September 1997 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

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be part of the "The challenge is struggle, tornalce a positive diflerence." -David Satcher

Barriers To Employment - p.4

Access Press. Volume 8, Number.9

SOURCES

RESOURCES

September 10, 1997

TENANT TURMOIL Management Problems Create Unsafe Conditions by Jane Wheeler

t'samajorstorm. Theelec- despite a power outage. Hostricity has gone out in vari- pitals, care facilities and maous parts of the city. Sud- jor high-rises use backup gendenly a barrier forms around erators for these types ofemeryour house: you are trapped gency situations. inside. Worse yet, you are trapped outside. It sounds Jon Dickerson is the managborriblii, but thisise&iiilhly ing general partner for Cen.

rise buildings did have generators in place. She explained that since major power out ages have not been a large issue in the past, there has not been pressure by the public to make generators mandatory. While she admits it would be

Hartwigsen's night on July 1 , 1997.

erator in place, sherecognizes that it will be a sacrifice of possible future repairs. She said, "if you are investing half the reserves, what are you giving up?"

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Photo provided by Evan Kernp Associates

@! National Leader Dies 1 Z&;,q&$ E J &J. ~ K e m ~Jr. .

During the storm on that date that caused power outagesand flooding in the Twin Cities area, power was lost in part of the Holmes Greenway complex and both elevators were inoperable from approximately 9:30 PM on July 1 until 7:00 PM the following day. Hartwigsen along with four others spent the night in the building's common area. These five members of the Holmes Greenway community use wheelchairs and were unable to get to their apartments using the stairs. "I basically sleptsittinginmychair. I had a pillow and leaned on a table," Hartwigsen said. Other residents who use wheelchairs were trapped within their apartments for over twenty hours. A problem like inoperable elevators is an obvious failure in the intended mission of the residence. Holmes Greenway isa' 15 year old building that was designed to be wheelchair accessible. Its purpose is to provide housing for disabled people who receive Housing and Urban Development (HUD) subsidiesfor their living expenses.

f##EL&mxdCamWith lities Act af 1940,

bewm& .

After the July 1 storm, some of the residentsrequested that a backup generator be innot b e ~ d n e d B P r d stalled ~ to the elevator motors, so they would function K m - c a . on p. 3

limited partnership that owns Holmes Greenway. He also runs DiversifiedEquitiesCorporation that manages the building. In an interview he said that they are already accepting bids on installing a generator but the outlook is not promising. He claimed that the first bid they received estimated approximately $62,000. This expenditure would take up half of the reserves available for the building's futuremaintenance needs like replacing carpeting and windows. When the final bids come in, Dickerson will then have to submit the bids for approval to HUD, who insures the building's mortgage. HUD would then determine whether the building has enough financial viability to support the expenditure. Since the July Is storm, HUD his become more aware of the potential problems of not installing backup generators in multifamily complexes. HUD sponsors many buildings that are designed specifically for the disabled and the elderly, but it does not at this time have a generatorrequirement. Patricia Mack is a public affairs officer for HUD and was upset when the situation at Holmes Greenway was brought to her attention. She looked into the various designs of HUD complexes and found that a few of the high

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This is not the first time residents have had to pressure the management at Holmes Greenway to make changes in the building in the interest of accessibility. Some of the residents with physical limitations were unable to work the mechanical locks that were in place on the apartment doors. This was particularly difficult for those occupying the corner rooms. The locks are only a few inches away from the hallway walls. This orientation does not allow clearance for a wheelchair. The residents temporarily used the unsafe solution of leaving their doors unlocked. A freighting condition that Kathleen Hagen of the Disability Law Center says is probably quite common. "People are traditionally leaving themselves in unsafe situations around Minnesota, because they are unable to lock their doors," she said. Hagen advised the residents in negotiating their solution. The residents requested that automatic, electronic locks to be installed on the doors of the units. Hagen explained that the ADAdoes not require building owners to offer elecHolmes - con1

Access P

Changes To D.E.A.F.. New Name, New Image;,

Will Someone Please Turn On ? r :1: ! Lee--'lt -

by Robert Walker by Michael Zeledon

ost people know some have spent the last several betcha", the Council will try thing about community months talking with Minneso- and get foundation funds for a

equal access and quality of life leader in the provision of ac- referral.

grassroots organization estab- and alive!" lished in 1885. D.E.A.F. is a non-profit organization funded primarily by grants

( a ) Whatpercentageofpeople because they see that if they Virginia, Michigan, Georgia who use employment pro- had access to program results, and national Goodwill Indus-

metro area recreational activi-

council NRC goals are very ing people, and a variety of

Gettingemployment networks to measure benefits to consumers will take a lot of help and that's whatthismessage is

promoting every Deaf provides direct services such American's right to equal ac- as telecommunications relay

SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION

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The National Results Council isaMinnesotagrownnonprofit organization thathas spent four years and $250,000 to find a way to compareprograms and

they can serve more people withdisabilities. We will also be making sure that programs do not improve outcomes just because they start serving people with minor problems.

hear what you have to say about employment programs and

withyourpermission,addyour

name to our mailing list. And don't forget to ask us for some details on what wedo and why it is that we need your help. We are looking for support Just mention the NRC "Light from anyone who thinks it's of the Day" package. time to turn on the lights so we can see what's going on and Robert Walker is Founder of

HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES

ACCESS PRESS ...................................... ;.............................Wm. A. Smith, Jr.

Co-Founder/Publisher(1990-1995) EditorlPublisherlCo-Founder Cartoonist Production , Staff Writers & Editorial Assistants

.......................................................................... Charles F. Smith .......................................................................................................... S c o t t Adam ..............................................................,Presentation Images, Ellen Houghton ............., Cindy Bordeaux, Dawn Doering & Jeff Nygaard

ACCESS PRESS is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities b Access Press. Ltd. Circulation is 10,000,distributed the IOY of each month through more than 130rocations statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $1 51yr. 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 Sl8lcolumn inch, depending on size and frequency. Classified ads are $8.00, plus 35 centslword over 20 words. Advertisingand editorial deadlinesare the 30th of the month preceding publication; special scheduling available for camera-ready art.

Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroom apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. We have housing in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Marshall, willmar, and ~ ~ l ~ t h . The apartments are fully wheelchair accessible and each building has a central laundry room, large community room, securedentryand an on-site caretaker. AS1 SO offers shared personal care services 24 hours a day, at most locations, for adults with a physical disability andlor traumatic brain injury who qualify for Medical Assistance.

Formore (612, 645-727 466-7722. services or housing call Leigh, for employment as a personal care attendant call Sean or Courtney.

Access Press is available on tape. Call MN State Services for the Blind. 642-0500 or 800-652-9000. Inquiries should be directed to: ACCESS PRESS 1821 University Ave. W. Suite 185N St. Paul, Minnesota 55 104 (612) 644-2133 Fax (612) 644-21 36

Accessible Space, Inc.

Proiect GOLD

An Opportunity For Girls And Their Parents

September 10,1997

Access Press

IN BRIEF. . . .

112~~ Annual Job Success Fair The 12th Annual Job Success sored by the City of tribute resumes, leam about Fair - Exploring Your Options for people with disabilities will be held on Monday, October 13, 1997 from 12:00 Noon- 4:00 PM at the Marriott Hotel - Bloomington, 2020 East 79th Street. The event is free to the public and is spon-

Bloomington and theMarriott job requirements, obtain inHotel. Sign Language inter- formationaboutjobplacement and training programs from preters will be available. vocational resource people, The Job SuccessFair provides and learn about community an excellent opportunity for resources and advocacy proall people with disabilities to grams. Informational workmeetpotentialemployers,dis- shops will be held.

roject GOLD is a club de- led by scientists and math opportunity to learn. Their signedforgirlswithphysi- ematicians as well as by Club sessions will be on: adaptive 'cal, sensory, and/or medical faculty andstaff. Girls will be equipment, the Internet, e- * -disabilities and who have an matched up with afemalecol- mail, advocacy for their chilinterest in science, mathemat- lege student mentor who is dren, and a variety of other ics, technology andlor com- also interested in math, sci- topics to help with the development of their : puters, and their . parents. Project child through October 5 - 11 is mental ill- steps of the State Capitol. GOLD is now acness awareness week and will adulthood. featureevents all week, begin- The week will feature inforcepting applications from girls Proiect GOLD is ning with a candlelight vigil rnation booths at the Mall of on the America and area libraries, funded by the Na- 1on bct. 5, at ~:OOPM, from around the state OF Minnetional Science sota who are enFoundation with s u ~ ~ ofrom r t thk IMetro Regional ServiceCen- and utilizingtechnology.There tering grades 6-8 ter for Deaf and Hard of Hear- are two computer stations u - enera] to participate in this special, free College. Other ing (RSC) has recently estab- which individuals can use to participants are lished an equipment and com- surf various web sites. club. The club the PACER ten- puter lab. This will be an intermeets once a ter, the Minne- active lab SO that consumers The RSC donated all their limonth, seven apolisandst. Paul can learn more about installing brary books to the Merriam times throughout the year, on the SchOO1sy ~innea~olis and the InterA d v ~ c a t i n ~ ~ h a n g e ~ o ~ e meeting t h e r on Tuesday. October Campus of the agency Office On is celebrating its 18th anni- 14, 1997. The event will take University of Transition at the versary at the annual dinner/ place at the Griggs Midway Minnesota. Minnesota DeSummer Camp -Geometry Day partment of Chil= cant. from p. 1 Activities will begeared to the ence and/or technology. The dren, Families, and Learning. interests of the club members. mentor will assist with classIand science, but must be found criminate against people with Girls will work insmallgroups work and communicate with Membership is free and lim- Iin the political arena through disabilities. in science and math using the participant via e-mail. ited. To get an application, the recognition of disability computers and other forms of Computers are provided. please call the Project GOLD as a civil rights issue. As a private businessman, technology. For example, office at (6 12) 625-3398 beMr.Kemp spearheaded agroup Internet and e-mail use will be While the girls are busy in fore October 10, 1997. Eventually, Mr. Kemp was of investors who purchased a a topic. The sessions will be workshops, parents also get an hired to work in the chief small wheelchair company, counsel's office at the Inter- Invacare, in 1979. At Mr. nal Revenue Service. In 1967, Kemp's suggestion, the comCOW. from D. 1

Mental Illness Awareness Week depression screening, along with many guest speakersand open forums. Foracdlendar of events call the Alliance forthe Mentally Ill at (612) 64512948.

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

lNew Computer Lab

Park Library to establish the new "Deaf and Hard of Hearing Collection." The Library is located on Marshall and Fairview Avenues in St. Paul.

Ann iirersary Celebration

I KEMP

HOLMES

tney mlgnt be evlctea. red an be reimbursed for the price of undue financial burden on the theelectronic lackpven if they . . mova and leave the lack'in owner. p~acd.Central Housmg AssoEventually acompromise was ciates legally does not have to reached ,in which the owner- reimburse the residents. They ship paid for installation on will allow residentsto'remove electronic locks that the resi- the lock, at their own expense, dents provided. Some of the and take it with them. Dickerresidents were administered son explained, since they did locks through their Medicare not originally buy each indior their Veteran's Association vidual lock, they do not wish benefits, but others had to pro- to be held liable for any future vide the locks from their own problems with the locks. expenses. Finding reasonably priced locks was necessary, What is perhaps most disturb since the residents of Holmes . ing about this story is how Greenway live there because tentative the residents were in they have a limited income talking about the struggles and can use their housing sub- they've had in making their living areas more accessible. sidies for rent. Hartwigsen was the only resiWorking together, residents dent who felt secureenough to found areasonably pricedelec- allow her name to be used in Ironic lock that cost around this article. One resident ex$100 which was installed by plained that she felt Dickerson the management company. and the management have used But for a person with the subtle "scare tactics" when doubledifficulty ofadisability residents have spoken up in and a limited income, even the past. She believes; that residents fear the owners Way this price of $100 is costly. find a way toremove their pets

Theunnamedresidentclaimed that* in general, Greenway residents do not understand their rights. She claimed many residents believe if they compjain their living situation is not accessiblet t h y will be consided unable tolive on their own and will have to move to a nursing home or care facility. Hopefully a salution will be found the situation at Holmes Greenway before Minneapolis is hit by another disastrous storm like lhe One On July "- the backup generator to be installed, HUDwill have togrant approval, and Dickerson and the owners will have to exercise their foresight and follow through with the plans.

BUILDING BRIDGES Helpingpeoplewith cerebral palsy and otherdisabilities achieve independence.

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1 and became an authority on equity funded insurance products. He sued the SEC when he was told that he could not be promoted to a supervisory position because he used a wheelchair. The successful experience though aduous made him awar&of the shortcomings of the federal sector processing system which, as chairman of the EEOC, he was able to improve greatly.

and marketing ofits products. Within ten lnvicare became tkI,#qp@~om equipment company in the United States.

Building , tickets an $10.00 per person. To RSVP (612) 641-0297.

the firm of Evan Kemp Associates, Inc. (EKA), a multifacetedcommunications,marketing, health and mobility company. With over 90 employees inMaryland, V e m i a and Pennsylvania, EKA is the leader in providing news, information, products and serconditions toliveindependent and pgxlp.ctive li '->

Ma:. --.- --.

In 1987, he became a commissioner of the EI$X and was appointed agency chairman in 1990. During his tenure at the EEOC, he directed the implementation of the ADA and the Civil Rights A C of ~ i991.

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~ v a i ~ ie; survived m ~ by hi loving wife, Janine Bertram; his mother and sister, Francesca Bliss and Francesca Bkhck, both of Cleveland Height% Wa; his business partner and best friend. Robert Funk; and a large community ofpeople withdisabilities to whom he devoted his life.

In 1980, Mr. Kemp left the After leaving the EEOC in Informationprovided by One governmenttohead the~alph 1993, Mr. Kemp established Step Ahead. ~ ~ d bisability ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ i center ~ where h he~led a successful fight against the Reagan Mministration's attempts to eliminate key proviHOME HEALTH CARE SERVICE sions of the 1973 Rehabilitation ~ ~ me t ~~t . made it 24 HOUR ON CALL SERVICE illegal for organizations that receive federal funding to dis-

"Serving older Minnesotan's with all levels of housing/care/sewice needs." "Striving to be the employer of choice." ~ r e s b ~ t e rHomes ih of Bloomington Care Center, 401 West 95th St. Bloomington, MN 55420 (612) 888-9461 For service info: Janet Isaacson Employment Opportunities: Carrie Hanson Pnsbyt+gn Homes of Bloomington Gideon Pond Cooperative, Newton Manor The Gardens, 10030 Newton Ave. So. Bloomington, MN 5543 1 (6 12) 948-3000 or (612) 884-7663 For service info: Beth Galde Employment Opportunities: Mary Loew Equal Opportunity Employer/Pmvider Affinnntive Action Employer/Pmvider

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September 10,1997

Access Press

Barriers To Employment - We're Working On It by Anita Bovcher

ople in the disability age for personal care assis- legidation".) community are padwny taaceandotheronpkgser- - E x ~ n g i n f o t m a t i o nwith viues that are nut covered disability advocates in other a w k of the barriers' ta employment created by existing by Medicare or ernptoyer states. Collecting data and writing government policies. The health insurance; and . Minnesota Consortium for case studies to illustrate how Citizens withDisabilities(MN 2)Allowing a mare gradual current policies discourage phase-out of Social Secu- employment,andhow changes CCD) has formed a committee to specifically address rity cash benefits as earn- could reduce long term dethese issues. MN CCD is a ingsfrom employment in- pendence m publicprograrns, broad-based coalition~forga- crease. This would make it sueh as Medicaid; more affordable for people *Enlistingthehelpofemploynizations of persons with disabilities, providers, and advoto make the transition to ers and the general public in cates. Recognizing a variety work. urgingtheir own legislators to of barriersexist, MNCCD has support work inentive legisidentified two top priorities: MN CCD is addressing these lation. . issues at several levels: Testifying at relevant public 1)Making it easier for workhearings. ing people with disabilities Educating state and federal Considering changes to &e to continue receiving Msd- legislators and enlisting their Medicaid asset limit to allow icaid (knowninMinnesota support for legislation to re- peoplewithdisabilitiestosave as Medical Assistance or move barriers toemployment. for their retirement. (The MA), This would give these (Such legislation is often re- asset limit is the amount of individuals needed cover- ferred to as "work incentive money a person can have in savings and still qualify for Medicaid.)Thenewasset limit For the MhsotaCare pmgram provides a good p w dent since it already excludes retirement funds.

In March of 1997, DHS sub- Vermont is expected to inUomitted the r e q u i d request to duce federal legislation to althefederal HealthC2eFiaanc- low S.Mtes to imp12tementMeding Administration (HCFA). icaid buy-in programs (such DHS is currently waiting for as Minnesota's propose$ HCEA to respond to the re- earnedincomedisregard)~~ quest. MN (XD has offered out having-to request s@c@l to help DHS in responding to permission from the federal those questions HCFA may government. SenatotJeffords' haveaboutthewaiver. Weare bill also includes a Medicare attempting to develop clear buy-in program. This would arguments about the cost pf- help peopb who are self-emfectiveness of the earned ip~- ployed oi whose employersIn 1995,the Minnesolsr1qis- cpme disregard waive. We do not offer any health coverlature passed a bill to ad&ess I $ e d w d e u l e l o l m g ' a ~ s d age. However. since Medithis problem. The bi!lrequ&d sliding fee J$e .@r +sons -careonly covers acuteandprithe department of Human earning above $27,000 yho mary care (hospital stays, Services (DHS) to request an still need Medicaid c o v w e . doctor's visits, etc.), many of these individuals would sfin "earned income hisregard waiver" from the f W gov- MNCCDecognim that there need Medicaid coverage to ernment. The"ear&-incomie are problems w i d ~ ~ e e a m e dmeet their long term care disregard waiver" WuId cre-' inm waiver law. needs. MN CCD is providingwhodonot input on drafts of ~ena'tot ,ate a program like "1M9(b)" Xt ex for people who qudfy for tPsed personal care services, Jeffords' bill and will probSocial Security Disabilitg In- bwho rely on Medicaid for ably be encouragingmembers come (SSDI) and aoW weti c@m services not covered by of the Minnesota Congres: personal care asdstimce typica! health insurance plans. sional delegation to support it. (F'CA). Like the pe@a an If aEw excludes people wkh "1619(b)", these individuds. disabilities who.are receiving National Medicaid buy-in pro- , couldearnuptoappmxi~y Social Security Survivors' gr&s congressman Jim $27,000andit would'tredisre- benefits, as well as those who Ramstad has expressed intetgarded(not counted) in ealcu- &n'treceiveany Social Secu- est in legislation to create a lating their eligibility for rityknefits, butwhostillneed Medicaid buy-inpfogramthat Medicaid. People earning Medicaid. We may wish to go would be nation-wide, rathef more than $27,000 couid con- back to the State legislature to than waiting for individual tinue to buy Medicaid cover- try to address these problems. states to develop their own ageonaslidingfeebasis. Since In the meantime, the earned proposds. MNCCD isdraftproximately$27,000p%tyear. (In some cases, individuals can earn more than the thresRold if they have high health care needs.) People who have never received SSI do not qualify for "1 619(by' and must pay almost 50% of everything they earn in order to retain Medicaid coverage. (This payment is called a "spenddown".)

The follow in8 . ~ p e cWi c proposals for continued access toMedicaidcoverageare currently underconsideration:

& OTHER If

OSTOMY - URINARY MANAGEMENT NURSING SUPPLY SPECIALISTS

E d income disregard waiver

ployed people with disabilities could access this program d contebute. iow,ard their Medicaid coverage, based on their ability to pay.

Martha Hage's

RADIO SHOW Db3abled & PmId, It's Not An Oworon.

Work incentives initiatives Congressman have also been Jimproposed Bunningby of Kentucky, Congresswoman Barbara Kennelly ofconnectithe clinton ~ d ~ i tion and others. -These bills address different aspects of work incentives, such as tax credits for disabled, workers, tax credits for employerswho hire people with disabilities, promoting greater choice of vocational rehabilitation providers, and raising the "substantialg a h h l activity" level (the amount of monthly income a person can have and still receive a Social Security

!hpL 16 Encore Presentation

Jahn Hockenbeny, author, NBC Corresponden

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23 Courage Center: Past, Present &Future David Phillips, Executive Director

Sept. 30 Living with Multiple Sclerosis Bt Depression

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call iuQportMN CCD'S efforts by telling us your persqnal story a b u t barriers to employment that you have encounteted, and by urgiq your state and federal legislators to vote for work incentives legislation. If you have suggestipns or wwld like to be placed on the MN CCD Work Incentives Committee mailing list, ,please conta~t Anita Boucher, (612) 5200533 or FAX L6 12) 520-0577, CourageCenter, 39 15Golden Valley Road, &Iden Valley, MN 55422: YOU

LWGARE

Social Securitv

Who's Making The Decisions?

Performances

by Dr. Seven Miles, MD

ecently, an advocate for persons with disabilities asked me toreviewa government document, Rewrt of the 1994-1995 Advisory Council on Social Securitv. Heasked if some of the ideas in this report for changing supplemental security income (SSI) would harm persons with disabilities. As I scanned the two volumes, 746pages. hundreds of tables, charts, an acronym-laden (SSASIM, OASDI, AIME) dense text, I was struck with sadness. The authors and consulted experts were lawyers, actuaries, executives, union leaders, a think tank expert from theAmerican Enterprise Institute, a pension expert (retired) from Ford motors, some labor leaders, the chairman ofapower company, academic economic policy experts and government officials. I looked for testimony either by individuals or by sociologists who could explain what it was liketolivewithadisability, how these dollar numbers met the experience of living disabled. There was no dis-

cussion of the livability of benefits given that many persons with disabilities had to live in poorer neighborhoods where housing was cheaper or community services are concentrated, and where grocery stores are absent or charge higher prices than in wealthier areas. There was no discussion of living on fixedincoines withhighercosts for staying alive as a landlord looks at you as a lawsuit waiting to happen and jadks up your rent accordingly. It was hard to see in the tables how it would feel and what spendingchoices would be made as one were f o r d to choose betweendkgefbrdtughter or special tutwing fa Ehe other. It was not &we -just graphs and tables and biwvre sentencesthat babble to Ehemselves: When definitive legislative revisionsareadopted, subsequent long-range evaluations shauld compare up&edprojections with the infehded fesults of the legislatien; based on the most frequently &cursed proposals, such evaluations h u M consider whether the 75yepr actuarialbuiunce rodecrease as

the projection period moves forward; also whetherthepattern of annual balances or Trust Fund Ratio trend line departssignificantlyfrom legislative intent, or the latter showsan apparent lackofstability beyondthe 75year vuluation period.

-sansq S S I .

Ma& W fwd

comes fmm scams' in.w x a h middlemenusevulnerablepersons(likeimmigrants),service providers whoexploitdisabled persons for the providers benefit. or careless providers who harm disabled persons by not properly filing work claims so that their clients' needs go My advocate friend asked me, unmet. "What does volume I, page 124, footnote 17 mean?" In So, to my friend's question, this section,experts worry that "What's foo raisingtheretirementagegives persons who wish to retire five Footnote 17says thi.s report isnot writtenaboutyourlife years ewly an incentive to declare themsel~esdisabled to as youliveitoras you would be able to live it. And it' get SSI. Imagine that! Considertheadvantages indeclarmust be &written. ing yourself disabled to retire Footnote 17 says you are early. Money? (SSI averages not supposed to read this $705 per month, hardly worth . early retirement.) Handi- repart or thus be able to &paed parking space (if a late speak back to it. And therewded car has not grabbed it fore it is all themoreimporfik andyou can afford a car) tant that we do so. ,GuarhnteedIifeTong discrimination h r health, long term Footnote 17 is the signa'tm care, anddisabilityinsurance? of healthy well-off experts who seriously believe that Applicant driven SSI fraud is they, as normal people, are .uncommon. Administrative permanently self-sufficient hearings involve only 40% of and able-bodied and who beneficiaries; a third are aplookatpersonswithdisabilities as costs or freeloaders. pealed. Crimidcases involve I/l(rh of one percent nf perAnd this text must be rewrit-

in Henn. Ctr. for t

ten tobe~boutacommunity Footnote 17 is about crime and people who prefer to and punishment. contribute to society or loved members who unfor- Dr. .StMid&$l a Faculty . tunately depend on us all. m d e r a t h CenterfoiBioethicsat dae UniversityoflWn-- .. nesota. ,

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SPECIAL TDITION -SECTION IJ

Access Press volurrle 8, Number 9

SOURCES

Act, the landmark civil rights'

fare and rehabilitation of people with disabilities- Past recipients includeChristopher Reeve, actor; Ed Roberts, founder of the independentliv-

ommended fullcivil rights pro- ,fivetimes, to hearfrompeople tection for people with db-. wifh disabi tities and urge abilities in 1983. As R S l a i " ' & . . Prs Ghsir* Commissioner ( I P 8 6 - 8 7 ) . ~ ~ . : : ~ ~ ~ f t h e ~ s e ~ i d e n t ' s ~ o m solicited input fkom staff' by mittee on the Employment of '

and Itzhak Perlman, the pre- ties (1988-90). he presided at ity comniunities. He urged 9a

cal analyst and veteran news tion and All Things Consid- itv. reporfer who is known for his cred. He was acorrespondel

Hockenbenyhas used a wheel-

the.same pain and joy as the est of us who have adisability ' I d best ofall, he is willing be. on hand to sell John think they recognize me I1 us about his feelings, Hockenbeny's book,Moving there's a different reason for ~

During rhc Ia\t bixtccnu

1: l~l~fYing CIIdnts Connect

Why Can't I Work? "Working is mathematically impossible," says Tom Hamilton of the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services. This is a perfect description of the work disincentives faced by people with disabilities. Imagine you had an accident that's caused a severe disability. You've worked hard through endless therapy sessions toachieve independence. You've become proficient in using adaptive equipment to perform a variety of tasks. It takes you 2 112 hours to get ready in the morning, but you'veestablishedagoodroutine. Working with a vocational counselor, you've identified a career path that suits your interests and abilities. You've taken classes and studied hard to develop skills needed in today's job market. Withdifficulty, you've finally arranged reliable transportation. Employersare open to hiring you, thanks to the' Americans with Disabilities Act, the a good market, and improving attitudes toward people with disabilities. You'reready, willing and able to work.

Currently,avarietyofproposals to address these problems are being floated at both the state and federal levels. The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities(MN CCD) has formed acommittee to promote such legislation. You can help by telling your state and federal legislators that To retain Medicaid coverage, you're concerned about this you can't keep over $3,000 in problem. In particular, letthem savings (not even in a retire- know you support allowing ment account). You must also employedpeople withdisabilitake 50% of everything you ties to access Medicaid on a earn over $420 per month and sliding fee scale, in order to use it to pay for your monthly help pay for long term health health care bills before Med- services that are not covered 4 icaid will pay the balance. As by their traditional health in.. - .- vc - . your income increases, you surance. Tell them you also kill quickly ~oseeli~ibilitifor Food Stamps. You pay 30% of yourgross income towards to save for their retirement. your subsidized housing, so dieut isone of the factors that control at Northern S t a b that monthly payment continu- Taxpayers will ultimately benally increases as youearn more efit, since these work incenmoney. It won't be long be-. tives will allow many people fore the net result of working becomes a negative number in your checkbook. What would will alsoenablethese individu(PIPS) Program, a program puter training, clients ate "One client was interested in be the point of working? als to reduce or eliminate their it only covers a few of the supplies you need on a daily basis. Contrary to popular perception, Medicare doesn't cover these items, either. There's no way you can afford the $2,50Odollarsper month it would cost to pay for them out of your own pocket.

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arket exercises.

This is precisely the dilemma faced by .many people with disabilities. While some work incentive mechanisms do ex- work incentives are both ethiist, they are extremely complex. Different provisions ap, , Now imagine that you rely on ply to people in different pubcal Assistance) to pay for personal care assistanceand other special services. Your prospective employer offers health insurance, but itdoesn't cover personal care at all, and

portunities that others don't have. It'sadiscouragingmess. Is it any wonder that 74 per- Boucher, Courage Center's cenf of people with severe disabilities remain unemployed? 520-0533.

"It may sound a little selfish,

cause of the benefits it provides to Courage - Center, to the community, to the corporation, and to the volunteers. That commitment to community serviceoften attracts quality people to the organization and provides a high level of personal satisfaction to employees.

Harley and his contribution to Vocational Services. "Harley has added a great wealth of information, not only to clients, but to staff. He is able to work with anyone and has learned to customize some of the adaptations that are out there."

She adds, "It's not just his Harley began volunteering at teaching ability, but his Courage Center less than one level of professionalism. month after he retired. Harley hasbeen able to teach clients job skills as well as For more than five years, work-appropriate behaviors Harley has worked withcour- and strategies. We'd be lost

'W .. - : . : = Finally, a lift G care ,

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=kist,

C.b quadriplegic

stem as versatile as a pair o hands. It's a self-transfer tool,

Porlable and rmanent solutions for homes an8eworkplaces.

He adds that his volunteer experience has taught him a lot about people with disabilities as well: "I am now able to see pastthedisability. Peoplewith disabilities have a lot more ability than disability and I think these people have an awful lot of courage."

LAPP, LAURIE, LIBRA, ABRAM'SON & THOMSON,

a hygiene helper for toileting or diapering. a bathing support, a positioning aid for posture seating. a stander or walker forsome. a floor exercise assistant, a freedom machine, and a back-saver /or caregivers.

SUREHANDS"

ents on some of the latest software packages help me keep my computer skills up as well. And, I think I'm helping the clients accomplish something important."

lnternatlonal Handi-Move P I N E ISLAND. N.Y.

1-800-724-5305

The Robinhood Corporation (612) 8724956

EMPLOYMENT DlQCRlMlNATlON

INCLUDINO Dl8ABlllM Dl8CRlMlNATlON UNDER THE AMERICAN8 WITH D18ABlllTIE8 ACT (ADA) AND MINNE80TA HUMAN RlOHT8 ACT

Representi~tgenrployees nrtd employers

Through current giving, charitable organizations receive only a very small percentage of the total assets transferred each year.

September 10,1997

Access Press

Courage Center I' 1

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1 I I

Northern States Power Wins Partner Award e Minnesota Business Partnership and Courage Cen+r are pleased to present the second annual Partners Awaid to honor a corporation that has fostered an environmentthat is inclusive, andcreates opportunities for all people, and shapes a positive workplaceforpeoplewithdisabilities.

NSP provides opportunities for their workforce to educate themselves throughemployee diversity awareness programs that includes disability awareness. One of the educational tools used to educate the workforce is regular employee programs that includesdiscussionandnewinformationona lot of timely topicl. They also havecreaMseveralemployee Northern States power corn-networks such as the Disabilpany (NSP) is the 1997recipi- ity AwarenessNetwork,which entofthepartners inEmploy- is a grassroots employee merit of People with Disabili- awareness network that adties Award. NSP was chosen dresses company issues, because of its commitment to awareness and educational creating a corporate culture oppo~unities for &e entirethat encourages its employees workforce, and the ADA Netto value, acknowledge and work, which is a group of emdemonstrate respect for one ployees who by virtue of their another. NSP promotes an positions in thecbmpany, have environment that celebrates responsibility for various asdiversity by cultivating thecre- pect of ADA compliance and ativity, talent, energy, and transcendence. This network power of its entire workforce, meets regularly to exchange including those with disabili- information and keep each ties.

Courage Center Honors

ince 1%4, Courage Center has presented annual hilli ips Awards to men and women with disabilities who have achieved success in their careers. The award, which is sponsored by the Rose and Jay Phillips Family Foundation, includes a $ l 000 honorarium. The purpose of other informed of emerging the awards is twofold: to encourage individuals with disabilities to prepare for and find employment in their chosen fields, and to encourage employers to recognize the advantages of developments. hiring people with disabilities. This year's winners are Dan Klint, Kathy Ball, Ty Cavaleri, In 1994, NSP had a Special Jonathan Lesile and Elaine Hartsman. Needs Fund, a central pool of office as a law clerk. FollowD M EuIm' financial resources to guaraning his graduation from law teethe provision of workplace accommodations if needed by Dan Klintbecameaquadri~le- school in '983 he began workemployees with disabilities. gic wheG duringahighschool ing full-timeas a law clerk. In . This fund is an alternative game he his 1984 Klint became an assisin AnOka means to pay for those rare, neck- He worked hard On his high-priced accommodations rehabilitationand keptupwfith County assigned to the civil thatordinarily could strain the his school work. He gradu- division, where he has worked Klint is described by his peers budget of an individual de- ated with his class in 1975. for 13years. His responsibili- as highly competitive, has a Following graduating from ties include representing and great sense of humor, an inpament. They also accessible customer service high school he attended the advising a number of county quiring and analytic mind and area and are attentive to the UniversityofMinnesotawhere d e p m e n t s on legal matters. alwayshaspersonal grace. He needs of customers with dis- hegraduated with honors with He maintains a full caseload is admired for his outstanding abilities,providingm/TDD aB.S.degreeinbusiness. Klint and services as counsel to the work in and out of the office. access and billing materials in always wanted to be a lawyer Highway and Parks depart- He is involved in numerous and would not let his disabili- ments on property records, community projects that inlarge print. tiesstop him from reaching his taxation, reviews and negoti- clude the Board of Directors The MinnesotaBusiness part- goal. He continued to follow ates county contacts and land for Metropolitan Center for nership and Courage Center his dream as he went on to acquisitions for new road Independent Living, fhon salutes the Northern States receive his law with ways. He has developed .an Rapids Parks Commission* Powercompanyfortheircorn- honors from the University of expeitise in eminent domain and ischairofthereality prop mitment to a diverse Minnesota. law and recently was success- erty section for the Anok workforce. ful in persuading the Minne- County Bar Association. . While he was attending law sota Supreme Court to affirm school he began working at certain rights oflocal govern the Anoka County Attorney's mentsin highway construaion

Kathy Ball was born with a math and science. She was

defomed joints with limited and class government. Fol-

Is Proud To Be

assisting in the coordination of lectures and labs. The job continued to expand and in 1989 she became part of the Dean's Office in the College of Biological Science. Ball After graduating she found it still teaches, edits acollegiate very difficult to find a teach- newsletter and w o r k with the ing job, so she went back to educatianalpolicy committee. school and began working on her M.S. degree. In graduate Ball is very involved in fhe schdol she was a teaching as- community andparticipateson sistant in the general biology an number of educational orprogram. She graduated from ganizations that include the the University ofMinnesota in Foundation for Science am! Ball was bused to Mechanic 1969 a+ began warking as a the Disabliea, Science AssoittOrSrnfiburg ciation fof Persons DisArts High School, beeause it science

until she was old enough for school beforesheleamedhow to walk. Ball attended the Lindsay School for Crippled Children in St. Paul whereshe received dailyphysical therapy and a good education. She was a very motivated student and performed well in all her classes, especially science. During the summers she attended Camp Courage and enjoyed spending time out-

being a biology teacher. She transferred to the University of M i n k o t a in her sophomore year and graduated with a B.S. degree in 1965,

st$

TY CAVALERI

John Hockenberry"

ing for employment and was

neck ing him in aqudriplegic. diving accident ~e spent leav- skills tremely andhard looks tofor advance new ways his 1 the next six and half months in to advance ifi the c o m m y . rehabilitation at Ramsey . 1 9 9 4 h e w ~ p r o ~ t e d t o c ~ m Cavaleri spent the next six International Development month in the CouW-Division. He still continued where he worked On take nupawus computer and becoming independent. educational course offered by Land 0'Lakes.

which recruits individual farmers to work has been success , sition because

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He has also worked with Land 0' Lakes to understand the difficulties in performing his job when his health is poor or during bad weather. To accommodafe him, Land 0'

JONATRAN IoESLfE Jonathan Leslie has been quietly blazing a trail for people with disabilities ever since he becameaquadriplegic following a motorcycle accident in 1977 at age 19. As a resident in Courage Residence, Leslie took advantage of the many programs and services offered to him to regain his i n d e ~ n dense. That led him to the University of Minnesota where he be~amethe first quadriplegic to graduate

Lakes provides the necessary tooh for him to work out of his home. Cavaleriis peers believe his success comes from determination, abilities to work with others, communication skills, self-sufficient, organization and his sheerdesire to work;

many community projects tha include the President's Council forpeople withDisabilities and Land 0'Lakes Council for People with Disabilities. He has also received special recognition from the President's Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities for his outstandCavaleri is very involved in ing efforts.

obert ~ h a l h e r sof St. R Paul has found a unique way to set himself apart in the training and consulting busimess. He incorporates magic into his presentations to challenge his audience members' perceptions about other people. It is this remarkable approach that has earned Rob Chalmers the 1997 Judd Jacobson Memorial Award. The award was created in memory of Judd Jacobson, a travel industry entrepreneur and radio personality. The award is intended to provide the resourcesto encourage the recipient to expand his or her entrepreneurial capabilities. L The award is funded by ner. He currently is serving as ~~~~b~~~~~longlime friend the president of Capable Pan- Daniel Gainey ners, a nonprofit organization that provides outdoor hunting ~~b Chalmers, who has ceceand firhing opportunitiwfw bral pa]sy, founded People people with disabilities. He ~ ~ ~ l ina g1984 i ~ to puaue his volunteerswilhlhe~inncs~ldream of being an entrepreDepartment .of Natural Repeople ~~~i~ provides

dustry to automate machine tools. Jonathan's many technical achievements over the past twelve years have led to his current position as lead engineer for Slicer. It is that success in his career which has also earned him the 1997Rose and Jay Phillips Award. "I love my work. it is what I have always wanted to do," says ~ e s l i e . "What makes this award especially impomnt is that it is being given by Courage center. It is a Courage Center where my dreams

-z-l Judd Jacobson Award Winner: Robert Chalmers

Five Phillips Winner ning thisaward,"say Cavaleri. "It shows that my hard work anddetermination has paid off and has been noticed."

September 10,1997

Access Press

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. cational training in the area of

human relations, communication and the environment. Magic and illusion are the tools heuses todeliver his message. Chalmers' methods get audiences to look at their individual attitudes and their preconceived notions about people around them. ~einteractswith his audiences to make them take anew look at the way- theythink about other people, whether it be their gender, physical ability, race, sexual orientation, size or age. Chalmers says, "Magic is a creative, entertaining way to deliver some very importatrt messages without detracting from the content."

Jacobson Memorial Award, Chalmers will receive $2,500 which he will use to promote his business nationally to target audiences.

Prior tost&ingbiso\Rn business, Chalmys w a d for Mayor G e o m Latimer of St. Paul, directihg the city's disability access programs. Chalmers is originaliy from Illinois and is a graduate of MacalesterCollegei S t . Paul.

'"Being anentrepreneur means taking chances and believing in your pr&uct or rnvice," says Chalmers. "In my case, that product is me. 1 am henored *at I am being recog,,iZed for my wo*.v9 this

For more information about the Judd Jacobson Memorial Awards,contactCourageCentsr, 39 15~ ~ l d~ ~~ Golden Valley, M~ 55422; (612) 52@052().

~~ ~d ~

structw and a;consulting d e

and writes software. Slicer that allows him to hold, aim, w e Center clients interested develops and constructs corn- and fire a shotgun wirh .the ia &reef -exd-&rn. ' . puters for the sheet metal in- assistance of a hunting part-' 4-

~~~ 5-

287 and 9 16 doing c+e managemant and counseling serT was born to be a psycholo- vices to addescents with dis-, . gist," shys Elaine ~ q m a n ,abilities and their families. R.D. 'I have always heen in&m%td in people-watohing She began working with the them p w and dmge." It is St. h u l School District in rlig this interest in people which early 1970s as a project direc- tice. Approni.-Ay onethird M to a successful career in tor d an earty education pro- of her clients wk people with , psychology and educationand gram forchildrenwithdisaZIili- , &;ysical and/or mental diswhich has earned lier a Rose ties. Once the p r o j d d &h%. Dr. Hartsman isalso and Jay ?PhaipsAward for completed, Dr. Hammrpg was adjmsct aaw&e pmfessol at 1997.. a p p o i n t e d ~ 3 i ~ ~ m. St. m Nlary's UniMity teachager w o t k i h ~ w i hstudents ing professional ethics and Growing up in Milwaukee, with disabilities, parents, and existentialpsychlogy. Sheis

flwdal in'her life that couldn't be a teacher. wKih w a s h f i r s t l o ~ e .Insread,&e' ' earned a B.S. ia P ~ I and a M.S. in RebbilSXittEan t& & Wniverii Coudiqg@ $igb~,$6bconsin. m e Twin Cities became her home when she was offered law first rfessianal p d w hem in LW. 43k7w acmemmager fm'theCaoptm&e k b o I Rehaw'fiwb Center, a schwl on dte.curti'fig edge kw teens who at that time mere termed t s d d d e menufly retarded. hr. Hamman worked lor In-

oe~&velopdad-ku-

ism, and cwaseling W h -

lum that was implemented in niques. "It is =warding to fourth Q gmie ~ classro8li,s dis- w a w h c l i e a k d EiDd . triet-wide. ln addition ta conf t k i o m ~ o so w t k y ,can ducting a

workshop^^^.

whatthey want,"

en, h.Hamman i n t r a d p d q y ~ hHartsmn. . the we. of Count Me In pup pets as part of the curticuturn and secured voh@msta q~ erate the puppets. She earned her Ph.D. in E d u c a d d b y eholagy from h e University of Adinmso@tL 163% T w d v e years ago. Dr. Hartsman decided to pursue a

Applauds Courage Center Award Winners

For their dedication & accomplishments to improve the lives of people with disabilities. -

T h e ~ o s e a n d ~ a ~ ~ l ~ ~ ~ - ~ ily Foundatio~and C m e Center salute &is years five Phillip Awerrd .uJ.innms for their o u ~ t ~ n vocational ~i~g ~ & S Q V ~&himunity & i< .vdyea~entsadbdemhip.~ - -.,.

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