December 1998 Edition - Access Press

I Sentence -

Southern MN Independent Living Enterprises & Services - p. 5

SOURCES

"The future depends entirely on what each of us does every day."

- Gloria Steinem

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State Forced To Pay Interim Assistance

by Marie Richman

Metro MobiliVmForums

.cerns and ideas regarding the.

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With the new &gig in effect; the statutes allw for M U

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Metro Mobility users.

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While rhjs case has been de-

December 10, 1998

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Access Press

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Charlie Smith

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Editor

The federal work incentivelegislation that failed to p a s last October got an added boost two weeks ago when President Clinton announced his support for it. When the legislation was pulled from the budget bill, Democratsand Republicans pledged to bring it up and pass it early next year.

When passed, this work incentive legislationwillmake itpossible for people with disabilities to go to work and keep the health care they need through the State Medioal Assistance prt%P"-

Now we need to make sure the promises are kept. In the January issue we will publish the names and addresses of the people we will need to contact to pass this legislation. This bill will haveamajorimpact on people with disabilities' lives and I believe it could change the way society views disability in the future.

Mary Jane has been the Religion and Disability column coordinator forthe past 5 years.

She first came to ACCESS PRESS in 1993and asked if we would consider areligion column. She has done a greatjob of bringing a variety of viewpoints from a myriad of religious perspectives. We have received many positive calls and letters about the column from itsbeginning. Thank you, Mary Jane, the time flew by Mary JaneSteinhagen and Pete and you did a wonderful job.

Feigal are leaving ACCESS Good luck in the future.

PRESS.

Pete started writing the On Mental Illness column laSt April. He has brought insight and humor to the column. Pete has started a theater company, and in January we'll bring you more details' on what they're doing.

Thank you both for contributing your time and talent to the community that ACCESS PRESS serves. You will both be missed.

Happy Holidaysto everyone.

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C.:xlical Care A

local nurse, Diane Greig, has developed a simple tool to help people keep track of health information. The idea for the Bridgeton Healthways Journal came from her belief that people can best advocate for good health care by keeping track of their own health details.

an important lesson. She accompanied a man to a routine glaucomacheckup. Theman's physician spent extra time reviewing his health records and discovered the man's current prescription eye drops could exacerbate his heart and lung conditions. Thisdoctor wisely looked at the whole person, not just the patient's eyes.

Early in her career coordinat- Because of this experience, ing health services for people Greig increasingly apwith disabilities,Greig learned proached health care in a

'ng Paws

Director Appointed

wholistic manner. Shecame elping Paws tions with her service to respect how attention to dogs and served nine of Minnesota personal health histories is a non-profit orgayears on the Board of helps drive better care. Sim- nization that trains Directors, including ply put, details matter. and places service three as President.

Peterson and her husdogs for persons After returning to the School with mobility related band, Peter Berridge, ofNursing at theuniversity of physical disabilities. served as a fosterMinnesota, Greig found re- In 1986 Jennifer training home for search documenting that im- Peterson, then 2 1, Poohbah, a female mediate access to health infor- was the first person golden retriever inmation improves communica- to receive a service tended as a succestion between patient and phy- dog from Helping sor dog for Alpha. sician, results in better treat- Paws. Twelve years When Peterson rement, and promotes greater re- later, in November ports to work at the spect for the individual in the 1998, Peterson was amointed Peterson'sfirstservicedog was Helping Paws training center ExecutiveDirector.

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ON DISABILITY LEGISLATIVEROUNDTABLE set for January 6,1999

she worked as volunteercoordinator at Couragecenter. She

All disability groups and coalitions are invited to participate. done numerous demonstra-

Roundtable booklet.

people," says Greig. To con-

W: .-elchairs Too Depressing?

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to order a Journal, call [6 121 hetherapy groupC'Karing ery month in the Tulsa area.

884-2633;e-mail: bridgetonhw K-9s" was forbidden to They have participated in the 65 11296-6785VRTY @uswest.net; or check Minnesota's internet disabil- participate in the 1998 Tulsa, Sand Springs Christmas paor 1-800-945-89 13 V/T'TY Oklahoma Christmas parade radeforthelast fouryearswhere E-mail: council.disability @state.mn.us ity directory: directability. because two members work onlookers enjoyed the interacfrom theirwheelchairs. Parade tion with members and the organizers told Karing K-9s dogs. "wheelchairs weredepressing and since this is a Christmas This story is flylng over sevCo-Founder/Publisher (1990-1995) ...................................................................Wm. A. Smith, Jr. parade they would not be a]- era1Internet NewsGroups that EditorIPublisherlCo-Founder..............................................................................

Charles F. Smith lowed." address problems of people Cartoonist Scott Adams withdisabilities. The offended Production ...........................................................................Presentation Images, Ellen Houghton K~ngK-9svisita~~r0ximate'y Tu'sans were at inEditorial Assistant ............................................................................................. Donna McNamara clined to sue the parade orga20 facilities and hospitals evACCESS PRESS IS a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Circulat~onis 10,000,distributed the 10"' of each month through more than 150 locations statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $15/yr.

ACCESS PRESS

.......................................................................................................................

Editorial submissions 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 $14 to $18/column inch, depending on size and frequency. Classified ads are $8.00, plus 35 centsfword over 20 words.

Advertising and editorial deadlines are the 30th of the month preceding publication;special scheduling available for camera-readyart.

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nizer or Public Service Company the parade sponsor, but they have received strong encouragement to fight this silly case of discrimination. The mostcommonechoedreaction worldwide: "Can you believe that someonewould say wheelchairs are depressing in this day and time" and "So much for the Christmas spirit."

Reprinted from on-line.

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Today

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SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION

529-5019

483-9143

C ~ R MEDICAL E ASSISTANCE PROVIDER

Access Press is availableontape. Call MN State Servicesfor the Blind. 65 1 -642-0500or800-652-9000.

Inquiries should be directed to: ACCESS PRESS 1821 University Ave. W. Suite 185N St. Paul, Minnesota 55 104 (65 1 ) 644-2 133 Fax (651) 644-2 136

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December 10, 1998

Access Press

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Stadium Seating And Disability Parking T

Many of us havc hccn [orced to sit in the worst seats in the theatersimply because of poor architcctural design and total indift'crcncc on thc part ofthe

remodeling, the proposed G d e cdntains language which will require wheelchair seating to he no closer then a specified distance from the screen. The distance between the screen

and wheelchair accessible who might be interested in seats will vary depending on authoringorcoauthoringabill. the type and size of the theater. The legislation would address the following points: Disability parking has been in the news quite a bit lately. An -greater control and accountenergetic and committed Uni- ability ofcommercialdisability versity of Minnesota police parkingcertificates; officerrecently confiscated40 *$95,000 to computerize disdisability parking certificates1 ability parking certificate inplacards from individuals who formation; were using them illegally to l i m i t the ability of a non-distake advantage of disability abled person topark a vehicle parking. A couple of Sundays "for" a person with a disabilago, KSTPChannel5 featured ity; an investigative report which menforcement language shall actually confronted some sus- include "traffic enforcement pected abusers. One was a officers"; young man using his grand- *medical evaluations will be parents' car, which had dis- required every six years for ability plates. The driver had individuals with permanent been observed repeated1y park- disabilities, no exceptions; ing all day at various parking disability parking certificates meters without paying the will havealimited number of meter. In another instance, an replacements; individual whoapparently had t h e $12.00 deduction for disa legitimate parking certificate ability plates will be elimiparked his vehicle and carried nated; and three 12-packs of pop several athe bill will contain enabling blocks to his place of employ- language which would allow ment. local municipalities to create permit programs for long-term I wonder what his doctor was parkers. thinking when helshe signcd his disability parking applica- For more specific information

T h e Compassionate Friends, anationwide self-helpsupport organization for those who have experienced the death of a child, invites everyone to light acandle at 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 13, in memory of all children who have died.

This date has been designated

Low-income~innea~olis residents who need help paying their heating bills may be eligible to receive Energy Assistance. Energy Assistance eligibility is based on household income and the number of household members. Mail-in

Children who are Deaf or hard ofhearing can have theirChristmas wish lists heard during a visit with a Signing Santa.

Santas will communicate with children using American Sign Language (ASL) through a special program organized by

Sexual Offense Servicesof Ramsey

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the ~ i n l m t ~oundation a for Better Hearing and Speech.

Signing Santas will be available on six nights during the monthofDecemberatsixTwin Cities areashopping malls and Miller Hill Mall in Duluth. In conjunction with the Signing

appointment at either of the Community Action ofMinneapolislocations:PilotCityRegional Center, 1315 Penn Avenue North; or the South Side Office, 2 104 Park Avenue South.

Patronize your Access Press Advertisers.

Let them know where you heard about them.

They bring you your paper.

Santaappearances,mall bookI stores also are sponsoring ASL storytimes during December and interpreters will be available at two Santabear breakfasts for children. (Contact k* Karen Smigielski, 65 1-2961258.)

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Children's Mental Health Advisorv Council Community Action for Suburban Hennepin Board

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Community Health Services Advisory Committee County Extension Committee Hennapin PIC/Warkforcr Council Human Resources Board Library Board Mental Connnifmsnt Attorney Panel Advisory Board

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S d m Rqiatal ~ Park District Applicatieu deadhe Decenrk 31 Can 612-34&3257, M 612.3485433 or check Hemepin Cormty's web sltr han+&.

htlp://mnw.cdmn~lQpin.nm.us

METROPOLITAN CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT I,IW

The trial judge, Mr. JusticeTedNoble of the Saskatchewan Court of Queen's Bench, explained hisjudgment atthetime hy saying the mandatory 10-year miniilium sentence for second-degreemurder was cruel and unusual punishment.

Latimer said he was disappointed at the iippcal court's decision. He said even if . he must return to prison he believes he did the right thing when he ended his daughter's pa?;* : -<?st? ,,'. '<

applications are also available, and home visits may be arranged for people with disabilities or elderly people. Applicants should call Community Action of Minneapolis as soon as possible for an appointment. Call 335-5837for an

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Latimer has already been to the top court. The conviction inLatimer's firsttrial, in 1994, was overturned by the Supreme Court. He was retried and found guilty again last fall.

The Minneapolis Chapter of The Compassionate Friends welcomes families to join in a community remembrance at 6:45 p.m. at Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4 120 17th

Avenue South in Minneapolis. The evening will feature candle lightings, special readings, poetry, and music from AmericanGramaphonerecording artist Steve Anderson. For recorded information aboutthe memorial call (6 12)586-6000, Access Code 886 1.

Signing Santas

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Latimer's lawyers have already begun theprocess of appealing to the Supreme Court of Canada. Mark Breyford says he'll leave no stone unturned to prevent Latimer from spending the rest of his life in prison.

by the U.S. Senate as National Memorial Children's Day.

1 Energy Assistance Available In MPIS

Latimer Gets ~ i fsentence e 1 T

The court accepted the Crown's argument that the judge in Latimer's second trial last yearerred by grantingaconstitutional exemption from the mandatory sentence. At the same time, it rejected Latimer" appeal for a new trial. While awaitingMonday7sdecision, Latimer had heen free on hail and had hcen working at his farm.

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IN BRIEF. . . .

''~hb1Ed $Cone time, %by did and disability park~nglegislahe continue to have a valid tion, contact the Minneola years, has new St~tgCo?mcilQJI Disability at phone nukberq: or I-800his d i s w m Iongtmexfsted. 631-2!9&67$9 CW) The new 24-hour 945-891 3 (vltty). misis lirie number Council staff has outli-neddisis 65 1 -643-3OQ6, ability parkingissuesthatneed Margot lmdieke Cross is on business line 65 1to be addressed legislatively stuffat the State Council on 643-3022. and is meeting with legislators Disability.

he Saskatchewan Court ofAppeul rejected Robert Latimer's appeal ofconviction and ruled that Latimer must return to prison to serve a life sentence, with no parole for 10 years.

Latimer has admitted he poisoned his severely disabled 12-year-old daughter, Tracy, in Oct., 1993. He said he wanted to relieve her from the pain of her cerebral palsy. Last December, Latimer was sentenced lo a year in the Saskatoon Correctional Centre, plus a year confined to his farm near the town of Wilki

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Memorial Candle Lighting On Dec. 13

by Margot lmdieke Cross =-we *y; he State Department of Administration is going through the regulatory process of adoptinga new access chapter in the State Building Code.

In my opinion, the proposed changes would result in some gains and some losses, but one issue that was addressed in the l l th hour is stadium seating. Stadium seating in theaters is a relatively recent phenomenon. It is where the seats are arranged in such a way that the vertical rise is very steep and one has to go up steps in order to get to a seat. There is usually alimited number of seats in front of the stadium seats, and that is where wheelchair seating is usually located. In thissituation, when the only wheelchair seats available are locateddirectly in front of the stadium seats, they can be as close as 12 feet from the screcn,makingviewingthe film not only uncomfortable, but impossihlc.

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December 10, 1998

4

On Mental Illness

Access Press

Disability Culture

Breaking :

by Peter Feigal

rue story. Thew was this int kid, twelve or thirteen t yearsold,living inasmall town in Minnesota. His family had His favoritewas amode1of the . been struggling in silence for R&Bwon's.blood-red&kker generations with mental ill- triplane, his flagship and most nesslbraindisorders. His per- perfect creation. He lined this sonal strugglehad begun some fleetofairshipsupontheimagi-yearsearlierwithterriblesad- nar)lrunwaysofhisdesk,hokness and fear, with loneliness shlvesa@clothesdrawerand - and a sense that he was differ- d m & dfflyi*f&,faraway. .: ent from everypmelve around him. He had the feeling that he One day his mother simply was not as good, not as smart reached the end of her paas others, that he thought, felt tience. She made her regular and saw the world differently morning trip to his room to than everyone else. At such a convince him to return to oung ige he di$nYthave the school. He just wrapped himocabulary, wisdoln or life self tighter in the sheets and xperiences to make sense out turned his faceaway. Shejoked tlfthisjumbleofpain(andper-.-- ~ i t hhim, pleaded with him, ncitherdidanyoneelse at tickled Iiim, all with no r e me,includingthemedical sponsc., finally, in desperasion), hut he still knew ,tion, she did what she knew oniething was wrang. would get some rcactionoutof him. She picked up the red ith thc increasing despera- triplaneandsmashed itagainst liixh and pain of his dcpres- the wall, breaking it intonthou- A.l'~T'kcamc harder and sand fra$ments. f i e told him, i.~@@ih i:oB1l (n school "If you're not up, dressed and n-tabawe h i s b t q . Hc ready for school within the told his parents that he was next fifteenminutes,I'llcome sick and made excuses tu stay back down and brea$-41 the. home. Hisparentstriedevery- lither ones." Then she went thing they could to cqnvince, upstdir:.Vj-. 'slexd, hribe or threaten .him .~tor31@fiM~l~~chool.

Noth- Hesat foraminute,thengotup ing workedand he staydhome, and got ready for school.Then hardX~.ewerLeavisln his room. he bmk all the rest of his ore-

me. Because I could 10%wh I loved, my hem was always jeopardy. m e n the young abilities, interdependence is a man broke his airplanes, the key survival tool. Sometimes things he loved the most, he we exhibit'this attribute withtmkawaythepo~erhismother out even thinking about it and hadtohurthim. Bydestroying atothertimeswebecomeaware ordiscardingwhatwelovethe of its importance in our lives^ we spend time with eachother, most, we s6iekl&heafls,not only from the'pain of losing build relationships or just e.n~hatwelove,butfromthepaincountersomeoneon the street. ofsimply loving.

Margot Imdieke Cross ofThe Therewereyearsofmy l i f e , h Minnesota State Council On years when I was most de- Disability, says she doesn't pressed and in despair, that I think about it as anything out. had such self-loathing that I of the ordinary. She attended felt 1 didn't deserve any kind- a segregated school for chilness or love, didn't deserve dren with all types of disabilieven friends or family. I did tics. "It was such a wonderful everything I could to chase experience, especially on the away those who loved me: I playground, when there quit jobs 1 liked and deserted weren't any nan-disabled theh~bbiesa~dskiltsthatgaveadults around."' says Cross. measenseofself. Istruckback "Certain people would be at those who lovedme, hurling elected to do this and other themby hurtingmyself,simply people would be elected to do as Rvenge fortheir love. I put that, and it was all based on myself in exile, sentencing whatwecoulddo,notwhatwe myself to a prison of my own couldn't do." making because I felt that was all I deserved. I wanted to be For Joe Ascheman, the Deaf punished for being Weak, for Independent LivingCoordinabeingsensitive,for being lazy, toratTheMetropolitan Center for being all the things that I For Independent Living, unbelieve$everyoneelsethought derstanding interdependence came when he started doing I was.

worker got his attention and dow?an organization for blind toldhim. Then they continued lnen and women, When we would be at conferences toon their way. gether, traveling from one there Sometimes interdependence can take on a humorous bent. w~uldhcOns@ntchatter.

This not aimless conversationOneday Maureen Pranghoffer, who is legally blind, wasdoing It had a very imporant Purlaundry. She shoved a bunch Pose. Even when we weren't specifically givingdirectionto of clothes down the shoot but there were so many One anofher, the constant cagave us they got stuck. She asked her "phony of husband, who has noarmsand infomaionabout~ h e r e o t h ~ ~ o u ~ what m e leg shorter than the other, ~ e o ~ l e i n t h e g r were, if they had a yard stick. He direction they were asked why and when she ex- even what kind lerrain plained her predicament, he might be traveling through. said he could take care of it. the concept Maureen explained, "SO he As We stood up on his longer leg and disabilityculture we need put his short leg in the shoot lookat what values we want and pushed the clothes down. maintain Or discard from the It worked I?ne, but of course dominant (non-disabled) cutwe want once the clothes went down lure. What values theshoot he was stuck with his to b a s on fromOur and short leg down the shoot. SO children with Inn~n-disabled I grabbed bold of his shirt sleeve, but the only thing that terde~endencemay be one of happened was Ipulled his shirt the simplest and clearest exoff. Isaid, 'Ithinkwe'regoing a m ~ l e ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ tohave tocall9 1 l."'Maureen's disability culture that we want hobby was listening to police f o m a i n l @ i n a n d ~ ~ sInters~n. scanners so she saidi "I want de~ndencecanmakeusstronus to to turn my scanner on first ger by because I want to hear how that everyone has somethi-ng 7

lpveand&speration, and Mlbt. 12ndk~renttoschoqI. - andLn thousand sorrows and I pick W lunch for t bstaff* A :i$ach detail was perfs. Ewry that can't gBt one without hurzus, w-hen weemploy &Is pslit was lavished with atten-' :Inmy ownthirty-yearstruggle the othar. I'm trying to 1-fn and lackPand insurance corntionand OW. All the painful widmental i ~ n d m i dmn - ~mmizionsthat h e ~mldm:t 'h J'w&mw&same , thing share with others kere p w r d my& m y times. When I' g&ch

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Community Supports -For People w i t h B r a i n Injuries

HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES

'Wedia-tric R!M 5 u p p 0 r t s Available" Call Kerry Burak o r Susan Howry

(612) .-

a -ti 922-6776

conpkhx a one-way ride a ride

injury who qualify forMediea1 Assistance.

"Nothing is cut and dried in this system," said Jacobson.

"We provide all the rides we can withwhat we'vegot, In the month df October we fidded 473 requests for same day rides, and we were able to place

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Access Press Southern MN Independent Living Enterprises & Services

December 10, 1998

5

Hello Nicole:

DcrrNicdc,

by Alan Augustin

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he Southern Minnesota Independent Living Enterprises & Services (SMILES) isaprivate, nonprofit, community-based Ccnter SorIndependent Living (CIL), whose dircction is determined by and for individuals with disabilities. All ofSMILES' programs, scrvices, and activities are guided hy the principles ol' consllmer control, consumerhased need, equal access, equal opportunity, and full community integration.

As with all CIL's,SMILES offen the I'our basic corc scrvices which include Advocacy, Inforlnation & Referral, PccrCounscling, and Indcpcndent Living Skills Training.

Advocacy is designed fur consulncrs to ohtain support in the areas of housing, triuisporlation, cniploymcnl, civil & constitutional rights, rccrention, and othcr life situations.

Infor~natlon& Referral provldcs options and resources for dealing with decisions regarding indcpcndcncc. Peer Counsclingcmphasizesdirect involvement of persons with disabilities as role models in providing support and independent living services. Inde-

the highest level of independence possible.

In addition to these core services, SMILES CIL offers an array of other independent living services based on consumer need. Our Assistive Technology Assessment Program provides people with comprehensive technology assessments along with options and recommendations in the areas ofdaily living,education, and employment. Our Recreation Program conducts activities such as softball, YMCA day, hiking, sailing, canoeing, and horseback riding. We also provide Independent Skills Training through county contracted programs such as In-Home, Family Support Waivcrcd Services, Scmi-Indcpendcnt Living Sc~viccs(SILS),and Community Altern:ltivcs for Disuhlcd individuals (CADI).

To provide these programs, SMILES haseight full-timeand fourpart-time staff, along with 60 active and dedicated volunteers. SMILES' servicedelivery area is Minnesota Economic Development Area Region IX, which includes the countiesofBlueEarth, Brown, Faribault, Le Seuer, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan. The most current data available shows the region's population to be 222,682; 28,872 of those are people with disabilities.

All of our programs, scrviccs andactivities aredesigned with the tlexitrilty to rneet the specific nccds of people with all types of disabilities. Consuniers are responsible to make thcir own decisions, set thcir own goals, and choose which services, inforriiation, orassistance is most bcnelicial to thcm.

Staff provides the assistance necessary for consumers to achieve their independent living goals.

Ithink it isobscene thatpeople whoqualify for Social Security Disability don't qualify for Medicareuntil 29 months after their eligibility date has been determined. Twenty-nine months is twoandahalfyears!

What are we supposed to do until then'? I suppose they are hoping we will all die off. I have assets over $3,000 so I don't qualify for Medicaid. Even though Iam disabled, I haven't seen adoctorordentistor taken prescription drugs for over two years, even though I should. I can't afford to. I am trying to hang in there until February 1999,when my 29monrhs is up.

As thesystem stands now, it is set up to impoverish the disabled.

I have written to my senators and representatives about this, but they aren't interested in doing anything about changing that 29-month rule. Social Security reform is being looked at by a subcommittee of the U.S. Congress. Are there any organizations for the disabled that are trying to get this 29month waiting period elimiIfyou would like more informa- nated or reduced'? tion about SMILES, please contactusat709SouthFront Sincerely, Discouraged Street, Mankato, MN. 56001.

OurTransition from School to Community Living Program serves secondary students withdisabilities. SMILESprovides this service to 12 school districts in our servicedelivery area. In our Community Education Program, we conduct seminarsandworkshopsona widevariety oftopics to inform other organizations and the Phone:507-345-7139(VATY).

We should be angry and actact-act!

I don't know of any organizationsthat arespecifically working on the 29-month rule for Medicare. I would encourage you to contact the National Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities (202-785-338 1;email: ccd@radix.net) and express yourviews to them.They may have more information, or you may spark their interest in pursuing this injustice. Certainly, a letter to the editor of major newspapers would be a good way to get this issue into the minds of others. You are not the only one affected.

There are many elderly and disabled persons in the same situation of having t o give up their hard earned assets in order to receive aid.

Also, I encourage you to seek out low-cost or no-cost ~iicdical and dental care if you haven't already. (See following question.) The Medicare rules arc really unfair, but your body and hcalth are of highest inlportance to you and those who love you! Perhaps one or these clinics could help.

I haven't been to a dentist in yearsandmy teethare killingme. Are there any no cost/ low cost dental clinics in the Inver Grove Heights area?

Thanks, Crazy after all these years

I couldn't find any in Inver GroveHeights. However, below is a list of low cost/no cost medical and dental clinics in the Twin Cities. Most operate on asliding feescale based on ability to pay. Be advised that some do not offer full dental services. Call in advance and make sure they provide the scrvices you need. For further listingscontact First Call For Help: St. Paul, 65 1-224- 1 133;orMinneapolis,6 12-335-5000.

In St. Paul: Union Gospel Mission, dental clinic free and open to the public; "pull and till" services only: 65 1-292-1721.

Model Cities Health Center: 65 1-290-9200.

-Nicole WestsideComrnunity Health Services: 65 1-222- 1 8 16.

ics.

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METRO

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cont-iromp.G=

in the system," said Linda

imficiewy due to ridesking

Rehabilitative Services physicafi ~>~upationaI /Speech Therapies cnd-all, hut it is the top of thc

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W"%I b~tc;tnes,'.eruiches .

PCA ProviderUrganization

Incontfnentlurologicalsupplies

Waivered ServicedPrivate

GREAT SERVICE & PRICES We offer 24 hr. Emergency Service exclusive& to our regular 20 10~ a s~t i n n e ~ ivenue, n ~ l d#5~ . turned o u ~ 10he wcrc two 10tally d i f k r c n ~tliings,'?said "Thcy had hired a --Wollhrd.

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Minneapolis, MN 554 13

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December 10, 1998

Access Press

Sports Beat

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1 Reliaion & Disabilitv

USA Win

Access:lle Congregations

by Craig McClellan and Luke Pedersen

by The Reverend Barbara Ramnaraine

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eamUSAcapturedthesilver medal at the 1998 World Wheelchair Basketball Championships in Sydney, Australia. There were several Minnesota connections to the team. Team USA wascoached

by Minnesota Rolling Timberwolves playertcoach Deb Sunderman, and consisted of Timberwolves' players Susan Hagel, Josie Johnson, Mary Jo Kittok and ChristinaRipp.

Team USA opened Gold Cup play against the Netherlands, beating them 62-32. Coach Sunderman was worried about the matchup going into the tourney, but the Netherlands had lost acouple players, giving them no chance against Team USA. Johnson scored I I points and grabbed three rebounds. ~ i came ~ off p the bench to score nine and grab two boards. Hagel added two boards and three assists.

Japan was next on the schedule, and gave Team USA all they could handle. Japan led 3 1-29 at half-time, but Team USA outscored the Japanese 29- 1 6 in the second half to secure a58-47 win. Johnson had 12 points, four rebounds and fourassists. Hagel added three

Hagel. "This was one of the hen I was a child in school, I was never door, however, they were confronted by steps chosen for games or sports. I always down into the vestibule and then up into the best teams I've been on, in figured that happened because I was blind. church itself. The women asked the usher who Team USAfacedthehost coun- terms ofteamwork."

Maybeitdidormaybeitdidn't. I'll neverknow stood at the door, "Sir, how are we to get in?" try, Australia, in the semifinals. After posting a shooting Team USA's next competition because I never confronted the issue. I never The usher thought for a moment and then percentage in the mid-forties is in Mexico City, November let anyone know what I could do or what I replied, "I guess God didn't intend you to .: in preliminary play, Team 1999, which is the qualifying needed. worship here this morning."

USA's shooting touch disap- tournament for the 2000 peared against the Aussies. Paralympics. Sydney,Austra- I have been working with the National Organi- In my opinion,God had very little todo zation on Disability (N0D)on theircampaign to scenario. Accessibility depends on believi Australiahelda20-12half-time lia will host the game. identify 2,000 accessible churches and syna- that all of us are beloved children of advantage,and led by 12points **** gogues by the year 2000. NOD is interested in that all of us are welcome in God's house. The with nine minutes remaining.

Then Ripp went on a tear, scor- In the POHI Division (physical the broad spectrum of accessibility- from archi- additional piece for me is that all of us must also ing five baskets in the final or other handicapped impair- tecture to attitudes and communications. Their be willing to work toward full accessibility.

6:5 1, including the game win- ment),Park Center (OsseoArea deepest concern is establishing congregations working toward that goal is far easier and far nerwith four seconds left. The Schools) took home the State which are welcoming to and inclusive of per- more effective from the inside. basketgaveTeamUSAa34-32 ChampionshipTitle,with a3-2 sons who are disabled. NOD has created a victory and a chance to face victory over tournamentfavor- survey that church communities can use to Be willing to persist in teaching the lessons Canadainthegoldmedalgame. ite and previously undefeated document the accessibility changes they have slowly and carefully, over and over again Ripp had 12 points and three ~ h l t e ~ e a r ~ aPark k e Ctrcame . made. The survey can also function as a clear about who you are and what you want and rebounds. Johnson grabbed into the tournamentwith aregu- planning tool. Congregations can use the sur- need. Be persistent, even strident if necessary. four boards and dished out lar season record of 6-2-0. vey results to setgoals forimprovingaccessibil- But most importantly, be there. four assists. ity and then revisit the survey from time to time South Washington County to determine their progress.

The Reverend Barbara Ramnaraine Team USA matched Canada defeated Mounds Viewdinator of the Episcopal Disability Network. lrL shot for shot in the first half, Irondale-Roseville 6-5 to win I have come to believe that persons and led 29-28 at half-time. the State title in the MH (men- with disabilities must begin to take Then, Team USA went icecold tally handicapped) Division. responsibility in their church orsynafrom the field, shooting a dis- Once again the tournament top gogue for accessibility. No good sitmal 12.5percent in the second seed was knocked off in the ting in the pew or standing outside 6 looking at the steps. We must prod half. Canada pulled away for championship game.

HOME HEALTH CARE Z the congregation intomakingthe renothe 54-38 win and the gold Home Care Services medal. Ripp scored 12 points Mounds View-Irondale- vations we need. We must ask to be Available 24 hours per day and hauled in nine rebounds. Roseville entered the tourna- included as participants in the serJohnson added nine points, ment with aperfect9-0-Orecord. vice. Wemust identify ourministries six boards and two assists.

South Washington County and skills and volunteer our time and Specializing in the care of Children*Adults*Elderly was 8-1 -0 during the regular energy where they can be used.

We provide Personal Care Assistants Home Health "Canada played how we ex- season. * * * * pected. We just didn't make I recently heard a story which my Aides Homemakers Live-in Caregivers Nursing winning handily, 49-24.

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December 10, 1998

Access Press

Opportunity Partners Nonprofit has helped hundreds of people with disabilities live more independently

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Back in 1953, few people thought Russell Hedenberg could ever work in the communitv a or contribute to sociefy.

Russell had spent his childhood in special schools and as a young adult lived at the Cambridge Regional Treatment Center. Then his family heard about a new program for adults with developmental disabilities -- it was called Opportunity Workshop.

Opportunity Workshop, (Now called Opportunity Partners,) started in a small, six-room house in Richfield.

Russell, and 14 other adults

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Opportunity Partners' packaging center were the first they ever had.

Russell's sister, Dorothy Koch, said joining Opportunity Partners was a turning point for her brother. "Up until that time, he had nothing to do,'' she said. Russell now works a job in the community, rides the bus, goes to loves to sing and has a large music collection. "If he hadn't had O ~ ~ o r t u nPartners, it~ he'd just be sitting around by himself," adds Dorothy.

Through Opportunity Partners, Russell and bundreds of other individuals, have gained work experience and learned important social skills which have lead to greater independence. The center-based work programs

Diane Pommer, left, one of six clients who have been with Opportunity Partners since its founding in 1953. Marna and others were recently honored at OP's Fall Success Celebration. The event was sponsored by Wagner Spray Tech.

sonal development and employment services help people with disabilities gain new skills to lead more productive and independent lives.

As part of the celebration of its 45th anniversary, Opportunity Partners recently honored Russell and five others who were with the organi-

very satisfying for Diane. "Her whole life was really enriched," Helen noted. "she became more interested in what was going on."

When Diane started with the organization in 1953, there were few alternatives.

"I looked everywhere for contacts to be able to enrich .

Denis Dufresne, Marna skills training and worked

"Opportunity Partners was

probably the best thing tha ever happened to him," she than the conventional wisdom

tion that helps more than

For Russell, and many other clients, the jobs at

throughout the metro area. agement to use his abilities."

chance to work together at a community business, under the supervision of an Opportunity Partners staff.

Established in 1953 as Opportunity Workshop, Opportunity Partners provides adults with developmental disabilities or brain injury opportunities for employment, residential services and personal growth.

Our wide array of programs means we can personatize services to every individual.

Employment Services More than 300 businesses have employed people through Opportunity Partners.

food preparation, grocery shopping, communications skills and much more.

Healthy habits promoting good exercise and personal grooming.

People gain work skills in a positive supportive environment at several Opportunity Partners packaging and assembly operations.

Personal 'Development Opportunity Partners' personal enrichment and residential care programs ensure people remain as self-sufficient as possible, and make the most out of life.

Activities in the classroom and the community help people learn about:

Residences Opportunity Partners' residential programs serve approximately 200 people.

A third are served through semi-independent living programs enabling them to live independently with some assistance. Six residences, responding to varying levels of independence, are located throughout the Twin Cities area.

For more information about Opportunity Partners, call 612-938-551 1 TTY: 612-930-4293

Community services like the YMCA, the library, public transportation, and for those age 55 or older, senior centers.

Supported employment teams give peo-

1953

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Opportunity Workshop Founded by a graug of parents at a h l ( l house in RMfield. ,15 people were served.

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1959

seven people are placed in competitive community jobs.

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1967

Opportunity Workshop programs expanded to several sites. 200 people are served.

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1 972 Residential Services started with the opening of the Clara Doerr Residence.

Access Press

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#ew business partnerships

outstanding job performance.

Dale Solem is one of six SET members workina at

job opportuniti .ore

containers ViroMed. beakers and Dale and other washe: getstesting them

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Ask Greg Tidd how the Opportunity Partners Supported Employment Team (SET) is working in the d i r o M e d lab he supervises, 3nd you'll get an unequivocal

ny had a ?hank you" pizza party where each of the SET workers was presented with a certificate in recognition of

example, if the caps on the test tubes are too tight, the cells inside die and the sample is ruined."

In addition to the expanded job skills, Allison is also pleased with the increased opportunities for adults with disabilities to interact with others. "The SET is great

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alongside other ViroMed employees. Clients love it,

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Dale Solem at work at ViroMed. Opportunity Partners' Supported Emplmyment Team (SET) at ViroMed Is one of 16 community employment SETs

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"lt's excellent," says Greg ho manages ViroMed's Sterilization room. "It really has taken a load off our other employees to have someone here who can do this job with minimum supervision."

Eden Prairie-based ViroMed is nationally recogm i z e d for its medical testing in the areas of virology, serology, molecular biology, microbiology, biocompatibility and toxi:ology. Opportunity Partners -started the ViroMed SET in k c t o b e r , 1997, one bf several

w.7-SET workers, that the compa-

ready for reuse. . ,."Dale is perfect,for this .. loD9.' tireg. cOulan-r have asked for a better fit for this lab. He is so conscientious, , ,he always ,__ _ _ wants . _ _ _to_ mow now ne can Improve and do things better. He does a heck of a job." .. ,. , In vlromea-s Hrmymavy room, SET worker uav~a "-- -" Pribble gets samples ready testing removing tops and rubber stoppe-!rs worn '--. vials with a tweezers and then n----..-%upporrunlry n-A rartners. puts them back into their _ _ , _ ,- .,. .,,_ -.__ _ "We need more SETS to In vlroMea'issue get clients working in the Culture Lab, other SET workcommunity and to provide ers tighten. ,vials, flip racks , . .. . of. mdre employment choices for ruDes on rnelr slaes ana pur them," she says. "Because them into incubatcITS. -ViroMed is so different from David enjoys WOrklng at ViroMed -- because .- '---- he sees it . - our other SETs, it allows us to expand the job skills 0 f ' o ~ r as a srep up rrorn n s prevlous clients." job. "I like this job better," says

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_ Hllison naDerle sa , , ,- -: v r w w a ae, I 1s significant I I-,

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~ eorr a~ Is ana prmaes clients with jobs in medical testing, a new area for

cedures " notes Allison. "For

h~ Metro l Services helps survivor of brain injury get back in the community It's Tuesday morning at the West St. Paul library and Tony Prottsman is browsing the internet.

Tony, a survivor of brain Enjury, does a search for information relating to golf, and has over a million entries to choose from. He checks out the PGA web site and finds out which golfers are the top10 leaders.

Up until recently, it had been 10 Years since Tony had been in a library.

'I wouldn't go out as much before because it was so hard

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1977.. Opportunity Workshop's main facility moved to its present location in Mipnetonka.

The new site accommodates 500 people.

Tony Prottsman

to arrange transportation:' says Tony who uses a wheelchair.

Thanks to generous grants and gifts to Opportunity

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1980 Clara ~ d e r r Residence expanded to include the adjoining , Lindley Hall.

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Partners' Van Fund, Tony now goes to the library every week with TBI Metro Services' Community Integration Service (CIS). Gifts from numerous foundations, corporations and individuals enabled ty Partners to ree vans, including one with a lift that Tony uses, Grants, gifts and the proceeds

1985 Ongoing training and support for people living on their own is provided with the new Semi-Independent Living Services Program.

of a benefit concert paid for the van. Before CIS got the lift van, Tony couldn't join the other program participants on trips into the community. "Now I feel a lot more like I'm just one of the boys," he jokes.

In addition to the trips to the library, the lift van enables Tony to join the CIS group for their weekly volunteer work with the St. Paul Red Cross and to make other trips. "It makes it more possible for me to be in the community," says Tony. "It's very good to have the van. I appreciate it."

1989.. TBl Metro Services created to assist survivors of brain injury.

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1 99 1 Three new group homes established: Gunderson Place, LaVine Place and MacGregor Place.

Jon Thompson Jon Thompson began work NOV.16 as President of Opportunity Partners.

Jon is no stranger to Opportunity Partners, or the people we serve.

Jon has been involved with people with disabilities since he was a teenager in Faribault. "Iwas a volunteer in high school at the Faribault Regional Treatment Center," recalled Jon. "That's how I got interested in the field."

Jon's mother, Dorothy Thompson, was one of the first supervisors of Opportunity Partners' Clara Doen Residence. She was instrhmental in th43 SMcess of Clara b r r and helped OP expand its residential services to other sites.

Jon has extensive leadership experience with more than 20 years in the fields of

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new CEO

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includes work as Chief Operat~onsOfficer for the Volunteers of America': Health Services, Regional Director with Ernst & Wh~nney'slong-term care consulting services, and severa1 management positions w~thoperators of nursing homes and health care facili-

that provides employment, personal development and get to see the whole spectr of what is possible for an in \#!dualto achieve."

Jon is also encouraged the cooperation he sees between government funder and service providers.

"I think we have an unprecedented atmosphe

Jon has a diverse background with two bachelor's

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degrees in special education and business administration.

a

Prior to coming to Opportunity Partners, Jon was Chief Executive Officer of the Hammer Residence. H~ was instrumental in the growth 01 Hammer Resibduring the past seven years.

His other experience

Certified Public Accountant.

Jon is excited about his new job at Opportunity Partners.

"Working at OP is a wonaetiul chance to be involved in all aspects of providing services to people with disabilities,'' he said. "At an aaencv

ees2abllltles, not their disabilities:' Ray said, Ray spent 20 years in sales before changing to a career in human services. "I came to a stone wall in sales:'

ready

ple with disabilities. There a things thaf appear possible . that Inever would have with all our partners, we have the chance to move ahead and create unprecedented new pr~@Cts."

T -

ed this year's award,

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Association, Job Placement The award was presented at the group's annual fall conference in October in "I was totally taken abad: White said when he learned he had won the award. "It was like, why me? This job takes such a team effort."

Robert Reedy, now an

â&#x201A;Źhe many 'instances where they "Service planners and case cou~nsekrshave commented to

ime Ray assisted a group nf

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opportunit Residence, a 4-person

services into Anoka

its diverse array of services. Karlins Center