August 1996 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

"The ADA represents America at its best. "

Support Local Organizations - p. 2

Press 6 Years Since ADA Passage Has It Made A Difference? YES!

by Wendy S. Brower

Senate Candidates On The Issues

This Month: ~ r a n s ~ o r t ~ t&i oEmployment n In this second installment of Our firsf question, concernour series of questions direct- ing TRANSPORTATION, ed to the candidates for U.S. reads as follows: Senate, ACCESS PRESS, in conjuncion with VOICES "Transportation services for FOR DlSABILITY RIGHTS people with diabilities are (a Minnesota political aidion closely tied to the level and committee dedicated to ex- scope of services which are pressing and advocating for provided to nondisabled peothe issues and concerns of ple via regular route services. people with disabilities), will be focusingon issuesof JOBS "Would you support stronger policies and a more compreand TRANSPORTATION. hensive accessible public Since last month, two of the transportation system for evcandidates, Bert McKasy and eryone? And would you s u p John Herman, have decided port a stronger, more oomprenot to continue their cam- hensive paratransitsystemfor paigns. So we will be hearing people with disabilities who this month fiwn Senator Paul cannot ride regular public Wellstone,the DFL candidate; transpo6onT' Dean Barkley, the Reform Party candidate; and the three The EMPLOYMENT quesremaining Republican candi- tion is: dates:Rudy Boschwitz,Monti I "The unem&ment rate for people with dieidities is Moreno, and Steve Young. clow to. 75%. Tlris i s m

even though millions of dollars are spent each year in training and education. "Would you support stronger -.

work incentives for people with disabilities so that we would not lose valuable medical coverage and b u s i n g subsidies as a result of anployment? And would yau support the reinstatement of the Targeted Job Tax Credit for employers who hire qualified individuals with disabilities?'' ASwedid bmnonth, we asked the candidates to keep their responsesbrief, alteinpting tb keep the focus on philosophies and ideas rather than legislatian. Once qh, we printed their-= exactly as we meived them.

As I write this on July 26th, 1996, I am reminded that today's date marks the sixth anniversary of passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Today 49 million Americans -that's one in five-celebrate being welcomed into the American mainstream.

people with disabilities when designing buildings, and employers have improved their hiring policies. Grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, banks, movie theaters and other places where the public is welcome are becomiq "& ability-friendly".

Six years ago 1 was at the White House when President Bush signed the ADA into law. It was a spectacular day

Executive director of OPTIONS, Center for Independent Living in East Grand ~orks years

'.'

ability. Hardly a day goes by when I don't hear about some school superintendentoremplqa=

l u c h money. It sounds Sike thev'resavin~thatwoplewith pensive in today's economy. It feels like people with disW e s are to blame.

I say that's a lot of hooey! A national group, the AdvZsory. Commission on Intergovernplace of business. kt [a ,'i.mental Relations, of which Minnesota, with a large &r Arne Carlsan is a ing population of e l k 4 ,wants to modify &a 1% people, most realize that' weaken it. Their prok . $fs!Jiplain good business jsa4iiS.Q-muetoast's way the national press c&, t crowd was mostly cmprisad tp their places accessi- torebet ofaverage folks fiom all pam bk. dPhs)e is still a ways to equality. started to smart and creative ones v&h of the country -many were m b u waving American flags. opein m m l e with vision, address these issues disabilities." head-on. Until that remarkable day ' w b ;the ADA became the The Americans with D&&sLikethe Ho~kinsSchool Dislaw o f & hd, people with ities Act is more than a law; h f $id. disabilities were a b d very is asymbol that saysto people limited opportunities. Frank- with disabilities, "Welcome Recendy I p b d one of the ly, people with disabilities abdstd, come join us." This statk7s&cessibilityssyrertsto found it difictilt, or impossi- feels very different from the tell me which scko0l W c $ ble, to do m e of the most days when people with dis- in Minnesota is doing the be& basic, day&-day things that abilities were shut out, hid- jobwhen it comesto the AD& almost everyone else takes for den away in institutions, and She quickly responded, "The granted;simplethings likeget: stigmatized. The future with best is Hopkins." ti& an education, landing a the ADA will be a whole lot jab,finding a home, going to better than the bad old days I wondered why, so I spoketo a inovie, eahg, at a restau- before it. the district's SWADA coorrant, riding the bus, or particdinator. ipating in a civic event. Evch though the ADA is law, the struggle for freedom and Shetoldm~Wehavewofked Sixyears have passed and I'm dignity continues. ' had to create a belief system o h a h d y"Has the ADA and vision for e d n d o n in made I difference?" The ADA and other laws that . Hopkins schoolsthat incfudes empowerpeoplewithdisabil- ALL students. When we run Without hesitating for a sin- ities are under constant attack into snags along the way, ingle moment, my answer is from special interest groups, evitably tied to resources of "Yes." the media and pliticians. So ose form or another, we have 'far, much of the debate over that foundation of belief and Due to the ADA our commu- different ways to balance the vision to hll back on. It's nity now seriously considers national budget is focused on. . important to be intentional the rights of people with dis- program cuts that will have a about the goal of inclusion." abilities in school settings, severe impact on familiesand ardtiteeag now think W t individuals &&ed by dism t . an g.5

~ u ~ u'10,1996 st

.AccessPress

Stroke Victim Develops New Upcoming Fundraisers Isupport These Organizations! Grab Bars er their support of Saturday, August 31 at the enter by collecting Crown Roller Mill. Call 5215692 or 1-800-290-2428 for registration form and updates. though they've been around

ignificant amounts STARLIGHT BALL

A M U STARLIGHT ~ BALL, a benefit and recognition of are Title lV ofthe Americans with Sub- Disabilities Act. Stillwater, Minnesota had the distributor, C. R. Laurence of es. idea of adapting the bar for Los Angeles, which markets alternative communication

plained. "Later, when travel- market his unique lighter- by calling (612) 439-8028 in apre~setcome,m,ngagamst ing, I realized that most hotels weight personal model. the Twin Cities area Or other canoeists and the clock. You are cordially invited to and motels do not have grab 1-(800)-542-5076. Two-person teams, individuals attend the 1996 Minnesota and families, at all skill levels, Masquerade and Silent Aucare encouraged to register for tion to raise funds forthe Minthis event. Prizes will be nesota Association of Comawarded in a variety ofclasses. munity Theaters. Dancing, costumes, entertainment, hors Registration fee is $35 per ca- d'oeuvres, with special guest noe or $25 for solo canoeists, ofhonorJoeDowling,Guthrie with all prciceeds going to the Theater artistic director. Courage Center. Participants

METROPOLITAN COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEAR1N.G ON THE METRO MOBILITY FOUR-DAY RESERVATION DEMONSTRATION PROJECT

bA~E

Public hearings are scheduled as follows:

I I

Comments may also be submitted as follows:

'Send written comments to: Tom Vida, Metro Mobility Service Center 245 East Sixth Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55 101 Fax comments to Mr. Vida at 221-901 5 Record comments on the Council's Public Comment Line at 29 1-6536. TTY comments t o Mr. Vida's attention at 221-9886. E-mail comments to: data.center@metc.state.mn.us.

Comments must be received by Wednesday, September 25,1996.

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Wednesday, September 11,1996, Noon Minneapolis Convention Center Room 102 1301 Second Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota

All interested persons are encouraged to attend the hearing and offer comments. People may register in advance to speak by calling Dawn Hoflher, 221-1932 or 221-9886 (TTY). Upon request, the Council will provide reasonableaccommodationsto persons with disabilities. Special accommodations should be requested by August 26, 1996.

SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION

The Metropolitan Council will hold two public hearings to receive public input regarding the Metro Mobility four-day reservation demonstration project. The project began July 1, 1996 in an attempt to curb the rising number of tfip denials and canceled trips that were adversely affecting the Metro Mobility program.

Monday, September 9,1996,6 pm. Metropolitan Council Chambers Mears Park Centre 230 East Fifth Street St. Paul, MN

nication abilities. Title IV of the ADA represents all people's right to fully communicate in our society. The benefit supports the "Communication for Kids Program," ELF (an equipment loan fund), anc helps children and adults pw chase communication equipment. The ball will be held at Zuhrah Shrine Center, 2540 Park' Ave. So., Mpls, MN, Funds cont. on p. 4

I I

ACCESS PRESS ................................................................

Co-FounderlPublisher (1990-1995) Wm. A. Smith, Jr. EditorlPublisherICo-Founder Charles F.Smith Cartoonist , Scott Adams Presentation Images, Ellen Houghton Production , Jeff Nygaard Staff Writer & Editorial Assistant ACCESS PRESS is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities b Access Press, Ltd. Circulation is lO.000, distributed the 1 0 . of each month through more than I 20 ?oations statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic leaden. Subscriptions are available for S151yr.

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Editorial submissiorrs and news releases on topics of interest to persons with disabilities, or persons serving those with disabilities, are welcomed. Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $1 1 to SlS/column inch, depending on size and frequency. Classified ads are $7.00, plus 35 centslword over 20 words. Advertising and editorial deadlines are the 30th of the month preceding publication; special scheduling available for c a k ~ r e a d yart.

Access Press is available on tape. Call MN State Services for the Blind, 642-0500 or 800-652-9000. Inquiries should be directed to: ACCESS PRESS 3349 University Ave. S.E. Minnesota 55414 (612)379-0989 Fax (612) 379-2730

Minneapolis,

SENATOR PAUL

Response to question I: part-time hours. Often, em- Mr. Boschwitz gave the folPeople with disabilities have ployment leads to the loss of lowing response forbothques- Here is some infomation t~ BYPRE-REGISTEWG, vat- ABSENTEE BALLOTS fo told me about their transporta- benefits and services, leaving tions:

can be fblly part of them. We experience. However,atatime to protect these Americans should allow those who can, to of limited resources I believe fmm discriminationinemployuse the regu~arroute system we should focus on breaking men^ and to guarantee them

other voters may call county auditor for referral

New Numher For Relay.Sewice

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choice and vouchers using the charged with providinghealth ing. It is important tare privatemarkettoallocateser- insurance coverage, they . ber that the level of unemvicesarsthe best answer to the would be m m likely to hire ploymentwill decrease@new

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August 10,1996

Access Press

I Reli~ion& Disabilitv

H.ello Nicole:

T k t All May Stay Outside arepudiation of h to the problems of nes and white canes. dition to leading the semfrom California, in tions with Ghost m inistrators about

time does not make it less of a bias. minority. Anyone in a minority

. down a stream designated as a Ghost Ranch community to One such facility i d h o s t " iver"? design productswhich are aesRanch, a Presbyterian conferthetically pleasing and fit the

ued inthe worM. L a

themexactly whatthestorymeant it's simply a fear of the unknown

- Nicole

- .Question P Complain Wrifa80 Nicole: Cam a

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Do You Say That I Am?" Beginning with extensive Bible study, we explored various views of who people with disabilities are: to the church, to society and, often most revealingly, to themselves. As we

ticipate more completely- in Ghost Ranch life, as visitors, seminarparticipants,teachers, volunteers, or staff. Manley Olson is a member of the Disability Concern Com-

with disabilities in the Bible, religious writing, movies, music, church policy and practice, and our own life experiences, we focused on the

Twin &ties ~ r e a a n dojthe leadership team of Presbyter i a d o r Disabilities Concerns of the Presbyterian Church (USA). He can be reached at

or allowed to be used. We also an ac

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You must have a computer, a modem and communication software. You do not need an internet provider. Use it to email to other people from Minnesota.

55404 on Friday, September sensational silent auction, a 20th, 7:30pm to 11:00 pm. full dinner, special guests and

Yourself612-497 Williams at MCI

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IDIMENET, a national computer networking Isystem, provides access for communications and information sharing among individuals involved in the disability rights and the independent living movement.

I I

DIMENET is committed to the concept of universal access. his system is DOS based and is compatible with any software packag

You may download the instruction manual or you may request a copy from MCIL at the address listed below. This toll free number is funded b the Mn Statewide Independent Living Cou F n on connecting to DIMENE contact MCIL 1600 University Avenue West, Suite #16, St. Paul, Minnesota 55 104-3825

HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroom apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. We have apartment buildings in a variety of locations in Twin Cities Metropolitan area plus Mankato, St Cloud, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Austin and Marshall. New apartment buildings are under construction in Willmar and Duluth. Apartments are fully wheelchair accessible, and each has a central laundry room, large community room, secured entry, onsite caretaker. h 1 also provides shared personal care services on a 24 hour basis at

I most locations for adults with a physical disabilitv andlor traumatic I brain iniuw who aualifv for Medical Assistance. .. -

19th Annual Benefit. The eventwill be held on Saturday evening, September 28, 1996 at the Music Box Theatre in Minneapolis. Peter Ostroushko, one of the country's finest and fiddle players, and Dean Magraw, . whose innovative guitar playing weds folk and jau into a new art form. will .be the featured performer

The event also features a live auction featuring a canoe donated by Bell Canoe Works, and many other items.

rental information call Dora at (612)645-7271 or

to reserve your space.

August 10,1996

Access Press

On Mental Illness

Life Goes On

Consumers Advocating For Themselves

Kirby P'uckett, Graceful Hero by LeAnne Dahl

by Dgan Abraham A s consumersofmentalhealth services,wemust stick together and unite for advocating on our behalf. This is vital so that our causes and concerns are heard and acted upon. Consumeradvocacy can come about in many forms. We need a strong voice for society to listen andto realize that weare people too. Anything less is being cheated all the way around. There are many ways to advocate for our needs. Hooking up politically is of course one major way of advocating. Writing politicians, meeting with them and developing a rapport is vital so that our case is clear and everyone knows what has to be done to help advance consumer advocacy.

lives and COnCerns-

obtain help for our sause.

So consumer advocacy takes on many forms. Advocating is something that is vital for our present lives and our- hture 'lives. Tejoin forceswith each other gives us more of a voice and more clout. We are all working for the same goals, so consumer advocacy should be a team effoi by all. The bottom line is if we continue this course, we will get there in time. If a professional is afraid to go the extramile, then that person does not care. To educate Dylan Abraham isfLom Madprofessionals about what we ison, where he is active with go through is vital for us and the Alliancefor the Mentally I11 (AMI). He hm made over our health. 300 presentations on mental consumer advocacy is grow- illness, ooften shares informaing stronger all the time. Many tion on his struggles with of us are making a difference schizophrenia, and recently and will make a difference as won a national award porn time goes on. Being on panels NAMI (National AM)for his or interviewed by the press is dedicated advocacy work also excellent for promoting consumer advocacy. People (Reprinteddfi. the "Mental read about what a person is or Health Advocate" a publicahas gone through and they tie- tion of the Alliance for the come more educated about Mentally Ill of Minnesota) what mental illnessis all about.

Advocating to the people who treat us is also important. Professionals must realize we are people who are in need and deserve what others in society have. Professionals must be. aware ofthe tough life many of us have had over the years. They have to be sensitive of our needs and respond to our needs.

,Overthe years, I have been in touch with many politicians about issues concerning mental illness. Many ofthem have been very open and appreciative of my efforts and have backed me up as other politicians have backed up other .as well. p-ie Standing up for our rights on an individa basis is the purOver the last ten years, politi- est form ofco~lsumerdvoca-. . . . --

wide. There

----

most fans, 1 was really saddened to learn that he had to retire because of vision problems. Kirby retired with all the grace that you might have expectedonly he could have. I admire his way of showing love and concern for his teammates by reassuring them that he will be around to encourage them when the going gets tough. One could tell that he was really being genuine as he looked adoringly at his wife Although my husband grew and spoke about having more up in a family that is very time to spend with her and sports-minded, he does not sit their children. glued to the tube focevery game. He enjoyswatchingthe Kirby's statement about there Twins every now and then. If being a reason for everything, he tires of my asking the same even his glaucoma, is aphilosstupid questions, he never ophy 1 happen to adhere to. complains. I still have trouble Without sounding like a mainly keeping the plays Pollyanna, I wish to express straight. my optimism about the good that'sgoingtoresultfromthis. Youcan understand, then, why First ofall, it's alreadybrought I never had any sport figures much awareness and educathat I really looked up to -that tion of what this eye condition is, until Kirby Puckett. Like

lmustadmitthatwhen itmmes to understanding baseball and football, my I.Q. is zilch. AS teenager, I didn't live close enough to school to get to any ofthe sportingevents. My dad was too busy working to follow baseball, or any sport, so as a result sports was never a topic of conversation. When we did get a TV set, 1 do remember him enjoying watching wrestling.

AT HOME, LTD.

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I THE CHOtCE IS YOURS I

And still, there b e some people who think that the ADA doesn't reallyhelppeoplewith disabilities. That it is simply a lawyer's dream come true because ADA lawsuitsare flooding the courts. Well, in reality there have been very few lawsuits. Anyway, I say to business, "You can avoid litigation altogether. It's remarkably simple. Here are my top two suggestions: 1) Stopwhining and just do it, and; 2) involve people with disabilities as partners to help you figure out what works." Everyone benefits from the ADA. Remember, disability is a natural part of life; it affectsjust about every family at one time or another. And, if a person lives longenough,they will ultimately face some form of disability, The disability club doesn't discriminate against anyone -all can join, regardless ofgender, age, race, sexual orientation or economic status. Just ask any parent of a disabled child; children ofan aging parent; President .Reagan's press secretary, Jim Brady; America's favorite

I feel that somehow we will be seeing Mr. Kirby Puckett around quite a bit-because he will let his LIFE GO ON to be full and productive. His life has purpose and meaning. Kirby is someone that I consider to be one of my new hems. -

Collectables & Antiques

Secondly, with Kirby and his wife both being interested in helpingchildren,1believethat they will somehow be involved in programs sufiounding youngsters of all ages. They are not about to allow Kirby's glaucoma to interfere with their lives tothe point that it will become adisruptive disability.

A I

good people makiig a statement as well. '%-*ho me trying and, heat Call to gel senric;e9 for yourself or &neon& have done many good things i&' of mental illness ... or to work with our dienl% as a Ff2A to promote our needs and our ow& a 6ay6ay&bis We serve the seven county metro ama. advocacy. This is a vital area is certainly a way to give soci- (!3ee Classified). Pat Anderson, for consumers to approach to ety a wake up call on our daily.

ADA

is and how it affects people. It may save many people from blindness, if caught in time. (Unfortunately,it'stoo late for my mother, who has suffered from glaucoma for over thirty years.)

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