September 1998 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

voting Information -Page 6

Social Security Update -p. 4

"The world is a classroom; the lesson, love" - Barbara Jordan

Access Press

CANDIDATES SPEAK II*

/h&Gah -r

Waiting List Crisis Addressed

ere is the second in our series of thre disability-related questions submitted by ACCESS PRESS to each ofthe 1998gubernatorial candidates. This month's question was submitted by BobBrick,ExecutiveDirector of Arc Minnesota.

Lhroughout the state. n&m?nrelcct;nn ~

legiddmiatbtive to elimi- erly parents are worried about --us& the waiting list crisis thel~n~temcateoftheirch~lfaced by persons who have dren, and we must adapt to mentalretardationorrelated these changing needs. Re-' disabilities?" cent estimates are that about

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your opportunity to vote for

A Personal Stow

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Life Or Death - Who Decides?

- G ry

-e -y?r4 _Bead the responses ' d e i - w l., a. s*t month's QurdearMmds,bB&fm ily af Ceak has a 3-year-old

They Said He Was A Vegetable

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by ~ + ~ e n r .

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on who is severely disabled tos stroke. Altho~,ghhe

There are

iia deal with the i n k x k a m r a c v in &a

for the = while others may need m ~ r e *ices.

ate received thc nd infor-

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&pile hmh injuries that

disabled and .marked hi^ * etable" to doctors, Nkky nurtured the I i f m L alone saw in hisey~d." a d - &@couple fed off each ' other's strength to defy the

of each region, and the resources requiredto meet these* needs. Some families with a &id at home could

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thinking, he understood, he Whe~la tsM could make decisions," says port services.. by ofthese s y m w J i a n d N i e k y ~ ~ i 9 9 Nicky 1 there \w&*@&it is Kpky. "It w e Vmy clear the heople are i i y h &&.attd3y.m- m o t turnmW ~ l f & and bought a h m e in monitoring the pras@m in way he felt a& #halt jx . erly parents who are fi.tad&, u ~ ~ ~ ~ s t c lits l l that l yneed t&s m&wce. Blaomington. He was miin- Jim's head because Giwa?si ~wan&-y&u~dstfkkitblq&k.1 cbifiulties in keepirzg iEhz?r i h n w W k &&IIt is amatter of prioritiesa4 s m n c e claims adjuster a d - "vegetable," she was out- But they wouldn'f listen lo & l m o n t e . These qmcntally w ~ w f i d m o n e in y Wexi&& - . E"Bg Lmdget to meet t h e ~ e &re w&ed as an insurance! ?aged. This s b k h g rk- .me3 they wsuldn't listen to -jh?&e;e&dfifsd-. &m. They enjoyed amactive snW of Jim rts a live huniaa him.'" needs. A&govemor,T -8 to ;@ -;.* q#@f&@m-. PifetbpCk. "Jim had such a bei* was k f i tam of ernme- mi&mi'$ddars m t for iife," reeblls Nicky. what she ~ o u l find d over the ThedoetorslabeI-edJim%m- by k p i q && ~z~ at "He was fun, energetic - he next fiq 2 s ~be the pre mqmmimv'anc& amxding k .41ow'ewr'. &fr chil_ l ~ i i ftoethe ful1est"~uton v a i I i a W d e .toward tIw to Nicky, thetestt@-& medidren am-now locked aBz crf bRaPkrnd~~~@forafanviay July 1,1993,Jim then 31, was disa&ad not jmt cal staff actedr.wordin$ly. , the service system. W b e r with a &sabiYity. I ~ities?" inaterribkkarawidenton his medical stst*, bk it'people in They d h i & a& wisIrPu1 lx&ve we can do Wi,and way hosnelateon a d n y night. general, . thinkin$ her claiis that Jim Each can&date was given r T d M - m as p-r I will pledge t@. ,, . , --. fdr their w& m&is ispartant issue. .- c*. could mpamicak,and were knit d'OOw& He suffered severe closedresponse, and the responses I believe M$A&SOW has done hedinjuries~~pmm~4~ '=printed.hc~ern the-& a pact job d mqmndimk~~ . '41t~&@~~~mpp~+narjO; damage and bther injuries. ;we received them. halways,, Wiky says &at the resue couldn'ts ' we @Tidl .iqmmes verw w at the scene ofqthe accident left Jim withoa oxygen for #@wtt Eire, ?n** be- . .

:m.

I A Success

On Disability

bv Lollv Liiewski

T i~~dn sb

~ ~ . q s o ~ t i of . uCitim withDisabilitiesin; vites to attend a candidates' forum whichwill be held from 6:30to 8:OOpm onOctober

at this forum will be on isties @portant to people with rural CELs. Names of rural ClL ~bn%&&ia3:&di~&tibs,and 1disabilities gathered in countability from the Sscial networks were passed around. seniors. " - E ~ ~ o r t h D & o t a l a s t m o n t hSecurity Administ ation," f o r a r t @ d L t & ~ t L i v - came back stronglyifiV~. The universality of the ,. .&-: There will be questions from ing con&-onteadership, struggles we all face as peapie . r . 4 the audience, and also interac- Unity,andVidm. ~ G C ' State ~ advocates ~ E from C]ILs"in with disabilities was exempli- - . tive phone questioning. The from Minnesota, North d &u;th D#ota encouraged fied by Johnny Crescendo, a L' ' forum willbe moderatedby the South Dakota, and even as far unity smd un-ding from singerlsongwriter from Great tieaggXreM m e n Voters. For as Texas, to hear nationally their colleg%ues as they ex- . Britain, as he sang songs fiom everyone who can't be at the known speakers like Bobby plained thatnot everyone hat h& new Cf),''Hat Dead Y&T f m i n ~ i t d b e b m a d -Silverstein, Justin Dart,Sue the sameplace within the dis- after ' his performance, he cast live in the metro an Swa~son,and Mike Auberger. ability rights movement. As a s h a d a video made i~ EnMetro Anea Cable Channel 6. Xhxe were sessions on the man from IPou@m, T a b @adwhich showed people I Broadcast time is from7mto Federal Fair Housing AcfSo- urged pagde so chain them- with disabilities fighting for ( 8:00 pm. In addition, video- cialSem5tyandMedicaidwok selves to busses if necessary access to transportation.

7th at the Hennepin Qwty ~ovemment~enter. "&iws\*BI be your chance to get to know the candidates for Governor. The focus of the questioning

&--. I

Minnesota

ous public access stations tfie Shk% c& local cable station for times Jeff Moyers &d i;hhnny c&- lmmpeoplewithdisabilities. It gether to leam,shap a n d b < . . and channels. scendo. wss a powerful reminder that CS63Uild

People w i t h Brain I n j u r i e s I

"Pedia-Lric

support5

thedisability rights movement Kudos to the ~~f~ Resources and Options for rheir - leadership, unity, andvision in putting together this m%kace. .

The Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities is a broadbased coalition of organizations dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities. Pmpltwithdisabili-

Thethumeofleadership,unity, spans a spectrum of experiand vision was- evident ence. Immediately, the p ~ throughouttheconference. A ticeofacceptanceandnehNorkvision fm the fumes af the ing began as the leadm h n S o c i a l ~ . d h s a l t h c a r e Southhlcota were confibcced systeim was on the agenda. with leaders from North Da-

LallyL~ewskTistheAh,ocucY h a d a s l i k e Blaine Perry and kota who have gone through Manager at The Metmpolitics make up approximately 19%of the total populadm in !)Bry on MacDonald sought in- similarexperiencesand shared tan Center For Indepersdepu our state, and, m a q other put on that vision from con- someoftheproblems faced by Living (MCIL). people inchdingWdQmem~ F S&e by the disa.

bfPry. .

( 6 1 2 ) g 22 - 6776

The Hennepin Gunty OOVerpment Center is located at 6th Street and 3rd Avenue South in downtown Minneapolis. Seating is on a "lirst-come, first-servedn basis.

ACCESS PRESS

....................................... ,...................Wm. A. Smith, Jr. .....................,............................... . . ......... .Charles F. Smith Cartoonist ......,. ........., ......................................... -................... ..........................Scott Adams Production .......................................................................... Presentation Images, Ellen Houghton -Editorial Assistant'..... ..........................- ........ ............. Jeff Nygaard & Donna McNarnara Co-Founder/Phb&sher(1990-1995) EditorlPublisherlCo-Founder

'ACCESS PRESS is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities b Acccss Press. Ltd: Circulation is LO,aX). distributed the 10. of each moath through inore than 150kcations statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $15/yr.

Health Care Consumer Advisory .. Board

he ConsumerAdvisory Board is a grassrootseffort to see improvements in the way health care isoffered. The Advisory Board was able to get atelephoneline through the Department of Health. Here is a chance for consumers with problems to call and leave a message. The direct dial voice mail number is (65 1) 296-5836. People outside the metro area should call the receptionist at the Department of Health at 1-800-657-3916 and ask to be transferred to the Consumer Advisory Board voice mail. Someone from the Advisory Board will call you back to get more information about your health care need. The Advisory Board will be taking public testimony on the health care needs of individuals on I'k~ember30 from 1 Pm until 3 pm at the Merriam Park Public Library at the corner of Fairview and Marshall Avenues in st. pauf.

SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION

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 $18/column inch, depending on size and frequency. Cla$sified ads are $8.00, plus 35 centdword over 20 words.

II I

Advertising and editorial deadlinesare the 30th of the month preceding publication; special scheduling available for camera-ready art.

I I

~ c c e sPress s is available on tape. Call MN State Services fpr the Blind, 642-0500 or 800-652-9000.) Inquiries should be directed to: ACCESS PRESS 1821 University Avc. W. Suite 185N,-St. Paul, Minnesota 55104 (651) 644-2133 Fax (651) 644-2136

529-5019 CARE .&INES

483-9143

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER

INC.

NESTANDE him, or bothering to speak to him at all.

Access Press

cont.tromp.1

a nurse and a lung specialist.

proved during his four years at home -he had far fewer hospitalizations than while in the nursing home, Nicky reports he continued to have frequent bouts of pneumonia, which slowed their activity.

Although Jim required a high Despite her efforts to get Jim level of care, Nicky says she into rehabilitation, the doc- "never viewed him asaburden tors told her "there was noth- oras injured-he wasjustJim ing there to work with," she - and I adored him." Having says, and they advised her to him at home was in fact a "big "put him in a nursing home relief' because she no longer Eventually, Nicky says she and get on with my life." B U ~ had to worry about his being began to notice that Jim was Nicky was not about to write neglected by medical staff. losing interest in things. "He her husband off -she asked didn't want to do as much, he to take him home. Yet their At home, Jim was "so much was saying 'no' a lot - but he insurance ~ l a ndidn't cover happier - he had such a look of wasn't sick, wasn't sad." He took a break from rehab activities. She began to question him about what was wrong. After exhaustingall possibilities, she finally asked the question she most dreaded: "You don't want to live anymore?" He said 'yes' - and he looked so relieved," Nicky sadly recalls. "It was the last thing I wanted to hear - but the worst thing I could do was to not listen to him.

L'-'-

home care. Moreover, "Noone would help us," she says. "They would not work with me on moving Jim home."

September 10, 1998

peace on his face," Nicky recalls. "He was much more of his usual self." His hope restored, Jim frequently partici-

"He told me he had been waiting for me to reach the ~ o i n where t I could accept this," she says. "It isn'tthat he had given up-it's just that he felt he haddonewhat he needed to do in life, that he was ready." He wanted Lo be taken off the

Lecture 0 Thousands of Minnes are deaf and have developed their own unique culture while contributing tothe largercommunity. Aspart ofDeqfAware-

Awareness ek, a Deaf culture lecture will be held at 7 pm on September 22 at the Bloomington Education Center. Bob Cook, aleaderintheDeafcom-

munity and amaster storyteller, willleadthediscussion,which will beconducted in American SignLanguage (novoiceinterpreters will be provided).

Arc TO Host 2ndAn nual Conference Arc of Hennepin County, JewishFamily and Children's Service of Minneapolis, Arc of Anoka and Ramsey Counties, Arc Suburban, Arc Minnesota and PACER Center, Inc. will sponsor the second annual "Great Sibling GetTogether" a one-of-a-kind, one-day conference that features exciting activities and lively discussions focused on families of people with disabilities.

Hosted by Arc of Hennepin County, "TheGreat Sibling Get Together" includes break-out sessions for siblings age five through adult. Each session throughout the day is designed to offer siblings, parents and professionals the opportunity to sharecommon concerns and feelings, as well as meet others who have brothers and sisters withdisabilities.

The Get Together will be held onsunday, September 13,1998 from 11:00a.m. tok30p.m. at the Sheraton Inn Midway, St. Paul, Minnesota, located at I-94and Hamline Avenue. For more information or to register, contact Arc of Hennepin County at 6 121920-0855.

Deaf Forums To Be Held People who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblindand people who care about them are invited to two community forums on Friday, Sept. 18 and Thursday, Sept. 24 to learn more about and discuss programs and services for the deaf community. Metro-area seniors who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind are invited to attend the forum on Friday, Sept. 18at

TRANSPORTATION

Memoria] Hall, 1824$&&d] Ave., st. Paul. to all is scheduled forThursday, Sept. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Merriam Park Library, 1831 Marshall Ave., St. Paul.

MN Commission Serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing People and Deaf and Hard of Hearing ServicesDivision staff will lead the forums, presenting information about their services, goals and legislative initia-

the deafcommunity,deafblind and hard of hearing people for futureinitiatives. Interpreters and real time captioning and assistive listening devices will be provided. If you need other special accommodations, such as tactiIe/reshicted field interpreters, please contact Marie Koehler at the Metro Regional Service Center at (651) 2971316(voice)or(651)297-1313

September 10, Z998

Access Press

On Mental Illness

Grains Of Sand Turning Into Pearls

on't say we didn't warn replaced withasystemof"Per-

hen weremember a hu- each day carefully, not careful prints on our floors.

ers. There; was always some- paint, tending a garden, sing-

faced since $he founding of

of breathtakingsimplicity: of- discover new meaning and

day in the;life of this person.

Social Security Reform Update

by Peter Feigal

*kk

of the extreme right wing. higher "rate of return" than

easier to talk about indi- main question at the meeting Ideaof social insumace. Insur-

"Social Security9'arestill really privafizingthesystem. It'shard than the current system. trying todiminishor destroy it. to say exactly why the climate haschangedsa~@~tE,butWall~e)rona& % b i i ~c~nomi(i.s,

w i t all happen, watchedit all than a thousand ceremonies

uniqtie pace. @hewas a time machine who told me storiesof

own pro- It remains true, as ACCESS h c b had been moting privatization. He chi Security Disability Insurdoesn't mince words. Speak- ance recipients. The figure

the closet and the document

A life ismade ofdays, andeach

gift to the family of earth, And ~randrna'sdays were di&weIi lived. It seems that &&?lived

or a family's loss of a bread- society, and our culture un- efits are not generous to begin with, and they should be increased. The fact that major cuts are being proposed with no public outcry at all is evidence that the community of peoplewith disabilitieshas still not acquired a voice propor: MINNESOTA STATE COUNCIL tionate to its numbers.

~t Hvvy. 280 & University Avenue

ON DISABILITY October is DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH Minnesota State Council On Disability Seeks Nominations .

Ostomyland wound care Blood,pressure~quipment Diabetic supplbs

GREAT SERVICE & PRICES

' '

.--. ;? - + '-

We offer 24 hr. Emergency Sewice exclusively to our regular-

The Council recognizes Minnesota employers alid others who have worked toward helping to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Nomination deadline: October 1, 1998 For nomination information call: 65 11296-6785VTPTY or 1-800-945-8913 Vll'TY &mail: council.disability @s&.mn.u Fax:651-296-5935 . . :

The AFLCIO has taken a position opposed to privatization of Socia] Security. So have some progressive think tanks and nonlprofjts. ~h~~~is lots of discussion going on about reforming Social Security. YOU may be asked to participate. Think clearly and keep your values in mind if you do. We need a strong, progressive system of Social Security to protect us all against bad luck and to provideus with a dignified retirement. There are lots of things we can do to protect. and strengthen our system. Privatization is not one of them.

HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES

1998 MINNESOTA

Xenalssance'Festhral

Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroom apartmentsfor individualswith physical disabilities. We have housing in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, St.Cloud, Brainerd, GrandRapids, Hibbing, Austin, Marshall, Willmar, andDuluth. '

SENSATIONAL ATTRACTIONS! Full Contact Armored Jousting! 11 Stages of Entertainment! Over 270 Master Artisans! Unique ~ o o d & s Beverages! Rides, Games & Contests for All Ages! 15th Annual Feast of Fantasy! Queen's Tea! Renaissance Smoker! Fables at the Table!

The apartments are fully wheelchair accessible and each building has a central laundry mom, 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 andfor traumatic brain injury who qualify for Medical Assistance.

For more information call (65 1)645-727 1or (800) 466-7722. For services or housingcall Leigh, for employmentas apersonal care attendant call Sean.

~ a v a n c etickets for sale at

starting.August 1.

+ F E S T I V A L H O T L I N E (800)

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August 15 September 27,1998 Weekends and Labor Day

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- 7:00pm

1 . I

Just 3 miles south of Shakopee on Highway 169

Accessible Space, Inc.

-1

CANDIDATES disabilities?"

.-, - -

...

RrtonaRrty: As a father of a child with a disability, I do not take your question lightly. While I am not elderly or poor, I believe I have a good understanding of what it means to be the parent of a person with disabilities. I am a strong advocateoffarnilial responsibility. Our society has gotten away from the ex: tended family, and the idea that a family does whatever it can to take care of its own. In that regard, I support persons with disabilities continuing to live in the family home, as long as possible. If the person is capable, they should be encouraged to live independently as an adult. If supervision is still needed but the family cannot provide for it, group homes should be made available.

Access Press cant from P. 1

ative solutions applied to the mentalretardationorrelated or related disabilities - where needs of people who have disabilities? people were simply warehoused, neglected, isolated mental re&rd&on or other and denied the dignity and developmentaldisabilities. As human freedomthat most of us governor, I would welcome take for granted. organizationssuch as yours to submit proposed legislation Today,many adult children live that directly addresses the withtheirelderlyparents. While needs ofpersons with disabiliI have the utmost respect for ties. the tireless devotion these parent caregivershave fortheir "Would you support a major adultchildren, I am concerned legislative initiative to elimiabout the future of these faminate the waiting list crisis lies ind theirability to provide faced by persons who have on-going care. mental retardationor related disabilities?" As Governor, I will carefully Yes. As Governor, I will work examine the Department of with the legislature, families, Human Servicesreport due out advocates, and others to make this November which will adgovernment work better and dress these issues, and then more responsive to the needs develop a proposal that will of all people - especially those help eliminate the waiting list crisis. AndIwill bring together with disabilities. families, advocates, service The waiting list crisis is largely providers and government to due to the fact the state has not develop strategies toeliminate lived up to its past promises to the roadblocks that stop people the disabled community. In with disabilities from moving Minnesota, 3,300 eligible into the mainstream, people are on waiting lists with~ccckb, out the necessary resources to It's time to put people first. In Yes. We would support legis- meet their needs. In the the HumphreyIMoe Adminlation enhancing effective ex- Humphreyhloe Administra- istration, everyone will move isting residential and family tion, things will be different. forwardin the21aCentury-no support services. We would We believe that every person person will be left behind. also create policy that leads should have a seat at the table towards the elimination of a and a voice in government. "Would yousupport amajor legislative initiative to elimiwaiting list. In order for every Minnesotan nate the waiting list crisis

*-,-

~ - m ~

Governor,Iwould worktoex- withdisabilities. Inourzeal to pand the number of MRRC cut public spendiog, let's be careful not to cut services for waivers. those truly in need. "Would yousupport amajor legislative initiative to elimi- There are other things we can nate the waiting list crisis do. Minnesota faces acrisis in faced by persons who have affordablehousing. Currently, mental retardation or related thousands of federally-subsidized units are being converted diabilities?" to the open market. This could throw thousands of Minnesotans onto the street, and worsen the waiting list crisis. We need a new state commitment through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to building more affordablehousing. Many people with disabilities want to work. Withabooming state economy and a budget surplus, we should seize the opportunity to make the benefits ofworkavailable toall our Yes, I would support such an citizens. initiative. We need to make certain that all Minnesotacitizens who havemental retardation or other developmental disabilitieshave access toresidential services and other family support services. It is simply unfair to force elderly parents to provide services that should be provided by federal, state, and county governments. The proper role of governmentis to help people

lFm!wF

home errviron-

Accessible Arts Performances

u&e 6 waitingl~rdcrisis practice ~f institutionalizing

1vote 1n he primary and 1n he General Elections! The 1998primary election in Minnesotawill takepl registered â&#x201A;Ź0vote, you may register when you arrive

r 15th. Ifyouarenot place. To do so, you

Sunday, 2:00 p.m. "My rm4, Sunday, 2:00 p.m. Fair Lady" Playhouse 15, St "Louanne Pig in Witch lady," FhtxisEGghSchookSt.Francis Child's Play Theater, Hopkins Center for the Arts 7, Sunday, 2:00 p.m. 'ZouannePiginWitchLady," --._, Friday, 8:00 p.m. Child's Play Theater*Hopkins "Axe1,'"reat American HisCenter for the Arts tory Theatre, St. Paul have saved the federal, state, and county governments mil- l&Q Saturday, 8:00 p.m. IWIXSaturday, l mp.m.'9he lions of dollarsby keeping theii "Axel," GPW American His- VenetianTwins,'"GwhieThe tory Theatre. S t Paul ater, Minneapolis

HWiB Friday, 8:OO p.m. '4he Access to Theatre project. Vcnetian'ILvins,"Guthrieh Contact the theater or VSAMN (332-3888)forfurther details. -

The Minnesota Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities (MN CCD), Americans for Disability Rights-MN (ADR-MN) and the Minnesota State Council on Disability have educate and encourage people with disabilities to exercise their right to vote. The CCD will sponsor a voter registration and public education campaign to inform the disability community about voting in the general election on November 3, 1998. ADR-MN will conduct amassive Get-Out-thevoteeffort and the stateCouncil on Disability will assist the Secretary of State's office in distributing voterregistration materials. Formore information about voting,call theoffice of Secretary of State (612)296-2803, orMN?TY Relay Center, 1-800-627-3329ortheStatecouncilon Disability,(612) 296-6785 or 1-800-945-89 13(VTTTY). You can also get information on the internet, on the official website of the Secretary of State at: www.sos.state.mn.us

Helping people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities

LWI'ITD CER&&iW,PALSY (61 @ W 7 9 8 8 You see people. We see promise.

Please patronize your Access Press Advertisersand tell them where you heard about them. They bring you your paper.

:+-

September 10, 1998

Access Press

What Is S.1858?

I News From Greater Minnesota

Proposed Bill Would Remove Independent Living In Some Barriers To Work Southeastern Minnesota

by Laura Hershey, V 998

t would you doif Gk- eligibility after becoming em- to be@npaying Medicareand "Leading the Way tohdepen- b o w whatresourcesareavail- n e s e funds are designated ' ployd. Many people who or Medicaid premiums. on a dent Living in Southeaskm ablebetterthan SisterGertrude by the federal government ts came harder, not ea~ier~topayshould be eligible for 1619@) slidingscale based on income. Minnesota," is the goal of the Ann. She has worked at be used in the city ~f Rochesyour bills? ... ., report that gettinginformation Disability advocatesfullysup- southeastern Minnesota Cen- SEMCILinavariety ofcapaci- ter only. To meet the need for about it is not easy. Soniehave portthis requirement. Almost ter for Independent Living tiessinceSEMCILfirstopened improved home accessibility What would you do if yQur beenunabletogetanyreliable everyone I know would be (SEMCIL), The unique array its doors in May of 188 1, throughout southeasternMinnew salary made yeuineligible information aboutthisprogram delighted to pay a reasonable of servicesthatSEMCILmakes nesota, SEMCIL has develfor health sekviks that a k &- ' from theirlocalSocial Security amount for the services they availableoffersconsumersand S E M ~ K ' S Peer Mentor pro- oped a grant program that can sential toyourqualify oflifeoffices; and without aguaran- need, if they had the opportu- families an integrated, afford- gram matches trained Peer fund up to $500 to meet an oreven toyour life itselfl What tee of continued coverage, riity to do ?so. able approach to maintaining mentors withindividuals who awsibility or an equipment if your employee health plan most are reluctant to risk eman active role in the commu- desire peer support on disabil- need that is not funded ' did not cover the services you, .= ployment. . S. 1858containsotherpositive nity. SEMCIL's client-cen- ity-relatedandpersonaladjust- through insurance or other need? Would you work? changes. In order to provide &red approach to independent .merit issues. A peer can be a sources. No such exemption exists for accurate,useful information- Living (IL,) and Personal Cnue person with a disability or a Probably not, Or if you did, people on SSDI andMedicare. currentlyareal rarity-thebill Assistance (PCA) services has family member. Peers have SEMCIL has been providing you would pay a high price. LikeStan,themajorityofe- would fund "work incentive taken anew turn with the imple- adjusted to their own disabil- transition services since 1996 You would be staking your cans withdisabilities continue specialists" in Social Security mentatian of United Home ity situation and feel cornfart- - to school districts in our area. future against stacked odds tg battle, orsurrenderto,theill- officesand community-based Healthcare Choices, Inc. ablesharingexpefi~nces,pra- Currently we are providing where your every effort. m- logic of the benefits system. agencies,If implemented cor- (UHHC), _the center% new viding support, and acting as skillstrainingwithineightdissulted in fewer choices,. less. 'Our cultural assumptions rectly, this investment could Medic-edandMinw mlemodels.SEMCJLsponsors tricts and me represented on =+isPosable income. The only sbdut~nployment-thathard pay off in a big way. Helping sota Class A licensed home eight suppert groups through- severalCommunityTransition rational choice, in such an irra- work brings rewards, that oc- someone move from lifetime care agency. This agency fea- out southeastern Minnesota, Interagency Committees. Intional universe, is to avoid cupational s u m s enhances dependency on Social Secu- tures a broad range of services and two new groups are .dependint living workshops employment, one's life ovedl- don't al- rity benefits to productive designed to incorporate plannedforthisfall:agrpup for and individual skills training ways hold true in an economy employmentwill not Only save SEMCIL's philosophy of ser- women with disabilities, and coniplement themany learning This is the universe inwhich increasingly controlled by gi- big bucks fortaxpayers, it will vice delivery throughout the anC1Outsmartin$Osteo~-opportunities offere many people with disabilities ant, border-crossing corpora- also transform many lives, eleven county area of south- tis" group. SEMCI&'s Senior SEMCa Alive. This is why our unem- tions. There are plenty of wo&places,andcommunitieses eastern Minnesota. Companion Program is in full ployrnent rate soars beyond people, the "wor&ing poos" swing. Over the years, t h e w --anb9tbiG ' d . ~ minority . stuck in Iw+wage pa-~time Whiles. 1858wouldlayagwd Rochester recently achieved remained dedi * v. group's. Many disabled j o b s , h I y abletogat by. But groundwork, our nation still distinction as one of the top Accessandadvocacyservi~.d3~' ing positive ;people -even the ambitious formany perodewizhdiWi- has far to go in offering em- ten most accessible cities in m a hot ticket in southeasiern and perceptima of pie~sons?. and the talented -are cadght ties, thesituation i s s m m r e ployment opportunities and the United States by New Minnesotaright now. We have withdisabiili.ties.SEMCIL ha.- between a genuine, inescrtp- ahsiurd: Ean@Eoymmt,brings economicjusticeto it%ci@ens Mobilitymagazine. NewMo- workedwithfiveindividualsto developd.'tr3arning~askets" . able need for a safety netI and p e n a l & - . Q w d s ~ with M t i e s . We nced to bility wed F I e p b m inR~- assist them in @linga griev- to pr6videschoofdistricts and g a job meant it

S S D 1 ~ $ ~ i ~himr elin ~ the ; ~more promising federal ini- To achieve qW$y in the pbrtunities, attitudes, .rtdca-

gible,for-Mediq, which pays tiatives in some time is Senate w w l a c q people wlhdisabili- sibiliry , availability ef V& for therap$%ndl'doctor vigits. A state Medicaid waiver also gives Stan limited access to Medicaid coverage for prescription medication, and a personal care attendant. A talented journalist, Stan has had increasing successselling his news reports to wire services and other news organizations. Although he's not yet: able to accept permanent or - full-time employment, he hitsbeen able to earn somemoney. The work has also increased hi$ self-esteem. But Stain has begun rewiving letxers from the Social Security Adninistration, warning him 'that his emings may soon make him ineligibie for hisbenetits. He's afraid of losing his monthly check, which is amorercliable sowceofincome than his fmlance writing can bring. But he'seuenmon a h i d of losing on Medicare a~d~Me..dicaid, whichhediemnds for survival,

Bill 1858 (S. 1858), which has been introduced by Senators Jim Jeffords (R-VT)and Ted Kennedy (D-MA). Also called the Work Incentives Improvement Act, the law would actually encoumgepeople withdisabilities to enter paid employment, rather than discouraging them by rhreartaning the loss of essentiaI services.

Under S. 1858,new employees with disabilities would be entitled to Medicare coverage, which helps pay for medical services. Thispcoviskm would be crucial for people whose number is (612) 427-5921; employment doex not come with medical benefits, such as part-time workers, and those working forsmallcompanies.

St. Padl Civitan Club is a voluntec -

dedicated to serving olc an emphasis on h e l p i n m j eople with disabilities. Our th I rinciple goals are Fellowshz rowledgeiad Service t i others.

,--

In some-those states which can appreciate tax-savm g p a t e n t i a l 4 nM d i o aid services muld be avail-. able to disabled people who work, on a "wrap-around'"basis. Thb means.that it would only offer.thvseservkwhich are unavailablethrough either private insurance orMedicare, such as attendant care, prescription medications, and medical equipment.

Over the years, a few loopholes have opened up for people with disabilities who are savvyehough to find them. People receiving Supplernental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, for example, can sometima qualify forafederal This is no free ride. As the programcalled 1619(b),which employee's salary increases, ailowsthemto retain Medicaid the law wauld require himfher

ties need equality in every as- carional Rehabilitation, Perpect of life. sonal Care Assi'stance services, strength of advocacy This y But S. 1858 is a good start. programs, and transportation. Every senator,-whetherDemocrat or Republican, should be In the fall of lastyear, SEMCIL central air condi encouraged to sign on as a co- opened the first library in sponsor. The senators should Southeastern Minnesota deI hear from anyone whp has a voted solely to providing indisability -those who work, formation and materials ondisthose who want to work, and ability-related issues. "Weam those who are afraid to try. responding to a need to have a central location where: infor[Editors Note] In MN, Sem- mation on disabilities can be tor Wellstonetk a co-sponsor. easily accessed," according to Urge Senaror Gram to aLro Sister Gertrude Ann Theisen,

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invite you to join us the 2"d and 4 hursdays of each month at Tracl in the Midway Motor Lodi Meeting times ar4m11 :15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. .You will be o binner guest your first visit! F' ,.

September 10, -1998

Access Press

Wendy's Settles ADA Complaints n Augur! 27th the MinO n e s o t i \ Attorney General's office announced 'that nearly 1,700Wendy's restaurants will become more accessible to their customers with disabilitiesunder an agreement reached withMinnesota, eight other states, and the Department of Justice. The out-of-court agreement stems from a nationwide investigation of the restaurant chain by a joint task force put together by the nine states (Minnesota,Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia) and the Justice Dept. - the first time the Departmenthas teamed up with states to launch an investigation under the Americans with DisabilitiesAct (ADA). As many readers may be aware, Wendy's International, Inc. has a maze, or line, system in which customers wait to order food. Under this system, customers who use wheelchairs would not be served unless they cut to the front of the line or stand outside the customer queue and wait to be recognized by arestaurant employee.

lowed by other restaurants, as well as banks and stores."

mazes have been removed or widened; remove various other bamers found at the 17 newlyconstructed restaurants visited by members of the joint task force; pay the joint task force $50,000;and * pay a total of $12,000 in damages to five individuals or entities who filed complaints with the Justice Department or state attorneys general offices regarding accessibility at Wendy's.

The agreementresolvesa twoyear investigation into access issues at Wendy's restaurants. The joint task force visited newly-constructed and older Wendy's restaurants in 12 states, which include the nine states as well as Louisiana, Ohio, and Washington. The task force found that most Wendy's restaurants had customer lines that were too nary row for wheelchairs. Otherthan the mazes, Wendy's restaurants were found to have very The task force, which was orfew complianceproblems. ganized and supported by the National Association of At"This is a terrific example of torneys General,will remain in what federal and state law en- place to ensure that other busiforcement can do by working nesses comply with federaland together to ensure the rights of state access laws. people with disabilities," Attorney General Janet Reno said. The ADAcelebratedits eighth anniversary last month. Title Under the agreement, 111of the Act requires places Wendy's International has of public accommodation, suchas restaurants, to be acagreed to: either remove or widen the cessible to persons with discustomer mazes at all of its abilities. Newly constructed nearly 1,700 corporate- restaurants, built after the law owned or leased restaurants went into effect, must be built according to specific guidein the United States; modify its prototype archi- lines, called ADA Standards, tectural plans for future for new constkction. Pre-ex-

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hereis alittle-known program that came into being in 1995 in Minnesota which some readers of ACCESS P-S may be able to take advantageof. Called theCommunity Support Grant program(CSG),theprogrammakes it possible for some people to purchase home care, personal care attendantservices,or other services directly, rather than through an agency. CSG is administered on the county level, and their participation is voluntary. To date, only eleven counties (Chippewa, Clay, Crow Wing, Hennepin, Nobles, Ottertail, Rock, Steele, St. Louis, Swift, Wright) offer step - many businesses are not aware of the obstacles that prevent orlimit access. People can call the Minnesota State Council on Disability at 800945-8913or651-296-6785. 'Ihe Council will conduct access audits and mediate with businesses over access problems, or assist people filing complaints with the State Human

CSG as an option.

According to JillHovick,CSG Resource and Training Coordinat6r with the Minnesota Departmentof Human Services (DHS),theCSGprogrammay be availableto peoplecurrently using the followingservicesor programs: the Alternativecare program for senior citizens, the Personal Care Attendant program, the Medical Assistance Home Care program, or the Devglopmental Disabilities Family Supportprogram.CountiesofferingCSGmayalsoplace restrictions on the program's availability; for example, Hennepin County only offers CSG toseniors. Dependingon yourcounty'srestrictions,you may or may not beable to transfer out of yourcumntprogram and into CSG; contact your county social services agency fordetails.

formationaboutwhatyouneed to do.

Under the traditional approach to home care, when services are purchased through an agency, a certain percentage of what's spent on each . person's care goes to pay administrative and other expenses. With CSG, individuals receive a grant and then make their own arrangements for services, often eliminating agency involvement and associated costs. The result may be that while CSG pays less than the Alternative Care program, the actual amount of money available to purchase servicesmay be very similar in both programs. -

In many rural areas, access to services is limited. In these situations, being able to hire family members or friendsmay . greatly expand the type and 'a+ MS.~ o v i c k d e s c r i b e s t h e quality ~ ~ ~ of services a person program as "consumer di- gets. rected." Here's how it works: The program provides a cash Once someonesigns up for the paymenttotheindividual.This CSG program, there is the o p payment will be less than the tion of switching back to their

September 10, 1998

Access Press

Disability Culture

Embracing People With Multiple Identities In The Disability Movement by Linda Wolford person. So, in essence, there was no place where she felt that she could be all of who she was. Nor did she have any role models with which she could identify. This leads toafeeling of isolation, or like you're the "only one" out there.

s is evident in the intro- identities, make suggestions ductory poem by Lynn on how the disability commuManning, issues of identity nity can create betterrelationare particularly significant to ships with these othercommupeople with disabilities who nities, and indicate what we possess multiple identities. stand to gain if Manning is put in .a "box" - ,. . - depending on how people see When a person with a disabilhim. As a young African- ity is also a person of color, Arnericanman,therearemany they often may feel like they stereotypes our society has don't really fit anywhere. about him, including that he is Cheryl Green, in her article an athlete, someone to be One Resilient Baby makes feared, or a criminal. When he referenceto this when she says identifiesas ablindman, how- ". . .I am not just a woman or ever, these stereotypes change just an African-American. I am to that of someone to be pitied, also a person with a visible or that he possesses incred- disability,andIhave also been iblemusical talent because the shaped by my awareness that only African-American blind my beliefs and experiences men who most people know conflict with those of white are Ray Charles or Stevie Won- non-disabled women, non-disder. Either way, Manning is abled African-Americans,and not allowed to be an indi- many women and men with vidual, but rather has to work disabilities. Iidentify partially to get beyond people's stereo- with all these groups, yet at types. This is a common expe- times I feel contempt and exrience for those of us who are clusion from each of them." membersofmarginalizedcom- There is a lot of racism in the munities. Thedifferenceis that disability community. There instead of only being put in is alot of ableism in commuone box, when you are a per- nities of color. If you are a son of color or are gay, les- member of both, you may not bian, bisexual, ortransgender feel like you fit in either one. (GLBT) and also have a disability, you get put in a variety When I was agroup facilitator of boxes. for the "Disabled and Proud National Gatheringof College Issues for people with disabili- Students with Disabilities" in ties who are also members of 1995, I remember one of the othertraditionallymarginalized African-American students in groups are often overlooked, my group talking about how it or are rarely a topic of discus- feltlikeshehad tomakeachoice sion in the disability rights about which community she movement. Traditionally, the could be apartof- the Africandisabilityrights movement has American community or the been a white, heterosexual disabled community. When movement, with peopleofcolor she was in the African-Ameriand gay, lesbian, bisexual, and can community,shedidn't talk transgender(GLBT)peopleleft about her identity as a disout. In this article, I wish to abled person. When she was discuss a few of the major is- withthedisability community, sues affecting people withdis- she didn't talk about her idenabilities who have multiple tity as' an African-American

This same thing happens to people with disabilities who are GLBT. They may feel like they have to choose which identity they can be. Again, there is a lot of homophobia in the disability community. There is a lot of ableism in the GLBTcommunity. The people I know with disabilities who are also GLBT, report they are stereotyped as asexual, with the result that they have difficulty finding people to date. This seems to be particularly true for gay men because, according to reports from some gay disabled men, it seems there is a great deal of emphasisplacedonthephysicalrealm in thegay malecommunity. A disabled man may not be seen as "dating material" due to his physical difference.

woman, but also to the experi- people. I was encouraged to ences of many other people see the GLBTcommunity having an "Access to Pride" comwho are alsomarginalized. mittee to ensure that the GLBT Because of this, as well as other Pride Festival was welcoming educational experiences, I and accessible to people with learned the importance of be- disabilities. This shows that ing educated about other forms they value the participation of of oppression like racism, disabled people. How often at heterosexism, and classism. disability events do we see We cannot expect ableism to GLBTissuesdiscussed or have end without also ending other speakers of colorwithdisabiliforms of oppression. We also ties? Unfortunately, very selcan learn from the racial civil dom. rightsmovement, the feminist movement, and the GLBT If we work together at building movement. We usually need relationships with other tradito seek out educational oppor- tionally marginalized groups, tunities to learn about these we build astrongercommunity things because they are so for all of us. We share many of often left out of traditional edu- the same issues, such as cational programs. unemployment, poverty, welfare reform, health care, and As people withmultiple identi- media portrayal. ties, we cannot work only on one "ism" because there are At the University of Minnepeople with disabilities in all of sota, we have organized prothese groups. We need to grams such as an annual rebecome allies for all tradition- treat for the seven student ally underrepresented people. cultural centers (representing When I serveon a committee, different raciallethnic, gender, for example, it is often assumed disability and sexual orientathat I am there to represent the. tions) on campus to learn about disability perspective. But I each other's issues. The result

Our demographicsare shifting and our society is becoming increasingly more diverse. Because of this, if traditionally underrepresented groups can get organized, wecan be in the "majority" - and think of the changes that could happei then! While this may be seen as threatening to "mainstream" society, I for one am excited about what the future holds. Maybeinmy lifetime1will see a president who is a woman, openly gay, or disabled, or q person ofcolor. Or, better yeti someone with more than on6 of these identities! We h a d the powertomake this happen; but it won't be easy.

Every day, I need to look at the privileges I have in this societ as a white, middle class, het: erosexual person. I also need to continue to educate myself about other groups' issues. I need to work at building rela: tionships with othercommuni-. ties to understand their perspectives. I can truly say that doing these things has helped me to become a stronger disability activist. It has also

_. many other issues not discussed in this article, but I would now like to focus on ways to improvethe situation. The most important one that I am going to focus on is getting educated to increaseourawareness. First of all, we have to increase our knowledge of other groups. I grew up on a farm in rural Minnesota where there were very few people of color. We had several Mexican-American (as they were referred to at that time) kids in my high school but, for the most part, they had separate classes and our school did nothing to promoteinteraction withthem. Also, Ididnot know any gay people and the word was notevenmentioned inany of my high school classes! I learned nothing about the history or realities of people who were "different" from me. It wasn't until I went tocollege and began to interact with people who were "different" that a whole new reality set in. Although I didn't realize it at the time, I found myselfhaving many close friends who were gay, people of color, and international students because, like them, I was "different." Although it was something we never talked about, we shared the experience of being marginalized and, because of this, we were drawn together almost naturally. I also took a class in "Understanding Human Oppression" which openedmy eyes notonly tomy own experience as a disabled

pose questions about how a decision may also impact people of color, or the elderly. Justbecause I am not amember of one of these groups doesn't mean I can't try to ensure that their concerns are being discussed. Too often we wait for a person from a group to "stand up for themselves" versus us taking the initiative to speak up about an injustice. I know I have appreciated times when someone else has brought up, say, an inaccessible campus building concern, instead of waiting for me to be the one to say something. It is important to remember, though, that being an ally doesn't mean taking power or control away from aparticular group. It happens often where white people try to take over and make decisions about how people of color can best be served or what they need. As an ally, what I need to do is work to ensure that people of color are given the opportunities to express what they need or want. I need to work with them, not speak for them.

important force on campus. They speak up for each other and have created a much more unified voice. Too often groups have wasted a lot of time fighting with each other. When this happens, we are doing our oppressors' work forthem becauseifwe'reusing all of our energy to fight with each other, we don't make any significant gains at confronting the system which oppresses all of us. When we organize to fight injustice, whether it be racism, sexism, ableism, orany othersystem of domination,weallgain. People with multiple identities don't feel like they have to make a choice about which community they align themselves with; they can fit anywhere.

Linda Wolford is the Director of the Diversity Institute for Student Development and Educational Training, OfSice of Multicultural Affairs, University of Minnesota. The Magic Wand is reprinted with permission of the author. Thepoem originally appeared in "Staring Back: The D i s a b i l i t y Experience front the Inside Out", by Kenny Fries.

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I think the disability community here has been quite successful in involving women withdisabilities. I'm proud to say that many of our activists and leaders are disabled women. But we need to do a better job of including people of color and those from the GLBTcommunity in ourmovement because we are leaving out a significant number of

hadn't learned about the cultureof others, I would not have recognized the importance of my disability culture, nor have felt pride about this aspect of my identity. So I encourage you to get educated and get involved. It can change your life, and the tives of others..

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September 10, 1998

Sports Beat

Access Press

AccessAbility, lnc. Celebrates 50 Years

Thunder Wins NationalTitle by Craig McClellan and Luke Pedersen

he St. Paul Thunder beat the St. Paul Saints 8-7 for the championship of the National Wheelchair Softball Tournament. The Thunder went undefeated in the double elimination tournament, claiming its seventh title in the last eight years. It proved to be a sweet victory for the Thunder, which not only beat an upand-coming Minnesota rival, but reclaimed the titleafterfinishing second last year. The National Wheelchair Softball Association (N.W.S.A.) fielded its largestnational tournament todate, which was held August 20-22 at the CoorsField parking lot in Denver, Colorado. Therewere over50 games played in three days, with a record 17teams and more than 300 players participating. Another milestone was that for the first time, a team from the east coast attended the tournament.

that marked a turning point for bothteamswaswhenthey faced each otherin the losers' bracket. Both teams had lost a game early in the tournament, forcing them to take the long road to the championship. The Saints and Twins played a game that proved as uplifting for the Saints as it was heartbreaking for the Twins. Heading into the fifth inning, the Twins held a 3-0 lead. The Saints scored five runs in the last two innings to take a 5-3 advantage. The Twins rallied in the top of the seventh, scoring one to cut the lead to 5-4. The Twins had a man on third with two outs, but wereunable to score the tying run.

The Saints used the win as a springboard to the championship game. The Saints 12mnned defending champion St. Louis Rams in five innings and bombed the RICCubs (Chicago) before taking on the "The level of play keeps going Thunder. Both the Saints up every year," said Saint's losses came to the Thunder. i Coach Speake,who is alsocommissioner of the N.W.S.A. "It 'The key to our turnaround was just an outstanding tour- was the Twins game," said nament and I was impressed Saints coach Speake. 'The by the amount of involvement players were really deflated from the Colorado Rockies after losing to the Thunder,

consisted of the bottom nine ccessAbility, Inc. anteams in the national tournanounced that 1998istheir ment. The National Tourna- 50th year of providing busiment marked the end of the nesses access to the skills of softball season. people with disabilities. The **** theme Celebrating Success, Chris Kram scoredthe winning Creating Futures describes goal less than a minute into the role AccessAbility has sudden death overtimeto give played in the community durthe Clash a 3-2 win against the ingtheir50years ofservice. "It Big Red, and claim thechampi- was the abilitiesof people that onship of the MinneapolislSt. inspired us to focus on providPaul Metropolitan Area Divi- ing access'io work," says sion of theU.S. EWHA (United Bonita Hammel, president of States Electric Wheelchair ten years. "This focus reflects Hockey Assooiation). The a strong recognition of the Clash repeated as champions importanceof meaningfulemdespite an excellent perfor- ployment in everyone's life." mance by the Big Red. Mike Tauber's defense repeatedly Founded under the name of broke up scoring chances for CerebralPalsyFoundation,the the Big Red's forwards. agency changed its name to AccessAbility, Inc. in 1986 to k a m finished the game with emphasize the focus on three unassisted goals and peoples'abilities rather than goaltender Lance Philips got the win for the Clash. Wayne The Minneapolis/. St. Paul Baierhad two goals andDustin Metropolitan Area Division Sammons an assist for the Big seasoniscompleteandwillnot have any more games until the Red. season begins next April. Third p l a ~went e to theNoStars who beat the Storm 5-1. After Final Reg. Seas~nStandings Pts being tied 1-1, the NoStars Team Record Clash 63-0 l2 scored four unanswered goals to secure the win. Teny Meka Storm 4-4-1 had two goals and an assist for BigRed 3 4 2 7 the NoStars. Dave Bruflodt NoStslrs 2-3-3

theirdisabilities. AccessAbility ,Inc. provides work training and services to adult welfare recipients who qualify for the MinnesotaFamily Investment Program-Statewide(MFIP-S). Metro area businesses contract with AccessAbility and its 200 workers to have work done either at AccessAbility 's in-house plant or at the business site.

AccessAbility's work placementmodel includes: aThirtyday Trial Work period; a Vocational Performance Assessment; an Individual Employment Plan; and then a three to six month period of Transitional Employment. This model has been shown to greatly enhance the worker's chance of success in competitive employment. Once individuals are at workin thecom,unity, along-tem follow-up by ajob coach will ensure that each individual receives the support they need to maintain their performance and improve theirikills. Workers at AccessAbility create products for a variety of local employers,including Target stores, West Publishing, and General Mills. Workcrews

when low unemploymen makesit difficultfor somebusi nesses to find qualified ".*; ployees. -.-

. '&,<I For 50 years, ~ c c e s s ~ b i l i t' ~ 'i.'~1. ' A d 6

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Events celebrating AccessAbility, Inc.'s50hanniversary: Open House: An open house will be held on Thursday,September 17,from1:OOpmto4:OO pm. There will be buildingtours and reheshrnents available. Gala Ce1ebration:A galacelebration will be held on the building grounds on Thursday, September 17,from 5 pm to 8 pm. The program will consist of a presentation at 6 pm, recognition of donors and honored guests, and hors

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has added a new dimension of personal satisfaction to the lives of people who have trained for and found jobs through its program. "We are proud of our success and accomplishmentsduring the past fifty years," saysHammel, "but our current success is by no means our final destination. Rather, it is a milestone in our journey of enabling people to work and creating meaningful futures."

win. LukePedersenscoredthe sotaRollingTwins finished the tournamentin second and sixth 'The team fromMilwaukeewon only goal for the Storm. Minneapolis,MN55413.Email: place, respectively. The game the Division I1 bracket, which <cml7@skv~oint.com>

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DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENTAND Legal Aid Society of MinneALUMNI RELATIONS apolis seeks full-time sec. General College University of Minnesota WP5.1 exp req, 6.0+; 65 wpm pref; Spanish a +. Sal: DOE, TheGeneralCollegeattheUniversityofMinnesota-Twincities fully pd family hlth ins, vaca- invites applications for the full-time position of Director of tionlsick. Start: When filled. Development and Alumni Relations. This position reports Cover letter & resume ASAP. directly to the Dean. The Director will be responsible for G ~ ~ ~ ~ R ~ ~ ~initiating ~ L and A sdeveloping M , J fundraising ~ ~ ~ campaigns; securing S. ~ ~ MN 55408. l ~ individual, , corporate and foundation gifts; and managing 4fi alumni relations. A A / E ~ EAFDCIMFIp . recip. encouraged. Essential qualifications include: a Bachelor's degree; 5-years experience in direct development, fundraising, or major gift solicitation; knowledge of the nonprofit community; demonstrated iriterpersonaland teamwork skills,particularly the abilO ~ mity to work with diverse constituencies. Desired qualifications include: marketing, sales, or public relations experience; suc-TOR (Part-Time) cessinrecmiting, training, andmanaging volunteers; evidence ofbeing self-initiating,creativeandentrepreneurialinconceptuKTCA-TV, one ofPBS's lead- alizing development activities; administrative,organizational ing Public Television stations, andmanagerialproficiency; and excellent communication skills. is, looking for a person with Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Strong organizational,creative and customer service skills to A completed application consists of (1) a letter of application support and coordinate the describingyour qualifications:(2) a resume or vita; and (3) the activities of aReady To Learn names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least three referService initiative. This is a ences. Send materials to: DevelopmentDirectorSearch, General part-time position that pro- College,University of Minnesota,240Appleby Hall, 128Pleasvides acompetitive salary and ant Street SE,Minneapolis, MN 55455. Applicationdeadlineis benefitpackage. Minimum re- 4:00pm September25,1998. quirements include a B.A. and 2 - 4 years of experiencein early For acomplete job description,contactAnnetteDigreat(612) childhood development. Sub- 625-2880. For more information on General College, visit <http:l/www.gen.umn.edu>. mit letter, resume and salary requirements by 09/25/98 to: Box a9.9; KTCA; 172K 4th S t ; St. Paul, MN55101.

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For more inforinkion' ori'sl.

An Eqzial Employment Opportunir)*Employer

Congress will go into reeds at the end of September. In order to avert a shutdown 0% the federal governmeas$@ ernl$1gh:profjle budg&.billg mu$ be pai~kd.. he dangqg is that these'Jarg6 bills will$ domlnate thkren;;;indk&f& sessi~~rharaquqn~o~_$; 1,858 ~ i l l i a b e ~ u t o ~

Ramsey County Ramsey County invites you to join us En building a better community through public service in the following fiekls: Administrative, Management and Technical Services Building and Facility Services Clerical and Secretarial Services Community and Social Services Court, Legal and Law Enforcement S e ~ c e s ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Property RecorddRevenue Services Public Works and Transportation Services Parks and Recreation Services Contact our Job Hotline for a recorded list of current job openings a t

(651) 266-2666 Ramsey County Personnel Dept 430 RCGC West so west Kanogg Boulevard -nCOUHn

Saint Paul. Minnesota 55102 (651) 266-2700 Of (651) 266-2728 (TOD)

You may also view a list of current job openings and other useM Mmmtion, or download application materials. on internet at: wwW.C(UB~.RIII.US

Part-Time All Fun Ludlow Advertising, Inc., the premier center for fun in the fast-paced world of advertising, has an exceptional partt i m e o ~ ~ o f l u navailable it~ for the right Person. We're looking for amotivated team-~la~erwith asbong eye fordetailandaccurac~,awell % a strong ability to perform under Pressure, to join our crazy cr~wd.You'llberesponsible for a variety of administrative duties in our Bloomington ofice including faxing,filing,and phone work. HoursareWed. 12-5:30,Thurs. 9-5:30andFri. 8:30-6.

Mankato State University, a zompreh~nsivepublicuniversity of 12,50Ostudents,located 80 miles south of Minneapolis, invitesapplications andnominations of qualified candidates for the position of Admissions Officer. This is a nine-month fixed-termposi tion with responsibility for planning and implementation of recruitment activities, and managing an assignedrecruitmenttenitoly. A degree is required. F~~further infomation or a complete job description, please contact:

~officer i search ~ ~ d ~officei ~ MSU 55 Mankato State University P.O. Box 8400 ~ ~MN 56002-8400 ~ k Telephone: 507-389-1822 TTY: 1-800-627-3529 Fax: 507-389-5 14 %~

Mankato State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Yourcommunicationskillswill Opportunity University find good company here, and in return for your time and efJOB OPPORTUNITIES fort, we offer ahighly competitive hourly wage, and a fun- St. Paul based glass and glazfilled entry into the exciting ing co*tractoris seekingmotiworldofadvertising.Call Vir- vated individualsto fill skilled ginia today: 703-2515. and unskilled union positions. Equal opportunity employer. L U ~ ~Advertising, OW Inc. is an Please submit application/reEqual Opportunit)/Employer. sume to:

Human Resources 1811 Greenview Place SW Suite 101

FACULTY PQSITIONS

Employment Om

CITYOFSAMT =AUL'AM) INDEPENDENT m O O L DISTRICT #625

solution. Bringing more people with disabilities into the labor market through the passage ofS. 1858 is morally and fiscally responsible. Passing this bill is only the beginning of long-overdue Social Security reform.

/CARPENTERS

Entry Level or Experien ed ~eacher positions

illiamMitchel1College ofiLawinvites applicationsfor two tenuretrack positions in it J.D.program, to begin the 19992000academic year. Cand dates with any special experience or expertise will be consideded. Expe 'se in Criminal Law, Trusts and states, property,Lawyeringibki11s,civil Procedure,~dministrative~aw, andHealth Law are of special interest. JZandidatesshould have excellent academic credentials and significantprofessional experience. We are lookingfor persons who demonstratescholarly interest,teaching aptitude, and the ability to represent the J.D. program to the practicing bar. A J.D. or an equivalent degree is required.

The Collegeis an equal opportunity employer. We urge applicationsfrom members of groups historicallyunder-represented in the legal profession and those individualswho will increase our faculty diversity.

Applicants should send a cover let&, resume, list of references, and additionalmaterialthat may be influenhal in the recruiting process t@;

Professor Matthew P. Downs Chair, Faculty Appointments Committee Attention: Human Resources Room 123-11 William Mitchell College of Law 875 Summit Avenue St. Paul, MN . 55105

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Access Press September 10,1998

1998 Celebration Of C o ~ r a g ~ ~ - Recognizes Community's Progress Employing People -" With -. Di .. . . -; a A r

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critical issue facing people with disabilities is employment, Even though the unemployment rate for peoplewith severedisabilities is still at an incredibly high 74% theArneri&ns withDisabilitiesActis helpingemployersrealize that~here is a whole

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labor force that hasn't been ni&wntpr~gressandCourage:sentation at the Marriottqty tappad- a labor force that is Center's Celebration of Cour- CenterinMinne@sg&& qualiFied and ~ a d to y work. age event recognizes these Many-employera are seizing successes. this opportuni$y and more people with disabilities are Under the leadership of cowgetting excellent jobs. W i l e age Auxiliary,'&e 1998 Cel- plisbents, foresight, and vithere is still much more to be ebration of C o w featurn a done,M i n ~ e s ~ ~ ~ gala ~ s dimex i g -and swards pre-

Hire People With Disabilities

CELEBRATION OF.COURACjE

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;, rate for people with severeds- e&&. recognized, but the impactthat program, then became an emabilities is shocking. Forthme individuals with non-severe Even though the 74% un6.m Computer revolution & had ployee of Courage Center's disabilitiesit's 23.1%, but for ploymeat rate paints a grim ~ n w ~ e ~ w i t h ~ ~ ~ * ~ ems bh ialsi t y Inogram in NoFor ve* 1995. She works Six , those with severe disabilities picbre, it is a m kw yet w i t ' s a n ~ m ~ s i b l e 7 3 . 3 % in . the evolution of vocational m a 9 ~ ~ t h d ~ b i l hour i t days i ~ ~Monday kough : The combination of today's services for individuals with computers in the work~lwe F r i w . . labor shortage and the high severe disabilities. Techno- h a v e m a h m ~ l o ~ m e n t a m m h o n g the logical applications allawindi- &istic exforthefirst CS~Yuses Zoom-Text, which -. unemploymentrate disability sector provides a viduals with sewem disabili- timeintheirlims. is a tool to eslarge text on the computermonhras she types. great opportunity to educate ties to perform werk t & s in employers on the advmtaps ways thought impossible five b o g n i z i n g t h e ~ o e n uim- She also has -~-GPSon pact of computer technology her keyboard, in ~ d ctor see of employingpeoplewith&- y-ago. abilities. Disabilities Act has e w g e d and corresponding eslploy- the lCW%Smore easily. All of employersin problem solvie merit 0~~0rhmiti&,&urtlge her work is enlarged to 130% ~ h i i the k labor shortage may on disability issues and has Center began 0-w wm- so she is Mkmbktoreadthe be negatively impacting U.S. insisted o n , h reduction of ~umassessment ~ n i n gforms fsom which she types. businesses, it is resulting posi- barriers that have p r e v i ~ l y in 1991. At Program was staffed by m e per- Computers haw not only intively in employmentopportu- limitedemployment. son who served 53~ i e n twith s creased opportunities such as . nities for people with disabilities. Traditionally, two of the As employers come up with ~ ~BY1996, htaAbilh"sdamnWjabs, c ~ greatest barriers people with creativeways t o f d and keep t h e ~ a ' @ n k ~ t a f f i n e m b ebut r s now dm d k people ~ ~ to disabilities encounter in the good employees, they d- and eig4t volunteers who work from home. For many jobs, an individual can work force have been on the ready starting to hi& more served 152clientswith35 , part of the employer: alackof people with disabilities. With Puters, the Program con- kfecommute to work. This * means they wn-hex-ly understanding and a fear of each new hire, employmfas tinus to W w hb~i . . - pdncfive without ever havhiring someone with,a dis- any fear they may haveW&da &ility. Companies are fi- gvaterunderstandingevolves E n h a ~ e m e ~ m u l t i ~ing l ~to~ leave ~ f ~their - own home. nally beginning to recog- that will carry forth long after nologyevolves. Sincethepro- Courqe Center staff and volnize the benefits of hiring- thelaborshorta~problemhas W began, ~ u t i l h fof mfeem are able to W* - nennle with disabilities adaptations that exist has in- vocational assessment, com-

md &mat suppdngLm vswY h this. There is a in-kikd ip between unteeftw., and Dain age Center a w c k whkh benefits not ation-ithldsspeci~maandy oslrco~tlrnu~, ht-n iag. "AtW e ,we thinkbeing ;wP1. Empb~yemfee11g a d a m d t y I~ader is manimbomt dile c o a t r i b u h and &won ~f bwifen m x clients Ihe to k r ~ w ROWTsck'tter, e g i w ~ k t o ~ s exwuei~e ~ t y ~ v&e psident d a t w Mattha BaumBacR, Dak!ar1sPri-vws G%mt G r q mmunityrelatba~~dspe-and a Cbwago CWW b d 4 events ma'* &tI%& member. " ~ QmW asckr.

" . g' ~ puter h n i n g and job placementservices toaperson with a disability in the privacy of their own home, This eliminates potential barriers such as transportation or worksite accommodatianstheemployee mayrequire.

. hnalServices~als0~0~Irs ~I~with~ocalcorporations to plar;e people with disabiili- "ties in competitivejobs in the community. Every year 50 people with dimbilities find emek,ym8ntthrougb~urage - " Center. Some of 2$s compani& that have made the effort The Courage ~ e n f e rVoca- ~ p F k rnnt nn YI .Y6 -

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September 10, 1998 =.

Access Press

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Couraae Center

Noi'thwest 1 Airlines Wins Parfners Awa rd I

Couraqe Center Honors ," delp :e 14~4,~ u u r a Lentel g ~ 'as prewlrted allll~al Phillips a defined employment in their chosen i,,,,,, - ..wards to men and women with disabilities who have employers understand the advantages of hiring people with kv

achieved success in their careers. The award, which is spon- disabillhes. Courage Center had an incredible number of sored by theRose and Jay Phlllips Farmly Founda~on,Includes sincerely excellent nominees, maklng the selection a d~fficult This year's winners are S C O I ~ Dehn, Kathenne a I I ,000honorarium.TIKpurpose of the awards is ~ W O to~ process. O rprnoni7e inrl~vrrlvtqlcw i t h r l i c q h i l ~ t whn ~ ~ c hnvp nrpnnrecl fnr '+hnlpder 1 indawolfnrd DehhleLentz. and GuvMarcuccl,

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which fosters a more acces- deafblind,andhearingimpaired sible community for students. persons." states Amy McQuaid, seniorprogramplanLinda's professional accom- ner, Deaf and Hard of Healing plishments have madeadiffer- Services Division, Minnesota ence in our community. Department of Human Services. Debbie is the president af the Minnesota Deaf Blind Association(MDBA). Among her other accomplishments, she has structured MDBA to utilize technology viaemail to more effectivelycommunicate Currentlv,Lindaisthe Director with members. of the ~iversityInstitute for Student Development and "Debbie's sense of humor has Educational Programs in the buoyed her through facing the Office of MulticulturalAffairs difficult challenges of life, to at the University of Minnewhich she has risen above expectationsand benefits from those difficulties. Her senseof implementing diversity prodignity, pride, and indepengrams and trainings to improve dence are obvious to everythe climate for diversity on Debbie Lentz was born hard of one who meets Debbie," says campus. Previously, she has hearing and, with the onset of McQuaid. held positions including: Usher Syndrome at puberty, Counselor/Advocate for dis- becameblind. abled students at the University; Information and Referral Debbie graduated fram Specialistforae StateCouncil GallaudetCollege,volu"feered on Disability; a ~ o u n s e l o r as an a c m s for seven years

;*Jut Award Winner: Pamela Edwards A-

ic +degrees and a resume with an incredibly long list of accomplishrnents. "Linda works in a professional capacity that advances our understanding of humandifference. Sheishighly regarded in her role at the University of Minnesota and in the community," states Wendy Brower, executive director of The Disability Institute.

Five Phillips Winners

to work and he made it happen. It tooksomeresearch, but Guy found a program that worked to train individuals with disabilities to re-enter the workplace. Classifiedas a high level quadriplegic, Guy was one of the most severely disabled of any persons in his Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) training program. He determined that he wanted to work in the computer field and successfully convinced the admissions person that he could do thejob. After passing an extensive admittance test, he was then admitted in the CAD training course. Here he learned how to take engineer designs and, through the use of acomputer,createblueprints that give a manufacturer the exact specs to build machine parts.

e Judd Jacobson Award, established in 1992, recognizes achievements in entrepreneurial endeavors by a person with a disability. The recipient receives a sash award of $2,5OQ,made possible by a giftfromDanie1J. Gainey,alife long friend of Judd Jacobson. Pamela Edwards and her business, Horizon Therapeutic Massage, more than meet this criteria

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In 1991, Pamela was a single mother of three working as an insurance secretary. At her annual eye exam, the doctor discovered something wrong. Aftermoretesting,Pamela was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigrnentosa and was told that within 10 years, she would be His accommodations consist totally blind. of a headset and puff tube which allow Guy to control the With three children, Pamela computer cursor by moving needed to plan ahead. She

RetinitisPigmentosa,I was told to find a job where I didn't use my eyes. I was told that by helping others, I could forget my disability. The answerwas obvious. After much deep thought, I knew my choice as a profession was massagetherapy. I truly believe this has been the right choice. I enjoy help ing other people feel better about themselves especially seeing the difference between the way the client feels when

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A d j u n c t Faculty member in theDepartment of Women's Studiesat the University where she co-instructs a course on Women with Disabilities. Each one of Linda's roles impactsmany lives. She has chosen a career path that is not only satisfying for her, but has made an invaluable difference in thelives ofothers. Shehelps createapositiveattitudewhich the students carry forth throughout the rest of their lives. Furthermore,she is able to influence the environment,

willmarkher251hyearworking in banking. She is the Account Specialist,Type IJ at US Bank where she works on the cornpuberandsolvespMemsw5Fh deposits. Debbie is wry successful in her job, is a homeowner, has a long history of success in the work force, and At age 21, Guy Marcucci was is very independent. in amotorcycleaccidentwhich paralyzed him from the neck "Debbie is known in the com- down. Afterthis,he wasplaced munity of persons with deaf/ in a nursing home -perhaps blindness for her strong lead- with the intent that he would ership capabilities,herknowl- live there for therest of his life. edge of service delivery and her sensitivity toward deaf, He didn't. Guy had the desire

to be a massage therapist. TherapeuticMassage 1 When I was diagnosed with Horizon has a solid base and Pamela's enthusiasm and business savvy will ensure ongoing success.

TABLE SPONSORS et Stores ips Foundation

GOLF

American Business Women, Ladyslipper Chapter Brook Park Realty Deluxe Corp. Guidant Corp.

Medtronic Foundation MILS Home Care Mitchell Hutchins M N Business Partnership NORWEST Corp.

Padilla, Spear, Beardsley, Inc. Taylor Cop. The St. Paul Comp. W.A. Lang Co. William King Family

TEAM AND TABLE SPONSORS General Mills, Inc. Graco. Inc. Harvest States Cooperatives Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. Janice Gardner Foundation Jundt Associates, Inc. Kraus Anderson Construction Co. Lift-Stak-Stor

Marquette Bancshares MCI Telecommunications Cop. Medtronic, Inc. Mesaba Holdings, Inc. Northwest Airlines Corp. NSP OPUS Northwest, LLC PESTONE (The NEVlN Group)

IUames included on sponsorship k t were cutnp/ete as of print deadline

SCICOM Data Services Ltd. Shared Ventures, Inc. Target Stores Travelers Express Co., Inc. United Healthcare UPS Wendy's

Cont. from p. 14 bility in changing perceptions of the capabilities of persons with disabilitiesas emplo&, and as members of our society at large. As anemployer,NWA makes a conscious effort to support the rights, identify the needs, and celebrate the successes of individuals with disabilities. TheMinnesotaBusiness Partnership and Courage Center are proud to recognize Northwest Airlinesfor its excellence in recruiting and hiring people withdisabilitiesand for its commitment to fostering a diverse workforce.

Access Press