December 2010 Edition - Access Press

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Inside: ■ Cafe action delayed - pg 3 ■ Dogs on the wing - pg 7 ■ The play’s the thing - pg 10

H i s t o r y

N o t e

“If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there’d be peace. ”

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— John Lennon (1940 - 1980)

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Volume 21, Number 12

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

December 10, 2010

Saying it to their faces

Former institution residents hear long-awaited apology

by Bret Hesla A written apology is nice. A spoken apology is a human connection.

In May, the Minnesota Legislature passed a resolution that officially apologized to people who received mistreatment while living in state institutions in the last century. Two dozen former residents of Minnesota state hospitals and their supporters gathered in St. Paul this fall to hear the state’s apology in person, and talk about their lives since leaving the institutions.

The apology ceremony took place at the annual meeting of Advocating Change Together (ACT), at Black Bear Crossings in St. Paul. Sen. John Marty (DFL-Roseville) and Rep. Karen Clark (DFL-Minneapolis) were on hand to give the apology in person.

For Ken Bachman, one-time resident of Cambridge State Hospital, it was important to

hear someone say it to his face.

“I glad I lived to see this day,” said Bachman. He pointed out several friends and fellow residents from his days long ago when he was living in the institution. “That guy there,” he said, “he was in Cottage Eleven with me. There are a lot of us left.”

Kicking off the program, Marty faced the honored guests, a group of more than 20 former residents of state hospitals, as he spoke. “I just want to say, as a member of the Senate, as somebody who offered the apology resolution, I want to say on behalf of the state, we’re sorry. We did some things that were bad …. A lot of you suffered from the harm that was done. And it’s time to say, before we can move on, we want to say we’re sorry.”

Each former resident was also invited to speak. Passing around the hand-held microphone, the guest took turns

coming to the front of the room to share. The many horrible stories of their past mistreatment stood out in stark contrast to the lives these same people are living today. “I did not like it in Cambridge,” said Melissa Metzdorf of St. Paul, “because they hit me with a whip and they treated me so badly, and I did not like it at all.”

Patty Ann Wallace of Duluth recalled getting her head slammed on the floor. “I didn’t like how the staff were mistreating us…with cruel behavior and violent behavior towards us. They treated us like animals. They didn’t treat us like human beings. And I was telling them, ‘Stop doing it and let us be.’ And they took my head and hit me on the floor. Real hard. And picked me up and rolled me across the room. And they put me down on the floor on my stomach, and they pushed me down on

my spine. I got a damaged spine. I still can’t keep my head up straight very good because of the abuses.”

Like Marty, Clark focused on the future. “The other part of the resolution that’s really important is that we’re saying that in the future, we’re going to make sure we don’t make this same kind of bad mistake again. … we are committed to making sure that any future services offered to people with disabilities be offered in the least restrictive manner . We’re very serious about that, and will help provide the resources for that,” she said.

ACT’s Remembering With Dignity program has been working since 1994 to shed light on the stories of past mistreatment, mark the anonymous graves of those who died Larry Lubbers, a former resident of Faribault State Hospiin state institutions, and get tal, travels all over the state speaking about self-advocacy.

He is one of the people honored by ACT. the state to apologize.

Photo courtesy of ACT “We felt that for this apolApology - cont. on p. 13

Disability and aging advocates share issues, ideas Both groups strategize for upcoming legislative session

by Jane McClure Working together on a wide range of issues will serve Minnesota’s disability and aging communities well during what is expected to be a challenging 2011 legislative session. Representatives of more than 50 groups met Nov. 29 in St. Paul to share ideas and strategies. The 2011 Minnesota Legislature convenes Jan. 4.

Participants agreed that the two populations have a number of shared issues and can unite to educate state lawmakers this session. Panelists discussed key issues as well as effective strategies to meet with lawmakers. With so many new state representatives and senators, the early part of the session will be a time to get people up to speed on issues that affect the state’s elders and people with disabilities.

“If ever we had a legislative

session where we need to get together in a coordinated fashion, this is going to be it,” said David Hancox of MCIL. One overriding concern many panelists cited is the tight budget situation at all levels of government and how that will affect key programs and services.

“Too many people are reacting instead of working on (the basis of) information,” said Anne Henry of the Minnesota Disability Law Center.

She and others said that is why it’s important to educate lawmakers early on about how programs and service actually save the state money.

There are “daunting tasks” ahead at the state and federal levels, Henry said. Senior citizens and people with disabilities have many shared values and a lot in common to work toward, which will be helpful in lobbying and self-advocacy efforts. She cited the commitment to respectful, competent

care, promotion of self-direction and quality community living as being among the issues that are priorities.

Patti Cullen of Care Providers said that everyone will be approached about looking at ways to ease regulatory burdens. She and John Tschida of Courage Center said lob-

“I think these are situations where we can ask for the same things but outline our unique issues,” said Mike Weber of Volunteers of America (VOA).” byists and self-advocates need to be cautious of that mantra.

Tschida noted that what is called “reform” may just be financial cutting. Cullen added that rather than focus on regulations there needs to be a focus on cost-effective ways to provide services.

Both communities need to watch for some key reports coming out of state agencies soon (see related story on page 14) and how those will have an impact, Tschida said.

Another priority will be mental health issues and the need to more fully integrate mental health into the health care system. “It’s become abundantly clear to us that people with disabilities and seniors don’t have access to acute care mental health benefits,” Henry said.

“The holes in the mental health system are very evident,” said Patti Cullen of Care Providers. A growing number of elderly people are developing mental health issues and more needs to be done for them.

The personal care attendant (PCA) cuts of 2009 especially have affected people with mental health and behavioral issues, and many are at risk of

termination of services in July of 2011.

“I think these are situations where we can ask for the same things but outline our unique issues,” said Mike Weber of Volunteers of America (VOA).

One is support for a wide array of home and community-based services that save money and provide flexibility. A second is to promote the idea of “communities for a lifetime” with adequate housing and transportation options.

A third issue Weber cited priority is to promote health care reform. Cullen agreed but said there is a need to frame the discussion so it doesn’t appear that the communities want to add more costs and rules.

Panelists focused attention on caregivers, saying there is a need to provide significant support for volunteer care-givers and family caregivers, and provide needed respite care.

The value and contributions of informal caregivers need to be recognized, added Cullen.

Weber and Tschida noted there are issues the senior citizen and disability groups differ on. One is that of medical assistance, where there are different client needs and focuses.

Another issue is employment.

Seniors want to see more done to provide flexible, part-time work while people with disabilities have full-time work and adequate workplace accommodations among their priorities. In the housing area, many seniors want to get out of their owner-occupied homes, while many people with disabilities want to become home owners. But everyone agreed that on common issues, those should be reinforced and emphasized by advocates. ■

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December 10, 2010

Tim Benjamin, Editor It might be a strange thing to say, but I’m looking forward to the upcoming year and what it has to offer us politically. Just the other day I ran into Kurt Rutzen, from the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration, and he said he was excited about the legislative session. He looks

forward to the camaraderie that our community and disability advocates all have at the capitol. I think we all look forward to reacquainting with old friends and striking up new friendships in the lobbyist community—and with our new politicians.

It’s certainly going to be a bit of a challenging time at the capitol, making new friends with all the new elected officials and working to conquer our budget deficit. It will be important that not just the fulltime advocates and activists, but all of us in the disability community, have a responsibility to help our legislators understand us and our needs.

Many of them will have a lot to learn about disability and aging issues and the state’s social services that the state offers all of us. It’s easy for them to say we need to cut Health and Human Services; it’s our responsibility to make sure they understand where to maintain services and what the ef-

fects will be if they don’t. They also need to make sure that they recognize that in many cases cutting social services is just a financial shift of revenue. You might be asking, what do I mean by this? When you cut someone back on their preventive healthcare or maintenance, health needs the sure results of those cuts, nine times out of 10 is that it will cost more in acute care when to bringing someone back to a healthy condition. Someone might be cut back three hours of PCA care a day, and they will be fine for three, four, maybe even six months. But eventually, the lack of, say nourishment, from not being able to eat regularly, or the decubiti that develop from short cuts in frequency in positioning, or the missed medications from lack of cueing when medications are needed results in hospitalization and rehabilitation costs that are far more than what it would have cost to have maintained the three

hours in the first place. And what happens to all those PCAs whose hours are cut? What’s the point if the state increases the number of workers lining up for unemployment benefits?

Most important of all, we also have to remind the legislators, very politely, that it’s truly our civil rights that they’re cutting. They cannot forget the promises that the civil rights laws, including the ADA, has have offered all the citizens of our country.

There has been so much conversation about double-dealing in our health care system; especially in communitybased services. It is a distracter issue. I imagine there is some dishonesty, but not nearly what is portrayed. Creating new, cumbersome regulations to prevent the deceit just does not make fiscal sense, and legislators should ask themselves whether it will cost more in administration expenses and quality-of-life for those of us using these services. At the

same time, we truly have to begin policing things ourselves and report it when we see something truly financially wrong taking place. We need to report it and we should inform our legislators and our state workers on how to contain the misdeeds without taking away our quality-of-life.

One way to do that is to call 651-603-2009 to connect to the “You need to hear me” message line. You can stay anonymous if you want, but report real wrongs that you know about.

But before we get to the new year, the holidays are upon us, it and they makes me think of all those things for which I’m thankful. I’m blessed with a wonderful partner who supports me in so many ways. I’m also grateful for the opportunities that I’ve had throughout my life that my family has offered me. I’m appreciative to the federal government and the state of Minnesota for all the opportu-

nities that they have also made possible for me. I’m grateful for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which is celebrating its 35th anniversary and has educated so many young people with disabilities; creating a community that has those employment skills to be employed and all the promised opportunities that equal education offers.

(Check out, “Two Men On,” http://gravessack.wordpress. com/.) I’m especially thankful for the opportunities experiences that Access Press has given me. Over the past ten years, I’ve made some fabulous friends and colleagues that I get to work with regularly. I have been mentored by some brilliant people and have learned and have built confidence in my own skills.

As one of my friends once said, God bless us, every one!

Have a great holiday. ■

History Note

Southwest State welcomed students with a broad spectrum of disabilities

by Luther Granquist Southwest Minnesota State was touted as a college intended to accommodate students with disabilities when it opened in Marshall in 1967.

Howard Bellows, the first president of the college, came from Emporia State College in Kansas, one of the few state colleges designed to be accessible to students with physical disabilities. He framed the specialized mission of the college to include “education of the physically-handicapped student.” College officials advised their architects of this special mission and directed them to modify the design of all buildings to eliminate barriers. And they sought out stu-

dents with disabilities, including Vietnam veterans.

Saying it didn’t make it so.

The three buildings completed in 1967 did have ramps and elevators, but barriers remained. In some buildings students using wheelchairs had to enter through a side door rather than the front door. Some bruised their knuckles wheeling through the narrow doors to the Central Academic Building. Other students encountered doors in the Food Service Building too heavy to open. In crowded dormitory rooms, the sinks were too low.

The telephone was too high in the dormitory lobby. Some professors were reluctant to

have students with severe disabilities in their classes.

The students with disabilities soon identified necessary changes. John Schatzlein, the first student body president, recalls that Bellows and key college administrators worked with and supported them.

Willard Isfeld, the college’s plant supervisor, directed modifications that could be made at once. Before a second phase of building construction, college officials met with their architects to emphasize the need to follow national accessibility standards mandated by the legislature for state construction. After Bill Hopkins of the Minnesota Society for

Access Press Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996) .................................................. Wm. A. Smith, Jr. Co-Founder/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief (1990-2001) ....................... Charles F. Smith Board of Directors ....................................................... Brigid Alseth, Mike Chevrette, Anita Schermer, Carrie Salberg, Tom Squire and Kay Willshire Editor ......................................................................................................... Tim Benjamin Assistant Editor ......................................................................................... Jane McClure Business Manager/Webmaster ............................................................ Dawn Frederick Cartoonist ..................................................................................................... Scott Adams Production ...................................................... Ellen Houghton at Presentation Images Distribution ......................................................................................... S. C. Distribution Advertising Sales ........................................................................................ 651-644-2133 Access Press is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Circulation is 10,000, distributed the 10th of each month through more than 200 locations statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to individuals, including political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $30/yr. Low-income, student and bulk subscriptions are available at discounted rates.

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 does not necessarily reflect the view of the editor/publisher of Access Press.

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Crippled Children and Adults surveyed the campus and identified accessibility issues, Bellows formed an ad hoc committee to recommend needed action. Students with disabilities served on that committee and a permanent committee which followed it. In addition to physical plant changes, they recommended that the college create a broad-based program of disability services and supports. The college pursued state and federal grants, facilitated arrangements for personal care attendants (PCAs), and hired a physical therapist, a work experience coordinator, and a coordinator for physical education activities, including the college’s popular wheelchair basketball team.

The number of students with disabilities increased from 30 when the college opened, five of whom used wheelchairs, to

John Schatzlein, student body president, entering school on new ramp.

Photo courtesy of Southwest State University

90 in 1969, 26 of whom needed wheelchairs.

Today, when all schools and colleges must meet federal and state standards for both physical and program accessibility, Southwest Minnesota State University is no longer Minnesota’s focal point for higher education for persons with disabilities, but wherever they go they benefit from the

experiences of the men and women who worked together to make Southwest Minnesota State College more accessible.

■.

The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.mncdd.org and www. partnersinpolicy making.com

December 10, 2010

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Decision on sidewalk cafes is laid over for study

by Jane McClure Changes to St. Paul’s regulations on sidewalk café regulations will be tabled until midDecember as restaurant owners, city staff and disability community advocates sort out a menu of issues. The public hearing, which began Nov. 17 and drew more than a dozen people, will be continued until Dec. 15.

The proposed ordinance changes were brought forward after it was found that St. Paul isn’t complying with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), in terms of the minimum clearance for pedestrians to pass through sidewalk cafes. In some locations, people in wheelchairs or users of walkers and canes found themselves unable to pass through the cafes due to placement of tables, chairs, planters and other items.

Ward Two Council Member Dave Thune, who authored the ordinance, said there will be changes before the final proposal is brought forward.

But he said the city also needs to look at how it accommodates people with disabilities.

“This really is the right thing to do, so that everyone has the right to pass through the public right-of-way,” he said.

The regulations for sidewalk cafes currently call for a minimum 36-inch clearance. The

ordinance would increase that distance to 48 inches. Because the six inches of curb along streets cannot be counted in the 48 inches that in fact would make the minimum clearance 54 inches in some cases.

The city has worked with the ADA since it was passed

by Congress in 1990, said Paul St. Martin of St. Paul Public Works. But the initial federal law was vague when it came to regulations on right-of-way accessibility. Guidelines for right-of-way were not even published until 2005. The rulemaking process for the guidelines is not expected to start until next year.

St. Paul’s ADA transition plan does reflect the proposed right-of-way accessibility guidelines, St. Martin said.

“But one area where we’re lacking (in compliance) is sidewalk cafes.”

CapitalRiver Council and Mark Hughes, former cochairman of the Mayor’s Advisory Council for People with Disabilities, spoke in support of the ordinance changes.

Hughes, who uses a wheelchair, said the ordinance is important for the city. “We do need the 48 inches,” he said.

Hughes also said he believes the concerns raised by the city’s restaurant owners can be addressed. But he reminded them that someday, they may

have family members or friends who are disabled, and that that access is an issue that affects everybody.

Area restaurant owners said they agree with the need to provide adequate access so that people can pass through their outdoor seating areas. But in some cases, businesses have spent thousands of dollars meeting the 36-inch clearance.

In other situations, tree grates, large city planters and fixtures such as curbside trash cans impact the available space.

Many complaints about the ordinance were directed at a proposal that would have required sidewalk cafes to close at 10 p.m.; something Thune said wasn’t intended to be in the ordinance. Other complaints focused on proposed regulatory changes that would have forced restaurant owners to seek sidewalk cafe licenses from the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) and rightof-way permits from Public Works. Council members and city staff agreed that when new regulations are adopted restaurants will only have to deal with one city department.

Another objection was that a restaurant would have to display its sidewalk café site plan in its window. Thune said that could be modified to having

the site plan on file and available upon public request.

Several restaurant owners, including Dan O’Gara of O’Gara’s Bar and Grill, and Stephanie Shimp of Blue Plate Restaurant Company, said they appreciate the city hearing their concerns about tree grates, planters and other sidewalk obstructions. O’Gara said he’d like to see city officials work with restaurants that have narrower sidewalks, to see if concerns can be addresses.

“I think everybody knows how tough it has been (in the

hospitality industry) the last few years,” O’Gara said.

“In Highland we have several large brick planters,” Shimp said. The large planter in front of Highland Grill “would wipe out our sidewalk seating.” Those planters are likely to be removed in 20122013, possibly sooner, if a city capital budget request is approved.

Thune also said the city needs to look at ADA-compliant tree grates as the current grates can catch wheelchair wheels, canes and walkers.

Russell Kline, owner and

chef at Meritage restaurant downtown, said he was disappointed to be speaking opposition to the ordinance. He agrees with the need for a 48inch or four-foot clearance, saying “we want the sidewalks safe for all.” But working with the 36-inch guideline, about $10,000 was spent on furnishings and a custom fence for Meritage’s outdoor dining, only to be told by pedestrians that there wasn’t enough clearance.

Kline also pointed out that if a 54-inch clearance is enSidewalk cafe- cont. on p. 13

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December 10, 2010

Commentary

DSPAM president looks back on a life-changing year

by Lindsay Short The other day I was listening to one of my favorite morning shows, The Dave Ryan and the Morning Show. Yes, I know it’s not the most intellectual show and it really is a bunch of mindless jabber, but everyone has their guilty pleasures. Through their usual daily celebrity gossip and banter, they started talking about a topic that got me thinking about my own life. They talked about stepping out of your comfort zone and doing something you thought you would never do.

They asked the audience to think of something significant that they had done in their lives.

Then they asked if you hadn’t done that, to think about what your life would be like? My first reaction when hearing those questions was my time with DSPAM (Direct Support

Providers of Minnesota), especially this last year as president. My life the last three years has been nothing but extraordinary. They have been some of the best and hardest times in my life. I wouldn’t trade any of it for anything.

What if I didn’t get that email what seems like forever ago and decide to take a chance?

My life would be unchallenged. It would be stuck in a place I don’t think I would be happy with. I wouldn’t know the amazing and strong people in my life now. Before DSPAM I was quiet, naive, and had no clue to the “real world”.

I am only 25 now, and definitely still learning; God knows I wouldn’t have admitted that when I was 21. I’ve learned how to be patient. I’ve learned how important it is to be

humble and always remember the people that have helped you. If it wasn’t for their support, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. I have learned that even when you make mistakes, it doesn’t define who you are, and people are forgiving. With that, I’ve learned that it’s important to be honest with others and most importantly yourself to the mistakes you’ve made. As easy as it sounds, that has probably been the hardest thing for me to understand. I think my biggest accomplishment is my growth as a leader. First starting in DSPAM I was a hopeful bench warmer. I didn’t say a peep.

Now three years later as president, I enjoy public speaking and I actively jump into projects. Without DSPAM and those who have supported me,

I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I truly believe that anyone who is a Direct Support Professional (DSP) should become involved with this organization and get involved with the issues DSPs face. One of my favorite quotes is “Be the Change you Want to See in the World” by Mahatma Gandhi. Becoming a part of DSPAM allows you do just that. It’s an outlet, a resource for DSPs to come together and talk about what they want to change. It’s a place for support and a way to build relationships with others. It’s self investment.

As my term ends this year, I will no longer be on the board of directors. My new journey is facing graduate school. I again want to thank each and every person that has sup-

Lindsay Short ported me. I will forever sup- something you would never port DSPAM and owe so much think you could do; step outto those who have stuck by my side your comfort zone and side. So, with that I leave ev- take a chance- It could be life eryone with a challenge. Do changing. ■

Letters to the editor

Choose life, make a positive difference To the editor: I am writing this to anyone who’s thinking of committing suicide – youth or adult. I’m asking you to choose life.

I get the pain. I’ve been there, done that and bought the Tshirt. I was not popular in high school. I was bullied. I also

eventually got committed to the Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center. But that help changed my life. I learned how to live life, not just exist.

I chose life and now I get to help make a difference. I joined the Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County, a non-

profit organization designed to erase the stigma of mental illness. I now have a voice.

But if you choose suicide, you won’t have a voice and you won’t be around to see the people genuinely mourning for you.

If you’re hurting, tell some-

one you trust. If they don’t listen, tell someone else. Shout until someone hears you. If you’re in school, see the school nurse, your guidance counselor, the school psychologist, a teacher. Anyone.

If you’re out of school, tell your boss, co-worker, pastor, parent or call 911. Or call Twin Cities Crisis Services, at 763755-3801. They come to you and they’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

There are many people who care; just reach out and shout until someone listens. Let people help you. Choose life and help make a difference.

You are valuable to somebody – trust me on this. Fight through the pain and those inner wounds will turn to scars.

You’ll find the light.

Be aware of epilepsy

To the editor More than three million Americans have epilepsy or a seizure disorder and I am one of thousands of volunteers working to raise awareness of Cynthia Blesi, Member, this terrible condition.

Mental Wellness Campaign Epilepsy is common, but For Anoka County many people know little about it or what to do when someone is having a seizure. That’s why the Epilepsy Foundation is asking everyone to take the Get Seizure Smart! quiz.

A copy of the quiz is available at www.GetSeizureSmart. org. My 12-year-old daughter has intractable epilepsy, which means we can’t get the seizures to stop and I strongly encourage everyone to take the quiz. My daughter’s life may depend upon it.

Paul Meunier Ham Lake

December 10, 2010

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Commentary

Let us now praise great men—including Ken Tice

by Mel Duncan James Agee’s classic book, Let Us Now Praise Great Men, reminds us that history is shaped by regular folks who step forward and do extraordinary things often without special status, advanced education, money or fancy clothes.

Luther Granquist’s columns highlight that plenty of those people live in Minnesota.

Ken Tice, who died this fall, was one of them. Throughout the 1980s Ken was a stalwart at the legislature advancing the

rights of people with disabilities as a lobbyist for Advocating Change Together (ACT).

While the actual passage of legislation, advancing the rights of people working in sheltered workshops for example, was significant his major contributions are more profound than any statutory change he accomplished.

Ken carried the label of “mental retardation” or the R word as we now know it. Yet, his very being constantly

changed the definition of intellectual handicap creating a dissonance in the stereotypes many carry. I once had a professional say to me that “if mentally retarded people could do what you think they can, they wouldn’t be mentally retarded.” Every time Ken testified or engaged a legislator, he shattered those professional definitions.

Ken would not accept scarcity of resources, energy or joy. In the late 1980s I was

Pete’s Reflections

but the conference committee represented “the last train leaving the station.”

As I headed out to find a friendly legislator on the conference committee, I was pierced by a dilemma. This conference committee was the only chance for Ken’s bill as well. BUT the more of us who tried this precarious route the less chance for success any of our bills would have. As I pondered, Ken rushed up to me in front of the House Chamber.

“Mel, Mel, I just found a conference committee where they might include my bill and they might include yours as well, let’s go!”

Ken saw no dilemma. Unlike me he was not encumbered by such political equations of scarcity.

Ken has much to teach those others, that Michelangelo, al- bravely venturing to the capimost killed by the stress of the tol next month. First, nothing Pope’s regard, loved him for it; and hated him. The painting took four years to complete.

No one knows how many years it took off his life.

When we’re dead tired, depressed, scared out of our wits, hungry or in pain, the natural state of things changes. All bets are off, and anything can happen. According to the German philosopher Carl Jung, this lets us connect to a universal body of knowledge. The wisdom of all people over all time; the wisdom of the ages.

“The collective consciousness of the human race,” as Jung once phrased it.

Mozart once wrote about another of his journeys to that incredible, yet mind-exploding place, where when he was hooked up to it, he could write entire operas without needing one edit, without one single mistake. Art theorists today still are stunned by his work, entire operas and symphonies without a single mistake. The only explanation from even hardened scientists was that he “must have been taking dictation from God.” ■ working on a piece of legislation that had passed the state House but languished in the Senate. Ken was working on a bill on behalf of ACT that shared a similar status. In the waning days of that session, I desperately searched for a conference committee that had a shred of germaneness. With three days remaining, I found it. Inserting my bill into the conference committee bill was the only chance for survival. It only had a sliver of a chance

Camera obscura part III: Living on the brain’s left side

by Pete Feigal Ok, now here’s where it gets interesting. According to the latest updates in split-brain physiology, your brain is divided into two halves. Your left half handles logic, language, reason and calculation.

This is the conscious, rational everyday basis for our personalities, for our reality.

The right side of your brain is the center of your intuition, emotion, pattern recognition skills, insight. Your subconscious.

Your left brain is the scientist and your right brain is your artist.

Most people live out of their left sides. It’s only in extreme pain, crisis, upset, trauma, injury, sickness, that their subconscious can slip into their conscious. When everything normal goes to hell, even sometimes for an instant, the right brain can take over for a flash, just for another instant, and give them access to divine inspiration.

We truth is that we all dream 24 hours a day, night dreams,

daydreams, your subconscious is always going, never stops, an endless stream, a river of color, music, images. But it’s kept in check by the bullying left side, the cold rationale that runs most of the ship.

Only at night when you let go, when you let your tired normal, boring left brain get some sleep, does the right brain get to come out to play.

Sometimes that dream state finds other chinks in the armor. Hey, it’s through the cracks where the light comes through. Maybe some of us discover ways to help let the rational, safe, ordinary barriers come down, even for a time, and let the dreams play.

For a flash of insight; a moment of enlightenment. A French psychologist Pierre Janet called this condition “the lowering of the mental threshold.”

Most of the time we are left to our own devices to claw our way into that special world that lives so close but yet so far away. Others are lucky enough to find someone to assist them in the journey, like the lovehate relationship between Michelangelo and Pope Julius II during the painting of the

Sistine Chapel, so vividly shown in the novel, “The Agony and the Ecstasy” by Irving Stone.

Most people believe that the ceiling was an artistic commission between artist and Pope. I believe it was selling his soul. Or the old fable from the 1930s about Robert Johnson, one of the best, if not the greatest Blues guitarists, waiting at the crossroads at midnight to make the ultimate deal with the devil; to trade his soul for his musical genius.

Michelangelo, when first approached to paint the chapel insisted that he was a sculptor, not a painter. Pope Julius understood better that Michelangelo wasn’t a painter or a sculptor, he was an artist. The Pope tormented him, bullied him, starved him, refused to pay him, and broke a stick over his back. When Michelangelo finally collapsed in exhaustion that almost killed him, the Pope, perhaps knowing a bit himself about the coexistence between the demons and the muses, came to his sick bed and belittled him till he dragged himself out of bed and back up on that scaffold. I personally believe, against all

replaces real people advocating for themselves. People with disabilities will have to clog the halls. Legislators must face those who they propose to bludgeon.

Secondly, the more that people who carry labels speak for themselves the more quickly stereotypes and limitations shatter. It is a powerful witness when one proclaims proudly, “I am who I am!”

And, Ken’s refusal to accept scarcity will serve well those lobbying for basic human needs. We must guard against being pitted against one another. Like Gandhi, Ken would tell those setting the state budget, “There is enough for human need just not enough for human greed.” ■ Mel Duncan was a longtime friend of Ken Tice.

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6

December 10, 2010

Regional news in review . . .

Vets play hockey Coming soon to a sports facility near you: hockey games played by the Minnesota Warriors, a startup team made up of veterans with disabilities from across the state and Wisconsin.

The nonprofit group has forged a deal with Vadnais Heights to hold regular games and practices at the city’s brand new Sports Center, which now houses one of a half-dozen sled-accessible hockey rinks in the country. Already named the group’s “home ice,” the center may later house the group’s actual headquarters.

Minnesota Warriors President Toni O’Brien called Vadnais’ willingness to house the program “an over-the-top generous offer” facilitated by a Warriors board member who knew someone on the Vadnais Heights City Council.

“This is an opportunity for us to give back to all the men and women who have put their lives on the line for us — to (have them) enjoy the privilege of playing this game,” said O’Brien.

“We’re the only program out there right now that offers hockey to vets at absolutely no cost to them.”

Right now the Warriors is relatively small, with six registered players from across the state and another eight who have expressed interest in playing. But O’Brien said once word spreads this winter, she expects a roster of about 20 standup players (those able to stand to play) and between 10 and 12 sled players (those unable to stand who use specially designed sleds). Later, she predicted, the group should attract more from both states, as vets who have played hockey all their lives turn back to the sport for recreation and a social outlet.

The group is open to male and female U.S. military personnel who have been injured on or off duty. Hockey skills training is offered; the group website said another goal is to “assist individuals with disabilities in developing self-confidence, adjusting to their new lifestyle, rehabilitation, self-reliance, concentration, and to assist in helping participants back into mainstream lifestyles they were accustomed to prior to their disability.”

“You don’t see this type of hockey anywhere in the state,” she said. “For them to be the home rink and get the word out — I think they’re going to draw a lot of people in.”

More information is available on Facebook under “Minnesota Warriors,” at www.mnwarriors.com or at www.minnesota hockey.org/page/show/116365-usa-minnesota-warriors-2009.

O’Brien can be reached at warriorsmn@gmail.com or 651- stores—mostly in Wisconsin but also in Illinois, Indiana, 307-0660.

Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Texas—earned $1.2 million [Source: Vadnais Heights Press] a year.

Volunteers at the shop cited declining revenues and inWheelchair thief pleads guilty creased competition as reasons to shut down. In 2009 compeA St. Paul man who stole a pickup truck and a teenager’s tition emerged when a large Value Village store opened nearby, wheelchair last summer from a Hugo home has reached a plea run by nonprofit Arc Greater Twin Cities. agreement. Chad M. Dann, 35, will plead guilty to two felonies The store’s end leaves 19 remaining Bethesda storefronts, as as part of a plea agreement. the nonprofit switches gears somewhat to concentrate on openDann pleaded guilty Nov. 29 in Washington County District ing up larger, more efficient operations run not only by volunCourt, to charges of theft of a motor vehicle and obtaining drugs teers but staffed by people with disabilities. The group won’t by fraud or deceit. A third charge of fleeing a police officer will rule out a return to St. Paul in the future. be dismissed at sentencing as part of the agreement. He will be [Source: East Side Review] sentenced Feb. 10.

Dann’s arrest followed a high profile campaign to find and Schools eye expanded policies bring back a wheelchair belonging to 13-year-old Amber Diel.

The Minnesota School Board Association wants districts The teenager has spina bifida and uses the chair to get around across the state to expand their harassment and violence policy. without assistance. She had designed the pink TiLite 2GX The group is urging school districts to expand protection to Swing Away chair herself. It is valued at $6,000. The chair was groups including students with disabilities, as well as to gay, in the family truck when the vehicle was stolen from the Diel lesbian, bisexual and transgender students. family’s Hugo garage.

Most Minnesota school districts’ policies only protect against Dann was caught after he tried to pass a fraudulent prescrip- harassment based on race, religion or sex. The association’s tion for a narcotic pain reliever at the Stillwater Target store. proposal would prohibit any form of harassment or violence The pharmacist was suspicious of the large prescription and an “on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, altered form, and called police. Dann was chased before he was age, marital status, familial status, and status with regard to captured. As part of the plea agreement he won’t be charged public assistance, sexual orientation or disability.” The assowith fleeing a police officer. ciation also wants boards to put more pressure on school [Source: Star Tribune] officials to intervene when they witness bullying.

The recommendation will likely be controversial as its 335Thrift store is no more member districts decide whether to act on the recommendation Dress for Less Resale Shop, which raised money for people in the weeks ahead.

The bullying issue is controversial in Minnesota. Efforts to with disabilities for many years, closed in November. The little shop, which most recently was near White Bear and Larpenteur get stronger anti-bullying legislation passed are likely to be avenues in St. Paul. The shop had been at that location for a brought up at the state capitol during the 2011 legislative decade. It was on Rice Street in St. Paul for more than 40 years session {Source: Star Tribune, Associated Press]. before that.

Closure of the shop, staffed by volunteers, means that corporate parent Bethesda Lutheran Communities will no longer Eden Wood work nears completion have a St. Paul presence, though its Minnetonka and Rochester Hundreds more disabled residents can turn to an Eden Prairie storefronts will stay open. The nonprofit, now in its second center for help now that the Eden Wood Center has increased century of existence, provides services and supports to people its capacity by 50 percent. A group of volunteers has been with developmental disabilities. In 2008, Bethesda’s 27 thrift Regional news - cont. on p. 15

December 10, 2010

7

People and places

News about people, places and dogs in our community Vinland announces expansion Vinland Center has announced its Expanding the Promise capital campaign goal to just meet current needs, but also to add the physical capacity necessary to carry Vinland into the next decade. Since 1990, Vinland has been providing tailored chemical health services to adults with cognitive disabilities and mental health issues.

Demand for Vinland’s services is growing but the program cannot grow without additional space. For the past several years, Vinland has been operating at capacity at its main campus. Vinland has grown its off-site programming and adapted its existing spaces to keep pace with its growth.

However, the organization cannot accommodate its current and future demand without a significant capital investment.

“This expansion will make a significant positive impact on Vinland’s capacity to provide life-changing programs to those who need them most,” said Vinland Executive Director Mary Roehl. “We have been operating at capacity with a waiting list for people trying to get into our program. The people that we cannot serve are not getting treatment or are placed in programs unable to meet their needs due to their multiple disabilities.”

“Over 80 percent of our alumni report abstinence or reduced use and 71 percent report improvement in their quality of life,” Roehl said. “This relates to a decrease in future treatments and incarcerations, which is a cost savings to their communities.”

The first phase of the expansion will begin during spring of 2011. It will cost approximately $3.5 million and add a total of 14,130 square feet to Vinland’s main campus. Twenty additional chemical health beds will help to reduce the waiting list for Vinland’s chemical health residential program.

A new fitness studio will be an expansion of the current fitness center. Windows will fill the fitness studio with natural light and offer views of Lake Independence. An expanded fitness center will provide adequate space for group classes such as mindfulness meditation, yoga and the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi. The therapeutic exercise program is the largest complementary care service at Vinland. The current fitness center is in a windowless room with just enough space for the cardio and weight equipment. There is no appropriate space for group classes such as meditation and yoga, and participants currently lay their mats around the cardio equipment.

New conference rooms and offices will be built to provide counseling space for the clients. The conference rooms will provide additional space for case managers to meet with clients, their families and social workers. Vinland currently has three meeting areas for therapy groups. In these meeting areas Vinland not only provides group therapy but also complementary care services such as family programming, traumatic brain injury groups, and mindfulness-based meditation programming. New meeting rooms will provide space for Vinland to offer expanded therapy services.

“Increased capacity will allow us to get the client into the appropriate treatment without unnecessary delays and will enable us to offer more complementary care services that are specifically designed to their unique needs,” Roehl said.

Mustangs, Robins win titles The first fall Minnesota State High School League adapted prep sports tournaments ended with Anoka-Hennepin and Robbinsdale/ Hopkins/Mound-Westonka claiming titles in soccer. The tournaments were held Nov. 19-20 at Stillwater High School.

Anoka-Hennepin’s win gave that school three titles this year.

The Mustangs previously won state crowns in floor hockey and softball. The team won the Cognitive Impairments (CI) soccer title with a 5-4 win over defending champion Park Center. It was the first CI adapted soccer state title for Anoka-Hennepin since 1993. Park Center had won in 2008 and 2009.

The teams advanced to the finals with identical 8-0-1 records.

The Mustangs were led by junior Zach Theroux, who scored all five of his team’s goals.

St. Cloud Area won third place 4-3 over Mounds View/ Irondale/Roseville. The consolation title was won by Dakota United, which defeated Chaska/Chanhassen/Prior Lake/ Shakopee 4-2. South Suburban and Burnsville/Farmington/ Lakeville were the other teams in the tournament. The CI alltournament team included Park Center’s Auggie Wodrich, Jack Dougba and Andy Brown; Anoka-Hennepin’s Tyler Kurkowski, Zach Theroux and Jeff Shogren; St. Cloud Area’s Marcelli Kombo and David Lewis; Mounds View/Irondale/ Roseville’s Ted Snyder and Alex Vandegrift; and Joe Sandey of Dakota United.

In the Physical Impairments (PI) Division, the Robbinsdale/ Hopkins/Mound-Westonka Robins won a third consecutive state championship. The team won, 8-1, over Dakota United.

The Robins capped an undefeated season with the title. The Robins were led by senior Erin Nickell, who scored three goals in rapid succession to start the game.

Park Center defeated St. Paul Humboldt 11-2 for third place.

The consolation title was won by Anoka-Hennepin, which defeated South Suburban 8-4. Other teams participating were Wayzata/Minnetonka and Mounds View/Irondale/Roseville.

The all-tournament team included Robbinsdale/Hopkins/ Mound-Westonka’s Erin Nickell, Harrison Lerner and Mike Madson; Dakota United’s Eric Liggett, Anthony Vervais and Jaayson Meyer; Park Center’s Evan Engle and Olivia Maccoux; Humboldt’s James Yang and Poa Vang; Corey Gieske of Anoka-Hennepin and Nick Nieson of South Suburban

Local couple gives wings to future assistance dogs Six golden retrievers from the East Coast are preparing for new jobs in Minnesota. Rod and Barbara Burwell generously provided the “Wings of Gold” for the beautiful canines. The Twin Cities couple flew the precious cargo on their corporate jet from New York to the Twin Cities.

“This has been a wonderful collaboration from the beginning,” said Can Do Canines Executive Director Al Peters, “from Cynthia at Cynazar Golden Retrievers, who donated these extraordinary dogs, to Rod and Barbara Burwell, who agreed to transport them, this has been a significant undertaking made easier by people who are dedicated to helping us achieve our goal of placing assistance dogs with people who need them. Having the Burwell Enterprises’ jet pick the dogs up and transport them here has saved our organization thousands of dollars in driving costs and several days of our staff and volunteer time. Instead, these dogs rode in the lap of luxury in the cabin of the plane.”

contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations, and community service organizations.

Schools feted as family-friendly Four Minnesota schools are honored as family-friendly schools by the Minnesota Parent Center, Minnesota’s PIRC (Parental Information and Resource Center), a project of PACER Center. The awards were presented in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Education as part of Minnesota Parent Involvement Month in October. Parents were asked to nominate schools for efforts to create a family-school partnership and a warm, welcoming environment for families.

“Schools that invite parents to be partners in education realize that families play an important role in student success,” said Heather Kilgore, director of Minnesota Parent Center, MN PIRC. “We applaud these schools, along with the parents of their students, for demonstrating what strong school-family partnerships can achieve.”

The winning schools were: Barack and Michelle Obama Service Learning Elementary in St. Paul, Hartley Elementary School in Waseca, St. John the Evangelist/St. Pius X in Rochester and Valley Crossing Community School in Woodbury.

To nominate a school, parents were asked to respond to the following questions: Does the staff make the school building a welcoming and inviting place? Do school policies and practices encourage you to be involved with your child’s learning?

Do the adults in the building listen, invite, and greet you with friendly tones? Are the written materials understandable and useful? Do they give you the information you find helpful?

People and Places - cont. on p. 15

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These golden retrievers flew in from New York and will become Midwestern service dogs.

Photo courtesy of Can Do Canines

The six ten-month-old golden retrievers will go on to live with volunteer puppy raisers, where they will begin their training to become assistance dogs for people with disabilities.

Cynazar Golden Retrievers is based in Pennsylvania.

Barbara Peterson Burwell, who was the honorary chair of the Can Do Canines Fetching Ball Gala last year, said, “I have personally seen the difference these dogs make in the lives of the people they are teamed with. They give back independence, freedom and peace of mind to individuals and families who receive them. Knowing that Can Do Canines gives these extraordinary dogs to clients free of charge makes it even more important that we do everything we can to help.”

The dogs arrived at the same time that 17 other Can Do Canines assistance dog teams graduated from the training program, including the organization’s first-ever Iraq war veteran and dog. Graduation was held Saturday November 6 at the Can Do Canines facilities at 9440 Science Center Drive in New Hope.

Can Do Canines is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs. All services are provided to clients free of charge. The organization is supported by

fordyce6@aol.com

8

December 10, 2010

Steve Kuntz Honored

2010 Access Press Charlie Smith Award banquet an evening of fun/fellowship for the disability community

Guests at the Bloomington Airport Marriott enjoyed chatting and catching up.

Charlie Smith Award winner Steve Kuntz kept the crowd entertained with his comments.

Michael Lopez, left, and Tom played acoustic music for the banquet attendees.

“I learned so much from the 10 years that I worked at Courage Center about peoples’ disabilities and it really reframed the way I look at the world and how I am going to make a difference. . .”

— 2010 Charlie Smith Award winner Steve Kuntz

The speech was translated into American Sign Language (ASL).

December 10, 2010

9

Access Press Editor Tim Benjamin and Kevin Sullivan of In Home Personal Care enjoyed Many fun and functional items were available at the raffle. a laugh.

Plane tickets, theater tickets, sports memorabilia and more were featured at the silent Diners enjoyed a delicious meal. auction.

2010 Charlie Smith Award winner Steve Kuntz and Access Press founding editor Charlie Smith were close friends until Smith’s death. In his speech Nov. 5 Kuntz recalled his friend: ”Charlie really saw the big picture of individuals with disabilities. Yes, there are folks in chairs, folks with visual impairments, folks who are deaf. But there are a myriad of other individuals with disabilities that are not visible, specifically folks with mental health issues. . .

Charlie kept everyone to the mission that every person with a disability is an individual with the right to the same things that every other American has a right to: to live independently, to work. It was no accident that Access Press started the same year as the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Charlie truly saw this as an opportunity to make a difference which he certainly did. . .”

Photos courtesy of Catherine Whipple

Several dog guides were in attendance at the event.

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10

December 10, 2010

A better experience thanks to Park Square Theater

A VIP viewing room provides space for theatergoers with autism or in need of ASL The theater renovation project creates more space and better sight lines.

Photo courtesy of Park Square Theater interpretation.

Park Square Theater in St. Paul is making changes to improve accessibility and enhance the theater-going experience. This fall Park Square Artistic Director Richard Cook unveiled a newly remodeled proscenium auditorium at Park Square’s home in the Historic Hamm Building. All of its 30year old seats and finishes have been replaced.

A new energy–efficient theatrical lighting system has been installed, creating unprec-

edented technical capacity and saving the energy equivalent of 60 3-bedroom houses. The proscenium arch was raised and acoustics were improved.

New wheelchair access was created in the back of the auditorium, increasing seating and making the light and sound control booths wheelchair accessible. In all, the project upgrades totaling $535,000 was completed on budget and on time.

“The improvements we’ve

been able to make for patrons with disabilities are among the most satisfying of the whole remodeling project,” said Michael-jon Pease, Park Square’s Director of External Relations. “With this new capacity, we can accommodate as many as 12,000 more wheelchair users over the next decade. We’re just discovering how to communicate all the potential uses of our new VIP viewing room, but audiences are responding enthusiasti-

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cally.” The private soundproof booth, which features a spectacular view of the stage and intimate 350-seat auditorium from a large picture window, is available for patrons with special needs.

Just two weeks ago, a school chaperone with two autistic teenagers chose to watch the show from the viewing room.

Her reaction to the house manager was enthusiastic at intermission: “Not only are my kids getting what they need from the show, this is the first field trip where, as a mom, I’ve been able to relax and enjoy the show, too.”

The booth is also used for ALS interpreters to rehearse in during preview performances, and it is the new home for Audio Describers like Rick Jacobson. “Wow! I really appreciate the efforts to make my job as an audio describer easier and more pleasurable,” Jacobson said. “The new quiet room makes for an excellent booth from which to describe.

It’s comfortable, spacious, and a huge improvement. Overall, the beautiful remodeling of the entire theater is fabulous.”

To build on the new physical improvements, Park Square is expanding its service to patrons with disabilities over the coming year. With an Arts Access grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, the theatre will add more ASL/AD interpreted performances to the performance calendar; explore captioning services; better promote its state-of-the-art assisted listening system; and offer performance enhancements like pre-show sensory tours, introductory sessions with the directors and designers and interpreted post-show discussions. Rachel Parker and Susan Masters are being hired as community liaisons to shape a new grassroots outreach plan with the goal of increasing attendance by patrons with disabilities.

“These are changes we’ve wanted to make for some time, and the State Arts Board funding is a great start to help us implement our plans,” says Eric Herr, Audience Services Director. “We really stand behind our tag line of theatre for you (yes you).†Being as welcoming as possible to all

patrons is vital to making that statement true.”

Park Square is at the exact midpoint of a $4.2 million Next Stage Campaign to expand operations and define a new place in the Twin Cities nonprofit theatre market with the addition of new, truly intimate thrust stage. With two stages, the theater will double our artistic output and hire 60% more local artists. This change will give all audiences, particularly those looking for a personalized and welcoming experience, a greater choice of shows to fit their tastes.

All Park Square performances are in the company’s 350-seat theater in St. Paul’s historic Hamm Building, 20 W. Seventh Place.

The community investments for the project included a City of St. Paul Cultural STAR award of $210,000 and $15,000 in new Legacy funds from VSA Minnesota.

For more information on Park Square, call 651-2917005 or go to www.parksquare theatre.org ■

December 10, 2010

11

Accessible performances The following performances will be Audio Described (AD) for people who are blind or have low vision, or interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Selected performances offer reduced admission prices for the patron and one companion. When calling a box office, confirm the service (ASL or AD), date, time, ticket price and anything else needed, e.g. length of performance, etc. If you attend a show, please share your feedback with the performing organization, interpreter, and VSA arts of Minnesota.

Accessible performance information is compiled by VSA arts of Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or www.vsaartsmn.org

See www.accesspress.org for complete listing and for Accessible Movie Theaters A Christmas Carol Through Dec. 30 Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD: Sat., Dec. 11, 1 p.m.; Sensory Tour 10:30 a.m. ASL: Sat., Dec. 11, 1 p.m.; Tues., Dec. 21, 1 p.m. student matinee. Tix: Reduced to $20 (reg. $29-69); Phone: 612-3772224, TTY 612-377-6626.

Web: www.guthrietheater.org Pippi Longstocking Dec. 10-19 Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, 333 Fourth St. S., Fargo. AD: Fri., Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $8 (reg. $20, senior/student $14, child $8); Phone: 701-235-6778.

Web: www.fmct.org.

Best Christmas Pageant Ever!

Through Dec. 23 SteppingStone Theatre, 55 Victoria St. N., St. Paul. AD: Fri., Dec. 10, 7 p.m. ASL: Sun., Dec. 12, 2 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $8 (reg. $14; youth/ senior 55+ $10; group 20+ $7); Phone: 651-225-9265; Email: info@steppingstone theatre.org; Web: www.step pingstonetheatre.org On Our Own: A NEO Family Holiday Cabaret Through Dec. 19 Bloomington Theatre and Art Center, Black Box Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd. AD: Fri., Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. ASL: Sun., Dec. 12, 2 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $11 (reg. $16-18); Phone: 952563-8575. Web: www.blooming toncivic theatre.org BritishTVAdvertisingAwards Through Jan. 2 Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. ASL: Fri., Dec. 10, 8 p.m. (McGuire Theater); Sun., Dec. 19, 3 p.m.

(Walker Cinema). Limited capacity. Registration required.

AD: Sat., Dec. 18, 2 p.m.; Thurs., Dec. 30, 8 p.m. (both McGuire Theater). Tix: $10 ($8 member or student with ID); advance purchase recommended (all shows typically sell out); Phone: 612-375-7600, access line 612-375-7564.

Web: http://calendar.walk erart.org/event.wac?id =5976 La Befana Through Dec. 30 In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theatre, 1500 E. Lake St., Mpls. ASL, AD: Sat., Dec. 11, 3 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $15 for patron and one companion (reg. $22; child/student, senior or group of 10: $15); Phone: 612-721-2535, E-mail: info@ hobt.org; Web: www.hobt.org IrvingBerlin’sWhiteChristmas Through Dec. 19 Rochester Civic Theatre, 20

nepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., Dec. 19, 1 p.m. AD, Captioning: Sun., Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. Tix: $33-133.50; Email: accessible@broadway acrossamerica.com; Phone: 612-339-7007 or 612-3735639; hotline 612-373-5650; Born Yesterday Web: www.hennepintheatre Through Dec. 12 Theatre in the Round, 245 trust.org/accessible Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., Dec. 12, 2 p.m. Tactile tour at A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court 1 p.m. on request. Tix: $20, Through Dec. 19 senior $18, student with ID $10 (Sun. prices); Phone: 612- Lakeshore Players Theatre, 333-3010. Web: www.theatre 4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake. ASL: Sun., Dec. 19, 2 intheround.org p.m. Tix: Reduced to $6 (reg. $10-12); Phone: 651-429A Christmas Story 5674; E-mail: tickets@lake Through Dec. 31 Children’s Theatre Company, shoreplayers.com; Web: 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls. www.lakeshoreplayers.com ASL, AD: Fri., Dec. 17, 7:30 Art of the Native Amerip.m. Tix: Ask about special price rates for ASL/AD pa- cans: The Thaw Collection Through Jan. 9 trons (reg. $20-44); Phone: 612-874-0400; E-mail: tickets Mpls. Institute of Arts, 2400 @childrenstheatre.org; Web: Third Ave. S. ASL: Sun., Jan. 2, 1 p.m. Tix: special exhibition www.childrenstheatre.org admission charge; Phone: 612870-3131 or TTY 612-870Joseph & the Amazing 3132; E-mail: dhegstro@arts Technicolor Dreamcoat mia.org. Web: www.arts mia.org Through Jan. 2 Ordway Center for the PerformAlmost, Maine ing Arts, 345 Washington, St. Jan. 7-23 Paul. Captioning: Fri., Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. AD & ASL: Sat., Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, Dec. 18, 2 p.m. Tix: $27 (stand- 420 E. Main St., Anoka. ASL: ing room), $30 partial view, up Sat., Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m. Tix: $8to $80; if using ASL or Caption- 14 each for ASL guest and ing, request seating in that area; companion; Phone: 763-422Phone: 651-224-4222, TTY 1838; E-mail: jessica@lyric 651-282-3100; Web: www. arts.org. Seats held until two weeks prior to the show, then ordway.org/accessibility/ released; if there are no ASL reservations, the interpretation The Holiday Pageant will be canceled. Web: Through Dec. 23 Open Eye Figure Theatre, 506 www.lyricarts.org E. 24th St., Mpls. AD: Sat., Dec. Romeo and Juliet 18, 2 p.m. ASL: Sun., Dec. 19, Jan. 8-30 4 p.m. Tix: $20, student/senior $15, child $10. Phone: 612- The Acting Company at the 874-6338, E-mail: boxoffice@ Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., openeye theatre.org. Web: Mpls. ASL, AD: Sat., Jan. 22, www.open eyetheatre.org 1 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20 (reg. $15-40); Phone: 612A Winnie the Pooh 377-2224, TTY 612-377Christmas Tail 6626. Web: www.Guthrie Through Dec. 19 theater.org Youth Performance Company at Howard Conn Fine Arts Into the Woods Center, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Jan. 14 – Feb. 13 Mpls. AD, ASL: Sat., Dec. Bloomington Civic Theatre, 18, 4 p.m. Tix: Reduced to 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd. half-price (reg. $12, student/ ASL: Thurs., Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m. senior, $10); Phone: 612-623- AD: Fri., Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m.

9080. Web: www.youthper Tix: Reduced to $21 (reg. $25formanceCompanycom 28); Phone: 952-563-8575.

Web: www.bloomingtoncivic 2 Pianos / 4 Hands theatre.org.

Through Jan. 2 Park Square Theatre, 408 St. The Comedy of Errors Peter St., St. Paul. AD, ASL: Jan. 8-30 Sat., Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. Tix: The Acting Company at the Reduced to half-price ($18.50); Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St. S., Phone: 651-291-7005; Web: Mpls. ASL, AD: Sat., Jan. 29, www.parksquaretheatre.org 1 p.m. Tix: Reduced to $20 for AD/ASL (reg. $15-40); Billy Elliot: The Musical Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY Through Jan. 9 612-377-6626. Web: www.

Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hen- Guthrietheater.org Civic Center Drive SE. ASL: Sat., Dec. 11, 7 p.m. Tix: $23.50, senior $20.50, student $13.50; Phone: 507-282-8481.

Web: www.rochestercivic theatre.org

Youth Performance Company’s Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail features an ASL and AD performance. Check the calendar for details.

Photo courtesy of Youth Performance Company

The Lion in Winter Peter St., St. Paul. AD, ASL: Jan. 14-30 Sat., Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m. Tix: Reduced to half-price ($18.50); Lakeshore Players Theatre, Phone: 651-291-7005. Web: 4820 Stewart Ave., White www.parksquaretheatre.org Bear Lake. ASL: Sun., Jan. 30, 2 p.m. (If no ASL seats are Come Back to the 5 & Dime, reserved two weeks before Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean show, interpretation will be cancelled.). Tix: Reduced to Jan. 7-30 Theatre in the Round, 245 $10 for ASL patrons (reg. $18Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD: Sun., 20); Phone: 651-429-5674; Jan. 30, 2 p.m. Tactile tour 1 email: tickets@lakeshore p.m. on request. Tix: $20, se- players.com Web: www.lake nior $18, student $10; Phone: shoreplayers. com ■ The Odyssey 612-333-3010. Web: www.

Jan. 14 - Feb. 6 Park Square Theatre, 408 Saint theatreintheround.org If You Give a Moose a Muffin Jan. 14 – Feb. 13 Stages Theatre Company at Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Main Street, Hopkins.

ASL: Sat., Jan. 29, 1 p.m.; Thurs., Feb. 3, 10 a.m. AD: available on request. Tix: $11, $9 child or senior, group $8.50, school group $5.50; plus handling fee; Phone: 952-979-1111.

Web: www.stagestheatre.org

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December 10, 2010

Upcoming events To list an event, email access@accesspress.org Holiday help

the heated tent. Skålmusik is a Scandinavian ensemble who have performed for the King and Queen of Sweden and appeared on A Prairie Home Companion. Gather pledges, have fun and support Vinland. Individual need to raise at least $25 and families of three or more $60. FFI: WinterWalkabout.org

Store is open Twice the Gift, a temporary specialty store in downtown Minneapolis, is open through Dec. 31. Operated by Rise, Inc. and offers cookbooks, original artwork calendars, note cards and other items.

Proceeds help Rise serve its PACER Rocks clients. In Suite 156, IDS Centh PACER Center presents ter Crystal Court, 80 S. 8 St., PACER Rocks for Kids, 8 p.m.

Mpls. Store hours are 10 a.m.Sat, Jan 29 at Fine Line Music 6 p.m. Mon-Sat, noon-5 p.m. st Ave. N., Mpls.

Café, 318 1 Sun. FFI: www.rise.org Tickets are $30 per person and VIP tables are available. The Advocacy event brings together fantastic local musicians and young proGive them a call Metro Center for Independent fessionals who are committed Living has set up a PCA “You to making a difference in the Need to Hear Me” call-in line lives of children, especially The purpose of this call-in line those with disabilities. Funds is to provide consumers, raised will go toward two of PCAs/DSPs, families, and in- PACER’s programs for chilterested others the chance to dren, the National Bullying share anonymous comments, Prevention Center and the reactions and concerns with Simon Technology Center.

Department of Human Ser- FFI: PACER at 952-838-9000 vices and Minnesota Legisla- or 800-537-2237 (toll free), or ture regarding the impact of www.PACER.org recent legislative changes Christmas party which are affecting their lives.

Wings, an organization servHow it works: Call 651-603ing adults with physical dis2009 to connect to the “You abilities, hosts a Christmas need to hear me” message line. party 11 a.m.

2 p.m.

Sat, Dec. The caller will hear a short 18 at First Baptist Church, pre-recorded message. The 1021 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. phone will not be answered, Enjoy lunch and holiday fun. ensuring caller anonymity.

RSVP by Dec. 13.

FFI: Dale, The callers may leave a short message describing the impact 651-402-6277, Maynard, 507of these changes on their lives, 252-8553, cell 507-990-2683 or the lives of their family. The Workshops, messages can be complaints, conferences concerns, suggestions or general comments. Zip code will Free caregivers forum be asked for only so comments Minnesota Kinship Caregivers can be communicated to speAssociation (MKCA) invites cific legislators. relative caregivers of children and professionals to attend a PCA survey Courage Center is conducting free breakfast forum 7:30-9 a research study examining the a.m. Jan. 18 featuring Deborah effects of recent changes to the Beske Brown, a foster care PCA program in an effort to program consultant with more inform future policy decisions than 25 years of experience in pertinent to Personal Care As- child welfare services. At Hosistance. The purpose of this tel Minneapolis, 215 S 4th St., research study is to evaluate Mpls. Registration by Jan. 7. the effects of loss or reductions FFI: 651-917-4640 or 877in PCA hours or services. 917-4640, www.mkca.org Adults are eligible to complete the survey about themselves or Adaptive technology classes any person they know who has Free adaptive technology been receiving PCA services in classes are offered by HenneMinnesota under Medicare or pin County Library, at the County Waiver. The study downtown Mpls library, 300 questionnaire will take approxi- Nicollet Mall. Classes are free mately five minutes of your but you must pre-register for time. This survey may be com- these classes for persons who pleted online or printed and are blind or have low vision. mailed. FFI: Leslie Nordgren In addition to classes there are 763-520-0440, leslie.nord often volunteers available to introduce patrons to the equipgren@couragecenter.org ment and software available.

Volunteer hours vary, so it’s Special events best to call ahead. Funding for Adaptive Technology classes Winter Walkabout Vinland Center hosts the Sec- is provided by a generous grant ond Annual Winter Walkabout from the Hudson Family FounSat, Feb. 19. A 3k snowshoe dation. FFI: 612-630-6469, course is added to the event. www.hclib.org Skålmusik will perform inside

Gain control, flexibility If you are disabled and want more control, flexibility and responsibility for your care, come to a free information session about the Consumer Support Grant. Learn how to receive funding, services available and what your responsibilities are.

Sponsored by Hennepin County’s Human Services and Public Health Depart., the session will be offered 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thu, Dec.16, Hennepin County Library–Ridgedale, room 229, 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka. For directions to the library, call 952847-8800. Registration required. FFI: 612-596-6631 or go to www.hennepin.us/ adsinfo Learn about guardianship When children who are disabled become adults, their parents or legal representatives may want to consider filing a petition for guardianship or limited guardianship. Hennepin County is offering a free session, Guardianship, Limited Guardianship and Conservatorship, to help families learn about this legal process.

Session is Mon, Dec. 13, 9 - 11 a.m., Jordan New Life Community Church. FFI: 612-5966631, www.hennepin.us/ adsinfo; for directions to the church, call 612-522-8624.

Opportunity Health Care Choices booklet available The 2011 edition of the Minnesota Health Care Choices booklet is now available online and in printed form from Area.

Agencies on Aging and the Senior LinkAge Line. The 172-page booklet is full of information for Medicare beneficiaries of all ages residing in any of Minnesota’s 87 counties, including Medicare supplements, health plans, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, Medicare savings programs, Medicare Advantage plans and Special Need Plan as well as the, Minnesota Long-Term Care Partnership and other long-term care options, and fraud alerts. It is the only comprehensive, objective statewide publication available that provides information about all Medicare options for Minnesotans.

To access the booklet online, click on: www.mnaging.org to request a printed copy, call the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800333-2433 Be more accessible More than $220,000 will be available to arts organizations in the seven-county metro area to make facilities or programs more accessible to people with

Anxiety support group The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota (NAMI-MN) sponsors free support groups for persons with anxiety disorders. The groups help individuals develop better coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. An Open Door Anxiety and Panic supYouth and families port group meets in St. Paul at 6:30 p.m., first and third Thu, Get the lead out at Gloria Dei Church, 700 Worried about lead hazards in Snelling Ave. S. St. Paul. FFI: your home? Lead poisoning can NAMI, 651-645-2948, www cause developmental delays .namihelps.org and cognitive disabilities in very young children. Hennepin UCare meetings County’s Lead Control Pro- UCare hosts informational gram can provide a free grant meetings about its UCare for to replace windows and remove Seniors Medicare Advantage other sources of toxic lead. plan. Meetings are held all over Lead home inspections are free. the region. UCare for Seniors Applicants must meet income has more than 75,000 memguidelines. FFI: 612-348-2020 bers across Minnesota and or 612-348-2114, or www.hen western Wisconsin. UCare (is nepin.us/leadcontrol an independent, nonprofit health plan providing health PACER offers services care and administrative serPACER Center offers useful vices to more than 185,000 free workshops for families of members. UCare serves Medichildren with disabilities. Reg- care-eligible individuals ister in advance for workshops. throughout Minnesota and in All workshops are at PACER western Wisconsin; individuCenter, 8161 Normandale als and families enrolled in Blvd., Bloomington, unless income-based Minnesota specified. FFI: PACER at 952- Health Care Programs, such 838-9000 or 800-537-2237 as MinnesotaCare and Prepaid (toll free), or www.PACER.org Medical Assistance Program; adults with disabilities and Support groups, Medicare beneficiaries with meetings chronic health conditions. And Minnesotans dually eligible for Mental illness Medical Assistance and MediThe National Alliance on Men- care FFI: 1-877-523-1518 (toll tal Illness of Minnesota free), www.ucare.org (NAMI-MN) sponsors free support groups for families who NAMI workshops have a relative with a mental NAMI offers special workillness. NAMI has 23 family shops nand classes. Take a free support groups, over 20 sup- educational course that helps port groups for people living families gain a greater underwith a mental illness, 2 anxiety standing of mental illness, dissupport groups, and Vet Con- cuss resources, build communection groups for returning nication skills, reduce stress soldiers. Led by trained facili- and find support. The Familytators who also have a family to-Family course meets weekly member with mental illness, the for 12 weeks and will start in support groups help families St. Paul, at 1919 University develop better coping skills Ave., 6-8:30 p.m. Tue, Jan. 11. and find strength through shar- Pre-registration required. FFI: ing their experiences. A fam- Anne Mae, 651-730-8434. ily support group meets in the A free, one-day education St. Paul area at 6:30 p.m., on workshop that provides famithe second and fourth Wed. lies and individuals with inFFI: Anne Mae, 651-730-8434. formation on mental illnesses, A NAMI Connection peer practical coping strategies, and support group for adults recov- hope for recovery is 9 a.m.-3 ering from mental illness meets p.m. Sat, Jan. 8 in St. Paul at bi-weekly in Roseville. Trained Regions Hospital. Registrafacilitators who are also in re- tion requested. FFI: 651-645covery lead NAMI Connection 2948. groups. The group meets 6:30 p.m. 2nd and 4th Wed at CentenVolunteer, Donate nial Methodist Church, 1524 Co. Rd. C-2 W., Roseville. FFI: Applicants sought Will, 651-578-3364, www. The Minnesota State Advisory namihelps.org. A family sup- Council on Mental Health and port group meets in St. Paul at the Subcommittee on Child6:30 p.m., on the fourth Tues, ren’s Mental Health are seeking at Lutheran Church of the Re- applicants for vacancies for deemer, 285 North Dale St. terms from 2011 to 2014. ApFFI: Hilary, 651-222-4323. plications will be accepted through December for the disabilities. VSA Minnesota administers this grant opportunity, using funds from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Seventeen groups have received grants; are you next? Deadlines are Jan. 14 and April 29, 2011.

For more info: 612-332-3888 v/tty or www.vsamn.org

Children’s Subcommittee and January and later for the State Advisory Council. The council advises the governor, Minnesota Legislature and state departments about policies, programs and services affecting adults with mental illnesses and children with emotional disturbances. Members of the council are appointed by the governor.

The children’s subcommittee makes recommendations to the council on children’s mental health issues. Members are appointed by the chair of the council. The council and committee have openings for consumers, family members, providers and other representatives. FFI: Bruce Weinstock at 651-431-2249 or Bruce.Weinstock@state.mn.us or from the Minnesota secretary of state, Open Appointments at (651) 297-5845 or www.sos. state.mn.us, www.mental health.dhs.state.mn.us Give away that car Autos for Arc™ can take old vehicles off your hands, give you a tax deduction and say “Thank you!” for helping change the lives of people with disabilities. Autos for Arc accepts cars and trucks of any model and condition and other vehicles including boats (with trailers), RVs, ATVs, golf carts, personal watercraft, motorcycles and snowmobiles.

Revenue from the sale of donated items helps fund Arc Greater Twin Cities’ programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Within the seven-county metro area, Autos for Arc can arrange to have a vehicle towed free of charge. Call the tollfree Autos for Arc hotline, 1877-778-7709, to arrange a pickup. Or drop off vehicles at a Value Village location. FFI: 1-877-778-7709, www.autos forarc.org Tutor a Child, Change a Future Volunteers are needed to tutor elementary students in the St. Paul Public schools in reading and math. Under the guidance of a classroom teacher, volunteers assist students one-on-one or in small groups determined by classroom need. By contributing as little as two hours per week, you can give a struggling student the extra attention needed to help them succeed.

Volunteers age 55 and older are eligible to receive free supplemental insurance, mileage reimbursement and other benefits through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by Volunteers of America of Minnesota. FFI: Connie at 612-617-7807 or email cerickson@voamn.org ■

December 10, 2010

13

Radio Talking Book • December 2010 Recordings of your choice The Audio Services volunteers at the Communication Center spend most of the year recording textbooks for college students. Because that need is not steady throughout the year, there are slow periods – such as now. Listeners can take advantage of this opportunity to have items recorded. Listeners can ask for just about anything to be recorded, including books and magazines that aren’t currently available from the Regional Library in Faribault or that has not been broadcast on the Radio Talking Book. This is also an opportunity to have instructions recorded for items ranging from microwave ovens to computers, or to have any information recorded that patrons are unable to read.

The Audio Services Section of the Communication Center is glad to record these – and more. Call 651-649-5903, or call the toll-free number, 1-800-652-9000, and ask for the library technician.

Christmas Programming Every year, Radio Talking Book gives the volunteers a short break from the regular recording schedule and gives listeners a chance to enjoy Christmas stories of the past and present. This year, Christmas programming begins after the reading of the evening newspapers on Friday, Dec. 24, and will continue up to the reading of the morning newspapers on Sunday, Dec. 26.

We hope you enjoy the stories.

Books Available Through Faribault Books broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network are available through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault. Phone is 1-800-722-0550 and hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Their catalog is also online, and can be accessed by going to the main website, http://education.state.mn.us, and then clicking on the link. Persons living outside of Minnesota may obtain copies of books by contacting the home state’s Network Library for the National Library Service.

Listen to the Minnesota Radio Talking Book, either live or archived programs from the last week, on the Internet at www.mnssb.org/rtb. Call the staff at the Radio for your password to the site.

See interesting information about current RTB events on the Facebook site for the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network.

Register for Facebook at www.facebook.com.

Access Press is one of the publications featured at 9 p.m.

Sundays on the program It Makes a Difference.

Across the Airwaves Access for All is a radio program that focuses on topics and issues that Minnesotans with disabilities face. The program takes a nonbiased approach to discussing the true barriers for all citizens to be a full part of society. Access for All is a weekly radio program hosted by Mike Chevrette airing Sundays at 2-3 p.m. on KTNF AM 930. www.am950ktnf.com/listen and www.accessminnesota.org Disabled and Proud is the radio show that brings you insights into, ideas about and discussions of disability culture.

Disabled and Proud is a weekly radio show hosted by Sam Jasmine and airs 6:30-7 p.m. Thursdays. KFAI is a noncommercial FM radio station operating on 90.3 MHz in Minneapolis and 106.7 MHz in St Paul.

KFAI exists to broadcast information, arts and entertainment programming for an audience of diverse racial, social and economic backgrounds. By providing a voice for people ignored or misrepresented by mainstream media, KFAI increases understanding between peoples and communities, while fostering the values of democracy and social justice.

Disability Viewpoints is a cable television program that spotlights disability issues, organizations and community members. It is hosted by Mark Hughes and includes Living Forward segments hosted by Sheri Melander-Smith, The program airs on CTV Channel 15 7:30 p.m. Mondays, 3:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesdays and 1 a.m., and 9 a.m.

Wednesdays.

Disability Viewpoints is also airing through December on TPT’S Minnesota Channel. On the air the channel is 2.2; check your cable provider for the channel setting. Shows began Dec. 4-5 and airs weekends through Dec. 25-26.

Shows air at 9:30 p.m. Saturdays and 3:30 and 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Sundays.

CTV is a non-profit organization operated by the North Suburban Access Corporation. The ten commission members represent the cities of Arden Hills, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Little Canada, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks, Roseville, St. Anthony and Shoreview. ■

Chautauqua • Tuesday - Saturday 4 a.m.

Bright-Sided, Nonfiction by Barbara Ehrenreich, 2009.

Ehrenreich contends that the down-sides of positive thinking are personal self-blame and national denial. She claims it directly contributed to our economic disaster. Read by Marylyn Burridge. 8 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 22.

Night Journey • Monday - Friday 9 p.m.

The Fleet Street Murders, Fiction by Charles Finch, 2009. It is 1866. Amateur sleuth Charles Lenox is celebrating Christmas, his engagement, and a run for Parliament when he hears of the death of two journalists. Read by Charles Torrey. 10 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 27.

Past is Prologue • Monday - Friday 9 a.m.

The Last Train from Hiroshima, Nonfiction by Charles Pellegrino, 2010. On two August days, nuclear devices detonated over Japan changing life on earth forever. Thirty people fled Hiroshima for the safety of Nagasaki, arriving just in time to survive yet another atomic bomb. V,L -Read by Sherri Afryl.

14 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 14.

Off the Shelf • Monday - Friday 10 p.m.

36 Arguments for the Existence of God, Fiction by Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, 2010. Cass is a celebrity atheist. But each new encounter with significant people reinforces his theory that religious impulse spills over into life at large. L Read by Maria Rubinstein. 13 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 21.

Potpourri • Monday - Friday 11 p.m.

The Baseball Codes, Nonfiction by Jason Turbow, 2010.

Baseball has intricate regulations, but what really governs the game is a set of unwritten rules. Some are openly discussed and some are fairly unknown. L - Read by Denny Laufenburger. 11 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 13.

Getting Ghost, Fiction by Luke Bergmann, 2010. Luke Bergmann returned to Detroit to study the incarceration of inner-city youth. He became more than an observer, intervening with a probation officer and being another’s contact when The Writer’s Voice • Monday - Friday 2 p.m.

And One Fine Morning, Nonfiction by Nick Hayes, 2010. he fled the city. V,L,S - Read by Dan Sadoff. 13 broadcasts.

Nick Hayes came from an Irish Catholic family that was a part Begins Dec. 29. of Minneapolis’s North Side in the early decades of the twenGood Night Owl • Monday - Friday midnight tieth century. His father Mark was one of Minnesota’s most successful modernist architects. L - Read by Dan Kelly. Nine A Week in December, Fiction by Sebastian Faulks, 2010.

Sebastian Faulks follows seven diverse people over seven broadcasts. Begins Dec. 21. days, including a Tube train driver whose train joins these lives together. L - Read by Jim Gregorich. 14 broadcasts. Begins Choice Reading • Monday - Friday 4 p.m.

Daughters of the Witching Hill, Fiction by Mary Sharratt, Dec. 20.

2010. Bess Southerns is haunted by visions and gains a reputaAfter Midnight • Tuesday - Saturday 1 a.m. tion as a cunning woman. Drawing on Catholic folk magic, she heals the sick and foretells the future. A local magistrate, Wormwood, Nevada, Fiction by David Oppegaard, 2010. though, is eager to make his name as a witch finder. Read by Tyler and Anna move to a town of cowboys, alien cultists, meth dealers, doomsday prophets, and the broken-hearted. Then a Pat Kovel-Jarboe. 13 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 15. meteorite lands in town. Read by Andrea Bell. Seven broadcasts. Begins Dec. 23.

PM Report • Monday - Friday 8 p.m.

Horse Soldiers, Nonfiction by Doug Stanton, 2009. After 9/11, Abbreviations: a band of Special Forces secretly entered Afghanistan to battle the Taliban. They were ambushed and ended up fighting for V—violence, L—offensive language, S—sexual situations their lives. L - Read by Del Adamson. 14 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 21.

Bookworm • Monday - Friday 11 a.m.

Lost, Fiction by Alice Lichtenstein, 2010. On a cold January morning, Susan’s husband wanders off alone. Suffering from dementia, he can no long feed or clothe himself. Now he is lost.

Over the course of the weekend, a massive search for him takes place. L,S - Read by Michele Potts. Eight broadcasts. Begins Dec. 22.

APOLOGY -

Cont. from p. 1

ogy to really have power, it had to be spoken to the face of the people who were mistreated,” said ACT Co-Director Mary Kay Kennedy. “Some of these folks are still alive, now living in the community and some are on our board.

We put out the word and got many of them to come to our banquet as honored guests.”

Each honored guest was also featured in an apology poster, with a portrait and a short quote about then and now. “Sometimes they’d give me a cold shower if I did something wrong,” stated the poster that features Larry Lubbers of West St. Paul. He once was a resident of Faribault State Hospital. “It wasn’t very nice. Today I live in my own apartment.”

Those who attended the Oct. 29 program were clearly

moved. “What a powerful program,” said Jaimie Bennett of Minneapolis. “It felt like a truth and reconciliation commission. I was thinking of all the people I wish would have been in that room to hear those powerful, and awful, and sometimes uplifting stories — those many voices, some hard to understand, some hard to listen to, but all full of power.”

ACT continues to collect stories and photos from former residents of state hospitals, as they build a poster display.

Anyone who has a story to share, or know someone who does, can contact Rick Cardenas, Advocating Change Together, cardenas@self advocacy.org Bret Helsa is from Advocating Change Together. ■

Be our friend! Join our cause!

Access Press is on facebook Link up with us. Join in on discussions Donate to Minnesota’s disability community newspaper

www.facebook.com Facebook is a free social networking Web site that allows people to connect with friends, share ideas and support issues and causes. Sign up and search for Access Press

SIDEWALK CAFEforced, his restaurant could possibly lose an entire row of outdoor tables.

One activist who has worked on the ordinance, HamlineMidway resident Mike Samuelson, said the ordinance doesn’t go far enough in terms of federal law. He said that in high-traffic areas, more than 48 inches of space is needed for people with disabilities to pass through.

Another change he brought up, and that the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities is asking for, is that there be a fence in-

Cont. from p. 3

stalled between sidewalk cafes and the public right-of-way.

Samuelson said as federal regulations are more fully developed, there will be a requirement for fencing or some kind of barrier. But some restaurant owners said that would further squeeze their cafes.

Samuelson also said more people with disabilities need to be involved when ordinance changes are discussed. When the ordinance was presented to the advisory committee, “We were told what you wanted to do. We need to be involved in the planning.” ■

14

December 10, 2010

Health care reform one of many focuses for MN-CCD

by MN-CCD and Access Press staff A whole new landscape awaits self-advocates and disability service organizations at the capitol. The House and Senate both have Republican majorities for the first time in many years, and the governor’s race was still in a recount as of Access Press deadline. CoChairman Steve Larson and Chris Burns said the sweeping changes in leadership and committee structure will means changes in strategy.

Leaders of disability organizations talked at length Nov. 12 about what the changes mean and how to address them.

Much of the early stage of the session will be an education process, most people agreed.

Many new legislators may need and appreciate information on disability-related topics. Efforts to reach out across the state will be vitally important.

In November issue Access Press gave an overview of PCA issues and children’s issues. This month housing, quality assurance/self direction, healthcare and long-term services will be highlighted.

Issues of quality and access to health care and long-term care services are the focus for one work group. One key recommendation is to support efforts to tie into federal health care reform, which state officials have resisted over the past several months. This work group will monitor the Healthcare Access Commission discussions which serve as an opportunity for legislators to discuss state and federal healthcare issues in a public setting.

Another need is to continue monitoring current DHS initiatives, including the 2009 county redesign of current county social services delivery system, the work of a caregiver/respite coalition and a report on recommendations improvements to the current case management system.

MN-CCD is opposing further increases in parental fees and further erosion to the MN

Medicaid benefit set and is working to educate state lawmakers on what potential cuts to such benefits would mean.

In the area of transportation, the position paper notes that while there has been progress, “overall access to transportation for Minnesotans with disabilities still remains inadequate.” Lacking public transportation can keep people from fully participating in their communities.

Among the many priorities is a need to monitor the work of the newly formed Transportation Access Council and its impact, and see what can be done about the lack of coordination between services.

During the 2010 session the Interagency Committee on Transportation Coordination (ICTC) was replaced with the new council. One focus is to amend the legislation to include appointment of stakeholders from the disability and elderly community.

Progress on 2008 transportation legislation will also be studied, including the requirement that the Commissioner of Transportation develop a transit service needs implementation plan that contains a goal of meeting at least 80 percent of unmet transit service needs in greater Minnesota by July 1, 2015, and meeting at least 90 percent of unmet transit service needs in greater Minnesota by July 1, 2025.

Other priorities include protection of Metro Mobility funding and supporting the Office of the Legislative Auditor Audit on nonemergency medical transportation services. The auditor is currently conducting an evaluation of services, of which many Minnesotans with disabilities rely upon to get to and from medical appointments. The report will likely explore many issues that disability advocates around the state are concerned with.

Employment also will be a focus at the capitol. For many Minnesotans with disabilities,

access to employment is a critical component of their quality of life. One overarching message with legislation on employment is that when Minnesotans with disabilities find jobs, they increase state revenues and decrease government expenditures on safety net services.

The Minnesota Work Incentives Connection has calculated some of the financial impact when Minnesotans with disabilities work. The Connection’s most recent data found statistically significant decreases in the following government benefit amounts received at 12-month follow up with Minnesotans with disabilities who had found employment.

Several recommendations are being made to lower the current disability community employment rate from 22 percent to the 70 percent rate for Minnesotans without disabilities. Providing better transition services from special education to work and preservation of vocational rehabilitation services funding are other goals.

Members of the employment work group will also focus on

ensuring that the goal of increased employment of Minnesotan’s with disabilities is supported and reflected in the various initiatives currently taking place in state government that will impact employment of Minnesotans with disabilities.

Another MN-CCD work group brought forward proposals on quality assurance and self-direction. This group noted that there a federal mandate to provide options for community based long-term care. Self-direction can be a cost- efficient way to manage a finite budget while respecting individual preferences.

“Minnesota has been a national leader in self-direction for the past 12 years but our efforts to expand self direction have stalled,” the group’s position paper stated.

The recommendations include evaluating federal waiver options that will expand the availability of selfdirected options, choosing what will work best for Minnesotans, passing authorizing legislation if necessary, and implementing effective November 1, 2011.

Steps are also being recom-

mended to expand community directed consumer supports statewide. Even though these are mandated services many counties still don’t offer them.

Some counties that do offer of support these don’t have the resources to expand and promote the supports to the extent necessary. A number of technical changes are recommended so that the Department of Human Services can help more services get started or expanded.

In the area of quality improvement, MN-CCD’s work group wants to see more done to build upon efforts that began in 2007. That’s when state lawmakers established a quality management system for Minnesotans receiving disability services. The purpose of that system is to improve the quality of series provided to individuals and to meet federal waiver requirements. DHS is taking a number of steps to implement and continue that management system, including surveys of service recipients and working to improve the critical incident reporting, investigation and analysis systems. But more is needed according to the MN-CCD work

group on this issue. The work group wants to see the 2007 quality assurance report recommendations full implemented, among other needs.

Providing more opportunities for accessible housing is a focus for the MN-CCD housing work group. Working with state officials to encourage more use of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) vouchers for housing is one need, as very few local housing agencies apply for these vouchers. Enforcement of fair housing regulations is another need.

The work group is also waiting for the DHS Housing Options Initiatives report, which is due this month. The report, which state lawmakers OK’d in 2009, requires DHS to study, pilot and expand available, affordable, accessible, independent housing options for people with disabilities of all ages that use home and community based services. Specific recommendations will be made after the report is released.

The complete agenda, position papers and upcoming meetings are at www.mn ccd.org ■

We remember Activist, poet Laura Hershey passes away

by Kathleen Hagen Laura Hershey, renowned activist, poet, and prolific writer, died Nov. 26 after a very short illness. Hershey was born with a form of muscular dystrophy. She served as a poster child for the Jerry Lewis telethon, but as an adult believed that this telethon was demeaning, patronizing and exploitative of people with disabilities. She protested telethons, sometimes in person, always by her writing.

Hershey was very active in the ADAPT movement and the Not Dead Yet movement.

She was a prolific writer. Her latest book, Stark Before Dark, will be published soon.

Other writings can be found at www.laurahershey.com, and www.cripcommentaries. com She is best known for the poem Practice Makes You Proud. Twin Cities composer Dianne Benjamin produced a choral piece for Calliope Women’s Chorus using part of the poem in the song “You Get Proud by Practicing.”

Hershey left behind a gift, written two days before she died. It was for the website of the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation. In keeping with Thanksgiving, she listed things she was grateful for.

During Thanksgiving sea-

son, it’s time to talk about gratitude. This is a tricky subject for people with disabilities. It has its pros and cons.

The positive is that there really is so much to be grateful about, and doing so helps us feel good and live well. The negative arises out of a whole history of exclusion and power imbalances.

I’m grateful for the disability community. It’s diverse, dynamic, fractious, cantankerous, complacent, focused, distractible, powerful, pressed-down, and always enduring. Its members sustain me in critical ways. Disability rights groups such as ADAPT, and the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, and Not Dead Yet, defend my rights to public transportation access, entry to local businesses, attendant supports, Medicaid coverage, and LIFE. Disabled women and queer folks and people of color engage me in understanding intersectionalities among gender, race, and disability oppression, and the need to move beyond rights toward real justice.

I’m grateful for my body, though it often falls short. It’s always had its “issues,” to use a euphemism, and as I age these are multiplying. But it’s who I am and how I interact with the world and other

people and myself. My body hurts me and limits me more than I would like. It also receives and processes art and music and ocean breezes and delicious Vitamixed food. It sends out my voice, my voice of request and direction, my voice of protest, my voice of poetry and prose, my voice of desire.

I’m grateful for my spectacular attendants, who meet my needs skillfully, support my choices, bring extremely useful additional talents to their jobs, such as wheelchair repair and culinary art.

Of course I’m also grateful for the Medicaid program that pays for their services, without which they wouldn’t be here at all. I’m also grateful for the Medicaid “work incentive” rules which enable me to write and consult, earn money, and still keep these services.

So now for the dark side of gratitude. All too often, people with disabilities are pressured to feel gratitude for things that are their basic human rights—subsidized housing, support services, inclusion in the community, basic acceptance and respect. Some people think that disability is a drain on the economy and an imposition on others. They don’t want to be reminded of the prevalence and inevita-

bility of disability in any society, in any person’s experience or family. In response to this deep discomfort, they try to impose conditions on anything “given” to people with disabilities—conditions like passiveness, submissiveness, limited demands, and constant thank yous.

We have to demand the things that are essential to our lives, equality, and quality of life. We must refuse to feel gratitude for these, except the normal level of gratitude that anyone might feel for living in a time and place that still supports human life. We can’t succumb to feelings like embarrassment or shame regarding our needs, even if those needs are more extensive than the average person’s needs.

That will only reinforce and perpetuate our inequality, and the pulling away of vital stateand federally-funded support services.

Gratitude is natural and healthy, but should never be obligatory. Identifying and sharing our real sources of gratitude is a good counterbalance to the tendency for self-destructive gratitude.

Hershey is survived by her partner Robin, their daughter Shannon, her parents and her brother. ■

December 10, 2010

Arc of Minnesota details agenda

by Mike Gude Steve Larson, Public Policy Director for The Arc of Minnesota, detailed The Arc of Minnesota’s 2011 Legislative Agenda. “We will be an active participant in the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities to protect those essential disability supports that provide safety, opportunity, and security. We will also strongly support the Safe Schools for All legislation to prevent bullying in our schools.”

In addition, Larson said The Arc of Minnesota will emphasize three other issues that have

been particularly important to Program, a successful model with disabilities in the comits members: that gives people with dismunity and help keep fami· Greater Consumer Control abilities a greater voice in lies together,” Larson said.

Over Services – “We believe determining quality. The Arc The Legislature and the Govpeople with disabilities and of Minnesota also wants to ernor approved another intheir families need more fleximplement new federal and crease during the 2010 Legstate innovations that can islative Session. The Arc of ibility to choose and tailor transform our service sysMinnesota opposes singling their services to best meet tem, like an increased fedout families who have chiltheir needs and use funds eral Medicaid match to states dren with disabilities from more efficiently,” Larson that move people from instiother families by taxing them said. This would include tutions into the community. with further fee increases. ■ more choices in housing that give people with disabilities · Parental Fees – “We want greater independence and to prevent further increases The Arc of Minnesota comin the fees that parents pay plete agenda is on its website save the state money. for services provided through at www.arcmn.org. · Quality Assurance – This would include expanding the Medical Assistance, services Region 10 Quality Assurance that help keep their children

REGIONAL NEWS -

Cont. from p. 12

working to improve the facility this fall and should wrap up a renovation project this month.

Four retired carpenters led dozens of other volunteers in a four-year long renovation project. The revamp would have cost the nonprofit approximately $930,000. Thanks to the donated services, it cost about half.

The many projects undertaken at Eden Wood include building foundation replacement, addition of a storm shelter, accessible bathroom improvements, renovated sleeping areas and installation of new windows.

The revamp means Eden Wood Center is now serving 900 residents a year instead of its usual 600. It comes at a time when demand for its service is on the rise. Since 2006, the camp, located in the northern edge of Eden Prairie, has been receiving a makeover. One huge step was taken in 2007 when the center dorms were winterized.

Eden Wood is a piece of Minnesota history. It was established in 1925 as Glen Lake Children’s Camp, a place for children who had been exposed to tuberculosis. The site was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

While it is a historically significant site, Eden Wood also functions as camp for children and adults with disabilities.

Friendship Ventures has operated the camp since 1995. The organization leases it from the city for $1 a year. Friendship Ventures provides direct services for children and adults with disabilities. It provides services to families including respite

PEOPLE/PLACES -

St. Paul psychiatrist wins NAMI award The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota presented St. Paul psychiatrist Dr. Steve Harker with its Professional of the Year Award at its annual conference recently in St. Paul. Harker has been a leader in bringing Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams to Minnesota and in making sure the teams meet national standards. ACT teams provide an array of coordinated services to help individuals with serious mental illnesses with community living.

“In collaboration with the Hennepin Regions Psychiatric Residency Program he has developed a community psychiatric residency program which will ensure that we will have psychiatrists willing to serve on ACT teams in the future,” said NAMI Executive Director Sue Abderholden. ■

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FOR RENT care. Since 2006, enrollment in the respite care program has Holmes-Greenway Housing: increased 75 percent.

Oneand two-bedroom wheel[Source: KSTP-TV, Eden Prairie News] chair-accessible apartments.

Section 8 subsidized. ConveAccessibility improvement grants nient SE Minneapolis locaavailable to metro arts groups ADA Access Improvement Grants for Metro Arts Organiza- tion. Call 612-378-0331 for tions are now available in the Twin Cities seven-county area. availability information. Equal The focus of these grants, up to $20,000 each, is to help make Opportunity Housing.

arts programming, activities and facilities more accessible to people with disabilities.

Made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, which voters approved in 2008, the grant program is administered by VSA Minnesota for the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC). Last year $190,231 was awarded to 17 Twin Cities organizations. In 2011 approximately $250,000 is available to be awarded over two rounds, with application deadlines on Jan. 14 and April 29, 2011. A series of information meetings will be announced shortly.

The project grants are not intended for one-time activities such as a sign language interpreter or a Braille program for one play, but to have the potential for significant or long-term impact in involving more people with disabilities as participants or patrons in arts programs.

Minnesota nonprofit arts organizations in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties are eligible if their annual budget is under $4,460,000.

Download grant guidelines and application at Cont. from p. 7 www.vsamn.org/forms.html#adagrant. Or contact VSA Minnesota at 612-332-3888 voice/tty or access@vsamn.org ■ Parent Involvement Month is sponsored by the Minnesota [Source: VSA] Parent Center, MN PIRC. It is cosponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Association of School Administrators, Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals, Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association, Minnesota Association of Administrators of State and Federal Education Programs, Minnesota School Boards Association and Minnesota PTA.

15

ments. Section 8 subsidized.

Convenient St. Louis Park location. Call 952-935-9125 for information. Equal Opportunity Housing.

Seward Square Apartments: We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list for barrier-free housing, in Minneapolis, that is federally subsidized. For an application, please call 612-338-2680.

Equal Opportunity Housing.

Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier-free housing with wheelchair users in mind. Section 8 subsidized. One- and two-bedroom units. For more information on availability call Calvary Center Apts: 7650 651-488-9923. St. Paul, MN. Golden Valley Road, Golden Equal Opportunity Housing. Valley, MN. A Section 8 building now accepting applications Oak Park Village: We are for our waiting list. Call 9 am accepting applications for the to 4 pm, Mon – Fri 763-546waiting list for one-bedroom 4988 for an application. Equal wheelchair accessible apart- Opportunity Housing.

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December 10, 2010

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