countless projects

Other, more meaningful appointments would follow. He was involved in the launch of several disability service and self-advocacy organizations starting in the 1970s, including People First Minnesota, United Handicapped Federation and Advocating Change Together. He served as a board member for the Arc of the Greater Twin Cities, Arc of Minnesota and Arc of the United States.

He was a member of the Minnesota Council on Disability, Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts board and the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals. He took many advisory roles for foundations and academic centers, ranging from the Headwaters Foundation for Justice to the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Institute on Disability and Human Development.

Poetz assumed leadership posts in public policy reform and leadership development. He worked on legislative agendas to put people first, and spoke with authority on issues affecting people with all types of disabilities.

He helped organize one of the first self-advocacy conferences in Minnesota. The start of Metro Mobility, voting rights efforts, establishment of smaller group homes POETZ To page 5

Cliff Poetz is shown at Portland Residence in Minneapolis, in 1973.

POETZ

From page 4 to get people out of larger institutions, community-based employment, more inclusive and respectful language, creation of the direct support provider program and many other issues bear his imprint.

Poetz was among the founders of Remembering With Dignity, the project that provides proper headstones in cemeteries at state institutions.

He performed in the 1996 play “Let Heaven and Nature Sing” with Interact and what was then the Great American History Theatre. The play is about life in the state hospital at Faribault in the 1940s.

He received many awards. Poetz was the very first recipient of the Governor’s Award of the Minnesota State Council on Disability. He also received the Leadership in Advocacy Award of the Association of University Centers on Disability.

When he won the Charlie Smith Award, Poetz roared

with laughter at his coworkers’ good-natured teasing in a slide show. Among other places it put him on the moon, Europe and on Mount Rushmore.

One major award was the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation's Self-Empowerment Award, a national award given to very few people. The Arc of the Greater Twin Cities’ highest honor, the Founders Award, was given to him as was the statewide organization’s Public Policy Award.

Whatever he did, Poetz led by example. When he purchased his own condominium a decade ago, he used the accomplishment to encourage others to use programs set up to promote home ownership. When he presented testimony before policymakers, he encouraged his colleagues to do the same.

Hard as it had been, Poetz was always ready to acknowledge ground gained.

“We have fought for so long to be part of the community,” he told one interviewer. “There is progress.”

Poetz is shown wearing a t-shirt from the campaign of U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-Minnesota).

Poetz was an effective and forceful speaker.

Poetz saved his 1973 invitation to speak to Congress.

∏∏f

In Memoriam f∏∏

Hodder championed adaptive sports

Susan Catherine Hodder shared her love of helping others and volunteering by teaching adaptive sports.

Hodder died this spring after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 59 and lived in Minneapolis.

Hodder spent her career as a youth coordinator, teacher, afterschool enrichment and summer camp director, ski and snowboard instructor, alpine adaptive supervisor and adaptive ski and snowboard training director. She also ran a ski clinic for disabled veterans. She won the national 2019 Jim Winthers Volunteer Award for lifetime contributions in furthering the mission of Disabled Sports USA. She was recognized as a "once in a lifetime volunteer" by Courage Kenny, winning awards including the Pearl Hall Award and Malcolm Mackey Tree of Life award. The Susan Hodder Volunteer of Excellence award is given in her honor.

In 2018, she said that volunteering was where she made her dearest friends.

Hodder is survived by her father, brothers and sisters and their families, aunts, uncles and cousins. Services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Courage Kenny Ski & Snowboard at allinahealth.org/Give2Courage Kenny (select Adaptive Ski and Snowboard from Give To

drop down menu. Or to U of MN Masonic Cancer Center at cancer.umn.edu. Select Donate from drop down menu and then MCC Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund.

Arneson led a life of service

Ruth Esther Arneson lived a life of service. Arneson died this spring. She was 92 and lived in Minneapolis.

She was born in Beaver Creek, Minnesota and lived on several Minnesota farms before her family moved to Minneapolis.

She was married for 63 years to TJ (Ted) Arneson Jr. until his death in 2011. Together they raised six children and built a business, Professional Instruments Company. Both Arnesons were involved in civic and community activities.

They established the Drs. T.J. and Ella M. Arneson Chair in Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota, to support a longtime interest in mental health issues.

She served as treasurer of the charity CCR for 35 years, helping with its efforts to assist children and adults with disabilities by providing adaptive equipment.

CCR was originally known as Crippled Children’s Relief.

Arneson is survived by her children and their families, a brother and sisters. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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ICI PHOTO

May 2021 Volume 32, Number 5

May 2021 Volume 32, Number 5

Pg 6

PEOPLE & PLACES LSS, Lifetrack move toward merger Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) and Lifetrack will merge on July 1. While the change is significant to longtime users of the agencies, the two have actually worked together for more than two years.

On January 1, 2019, Lifetrack began a management services agreement with Lutheran Social Service that enabled Lifetrack to improve financial stability, share resources and continue its mission to strengthen resiliency in families. On July 1, Lifetrack will begin service delivery as Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.

“We’ve appreciated the expertise that Lutheran Social Service has shared to sustain our operations and focus on future growth,” said Wayne Jarvis, Lifetrack’s board chair. “We see tremendous opportunity ahead to continue operational efficiencies and expand our services to serve more Minnesotans in more communities in the years ahead.”

Lifetrack was established in 1948 as the St. Paul Rehabilitation Center, responding to the needs of individuals disabled by polio and by military service during World War II. Lifetrack today offers Families Together, which combines home visiting services and a therapeutic preschool in St. Paul, employment services, and deaf and hard of hearing services that are offered across Minnesota.

The organization, with a $4 million annual budget, employs 83 staff who will become employees of LSS. LSS is a 156-year-old organization with an annual budget of $175 million, 2,500 employees and 10,000 volunteers that support one in 65 Minnesotans each year.

“I am grateful to Lifetrack board members, employees and supporters for their deep dedication to this important work,” said Patrick Thueson, chief executive officer of LSS of Minnesota.

“We’re impressed by the high-quality services provided by Lifetrack and look forward to growing them through innovation and synergies with LSS services to help more Minnesotans live full and abundant lives.”

LSS of Minnesota began in 1865 when a Lutheran pastor and his congregation opened an orphanage for children near Red Wing in southeastern Minnesota. Through its mission to inspire hope, change lives and build community, 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.

MOHR life enrichment awards go virtual for 2021 Virtual services swept the field in the 2021 MOHR Life Enrichment Awards, as member organizations adapted to reach individuals with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Creative, innovative services help people with disabilities live their best lives," said MOHR President Julie Johnson.

The 2021 winners are: Achieve Services, Blaine, was honored for The Morning Show.

The show is the brainchild of behavior specialist Ralph Vossberg. The new virtual services program is filled connection gaps created by the pandemic. The Morning Show is patterned after radio and television programs, and offers an entertaining look at news, sports and weather.

The show serves as a daily check-in and day starter for people with disabilities. It’s designed to be interactive, engaging with participants who discuss their activities and interests. It includes a changing slide show, a music video and pet cams.

“We also hope their interests are expanded,” said Achieve Services Development Director Jennifer Dieter. “They are developing or enhancing social skills around waiting to talk, listening to others and accepting different opinions.”

Regional nonprofit MRCI is honored for the New MRCI: Community-Based Day Service, which aims for true inclusion. MRCI places individuals with disabilities into groups of four. Groups spend each day in the community.

The concept moves beyond the idea of “outings,” with the community as a place to explore, learn and connect with others. Inclusion involves fellowship, while learning skills needed to be more independent.

Participants work toward personal goals, meet new people, and develop new supports and friendships. MRCI closed facilities in Chaska, Shakopee, Rosemount and Fairmont, and consolidated facilities in New Ulm and Mankato. What was a five-year plan for change was accelerated by the pandemic.

Eventually MRCI hopes to have 150 to 200 minivans on the road each day to provide the service.

MSS, St. Paul, was honored for its virtual classes and engagement to build relationships. Isolated at home due to COVID fears and rules, MSS clients and staff assembled for Zoom classes to meet individual needs. It was a quick learning curve.

Offerings grew to more than 50 different class choices for participants each week. Users help drive content. New friendships have sprouted and grown, as people learn about musical interests of others, pets’ names, favorite foods, sports, artists and more. People who are nonverbal get assistance from staff to engage, and use the “chat” function.

The program includes outside partners. Upstream Arts, Kairos Alive, MacPhail Center for Music and Roots Music assist with classes.

Opportunity Partners, Minnetonka, is honored for virtual services that provide mental and social stimulation for growth and independence. The pandemic opened a new door to provide services to people with disabilities where AWARDS To page 7

One-year anniversary celebrated A change in Twin Cities accessibility solutions is marking a one-year anniversary.

Lifeway Mobility has invested in Disabilities, Inc., which has done business as Twin City Stairlifts/Ability Solutions for almost 20 years.

Twin City Stairlifts/Ability Solutions is a licensed dealer of stairlifts, wheelchair lifts, residential elevators, ramps, step-in tubs and overhead lifts. It also offers bath safety and other home modifications that improve their clients’ well-being and independence.

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Bruce Stevenson, the company founder, remains a shareholder. He and his experienced local team have joined the Lifeway Minneapolis team to continue to serve those with limited mobility and provide excellent customer service.

Lifeway Mobility Minneapolis now serves Minnesota and western Wisconsin through from Twin City Stairlifts/Ability Solutions’ office and showroom at 1528 Cliff Road E. in Burnsville “It was very exciting to have the opportunity to join Lifeway’s team,”

said Stevenson. “Their robust marketing programs, integrated operating system and capital resources have enabled us to enhance our customer experience as we accelerate our growth. Above all, their values and commitment to excellence align perfectly with those that have made Twin City Stairlifts/Ability Solutions a leading access provider.”

Lifeway Mobility President Paul Bergantino was excited to welcome Twin City Stairlifts/Ability Solutions to the Lifeway PEOPLE AND PLACES To page 7

National Handicap Housing Institute Barrier-Free Housing Affordable Handicapped Accessible Housing

Serving seniors and adults with disabilities

Waiting Lists Open

www.nhhiaccessiblehousing.com to apply immediately 11 barrier free locations in the Twin Cities Metro area and Mankato

651-639-9799

Improving the independent lifestyles of persons with physical disabilities, specifically mobility impairments.

www.nhhiaccessiblehousing.com

May 2021 Volume 32, Number 5

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PEOPLE & PLACES Minnesota disability service nonprofits feted AWARDS

From page 6 they live. Virtual services bypassed the need to navigate many sensory experiences clients faced.

There was no playbook for the new service starting in summer 2020. It began with group sessions and one on one classes. Because individuals missed their friends, social hours were scheduled.

Engagement was enhanced, new interests explored and new friendships made. They shared about hobbies, pets and other facets of their lives. The use of technology has brought added growth and independence for many.

Virtual services offer another avenue to reach others, even after the pandemic.

Pinewood Cloquet, Inc. of Cloquet was honored for the library reading program, which is done with the Dollar Parton Imagination Library and United Way Carleton County.

The library program was intriguing, as it incorporated story time for children from infancy to five years old.

Individuals read to children remotely, on camera. But what if the people with disabilities served could not read, or became camera shy? How would they be chosen to take part? It was a giant leap of faith.

Curiosities grew, and more people took interest. People went from being nervous to excited as they showed their skills and reached young people with enjoyable content.

All the while, they built their confidence.

WACOSA of Waite Park is honored for its Connect Academy, which provides emote engagement and learning through creative expression and technology.

Advanced video and studio equipment enhances WACOSA’s effort at virtual services with help from 12year veteran direct support provider Mike Nichols.

Connect Academy began before the pandemic began.

Technology was adapted for safe virtual alternative services.

PEOPLE AND PLACES

From page 6 family, “Bruce and his team are impressive,” he said. “They bring a level of customer care and expertise that complements Lifeway Mobility’s presence in the region by expanding our product offering, service capacity and coverage area.”

Lifeway Mobility is an accessibility solutions provider serving the Midwest, California, western Pennsylvania and southern New England. Lifeway Mobility offers a full selection of accessibility and safety equipment for people with mobility limitations, including stairlifts, wheelchair lifts, elevators, ramps, transfer lifts, and bath safety solutions.

To learn more about Lifeway Mobility, visit www.lifewaymobility.com

New public policy director named

The Arc Minnesota has announced that Julia Burkstaller is its new public policy director. In her previous work as coordinator for This Is Medicaid and as public policy director for Girl Scouts River Valleys, Burkstaller developed expertise in legislative relations, bill tracking/analysis, and community

WACOSA

MRCI Content for Connect Academy classes are adapted and tailored to individual choices. WACOSA has engaged a weather reporter from a Duluth television station, experts in the disability field and others to provide engaging material. The group is confident that the classes will benefit people in ways that will continue well into their future lives.

organizing on a broad scale.

She also has experience in co-creating racial equity frameworks, which has informed her understanding of the critical Julie Burkstaller intersection of disability and racial justice.

Burkstaller believes that “people with lived experience are the true influencers for equitable policy change—especially Black, Indigenous, and people of color. In my advocacy work, I support all movements, I’m a resource for all people with lived experience, and work alongside them rather than lead them.”

In partnership with staff statewide, self-advocates, and strategic coalition partners, she will be responsible for achieving the organization’s state and federal public policy, legislative advocacy, systems change and voter engagement goals. Burkstaller will work directly with former public policy director, Alicia Munson, who became chief program officer in January.

Grants issued for projects

Innovations that help serve people with disabilities in Minnesota have received nearly $1 million in state grant funding. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) recently awarded $991,171 to 10 service providers, supporting people with disabilities to live and engage with others in their communities and access improved employment opportunities.

“Providers that received innovation grants are doing critically important work every day,” said Assistant Commissioner for Community Supports Gertrude Matemba-Mutasa. “These grants empower them to go above and beyond, to find better ways to support Minnesotans with disabilities.”

Services providers had to adapt their approaches for the COVID-19 pandemic, as many in-person services couldn’t be offered or had to be modified in response to pandemic rules.

DHS distributes innovation grants in three groupings. The latest awards are for the large grant program, which awards contracts up to $500,000.

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May 2021 Volume 32, Number 5

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REGIONAL NEWS Mankato MRCI Thrift Shop closes its doors Almost 50 years of service to the greater Mankato community is coming to an end with the closure of the MRCI Mankato Thrift Store. The store was slated to close at the end of April.

The store began in 1964. It closed due to declining revenues and difficulty finding volunteers. The closure saddens longtime volunteers, shoppers and staff. The store sold new and used donated clothing and household items in support of MRCI, one of Minnesota’s largest and most diverse providers of employment and day services for people with disabilities.

The closing is a trend other disability-focused thrift stores have faced.

Becky Rossow saw the decline of volunteers during the 20 years she worked and volunteered at the shop. She told the Free Press of Mankato, “When I started, we had about 130 volunteers. In 2019 we had 40.” Rossow began as a store assistant manager in 1999 and then went to volunteering in 2004 after her daughter was born.

Brian Benshoof, CEO of MRCI Workforce, said the decision to close the shop was tough but driven by declining revenue, a dearth of volunteers and difficulty finding paid staff. While the pandemic heightened the problems, he said the issues challenging the shop will continue into the future.

“We really lost profitability the past three years. Last year we actually lost money. The mission of the store was always to raise money for services for our clients.”

The store has always relied on volunteers. As longtime volunteers aged out it was hard to find replacements.

Mankato also is in the midst of a labor shortage so it was

Glass crushing will provide jobs

Little Falls-based company Employment Enterprises Inc. will use a new glass-crushing machine to provide more jobs to people with disabilities as well as generate more income for the company.

Employment Enterprises Inc. is one of four Minnesota businesses that received funding from the first round of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) market development grants, intended to help drive stronger markets for recycled materials.

The recycling industry contributes $15 billion to Minnesota's economy and accounts for 36,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to the MPCA. “The projects funded by these grants mean to create more local demand for recycled material, increase value for the raw product and maintain or create jobs,” said MPCA Commissioner Laura Bishop.

Employment Enterprises Inc. runs a day-training and habilitation program for people with disabilities.

Executive Director Pam Baltes said the program serves about 140 people in Central Minnesota.

In-house, most of the employment is in recycling materials: tin, aluminum, paper, cardboard and glass.

The employment service is one of three programs Employment Enterprises offers. In addition to recycling, workers also do outsourced work for other companies.

A grant of more than $50,000 will be used to purchase the necessary equipment for processing glass differently. With a glass crusher, a hammer mill, a separate screener and some conveyor belts, Employment Enterprises Inc. will have several glass products to sell.

The grains of glass can be used in sandblasting. Other glass pieces could become fill, be used to decorate concrete or for crafting.

(Source: St. Cloud Times)

language interpretation for public hearings if residents request it at least seven days in advance. It includes a $20,000 payment as well, $8,000 of which reimburses a portion of the attorney's fees and $12,000 of which is compensatory damages for Shanahan.

The City Council approved the settlement in April.

(Source: Star Tribune)

Maltreatment of vulnerable adults drops

hard to find staff.

Benshoof said competition from a growing list of thrift stores in Mankato added to overhead. “I count seven thrift stores in Mankato. To compete we had to be open nights, open longer hours.” That required more paid staff and volunteers.

The pandemic forced the store to close for several months. Even when businesses were allowed to reopen, the thrift shop didn’t have volunteers and also lost staff.

Benshoof said he’s proud of all the volunteers and the community for supporting the shop for decades. “We’re very grateful to the community for all their support over the years. We’ve always had strong support and we appreciate it.”

He said MRCI is strong and growing. “We have a lot of great things going at MRCI. We’re rolling out new programs and are very strong.” The nonprofit plans to sell the store building, and a neighboring structure.

The MRCI Thrift Shop in New Ulm will remain open.

(Source: Free Press of Mankato)

Closed captioning to be provided

The City of Minneapolis will provide live closed captioning of most public meetings and boost its interpretation services. the services results from a discrimination complaint, filed by a deaf man, who couldn't take part in hearings about the future of the Police Department.

North Minneapolis resident Jon Shanahan wanted to participate when the Charter Commission was taking comments on a City Council proposal to replace the department in the wake of George Floyd's death.

Shanahan, who was born deaf, often relies on an American Sign Language interpreter to follow public hearings. He said he contacted the city asking for accommodations but, when the crucial moment arrived, help wasn't there.

The city told him he could submit a comment, but he felt he was at a disadvantage because he didn't know what the other speakers had said. “How am I going to put a comment, if I don't understand the meeting?” he said.

As meetings continued, Shanahan said he felt “growing frustration, because I felt that my rights were taken away. I felt like a second-class citizen.” Shanahan and his attorney, Heather Gilbert, filed a discrimination charge with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and eventually entered into mediation with the city.

Once the city attorney working the case understood the problem, he “was great to work with, but then the next problem we had was how do we solve this, how do we work this out,” Gilbert said.

New closed captioning systems, aside from the automated one the city adopted in early 2020. Eventually, they arrived at a settlement that calls for the city to provide live, humangenerated closed captioning for most public meetings.

“That's a really big accomplishment,” Gilbert said.

The settlement also requires the city to provide sign

Allegations of maltreatment of vulnerable adults in Minnesota trended downward in 2020. State and local experts who track this data believe the COVID-19 pandemic caused the drop in reports.

In Minnesota, the maltreatment of vulnerable adults is reported through the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC), operated by the Department of Human Services (DHS). MAARC data shows that reports of suspected maltreatment dropped in the first 10 months of 2020 when compared to 2019. About 50,000 vulnerable adult maltreatment reports were made in 2020. Earlier this year DHS released data that showed a similar decline in child maltreatment complaints during the same period.

“Reports of vulnerable adults experiencing abuse, neglect or financial exploitation decreased in 2020, but that doesn’t mean actual maltreatment is down,” said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. “We believe this trend is pandemic driven.”

The reduced number of reports is likely due to several impacts of the pandemic. Vulnerable adults are not interacting with mandated reporters as often, or in the faceto-face ways they were pre-pandemic. Other possibilities include the cancellation of medical appointments due to fear of COVID-19 exposure; a reduction in community services, such as adult day care; and less interaction with family and caregivers.

The health department investigates complaints related to maltreatment, quality of life and quality of care at health care facilities including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living and home health agencies.

Anyone suspecting that a vulnerable adult is being abused, call the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center, 1-844-880-1574.

(Source: Minnesota DHS)

Limb loss is highlighted

Motorists honked horns their horns and waved to the mannequins featured at the Limb Lab building in downtown Rochester April 15. But the mannequins waved back.

Dressed in white, skin-tight bodysuits with only a prosthetic showing were several Limb Lab patients, some of whom have been receiving prosthetic limbs for years. Some were “on display” in the windows, while others stood outside. They handed out fliers to support Limb Loss Awareness Month and the Limb Lab Foundation’s fundraiser.

Twelve-year-old Landon Uthke of Albert Lea was one of those dressed in all white, leaving only the prosthetic on his left leg showing. It was the second year he participated as a live mannequin, and he said he’ll continue to do so to get his message out there.

“I just want to display that even though you may have a disability, you can still live an active life,” he said.

Uthke lost his left leg at 3 years old from a lawn mower accident. He said it was hard for him when he first started going to school, but his love for hockey had him determined to still get on the ice.

Limb Lab provided him with a prosthetic that allowed him to participate in sled hockey, where he mans the faceoffs as a center. A big Minnesota Wild fan, Uthke had the opportunity to even attend a Wild practice, skate alongside the players and get a few shots in between the pipes.

“It's been a journey. It's been good at times. And it's been kind of rough,” he said. “But it's been good. (Limb Lab) is great. They helped me with a lot of stuff.”

For Limb Lab CEO Brandon Sampson, the entire month REGIONAL NEWS To page 9

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May 2021 Volume 32, Number 5

REGIONAL NEWS

From page 9 of April is about trying to erase the stigma that comes with being an amputee. He wants to show people how prosthetics can allow people to achieve goals others didn’t think were possible with a missing limb.

“Losing a limb is a really big deal. Some physicians even say it's like losing a loved one, and it's unfortunate that we can't do anything about that,” Sampson said. "But what we can do is show them what life could be like afterward and inspire them to set new goals, inspire them to be part of the creative process — inspire them to wear their prosthesis proudly."

“I think more and more that we take the stigma away from what it means and to not hide it,” he said. The lab hoped to raise $10,000 by month’s end.

(Source: Rochester Post Bulletin)

More equity sought in state grants

Gov. Tim Walz’ administration has called on the Minnesota Legislature to approve funding for the creation of a new office of equity in grantmaking. the goal is to expand access to state and federal funds to communities of color and other underserved groups, including people with disabilities.

“The (pandemic's) disproportionate impact on BIPOC communities makes it even more critically important that we make sure that we have systems and processes in place that are in a position to help those who need help most," said Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. “We feel the urgency of this moment and hope the Legislature will also step up as our partners right now.”

The state issues hundreds of grants worth millions of dollars to organizations that support workers and businesses each year. And despite efforts to make sure communities and organizations around the state know about those opportunities and are able to apply, the state has work to do yet in making conversations about those grants more inclusive, Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove said.

The Department of Administration, which handles purchasing for the state, saw double the amount of spending with businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans and people with disabilities after creating the Office of Equity in Procurement, Commissioner Alice Roberts-Davis said.

Setting up an office with oversight of state grants could have a similar impact.

Philanthropic organization leaders said the state could take small steps to bring in a broader pool of applicants like fully opening up the application process online and making sure language about eligibility clears states that small businesses can apply.

“We need to punctuate the fact that as a state we have so many great things that are going for us and if we can figure out how to accelerate this work ... really creates a playbook not just for our state but for the rest of the country,” McKnight Foundation President Tonya Allen said. “How do we take this moment to really lift it up and make it not just a political platform but a way that the state does business?”

(Source: Forum Communications)

Be aware of fakes

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower symbol, used by travelers to indicate that someone has a hidden disability, has become a target for counterfeit sales and profiteering.

Sunflower lanyards and ID cards are being illegally distributed in the following ways. Individuals reselling items they have either been purchased from the authorized

vendor obtained for free from supporting businesses. Or there are counterfeit items.

Apart from the infringement of trademark and copyright over the Sunflower design, terms and conditions state that Sunflower products are strictly not for resale, with the exception of charities that have authorized reseller status and will display a reseller badge.

The fakes and improper sales also take away proceeds from those trying to raise funds for hidden disabilities such as dementia and autism. The Hidden Disabilities Store and the area Dementia Friendly Airports Working Group are raising awareness of the problems. the Hidden Disabilities Store is working with legal counsel to crack down on those not authorized to sell the items.

(Source: Dementia-Friendly Airports Working Group)

Lawmakers await DNR report

People with disabilities who like to hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoors are awaiting a report by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). A DNR regional wildlife manager, David Trauba, is lead a team to investigate how to make the outdoors, and specifically state wildlife management areas (WMA), more accessible and inclusive to people with disabilities. Trauba's team has filed a report on ways to improve accessibility, which soon will be sent to state lawmakers.

Wildlife management areas are state-owned properties that are designated for hunting, fishing, bird-watching and other recreational activities. They are more primitive than state parks, with the only facility for most being a parking lot. There are more than 1.3 million acres stretched over about 1,500 WMAs across the state.

In these wildlife areas, there are 75 facilities dedicated to providing hunting or watching opportunities for people with disabilities, Trauba said.

“We are going to have to take a more enterprise approach on accessibility, where we should have the facilities and what they should look like," Trauba said.

Hunting blinds account for 64 of those facilities, with the other 11 being wildlife viewing structures. The northern area of the state has fewer facilities than the southern part of the state, with the DNR's northeast and northwest regions accounting for only 14 of the 75 facilities.

The report highlights different areas the department needs to improve, including facilities upgrades and additions, availability of motorized vehicle permits, better external outreach and communications, and additional internal education programs.

Dean Petersen worked with Trauba's team as a representative for Capable Partners, a group that helps people with disabilities enjoy the outdoors. Petersen said the DNR has done some great work improving accessibility over the past 10 years and the actions deliberated on by the team are another step in continuing to make the outdoors inclusive for everyone.

A big step in improving accessibility is upgrading and adding facilities. While the WMAs are low on infrastructure, Trauba said the facilities they do have need to be up to correct standards. He added many of the 75 facilities they have dedicated to people with disabilities are not even 100 % accessible.

Randy Sorensen, the executive director for Options Interstate Resource Center for Independent Living, said people with disabilities understand it is not feasible to have accessible trails throughout all state and federal outdoor areas, nor do they want that. But parking lots, blinds built for hunters with disabilities and other essential buildings have to be compliant with American with Disabilities Act standards.

The DNR sent out a survey to the public about

Pg 9

accessibility in January, and Trauba said it was crucial to understanding what the people wanted from the DNR. One of the biggest takeaways from the survey, which was filled out by 314 people, was that about 31 percent of respondents didn't know WMAs had facilities and programs for people with disabilities.

That was shocking to Trauba, and resulted in the team emphasizing the importance of outreach in the report. Trauba said they are going to work on making information easier to access and more clearly displayed on the DNR website. Petersen said this is the No. 1 area of improvement for the department going forward.

One thing that is not included in the report: specific calls for funding facilities upgrades. Trauba said before he will request funds from the legislature, he wants to send engineers to specific WMAs to determine possible upgrades and their costs.

(Source: Star Tribune)

U of M eyes worker shortage

A new health sciences degree program, designed to address the national shortage of healthcare workers, will be launching on the University of Minnesota Rochester campus in summer 2022.

In a collaborative project, the NXT GEN MED program will use new technology from Google to teach students in a hybrid format and connect them with working healthcare professionals from the Mayo Clinic medical center in Rochester. The two-year accelerated program also includes future job opportunities for students at Mayo, encouraging more students to pursue health care jobs.

Through the NXT GEN MED program, students will earn a bachelor’s degree in health sciences while working at the Mayo Clinic, said University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel. Students will also take part in mentorship programs and connect with faculty.

“Mayo needs more people. Every health system needs more people,” Gabel said. “For the foreseeable future, there are robust employment opportunities for students with this set of experiences. Imagine the demand for a student who will not only have this incredibly forwardthinking degree, but two years of experience having worked at the Mayo Clinic.”

This partnership builds off of the university’s existing relationship with both Google and the Mayo Clinic.

The shift to virtual instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic also encouraged the university to begin the process of building the program, Gabel said.

The university and Google are partnering to develop and introduce new technology for students to aid this degree program. Google Cloud will power the technology, a platform that allows users to build software and run websites.

For the university, this software may include virtual artificially intelligent tutors for students to use when professors may not be available. Other aspects may include artificial intelligence that can answer student questions on financial aid or student services, said Steven Butschi, Head of Education for Google Cloud.

The goal is to make these technologies available on students’ computers, cell phones and in university libraries, Butschi said.

Though several other universities and some K-12 use Google Cloud’s technology, this is the first program designed for the health sciences.

(Source: Minnesota Daily)

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May 2021 Volume 32, Number 5

RADIO TALKING BOOK There’s an App for Radio Talking Book Radio Talking Book 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, 9am-4pm CST. Persons living outside of Minnesota may obtain books via an inter-library loan by contacting their Network Library for the National Library Service.

To find more information about 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 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 The sampling published monthly in Access Press doesn’t represent the full array of programming. Many more programs and books are available. Donate to the State Services for the Blind at mn.gov/deed/ssbdonate Chautauqua *Monday – Friday 6 a.m.

It’s Better Than It Looks, nonfiction by Gregg Easterbrook, 2018. Despite dispiriting reports, these days are an improvement over the past for most people. Read by Robb Empson. Fourteen

broadcasts; begins Mon, May 17.

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

The Hello Girls, nonfiction by Elizabeth Cobbs, 2017. As part of the US Army Signal Corps, women played a critical role in World War I. Read by Mary Hall. Eleven broadcasts; begins Monday, May 10.

Black Flags, Blue Waters, nonfiction by Eric Jay Dolin, 2018. Historian Eric Jay Dolin describes the “Golden Age of Piracy” in the 17th and 18th centuries. Read by Stevie Ray. Thirteen broadcasts; begins Tue, May 25.

Bookworm* Monday – Friday noon The Memory Swindlers, fiction by Michael Giorgio, 2016. When scam artists descend on a Wisconsin town after World War II, the local police chief vows to stop them. Read by Neil Bright. Eleven broadcasts; begins Wed, May 5.

This Is What Happened, fiction by Mick Herron, 2018.

An introverted, socially isolated young woman is recruited to attack an international spy plot. Read by Pat Muir. Eight broadcasts; begins Thu, May 20.

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

Rust, nonfiction by Eliese Collette Goldbach, 2020.

Eliese Collette Goldbach spent three years working at a steel plant in Cleveland. There she discovered principles of empathy and solidarity that bridged ideological divisions. Read by Marylyn Burridge.

Thirteen broadcasts; begins Mon, May 17.

Choice Reading* Monday – Friday 2 p.m.

Infinite, fiction by Brian Freeman, 2021. A therapist suggests that Dylan Moran may encounter his double from an alternate reality. But when his acquaintances are found dead, Dylan realizes his double is a serial killer. Read by Tom Speich.

Eleven broadcasts; begins Tue, May 11. – V, L In the Name of the Family, fiction by Sarah Dunant, 2017. 16th century Italy was rife with clashes between Pope Borgia and philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli. Read by Eileen Barratt. Fifteen broadcasts; begins Wednesday, May 26.

Afternoon Report* Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

Unwarranted, nonfiction by Barry Friedman, 2017.

Our police departments play an indispensable role in our society. Yet, a failure to supervise them may leave us all in peril. Read by Judy Woodward.

Sixteen broadcasts, begins Mon, May 17.

Night Journey* Monday – Friday 7 p.m.

What Remains of Her, fiction by Eric Rickstad, 2018. Years after a man’s wife and child go missing, he is drawn out by the disappearance of another child. Read by Neil Bright. Twelve broadcasts; begins Wed, May 19. – V Off the Shelf* Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

The Presidential Fringe, nonfiction by Mark Stein, 2020. Author Mark Stein discusses Presidential elections since 1848, focusing on “fringe” candidates and what their leadership would have brought us. Read by Robb Empson. Nine broadcasts; begins Mon, May 17.

Mrs. Everything, fiction by Jennifer Weiner, 2019.

Two sisters learn to take care of themselves and their mother, after their father dies. Read by Laura Young. Eighteen broadcasts; begins Mon, May 31.

Potpourri* Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

Language at the Speed of Sight, nonfiction by Mark Seidenbert, 2017. The science of reading combines cognition, neurobiology, and linguistics.

Yet more than half of Americans read only at

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All times listed are Central Standard Time.

Abbreviations V – violent content R – racial epithets L – strong language S – sexual situation G – gory descriptions a basic level. Read by Toni McNaron. Sixteen broadcasts; begins Tue, May 4.

Outsiders, nonfiction by Lyndall Gordon, 2019.

The biographies of five renowned woman writers who bravely embraced their outcast status. Read

by Carol McPherson. Fifteen broadcasts; begins Wed, May 26.

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

The Book of Lost Friends, fiction by Lisa Wingate, 2020. In 1875, three young women search for their families. Later a schoolteacher learns of their stories, and their connections to her students.

Read by Jodi Lindskog. Fifteen broadcasts; begins Monday, May 17. – L Weekend Program Books Your Personal World, 1 p.m. Sat, presents Things Worth Keeping by Christine Harold (L), read by Beverly Burchett.

Rated R, 11 p.m. Sat, presents Lamb by Christopher Moore (L), read by Scott McKinney.

For the Younger Set, 11 a.m. Sun, presents Flying by Carrie Jones, read by Stevie Ray; ; followed by The Other, Better Me by Antony John, read by Pat Muir.

Poetic Reflections, noon Sun, presents Encantado by Pat Mora; followed by Human Hours

by Catherine Barnett; both read by Cintra Godfrey.

The Great North, 4 p.m. Sun, presents Minnesota 1918 by Curt Brown, read by Don Lee.

OPPORTUNITIES Special Events

Mental Health Month May is Mental Health Month, so NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and dozens of other organizations are involved in community education about mental illnesses, including creating awareness that effective treatments are available and that people can and do recover.

NAMI fights discrimination, provides support, educates the public, and advocates for policies that support people with mental illnesses and their families. NAMI will celebrate with free online events including classes, panels, forums, author talks, activities for families and more. You are not alone. FFI: 651-645-2948, www.nami.org

Children & Families

PACER offers workshops PACER Center offers free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with any disabilities. Workshops are live-streamed at this time. Advance registration is required for all workshops. At least 48 hours’

notice is needed for interpretation. FFI: PACER, 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org Don’t Forget to Remember: Tools to Support Memory is 10:30-11:30am Tue, May 11. Memory is a helpful, and sometimes challenging, executive (thinking) function for increasing independence.

Learn about a variety of apps, programs, devices, and strategies to help remember instructions, tasks, appointments and more.

Life Planning Series: Special & Supplemental Needs Trusts is 6:30-8pm Tue, May 11. Workshop will focus on power of attorney, health care directives, special and supplemental needs trusts, ABLE Accounts, and stimulus payments for SSI recipients.

What's So Special About Turning Three? is 6:30-8:30pm Tue, May 18. Families on IFSPs will learn how to actively participate in the transition from Early Intervention Services to Preschool Special Education services or other communitybased services.

Info & Assistance

Minnesota STAR program The equipment lending library has specific

procedures and only no-contact loans are offered.

All equipment is tested and sanitized prior to shipping. STAR staff wears proper PPE (personal protective equipment) during the process. Device loans continue to be for 30 days. After equipment is returned to STAR it is quarantined for five days. After the quarantine period equipment is once again sanitized, inspected and tested.

Virtual demonstrations are done on as needed.

Information and assistance services continue as usual. FFI: 651-201-2640, star.program@state.mn.us Vision loss group offers activities Vision Loss Resources has a new audio activities line. To listen to 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, 612-8712222, 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. FFI: https://namimn.org/support/nami-minnesotasupport-groups/.

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May 2021 Volume 32, Number 5

ENJOY!

and location for the annual fundraiser, which is in its 21st year. With safety in mind and social distancing in place, AuSM will offer participants a walk route, fun activities, an autism resource fair, and opportunities for community connections.

Those who prefer virtual access will find autism business and organization resources on our website and will be able to walk their favorite route in their own spaces, in their own time. Registration opens soon. FFI: www.ausm.org

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Historic sites and museums reopen Minnesota Historical Society is welcoming back visitors to additional historic sites, starting in late May and continuing into early July.

The Minnesota History Center, Split Rock Lighthouse, the Trading Post at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum, and outdoor trail sites including Birch Coulee Battlefield, Fort Ridgely, Marine Mill and Traverse des Sioux have opened.

Beginning in late May additional sites will open with changes in hours and offerings that help ensure the safety of visitors and staff, while maximizing efficient operations. These include Comstock House, Sibley Historic Site, W.W. Mayo House, Forest History Center, Mille Lacs Indian Museum, James J. Hill House, Jeffers Petroglyphs, Oliver Kelley Farm, Historic Fort Snelling, Snake River Fur Post, Historic Forestville and Charles Lindbergh House and Museum.

MNHS is working on plans to open the Alexander Ramsey House, Folsom House, Harkin Store, Lower Sioux Agency, Mill City Museum and Minnehaha Depot, and will make decisions based on COVID-19 social distancing protocols, ability to deliver a robust program and the financial cost of operating the site. MNHS is prepared to offer self-guided tours at the capitol as soon as the Minnesota Department of Administration reopens the building.

MNHS is limiting the number of daily visitors at sites. Tickets can be purchased online or through the box office at 651259-3015 beginning May 27. A limited number of tickets will be available for walk-ups. New protocols designed to

Pg 11

Minnesota History Center minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19 can be viewed on the health and safety procedures page of each website. FFI: www.mnhs.org/covid-19 Opportunity Partners Virtual Gala Opportunity Partners hosts its annual gala – to be held virtually for the first time – at 7 p.m. Thu, May 13. The event is Opportunity Partners’ largest fundraising event of the year, supporting the organization’s mission of advancing the quality of life for 1,500 people with disabilities. Opportunity Partners works to develop independence, promote inclusion and build stronger

communities alongside people with disabilities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Event highlights will include mission moments, live entertainment and silent and auction. KARE-11 Chief Meteorologist Belinda Jensen is emcee. Registration is free. Packages and sponsorship opportunities are available. FFI: 952-9127442, events@opportunities.org Steps for Autism 2021 Autism Society of Minnesota’s Steps for Autism in Minnesota 2021 - Hybrid Edition is 9 a.m. - noon Sun, May 23 at Como Lakeside Pavilion, St. Paul. It’s a new date

Open Flow Forum The Artists with Disabilities Alliance meets via Zoom 7-9 p.m. the first Thu of the month. Upcoming dates Thu, May 6.

Virtually join artists with disabilities and supporters to share visual art, writing, music, theater and artistic efforts or disability concerns. Facilitators are Tara Innmon, Kip Shane and Springboard for the Arts. The gatherings are fully accessible. Anyone needing special accommodations should contact Andy at host organization Springboard for the Arts. FFI: 651-294-0907, resources@ springboardforthearts.org Less to Enjoy!

Restrictions have eased in the entertainment world, so look for changes.

Many 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 in-person services with social distancing and safety measures. 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/

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. Access Press Managing Editor Jane McClure is the guest May 6.

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

the importance of direct care positions. The agency hopes to increase individuals entering and staying in direct care positions and career pathways. CMJTS is based in Monticello.

Inclusive Networking (IN), $100,000 to train and support Fortune 500 companies’ staff to implement a customized employment and support program, customizing jobs for people with disabilities in five departments at each company. The project partners with employment agencies that provide services to job seekers with disabilities. IN is based in Bloomington.

Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community: St. Paul, $100,000 for a partnership with Rise, Inc. The Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community will work with Black, indigenous, people of color refugees and immigrants who are deaf and hard of hearing to provide internships and apprenticeships in treatment clinics, home care agencies, assisted living centers, nursing homes and day training and habilitation centers. The Minnesota Deaf Muslim Community is based in St. Paul.

Regents of the University of Minnesota, $100,000 for a project to examine the validity of a program that supports employment for people with autism spectrum disorder and their families. It integrates existing programs into a virtual program that allows families from across the state to access personalized support that otherwise may not be available in their geographic area.

Shakir Consulting Services, $100,000 for the housing stabilization services provider. Its culturally responsive project

From page 9

A small grant program is also offered, which awards contracts between $5,000 and $50,000 per year to people and organizations working with Minnesotans with disabilities.

The third offering is a microgrant program, administered by the Arc Minnesota. It offers funding directly to people with disabilities to help them achieve their personal goals in employment, housing and community integration.

Large grant recipients are: ACT Center for Disability Leadership, formerly Advocating Change Together, $100,000 for “Living the Way WE Want — Housing Choice.” It is a new 12-session course that uses hands-on, experiential learning in interactive workshops to build individuals’ capacity to explore, express and take action on their personal choices about where to live, with whom and in what type of housing. ACT Center is based in St. Paul.

ARRM – Advancing Statewide Technology Resources & Trainings, $100,000 to support people with disabilities through online educational resources and training, which will be available statewide. ARRM is based in South St. Paul.

Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services (CMJTS), $100,000 to promote better health and well-being of people with disabilities in Central Minnesota, CMJTS will raise public awareness about

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/ hoodwave-disability-radio-live/ or www. hoodwave.org

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.

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,

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

will address racial disparities and aims to achieve racial equity for Minnesotans with disabilities in underserved and marginalized communities, particularly historically Black, Indigenous, immigrant and refugee communities. Shakir Consulting Services is based in St. Paul.

South Central College (SCC) $98,210 for the Uniquely Abled Academy (UAA). UAA is a pilot program at community colleges in California that focuses on bringing young adults with high-functioning autism into computercontrolled machining workplaces. Using a modified UAA curriculum, SCC will build a network of stakeholders to support individuals during a 13-week summer program to see them through to hiring and employment by a local manufacturer. The college is based in North Mankato.

University of Minnesota Institute on Community Integration (ICI), $100,000 to develop a replicable model to transform the state’s 4-H clubs to be inclusive of youth of color with intellectual and developmental disabilities by expanding the skills of the 4-H workforce. Clubs selected to participate are in urban and rural areas to engage youth from underserved and immigrant communities. ICI is based in Minneapolis.

Well Being Development, $92,961 to develop peer employment readiness programming for people with disabilities.

Programming will take place at its Northern Lights Clubhouse, where adults with mental health and other challenges can reach personal goals through meaningful activity. The program is based in Ely.

CLASSIFIEDS For Rent

Metes & Bounds Management Company manages the following Section 8 properties in Minnesota: Greenwood Wadena 218-631-2575 Mission Oaks Plymouth 763-559-5770 Rustic Creek Two Harbors 218-595-1018 Todd 27 Long Prairie 320-732-6154 Town Square East Grand Forks 218-773-3631 Boardwalk Wayzata 952-473-0502 Dewey Place/The Pines Foley 320-968-7791 Highwood Homes Prior Lake 952-447-6961 Income and rent restrictions apply Metes & Bounds is an equal housing opportunity housing company Find your new home with At Home Apartments. Call 651-224-1234 or visit AtHomeApartments.com for an apartment or town home Equal Opportunity Housing

Classified rates: $14 (first 12 words); 65¢/ word beyond 12.

Deadline: 20th of each month.

Email classified to access@accesspress.org We will email total cost of classified ad.

May 2021 Volume 32, Number 5

Numotion is the leading provider of Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) in the United States.

Be part of a great resource!

The best way to reach Minnesota’s disability community is through the Access Press Directory of Organizations.

In print four times annually and online 24/7, the Directory offers quick information for people seeking an array of resources.

Pg 12

We’re now covering the entire state of MN. Meet our growing ATP team.

Grand Rapids, MN (218) 322-5021 Skeeter Carkhuff - ATP Tyler Dowden - ATP Kelly Mackenhausen - ATP

From housing to health care, recreation to recovery, clubs to consumer-directed community supports, we offer the information you need for your best life!

Western MN (320) 321-5600 Brent Zupan - ATP Minneapolis, MN (763) 571-9176 Marty Anderson - ATP Sarah Bittell - ATP Heather Hedgecock - ATP Sarah Kubal - ATP Lisa Michaels - ATP Dan Petersen - ATP Brian Reilly - ATP Alicia Truebenbach - ATP Mary Wille - ATP Andrea Madsen - ATP (Rochester, MN)

Be part of our

Directory of Organizations!

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

News deadline is the 15th of every month!

...BECAUSE everyone has a right to be empowered.

Resources for Individuals, Families and Employers.

Questions? 651-644-2133 access@accesspress.org

Connect with us for these statewide services: Self-Directed Services • Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) • Consumer Support Grant (CSG) • PCA Choice • Personal Support and Respite (245D) • Veterans Directed - VD-HCBS

800.829.7110 MyMRCI.org