October 1996 Edition - Access Press

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Candiates Speak Pages 6 & 7

Managed Care And Disability - p. 8

"Real knowledge, properly used, will help anyone. , -Romare Bearden Y

Access Press I Volume 7.

SOURCES

Number 10

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VOTE VOTE VOTE Why I Think You Should Vote rw

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And For Whom You Should Vote!

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by Charlie Smith, Editor Ihavespentalongtimethinking about what I could say to get the readers of ACCESS PRESS to register and ~ o t c Novenlber5th. 1'0behonest. I don't have a quick. eas?.

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we can expect if Mr. Dole is elected. Wc hs1.c secn attacks on o u i civil rigiib. attacks on the Anicricans With Disabilities Act (ADA). attacks on the Individuals with

Wellstone is re-electcd. Get out and v o ~ c .Wv nrcd him.

On a more local levtl, here are some close races where candidates especially need

thestates

Koskinen over Eldon Warkentin in 49R: J e r r y

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garlson in. 52-A,

~th dlsabllltles. Many, lt not n e t n f these n ~ n n l e velv nn

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md find new onesto helpusgetofFpv&ment programs. Wtm&&t,

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WeIM'mci c gomi friend of people with disabif-

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S e b m over Tom Hackbarth

I Aver , h e Adlin in 40; Leo -&&an. Wecan dectpeople ACCESS P R E S S d P&im--~ b c a g h e l p c ~ ~ l i vfor e sDisability Rigbts .a&@ the Senate candidates (see - ~ ~ b & t a . pages 6-7), you will see that with the en Recmâ‚Źhistoryhasiprova@& Sen@arWellstone is the only Voices for Disability Riglfk people with disabi1,itiesneed ~Wtcb~oughtfbllyanswers on page 4. to vote Demoaatic. J h The question D m of Justice For All (a wepo;re$&ismnth isagreat This year, it appears people Wellstme think Clinton has Dole beat so lifelong Republican) is fond example: S*. of saying"Vote as if your life listened to what people with they don't need to get out and depends on it. It does." He is disabilitieshave6Pd;maod vote. We need to support the voting the Clinton-Gore tick- is going to try to improve our people I've endorsed. Go to et this year, as should you. l i v e s . M r . B o s c h w ~ d 1 t 4htfpdIs on Nov. 5th brkg Mr. Dart pointstothe lasttwo even give us the cowteby of yaw and Wly. It: yeam ef R e p t t M i a m r . d an answer. Do you think he n p t m $ g p r c i ~ p t r a r e s ? This race is close and If you need a ride see th6 of the House of Repre-tivesasanexampleofwhat w e n e e d t o m a k e sure httomofpage6.m

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Ability For Hire

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by Tony Coelho the thane "Ability fofHbeEis sleeted '%ythe Resident's CommitieeonEmploynwnt of People with Disabilities for this year's awareness and educationtll program. It's mote dnan a mere slogan. It is a of f a v a n assertion ofpride,.andan advertisement tp industry. It is a bold anthatAmerica's 49 n d ~ g -with ~ disabilil ~ talents t6 Wiia~~e-Wmdless contribute to .oy economy, vastly tl%mifMskills to be utilized, and abundant energy be

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The major chalkmges to pductive employment of qualified people with disabilities are attitudinal barriers and narrow-minded assumptions about what pe@ple can and cennot do.

They are ;orking on Main Street and on Wall Street, in h c e andhigh & h h , in rhesuburtPsandincitiesw the country. Whatever the challenge, people with disabilities have demonstrated an indomitable attitude and a will to meet the challenge. Theyhaveexcelled at every level of @usby and govenunmt. In the dal'kest days of World !Vp 11, the

Whatpeople with disabilities c a n d o i s b e w v e . There arepeopbwho ye blind working.+-aachmistS. There are people 'wlro are amputees working on shipping plate wd t b form, bdbgamdunlorbding ~ m e r i c a n d r cargo f b n trucks. There are inspiration to Fresidmt Frankliq Delano Roomelf,a man disability.

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abilities, prejudice has not difhcnthemarketplace. Too many qualified . applicants still encounter doubt, distrust end discouragement. lntoomanyoffices, factories and retail shops, there's a hidden message in hlp~~tcd signs that says - "Noone with disabilitiesneed

won't get the access we need and gain full admitiance to fkejob &ar& until we eliminate doubts aboutour ability. The ramps we need to build are mp to the fnmd. Recent surveys tell us thing§

sre getting kte, byt itasn@ fast enough. S i s of incre-

m e n t i r l ~ s s o ~ ~ agement, but provide little n&&-to'&&&?utrf*"to. comfiwt to b d i v i b k who Laws can require compliance yet, 50$ars later,f~rtiutrso .by business and public are locked out of jobs. We k a n y of us, the door to with mental retadation pack~ e x e c u t i v e s ~ ~ e s s have succeeded in making , -o&ions, butlegislax e bployment oppomity aging goodsofw c a t d g g a w -, at=v'e=-, S V ernment officials, and Opleas p i e s and &&f m a j o d i s -5w closed. While the A w :tion by itself cannot enforce overt dhximina$ion illegal, ' Fairness. We canbuildraiqps but wehaveab&\nittymgo -?f& forbjopen &i,crim&with hiring authoriq some- P=. tion&*** ~ ~ ~ e ~ s p *d i ~manknowtoIretrne:

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in 50and Herb Frey overJohn ,, ities. He has strongly defend- Tuma in 25-A. In sen#!%@& -

ities are o f f d eqadiq@w& tunities. W l i t y M i d ability remains an idealrathet than a reality. i

We can change that. Your effhls to devejop awareness and e d m the public caa help close the gap and bin$ reality into line with our ex: of liberty and ju& upeetations r tice for all. 4

Mr. Coeh is the Chairmaa of rhe Prssident s' C o m m ~ onEmployment ofPeople w i h D@dilit@* i

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Octo

r 10,1996

Access Press i

Charlie Smith

convince people to vote. My front page editorial lets you h o w dhy and who1think you vote for; I hope you take the time to read it and think about it. I am sure there are many who might not agree with my position or selections. If you feel strongly about It, write to me - I wouldbe happy to share your thwghts with our read-

Editor As you can see, this issue went to twelve pages due to the pending elections. Also, I Felt an obligation to reprint the Senate candidates' responses to our questions and try to

Ihavetwomoreendorsements: Peter McLawghlin for Hennepin County Commissioner and Lee Greenfield in House District 62B. I do not think they are in close races, mainly due tothe fsct they are

Job Success Fair The Eleventh Annual JOB SUCCESS FAIR - EXPLORING YOUR OPTIONS for People with Disabilities will be held on Wednesday, November 20,1996 from Noon to 4:00 pm at the Marrion Hotel - Bloomington, 2020 East 79th Street (just north of the Mall of America). The event is free to the public and is sponsored by the City of Bloomington and the Mamott

Hotel - Bloomington. Sign and learn about community reLanguage interpreters will be sources and advocacy proavailable. grams. Informational workshops will be presented and The JOB SUCCESS FAIR rotate every hour throughout provides an opportunityfor all the day. people with disabilities tomeet potential employers, distrib- No pre-registration is necesute resumes, obtain informa- sary. For information, call tion about job requirements, Nancy Schuett at 948-3949; find out about job placement TDD 948-8740. and training programs from Minnesota Kclay vocational resource people,

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both great public servants. I have found both men to be accessible (even if it may take a few days forthem to get back to you) and willing to listen to your concerns. They deserve our vote. **+a

next month (see below). If you're trying to find a job this is youropportuoity toget some help. In the last few years the fair has brought together employers and people with disabilities. Mark yourcalendars early.

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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I felt Mr. Coelho's message was a great one (see page 1). He facrtses on people's abilb, let's hope employers start getting this message.

You may have heard Christopher Reeve is m i n g totown on October 27th. courage Center has given him theNational Courage Award this year. Thischoicehascauseda controversy in the disability community. ACCESSPRESS The Bloomington Job Fair is will bring you a k l l report on

We havehad somewarm crisp days this fall, and h e fall colors are peaking as the paper hits the streets. 1 hope you're able to get out and enjoy them. Let's h shoft and mild win

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We still haven't totally u packed in our new home, so theopen housewon'thappen 'ti1 late November. I'll keep you informed and give you plenty of notice.

The Catholic Charities Social Justice Disability Award provides recognition to a person or a program which has demonstrated success in enriching the dignity of persons with disabilities within the Twin Cities Catholic community. heferknce is given to people or programs involved in advocacy and social change. While having a disability is not a requirement for receiving the award, nomination of persons with disabilities is strongly encouraged. United States bishops initiated the award in 1989to honor a pastoral statement which challenges church communities to provide access and programs for persons with disabilities. To receive fivther information and a nominating form, call Mary Jane Steinhagen at 2 15-22 16 or write her at 215 Old 6th Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102. Nominations must be postmarked by October 3 1, 1996. .. .

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Cleveland Ballet Dancing Wheels

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Nominations Sought For Catholic Disability Award

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thishenext month.

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for ADA paratransit services, Metro Mobility, for the Metropolitan Council of Minneapolis, St. Paul Minnesota The Metropolitan Council seeks proposals from qualified firms with expertise in all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specialized paratransit operations and maintenance for its ADA paratransit program called Metro Mobility demand service. Qualified firms are encouraged to propose on one or two of the four year contracts for operation of approximately 180,000 vehicle revenue hours in the 660 square mile service area. The Metropolitan Council may award one contract each to separate service providers. The Metro Mobility Service Center (MMSC), an operating division of the Metropolitan Council, requires proposers to provide qua1itied staff and some equipment for the reservations, scheduling, and dispatch functions of the PASS/ TrapezeTMautomated scheduling system. Drivers, trainers, and maintenance staffs are also required toperform and support the day-to-day operation ofthe Council owned and assigned vehicles and computer hardware and software. The selected proposers will also be required to provide approximately eight new mid or large sedans each to supplement the Council owned and assigned vehicles.

7:30 PM University of Minnesota St. Paul Student Center Theatre 2017 Buford Avenue, St. Paul Tickets: $2 U students, $3 general public

Interested proposers may obtain an RFP from Mr. Mark W. Fuhrmann, Transportation Systems Evaluation/Implementation Manager by either writing him at 230 East 5th Street, St. Paul, MN 55 101 or faxing a request to (612) 229-2739. A pre-proposal conference w'il be held on Tuesday, October 22,1996 at 1o:oo a.m. CDT, Mears Park Centre, 230 East 5th Street in the Chambers. Proposals must be received by the Metropolitan Council and Mr. Mark W. Fuhrmann at Mears Park Centre, 230 East 5th Street, St. Paul, MN 55101 by 4:00 p.m. CST, Monday, November 25,1996.

For Information or Accommodations, please call 625-8266 or 624-2602

ACCESS PRESS Wm. .................................................................

Co-Foundermublisher(1990-1995)

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Editor/Publisher/Co-Founder Charles F.Smith Scott Adams Cartoonist , Presentation Images, Ellen Houghton Production Dawn Docring & Jeff Nygaard Staff Writers & Editorial Assistants ACCESS PRESS is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities b Access Press, Ltd. Circulation is IO,WO, distributed the 10. of each month through more than 120&ions statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutionaland 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 $11 to $15/column inch, depending on size and frequency. Classified ads are $7.00, plus 35 centslword over 20 words. Advertising and editorialdeadlines are the 30th ofthe month preceding publication; special scheduling available for camera-ready art. 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. Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404 (612) 644-2133 Fax (612) 644-2136

Proposals received after this date and time will be rejected as non-responsive and be returned to the respondent unopened. The Metropolitan Council reserves the right to reject any and all proposals.The Metropolitan Council is not responsible for expenses incurred by proposers in the development of their proposals.

A. Smith, Jr.

Suite 185N

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SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION

BETTER

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R MEDICAL ~ ASSISTANCE PROVIDER

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The--Ca~didafes - - - -Debate X e Issues Health Cm

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IN BRIEF. . . .

You are invited to amnd the annual meeting of the Metropolitan Center For Independent Living (MCIL) on Saturday, October 26, at the MCIL Conference Room (Suite 10). The theme is "To Awaken

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ASL InterpretedPerfomances: October 17, Thursday, loam & 1:OOpm "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing;" October 20, Sunday, 2:00 pm, Child's Play Theatre Company. at Hopkins Eisenhower Community Center, Hopkins

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atre, Weyerhaeuser Auditori- - um in Landmark Center, St. . - G - Paul . ,c,.--v.

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November 6, Wednesday, 7:30pm "The Diary of a Madman" & "Krapp's Last Tape," Jungle Theater, Minneapolis

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The goal of this UN Programmeisthefullandequal participation of the world's half billion peaond with disabilities in the.@&.of their societies. It prescribes how nations can and must expand the participation of people with disabilities for eeonomanitarian,andsocidreasons.

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New Media Directory

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Collectables & Antiques

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- ~ e o ~ l e ~ o ~ h e ~ o ~ s i b i l i October t i e s : " 2 1 : 646-8342 Voice, 5 Election '96 - The Power of 603-200 1 TTY. An ASL inter- - a,, Your Vote. The meeting is preter is available. MCIL is ., ',; : -.y from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and the located at 1600 University a -+ social hour is 5:30-7:00 p.m. Avenue West in St. Paul. . Hors d'oeuvres will be served. Events at MCIL are fragrance --_ _ Please RSVP by Monday, and smoke-free.

The Republic of Korea was cerning Disabled Persons. presented the first Franklin DelanoRooseveltIntem9tion- U n d e Msident Kim, Korea a1 Disability Award today by has made significant strides in the Franklin and Eleanor improving the quality of eduRosevelt InstirUte. President cation, rehabilitation, and the Kim Young Sam of the Re- general we1fiu-e of its citizens ppbuc of Korea acf,cEed& with disabilities. ~Maa$&egis~ w ' k ~ ~ ~ onotewori i ' a I 4% ~o m r L ' e ' n a c t e d to thy progress toward filfilling mandate equal ri@ts and full the United Nations World participation of persons with hOvme of ti^^ con- disabilitis.

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October 25, Friday, 8:00pm For information about otherr .--' ' "A Doll's House," November accommodations contact7,Thursday,7:30pm,Guthrie Craig Dunn at Very Special Theater, Minneapolis Arts Minnesota (6 12) 332- =f%-&+ 3888 (V, Tor FAX), or 1-800October 27, Sunday, 2:OOpm 80 1-3883 (V, T or FAX) oreOctober26, Saturday, 1:OOpm "Sleeping Giant, Children of mail: vsamnl23@mn.uswest "A Doll's House," November the Mesabi Range;" October .net 1, Friday, 8:OOpm Guthrie 29, Tuesday, 10:30am & Theater, Minneapolis 12:30pm, Steppingstone The-

w M ~ ~ h T levator to improve television stage and patient * repeats one T i over md ov but he admitsthere's a )again for the camem. He's wearing i People F i t base- lot left to be dohc. "I know practkkg a scene fiom a ball cap, the46-year-old poetz someone who went into a resmiquevicicmpajat he helped hopesthevideo will bealeam- taurant and wanted to adcr a hich he hopes will ingappommiiyfagmphopne mealbuttheataitressjusttdked than 760 entritries Cornm d enmain people sfaff as well % ~ speaple with bthe &-, they didn't prise he second edition of with -1irad plonan "There is n*g &*smwhah~-tAmerica's 7"dabiilty Media, . ~disabilities. service professionals. t t h ~ n o w [ f o r s t a f They tleat- We'mlying to get the nation's first directory of don'thraathatmi$entsliave people to realize it's all right mass media rrromes m i n g Cliff has been working for these concerns, or what they to speak up for yourself." persons with disabilities, pubnonths to develop skits to ad- should do about it. People who lished by the National h s s specific real-life situa- live in g m p homes haven't Filming for the video is corn- Telability Media Center. tions faced by many people got the skills $ley need to live plete and editing is well under with disabilities. It's one of independently. They need way. Thevideowill bebroad- More than 260 new entries many advocacy efforts he has help. But they also deserve to cast on Mound Cable televi- have been addedtothis year's sion. Cassettes wilI also be guide. It contains more been involved in overtheyears. be treated fairly." made available to organiza- 100 magmines, 39 n e w W He keeps busy as a member of the Minnesota State Council Cliff lives in his own apart- tionsandindividualsatanom- Pen* 520 nmsletters, and 70 broadcast producon Disabilities and Advocat- ment in apublic housing com- inal cost. For more informal3 dial-in ing Change Together, a grow- 'plex and he has experienced tioncontact~ayl~~oltz, %st ing self-advocacy group. first-handthetype ofprejudicCommunity-ice, newspapersand 10professiona faced by the charaehs in at 988-4177 or Tracy Smith al ' Along with the other members the skits. Helping to produce, Arc ofHennepin County,920The 1996-97edition also proofthe dedicated cast andcrew, and starring, in the play and 0854. vides information for writers, he is up late at the Triax Com- the video has helped him gain e-mail addresses and internet munity Television studio in self confidence in the face of sites. There is more media for Mound to film scenes from suchdiscrimination."Theplay Hispanics, new media for mi"It's aJob Finding Work," one helped me by getting me to offive skitsthey performed on work with others. I've gotten stage in October of 1995 and involved in other projects like are now re-staging for the PeopleFirst We'rehavingthe camera. first statewide conference in October, then I'm taking the All of the scenes were written bus to the national conference and performed by the actors in Oklahoma. with help fiom staff people . BUY SELL TRADE from ~ I M Theater, B Arc of Before returning to the front Hennepin County, and West of the.camera to play the part Wanted: Silverware, Coins & Marbles Hennepb Community Servic- of a man witk a disability re184 W. 7th Street, St. Paul es. Ttfey are intended to be jected for ajob, Cliff says atti.. (across from the Civic Center) uked as a t ~ qto l educate peo- .tudes are beginning@change. ple Gith disabilities, and give He says &re is'an increased 11 A.M. 6 P.M. them some strategies for sensitivity to some disability '' making daily life more ac- rights i s s u e s . b p i ~ egf tk c'essible. Between takes, Americans with bisabhitiei ;. Cliff talks about the play and Actgnd he cites the example . .*.- .

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Korea Given International Disabiliw Award

Setting The Stage For Change

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Audio Described Performances: October 23, Wednesday, 7:30pm "The Diary of a Madman" & "Krapp's Last Tape," Jungle Theater, Minneapolis

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Arts Performances Here is a list of performances that will be either audio described for people who are blind or have low vision or that are ASL interpreted for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

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MCIL Annual Meeting

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of media inem +LV ?% g@%. *:.-L)O . +p . . copy. M&e check or aqeg ,jW~ p w a b l e to Tbo new directw is ~ ~ l .M* & ~ yp.0. ~ in print or disk format, ,488 Columbi4 ko 6,5205- ' Wordperfa 5.1. The priceis 1488:

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Who knows betterthan you the PCA services you need?

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At Allied Health Alternatives, we work with you to create a health services partnership.

Call 544-1655 for our FREE brochure 'titled

Allied Health Alternatives, Inc. Nursing Support Services Nursing Enterprises

5401 Gamble Drive; Suite 235 Minneapolis, MN 55416

612-544=16?55.

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Branch Offices: 102 NW 4th Street 412 19" Ave. SW; #I 02 Willmar, MN 56201

2 N.E. Third Street Grand Rapids; MN 55744 2 18-326-4202.

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October 10,1996

"Voices" Endorse Candidates by Deb Peterson

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With an impressive nunout in these dais of door knocking, fund raising and debating, fifteen candidates for the state legislature attended the Voices for Disability Rights Annua1 Meeting. Candidates listened to brief presentations by a knowledgeable panel of persons with disabilities on a variety of disability related issues. Then, a question and answer period provided candidates with an opportunity to seek firther clarification of these issues.

Reliaion & Disability

A Vision of ~ n c ~ u i i o n

Here are the endorsed candidates:

by Mary Jane Steinhagen

RAY VANDEVEER ........I.....

Someone challenged me to describe an inclusivecommunity, a fkir question. An inclusive parish might not be quiet and peacefbl. Encouraging and acknowledging people with varying needs can be both noisy and fiustrating. What rings deepest is the belief that everyone has contributions to

Sen. 5 1 TIM MORlARTY .......................Rep. 33A EILEEN TOMPKINS ..................Rep. 36A MIKE STONE .............................Rep. 36B BOB SMITHBURG .....................Rep 43A STEVE MORSE ..........................Rep. 43B BRAD BROWN ..........................Rep. 45B KATHLEEN SEKHON ...............Rep. 5OA HARRY MARES ........................Rep. 55A DEE LONG .................................Rep. 60A

returned and tabulated. Survey responses JIM BERG ...................................... Sen. 35 were used as one of the tools to determine EMBER REICHGOn JUNGE ..... Sen. 46 endorsement. DICK KIMBLER ........................... Sen. 50 JOHN MARTY .............................. Sen. 54 The meeting was concluded with the election CHARLES "CHUCK" WIGER ......Sen. 55 of five new board members from a slate of PATTY COMMERFORD ..............Sen. 60 seven nominees. We wish the Pew board ELLEN R ANDERSON ................. Sen. 66 members: Charlie Smith, Mary Ellen Tisdale, BE'ITY FOLLIARD ................... Rep. 44A Tonj Watt, Beth Lareclu,Dorothy Balen, and JOHN DOOLEY ............................ Sen. 56 Schultz-McDemott a productive ten- ALICE SEAGREN ......................Rep. 4 1A ile on the board. STEVEN G. NOVAK ....................Sen. 52

spa= for a walker, crutches, updated. People with varyink or for someone with a casted physical conditions can readileg. ly park and enter the worship, educational and social areas: Educational and outreach ac- bathmms are more spacious tivities grow out of the wor- and have raised fixtures, grab ship spirit. Everyone has a bars, etc. Physical access is a place in education classes. very straightforward process Strategizinginvolvesstadents, and is easily measured. One teachers, parents, educationdi- other base for inclusiveness is

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varied outreach projects, peoGreat energygoesintoinclud- ple with disabilities have varing everyone in worship. ious service options. The parGreeters and ushers are at the ish social ministry has a long door, ready to welcome and term relationship with famiassist everyone. Parishioners lies who have someone with a and visitors with disabilities disability. When illnessorhosare asked what assistance pitalizationoccurs,volunteers mightbehelpfUl;theirrespo~~~aremobilizedtoprovidemeals, es are honored. Pew cut-ins transportation, child care, and increase seating choices for support as needed. wheelchair users. Parishsocial activitiesareopen Peoplewithdisabilitieslector, to all. People with varying distribute communion, sing, abilities can both attend and usher, serve at the altar, etc., work at festivals. Accessibilan equal opportunitybasis. ity is indicated on all advertisto look a t your and the Smithsonian m i i t Im e An attitude of "let's see how ing. checkbook and make a tax were present also. we can accomplish that" preItwas withgreatjoy that I saw deductible contribution to Center vocalixd mils. Largeprintand/orbraille Another base ofivelcome and

always a "person with mental retardation" rather than "the mentally retarded." Anothei aspect is recognition that all peoplehavegiftsalthoughdisplayed in different ways. Out of this comes a belief that all people can minister to others as well as receive ministry. What can you do to carry out this vision? To begin any change, share this article with your religious community leaders and have a conversation. Join them in checking out resources within YOW denominational headquarters. It's within yoa to create the reality of inclusion.

....... midto late Dear Editor: condescending and patroniz70's. i lobbied for the ERA ing attitude usually communiwithmythen-US SembrByrd I would like to applaud, and catd,although i t ' s n o n v a . and Flo Crater. My entry into personally thank, the St. Paul the feminist movement began Civic Center for their efforts The Civic Center is m excelin eiunest 20 yeers ago: to make the S m i t h d m Ex- lent role model for other busihibit accessible to all, inch& nessesbecausethey are aware I say all this to provide context ing people with disabi1ities.I of the challenges people with to my commitment to the disabled community and to sharea story. Gloria Steinem came to MN in 1976and told an f m inists at this event (men are feminists, too) that the true measure of a person's commitment is, at their death, to examine their ch8ckbmk. A measure of their commitment, no matter how larger or small, is where did they spend their money.

recently attended a 'planned parking' meeting in the Mayer'sofficeforthe Smithsanian Exhibit which will be at the Civic Center from dctober 16 -November 14,1996.1 was &pmentingtheAccessibility/ Transportation Subcommittee ofthe Saint Paul Mayor's Advisgr ~ommittee'forPeople with Disabilities. The St. Paul ADA Coordinator, Roger Schwagmeyer, and representatives from the Civic Center

mâ‚Ź!o~cERT. God's purpose for you in the midst of your straggles, while his unique,messagewill challenge you to help you to realize God's potential for your life. S T M G T H ..... . W E PERFECT.....IN WEAKNESS

disabilities face and help us meet those challenges. I commend, and thank them again, for their consideration and understanding. RespectfUlly, Linda L. Lattin Linda Luttin is Co-Chair of thest.Paul Myor 's Ahismy Committee For People With Disabilities, andchair of the Accessibility/Transportation ~ubcommittee'

6:30pm, Oct. 13, Disability Awareness Sunday

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Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroom apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. We have apartment buildings in a variety of locations in Twin Cities Metropolitan area plus Mankato, St Cloud, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Austin and' Marshall. New apartment buildings are under construction in Willmar and Duluth.

Employment an,n Raining for P ~ n n l ewith Disabilities

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MINNEAPOLIS

REHABILITATION CENTER

HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES

Apartments are fully wheelchair accessible, and each has a central laundry room, large community room, secured entry, onsite caretaker.

Vocational testing, Computer training Job placement

AS1 also provides shared personal care services on a 24 hour basis r most locations for adults with a physical disability and/or traumatic brain injury who qualify for Medical Assistance.

1900 Chicago Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55404

For more information regarding services call Leigh or for apartment rental information call Dora at (6 12)645-7271 or (800)466-7722.

A d~v~s~ ofoRESOURCE. n Inc

Accesgble Space, Inc. _i


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I Law Center Here To Help

No Excuses: Vote!

by Lisa Cohen

by LeAnne Dahl

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There's no excuse for MOT exercising our right to vote this year, or any year. Voting used to be a problem for many people who couldn't get to the polb because of disabilities. Many polling places had architectural barriers, causing people to stay home.

1996, voting has been made even easier. Your spouse or roommate can witness your ballot. What a difference. It helps not only those of us who find it hard to get out, but it makes it easier for people who don't feel like standing in long lines after work. Oregon has tried the mail system for all of its registered voters with much success. With the recent low voter turnouts here, I would hope this system would also help here in Minnesota.

some years ago, the legislators passed a bill saying that polling places needed to be barrier free. If that were not possible, then an election ofticia1 was directed to come out to the car to help the person with a disability to vote. Yet, As of this writing, we know even this was an improvement that President Clinton is ahead over not voting at all. in the polls. And while we think many people have been Now, we can vote without leav- turned offby SpeakerGingrich ing our homes. Although, and the Republican Congress, we've had absentee voting for we can't afford to take anymany years, we had to find thing for granted. We need to someone to witness it. But in make sure that our President

has a Democratic Congressto work with. (Keep in mind that the Minnesota legislators are up for election, therefore we must vote our conscience.) Many of us were disappointed when President Clinton signed the welfare bill into law, myself included. However, the more I thought about it, the more I believe it may have been a smart move. The reason being is that he gave the Republicans what they wanted, but he has a veto power now which gives him the right to veto anyfhidg that looks harmful. He's not going to allow the Congress to do anything drastic. I have faith that things will turn around once the election is over and Life Will Go On.

T h e Mental Health Law Project (MHLP) is one of four I projects ofthe Minnesota Dis'ability Law Center (MDLC). It began its work in 1983 with a grant from the McKnight Foundation and has been designated as the protection and advocacy progFam since 1986. As a federally funded Protec' tion and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental lllness Program (PAIMI), MHLP is required to: ( I ) protect and advocate for the rights of people with mental illness and (2) investigatereports ofabuseand neglect in facilities that care for or treat individuals with mental illness. MHLP helps individuals with mental' health problems by: investigating incidents of -abuse and neglect of people withmental illness, andpursuing administrative, legal and other remedies to protect the rights of people with mental

illness. Examplesofthe kinds of problems MHLP may be able to help with include: lack of an appropriate individualized treatment plan or discharge plan, improper seclusion or restraints, violation of rights to privacy and confidentiality, physical violence, and lack of a safe and healthy environment. Although MHLP does not represent individuals in civil commitment proceedings, it will provide information on individual rights in the commitment process, such as the right to appointed counsel.

cility, and had a problem that occurred within 90daysofdi.scharge. MHLP has limited funding to assist individuals with significant mental illness who do not meet the eligibili requirements listed above. There are no income guid lines, and services areprovi edat nocost to the individua MHLP has a main oftice in Minneapolisandbranchoffices in Duluth and Park Rapids. To get more information or seek help, please call: 6121 332-1441 or MN toll-free 1800-292-41 50. The projectcan also be reached by TTYITDD at 6 121332-4668. Or you can write to: Minnesota Mental Health Law Project, 430 First AvenueNorth, Suite300, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1 780.

.In general, MHLP services are available to people in Minnesota who have a significant mental illness or emotional impairment and who are patients or residents in a facility giving care or treatment in- Lisa Cohen is a manager at cluding jails, prisons, and the Minnesota Disability Law homelessshelters;orwho were Center inpatients or residents of a fa-

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using the following exercise you, and much more willing to

past. However, nowth dying I would really make up and forgive h~ whenever I go in his room T

this person in have visualized this person is heart. they have al- much more opennow and they

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'Disabled & B o d , May Ellen Tisdale, Americans for Disability R m i Oct. 22 Cornputem fslr People with Disabilities. Mary derm Hmm. Consumer -28 Twls fw Chsnge: Self-Advocaicy Training Rojcct Gloria !%&bring t Jeny &ith, AdvoWng Change

Incontinent/UralogicaI supplies Nov. 12 Parish. Disability Advocacy Project. Mary Jane

Steinhagea, Catholic Chrities

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NIW.19 Remembering with Dignity Up*.

Rick Gardenas,

A d w d n g Change Together Nov. 26 DisabilityAwareness ThroughTheater. Climb T h e ,

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October 10,1996

Access Press

U.S. Senate Cand-ida

Time For You 1 b each of the previous three months, ACCESS PRESS has published statementsfromthe candidatesforthe U.S. Senate about their positions on spec%c areas of policy as they relate - to the lives of people with disabnities. On page 7 of this issue, we &t those re-

sponses for you to review as "If elected to the Senate in you prepare to vote. 1996, what specific actions would you take that would be In this final part of our series, of directbenefit to people with we changed our approach a disabilities in Minnesota and1 littlebit. Ratherthanask where or around the nation?" they standon issues, we asked what theywoulddo if elect- Here's what they said: ed. Here was ou?question:

Dean Barkley, Reform Party

If I am reelected to the United States Sen'de I will continue to be a strong advocate for people with disabilities. Based on numerous discussions with advocacy organizations, I believe that the key issue is the high unemployment rate amongpeople with disabilities. Repeatedly I have hard that people want to work and support themselves, but that the bmkmto doing ware overwhelming. Clearly discriminrdion continues to occur. I will oppose any effurt to weaken the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or'to roll back the-goals and achievements of that landmark legislation.

Medicare and Medicaid will become insolvent in the year 2001. Without immediate action by ourpoliticians,the most vulnerable citizens of our nation will be M with no medical coverage &auk of the r e h d of Democrats and ~edubli& to be honest with this problem and honestly start the debate as to how to fix these pmgrams. I have been honest about the need to fix these prowarns while we still have time to do so &gmdless of the short-term political fallout OffZle'rnghonest. 20% of the & d e d budget now goes to pay interest on ohe 5.1 t n i n dollarhbtthat has been i n c m d by both Democrats andRepublicans. Senator Wellstone and former Senapr Boschwitz have been in power during the $8years that we have incum4 this m c &&t. Do we want tosend to of^ back to 6nish the job that they have started? If we

Paul Wellstone, Democrate

Ross Pemt and the Third Party movement. It

tookathitdpmytoeadslawayin,thRnaiion and it will take a third party to balance the budget before an economic meltdown oc-

Health insurance availability continues to be time employment, low SubstantialGainful a major barrier toemployment. People with tivity (SGA) threshold, education, diffi disabilities who fktd a job often lose their with the Plan to ACMIVBSelf Suppork medical assistame. But health insurance program, and transportation. The Social Sec companies use m t h g condition clauses rity programs SSI and SSDI provide an to preyent.@ &am getting the care that nothing approach. Yet many constitue tkq .?%me who need personal care ,wtPd&mgdarpolicies do not cov- still receive some bedits er,mtisteitherrnwk trhigh salary to pay f6r it to d e p e n d m l y ~ ~ o n out-of-pocket, or deal with a spend-down totally. I i n t d r o investigatethat issue M e r . program under Medical Assistance. I will continue to fight hard for universal healtfr ' . .,.+it care coverage. . my first te& to people in the disabilily Orher work d i s i n d v e s must also be ad- ni& and will dressed, such as the general need for parte.

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your county auditor.

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October 10,1996

Access Press

C

<

ites Explain Positions )

Make A Choice

ment of the Targeted

J O ~we S ~ I O U Ifocus ~ on

braking

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commitment to upholding

Tax Credit for employem down the barriers and enforc- the principles and meetingthe

In the months of ~ u l~~u ,~ u s tsystem. , If things are not asked the candidateswheth- who hire people with dis- ing the civil rights protections goals of the ADA. md September we asked the to state their philosopses on ~ i f i ~ i sofs to people with disabilities. Here are summaries of those-questions, and their verbatim responses.

HEALTHCARE. We asked the candidates whether they supported the entitlementstatus ofMedicaid br;iefii aM whether resist further they restrictions on eligibility .guidelines. SENATOR WELLSTONE said:

changed, the programs are scheduled to go bank~flin u2001. ~ Ifthishappens, nobody will be able to benefit. RUDY BOSCHWITZ said: I believe strongly in preventing discrimination against allAmericans, regardlessof their distinguishing group or background. I have a solidrecord of support for laws that aim to assist people with disabilities on issues such as access to public facilities, employer rights, and educational opportunities. In 1990, I was proud to s u m the &mi-

er they would support more abilities. accessible public transit as well as a more eomprehen- SENATOR WELLSTONE sive paratransit system. said Whilethe Ameri'canswithDisSENATOR WELLSTONE ahi~ities Act prohibits said: discriminationagainst people People with disabilities have with disabilities and has had a told me abouttheutransporta- small impact on unemploytitm nightmares how they've men< the rate is still unacceptbeen late to work, stranded ably high. We know people downtown, unable to get to a with disabilities want to work doctor's appointment on time they don't need an incentive or to decide spontaneously to to get a job, they need to have go to amoviewith 6iends orto the banierstogettingandkeep a concert because they can't ing a job destroyed. get a ride. Many people with disabilities

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so that people with disabilities can work as many hours as possible. I m i committed to the idea of qua1 access to health care and to addressing the c u m t problems in the PASS program so that it offers flexibility and is consumer driven. DEAN BARKLEY said: Yes. Both proposalsseem very reasonableand rational to deal with the difficulties encountered by people with disabilities to find and keep Sobs. RUDY BOSCHWITZ said.

IDEA, which guarantees fiee and appropriate education for children with disabilities, has gone through committee and is awaitingpasage in the Senate. I worked closely with parents and advocates fighting hard to protect students' rights and benefitsunderIDEA and to keep short-term objectives included in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). I am concerned about recently proposed amendments, such as one that would drop the requirement that an IEP team consider a student's need for

bendits, including for Ameri- must

resources.

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dant services should be available so people with disabilities can work nesses. In-home supports for children with disabilities who live at home must also be protgcted.

site.

r.oblems with the PASS pro- mat, public services, public each center is to have adegramOone of the fkw work accommodation% quate base fundingto+% incentive propms. ,tion and telecommunications. needsof people in their area. iI While 1was not serving in the w o u l d ~ radequate t hdI u n d e f t t a n d t h e i m ~ c e o l !Senate at the time that this ing to meet these needs. reinstating the Targeted Job legislation passed, I stran& to givethe disabled commmi- Tax Credit to break down the support it. People with &s- DEAN BARKLEY said: ty the w i l y to succeed attitudinal barriers towards abilitiesm~uetohaveavery The battles won by the disthan t~ subsidize drese who hiring people wiih disabilities high unemployment rate and abled community must be proW& &J but c f l ~ n do d SO who have no or limited job face physical and attitudiial tected fromthe insensitivityof due'& transpatation issues. experience. However,ata&ne baniers every day. I would those who wish to backtrack of limited resources I believe oppose any ffift to waken CsndiQates cont. on p. 8 RUDY BOSCHWITZ said: Throughout my service inthe -. Senate, I sought to broaden transportation and employment opporhmities for Amerthe WmRRS: icans with disabilities. I supported granting tax creditsto emplo$m who hire workers Saturday, Octobtr 26th Thursday, October 24th witb disabilities. I also supported increasing vocatioaal training programs for those Reception 6:OO-p.m. Reception 6:15 to 7:00 p.m. with disabilities. In supportDinner & Program 740 p.m. Program 730 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - 0pp0ing the hericans with DisFree and Open to the Public , $35 .per person abilitiesAct hl1990, I WOW University of Minnesota Law Center Minneapolis Hilton J to protect these Americans

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ite,wces- Absolutely. &I order for peohaillsing ple with disabilitiestojoin the unitspcr economic mabtrt%a&they need the ability toget towhere thejobsare. It b frrr less costly

SENATOR WELLSTONE said: ' Ifav0rp"oridi~ Mera1-S ffX SC%kI&-~ite h o w a aimnativa for peo..,: ,: a ple with aisabilities. The I will continuing fed- gowmn$nt*s overall strategy to help provide affordable era1waiven so Minnesota - mainbh it4 standard of seF honsingshouldmcludeefforts ;ices ti>r people with w i f i - to promote independentliving ties. Ourshteshmldcontirme mong people with disabilito in eliminating rod-ties by increasing choices for bhks keep people with accessibleh~us&throughout disabilities from living inde- Our c o m e @ S pendently and contributing The MinneFublic Houshlly to our society. ing Authority has offered Section 8 certificates for people DEAN BARKLEY said: i mamize the difficultiesof wifbdisatrilities,allowingthem the &&led community in to select h ~ b hgthe margetting @o' rdable health care ketplace to meet their needs. coverage tbuathe private We can build on this step by fromdiscrirninationinemploysector insuranceplans and fil- encouragingthe development . ment, and to g u m t e e them fy supportthe continuedavail- ofmorevariedaccessible~ O U S - fir11accesstomasstransit, pubability of health care coverage ing. lic accommodations and telecommunications. My goal in through the existing Medicaid backing such legislativeefforts plan. menaddressing the DEAN BARKLEY said: b u d g w probbms kingour I do believe that the disabled was to make the American and the need to reform deserve to live in the main- Dream a possibility for all of m of OW society and not OWCOU~~T)"S citizens, hcludentitlement programs, S do ingthosewithdisabilities. [Eil. in isolated pockets as they I wmld not eliminate this acnote: ?%is WCLFM~. f3~schWh' cess but I would consider now. 1would support the con-testingthesebenefitsso c q t of lower density housing entire response to both this h e wb can ad to pay for the disabled and base the and thefollowing question.] someofthese costs dueto their subsidy on the ability to PayEMPLOYMENT. We asked earnings ability will pay a fair the ~attdidat- if they would m*.ofhese coststo i n s m RUDY BOSCHWTZ sai& Sf?e &. Bcnrchwitz' previous support strqrrger work inthat those who cannot affwd centives for peepk with dbthis coverage will not be &- response. abilities, and whether thCy nied coverage due to a bankru* Medicare Medicaid TRANSmTATmN. We @ o ~ s - ~ w rxhStat&

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Disability Issues and 1996 Election

VISIONS&

50th Anniversary Celebr&on

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229 lPth Avenue South, Minneapolis

Featuring Ndional and itla ,leaden d The Arc--the nation's largest organim-on devoted . . to i m p r ~ w ~the g lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families. Presenters will discuss the potential impact that the 1996 slectioa could have on senices for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

100 1 Marquette Avenue Soufh, Minneapolis

join us for a haw, dank nl lidmica ' ' retrospective as we cektmle ttre atcomp&hme& d the members and volunteers of Arc of Hennepin County ovec the past 50 yean and the visions & victories of people with developmental disabilities and their families. Hasted by. Robyne Robinson, KISP TI. .-.I.

Both of these events an spo~~ored by .Arr:ofIknm@nCamty, a non-pdi . organhation providing advocaq and sqq~oFtf01 people with devdopmentd disabilities their families. Please call 920-0855 for more information. .-

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8

October 10,1996

CANDIDATES on the rights guaranteed in the (ADA) and (IDEA) acts. As a civil libertarian, I believe that all people are protect5d by our constitutional guarantee of equalprotection underthe law. The rights of all minorities whether they are the disabled, minorities or gays must constantly be protected from potential abuse from the majori-

tY. The disabled person in America deserves the same work opportunities,housing opportunities, access opportunities and transportation opportunities as those Americans without disabilities. We must insure that the disabled American has every opportunity to prosper and live a full and complete independent life. Any effortto weaken theexisting protections would be fiercely fought by me. Money spent on enabling the disabled to live independent lives is money well spent and money that I believe will lead to cost savings in the long run. I would look favorably on increasing current funding for such programs that promote independent lifestyles for the disabled.

RUDY BOSCHWITZ said: My campaign is built upon allowing each of our citizens &q&mmity b&ve * -AmericanDream. Tothis end 1 f-ly believe in gmteei ing basic rights to each individual, regardless of his or her background or personal situation When I voted for the

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Access Press

1 Commentarv

conttrom p. 7

while in the Senate. In short, I believe in less bureaucracy and more personal freedom, and in makingthe American Dream a real possibility for all of us.

TAXES. We asked the candidates whether they would support tax policies that recognize the extra expenses of livingwith a disability, especially credits for building accessible homes. SENATOR WELLSTONE said: I would be willing to consider tax changes designed to help people with disabilitiesto live in their communities. There is sufficient federal precedent, such as the additional standarddeduction for people who are blind; the allowance for special items, equipment and capital expenses as a medical deduction;deductions for disability-related work expenses and the credit for the elderly and disabled retirees. Further, we should consider ways to ensure that health insurance and Medicare cover expenses for things such as specialized equipment that enable people to live at home and not in a nursing home. As always, should tax changes such as those mentioned above be found to be appropriate, they should be paid for with cuts elsewhere in the federal budThere is a great need for lowinterest loans to help people with disabilities who often live on fmcid low incomes and have difficulty qualifying for

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available. DEAN BARKLEY said: I would support both the concept of a special tax deduction for the disabled along with a tax credit to help cover some of the extra costs in building a handicap accessible home so long as these deductions and credits are based upon the person's income and ability to pay. Independent living in one's own house is a dream that should be made more readily available to the disabled. These types of deductions should be made available to those who need them most and be gradually reduced the higher the recipient's income becomes. In our current monetary crisis of deficitsand a 5.1 Trillion dollar debt, I believe means testing any new tax credit or deduction would be appropriate. RUDY BOSCHWITZ said: Paul Wellstone believes higher taxes are needed to fuel the enormous bureaucracy in Washington. I agree with the vast majority of Minnesotans who understand that high taxes and an expanding bureaucracy diminish the American Dream for every one of us. Wellstone has supported increasingtaxes on Minnesota's families more than twenty different times. He's wrong. Wbatwe&ape*.Lcrkesi and less bureaucracv. TO'&op ate a climate of portunity' I support tax creditp and other fonns of t a i &lief for Americans. I also support a simpler, fairer and flatter tax

crimination in meas such as tions make it impossible to I

IManaged Care: Will It Work or Us?

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by Wendy S. Brower, Center For Disability Policy Director

Last fall I was at a policy conference at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota. I was sitting next to a "policy analyst" from Ramsey County. "How will you provide health care to people with disabilities and the elderly if Congress passes block grants?" I ask. She quickly responds, "We'll just put everyone in managed care." Hmmm. Seems like a pretty simple response to a pretty complicated issue. For people with disabilities, people living in poverty, and for the elderly, isn't health care already managed? ProvidingMedicaidIMedicare to elders and disabled people costs billions ofdollars, so the politicians and bureaucrats are figuring out new ways to cut costs. They've decided that managedcare is the way togo. Congress has gotten the message fiom voters that the federal budget must be balanced. Remember those government shutdowns when Clinton and the Congress didn't agree on what to cut for Fiscal Year 1996?

publicans and Clinton's Dernm t s is Still going on. Regardless ofwho wins, the budget cutters in Washington rn going to send less money to thestates. The losers, as usual, will be the disabled, the poor, and the elderly. Here's how it to the senate, I ~211 works. If you're disabled or

to be a bmader disclissidn as

Poor, or both, most likely You get Your health care and other social "services" paid for through MedicaidIMedicare. Even if you live in an institution or nursing home o r

ICFMR (that's Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded - whooo!) the tab is picked up by the government. About halfofthemoney comes from the federal budget, the other half comes from Minnesota's budget. That means it all comes from taxpayers -the VOTERS. The Washington spin doctors say that the health care cuts will actually be good because local politicians will have more flexibility and CONTROL. So it's at the local level where you've got to watch them closely. Even with a lot less money, the politicians and bureaucrats still talk, talk, talk about things like quality assurance and about protecting the most vulnerable. But in reality they have to either raise taxes - a big no-no for politicians or reduce services.

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A disabled friend ofmine who heads an independent living center told me, "I don't mind managed care as long as I'm the one doing the managing." In Minnesota, officials are seeking input from peoplewith disabilities. They claim to wanl our involvement. Let's take advantage of the opportunity to help make the "system" work better. If we're not vigilanl and just sit back, others will make all the decisions for us, and then it's certain that our needs will not be met.

Change"fora case

it can

Where do social services fit in? Psychotherapy? Jhotimalormarriagecounselink?? The professional jargon

The Minnesota Departmentof . ~ u - ices is sponsoring a ' ' h u m for Cmnsumer &volvement" on October 21, 1996, at the Sheraton Midway ' in St. Paul. It's free for con-sumers. For information, d l Carol Benson at (612) 296-

better.

The Minnesota Health Care

These refbrbished computers are ideal for education, jobskills, vocational training and independent living needs. BE-

supporting or caregiving for someone with a disability, 3) are currently receiving some form of public assistance and will use the computer for education, job-training or employment purposes. I f you fit one or more of these categories, please call Chris at 612-378-9796 for additional information.

At this past summer's confer. ence about managed care, one hundred people in the room (mostly government folks) talked about the importance of involving disabled people in these meetings. Then I heard one professional skeptic say. in that old familiar way, "1 know what's best for them. I'll decide."

What do you think they're going to do? The fmt thing the governors will do is tighten the defmition of disability. That will make groups of people ineligible for services. Indisabilities will be the So get involved. Here's how: es dropped. ~innesota-1 the local disability o r g a n i l l will have the Power to decide zation that you trust or the and who @ doesn't. Mimmsta upiSl alao be able to decide what is a "medical necessity". It's my Tell them' you are concerned guess that this is where bu- about~ourhealthcmand~ou Eaucrats will do 'their real want to be included in reshapch0PPing. [Editor'snote: see kl$aem.Only you know Page 9's "Lu~~sluN Brings whatis/isnotworkingandhow

computers (and parts) for sale.

served basis and specifii: configurations are subject to availability. We now ofer a 10% cost-recovery discdmntfor cash

is about things like adverse selection, capitation, benefit exception, case-mix adjustment, gatekeepers, stop-lossl and utilization management.

and Sewice to others.

c of-m s, m i s stoo. i is h01dingresi:onThey want & , hear from people with disabilities about managed care. There isno but you must sign up. Dates: Oct. 22, , Mu/ankato,November 13, Thief River Falls; December 4, Little Canada. or infixmation, call Nancy Cusick at 1-800-

guest your first visit! postage to M

O U ~Magazine, ~

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Access Press

Lawsuit Brings Change

October 10,1996

Disability And Democrats

by Steve Elliot Finally Dana Steelman, a Medical Assistance recipient, is gettingwhat she needs. The Minnesota Department ofHuman Services (DHS) has agreedto funda voice-activated environmental control system for the Olmsted County resident.

Ms.Steelman, a (25-6 quadriplegic, has a variety of daily complications that a voice activated system can solve, such as: muscle spasms that sometimes cause her to fall out of bed, where she cannot breathe and is unable to reach the phone; difficulty in controlling her internal tempemme, makingher prone to hypothermia and heat strokes; inability to open and close, or lock and unlock, the apartment door, which on one occasion lefther vulnerable to a sexual assault. All of these situationsare potentially very dangerous for Dana. However, the danger canbeavertedby usingavoiceactivated environmental control system (VECS), with which she can dial her phone,

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lights on and off, or opera any number of ances, all with-

Under the terms of the Settle- prior authorization request. ment Agreement, DHS grantedprior authorizationforMed- Once a letterofmedicalnecesical Assistancereimb~ent sity has been prepared, the for the voice-activated envi- recipient should locate venb ronmental control system that don who cany environmental Ms. Steelman requested. In control systems capable of exchange, she dropped the meeting the recipient's needs. appeal pending in district It iskcommendedthat the recourt. The parties further cipient see a demonstration of agreed that the Settlement the system and have apersonal Agreement may not be used as trial with the system. Then a evidence or precedent inany prior authorization request, futureproceedingsby any jm- which must be submitted by a ty, nor does it constitute any Medical Assistance vendor, admission of fact or interpre- should be submitted to DHS, tation of law or rule. At Ms. accompanied by the letter of Steelman's insistence, howev- medical necessity. er, DHS dropped its condition that the terms of the Settle- We anticipate that the DHS ment Agreement not be pub- will continue to deny all requests for environmental conlished. trol systems. This should not It remains the position of the deter Medical Assistance reMDLC 'that environmental cipients from applying. If control systems are a covered funding is denied, recipients service under the Minnesota should vigorousIy contest the Medical Assistance program. denial, as coverage of envG They are a medical necessity, ronmental control systems is both when they address medi- consistentwith stateand federcal or health needs of recipi- a1 regulations. Furthermore, ' ents and when they are re- based upon the settlement of quested to maximize a recipi- Ms. Steelman's case,the DHS ent's independence or fun* can no longer assert that it is tional ability. illegal for a state to spend ~edi-1 ~ ~ funds on ~ MedicalAssistancerecipients environmental control syswho need an environmental terns. Other states, including control system to meet medi- Connecticut, Massachusetts, cal q bealtb York and Rhode I s h d * nqxk . or to max- New bve &

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by Roger Fuller When the Disability Caucus the Senate, lifts and elevators maatthe DemomticNation- were installed to accomme a1 Convention in Chicago in date his wheelchair. If you are A u g ~ s t , t h ~ w a s a n ~ elected m ~ - to the central commiting each day of the conven- tee or some other party ofice, tion- This was a change from you will work on many issues p a t years when the dimbility in addition to the disability @UP would meet only once issues which originally interd d g the four day conven- ested you." tion. Governor Mike Lowry of Bob SevifP~,Dkabilit~Out- Washington told the caucus reach Director for the Demo- members he decided to take cratic National Committee, charge of laws for disabled said the national party organi- persons by moving the implezation decided to take an ac- mentation for them to the govtivist role with the fiability ernor's ofice. "The heads of caucus this time. "When the state agencies will pay attenHis@c, black, hbororother tion to the matter if it comes caucuses meet at the c0nVe.n- out of the governbr's office tiolq they do so on their Own and they know he wants acwithnohel~fromthenational tion." . P ~ Yhe"said, Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa ''In the case of the Disability who led the passage of the Caucus, the P w &cided to Americans with Disabilities underwrite the cost," said Act (ADA) through the SenSevigny. The result was three ate, said disabled people need m d g S at the swissotel and assistive technology. "When abcheonmedngatthe Chi- we provide the disabled with C W Public Lib-. Sevign~ the devices they need to betraced this development hack come independent, it allows to when i David~ W l l b e l mmbe- them ~ to be productivepeople. It is what mekes the ADA came national chair at * e t i m e ~ i d e n t C l ~ o ~ work." ~as elected. " W i l h e b d t h e a*rity .QD~W&.P w Harkin said Sen. Robert Dole, snd I M FowIcT, IS SUCC~S-' the Republican presidentisvl

electiveoffice. Itis time for us to step aside," she said. "We don't need to beyour advocate anymore."

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Roberts became involved in politics when the school district rehsed to educateherson . because he was autistic. She - . became alobbyiston behalf of herson and persuaded the legislature to write a law that would allow him to attend school. "He has a two year college degree, has been on thejob in aschool for 16years, and is a well-adjusted procluc- tive person," she said I

Hubert (Skip) Humphrey 111, Attorney G e n e ~ a l o ~ n n e s o ta, urged caucus members to contact the Attomey General offices in their states. "Many ofmycol1,eagueswould likem - make some progress in this field of disability rights and would welcome the involve ment of disabled people." Carol Rasko, domestic affairs advisor to President Clinton, has served since 1993 in the White House, and was with Clinton for ten yeam while he was Govemor of Arkansas. "Hehardspema lotoftimewith my m, who is moderately

with ot vention. Senator Chris Dodd doing the things he wants to dipbilities." t h r r t ~ ~ V E C S w gl s, w % d -1hiM s and l e d of i&pp p d Any i n t e r e s t e d m e of -C who a h is do.'' not in rmture"andwas"farfi.rpm:~ and an ev.lultim 4 -tact the HDE for assis- g a e d of* d i d (,fan m,,,i&&&tmre& patY,sant considered a community stan- d&*h dard ofjmctice orcustornary t h w n & pad practice or usage in the treat- ad*s ment of persons function- imiziehisorherfbmthd abilhe said- "F ing at the level of a C5-6 ity and independence. Also, Steve Elliot is an attorney at an appro@* environmental the Minnesota Disability Law ple, when Senator quadriplegic." East ofNorth Carocontrol system or type of sys- Center. lina was elected to With legal assistancesupplied tern should be identified. The by the author of this article, details of this conMs. Steelman appealed the sultation should be deniahf prior authorization. summarizedina letThe administrative appeals ter of medical necourt referee issued a decision cessity prepared by HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICE affirming the Department's the media1 prof=denial of prior authorization, sional. This letter 24 HOUR ON CALL SERVICE the care of disabled. statingthattherequested envi- should include, ronmental control system did amongother things, not meet the definition of du- a detailed descrip Specializing in Full Home Care %vice rable medical equipment and tion of the recipithus was not a service covered ent's disability, Personal Care Assistants by the MedicalAssistancepro- functional limitaing the decisions.:. .r., Home Health Aides Homemakers gram. The referee based this tions, medical and "We don't want tW." health needs, plus a determination in part upon the ~ i ~caretakers ~ - i ~ dump all of our disT product brochure, which did recommendation of abled into managed not describethe voice-activat- an environmental Rehabilitative Sewices ed system as primarily medi- control system that those cal in nature. Physical / Occupational / Speech Therapies needs and limitaPCA Provider Organization h 3 d b h ~ k r a r r M . ~ d ~ a b W m . T o d a k r ~ ~ b . u d Ms. Steelman did not give up. tions: This consul* ~ l m u p s h ~ ~ d u i n ~ * n h f - ~ With the help of the Minneso- tation may be with a Medicare Certified / Medical Assistance m d l n d * ~ a w p v l m p r ~ p r r o ( a l y a r r * l * m r ta Disability Law Center physician, a physiWaivered Services / Private . A * d O t * O c R k 1.1996tycdfnz (MDLC), rep~esentedby my- cal therapist, an ocself, she appealed to state dis- cupationaltherapist trict court in Olmsted County. orsther appropriate S P t l s f r c t k n F I submitted a Memorandum of health professional. Law to the court in support of But keep in mind 2010 East Hennepin Avenue, Bldg. #5 her appeal. Before the matter that a physician's Minneapolis, MN 55413 went to hearing in district court, prescription is rea Settlement Agreement was quired as a part of a Medical Assistance reached.

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