June 1997 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

dNTH ANNIVERSARY EDIT1 -

-I@8,

SOURCES

Number 06

Directory of Organizations

- p. 1

RESOURCES

C A P I T O L SUCCESS A Legislative Session Review by Charlie Smith, Editor

he 1997 Legislative sessionwasaproductiveone for people with disabilities. Two of the major successes were the Cost of Living Adjustment and the Patient Protection Act. Here is a brief overview of some of the issues thedisability community lobbied for.

Years

The legislature appropriated a five percent cost of living adjustment to community support workers (personal care attendants, group home worker, etc.). This group of workers had not received a raise for some time and makes thejob ofattracting and retaining good employeesdifticult. They are paid much less than state employees performing similar activities.

"' I"A='AU -1s DRA Gnet

Overlooked? .

Out-of-State CornputerRecyclerGetsContract by Jane Wheeler

ordon Gillesby takes issue with thc K- 12 Omnibus Education Approprintion Bill, but not for the reason you might expect. He is not <& angry about the educational tax credits that the Governor is pushing and so many others oppose, but with a subsection ; that deals with recycling donated computers into Minnesota schools. Gillesby is the president, CEO and founder of a non-profit computer recycling organization named Disability Resources Affiliates andcroups network(DRAGnet). Gillesby says that for years DRAGnet has submitted various proposals to state agencies like the

one that the K-12 omnibus bill will fund. Now that the government is funding alarge scale recycling program, Gillesby does not understand why the planning does not include DRAGnet. If the K- 12 omnibus bill is approved it will only allocate the funding. It does not include specifics of the design, but the governor's office released information detailing the plan that will recycle 18,250 computers into Minnesota schools by July 1 , 2000. It is intended that national and local companies will donate the computers, andinmates of two state corrections facilities will do

Metro Mobility

the technical refurbishing. Instead of using the local organization DRAGnet, the governor's office named the Detwiler Foundation as the group that will head up the national donation drive. Gillesby is particularly angry about this announcement, because Detwiler is a non-profit foundation based out of California that will receive Minnesota tax dollars. "Why are Minnesota resources going to California instead of being spent within the state; when we are, without a doubt, at least asqualified as Detwiler, and I would guess more so?" Gillesby asked.

Computer - cont. on p.8

The legislature appropriated .. . $36.4 million dollars for Metro Mobility for the biennium. This i s a l s o t h e a m ~ o u t the Governor requested. The Metropolitan .Council has stated that dueto thenew contracts with theproviders, they will be able to re-instate the hours of service cut in 1995.

Managed Care For People With Disabilities Two counties (Olmstead and Blue Earth area) were chosen for demonstration projects. They will start enrolling people with disabilities on Medical Assistance into a managed care program later this year. The Department of Human Services will be monitoring and evaluating their progress.

Patient Protection Aconsumeradvisory board is established with the ability to review and make recommen-

dations to the commissioners of commerce and health and to the MinnesotaLegislaturc. Emergency care is addressed and specifies that it must be available 24 hours per day, seven days a week and be covered outside of the insurer's network when necessary. There are some safeguards for continuity of care

provider due to a change in the plan's network. The law requires that a procedure, whereby an individual may apply for a standing referral to a specialist, be established for individuals requiring that level of care. The primary care provider remains responsible for coordinating that individual'scare between providers. Disclosure of financial incentives to providers are required by the legislation as well as the salaries of all employees . of the health plan in excess of $50,000.

Supported Employment Employment projects were funded at $500,000. This funding will enable projects to continue in their efforts to get mentally i l l persons working in an area that is appropriate for them. The funding is appropriated through the Economic Development Omnibus Bill.

Remembering With Dignity

Mentally Ill Deaf Grants People Incorporated received a $150,000 grant to be used for programs affecting deaf mentally i l l adults.

Adult Mental Health Pilot Project; Phase I1 n o r : ~proila'difioa $2.7 million on county or regional programs for persons with mental illness. The pi lots have considerable flex ibility in the use of the grant the intent being that countie provide services that enable individuals to remain in the community.

Children's Mental Health Children's Mental Health received a $3.4 million dollar program increase, $2.0 million from the governor's proposal for children's mental health collaborative and $1.4 million from the state Mental Health Advisory Committee's recommendation.

MinnesotaCare The MinnesotaCare Bill expanded eligibility to adults without children to 175 percent of the federal poverty guideline. The bill also reduced the provider tax rate from 2 percent to 1.5percent. The legislation increased the reimbursement rate for dentists and reduced the number of medical assistance patients a dentist must see under Rule 101 ( the rule provides that a provider must serve medical assistance patients in order to participate in the contract for state employees).

Numbered grave markers at state Regional Treatment Centers will be replaced with markers with names of individuals. This will be accomplished over a 5-year period with an appropriation of $200,000. Advocating (Information for this article Change Together (ACT) also was provided by Tom Brick, recieved $5,000 to bring State Council on Disabilities awareness and fundraising for and Tom Johnson, Allianc the markers. for the Mentally 111.)-

,s:<

June 10,1997

Access Press

-: 1

Seven years...it is hard ta be ers.Thegovetnment just made n e x a ~ a u ~ I h e l i e v ~ w i sE u~ et m r @ r o F b i C : ~ ~ ~

Deaf Quilting Class In ma Stitches

eaf Community Enrich ment (DCE), one of the Deafness Education and Advocacy Foundation's (D.E.A.F) programs spansored the highly successful Deaf quilting class at two community centers; West St. Paul and Roseville. The Deaf

Metro Mobilitv Wdate

Improvements To Be 1 Effective Soon

metro area. That will mean some changes in who customers call for a ride beginning Tuesday, June 24. The Metropolitan Council approved the changes earlier this year and awarded contracts to Handicabs, Inc., and Laidlaw Transit Services, Inc., to proF i t , b e & n Metro ~ ~ ~vide service in two designated Mobility tram& service for zones. p q x b .&$1 &&abilities will two,instead of - There will also &A L g e s to providers (trans- thebe&- f t k k ~ r l known y as hanges will occur regard 'ng Metro Mobility (a paratransit servicein the Twin Cities metropolitan area) at the end of June in the following three areas: service providers, schedulingse~ices,and types of vehicles.

ins&wom, Peggy Camp and 1998 school yew. hfarmaBrenda Holte, provided guib tion and brochures will he a n c e ~ ~ w o u m g m e n t t o 1 availabkattheD.E.A.F.adult 6 students wlro participated in education booth at Thompthe Fall '96, PCl-r '97, and son Hall sometimeduringthe Spring '97 sessi~m, summer. TheFairviewCommunity Education Center in More quilting classes wilt Roseville will be the permaprovided during the 1997- nent sitefor the Deaf quilting classes.

MCIL RECRUITS BOARD ME-. Metr~palitan-Center for

DCE provides fun commusily-&yation classes on @ W b s i s . This program &

Independent Living

nity . Instructors are paid by the community education centers and class fces.

independent living and.who supports and believes in the ind living philosophy is encouraged ta apply. Application deadline is

and a collab of community a h i c & h . m . If you have q h a would like mrei&-e@ing D m pl& d l ' k g g y Camp: 612-297-67OB 'ITS7 QI

on your

Keep organizing and clog the halls of the Capitol.

I11 I

7th Annhrersaty Issue --

Together we will build the beloved, accessible community.

see you later. Love, Me1 & Georgia Duncan

I I

finally, the exis*

$kit

@ will serve c~mm* "Zone Two" in the east d north metro. Each will provide transportation forcustomers who live in the provider's m, including intemne trips that @anBport customers from I W o n s in one zone to destir&ms in the other.

who use wheelchairs and five ambulatory passengers. Thecouncil wants to expfare the use of sedans to determine whether it can help increase productivity.

~ s e d ycustomers , will be MetmMobility r i d m hadsignificant input in lhe selection I of vehicles. The Council took into account a survey of 1,800 riders who commented on feah tures they most and least valued in a vehicle. Riders said they value safety, reliability, and comfort.

ICon~atdatPsmI

111

Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action

A-as

.....................Cindy Vogel, Dawn Doering & Jeff Nygaard

statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic leaders, Subscriptions are available for S151yr.

Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest to persons with disabilities, or persons serving those with disabilities, are welcomed.

Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $14 to $18/column inch, depending on size and frequency. Classified ads are $8.00, plus 35 centslword over 20 words.

II I

Advertising and editorial deadlines are the 30th of the month pre~edingpublication;special scheduling available for caws-ready an. . . . . . .. Access Press is available on tape. Call MN State Services for the Blind, 642-0500 or 800-652-9000. Inquiries should be directed to: ACCESS PRESS 1821 University Ave. W. Suite 185N = St. Paul, Minnesota 55 104 (612) 644-2 133 Fax (612) 644-2 136

Thank you for your continuing efforts to increask awareness and influence c h a n g e . Keep up the good work, you are an important part of our community. 11 The residents and staff of Accessible 1)

ACCESS PRESS is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities b Access Press. Ltd. Circulation is 10,000. distributed the iO* of each month through more than 120 kstions

ACCESS PRESS I ............................ . .......... ..................Wm. A. Smith, Jr. ......................................................... . . .......Charles F. Smith I .....,....,.........,...................................... .......................-..................SeottAda..................................................................... Presentation Images, Ellen Hougbton

Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1995) Editor/PuWsher/Co-Founder Cartoonist Production Stafi Writers & Editorial Assistants

b r o f tri denials tocustomers.

D.E.A.F. west metro area and Laidlaw feet long and a foot lowerthan

C ~ ~ W me S

603-2001(TTY).

able to schedule trips the same day they need a ride - depending on the availability of service (openings that result from trip cancellations). Also, a change in federal law last year allowed the Council to reduce the advance reservation period for Metro Mobility qusbmpcsfrom 14 days to

For further information,Metro Mobility riders should keep an eye out for the June edition ofMetmR4obilityNews. They should also check the mail for their new ADAeligibilitycard and information about their provider's new telephone number. Riders can also direct questions to Metro Mobility Customer Services at 221-0015.

SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION

C/ARE

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER

&INESINC. m

-Access Press

Behind The Scenes nother year has gone by and ACCESS PRESS couldn't have survived without the talents and contributions of the many people who workbehind the scenes. Making time in their busy lives to print their ideas about disability issues. The columnists are: Nicole and LeAnne on personal issues, Gordon (who is on sabbatical) on computers, Sandy (now in Canada studying) and CeCe on mental illnesses, and Mary Jane, the coordinator of the Religion column. Scott continues to pro-

IN BRIEF.

vide new perspectivesthrough his cartoons. He's been with us since the beginning. The Wizard of Spatial Relations, Ellen, manages to take our layout ideas and turn them into a newspaper with the help of our printer, Finance and Commerce, Inc. On the day of publication, Bob and his staff deliver the paper to over 130 sites around the metro area. Taking over the office magic is Cindy Vogel: writer, editor, gardener, photojournalist, and organizer extraordinaire. The two people who have been

A public forum on the impli- on Thursday, June 26, from 4- and mean& of the new legs-

around the longest, and to be cations of the 1997 Legislahonest I'm not sure the paper tive change in the civil comwould stin be here without m i t m e ~system will be held them, are Dawn Doering and Jeff Nygaard. They stil<wrk ,tmu o I an* when the deadline comes too Minncapslis Park and Recrefast. Our newc-r is JWheeler from Madison, WI. ation Board, along with Wilshe has only been volunteer- derness Inquiry,Vinland Cening for two months, but has ter. and the Minnesota Dept. proven to be a great reporter of Natural Resources are offering a summer canoe and and a huge help.

6prn at Jehovah Evangelical tationandtheramificationsfor Lutheran Church,St. Paul. The co~sumers,professionals and forum will address the history the courts.

And Kayak Program -

kayak program for people with disabilities. Professional instruction will be provided on canoe and kayak safety, paddling skills, and the use of equipment. Adaptive equip

1poetry Contests

Last but not least, I'd Iflre to thank everyone in the disability community who provide SASE: The Write Place has me with articles, support and teamed up with Borders Book contributions. Without you Shop Minnetonka andMagthe paper couldn't continue. netic Poetry Kit for its S e c o n d Annual Poetry contest. Submission deadline is 4:30pm Tuesday, July 15. For contest guidelines, please GOritarA SASE: The

Write Place at 822-2500.

The National Library of Poetry announces its North American Open Poetry Contest. To enter, send one original Poem, any subject any style, not more than 20 lines, and poet's name and address

...

ICivil Commitment Forum

by Charlie Smith, Editor

June 10,1997

Bob Christensen

ment and assistance transferring in and out of canoes will be provided. Call Mary Barrick,MinneapolisParkand RecreationBoard at661-4827 for schedule and locations.

should appear on the topofthe page. Enh-ies postmarked by July 15,1997 to: The National Library of Poetry, Suite 1992.1 Poetry Plaza, Qwings Mills, MD 21 177-6282 or www.poehy.com.

-,-'&,

l~irthdayBash At ThBBell located at 17th & information call 624-9050. The Bell Museum of Natural ?Oat&+, History is celebrdngits 12% cniversity (U of M). Fun for birthday on June 2Ist from the entire family! For public

--m

Fishing Trips Dawn Doering

Gordon Gillesby

EUen Houghton

1) h b & Rdam

Mary Jane Steinhagen

Happy Birthday Access Press! It's time for you and your readers to take a trip with us.

.I/ I

Thamkgq~1,-Access for providing seven years of committed senke and advocacy to the disability community!

3 - Y q

Commited to full lives for people with disabilities.

Vinland Center

Lake Independence

Give ns a call anflime (612) 379-3858 (IVlI'DD)

Cindv V o ~ e l

Jane Wheeler

P.O. Box 308 Loretto, hW 55357 VOIIATTY: 61214793555 Fax. 612 / 4 -

HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroom

You've been keeping your readers informed about important issues, letting us know when to take action. Access Press is a valuable resource to accessible social, cultural, and entertainment events. We wish you many more years of success!

apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. We have housing in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Austin, Marshall, Willmar, and Duluth. The apartments are fully wheelchair accessible and each building has a central laundry room, large community room, secured entry and an on-site caretaker. AS1 also offers shared personal care services 24 hours a day, at most locations, for adults with a physical disability and/or traumatic brain injury who qualify for Medical Assistance. For more information call (612) 645-7271 or (800) 466-7722. For services or housing call Leigh, for employment as a personal care attendant call Sean or Courtney.

June 10,1997

Access Press

Summertime 1997 .--'Tkaf&-

1bsat-d y 1 l-Aqpst

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La: Ri. -

bn Vqiorrs dater$ at S&&. Prp?-pgiprttian.ricz-: .~~rrpnam&

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:Hfamdoritd~and* w eq-at, will be proriw. a l l w at 379-3833

M. %6-&9rn*

L&& a 4pm.

- 33&W*

Prse,

g Star I Seventh Haw.

-*.

by Lolly Lijewski

ostpeopleareprobably familiar with the right of dog guides to access public -places. This right was established well over 60 years ago. -

It has become commonplace to see them and their blind handlers on public transportstion, in restaurants, theaters, stores and in schools. So it

Hats OH! To Access Press

Committed to V&atitym service, not "Quantityw

from Ethical, Honest, Professional

Community Home Program

24 hour Emergency Contact Person

a#.

wes

College students studying in the Health Care field 1 Energetic, Dependable, Honest Individuals. Willing to learn and adapt to each client's needs

Gmgg 8aunders (President) receives cenetant input from his sister, Gayle

Saunders (Public Relatioms Mrsdor Client since 1987). abeut witat pcopl and better ways to eerve clients.

I Student Experience Home Care 1 Equal Opportunity Employer

In February, a dog guide handler tried to get tickets for the Rosie O'Donnell show. An O'Donnell staffer refused her access because of her dog. At this same time, Desiree Stan, a blind woman who was a new dog guide handler who had been profiled on "Dateline NBC" was invited to beaguest on O'Donnell's show. After pursuing- the issue and offering proof of the dog's legal right to be in the studio, the situation was rectified and the woman was allowed to be in the audience.

I 1 We look forward to many 1I

If you need "Quality" staffing designed to fit your needs,

I(nepse call:

We will be providing housing and personal care attendents to our residents. Our first house will be completed in August with thirty-one more to follow

would seem that access isn't an issue any longer for dog guide handlers. However, this is not thecase. Themostcommon places for dog han- guide dlers to encounter resistance is in restaurants and taxi cabs. In the past 4 months, there have been several very public incidents where the right to access for dog guide handlers has been challenged.

successful years serving people with disabilities along with Access Press. The Comrrumhy Home -ram (612) 339-7873

On the floor of the United States Senate, aSenator9saide was denied access to the floor of the Senate with her dog guide. Here again is another example where our Congres- sional representatives are not, or believe they should not be, held to the same standards as

Dog- cont. on p. 5

June 10,1997

Access Press

Fun-In-The-Sun Events ies. Ly ndale Ave. at Lake July 26 "MN Splash" FestiStreet, Minneapolis. Noon - val, Edina. A free-admission IOpm. 824-8198. event, this celebration of Minnesota pride will showcase July 19 Women of Nations local and regional performers Pow-Wow. A free event on on two stages. Exhibitors will Harriet Island. Ipm and 7pm. be on hand both days offering 222-5830. refreshments, a sale of arts and crafts, and information on July 23-27 The sixth annual products and services by and Twin Cities Riiest, Mpls. A for Minnesotans. Centennial dozen of the country's best Lakes Park, Edina. 1Oam-7pm barbecued-rib chefs gather to 893-9890. offer up samplings of their finest. Free concerts, and those July 27 Country Festival, cute little Robinson's Racing Gibbs Farm.This annual celPigs. On Nicollet Mall, b e ebration of summer features tween 3"' and 41h Streets, homemadeice cream andlemonade for sale, music, an oldstarting at 1 lam each day. fashioned baseball game, craft July 25-27 6th Annual demonstrdoas, and historic Grand Celebration Pow- fashianshow.located nearthe wow and Indian Rodeo. A University of Minnesota's St. Native American dance cel- Paul campus. $3 adult admisebration, and then some. sion fee. 646-8629. Grand Casino Hinckley. 4497 190 or (800)626-LUCK. July 28 Aug. 3 Rice Street Festival, St. Pad. Boasting July 25-27 St. Paul one of the longest parades in Riverfeast. Enjoy free music theTwin Cities,this neighborand food on the riverfront at hood celebration includes a Kellog Mall Park in down- kiddie parade, arts and crafts, town St. Paul. 292-4323. live music, fireworks, and a softball tommwnt. Big pa-

rade on July 30th. 298-6750, August 2 Norwest River Rendezvous. An event for the ask for John Bennett. whole family at St. Paul's AUGUST Harriet Island. noon- l Opm. Free admission. 266-636 1. August 1-3The 34th Annual Uptown Art Fair. The Upper August 8-10 The 14th AnMidwest's largest outdoor art nual Highland Fest. Ajuried fair, this juried show of work art fair is the centerpiece for by 525 artists is a populardes- this community celebration, tination point for tourists and which also includes sporting residents alike. They've as- events, a children's carnival, sembled nearly three dozen more than 20 food and drink food and drink vendors to see vendors and free musical ento your needs, along with tertainment each day of the evening entertainment and a event. Highland Village, St. "Kid's Art Tent" of activities Paul. 699-9042. for the little ones. Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street area, AugusS 8.10 The N i i AnMinneapolis. 823-458 1. mual Bayfront Blues Festival. In addition to the lineup August 2-3 Seventh Annual of regional and national perPowderhorn Festival of the formers at Duluth's Bayfront Arts. This Uptown Art Fair Patk, they 've added moonlight alternativeofferswork by more "Blues Cruises" on Lake Suthan 170 artisans and perior. Lineup still to be ancraftspeople, along with daily nounced, try 1-800-438-5884 musical performances, a chil- by end of June. For ticketp, dren's activities area, Ameri- call (715) 392-1857. The can and ethnic food and drink three-day pass goes for about vendors, and fabulous people $20. For camping, try (2 18) waaching. 10 am to 6 pm Sat- 624-5637 Indian Point Campu d q ; 11 am to 5 pm Sunday. ground, er Spirit Mtn. at 1 Pov&rhorn Park. Mpls. 800-642-6377, ext.244.

August 10 Minnesota Folk '97. A free festival celebrating Minnesota's traditional arts including dancing, music, and crafts. Starts at I 1am. MinnesotaHistory Center. Free. 2966 126.

tainment at thegrandstand,this year's specialty - Super Dogs, doing funny and excitingstunts and more, plus the return of thee new Mighty Midway of rides. It all happens at the State Fairgrounds in St. Paul. Children's Day, Senior's Day, August 17 Cedarfest Cel- and Elvis Day! 642-2200. ebration. From noon to sundown the West Bank rocks August 2PSeptember1 Mill with hundreds of artists and City Music Festival. This new crafkpeople sellingtheir work, festival in the Minneapolis dozens of food and drink ven- Warehouse District will host dors on hand, eight stages of such names as B.B. King, Etta live music and entertainment James, Ray Charles, Arlo andmany eventsespecially for Guthrie, Weird Al Yankovic, children. On Cedar Avenue in Del Amitri, and the Violent Minneapolis, from 7 Comers Femmes. This year they've gone to a "gated" festival, to the Cabooze Bar. meaning you have to pay to August21-September 1 M N hear anybody. Ticket prices State Fair. The expected am looking like $12/day or lineup of top national enter- $30 for three days. 946-0655.

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY ACCESS PRESS 4

--_ .,,-. the rest Mus. 7i'b this the Department of situation, a resolution was J u s t i c e h a s e n ~ t h e passed to allow the woman case, thingsare lookstone was one of the sponsors of the resolution. This writer would like to express appreciation for his roll in ameliorating this incident.

Thebiggest on going challenge

for succes to cqtpletely e b n k a k Ehe q~~~ aceonthg to the attorney represeiiting the organization. Und e r h e mhictions, people who are blind living in Hawaii and wishing to acquire a dog guide have to travel to Australia to get their dog. The fight continues..

9kic Minnesota

of people with disabilities.

dog guide handlers face is the right to travel to the 50th state in the union, Hawaii. Hawaii has a 120-day quarantine currently in place for any dog, 5500 Opportunity Coum guide dogs included. This Minnctonka, Minnesota 55343 amount of time away from -work would cause the dog to become useless. Handi Medical Supply It would break thedog's 2505 University Avenue West training. The blind St. Paul, Minnesota 55114 person's mobility is seAt Hwy. 280 & University Avenue verely limited as a result of this practice. -1 MPD AL S U P ~ Y This is also a violation of the American's With Visit Our Lrge, Fully-stocked showmom open to the public. Disabilities Act. The American Council Of The Blind's interest group, Guide Dog UsWheelchairahnrith complete Commode &shower chairs ers Incorporated, has repair sewice Ostomyland wound care been challenging this WakersJcanes, crutches Blood pressure equipmml quarantine in thecourts Diabetic supplies Bathroom safety aids for the past 6 years. ReIncontinerPt/umtogical%upplies cently, a piece of legislation was introduced in the Hawaii legislature which would reWe offer 24 hr. Emergency Service exclusivek to our regular duce the quarantine to C U O ~ D ~ S~ .r e UPS e ikd deliveries to M~IS.,St. Paul & suburbs. 3Odays. This is still not acceptable. The case is moving- through - the a p We bill M.A.. Medicam, Blue Crosr/Bluc Shield, Medica and m y other insurances peals process. NOWthat

mil

people with disabilities. Keep up the good

on your anniversary

(612) 644-9770

GREAT SERVICE & PRICES

SMALL BUSINESS We're pleased to say ACCESS PRESS chose us to handle their business back in the spring of '90 and we're still working together.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ACCESS PRESS !

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~ W 6 ~ aMinnemta Center Cedar Riverside I801 RiversideAwmm 800-LaSalleAverme -T;FmFranee Ave~tle ' %W 338-86u0 897-3QtN T e k c o m m - m Device for the Deaf: 341-4289

Member FDIC

June10,1997

Access Press

Reliaion & Disabilitv

1 Life Goes On

Natural Involvement Of Everyone by Mary Jane Steinhagen Lsst

month's writer described how her church accepts people with disabilities without fanfan. She deher mu nit^ accOmmodationsb o h ~ m v m a t i c a n d physical '0 that everyone can join in. We need to hear more about these successes both to celebrate them as well as to present ideas transferable to other faith community. So this month I'm asking for your I want hear about the accommodations you've seen within faith cornmunities which allow for the natural involvement of everyone. In a way I'm asking for

New Challenges Everyday

by LeAnne Dahl V

ow do you meet new challenges along the road of life when you are aging ad have crcem n. older I get. the more frighte n d I get. Every pain and change in my bdy and m&ility cwsesmeto wonder what's coming next- As 1 look &k 1 over the last twelve y-, rnogniZd that these changes were a hint of what is to come.

that they can bc braadcast and scribe. I've also seen COmmuimplemented elsewhere. where people with developmenhl disabilities are Let me share a few examples, greeters or ushersorcommunlargely gleaned my trav- ion ministers. cduca'Is within the 'Omwhere nrying mu nit^. rveseen benches mingle together can (with and without pdding) in wfihoughtfd~lwning. entryways for folks to use Social festivals, volunteer outwhile waitingfortheirride. A reach activities can be debench in the coatroom eases signed to draw on a variety of I attended a two-hour seminar puttingon boots. Bulletin hold- gifts. on cerebral palsy and aging ers and bulletin boards last year. Some of the speakmountedat heights I hope that you get the idea' ers were medical doctors who insun use. The Writeu~~ourobsvvation=nd acknowledg h a , y e , t h e of large print bulto me at Catholic are changes hat can h g i n ocletinsand/orlargeprintcopies Charities, 1200 2nd Ave. S. earlier in people with of the music increases par- Minneapolis. MN 55403. If than others, but [hey don? ticipation. easier*youcan'eavemeavoice have any answers on how to mail at 664-8597 and I'll get Theseexamplesrelatetophysi- back to you. The results of

mented elsewhere.

prevent or help them.

methods to physical therapy or, at best, someone who has How can we keep a positive thoughts about ways to mainout lmk about hfutUn? h u i n continuum of physical there anything we might do to strengthandability. Ofcourse, prevent or delay these ua- thereiralwaysswimming, but changer? I,m dnid I$mdeathly of water, so we'rr all in the same ciTCUm- that wouldn't benefitme. And stances, unless you happw to who a n aff0d amembuship believe in all thenew methods to a health club? Besides, 1 that seem to popping up in know 1wouldn't feel like gothe market these days. ing three or four times a week, especially in Minnesota winTwo yem ago, I wrote a coI- ters. umn about a new exercise saIon I had tried, but obviously, However, I did call Courage it wasn't right for me. Since Center and Sister Kenny Instithen, 1have cheeked with our tute. Both provide swimming dostor, who authorired me to activities. Sister Kenny Instigo forphysical therapy evalu- tuteCommunityExercisepr~ ation, which I did. nethera- gram is designsd for pMns pi,t wanted me to come for a with physical disabilities who seriesofappointmentstoteach can work out with accessible e various exercises. How- equipment. There is a certi-

onfusion in the billing pro- visit. Besides a lot of wheeless, which was later straight- chair sport achv~t~es, Courage

could provide some help to begin with. Either of these s is when I began wonder- programs mightbe worth atry. if there are alternative

valuable information to the Disability Community. -- -

have. Thereby, enabling us to maintain active lives longer. Thus, LIFE would continue to

I want to extend my very Best Wishes to our editor, Charlie Smith,for giving the disabled community seven years ofhonest reporting. May you and ACCESS PRESS enjoy a long

Happy 7th A n n i e

Charlie and ACCESS PRESS

ments takes an a b l e loan- and -wbearitt%_helphoqr.jgolrrfdmb. M s why the Mirmesota Housing h c e Agency (MHFA) is offexkg lowinterest home im-t loans to

qualified homeownem from The Great ibhmwta Fi-up Fund. To qualify, your grass annual houseitodd income must be $46,000or lesr-thehowg your income,

For a

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Mark Manning of the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning said that Detwiler was chosen because of the organization's previous experience in recycling computers for schools. The plan that would be implemented in Minnesota is modeledon California'ssystem in which Detwiler was instrumental. He stressed that this is a Minnesota-based project. He explained that all the refurbishingandtechnical work will be done within the state, and many local businesses are already involved with donationsand input. "The Detwiler Foundation is to serve primarily as a nationally-based network," Manning said about the role of the out-of-state organization as only anational solicitor of donations for the

RADIO SHOW Disabled & Proud, It's Not An Oxymoron June 10 Computer Resource Center at Pacer Janet Peters

June 17 Social Security (Call with questions) Ron Austan, Social Security Administration June 24 Computer Training: programing. flexwork, drafting Kim Feller & John Wagner, Mpls. Rehabilitation Center

Minnesota program. Despite the Detwiler Foundation's previous experience, GillesbyarguedthatDRAGnet should have been included because, "there is a mix here that gives us some expertise on how to make this a selfsustainingprogram." Gillesby explained that DRAGnet's special quality stems from the unique mix of services they offer which is an integration of social service and high tech education. They sell donated recycled computer equipment at a reduced price to populations that might otherwise not have the resources to enter the internet age. They serve individuals with disabilities, caregivers, senior citizens, anyone on public assistance and educators.

Gillesby explains that this alone is not innovative, but DRAGnet is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to recycle computer equipment. Parts of computersare considered hazardous waste and must be disposed of in a structured manner. Not all computer recycling non-profit organizations are licensed to cany out this disposal. This is an advantage for DRAGnet as Gillesby explained, "We quite possibly are the largest non-profitcomputer recycling company that is actually EPA licensed."

even claims to recognize som of the very phrasing that h proposals used in the p within the information that t governor's office released. " our ideas are so good that state is going tocopy them an use language from our actu proposal to highlight theirpr gram, why are we not partner in this thing?" Gillesby asked. Manning's office is presently focusing on whether the K-12 omnibus bill passes, and looking for a manager to oversee the plan. He still considers the project to be in the preliminary stages until the funding is approved. Manning says, " I could conceivably see that there will be a role for DRAGnet in this program. We are not far enough into the program yet to see what the roles are."

DRAGnet is already involved with Minnesota schools through their Student Computer Reward Achievement KFAI jr Every Tuesday *7:30 p.m. Program (SCRAP). It allows 106.7 FM St. Paul jr 90.3 FM Mpls at-risk students from metro areaschools to trade time spent working at DRAGnet for a Both Manning and Gillesby computeroftheir mentioned the area where own. DRAGnet DRAGnet may be most helphas had great ful which is in the disposal of success with this donated equipment that is not t r a n s i t i o n a l salvageable. DRAGnet's EPA school-to-work license and locality make them educational ex- a good resource for this task. perience. "Most of these k ~ d s Yet it may be, that when the have much more role for DRAGnet does finally ssoclated Handicapable V m teams up with Ford mental capacity emerge, Gillesby will be too to bring you the Rollx Windstar. The Rollx has a than they are discouraged to participate. He dropped floor that will accommodate most wheeltypically given has some serious questions ardit-tbr. -+hey about the LoglsUss oE-Wpa-chairv and three wheel users. With a touch of a buwn the Tust need to find ' gram. Hedoes not believe it is door opens, the ramp deploys, and the van lowers itself. a way to partici- logical that companies from The incline of the ramp is minimal, allowing accessibility pate, communi- outside the state will be willfor all power wheelchair and most manual wheelchair cate." Gillesby ing to donate computers to users. has found that Minnesota, which is the this program of- Detwiler Foundations main Controls for the power door, ramp, and kneeling system are fers at-risk teens role in the project. located inside and out. Once inside, the wheelchair user is aparticularly acable to lock down, grab the steering wheel, and go. tive learning en- Also in the current plan, the vironmentthatis companies donating equip98'9 often more ap- ment must underwrite the adpropriate for ministrative costs for each Brand New 1997 WUUlStar R o k 500.00 LeaP Fonl MobUily Rehte! their personali- computer at about $30 per ties. These stu- computer. After years of so38L Engine H 4 Speed Automatic O/D m AM/FM Stereo Casette rn Power Windows and Locks H AntbLock Brakes rn Cruise dents get hands- liciting computer donations H Tilt Column H Air Conditioning H Rear Window Defrost rn Dropped floor From Rear Axle to F i ~ a l l Power Door Opener H Power Ramp W h Swing Feature rn Quick Release Front Seat Custom Finished Tire Cover Electronic Kneeling Suspension w/Backup on technical from corporations, Gillesby training that has found that a $30 charge is H Tech Foam for InsWon and Soond Deadening rn Complete Rubberized Rustproofing Wheelchair Tiedowns All Ford Windstar Modeb Available Huge Selection of Used Rollx Minivans Available Call for Details would be tooex- not a great incentive plan. pensive to offer DRAGnet only charges if there in an average is specialdisposal required for high school cur- some equipment or if there is Full Size Vans riculum. added transportation costs. &ated and the full-size van have gone hand and hand

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This standing commitment to Minnesota public schools is a large reason why Gillesby feels the state should involve DRAGnet in the refurbishing program. He also contends that DRAGnet and the proposals they submitted in the past helped form the current plan. He

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Gillesby also questions why the technical work is to be done within the prison system. He feels jobs and technical training are being denied to the general public. "We need jobs out here that are technology related to keep people hom going to jail, far more than w need to keep the prisoners occupied," he said. He believes that most of this work can be done by expanding their SCRAP work and creating more welfare-to-work training programs. W

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Access Press

I":

ANNIVERSARY EDITION I

S s d ~ TWO n

Commentary

Social Security: A System In Crisis? I

Things You Need To Know by Jeff Nygaard

*-I

attack on Social Sew- What is Sieclol Security? rity has begun. Itactually began in earnest in the e* One of the p~0blemSwith $G

in America would fall k h the poverty line. (Bg,f8fe social Security, k c had

Tk?%l-ki?kv9 in &3@ralSecurity

W.it is is i i s b t.u wry . e&ct.i%e right-wisg pmpaThere are two main m--Eoganda.

cority is unsustainable.

National Review likewisep

scheme breaks down the mo-

Ijkea walk in find employment." Today 3 provlae

oenerlrs nor only ifiic'es. Git aiO% widow?

meaningfully in this debate by summarizing and critiquing some of rhe main arg.rrpnents againstsocialSecuritythatyou will be hearing and reading about in the coming months and years. Future installments will identify someof themain clitics of the sysbimmd what they want to do, and we'll also look at the specificchallenges thattheirproposalsmightmean for people with disabilities.

ited by disability.

More pertinent to t k b o % . a t in with their children after they retire.

Even though few p e wm derstand exactly how the pro@-@mmmk%it is nonetheless * Women whohavespenttheir anextremdy~raopularprogram, lives working in the home, because it makes a d differ: withoutpay, receivecashsoence in many peapie% lives. chi Security benefits if they Most people take the followthan their husing examplea forgxaptd .

Without Social Security, a p proximately half the elderly

Sodat Security.

We are proud to be associated with ACCESS PRESS.

Congratulations on seven years of valued service.to people with disabilities; -w Bumm

ttAJE. m

Keep Up The Good Work! P

of trying to "save" the program which, as they present it, is "in crisis", "going bankrupt", "fatally flawed", or simply "a mess." Perhaps

THE FEDERAL DEFICIT. Vsaseparate trust fund (actually more than one). Social Security taxes have raised $5 trillion sin= l W W l i e n wllections began, and the program haspaid outS4.5 trillion, leaving $500billion in reserve. This should be well-known to

betdick&s). S ~ , - ~ i m @ + ment goes, w h e ~ t "baby boomers" begin to retire en masse in a few years, &re won't be enough workers paying taxes at that time to support the retirees. This imbdance in the ratio of workers to b e m e f ~ e s w i lthen i lead .

University of Minnesota

accessWe Coyratthte andGialkeYoufor p u r .:

sewkt to

SECURITY

June 10,1997 -5* -4

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cont trom p. 9

to a Ponzi-like collapse of the This change alone would bal- starting with the very fmtdol- Grandpa because, well, they Security system at its current an attack on Social Security's system. ance the system for at least the lar you earn emh year, but no just cost too much. Them level. And there are a variety basic philosophy: the philosonext 75 years. As far as the tax is paid on any wages over groups are out to of lesser measures that we phy ofsocialinsurance. Rather This sounds like a real prob- internal balance ofthe system $62,700. So, if wc)rkmwali- rtRd w+ people in rbeir couM take that would make than "We're all in this tolem until you remember that itself, it has been modified a ing rn- than $62,700 a year age group to fight fiercely any needed tax increase even gether," the privatizers want retired people are not the only number of times over the past were wed6.2percenton wage against, as heat he^ Lamm of a smaller,such as extendingcov- weryone to take care of themdependents in the picture. 62 years, and we could quite income up to $100,000, an groupcalltd~irdMillenniwn erage to currently uncovered selves, There could not be a ' When you look w i l y do if again. c k a m illustration of what is addM& $20 billion in rev- puts it, Y u ~ ~ n a b l e e m i t l e - a d lacd ermployees. at the overall "dependency raeaw would be raised annu- mplt:--a skyrocket.m y @ Y ~ t h s : , m ~ & V ~ ~ ~ 4 " tioR35 years from now that Secondly, thepmWedsW ang.jIhis s i m p b h~ag &tiad debt, [and] the False CkHs, False Solution4&: --I,, -32:d,; 2. '.i s , t h e o d l burden thatwork- falti~SocisdSeaWty Won i s m e m an*f9reoffi- potential fsr xmbbrdh thx En Pan TWOof this three-part ers will carry in supporting is b a d mcial & (hii point. rates." 'bcritics d Social SecutiIry s@&saS&iSec~riPp, we non-workers, including chil- tive est&rtiatesoFaeco,,, , . propose to'(soIve"the"crisis" h k a what pridta&n is ' dren - it will actually be bwer nomic@m&next75 t, . Michael Tanner of the right- We've already talked about by privatizing the system; a ~ f a h wdidenrijjtsomeof at that time than it was during years (about &--half 8f the wing libertarian CatoInstiarte the myth of unsustainability Under privatization, the So- the key peopk rmd groups most of the 1960s. Why? m g e of tkt pmt 75 years). recently stated, in speaking of and the fd& alarm &mut the cia1 Security trust fund would advocating it. We'llalsopubBecause, while we will have If theeconomy were togrow at th deficit. Weli, them, h o t b o u t be drastically shrunk to "the fish the names of some indilots of retired baby boomers to a r e even 1percent annually cia &we =rates? point where the basic benefit viduals and organizations , ,=- , support in the year 2030, the more than theamount assumed ~rp would fall far below the pov- where you can go to get mcanumber ofdependent children in the conservative scenario, i s s ~ h a a M M f i * ~ As mentioned above, to bring erty level. Workers would be rate d B i r information on at that time will be fewer than the Social Security system's And there you have another theSocial Securitysystem into required to invest a portion of the subject in earlier years. So there a m - projected deficit, along with a powerful myth: the myth of a balance over the next 75 years their Social Security taxes in ally will be fewertotal depen- good chunk of the (unrelated) Generarioml Civil War. solely by means of a payroll the stock market, where they Part Three will look at hav dents for workers to support. nation@deficit, would disap tax increase, that increase would sink or swim depend- the upcomimg b a l e may imWhat this means is that, if we pear. Thsrees a small army of orga- wwld need to amount to about ing on rlieir individual deci- pact e m r e afpeopk with attempted to cover the 'in, s * & inclioding a 30% nizations &at have sprouted one percentage point each on sions (and luck). creased numbers of retirees One last point on sustain-abil- up m n t l y claiming to repre- workers and employers. Is cut in benefi% proposed ' solely through a tax increase, ity : The payroll tax as cut- gear yomg people, the so- that "unbearaMe'"? Wd,we The critics falsely frame the some-privatizationadvocate workers andemployerswould rently structured i s r e p s i v e , called "Cieneration X." They don't know, but some recent Social Security battle as P deeach have to have their taxes unlikeSocialSecuritybenefits, m a t & that %eii genera- pollsdoshowfhatmostpeople bateover raised by about one percent- which areprogressive. H m ' s m k m h g i m i n g l y would be willing to pay higher a fa&m agepoint (from6.2%to7.3%). how: taxes are paid on wages r e a e e I of &tIrdma and taxes to maintain the Social it's nM '

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Institution Or Solution? Proposed TBI Facilitv In Dakota County by Jane Wheeler .

. w 2

wenty beds may notseem licetrsed as a board d kxige like a lot when consider- with special services, The service workers most like to ing the size of hospitals and Bexhesda Lutheran Hoqitd find for their clients is a resjnursing homes. But in an aga and Rehabilitation Center, a dentiJ livigg situation like a where .the word "instituEion" member of WthEmt, pro- foster home, but this isn't alcreatesmemoriesof warelmus- podthe plan which is to trans- ways a quick and estsy task. ing patientsand o w r c r o w d i ~ formfmernuns' quartersinto disability advocates can be a kcme h r brain injury pa- Currently,social m ~ i eworke wary ofafacility of tkztscapac- w em hap f d that frqdint: =dQqiw-mqu.* .ity. This is why Healthkt tbete&i.caj. servicead a hos- appropriate living s4tuations has been so careful in their &d.BaR*w.a&yEO for the population with brain injuries is very problerna9ic. It pl&ning ofa twenty-bed tranis a vastly growia sitiand facility in south Saint ing. Paul for individuals with tmu. a* Approximately 4, mkic brain injuries (TBI). 4 Mike C Ok b ~ v h a l s wiIl be hospitalized ia Cotsmty Superviw orf &Wt Mbmmmta each ye& far brain &&xtion of the old Divine Protection, put it, "We area% R&iee&& Hospital is thesite walking into this thing wit$"fd-the facility which will be aur eyes open." He explained

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development stages of life, Won." thisEhouldallow people to get which is before age 2 1. Indibeyond the crisis point beEore vidnds whose hain injiury (31xxb and Qfficials fnmr- .EEariagastructured9ettinglike scculFaed aSter h y u s e d 21 HealthEast h a v h t h stressed a8hspitd.Otherwiseit can be thatthey are aware of this ten- very darnaging for an Wdewy,& itshouldnotbe the viduai to have to return to a difficu&&@i~ &&mFaq&- - fate ofhis Wity.'IZre faeil- haspita1 after being in a small residentialenvimmment. equate place to live, This new &~&wdasoresponse facility will serve as a more to . prwblems Bethegd~a than wait- Lu!@hsmnHmpibI and Reba- T h e m facility isr not the ulapprapriate WCXR e mhad in fmd- timate .answer for counties ing m a hospital bed fmthose bili&#&lt G who have Funding gBf&ultk. i ~~gi & C d - p 4 w m e m fw w b s e social services depart. .. r d w & & ~ M i . R j d mew are auwith reW vances that save Yvw t . quests for residential placewouw have biten lw.&e@+ ~ a i ~ b x mmen@ for individuals with y e m ago. 'mkrr rmd gpien the facility by cia&. Admhis&aWr at brain injuries. The count& Because traumatic h h h m t y late-fall. ~ Soon a b r B w kdxmn Hospital will still need to find smaller jury advocacy is a mletkwky elYs w n i n g , they will have and ~e~it&h&ntet, ex- homes for individuals to move to assure pi&nd tfm dkey hope most to w b n the Dakota facility is mefq res-jrje* d the facili -spimStdr &ys outs

tally dimbhl lobby h g b n Center warned about the dan- daily activities. This level of in place for mu& longer, m it $er that an institution might hdqmdence is difficult to The not remain "g3cas&imalal!&e- pmmmte in a hospital or nursreceives m m Traumatic Brain 1nj&1obby explained t h t m e a facility ing home setting. has not yet caught up, , i s ~ i , M s & t o b e filled tokeep the funding, She The services provided will foDevelapmentally disabled is said that when this p t k m GH:- cus on the behavioral issues defined as anyone with a dis- ctws,.%indivir~ual becomes which m most d e d by rhe ability d g during the the pawn in W i n g the insti- individual. &ode noted .W

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The transitional nature of the facility might be its greatest sdling point. However, it will be difficult to guarantee that it will, not k&mwh W n g bdeneck far those individuals with brain itijwies that do not have adbqaste b h g . Unfortumately, the resting can only be done if @e facility is a p p n m d ~ d h m to d op mm &xa Tewcpream.. rarronlze your nccess Press Advertisers. Let them know where you heard about them. They bring you your paper.

June 10,1997

Access Press

Letters . . . . Dear Readers: Based on the content of recent letters printed in Access Press it would appear that there continues to-& a great deal of myth and misrepresentation .- circulating in the community . about some of the changes at Metrapolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL). Please allow me to replace the innuendoservedupinsomeof those letters-to-theeditor with factual informationaboutthese perceivedchanges,and toprovide reassurance about the role and responsibility of MCIL.

Additionally, MCIL provides services in the areas of Transition, Personal ~ s s i s h n cSere vices (PAS), ADA Information and Resource, and the Ramg Project.

TO THE EDITOR:

I first want to thank you for running the eloquent letters about the MCIL. Contrary to the belief of some peopid on the board and some peatie in The anly servicethat bas been the community, I cannot take discontinuedistheherud credit for them. I would never equipment referral program. hesitate to use my own name There are several other indi- in expressing my deep conviduals and orgamzationsthat cern abGt wfht has and is maintain a used equipment . going on over there. It's a program, and we still maintain perfect example of how the a list of referral sites that con- B a d has its head in the sand sumers can receive by calling to think that I'm the only one our o s c e . out here with the n e ~toe publicly question them. Additionally,MClL lendss u p First, let's discuss finances. port to the critical work of I was at the Center for 3 and a Simply put, MCIL operates other disability related advo- half years, I had to watt& rand vith support from several eacy coalitions by acting as keep quiet as the Board began stable funding sources. These fiscal agentfortheGreatLakes its 2-Board system: The Exincludecontractswithstateand Disability Technical Assis- ecutiveCommitteeonapower federal agencies, as well as, ' tance Center,the Lesbian Can- trip, and the rest of the Board some fee-for-servicerevenue. cer Support Network, Ameri- was denied information or Like most nonprofit organiza- cans for Disability Rightswere given it at the last minute tions we need to keep a close MN, and ADA MN. We also and then askedfortheirrubber watchon incomeandexpenses, provide pro-bono, space to the stamp! It was very clear durand make adjustments when MN Deaf Blind Association. ing all of the upheaval and crisis that the Exec. C o r n . As you can now see we are still wasn't listening to anyone on ' d n d . let's look at services. a fully fvnctionirig Center. the Board, in the cammunity, h e r e seems to be amisunder- Currently, 78% af the mem- oron the staff that didn'tagee standing that MCIL has dis- bers of o u r ~ o a r dof Directors. with their agenda. They albncontinued a significant num- are individuals with disabili- ated and eventually chased ber of services that it previ- ties, and 70% of the M C E away me of the only Board ously offered. That is not true. staff are people with dis-imembers that really underIt is true that some programs ties. Clearly we are truly a stood and cared abaut indehave been restructured and consumer run organization. pe&ntliving just because she questioned Beir ac ' s.

effort atrestoringastrongcore brogram ofmandated services. By that I mean those services we are req&"ed in lawtoprovide. The four core&a-vices are:IndependentLiving Skills, Advocacy, Information and Referral, and Peer Support.

previous invitation to allre@ers to please feel free to call me directly at (6 12)603-2012, I will be happy todiscass y6ur concernsandansweranyquestions that I can. ,

David-Hancox,Interim Dir.

ICuff ing E

-s3

by Barbara Hanna

hether you:find hertat the Rise, Inc. o@& belping a client, @.presenting the Minnesota Mainstrelint program, Nancy Steams. is truly amental healthconsu~er on the cutting edge. She also works for two other mental health professionals, and attends the board meetings of the Mental Health Consumerl Survivor Network of MN. Nancy works full-time as a placement specialist for MinnesotaMainstream. She helps people with college degrees and mental illness find employment. This is a job she finds very rewarding not for its monetary gain but for the joy she finds in helping others. On agiven day, shemightmeet withclients, visit with perspective employers, or facilitate a support group. Nancy says, "What we try to do at Mainstream is to meet clients at the level they are at. . ." doing this by suggesting that the client and she meet every weekat first. Next, they might ~ u together t a resume,

~~&th;sGeetin~when J* .Walsh submitted His hsignation. ~ r o m theqn&tions &ked by many of the members, it was evident that they had intentionally kept him in the dark about all of the problems; &at had been going an for month! How can a B a d m amillion d o l l ~ o when b a~few demigods control all of the .information? How can they .m b educated decisions or even ask the right questions? Nothing can undermine an organizations integrity faster

AchieveSelf Support(PASS) p p l e can be attributed towards finGcial self-s&- hcr own mental,Mth cierqy or &taining anplay- tory. Shedidn't dkwver ment. &n tEelps ar- -had a mental illness u range fora nientor forthe c1i- middle ag'e while goi ent in thekchoseq field. What through a very painful Nancy says is thpt the career vorce. She lost needs vary from person to per- Fromall this, shele son. For example, someone to be a good listener. may have a bachelors degree clients share their sympt with a ten-year gap in their of mental illness, Nancy workhistory;anothermay have often share her own expen a PhD with a wide range of a ences. work history. Using her creati~tyandpeopleskiUs,Nancy She now is near completio is often successful in helping ofhermastersdegree incou to land jobs for individuals. seling. She has worked MinnesotaMainstreamfor Allother important piece of past six years and claims Nancy's job is having contact has found her "niche" th with potential employers. If With all the gifts she has needed, Nancy is not afraid to give, she is an inspiratio step in to educate an employer many. She would eventu and advocate for a client. This like to work with batte is very important since mental women ....orwho knows w illness is such amisunderstood else? She'll definitely illness. If a client is planning working in human service to apply for a job at a company on the cutting edge helping Nancy is familiar with, Nancy improve the quality of life might talk to the human re- many people. sources manager to give the company an introduction to Barbara Hanna wrote th article as part of a class i the client. women anddisabillities at the

than'a 2-Boarefsyitem. I've what's going on, because 1 seenithappenbef6re$dflags CARED about the Cmmunity and wasn't in it far the are up 911 ov& the'place. power. They sit in their isoWith few exceptions, I have lated little worlds and make never seen b a r d or decisions about services that, their inbrimDir;ect@atany af for many, are a matter of life the rallies at the Capitol,thp and death. Their isolation has misiags ot'=-ah* kepttbem from-understanding ~t w l i issIB2Slatt h e m . & how powerful the concept of indepedemtliv@ Many will inkpmdent living can be. make the excuse that they They don't comprehend that work. Well, I've worked all of just knowing there is an orgamy adult life and I've always nization out there that is not been ableto keep in touch with tied up in bureaucratic baloney of Masters degrees and counselors gives peopg the spark of hope that has changed their lives.

ter could be 10 pages long However. I will close by say ing fa the Disability Communify:PUASE WAKEUPand see that the Baard is about to destroy everything that so many have sacrificed and worked to build! Question them publicly! Make them accountable for what they do! Let them know the dire consequences of arbitrarily cutting or severely reducing the 2most critical servicesof housing and used equipment! Go to Board meetings, they're open to the public! Show them that you CARE!

Unfortunately,I havesomany For truth and justice, issues with MCIL that this let- Carolyn Emwson, Mpls

CeWnfhg Om 25 Y w n 01 RENTAL-SALES

900Ocum Street

1945 T~mkynAverme

53mfe*wUN