October 2021 Edition - Access Press

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 4766

October 2021

WWW.ACCESSPRESS.ORG

CFSS delay is raising many questions

- Jordanne Whiley, wheelchair tennis athlete

RAMSEY COUNTY

Casting ballots outdoors provided safety for voters in 2020. Read about other accomodations for voters on page 3.

Understand your right to vote under legal guardianship People with disabilities sometimes find their right to vote challenged by family members or legal guardians.

Misunderstandings often center on people who are under guardianship. In 2020 more than 38 million people with disabilities were eligible to vote, according to the American Association of People with Disabilities. It’s not clear how many of those voters were under guardianship.

What is guardianship? Guardianship is a court order that says someone is someone else’s legal responsibility. A guardian can make decisions for the person under guardianship, including decisions about health care and residency. But a guardian cannot tell a person how to vote.

Persons under guardianship can vote in Minnesota, as long as a judge didn’t specifically restrict the right to vote

through a court order. The right to vote is rarely taken away and happens only under extreme circumstances.

Persons with disabilities including a brain injury, a cognitive or developmental disability or those experiencing memory loss have sometimes had their rights to vote challenged. It often comes down to the guardian or a family member disagreeing with the voter on a choice in candidates.

Unless the right to vote has been restricted by a court, these Minnesotans still have the right to vote and no one can take that away. A spouse, children, attorneys, caregivers, doctors or nurses cannot take away or improperly influence the right to vote. Election judges often ask if someone helping a voter with disabilities if the helper is assisting or influencing. That is GUARDIANSHIP To page 3

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

Exciting new name and features coming January 2022

Page 6-7

Minnesotans enjoy a golden Paralympics; 11 win medals Minnesota athletes brought home a slew of medals, including five golds, during the Tokyo Paralympics.

Of 11 Minnesota medalists, Eagan’s Mallory Weggemann led the way with three swimming medals – two gold and one silver.

Weggemann won gold in the 200-meter individual medley and the 100 backstroke, setting new Paralympic records. She took silver in the 50-meter butterfly.

She competed in six events in Tokyo at S7 classification, finishing fifth in the 100 freestyle and seventh in the 50 freestyle.

She didn’t make the finals in the 100 breaststroke.

Competing in her third Paralympics, she now has five medals. She won gold and bronze in two events in 2012.

Weggemann, 32, is an Eagan High School and University of Minnesota graduate. She became paraplegic after an epidural injection to treat back pain in 2008. She is a motivational speaker and is featured in the documentary The Current.

Ian Seidenfeld won gold in Class 6 men’s table tennis. The Lakeville native bested defending champion and top-ranked player Peter Rosenmeier, Denmark.

Seidenfeld, 20, is a second-generation table tennis Paralympian. His father, U.S. coach Mitchell Seidenfeld, is a four-time Paralympic medalist. Mitchell Seidenfeld won gold in 1992 in Barcelona and is in the USA Table Tennis Hall of Fame.

FINIS

by Jane McClure A delay in implementation of the Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) program is raising red flags for Minnesotans with disabilities. The earliest possible implementation date has now been pushed back to June 1, 2022.

While it’s not the first time that implementation of CFSS has faced a delay, the latest action frustrates many people with disabilities and their advocates. The Minnesotan Consortium for Citizens With Disabilities (MNCCD) hosted a meeting in September to discuss the challenges of another delay.

Representatives of the Minnesota Disability Law Center were on hand to explain the delay and what it means.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is emphasizing that the delay in implementing CFSS won’t affect anyone’s ability to continue receiving services, or to access assessments needed to start services. But there are worries that the delay will affect longsought assistance such as a 2021 state law change that provides flexibility for people with disabilities who need to be driven to destinations by a personal care attendant.

About 45,000 Minnesotans are current in the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Program, which would be replaced by CFSS. The delay is due to DHS’ need for additional time to receive approvals on waiver and state plan amendments from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand on state and federal staff to prepare, review and authorize peacetime emergency amendments.

This has limited their capacity for CFSS and other important, nonpeacetime-emergency amendments, according to DHS. Natasha Merz, director of disability services for DHS, said state officials are committed to making the longawaited transition. “CFSS offers benefits that the current PCA program doesn’t offer,” Merz said. Those include more flexibility in paying providers and in purchases of goods and services.

One challenge in making the transition is that Minnesota has such a large PCA program. Other states making the transition to CFSS have had far fewer people to deal with.

“Most states make the transition with a smaller group,” Merz said, “We have broad eligibly for the PCA program.”

Then there is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and how it has affected workload at the state and federal levels. The change from PCA to CFSS needs multiple federal approvals. That’s because CFSS involves a number of program.

Because CMS has been dealing with many issues tied to the ongoing pandemic and the federal American Rescue Plan Act funding and programs, that has delayed action on matters such as Minnesota’s request to make the program transition to CFSS. Merz said there is a federal backlog of requests from states for CMS DELAY To page 3

Even the seemingly small things matter if you want to be successful.

DIRECTORY of Organizations

Volume 32, Number 10

Paralympic Gold Medalist and 15-Time World Champion Mallory Weggemann Ian Seidenfeld is a student at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. He and his father have psuedoachondroplasia dwarfism.

Alexis “Lexi” Shifflett is a setter on the gold medal-winning sitting volleyball team. She didn’t play in the gold medal match, which the U.S. women won 3-1 over China.

Shifflett is a Waseca High School graduate, where she played softball and volleyball. She is also a graduate of DeVry University.

Shifflett was born with fibular hemimelia. This is the second time she has been on the championship volleyball team.

PARALYMPICS To page 8

October 2021 Volume 32, Number 10

Pg 2

I would rather see the government encouraging and incentivizing more job opportunities rather than creating new barriers to independent living. There needs to be a happy medium somewhere between the extremes of the two different management-structured programs.

Editor’s note: This month, Tim’s Desk gives readers a look back at the Community First Services and Supports program.

The program, which retired Executive Director/Editor Tim Benjamin wrote about extensively over the years, has met a delay.

Benjamin’s past writings give our readers a historical perspective on CFSS and how long it can take to get a program implemented through state and federal processes. Talk of CFSS and a related program, or PEO, began several years ago.

Read more about the delay elsewhere in this issue.

We also note that as of this issue, Tim’s Desk will move to a less frequent publication cycle.

Enjoy the autumn weather.

From April 2014: Community First Supports and Services is another piece of our future that we have to be involved in. This program could be good for many of us, bad for others; but if we don’t make our voices heard about the problems we see it will be bad for all of us. There are a lot of people at the Department of Human Services who want this to work for us—people who are very compassionate and committed to preserving all the independence the disability community wants. The federal government still has to okay the program plans—even though

the state legislature has already assumed in the budget that the federal government will increase its reimbursement rate by six percent. So there is real pressure to get CFSS going and the stat receiving the money it’s already budgeted.

From April 2015: The Community First Service and Support is a new program that DHS has been waiting to enact. CFSS incorporates the (Personal Care Attendant) PCA program and the Consumer Support grant, and requires state and federal approval to begin. We’ve been waiting for the federal government’s okay on the CFSS changes for well over a year. Instead of continuing to wait for approval, DHS has decided to enact PEO (personal Employment Options) as a similar program to prepare us for CFSS when the federal okay is given. DHS believes that both new programs, PEO and CFSS, will offer recipients more control, flexibility and responsibility.

The major changes coming with PEO include: 1) a financial management structure that is similar to CFSS’s financial structure; 2) An agency management structure; and 3) a budget management structure. AMS and BMS are also the names DHS has given the new programs. It appears that the AMS is similar to the traditional PCA

program, and the BMS is similar to PCA Choice. The major differences between PCA Choice and the traditional PCA program were the number of options and the amount of work being done by the recipient. With BMS, the recipient will eventually have a budget and a financial stipend rather than allocated service units for each activity of daily living.

The recipient will also have more options for finding, hiring, training, scheduling and firing PCAs, as well as responsibilities for providing their own backup for their staff and creating their own care plan. The PEO that is replacing the PCA Choice program will eliminate the qualified professional role.

Within the traditional PCA program, the provider agency has been responsible for finding, hiring and training and for most all of the items listed above for which BMS recipients will be responsible.

In my personal opinion, the control and flexibility are advantages that will not outweigh the challenges and added responsibility in the new programs. The state’s programs have given us incentives to become self-sufficient and to pay taxes by working with the assistance of PCAs, but running your own PEO, and eventually CFSS, program will require considerable work hours. A person will not be able to do both jobs well. I already know too much about what it’s

like to have to forgo time at work when I have PCA staffing problems. If I have to run my own agency as well, I’m really worried about my ability to work this full-time job.

I would rather see the government encouraging and incentivizing more job opportunities rather than creating new barriers to independent living.

There needs to be a happy medium somewhere between the extremes of the two different management-structured programs. And while those get fixed, another major problem that needs fixing is low rates of reimbursement to providers.

DHS is hoping to enact its new PEO this summer, but is awaiting state legislation giving DHS the options to restructure the PCA program plans. It’s also still awaiting the federal government review and approval of the CFSS plan.

Major pieces that are holding up the federal government’s okay on CFSS and the state’s next steps on the PEO plan are reporting and monitoring requirements and assurances on how to evaluate whether a person is safe and receiving the services due. Those aren’t easy measures to set up. We’ll see how quickly any of these changes are introduced—and implemented.

HISTORY NOTE

Disabled American Veterans have provided service for 100 years We grow great by dreams…. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days till they [flourish]; bring them to the sunshine and light, which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true. ~ Woodrow Wilson ~ Chapters of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) had to postpone centennial celebrations and conferences in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many chapters are commemorating the DAV’s founding this year.

Minnesota DAV members gathered for their first in-person convention in September, after a year of virtual proceedings.

The DAV was needed after World War I and the return home of many veterans.

Some returned without arms or legs.

Others were blind, lost hearing or lived with mental illness. A DAV history states: “Their battle scars told the story of massive, pounding artillery and warfare mechanized to levels no one had ever

dreamed possible. Chemical warfare, used extensively during the war, left men with gas-seared lungs, gasping for each breath.

Prolonged and chronic illnesses would forever hamper the lives of hundreds of thousands of veterans returning from the horror of rat-filled, diseaseridden trenches. More than 4.7 million Americans served, and 53,500 sacrificed their lives in combat. Accidents and illnesses, mostly deadly influenza, took the lives of another 63,000. An astonishing 204,000 Americans in uniform were wounded during the war.”

“Just as the government had not been ready for war, it was poorly prepared to deal with the veterans who returned to our shores after bravely defending the cause of freedom. This was particularly true in the case of those who came home sick and wounded.”

The situation was decried as a national disgrace. The war had sapped the nation’s resources, so veterans came home to a stressed economy. By 1919, one year after the war’s end, more than four million

Americans were jobless.

“Not only was the government at a loss about what to do with those it had sent off to war, it had very little to spend on programs for the veterans ... In 1919, Congress cut job programs to one-fifth of their original budget. With little money to operate, those programs were doomed to failure. Veterans were on their own to fend for themselves.” Some begged on street corners, holding tin cups.

The DAV got its start at Cincinnati’s Ohio Mechanics Institute, a training school for disabled veterans. A group formed the OMIDS (the DS stood for “disabled soldiers” and began reaching out to better-known veterans with disabilities.

One “celebrity” was Captain Robert S. Marx, who was preparing to take a judgeship. Marx was a decorated disabled veteran and war hero.

The energetic and popular Marx hosted a Christmas Day dinner in 1919 for about 100 disabled Ohio veterans. “They were spending the holidays away from home, recovering from war wounds, and receiving

rehabilitation and vocational training.”

Table talk soon turned to how there was need for veterans with disabilities to have voice in government and receive needed services. In early 1920 the Christmas dream became a reality and the Disabled American Veterans of the World War began.

The official DAV founding date is September 25, 1920. The first national convention was held in Detroit in 1921.

Want to read more DAV and DAV Auxiliary history? The national organization has a well-done chapter history, with many pictures of key people and places. This is excerpted from that story. Go to https://www.dav.org/learnmore/about-dav/history/ 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 Executive Director.......................................................................................................................................Holly Anderson, 612-384-6433 Managing Editor...................................................................................................................................................................... Jane McClure Advertising Sales..............................................................................................................................................Staci Reay, 218-779-1534 Board of Directors.............Mohamed Alfash, John Clark, Shannah Mulvihill, Walt Seibert, Joel Ulland, Kay Willshire Columnist.............................................................. Tim Benjamin Production............................................................ In-Fin Tuan

Cartoonist........................................................Scott Adams

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)

DEADLINE: 15th of each month.

CIRCULATION/DISTRIBUTION: 11,000 copies are distributed the 1st of each month through more than 200 locations statewide. Approximately 750 copies are mailed to individuals, including political, business, institutional and civic leaders.

SUBSCRIPTION: $30 per year. Low-income, student and bulk subscriptions available at discounted rates.

ABOUT ACCESS PRESS: A monthly newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Access Press, PO Box 40006, Industrial Station, St. Paul, MN 55104-8006.

INQUIRIES AND ADDRESS CHANGES should be directed to: Access Press, PO Box 40006, Industrial Station, St. Paul, MN 55104-8006; 651-644-2133; email: access@accesspress.org Website: accesspress.org

October 2021 Volume 32, Number 10

Pg 3

Early voting, which is underway in Minnesota, is a great option for people with disabilities. But many people still like to cast ballots in person, on the day of the election.

Voters with disabilities can find assistance at the polls or bring a helper. Be ready to follow specific rules.

Bringing a helper? A family member, friend, neighbor, legal guardian or staff member from a residential facility can come along and help with voting. Let the election judges know that a helper is present as soon as the voter signs in. Make it clear that help is needed to fill out a ballot.

The only people who cannot assist voters at the polling place are candidates for elections or representative of the voter’s union. Having a candidate assist at the polls has been a controversial topic in Minnesota in recent years.

A helper can assist in all parts of the voting process, including in the voting booth. The voter can show a ballot privately to an election judge to check that it is correctly marked.

When the ballot is being filled out, don’t be offended if an election judge is standing by. The question may be asked, “Are you assisting or influencing?” At times helpers do try to tell people with disabilities whom to vote for, or how to vote on ballot questions. That isn’t allowed.

Helpers are also not allowed to tell others how someone voted.

Voters with disabilities can also use motor voting or curbside voting at a polling place. Have a helper go into the polls and request help. Two election judges, each from different parties, will come out and help with the ballot. once the ballot is filled out, it is taken back inside and placed in the county.

This option of voting can also be used to register at the polls. Or it can be used to update voter registration, as registration materials can be brought to a waiting vehicle.

RAMSEY COUNTY

Assistance takes many forms at the polling place, if you ask for it

Ask for assistance at the polls. Election judges are there to help.

An example of an update might be when someone moves withing an assisted living facility. The apartment number may be different and the voter still lives in the same precinct. But that requires a new registration.

Voters with disabilities shouldn’t hesitate to go to the polls. Election judges are always available to help. Ask when signing in.

Help with marking a ballot can be obtained from two election judges from different political more parties.

Election judges can also help voters find a seated voting booth or place to fill out a ballot. A precinct should have at least one voting booth where a person can vote using a chair or a wheelchair.

Assistance can also be obtained by using a ballot marking machine. Don’t hesitate to ask election judge for help using a machine, or in getting started.

GUARDIANSHIP

or care centers, residential alcohol or chemical treatment programs, supervised living facilities, residential facilities for persons with developmental disabilities, transitional housing, veterans’ homes, homeless shelters and shelters for people who are victims of domestic violence.

The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office points out that some people who live in residential facilities may have difficulty providing proof of residence prior to voting. A simple way to provide such proof is to ask the facility staff to go along to the polls with the voter, and vouch for that person.

Vouching is when the staff swears that they personally know people who live in the facility. Any staff person can vouch for all eligible voters who are facility residents.

However, staff must prove their employment with election officials. Methods of proof include showing an employee identification badge.

It is helpful for a facility to send a certified staff list to election officials in advance. The list must go to the county election office at least 20 days prior to the election. A

specific form, available through the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office, must be used.

If a company has facilities in different precincts, a form must be sent for each facility in each precinct. If staff work at multiple locations, they can appear on more than one list.

If a staff list is taken directly to a polling place, it must be on facility letterhead, with the address. List the staff members who will take residents to vote. The letter must be signed and dated, and have the name as well as the title of the signer.

The letter must state “I certify that the following is a list of employees of this facility who may vouch on Election Day for eligible voters who are residents of this facility, and that this facility meets the definition of “residential facility” contained in Minnesota Statutes 201.061, subd. 3, para.(c).”

Typically an administrator signs the letter. It is then taken to the polling place.

Elections coverage is provided in cooperation with Ramsey County Elections.

DELAY

disabilities. For others, it will offer opportunities for greater choice, flexibility and independence.

“CFSS comes in response to what we have heard from Minnesotans with disabilities about how they would like long-term services and supports in our state to evolve.

People told us that they want to continue receiving help with activities of daily living but also want more opportunity to do as much as they can for themselves, be as independent as possible and have flexibility to make choices …” DHS staff wrote in a guest editorial in 2015.

“First and foremost, we expect all people receiving PCA services today to be eligible for CFSS. Like PCA services, CFSS can get help with activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living and health-related tasks. CFSS also brings significant enhancements to PCA services being offered today. In addition to traditional PCA services, CFSS workers can assist in enhancing or maintaining skills that can increase independence.

Improvements of CFSS include greater flexibility and funding for technology and home and vehicle modifications that help to increase independence.

“With CFSS, people will be able to choose between using a more traditional agency model to provide their services or to directly manage their staff by using a budget model. Service amounts will be based on each

person’s needs for assistance with activities of daily living and/or behavioral interventions using the current home care rating scale. People receiving services will develop their own service delivery plan with help of a new consultation service. The Consultation Service will assist individuals to make informed choices about their options and responsibilities within CFSS.”

From page 1 a safeguard against improper influence.

Some voters may find themselves in a hospital or care center prior to an election. Local election officials send teams of election judges to these facilities during the 20 days before the election. The judges distribute ballots to eligible residents of the facility and assist voters as needed.

Only residents of the city or town where the facility is located can vote in this manner. Others must request absentee ballots from their home communities. Or a designated agent can deliver a ballot to the voter.

What if the voter is living in a residential facility? A voter can register online, fill out and send in a paper form, or go with a facility staff member to register in person during the election. The staff member can confirm the voter’s address at the facility.

Residential facilities can include group residential housing or group homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes

From page 1 action. Workers at the state level has also been tied up with other work related to the pandemic.

The PCA driving issue was discussed at the MNCCD meeting. The ability to have staff drive clients to appointments, shopping and on other needed trips was seen as a huge gain.

Many people on the PCA program have been told in recent years that state law prevents staff from driving them anyway. The law change passed this year spelled out that “traveling” can include driving and accompanying a person to medical appointments and other locations.

During hearings during the 2021 session, people with disabilities and advocates emphasized the importance of the change,. It would be a “very small change … that has a big impact for people,” said Vicki Gerrits, executive director of Minnesota First Community Solutions on behalf of the PCA Reform Coalition.

PCAs currently can go to the store and shop for their clients with a shopping list. But the clients they’re shopping for cannot accompany them. PCAs can’t drive their clients to medical appointments. They can accompany them using state-reimbursed, nonemergency medical transportation services.

If a PCA does drive a client to a destination, the staffer must clock out for the time spent in transit, and clock back in once arriving at the destination. To avoid Department of Labor violations, PCA agencies are required to pay the employee for that entire time – as it was all spent working – but can’t bill for it.

The change would not increase the number of billable hours allotted for PCAs to provide services – those hours are based on “essential” activities like dressing and bathing, not “instrumental” activities like shopping for food or helping with laundry – it would simply allow the available hours to be used for driving needs.

As for CFSS itself, delays have been an issue since 2014. CFSS has been on the drawing boards for several years. It was brought forward as a way to replace Minnesota’s longtime Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program. The PCA program has served Minnesotans with disabilities for almost 50 years.

CFSS was presented as having varying impacts on the lives of people with disabilities. A 2015 overview

by DHS staff indicated that the new program would mean little change in the daily lives on some people with

Celebrating National Respiratory Care Week October 24-30

Make the news!

Receiving an award? Joining a board?

Moving to new space? Winning a race?

Filling a top post? Send us your “boast”!

Marking a key date?

Please don’t be late!

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

Questions?

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

Your professional clinical team; here to assist you in product selection and set-up

TWIN CITIES MANKATO 651-287-3523

October 2021 Volume 32, Number 10

Pg 4

FROM OUR COMMUNITY Please consider, mitigate disabling effects of LED lighting

by Heidi O'Leary Disabling effects of light emitting diode or LED lights here are 3.5 million people nationwide that suffer from epilepsy. For me, and for so many of us, we cannot tolerate LEDs, especially the strobing LEDs. They trigger grand mal seizures, headaches and nausea. They have been proven to be dangerous for the health of everyone.

Daily we are bombarded with seizure triggers: • LED car headlights and strobing brake lights • LED lighting in stores, offices, schools • Children’s toys containing flashing-colored LEDs • Bicycles with strobe lights • Trash, recycling and emergency vehicles • Gas pumps with small strobes to indicate where to insert your credit card Many of us need to use incandescent light bulbs as

opposed to LEDs in our homes because LEDs cause muscles to twitch and/or cause cluster headaches and nausea. We're scrambling around to stores everywhere to purchase as many incandescent as possible before they’re phased out. Because of these retailers using these bulbs, it’s getting more difficult to shop or eat like other people. It’s cutting short our rights. How can we even visit doctors’ offices? We’ve become prisoners in our own home.

There are no medications for this type of epilepsy.

Even anti-seizure medications on the market cause light sensitivity. It’s disturbing to know these medications are being approved, when they aren’t truly helping, but harming.

I have reached out to senators, as well as Gov. Tim Walz and those in charge of the ADA, alerting them to the dangers of LEDs and how this is discrimination. I

received a flippant response from the head of the U.S. Access Board.

The people who have been elected or assigned to help those with disabilities seem to be turning a deaf ear to our pleas.

I am currently giving my time to Soft Lights (www. softlights.org). It is an advocacy group dedicated to protecting civil rights of those with light sensitivity disabilities. This includes people with autism, epilepsy, lupus, PTSD etc. We are desperate, that these lights get changed and the strobes outlawed.

The invention of LED lights for illumination has dramatically changed the world in an incredibly short amount of time. Citizens and government leaders alike jumped at the chance to save energy.

We need your advocacy.

Heidi O’Leary lives in St. Paul.

Additional supports for parents with disabilities would benefit families

by Nikki Villavicencio When it comes to supports for people with disabilities, we often discuss quality of life. Creating supports for people with disabilities who want to have a family, is not frequently discussed. This year, in spite of everything, the Minnesota Legislature passed a bill (Senate File 296/ House File 163) to create a pilot program to provide and further study supports for parents with disabilities.

In 2012 Johnathon Young, the then Chairman of the National Council on Disability (NCD) pointed out in a letter to President Barack Obama, that despite the 14th Amendment, the Olmstead Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), parents with disabilities are the only distinct community of Americans who must struggle to retain custody of their children. The NCD’s report Rocking the Cradle: Ensuring the Rights of Parents with Disabilities and Their Children, clearly states despite some achievements in disability rights, parents with disabilities are more likely to have their children removed by the child welfare system.

Widespread discrimination leads to parents with disabilities to also have their parental rights terminated, barriers to prospective parents, barriers to adopting and fostering children. The NCD report notes that multiple systems are to blame, including but not limited to, the child welfare, family law and adoption systems. One of the proposed recommendations (from the NCD report) is to steer change through state statues. Several states have passed legislation that addresses a patchwork of issues.

The National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities (which can be found at

centerforparentswithdisabilities.org, lists and describes each states’ legislation. It is important to know that many passionate advocates, providers, policymakers and beautiful children have worked hard to achieve each states’ legislation that seeks to eliminate discrimination for parents with disabilities.

According to the Minnesota State Demographic Center, Minnesotans with disabilities are more than two times as likely to live in poverty than non-disabled people. It should not be surprising to anyone then, that parents with disabilities are three times more likely to have their parental rights terminated than their nondisabled counterpart. Many know the challenges that all families face, involved in the child welfare system.

Parents with disabilities are two times as likely than their non-disabled counterpart to also have the child welfare system involved in their lives.

So we can see the difference between parenting with a disability and parenting without a disability is economics.

These disparities are reported from the Minn-LinK Project. Minn-LinK is a system of data, that uses multiple agencies that the most marginalized children and families are served.

In Minnesota about five years ago, a small group of advocates, providers, policymakers, and youth came together to draft legislation that would address parenting with a disability. We studied all of the NCD’s recommendations and decided that Minnesota was best suited for a common sense path. Senate File 296/House File 163 is a proactive approach to support parents with disabilities and prevent events leading to child

welfare action. This legislation creates a state-funded pilot program to provide supportive parenting services to parents who are eligible for personal care assistance services or Community First Services and Supports.

This new service would be called Supportive Parenting Services. The service would be eligible for parents that are currently receiving personal care assistance. The service would also be in addition to their current services and would not exceed 40 hours per month. Another section of the pilot project is to provide adaptive parenting equipment that would not otherwise be covered by medical services. One of the most promising sections of the state-funded pilot project is the establishment of the Parenting with a Disability Advisory Committee. The advisory committee would include a number of members, but not limited to, legislative members, personal care attendants, people with disabilities, a representative from Child Protection Services, and representation from the Department of Human Services. The advisory committee, in conjunction with the Commissioner of Human Services, would also give a report to the legislature.

As we further the supports for parents with disabilities, the hope is to increase the quality of life for all people. We all deserve to live in whatever family we choose.

Silver linings are hard to find when enduring a pandemic, but I am sure this is one of them. Thank you to all the supporters of parents!

Nikki Villavicencio is a longtime disability rights activist.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

They felt safe and enjoyed their Minnesota State Fair experience As a longtime reader, and funder, of the Access Press, and as the parent of a daughter with disabilities, I cannot let pass the one-sided condemnation of the Minnesota State Fair, by the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD), that you gave voice to on the front page of your September, 2021 issue. Let me offer a counterpoint.

My daughter and I attended this year’s fair four times, first with some trepidation, but with increasing joy as we realized that this year’s fair, contrary to all the condemners, was going to be, because of the very noticeable lack of crowds, the best fair we have ever attended for disabled peoples’ safety and ease of accessibility. People in wheelchairs, my daughter’s mother being one of them, had easy access almost everywhere, including the grandstand booths (usually impossible for wheelchairs), zero lines at most food vendors (Sweet Martha’s Cookies excepted), and many, almost empty bathrooms.

We all felt our visits to be COVID safe, just avoid the few crowded places(entrance to the Midway), and wear masks for short visits in buildings with almost no visitors,

including four visits to the almost deserted Education Building. My daughter especially likes to go there because of all the free give-aways; she made a haul this year. I strongly feel that almost all fair attendees I saw were doing a good job of social distancing, and keeping themselves safe. There were a few crowded places, yes, but they were easy to avoid. What the MCD fails to recognize is that people can learn, and have learned in the last 18 months, how to stay COVID safe and still have some fun; even disabled people, of whom we saw many at the Fair.

I think the State Fair people deserve kudos for bringing back so much needed joy to so many people, and providing the means for each of us to do it safely(it would have been impossible, as they said, to enforce a mask mandate; a mandate which, in my view, was totally unnecessary). I can’t help but feel all the naysayers didn’t even bother to go for a look-see, kind of like criticizing a book not read.

To be fair (pun in tended), I do agree with MCD on the need for attendance caps — record setting crowds

Paralympics: Kudos To NBC for great coverage With all the solemn news bombarding us lately, I would like to mention something great. The Paralympics, which ran from August 24 to September 5, received outstanding and unprecedented television coverage thanks to the good folks at NBC! I was thrilled to see extended and well-deserved live and tape-delayed coverage of the Games; they were broadcasted about 20 hours most days due to NBC, NBCSN, USA, and the Olympic Channel. It was exciting to be able to watch Minnesota athletes Chuck Aoki, Rose Hollermann, and Mallory Waggemann compete for gold in their respective sports live from Tokyo!

Also, watching Team USA defeat Japan in the Wheelchair Men’s Basketball Gold Medal Game in realtime was epic! In addition to covering the twenty-four sports, NBC put forth excellent studio shows, where they featured athletes and had a daily “Best of Social Media” segment.

Thank you NBC for great coverage and for highlighting these 4,537 deserving Paralympic athletes from across the world! I am excited to see what you have planned for Beijing beginning March 4!

Michael Sack Minneapolis

Be part of our

Directory of Organizations!

Call Access Press at 651-644-2133 today!

wouldn’t have been nearly as safe, and are a nightmare for many handicapped people. The fair’s mania for record setting attendance year after year needs to be checked somehow.

James P. Gerlich Minneapolis

October 2021 Volume 32, Number 10

Pg 5

FROM OUR COMMUNITY Rainbow Support Group has provided community connections for 20 years

by Darolyn Gray For 48 years, Wingspan Life Resources has served adults with developmental and other disabilities in the greater Twin Cities. In 2001, Wingspan started Rainbow Support Group (RSG) to support one of the most marginalized groups in the disability community-- LGBTQ adults with developmental disabilities. Speaking from personal experience as a member of the LGBTQ community, coming out to family, friends, and coworkers in my 40s was emotional, daunting, and stressful. I cannot imagine navigating that course as a person with intellectual and developmental challenges. The love and support available to me is not always available to others, especially to adults with developmental disabilities.

Among the person-centered programs I admire most at Wingspan is Rainbow Support Group. “The group’s focus is on providing information and peer support, reducing isolation, and increasing safety,” says my colleague, Program Director Deb Hofbauer, who manages the RSG Program and also supervises four Wingspan group homes.

We started our group after connecting with Dr. John Allen, who pioneered a Rainbow Support Group in Massachusetts. In 1998 he wrote, “Although the process is complicated, it is doubtful that even those who are most understanding can imagine the obstacles of trying to navigate the intricacies of sexual orientation discovery by a person with a developmental disability.”

My wife and I have been guest speakers for RSG, and Deb and I connect regularly to talk about how things are going. Rainbow Support Group meets one evening per month and is open to non-Wingspan members as well. Due

∏∏f

In Memoriam f∏∏

Weston valued personal connections

David Weston dedicated his life to meeting people and connecting with them. Weston as struck and killed by a Duluth Transit Authority bus while outside at Miller Hill Mall September 9. He was 64 and a lifelong Duluth resident.

Weston was a longtime client of the CHOICE, Inc. program, which aids adults with disabilities. “He was a person that made a friend wherever he went,” said Kristie Buchman, executive director of CHOICE, Unlimited.

“Dave was just an incredibly friendly person who was always so positive, always asked people how they were doing, what they were up to and was just such a happy, friendly person.”

Weston took part in CHOICE Inc. arts, dance and theater programs and was employed there for a time.

He liked to visit Miller Hill Mall and exchange greetings with everyone he met. Mall employees he befriended said the place was a second home for him.

“Dave loved playing bingo,” Richard Rowson, a support staff member at CHOICE who worked with Weston, told the Duluth News-Tribune. “His favorite number was I-22 and whenever it was called he would say ‘two, two, two’ and it was always met with laughter and other people would join in with him.” A homemade bingo card with I 22 circled was placed at a memorial outside of the mall.

He also loved visiting places of worshoip to look at stained glass windows, and was in the midst of a mission to visit every place in Duluth and Superior.

Weston only had one immediate family member, a brother who is also in a group home. Businesses at Miller Hill Mall set up a GoFundMe page and are raising funds to pay for Weston’s burial.

Larson a leader at Options Inc.

Barbara Anderson Larson is remembered as a dedicated volunteer, including work as a volunteer and board chair of Options Inc. in Big Lake. Anderson died recently at her Twin Cities home. She was 68 and had been living with dementia for several years.

Larson attended Mankato State University, after graduating from Wayzata High School. She was a devoted volunteer, working with many organizations. She was a tireless advocate for people with developmental disabilities and board chair at Options, Inc. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, a son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren , her father and sisters. Services have been held. Memorials preferred to Epilepsy Foundation, American Heart Association and American Cancer Society.

Schmidt was dedicated teacher

to COVID, the group had to switch to Zoom meetings over the past year. They are eager for the opportunity to resume in-person sessions. Deb says, “Working with this group has been a real blessing. The ability to offer a safe place for discussion, information, and resources is so important to their well-being. In Rainbow Support Group they are seen, heard, and valued.” We know that more people could benefit from the education and support that RSG provides, but we are aware not all guardians, family members, or staff of other providers welcome any such discussion.

Kyla Sisson, an RSG volunteer for the past seven years, says, “When I learned about Rainbow Support Group, I was working at a Day Program where people were dating each other or interested in having relationships, but didn't have any support for doing it in a healthy way. I noticed that people with disabilities are often treated like they don't have a sexuality and their relationships aren't taken seriously, and that led to a high rate of experiencing abuse or even harming others. People were sneaking off together to kiss and getting in trouble, or experiencing abusive dynamics in

Special education teacher Laurie Schmidt was considered to be a “modern-day female Mr. Rogers” by former students and colleagues. Schmidt died recently of breast cancer. She was 57 and lived in Jordan.

Schmidt, who taught reading, writing and math to 12 to 16 autistic students each year along with communication and social skills. She most recently taught middle school students in the Jordan school system.

Schmidt was named Minnesota Middle School Educator of the Year in 2020. Rose Johnson, a teacher

of students with special needs at the school who had nominated her for the award, said Schmidt became an expert on autism by continually studying the subject.

She was sought out by other teachers for information and advice, Johnson said.

She would take students on summertime field trips so they could learn social norms, including visits to the Minnesota Zoo and to a program that packed food to send to children overseas.

Born in Minneapolis and raised in St. Louis Park, Schmidt received a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth and a master's from St. Mary's University in Winona.

She taught elementary school in Superior, Wis., before taking a substitute teaching job at the Jordan school in 2004 and becoming a full-time teacher there the following year.

A cancer diagnosis in 2013 didn’t stop her adventurous spirit, her love of history and her love of her students.

She traveled to every state except Hawaii, so colleagues heal a Hawaiian luau for her during the summer.

She is survived by her father, mother, siblings and other family and friends. Services have been held.

their relationships, because they hadn't had support learning about healthy boundaries and self-advocacy in relationships-and they didn't have space to explore relationships safely.

I started looking for any resources available and learned about RSG. The first time I went to a meeting, I heard peers encouraging each other to respect themselves and to speak up for what they needed in their relationships. I was impressed by the space the group held for people to be treated as full human beings who have a right to express their genders and sexualities. As a volunteer, I wanted to help people with intellectual disabilities become more integrated into, and connected with, the broader queer and trans community. LGBTQ people with disabilities are navigating all the normal stressors of dating or being single, deciding how and when to come out to family members--coming to understand your gender, on top of figuring out how to be a self-advocate in a world that often underestimates your capabilities. RSG is a place where people get to be themselves and they know no one will judge them. The members make each other laugh, comfort each other during difficult life events, and celebrate each other's milestones. I always leave our meetings feeling a little more hopeful, because it's one place in the world where everyone is completely welcome.”

We’d really like to offer support to more members, and we welcome calls or emails. For more information, visit www.wingspanlife.org or email Deb Hofbauer at dhofbauer@ wingspanlife.org .

Darolyn Gray is development director at Wingspan.

Johnson named Administrator of the Year The Minnesota Administrators for Special Education has named Cheryl Johnson, executive director of the Goodhue County Education District, as its Administrator of the Year.

Johnson received the award because of her Barbara Anderson dedication to students with disabilities and their families, and her active involvement in professional and community affairs. She was honored at the group's recognition ceremony held virtually.

Johnson has been the executive director of the Goodhue County Education District since 2007.

She began her career as a special education teacher in Trumansburg, N.Y. She returned to Minnesota to teach special education and later became the assistant director of special education for Red Wing Public Schools.

As a convenient, single resource, we provide a wide spectrum of mobility needs. Our caring team of Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs) are dedicated to maximizing independence.

Twin Cities Metro

Rochester Area

Marty Anderson P 763.571.9176 marty.anderson@numotion.com

Andrea Madsen P 763.571.9176 andrea.madsen@numotion.com

Sarah Kubal P 763.571.9176 sarah.kubal@numotion.com

Southwest MN

Dan Petersen P 763.571.9176 dan.petersen@numotion.com Heather Hedgecock P 763.571.9176 heather.hedgecock@numotion.com Alicia Truebenbach P 763.571.9176 alicia.truebenbach@numotion.com

Brent Zupan P 612.449.2065 brent.zupan@numotion.com

Brainerd Area Skeeter Carkhuff P 218.322.5021 skeeter.carkhuff@numotion.com

Grand Rapids Area

Lisa Michaels P 763.571.9176 lisa.michaels@numotion.com

Kelly Mackenhausen P 218.322.5021 kelly.mackenhausen@numotion.com

Mary Wille P 763.571.9176 mary.wille@numotion.com

Duluth Area Tyler Dowden P 218.322.5021 tyler.dowden@numotion.com

October 2021 Volume 32, Number 10 Where experiences & adventures are open to individuals of all abilities True Friends provides life-changing experiences to children and adults with disabilities through a variety of programs at five Minnesota locations.

Camp

Programs

Travel

Horse Therapy

Team Building

Respite

Retreat Centers

Locations

Camp Courage Maple Lake, MN

Camp Eden Wood Eden Prairie, MN

Camp Friendship Camp Courage North Annandale, MN

Lake George, MN

Plymouth Office Plymouth, MN

www.truefriends.org | 952.852.0101 | info@truefriends.org

Pg 6

DIRECTORY of Organizations ADVOCACY MCIL

V-651-646-8342

F-651-603-2066

www.mcil-mn.org

Minnesota Council on Disability

V-651-361-7800

TTY-800-945-8913

www.disability.state.mn.us www.mnccd.org

MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities V-651-274-2098

info@mnccd.org

PACER Center, Inc.

V-952-838-9000

TF 800-537-2237

www.pacer.org

United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota

V-651-265-7361

info@ucpmn.org

www.ucpmn.org www.accessiblespace.org

ASSISTED LIVING Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI)

V-651-645-7271

TTY-800-466-7722

Opportunity Partners

V-952-938-5511

info@opportunities.org www.opportunities.org

V-952-938-5511

info@opportunities.org www.opportunities.org

BRAIN INJURY Opportunity Partners

CASE MANAGEMENT ACCORD

V-612-224-9101

www.accord.org

V/TTY-763-479-3555 F-763-479-2605

www.vinlandcenter.org

V-651-255-2363 V-651-504-6974 V-651-646-8342 V-952-938-5511 V-952-200-3030

www.lssmn.org/hosthomes www.lssmn.org/scs www.mcil-mn.org www.opportunities.org www.reachforresources.org

CHEMICAL HEALTH Vinland National Center

COMMUNITY LIVING LSS Host Homes LSS Specialized Community Supports MCIL Opportunity Partners Reach for Resources

Directory to change

The Access Press Directory of Organizations has long been a resource for Minnesotans with disabilities, their family members, caregivers and their greater community. The directory began with the first issue of the newspaper 31 years ago.

Our next directory, to published in January 2022, gets a new name and other new features. The name “Directory of Organizations” has served us well. But it also has caused confusion about who can be in the directory, which appears in print four times a year and online 24/7.

Watch for the Best Life Guide Minnesota in January 2022. We invite your business, nonprofit, club or organization to join us for the low cost of $80 per year!

Email staci@accesspress.org if there are questions.

hosthomes@lssmn.org scs@lssmn.org F-651-603-2066 info@opportunities.org F-952-229-4468

CONSUMER-DIRECTED COMMUNITY SUPPORTS Accra GT Independence MRCI-Client Directed Services Partners in Community Supports SMILES Center for Independent Living

V-952-935-3515 V-651-247-7107 V-507-386-5704 V-651-967-5060 V/TTY-507-345-7139

TF-866-935-3515 TF-877-659-4500 TF-800-829-7110 info@picsmn.org TF-888-676-6498

www.accracare.org www.gtindependence.com www.mrcicds.org www.picsmn.org www.smilescil.org

DEAF, DEAFBLIND & HARD OF HEARING

Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing (MNCDHH)

V-651-431-5961

www.mn.gov/deaf-commission

Hearing Loss Assn. of America-TC Chapter

V-763-447-9672

www.hlaatc.org

EDUCATION Upstream Arts

V-612-331-4584

info@upstreamarts.org

www.upstreamarts.org

ACCORD ARRM Kaposia LSS Employment First Services Merrick MOHR Opportunity Partners Partnership Resources, Inc. Partnership Resources, Inc. - Minneapolis Partnership Resources, Inc. - Older Adults ProAct Reach for Resources

V-612-353-4595 V-651-291-1086 V-612-224-6974 V-651-642-5990 V-651-789-6200 V-651-489-2595 V-952-938-5511 V-952-925-1404 V-612-331-2075 V-952-746-6206 V-651-289-3149 V-952-200-3030

V-651-362-4400

Rise, Inc.

V/TTY-763-786-8334 F-763-786-0008

www.rise.org

Work Incentives Connection

V-651-632-5113

www.mnworkincentives.com

EMPLOYMENT/VOCATION www.accord.org www.arrm.org www.kaposia.com pss@lssmn.org www.lssmn.org/employmentfirst F-651-789-9960 www.merrickinc.org F-651-489-0410 www.MOHRMN.org info@opportunities.org www.opportunities.org F-952-925-6055 www.partnershipresources.org F-612-331-2887 www.partnershipresources.org V-651-331-2075 www.partnershipresources.org www.proactinc.org F-952-229-4468 www.reachforresources.org TF-800-976-6728

GOVERNMENT

We miss you!

The Directory of Organizations is a valuable resource for Minnesotans with disabilities.

But we cannot provide it without you.

Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing (MNCDHH)

V-651-431-5961

Minnesota Council on Disability

V/TTY-651-361-7800

MN Gov. Council on Developmental Disabilities V-651-296-4018

www.mn.gov/deaf-commission TTY-800-945-8913

www.disability.state.mn.us

TF-800-627-3529

www.mncdd.org

TTY-800-688-2534

www.ucare.org

HEALTH CARE PLANS UCare

V-800-707-1711

HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES ACCORD

V-612-224-9101

www.accord.org

Renew your listing now to stay in our online directory and to be included in our next print directory. Watch for our new directory name and new features!

AmRamp

V-651-339-3075

TF-800-649-5215

www.amramp.com

Lifeway Mobility

V-651-323-1190

TF-800-561-2333

www.lifewaymobility.com

Questions?

Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI)

V-651-645-7271

TTY-800-627-3529

www.accessiblespace.org

HOUSING-CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING

HOUSING-RENTAL

Email us today at

LSS Host Homes

V-651-255-2363

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

access@accesspress.org

National Handicap Housing Institute, Inc

V-651-639-9799

F-651-639-9699

www.nhhiaccessiblehousing.com

Or call us at

ADA Minnesota; a program within MCIL

V-651-603-2015

711 relay service

www.adaminnesota.org

Minnesota Council on Disability

V/TTY-651-361-7800

TTY-800-945-8913

www.disability.state.mn.us

PACER Center, Inc.

V-952-838-9000

TTY-952-838-0190

www.pacer.org

United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota

V-651-265-7361

info@ucpmn.org

www.ucpmn.org

F-651-644-0602

www.handimedical.com

651-644-2133 Are you a current Directory member?

It’s time to renew your listing, make updates and add new categories! It’s easy to pay with our new credit card system. With the pandemic, our publication is more important than ever. Thanks to our advertisers for their ongoing commitment to Access Press!

INFORMATION/REFERRAL RESOURCES

MEDICAL SUPPLIES/EQUIPMENT Handi Medical Supply

V-651-644-9770

Next Day Access

V-763-219-8122

Numotion

V-763-571-9176

Phoenix Medical Services Inc.

V-651-636-0848

F-651-636-5746

Reliable Medical

V-763-255-3800

reliamed@reliamed.com www.reliamed.com

www.nextdayaccess.com www.numotion.com www.PhoenixMedical.org

October 2021 Volume 32, Number 10

PROBLEM GAMBLING OUTPATIENT SERVICES Recovery is Possible

Pg 7

DIRECTORY of Organizations MENTAL HEALTH Accra

V-952-935-3515

ACCORD

V-612-362-4400

Desnol Healthcare Services

V-763-210-8684

Mental Health Minnesota

V-651-493-6634

TF-800-662-1799

https://mentalhealthmn.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness of MN

V-651-645-2948

TF-888-NAMI-Helps

www.namihelps.org

Reach for Resources

V-952-200-3030

F-952-229-4468

www.reachforresources.org

Vinland National Center

V/TTY-763-479-3555

TF-866-935-3515

www.accracare.org

www.accord.org www.desnolhealthcare.com

www.vinlandcenter.org

MOVIES/PERFORMING ARTS

Call 763.479.4881 for an assessment appointment today.

VinlandCenter.org

Circus Juventas

V-651-699-8229

adminstaff@circusjuventas.org www.circusjuventas.org

Young Dance

V-612-423-3064

info@youngdance.org www.youngdance.org

RECREATION-ADAPTIVE HOBBY/EXERCISE/SPORTS/ARTS Highland Friendship Club

V-651-340-0711

info@highlandfriendshipclub.org www.highlandfriendshipclub.org

Mind Body Solutions

V-952-473-3700

info@mindbodysolutions.org

www.mindbodysolutions.org

Reach for Resources

V-952-200-3030

F-952-229-4468

www.reachforresources.org

RECREATION-CLUBS/SOCIAL GROUPS

Be part of our

Directory of Organizations

Next edition: JANUARY 2022 Call 651-644-2133 to be included!

Highland Friendship Club

V-651-340-0711

info@highlandfriendshipclub.org www.highlandfriendshipclub.org

RECREATION-TRAVEL/CAMPING True Friends

V-952-852-0101

TF-800-450-8376

www.truefriends.org

REHABILITATION Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institue, part of Allina Health

V-612-863-4200

www.allinahealth.org/ couragekenny

RESIDENTIAL/GROUP HOME PROGRAMS ACCORD

V-612-362-4400

LSS Host Homes

V-651-255-2363

www.accord.org

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

LSS Specialized Community Supports

V-651-504-6974

scs@lssmn.org

www.lssmn.org/scs

LSS Supported Living Services

V-651-642-5990

pss@lssmn.org

www.lssmn.org/sls

Opportunity Partners

V-952-938-5511

info@opportunities.org www.opportunities.org

Can Do Canines

V-763-331-3000

F-763-331-3009

Pawsitive Perspectives Assistance Dogs (PawPADs)

V-612-643-5671

SERVICE ANIMALS

What does Access Press mean to you?

Access Press is a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization, which means we depend on you to support the paper.

To us Access Press means giving a voice to the largest minority group in the U.S.—people with disabilities.

We promote the social inclusion and legal rights of people with disabilities by providing a forum for news, features, opinion and conversation to benefit people who are often invisible and marginalized in mainstream society and the people who care for them.

Access Press is Minnesota’s Disability Community News source.

We have a lived knowledge of disability through our incredibly committed board and staff.

Please give your proudest gift on Give to the Max Day, Nov 18, 2021 at

givemn.org/AccessPress

www.can-do-canines.org www.PawPADS.org

SUPPORTS - OTHER TYPES Partners in Community Supports

V-651-967-6050

Phoenix Alternatives, Inc. (PAI)

V-651-846-9274

info@picsmn.org

www.picsmn.org www.paimn.org

TECHNOLOGY PACER Center, Inc.

V-952-838-9000

SMILES Center for Independent Living

V/TTY-507-345-7139 TF-888-676-6498

www.smilescil.org

V-952-200-3030

www.reachforresources.org

TF 800-537-2237

www.pacer.org

WAIVER CASE MANAGEMENT Reach for Resources

F-952-229-4468

Statewide Self-Directed Programs • Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) • Consumer Support Grant (CSG) • Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) • PCA Choice • 245D Licensed Programs ○ Individualized Home Supports ○ Respite ○ Night Supervision ○ Homemaker ○ Host Home • Private Pay • Veteran-Directed Care (VDC)

ACCE PT I N G I MM EDI ATE IN TA K ES

Call 800-829-7110 or Visit MRCICDS.ORG to learn more

MALLORY WEBBEMANN FACEBOOK

October 2021 Volume 32, Number 10

Mallory Weggemann

PARALYMPICS

From page 1 Josh Turek is on the gold medalwinning men’s wheelchair basketball team for the second time. The 42-year-old competed in four Paralympics, retiring after Tokyo. He averaged 6.5 points per game in 2021, including a 21-point performance against Algeria in pool play.

Turek is Southwest Minnesota State’s career leading scorer. He played professionally in Europe for 17 seasons.

A native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, he graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School.

Veteran wheelchair rugby players Chuck Aoki and Joe Delagrave were on the silver medal team, losing to Great Britain in the finals.

Aoki was the team’s leading scorer in Tokyo, averaging 21.8 tries in five matches. He won silver as part of the team in Rio in 2016 and bronze in 2012 in London.

Aoki, 30, is a graduate of Minneapolis Southwest High School. He holds a degree in secondary education from Metropolitan State University, in public policy from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and a Ph.D.. in international relations/ comparative politics from the University of Denver.

He has a genetic condition called hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies type II, which results in him not having feeling in his body below the knees and elbows.

Delagrave was one of the co-captains. He and Aoki were teammates and medalists in London and Rio as well as in Tokyo.

A graduate of Prairie du Chien High School, Delagrave played football at Winona State University. He also attended

Josh Cinnamo

Chuck Aoki University of Northwestern-St. Paul for pastoral studies and Grand Canyon University to study professional counseling.

Delagrave has used a wheelchair since a 2004 boating accident. He is married with three children.

Another silver medalist is Ben Goodrich, who lost in the men’s 100-kilogram final to Great Britain’s Christopher Skelley. Goodrich, 28, was in his second Paralympics.

Goodrich is from St. Paul and is a Concordia High School (Roseville) and University of Minnesota graduate.

He was a multi-sport athlete in high school, and was athlete of the year as a senior. He didn’t start in judo until age 19.

Goodrich has visual disabilities.

Josh Cinnamo of Lakeville is one of Minnesota’s bronze medal winners, taking third place in the shot put. The 40-yearold medaled in his first-ever Paralympics, and is the reigning world champion in and world record holder in the F46 classification at 16.80 meters.

Cinnamo is from San Diego, and graduated from Morse High School there.

He is also a graduate of Luther College in Iowa. In college he competed in football and track and field events.

Cinnamo was born with a congenital limb deficiency of his right arm. He is married and has two children.

Three Minnesota women who are members of the Team USA wheelchair basketball team took home bronze medals. Josie Aslakson, Abby Bauleke and Rose Hollermann were teammates.

The United States came into the games as defending champs but lost to China in the semifinals. Team USA defeated Germany for third place.

Hollermann, 25, is from Elysian. She competed in her third Paralympics, and

Follow us ONLINE! www.pinterest.com/ accesspress

www.facebook.com/ accesspress

was the second-leading scorer.

She is a graduate of Waterville-ElysianMorristown High School and University of Texas-Arlington. A 2001 motor vehicle accident took the lives of two brothers and caused Hollermann to be partially paralyzed from the waist down.

In 2011, she became one of the youngest players on the U.S. women’s wheelchair basketball team at age 15. She played collegiate basketball and currently plays professionally in Spain.

Aslakson and Bauleke were in their first Paralympics. Asklason, 25, is from Jordan and is a Jordan High School graduate She attended the University of TexasArlington, then transferred to New York University to study dramatic writing.

She has also attended the University of Arizona for global studies.

Aslakson was paralyzed from the waist down at age 5, as a result of a car accident.

She discovered basketball at age 13 while at an archery lesson at Courage Kenny.

Bauleke, 20, is from Savage and is a

Burnsville High School graduate. She attends the University of Alabama. A childhood illness left her unable to walk.

Other Minnesotans didn’t medal. Aaron Pike, Park Rapids competed in four events in his fifth Paralympics. His best finish was sixth in the T54 men's marathon. He was also in three track events.

Summer Schmit, Stillwater, swam in her first Paralympics. Schmit finished fifth in the women's S9 200-meter individual medley, sixth in the S9 100-meter butterfly and seventh in the S9 400-meter freestyle.

Natalie Sims, Edina, swam in her second Paralympics. She competed in four events, finishing eighth in the women's S9 400-meter freestyle final and seventh in the women's S9 100 freestyle final.

Melissa Stockwell of Eden Prairie finished fifth in the women's PTS2 classification in 1:21:25. She and Aoki were Team USA’s flag bearers in the opening ceremonies.

Classifications are determined for each Paralympics athlete and provide a structure for competition. Classification determines who is eligible to compete in a sport and groups the eligible athletes in sport classes according to their activity limitations.

We believe in the power of Independent Living!

Contact us today!

651-646-8342 www.mcil-mn.org 530 North Robert Street Saint Paul, MN 55101 Live your most independent live, follow your path!

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

www.twitter.com/ accesspress

Pg 8

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

October 2021 Volume 32, Number 10

Pg 9

REGIONAL NEWS New mobile app gives fast immunization info Minnesotans can now easily access their immunization record through their smartphones or other mobile devices by using an app called Docket. Docket enables residents with a Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) record to securely view and share their immunization records.

MIIC, Minnesota’s immunization information system, combines all immunizations a person has received into a single record, even if they were given by different health care providers in Minnesota. Starting today, anyone who has a MIIC record can use the Docket app to access their record, including their COVID-19 vaccination.

The app provides a PDF document of the immunization record that can be saved to your mobile device, printed, emailed, or texted as needed.

“We recognize the importance of having a secure and convenient way to find, view, and share your and your family’s immunization records, such as needing records for school or child care,” said Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Infectious Disease Division Director Kris Ehresmann. “The Docket app gives Minnesotans a digital option to access their immunization history in MIIC, check what vaccines you or your children may be due for, and see what vaccines you may need in

Kandi Works DAC is no more

The dissolution of Kandi Works Development Achievement Center, a nonprofit that provided services to disabled clients, is nearing completion. One of the last steps, transferring its remaining assets to Kandiyohi County, was completed in September by the Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners.

The resolution accepting the assets, worth $587,054, was approved unanimously by the County Board.

Kandi Works DAC was established in 1990 and for 30 years provided day programming and work opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Financial concerns became an issue in the last several years, only made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic which caused Kandi Works, and other DACs across the state, to close down for several months.

"The DAC has been challenged with a number of things financially over the years. Number one was transportation," said Health and Human Services Supervisor Kathy Nelson.

The assets won't go into the county's general fund.

County Administrator Larry Kleindl recommended forming a committee whose mission will be figuring out how to distribute the funds to other organizations who serve the same community Kandi Works did.

"The last thing we want to do is swallow them (the assets) up and not recognize the intent of those funds," Kleindl said.

The Kandi Works board of directors made the hard decision to dissolve the nonprofit on July 28, 2020, with the County Board approving it a few months later.

"There was a lot of feelings over that, but it was a necessity they felt," Nelson said. "So they dissolved."

Nelson said many of the Kandi Works clients have found services elsewhere, but there are some who have yet to find an organization to replace what Kandi Works had offered them at sites in Kandiyohi and Atwater.

"I think they served them (the clients) great,"

the future. This is vital to making sure people are protected from preventable diseases.”

Docket helps meet consumer demand for more accessible immunization records.

Minnesota is seeing dramatically increased demand from people for easier access to their own vaccination information. So far in 2021, MDH has received over 33,000 requests for immunization records through our online form— more than 19,000 of those requests came since July 1.

For comparison, MDH received approximately 12,000 requests in 2020 and 13,000 requests in 2019.

“The volume of recent requests means it is taking weeks, not days, for people to get their vaccination record back, but Docket gives an option for people to more directly and quickly access their immunization information,” said Ehresmann.

Anyone who wants or needs access to their immunization record and does not have a smartphone or does not want to use the app can still request their immunization record from MDH or their health care provider. For more information, visit Find My Immunization Record.

Docket is free and available for download in Apple and Android app stores.

(Source: Minnesota Department of Health) Nelson said of Kandi Works. "There is a gap now for our community for serving those individuals with day programming."

The hope is another provider will step up, something the County Board has said it supports.

(Source: West Central Tribune)

Student debt erasure eyed

The Biden administration announced it will automatically erase student loan debt for more than 300,000 Americans with severe disabilities that leave them unable to earn significant incomes.

The move will wipe out more than $5.8 billion in debt, according to the Education Department, and it marks the start of a broader overhaul of a program that has been criticized for having overly burdensome rules.

"We’ve heard loud and clear from borrowers with disabilities and advocates about the need for this change and we are excited to follow through on it," Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement.

The federal government offers student debt relief for people who are “totally and permanently disabled” and have limited incomes. But the current rules require them to submit documentation of their disability and undergo a three-year monitoring period to prove they’re earning little pay.

Tens of thousands of people have been dropped from the program and had their loans reinstated simply because they failed to submit proof of their earnings, however, and critics say the complex rules deter some from applying.

Advocates have pressed the Education Department to eliminate the monitoring period entirely and to provide automatic debt relief to people whom the Social Security Administration already identifies as permanently disabled.

Under the new action, both demands will be met.

Starting in September, the Education Department

will start erasing student debt for 323,000 Americans identified in Social Security records as being permanently disabled.

(Source: Associated Press)

Drowning prompts calls for change

Following a search spanning more than 18 hours, authorities in September recovered the body of a 2 ½-year-old girl with autism who went missing from an Edina park. A large group of public safety personnel from Edina and neighboring suburbs were looking in and around Rosland Park in hopes of finding Iklas Abdullahi Ahmed alive.

Searchers recovered the girl's body in a pond near the park's aquatic center, said Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson, who was at the scene.

"On behalf of the city, I want to send our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the family and the loved ones of this young girl," Edina Police Chief Todd Milburn said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. "Our hearts go out to all those affected by this devastating tragedy."

Milburn said Iklas was nonverbal because of her autism.

“Our concern last night was that she may have been attracted to [areas] of water,” Milburn said during a news conference in the park's parking lot off.

Milburn said the father came to the park with Iklas and other children in the family. The father said that Iklas wandered away while he was taking one of the other children to the bathroom. The father and others at the park searched on their own for a time and then notified authorities soon afterward, the chief said.

(Source: Star Tribune)

Care center worker sues facility

A former employee is suing a North Mankato senior care facility for discrimination, claiming she was fired for needing to work from home during the pandemic.

St. Peter resident Julianne Strong of St. Peter, said she has a heart condition and successfully did her job from home before she was terminated from Vista Prairie at Monarch Meadows.

She has filed suit against the facility and its owner, Vista Prairie Communities. The lawsuit claims discrimination because of her health issue and her age, failure to provide a disability accommodation, and retaliation.

Strong worked as the community support manager at Monarch Meadows from April 2019 until April 2020. She reportedly has a heart condition that put her at greater risk if she caught COVID-19. She says she worked from home for two weeks as the pandemic struck and did not receive any negative feedback on her performance. Strong then was asked to return to work in person. When she provided doctor’s notes, she was placed on paid sick leave. After two weeks, she received notice her position had been eliminated.

“Vista Prairie did not attempt to accommodate Strong or find an accommodation through an interactive process. It simply terminated her position,” the lawsuit states.

The day after she was let go, the company reportedly advertised a new position opening. The position was retitled sales and community marketing manager. “But the job requirements remained the same,” the lawsuit claims. A person who is decades younger than Strong reportedly was hired for the new position.

A statement provided by Jeff Smith, Vista Prairie Communities vice president of external relations, confirms Strong was let go but refutes any wrongdoing: (Source: Free Press of Mankato)

TRELLIS MGMT. MAY BE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS for our accessible waiting lists at the following affordable communities

We may be accepting applications for our large number of mobility impaired accessible units. Please call us for more information.

Albright Townhomes Minneapolis Cornerstone Creek Apartments Golden Valley (for developmentally disabled individuals) Diamond Hill Townhomes Minneapolis Elliot Park Apartments Minneapolis Franklin Lane Apartments Anoka Hanover Townhomes St. Paul Hopkins Village Apartments Hopkins

Village Apartments Hopkins

Lincoln Place Apartments Mahtomedi Olson Towne Homes Minneapolis Park Plaza Apartments Minneapolis

Prairie Meadows Eden Prairie Raspberry Ridge Hopkins Slater Square Apartments Minneapolis Talmage Green Minneapolis Trinity Apartments Minneapolis Unity Place Brooklyn Center Vadnais Highlands Vadnais Heights Housing for Veterans at risk of homelessness Veteran's East Apartments Minnneapolis Veteran's & Community Housing Minnneapolis

612-824-6665 763-231-6250

1 BR 1 & 2 BR

612-736-9341 612-338-3106 763-427-7650 651-292-8497 952-938-5787 952-938-5787 651-653-0640 612-377-9015 612-377-3650 952-941-5544 952-933-3260 612-340-1264 612-623-0247 612-721-2252 763-560-7563 651-653-0640

2 & 3 BR 2 BR 1 & 2 BR 1 BR 1 & 2 BR 1 & 2 BR 2 BR 1 BR 1 & 2 BR 2 & 3 BR 1 BR EFF & 1BR 2 BR 1 BR (sr) 2 BR 3 BR

612-208-1712 612-333-0027

EFF EFF

October 2021 Volume 32, Number 10

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

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

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

To find more information about Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network events go to the Facebook site, Minnesota Radio Talking Book. Audio information about the daily book listings is also on the National Federation for the Blind (NFB) Newsline. Register for the NFB Newsline by calling 651-539-1424.

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

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

We Had A Little Real Estate Problem, nonfiction by Kliph Nesteroff, 2021. Humor is a form of resistance, which is why Native American performers contribute strongly to the stand-up comic tradition. Author Kliph Nesteroff introduces an aspect of Native American life that deserves broader exposure. Read by Jack Rossmann. 10 broadcasts; begins Mon, Oct. 11. – L

Downeast, nonfiction by Gigi Georges, 2021.

Political scientist Gigi Georges presents stories of five young women in Maine. Each story reflects the challenges of rural America: often awash with substance abuse, offering few opportunities for education, and lacking decent-paying jobs. Read by Marylyn Burridge.

Nine broadcasts; begins Mon, Oct. 25. – L Past is Prologue* Monday – Friday 11 a.m.

The Club, nonfiction by Leo Damrosch, 2019.

From 1764 to 1784, a group of men met each week at London’s Turk’s Head Tavern for conversation and camaraderie. “The Club” included some of the most prominent personalities of the time, including Samuel Johnson and his biographer James Boswell.

Read by Judith Johannessen. 19 broadcasts; begins Thu, Oct. 21.

Bookworm* Monday – Friday noon Varina, fiction by Charles Frazier, 2018. Young Varina Howell marries the much-older widower Jefferson Davis and becomes a fugitive in post-Civil War South. Read by Bonita Sindelir. 12 broadcasts; begins Thu, Oct. 7.

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, nonfiction

by Neil Degrasse Tyson, 2017. Renowned astrophysicist Neil Degrasse Tyson explains complex scientific concepts in a basic, articulate fashion. Read by Stevie Ray. Five broadcasts; begins Mon, Oct. 25.

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

The Impossible First –nonfiction by Colin O’Brady, 2020. Crossing the 930 miles of Antarctica alone, unsupported, and unassisted took more than two months in a formidable landscape. Read by David Zierott.

Ten broadcasts; begins Mon, Oct. 11.

Indianapolis, nonfiction by Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic, 2018. Days after delivering an atomic bomb to the Pacific Islands, the USS Indianapolis was struck by Japanese torpedoes. This is the story of the worst disaster in US naval history, and the fifty-year fight to absolve an innocent captain. Read by Greg Olson. 16 broadcasts; begins Mon, Oct. 25.

Choice Reading* Monday – Friday 2 p.m.

The Stars Are Fire, fiction by Anita Shreve, 2017. Fires along the Maine coast led Grace Holland to discover her resilience, and new freedoms amid calamities. Read by Anne Obst. Eight broadcasts, begins Wed, Oct. 20. - L, S

Afternoon Report* Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

Your Turn, nonfiction by Julie Lythcott-Haims, 2021. Becoming an adult involves more than just reaching a certain age. It also requires flexibility, problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle difficult situations without panicking or running for help. Read by Carol McPherson.

26 broadcasts; begins Mon, Oct. 4.

Night Journey* Monday – Friday 7 p.m.

The Lullaby Man, fiction by Anni Taylor, 2020.

Years ago, the Lullaby Man preyed upon young girls in Tallman's Valley. Years later one of his victims, Abby Wakeland, finds the courage to tell the secret. Her mother is senior detective Kate Wakeland, who plans to uncover clues that have remained untold for years. Read by Jodi Lindskog. 14 broadcasts; begins Wed, Oct. 6. – V, L, S Lie to Me, fiction by Jess Ryder, 2017. An old VCR tape leads Meredith Banks to question her life. She examines a murder scene from thirty years ago but learns that she’s not the only one searching. Read by Neil Bright. 12 broadcasts; begins Tue, Oct. 26. – V, L, S Off the Shelf* Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

The Night Watchman, fiction by Louise Erdrich, 2020. In 1953 the US government seeks to “emancipate” the North Dakota Chippewa from their land. Factory worker Thomas Wazhushk organizes members of his tribe to stand up for their rights. Read by Yelva Lynfield. 16 broadcasts; begins Wed, Oct. 6.

The Winters, fiction by Lisa Gabrielle, 2018.

A young woman caught up in a whirlwind courtship with a US Senator realizes she never knew her new husband at all. Read by Therese Murray. 10 broadcasts; begins Thu, Oct. 28.

Potpourri* Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

Scam Me If You Can, nonfiction by Frank Abagnale, 2019. Every year, millions of Americans become victims of fraud. Former con-man Frank Abagnale reveals methods used by the world’s most skillful con artists to steal billions of dollars each year from unsuspecting consumers. Read by Yelva Lynfield. 13 broadcasts; begins Mon, Oct. 18.

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

No One Can Pronounce My Name, fiction by Rakesh Satyal, 2017. Two Indian immigrants move into a Cleveland suburb, and form a friendship that brings to light their shared

Pg 10

All times listed are Central Standard Time.

Abbreviations V – violent content R – racial epithets L – strong language S – sexual situation G – gory descriptions passions and fears. Read by Connie Jamison.

15 broadcasts, begins Wed, Oct. 6. – L, S Make Russia Great Again, fiction by Christopher Buckley, 2020. Herb Nutterman, a White House chief of staff, is in prison for his deceitful actions. Spinning from calamity to calamity, Herb is rarely able to take a breath. Read by Eileen Barratt. Nine broadcasts; begins Wed, Oct. 27. – L, S RTB Late Night* Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

Ordinary Girls, fiction by Jaquira Diaz, 2019.

Writer Jaquira Diaz charts her childhood in Puerto Rico and Miami, and her transition from girlhood to womanhood. Read by Karen Ray. 12 broadcasts; begins Mon, Oct. 4. – V, L, S Believe Me, fiction by J.P. Delaney, 2014.

Claire Wright, an out-of-work actress, takes a job snaring unfaithful husbands in affairs. But when a client is found dead, she is forced to go undercover to catch the murderer. Read

by Michele Potts. Nine broadcasts; begins Wed, Oct. 20. – V, L, S Weekend Program Books Your Personal World, 1 p.m. Sat, presents The In-Betweens by Mira Ptacin (L), read by Beverly Burchett.

Rated R, 11 p.m. Sat, presents Cheaters Always Win by J.M. Fenster (L), read by Scott McKinney; followed by Revenge of the Crafty Corpse by Lois Winston (L), read by Therese Murray.

For the Younger Set, 11 a.m. Sun, presents Welcome to the Dark House by Laurie Faria Stolarz, read by Michelle Juntunen; followed

by Crap Kingdom by D.C. Pierson, read by Jim Tarbox.

Poetic Reflections, noon Sun, presents Palominos Near Tuba City by Denise Sweet, read by Michele Potts; followed by A Doll for Throwing by Mary Jo Bang, read by Robb Empson.

The Great North, 4 p.m. Sun, presents The I-35W Bridge Collapse by Kimberly J. Brown; followed by Secret Partners by Tim Mahoney, both read by Jim Gregorich.

Thanks to ALL OF YOU for supporting Access Press BENEFACTOR ($1000 & up) J Martin Carlson Janice Chevrette

In memory of Rick Cardenas

Lynda Milne Kay Willshire Tamarack Habilitation Tech., Inc. GOLD ($500-$999) Mel and Gloria Duncan James P. Gerlich Brandon Miller Debra J. Shriver Joel Ulland Just Comfort

SILVER ($150-$499) Jeff and Anita Bangsberg Yoshiko Dart Stephen C. Grams Robert Paul Gregory Anne Henry Pamela Hochrein Steven Kuntz Susan Lasoff

Rick & Susie Macpherson Jim & Lisa Michaels Manley Olson Joanne Rademacher Carrie Salberg John G. Smith Cindy Tarshish Advocating Change Together

SUBSCRIBE & SUPPORT Access Press*

BRONZE ($75-$149) William Bartolic Alexandra and William Bartolic III Tim Benjamin Gretchen Bratvold Leo and Sue Bulger Steven F Burrill Gerald Caruso John Clark Dawn Doering Craig J Dunn Lee Ann Erickson Claudia Fuglie Marjorie Goldberg Burl Gilyard Ann Griffith Sharon A. Haas & Nicholas J. Faber Terry Hagenah Hammer Residences, Inc. Hammer Travel Amy Schroeder Ireland Dale Janiszeski

Cindy Johns-Giesen Gregory Lais & Patricia Thurber Steve Larson Ronna Sue Linroth Shelley Madore John Marty Thomas J. McCoy Christopher J. Meyer Shannah Mulvihill Cindy Musselman Scott Neamy Eric S Nelson Lynn Noren Annette M. Pantel Mark Payette Julie Quarve-Peterson Kelly Rathcke Walter J. Seibert, in memory of Rick Cardenas Ed Stracke Michelle Swanson Kathy Thurston Kathly Ware

FRIEND ($50-$74) Nora Beall Dena Belisle Tom Clark Richard Cloud Lawrence Dunham Steve & Jo Ann Erbes Mary Fogarty Luther Granquist & Anita Schermer

Martha Hage Marjorie Huebner Catherine J. Hunter Dale H. Janiszeski Margot Imdieke & Stuart W. Cross Megan Keyser Margaret M. Knutson Greg Lais

Sandra Lane Mark McAlister William Overby Caroline Portoghese Ann Roscoe John Smith Susan Snyder Joan Willshire

Subscriber $30 Friend $50+ Bronze $75+ Gold $500+

Silver $150+

Benefactor $1000+

DATE: _____________________________________________ AMT. ENCLOSED $ _____________________________________ NAME _____________________________________________ ADDRESS ___________________________________________ CITY/STATE/ZIP ___________________________ PHONE ________________________

EMAIL ________________________

Mail your sponsorship and subscription to: Access Press, LTD. PO Box 40006, Industrial Station, St. Paul, MN 55104-5485

Moving?

Don’t miss a single issue!

Call/email with your address changes.

651-644-2133 access@accesspress.org

Learn

October 2021 Volume 32, Number 10

OPPORTUNITIES

Care Work Workshop The Minnesota Council on Disability encourages people with disabilities to register for free virtual care work workshops hosted by Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater.

Workshops are 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26, and Nov. 2. The workshops are based on Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha’s book Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice and will center around disability justice, joyful accessibility, and community. Aegor Ray, a queer and trans writer, multidisciplinary artist, and organizer will facilitate the events. Attendees can also participate in weaving, and stamp making led by teaching artists Nailah Taman and Julie Boada.

The series will be hosted on Zoom and Facebook Live. ASL interpretation will be provided at every workshop. Please indicate additional accessibility needs when registering.

FFI: https://hobt.org/ Disability inclusion in a business world A National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) presentation is 10-11:30 a.m.

Mon. Oct. 4. The presentation for employers will speak to the three stages of progress of employment of persons with disabilities over the last 30 years. Advance registration is required.

Captioning and sign language interpreting will be provided.

About the presenters: Richard Pimentel returned from Vietnam as a disabled veteran and became an advocate for all persons with disabilities. His inspiring life story was made into a full-length motion picture called Music Within. He is a leading expert on practical issues in leadership, disability inclusion, disability management, overcoming barriers, crises and change in the workplace, disabled veterans employment opportunities, job retention, COVID-19 return to work, and the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act. Milt Wright is the creator and founder of Milt Wright & Associates, Inc., which provides consultation and produces products on disability management, the ADAAA, workers compensation cost reduction, integrated disability management, disability inclusion implementation, wounded warrior inclusion, selfadvocacy, attitude change, job creation and job retention. His company has successfully trained more than 1 million professionals for employers throughout the country.

Preregistration is required. FFI: bit.ly/ disabilityinc

Children & Families

PACER Center offers workshops PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with any disabilities. Workshops are online and livestreamed. Advance registration is required for all workshops. At least 48 hours’ notice is needed for interpretation. Check out PACER’s website and link to the newsletter of statewide workshops that allows participants to pick and choose sessions designed for their needs.

ENJOY! 2021 Celebrate Rise Gala Rise friends, family, and supporters to attend the Celebrate Rise 10th Annual Fundraising Gala 5-8 p.m. Thu, Nov. 4 at the Mpls Marriott Northwest, recognizing Rise's 50th anniversary. Planned are both an in-person gala with dinner, a program, social hour, games and more, and a free virtual event livestream for those who cannot attend in person. The virtual event starts at 7:45 p.m. on Rise's Celebrate Rise gala event website, Facebook page, and YouTube page. The stream will begin at 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets or RSVP

by Oct 15. Support Rise through an online auction, starting Oct. 28 with the chance to browse items.

FFI: www.rise.org Puzzle competition is Nov. 6 The 4th Annual AuSM Connections Jigsaw Puzzle Competition will be offered in both an in-person and virtual format in 2021. Between 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Sat, Nov. 6, teams of puzzlers will gather at the Mall of America TCF Rotunda and on Zoom to put their skills to the test while supporting the local autism community. Organized by the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) in partnership with PuzzleTwist and Games by James, the AuSM Connections Jigsaw Puzzle Competition offers the opportunity for teams of up to four, located anywhere in the U.S., to put their jigsaw puzzling passion to the test by competing for the fastest puzzle completion time. The event will feature two team divisions including the 500-Piece Division (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) and the 1,000-Piece Division (12:303:30 p.m.) in both in-person and virtual formats.

Team registration fee is $60, and puzzles will be

Rare Diseases: From Diagnosis to Care Plan is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tue, Oct. 5. Erica Barnes of the UMN Medical School discusses the Chloe Barnes Rare Disease Advisory Council, dedicated to understanding the rare disease community’s needs, increasing care access and coordination, and reducing diagnosis time.

Tips and Tools for Talking with School Staff is 7-8:L30 p.m. Thu, Oct. 7. The workshop provides parents of special education students practical tips and interactive problem-solving experiences to build the skills necessary to communicate effectively with school staff and resolve differences.

Inspiring Possibilities Part One: Living, Learning, and Working After High School is 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Fri, Oct. 8. Join PACER for part one of the free transition-to-adulthood miniconference series for Minnesota parents. Hear from community experts and PACER transition specialists on a variety of topics. Ask questions and connect virtually with other parents.

Hot Tips: Is Your IEP Individualized and Appropriate? is 7-8:30 p.m. Tue, Oct. 12. Parents will learn to use their child’s special education evaluation report to determine how well the Individualized Education Program (IEP) addresses their child’s needs. Parents should have the child’s most current school evaluation and IEP. Lunch & Learn : An Introduction to Assistive Technology and PACER Simon Technology Center Services is noon-1 p.m. Thu, Oct. 14. Assistive technology refers to a category of items that can help support individuals with disabilities. This virtual workshop provides a broad overview of assistive technology tools and consideration, and how the Simon Technology Center can help.

Working Together: Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health Needs at School is 6:30-8 p.n.

Thu, Oct. 14. The training will show how mental health challenges can impact children and youth engagement at school and strategies for working with schools when educational progress becomes a concern. FFI: PACER, 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org

Info & Assistance

National Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 3-9 Join NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to learn about mental illnesses, treatment options, self-care, and mental health around the world. Free online classes and forums will feature clinical professionals, researchers, faith leaders, mental health advocates, and people with lived experience with mental illness.

Topics will include National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Healing and Understanding, Depression Screening Day, World Mental Health Day and more. Register online for events. FFI: 651-645-2948, www.nami.org Support group offered in Waconia NAMI Minnesota sponsors free support groups for families and friends of individuals living with a mental illness. Led by trained facilitators who also have a family member with mental illness, the support groups help families develop better coping skills and find strength through sharing provided to all participants. FFI: www.ausm.org Sunshine Sunset Fashion Through Wed, Nov. 2, Sunshine Sunset Fashion is on display at Interact Gallery, 755 Prior Ave. N., Suite 002D, St. Paul,. Open by appointment, the exhibit by 14 Interact artists considers questions such as how can a drawing be worn? Can a collar or a cape be a sculpture? Working in embroidery, crochet, surface pattern and garment design, the artists developed responses from their home studios. They pooled their interests for inspiration, generating a mood board that includes aliens, bald eagles, anatomical drawings, and Grace Jones.

Artists in the exhibition include Katie Bretzman, Janice Essick, Peder Hagen, Ingrid Hansen, HML, Ashlea Karkula, Laurie M., Rosemary Perronteau, Lucy Picasso, John Riddle, Andrew Seymour, Briana Shelstad, Eric Sherarts and BDG Wolfe. FFI: https://gallery.interactcenter.org/ Steve Martin at PACER Steve Martin, the accomplished comedian, actor, musician, writer and producer, headlines PACER’s Annual Benefit 7:30 p.m. Sat, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m. Martin co-created and currently stars in Hulu’s smash hit comedy series, Only Murders in the Building. His movies include The Jerk; Parenthood; Little Shop of Horrors; Planes, Trains, and Automobiles; and the Father of the Bride films.

For safety reasons, the benefit will be held virtually this year — enjoy it from the comfort of home. A silent auction is offered. Tickets are available. FFI: 952-838-9000, www.PACER.org Boo! It’s the Ghostly Gala Reach for Resources (Reach) invites members of the community to its annual Ghostly Gala, 5:30-8 p.m. Fri, Oct. 29. The Ghostly Gala Halloween

Pg 11

Go on the hunt

When rolling around his neighborhood in south Minneapolis the last 19 months during the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic, Michael Sack noticed that multiple sidewalks and curb cuts are inaccessible to wheelchair, walker, and cane users. After reporting a curb cut on his block and having it fixed in June, he created a Facebook group called Minneapolis Sidewalk Repair Hunters.

The City of Minneapolis is willing to fix inadequate sidewalks and curb cuts, but crews just need to know where problems are. The purpose of the Facebook group is to have residents report sidewalk obstructions and bumps so those problems can be submitted to the city to start the repair process. The other feature that the group provides is a place where residents can talk about how to make Minneapolis more accessible to all.

Everyone is welcome to join. People not from Minneapolis can join and share ideas for their home communities. When everyone comes together, anything is possible including knocking down barriers and opening up access. That is why the group’s motto is: Improved Sidewalks Equals Better Access!

Anyone interested in learning more or want to join this community-led movement, please visit facebook. com/groups/sidewalkhunters. Or visit the website www.mplssrh.org/ their experiences. Starting on Oct. 7, a new (in-person) family support group will meet in Waconia on the first and third Thu of each month, from 6:30-8:00 p.m., at St. Joseph Catholic STEM School, 41 E. 1st Street. Please use door #5 on Pine Street. The group will be following COVID guidelines. Online family groups are also offered.

FFI: Jan at 612-554-0825, www.nami.org Free online mental health classes NAMI Minnesota's free online mental health classes include Hope for Recovery, Family to Family, In Our Own Voice, Creating Caring Communities, Ending the Silence, Positive Psychology, Understanding Early Episode Psychosis for Families, Minding Your Mental Health: Covid-19 and Beyond, a suicide prevention class called QPR – Question, Persuade and Refer, a special QPR class for Agricultural Communities, and more.

The classes are designed for family members and caregivers, persons living with a mental illness, service providers, and also the general public. Find a complete listing of these classes and how to join in by going to namimn.org and clicking on “Classes.” FFI: https://namimn.org/ education-public-awareness/classes/scheduled/ Online mental health support NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers a variety of free online peer support groups for adults and young adults living with a mental illness, their families, friends, spouses/ partners, as well as parents of children and teens.

Led by trained peer facilitators, the support groups help individuals and families learn coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. The groups are specifically for those individuals suggested by the group’s title. For example, Family Support Group is only for family Party will be in-person with masks required. The event will take place at Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center Grand Rooms, Brooklyn Park.

The annual Halloween party is for individuals, families, and friends of Reach. The entrance fee is $10 and all ages are welcomed at this event.

The entrance cost includes a fun-filled evening of: music, dancing, pizza, games, prizes and a costume contest. Register for the event online at reach.recdesk.com. The registration deadline is Mon, Oct. 25, and proceeds will go towards Reach for Resources’ mission of supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness.

Attendees will have the opportunity to win some door prizes as well as through the costume contest. For the costume contest, there will be five categories: scariest, funniest, best individual, best group and most original. FFI: https://www. reachforresources.org/ Open Flow Forum The Artists with Disabilities Alliance meets via Zoom 7-9 p.m. the first Thu of the month.

Upcoming: Thu, Oct. 8 and Nov. 4. Virtually join artists with disabilities and supporters to share visual art, writing, music, theater and artistic efforts or disability concerns. Facilitators: Tara Innmon, Kip Shane and Springboard for the Arts. The gatherings are fully accessible. Anyone needing special accommodations should contact Andy Sturdevant at Springboard for the Arts. Funding is available for access needs. FFI: 651-294-0907, resources@springboardforthearts.org Less to Enjoy!

Restrictions have eased in the entertainment world, but with the spike in COVID-19 cases, arts organizations are making contingency plans. It’s

members and NAMI Connection is only for those who live with a mental illness and are over 18 years old, etc.

Three new groups are offered:: BIPOC Connections Support Group: A peer-led support group for people in BIPOC (Black, indigenous, people of color) communities who live with mental illness. Meets 10-11:30 a.m. 2nd and 4th Sat.. Young Adult Family Support Group: A young adult peer-led support group for families and friends of a person living with a mental illness.

Meets 5-6:30 p.m. the 4th Wed. BIPOC Family Support Group: A peer led support group in BIPOC (Black, indigenous, people of color) communities for families and friends of a person living with a mental illness. Meets 5-6:30 p.m. 1st and 3rd Sat.. Find a complete list of NAMI Minnesota support groups, meetings and how to join in by going to namimn.org and clicking on “Support Groups”. FFI: https://namimn.org/ support/nami-minnesota-support-groups/ Classes offered online NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers free online mental health classes.

Choices include Hope for Recovery, Transitions, Ending the Silence, Understanding Early Episode Psychosis for Families, In Our Own Voice, Family to Family, Positive Psychology, Creating Caring Communities, a suicide prevention class called QPR – Question, Persuade and Refer, a special QPR class for Agricultural Communities and many more.

The classes are designed for family members and caregivers, persons living with a mental illness, service providers, and also the general public. Find a complete listing of these classes and how to join in by going to namimn.org and clicking on “Classes” or go straight to https://namimn.org/educationpublic-awareness/classes/scheduled/ more important than ever to check on events and activities before heading out. Some of the museums, arts and theater groups that typically have listings in the Access Press Enjoy! calendar

CLASSIFIEDS For Rent 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 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

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.

October 2021 Volume 32, Number 10

What does Access Press mean to you?

Access Press is a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization, which means we depend on you to support the paper.

To us Access Press means giving a voice to the largest minority group in the U.S.—people with disabilities. We promote the social inclusion and legal rights of people with disabilities by providing a forum for news, features, opinion and conversation to benefit people who are often invisible and marginalized in mainstream society and the people who care for them.

Access Press is Minnesota’s Disability Community News source. We have a lived knowledge of disability through our incredibly committed board and staff.

Please give your proudest gift on Give to the Max Day, Nov 18, 2021

givemn.org/AccessPress

We’re for the people living in group homes.

Nursing homes.

Single family homes.

Section 8 homes.

Any homes.

UCare has health plans for everyone.

Get started at ucare.org Call 1-866-457-7144 | TTY 1-800-688-2534 No English 1-800-688-2534

Pg 12