January 1999 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

Inside  Children & Disability

Culture — p. 5

Volume 10, Number 1

New Bus Boarding Policy — Page 2

SOURCES

January 10, 1999

“Lose not courage, lose not faith, go forward.” — Marcus Garvey

RESOURCES

January 10, 1999

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Disability Organizations Gear Up for 1999 Session by Charlie Smith, Editor

From top left, Board President David Harris, Co-Director Mary Kay Kennedy. From bottom left, Co-Director Rick Cardenas, Vice President Carol Robinson.

Changing Leadership At ACT by Denise DeVaan

eadership is often defined by business and academic leaders as the art of initiating and creating change. Leadership for change requires having a shared vision, clear goals, and the ability to involve others both in creating the vision and in working to make the vision become reality. The Board and staff at Advocating Change Together, Inc. (ACT) take their leadership role within the disability community seriously. For nearly 20 years they have worked to increase the numbers of persons with disabilities who will use their leadership skills to work on human and civil rights issues within the community and the workplace. The commitment to involve new people and develop new leaders has been demonstrated in a recent action the Board took to name

new officers and create a model of shared executive leadership among staff. For several months the Board of ACT has explored ways in which leadership can be shared, and the strengths of Board and staff can best be used. The Board took action to change officers and add a new member. Richard Mathison served as Board President for six years and has stepped down in this capacity. Now he will have more time to use his leadership abilities in helping ACT provide trainings and will be joining the staff for a training in North Carolina in January. Carol Robinson joined the Board as a new member. The Board took action to change the officers. Outgoing officers included Richard Mathison, President, Gloria Steinbring, Treasurer, Katie Ranck, Vice

President. This team of officers served for four years. New officers include David Harris, President, Carol Robinson, Vice President, and Tom Black, Treasurer. Joan Mielzarek has maintained her position as Secretary. “I appreciate the dedicated service given to ACT by Richard Mathison and the other outgoing officers. They have done great work. The disability community will continue to benefit from their talents in other aspects of ACT’s work,” said Mary Kay Kennedy, Executive Director. The Board took action to launch a new model of executive leadership for ACT by naming Mary Kay Kennedy and Rick Cardenas as Co-Executive Directors. Over the past ten years Mary Kay has

ACT - cont. on p. 3

he 1999 session of the Minnesota state legislature began on January 5. This year’s legislative roundtable sponsored by the Minnesota State Council on Disability was held on January 6. The purpose of the roundtable is to bring disability groups together to share their legislative priorities for the year.

Care to more easily access that program. Reforms sought may include, but are not limited to: increasing MNCare income limits; removing 4-month uninsured barrier; easing the transition between MA and MNCare; and removing the $10,000 limit on hospitalization.

The following is a summary of the priorities of various disability organizations for the upcoming session. The positions of any participants not included here will be reported in the February issue of ACCESS PRESS. For more information on the agendas outlined below, contact the specific organizations.

4. Improve cross-departmental cooperation: Urge improved cross-departmental cooperation among DHS, DES/RSB, CFL and other state departments that are working on work incentives issues.

MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Work Incentives Priorities For 1999: 1. Establish Medicaid Buy-in Option: Allow continued Medicaid coverage on a gradual, sliding fee scale for working persons with disabilities who, but for income, would otherwise be eligible for Medicaid (MN Medical Assistance). Note: This option would be in addition to — not in place of — the existing SSI 1619(b) program. 2. Expand Medicaid asset/resource limits: Allow working persons with disabilities on Medicaid to save for retirement, for a down-payment on a house, and for other significant expenses. 3. Expand MinnesotaCare: Allow working people with disabilities whose needs can be met by Minnesota

5. Expand Minnesota’s Senior Drug program to people with disabilities, ages 64 and younger. 6. Improve Social Security work incentives: There is a need for a more gradual phaseout of Social Security benefits as income increases. In addition, people who take the risk to move off of SSDI need to be able to resume cash benefits more easily if their health status later changes. Efforts to pursue these changes are on hold pending federal reauthorization of the Social Security Administration’s waiver and demonstration project authority. National Federation of the Blind Of Minnesota The Federation will call upon the governor of Minnesota to propose and the 1999 Minnesota legislature to enact a $1,000,000 increase in the annual baseline appropriation for State Services for the Blind.

The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) Transit: An overall priority of MCIL and CCD’s Transit Advocacy Committee is to encourage movement toward an integrated accessible transit system within the seven county Metropolitan area. Metro Mobility: To advocate in support of: the Metropolitan Council’s budget request for $40.1 million for the next biennium to fund the system; an increase in service hours and area in the second and third ring suburbs where new affordable, accessible housing is being built; more actual revenue hours on the street in areas already being served (revenue hours refers to the time a vehicle makes its first pick up to the time it makes its final drop off); use of the Americans With Disabilities Act, (ADA,) as a minimum standard for delivery of transit service rather than a maximum. Metro Transit service: To monitor the implementation schedule created by the Transit Access Advisory Committee, (TAAC,) to integrate new lift-equipped buses into the existing fleet; continue to monitor service quality to ensure compliance with the ADA; monitor planning conducted by the Metropolitan Council regarding transit needs. Housing: To work for passage of the Minnesota “Visitibility,” standards which will incorporate five standards for accessibility into any new construction of housing stock with the use of state funds. These standards include, 32 inch doorways, 42 inch hall-

Leg. 99 - cont. on p. 6

January 10, 1999

Charlie Smith

shortage of accessible housing in the metro area and outstate; the shortage of personal care attendants and direct home care workers; Metro Mobility and para-transportation in rural areas; and a wide variety of health care issues.

Editor On Tuesday, January 5th a group of approximately 50 disability advocates met with Wendy Wustenberg and Tim Penny from Governor Ventura’s office. The meeting was initiated by the governor’s office and was the first time a governor has ever brought advocates together to ask us about the issues facing us.

A wide range of concerns were raised by meeting participants. While not complete, the following list summarizes many of the items discussed: The waiting lists for people with developmental disabilities; the

Although it was extremely encouraging that the governor’s staff hosted this meeting and listened to our concerns, we cannot expect this one meeting to result in all the changes we need. This was a first step in building a relationship, which will require ongoing work to maintain and strengthen. At the same time, we will have to

work diligently in our communities and with legislators and other government officials to move our agendas forward. **** Our lead story this month summarizes the legislative priorities set by various disability groups around the state. The list of priorities can be overwhelming, as there are so many needs. Each of us must be responsible to identify which of the priorities is most important to us and lend our energy to move it (them) forward. The organizations will need all our help to be successful.

Next month we will carry the priorities of organizations that were unable to meet the January deadline. If your group has a legislative agenda that you would like to see included, please contact us. **** Page 9 of this issue includes an updated Directory of Organizations. We are including it now to help sort out all the new area code changes. If there are other changes needed for your organization, please let us know.

We welcome John Schatzlein as the new coordinator of the Religion and Disability column. John promises to continue Mary Jane’s tradition of a highly diverse format, including views from many different spiritual traditions. We are happy that Pete Feigal has agreed to continue with the Mental Illness column. In the coming year, he will act more as coordinator than monthly columnist, resulting in a wide range of articles by a diverse group of writers. As always, we encourage your feedback on all the columns. It’s great to hear from you. 

****

Courage Center Names New Bus Boarding Policy New Executive Director B eginning Jan. 1, Metro Transit revised its boarding policy to allow customers using the hydraulic lift on buses so equipped to enter the bus first.

ric Stevens, executive director of Minnetonkabased St. David’s Child Development and Family Services since 1979, has been named Courage Center’s new Executive Director. Eric brings a distinguished and diverse background of professional executive and community leadership in the nonprofit, education, social service, and disability fields. At St. David’s he built a reputation for such things as: building shared vision and values among staff, board, clients and community; providing strong and entrepreneurial leadership in strategic planning and organizational change and growth; fundraising and financial planning abilities; and his ability to develop and build social service programs recognized for abilities in seven rural school their excellence. districts. He also served as an early childhood adjunct proEric built St. David’s from a fessor at St. Cloud State, small organization with 15 staff Moorhead State and Grays and a $200,000 budget to a Harbor College, worked for the comprehensive education and Yakima Valley College and human services agency with Yakima Valley Mental Health 350 staff providing services in Center in Washington, and early education and child abuse served as a VISTA manageprevention, as well as services ment consultant to minority to children with disabilities and businesses in CA and AZ. their families. He serves on the boards of Prior to joining St. David’s, directors of the Forum for NonEric developed an innovative, Profit Leadership, the United statewide model for early child- Way of Minneapolis Area hood special education pro- Council of Agency Executives, grams for children with dis- and the Children’s Museum,

Previously, customers using the lift had to wait until customers using the steps were on the bus before boarding.

where he is currently chairing its President Search Committee. He is a former board member of Arc of Hennepin County and served a term as board president for this advocacy organization for people with developmental disabilities. During the past 15 years he’s also taken active leadership roles in the Twin West Chamber of Commerce and the Hopkins-Mntka Rotary Club. Since 1986 Eric also has been a professional coach and consultant, assisting organizations and individuals with business development, strate-

ACCESS PRESS Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996) ................................................................... Wm. A. Smith, Jr. Editor/Publisher/Co-Founder ............................................................................. Charles F. Smith Cartoonist ..................................................................................................................... Scott Adams Production .......................................................................... Presentation Images, Ellen Houghton Editorial Assistant .............................................................................................. Donna McNamara ACCESS PRESS is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Circulation is 10,000, distributed the 10th of each month through more than 150 locations statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $15/yr. Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest to persons with disabilities, or persons serving those with disabilities, are welcomed. Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $14 to $18/column inch, depending on size and frequency. Classified ads are $8.00, plus 35 cents/word over 20 words. Advertising and editorial deadlines are the 30th of the month preceding publication; special scheduling available for camera-ready art. Access Press is available on tape. Call MN State Services for the Blind, 651-642-0500 or 800-652-9000. Inquiries should be directed to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. W. • Suite 185N • St. Paul, Minnesota 55104 • (651) 644-2133 • Fax (651) 644-2136

Metro Transit currently offers fully accessible service (buses with lifts or ramps on all trips) on Minneapolis/St. Paul routes 16, 21, 50 and 94B; Minneapolis routes 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 18, 19, 28 and 80; and St. Paul routes Having customers in wheel- 4, 14, 22 and 54. chairs board first reduces the amount of time they are ex- Bus route and schedule inforposed to the elements and also mation is available by phone at assures ample onboard space 612-373-3333 (TTY 612- 341for wheelchairs. The policy 0140) or on-line at www.metro shift was developed in coop- transit.org. Twenty-four hour eration with the Minneapolis automated schedule informaMayor’s Advisory Committee tion is available by touch-tone on People with Disabilities. phone at 612-341-4BUS. At their destinations, customers who use the lift are the last to exit the bus, allowing customers who use the steps to exit before the driver activates the lift.

gic planning, marketing and board development. Among those he has served are the Leadership Institute of Seattle, Shell Oil Company, East Side Neighborhood Services, and the Greater Minneapolis “We’re working with our driv- Metro Transit is one of the Day Care Association. ers to make sure they’re aware largest transit systems in the of the importance of this change central United States and opEric holds Master’s degrees in and are educating customers - erates 114 local, express and Applied Behavioral Science whether they use the lift or not contract bus routes in the Minfrom the Leadership Institute - to the change,” said Georgia neapolis/St. Paul metropolitan of Seattle and in Education from Stinson, assistant director of area. Customers board its Washington State University. transportation - garage opera- buses more than 63 million times He was awarded a Bush Fel- tions. each year.  lowship from the University of MN in 1982 and a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Economics from Queens College of the City University of NY. Eric also attended Stanford Graduate School of BusiMINNESOTA STATE COUNCIL ness in CA for one year before ON DISABILITY he was recruited to VISTA. Eric resides in St. Louis Park with his spouse, Caroline. They have a daughter, Jessica, who is married and lives in Boston where she is in medical school. His personal interests include hiking and backpacking in the wilderness, music, gardening, photography, reading, writing, physical fitness and enjoying the company of close friends. He finds great fulfillment and enjoyment from his community service work and from continuing his learning, personal development, coaching and mentoring others and cultivating spirituality. 

FREE PUBLICATION The Connector A quarterly newsletter by the Council providing information on disability issues. Subscribe today! Call 651-296-6785 (V/TTY) in the Twin Cities metro area; or toll-free, 1-800-945-8913 (V/TTY). E-mail: council.disability@state.mn.us Fax: 651-296-5935 SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION

Title XX Cuts Curtail FRIENDS Program F

RIENDS, a program of Mental Health Resources, Inc. since 1985, has been notified by Ramsey County Human Services that the county is reducing their funding by $65,000 in 1999 due to cuts in federal Title XX social services funding. FRIENDS is part of the continuum of care service network provided by Ramsey County Human Services for persons with serious and persistent mental disorders. However, the program’s scope will be severely curtailed as a result of this loss of funds. The experience of having a mental disorder often leads to a sense of disenfranchisement and difficulty in participating in society. The support group challenges societal misconceptions and provides a setting for individuals to be both appreciated and to better appreciate themselves. Membership in a peer support group can lead to changes in self-concept as one finds a contributing role. Group members are the experts on how mental disorders are experienced, the effects of stigma, mental health treatment, how to obtain services, and practical solutions to problems that arise. Because they have shared or similar experi-

ences, peers are often in a better position to help each other than professionals or others who are more detached from the situation. Being part of a small support group often leads to an increase in confidence which readies members to find roles in the wider community. FRIENDS groups are set up so there is extensive staff assistance and facilitation in the initial stages of group formation and development. As the groups progress and participants learn new skills, staff involvement decreases and group members take on more leadership and responsibility. The FRIENDS Program has evolved into a unique and effective model for utilizing professional assistance in the creation of mutual help groups which then become self-supporting. The program was developed to assist people in building strong relationships among themselves and becoming more responsible, contributing members of the larger community. There are three program components: FRIENDS ONE, FRIENDS TOO and the FRIENDS community. At any one time, the FRIENDS ONE program has 7-10 support groups serving between 50 and

January 10, 1999

IN BRIEF . . . . Vinland Receives Housing Grant Vinland National Center re- fordable supportive housing peer-run shared housing pro-

cently received a $75,000 grant from Minnesota Housing Fi70 individuals. The FRIENDS nance Agency’s (MHFA) TOO program includes former Housing Trust Fund. Funds FRIENDS ONE group members will be used to establish afthat meet for support and socialization independently of staff. The FRIENDS commuEffective January 1, 1999, nity offers volunteer opportuMetro Transit is testing a new nities for leadership and sotype of “low-floor” bus. The cialization for both FRIENDS agency recently purchased 10 ONE and FRIENDS TOO memof these buses, which will be bers. used on Routes 16 and 50. Both these routes travel along UniAs a result of the funding cuts, no new groups will be started and the Monday night meeting will be discontinued. Be- Hennepin County Domestic cause of limited staff time, lead- Abuse Service Center (DASC) ership training, community is a service designed to procommittee meetings and some vide victims/survivors of dosocial activities will be curtailed. mestic abuse a whole range of In addition, there will be less government and nonprofit serstaff support to groups in the important early stages of their development, a cornerstone of The St. Paul Mayor’s Advithe program’s success. Publi- sory Committee for People with cation of a program manual Disabilities received Honorpromoting the FRIENDS model able Mention for their project is also severely compromised entered in the National Organiby the announced cuts. zation on Disability Community Awards Competition. FRIENDS staff and participants are formulating a plan for responding to the cuts, includ- Three housing information ing public education and work sessions will be held on Tue. with policy makers. For more evenings from 6:30-7:30 P.M. information or to get involved, in the MCIL library, 1600 Unicontact Carol Rynders at Men- versity Ave. West, Suite 16, St. tal Health Resources, 651-659- Paul. Anita Olson, Marketing 2900.  Specialist from the Department

for eight adults who have been diagnosed with both chemical dependency and cognitive disablities due to traumatic brain injury. The lodge is a

gram in which a small group of adults with disabilities live together and share work, finances and mutual support and friendship.

New Style City Bus In Use versity Avenue between downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul; Route 50 is the limited-stop bus. The buses feature floors that are nearly level with city curbs to allow step-free boarding, and

have ramps rather than hydraulic lifts to allow customers who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices to board more quickly and easily.

DASC Seeks Volunteers vices in one location in the Hennepin County Government Center. The Center seeks volunteer Family Court Advocates for weekly, four hour shifts. Volunteers are reim-

bursed for parking expenses. Training held January 12 and 13. For more information, call Deb Leavitt at 612-348-6454.

NOD Praises St. Paul Committee The Committee was recognized for its efforts to make employers aware of the number of people with disabilities available for work in the Twin Cities. In collaboration with KSTPTV, the committee produced a

public service announcement for television. In addition, fifty-six employers who hire people with disabilities were recognized at a breakfast held on October 15th.

MCIL Hosts Housing Info Session Tue., Jan. 26, 1999, Suzy Wheeler, Consumer Credit Counseling Services: Credit Reporting/Cleaning Up Your Credit.

Tue., March 23, 1999, HUD Community Builder, The Department of Housing and Urban Development: Fair Housing/Equal Opportunity.

Tue., Feb. 23, 1999, Minneapo- Please call Jeanne Crowe, 651of Housing and Urban Devel- lis Public Housing Authority: 603-2008 by Jan. l9th to register opment (HUD), will facilitate. How to Market Yourself/Sell- for the Jan. 26th session. The sessions are as follows: ing Yourself to a Landlord.

ACT - Cont. from p. 1 demonstrated significant skills in administration and program development. Rick has more than 25 years of experience in community organizing and systems advocacy, including a position with Senator Wellstone’s office. Kennedy and Cardenas will share the organization’s administration functions, and both will have time to implement ACT programs. “They will make a great team,” said David Harris, Board President. ACT is working to integrate within its organizational structure base values that leadership opportunities need to be shared among many players; implementing the vision of the organization takes the active participation of many people; and a successful learning organization creates opportunities for everyone to learn - no matter the position or role within the organization. ACT develops strategies for action from lessons learned. The decision to add new Board membership, name new officers, and create a model of shared executive leadership demonstrates a commitment to these values.

Because the vision is to create in society an everyday experience where the human and civil rights of persons with developmental disabilities are realized, ACT works to develop leaders within the disability community who will organize to address social, economic, and civil rights. One of the landmark strategies to build sustained leadership within the disability community is the Common Vision Workshop. Currently funded by a grant through the Department of Economic Security, this 32+ hour workshop leads participants in a process of developing a leadership framework and practicing the skills needed to lead change. Participants explore an historical reflection of disability issues and movements from ancient to modern times. They learn what a leader is and is not. They identify their own skills and the skills needed to work on human and civil rights issues. They work on a shared vision of the society they want to create and identify what they will address in the community and the workplace that will help create this vision. Participants give the

workshop high marks. The four-day workshop process plus the many opportunities to practice the lessons learned allow for a deeper leadership training experience.

Board and staff get high marks for making the necessary organizational changes that will utilize the strengths of each person and for developing leadership training models for persons with disabilities that lead Building leaders to create to successful social action.  change takes time. The ACT

Community Supports for People with Brain Injuries "Pediatric Supports Available" Call Kerry Burak or Susan Howry at (612) 922-6776

January 10, 1999

Religion & Disability

On Mental Illness

Welcome & Justice For The Art Of Being Persons With Disabilities Mentally Ill submitted by John Schatzlein This article is taken from A Statement of the U. S. Catholic 4. Defense of the right to life Bishops, November 19, 1998 implies the defense of all other rights which enable wenty years ago we isthe individual with the dissued a statement calling ability to achieve the fullfor the inclusion of persons est measure of personal with disabilities in the life of development of which he the Church and community. In or she is capable. These 1982 the National Catholic Ofinclude the right to equal fice for Persons with Disabiliopportunity in education, ties was established to proin employment, in housing mote this ministry. And in 1995 and in health care as will as we strengthened our committhe right to free access to ment with the passage of the public accommodations, “Guidelines for the Celebrafacilities and services. tion of Persons with Disabilities.” 5. Parish liturgical, celebrations and catechtical proThe moral framework is based grams should be accessible upon Catholic documents and to persons with disabilities serves as a guide for contemand open to their full, acplation and action. We hope tive and conscious particithat the reaffirmation of the pation, according to their following principles will assist capacity. the faithful in bringing the principles of justice and inclusion 6. Since the parish is the door to the many new and evolving to participation in the Chrischallenges confronted by pertian experience, it is the resons with disabilities today. sponsibility of both pastors and laity to assure that 1. We are a single flock under those doors are always the care of a single shepopen. Costs must never be herd. There can be no sepathe controlling considerrate Church for persons ation limiting the welcome with disabilities. offered to those among us with disabilities, since pro2. Each person is created in vision of access to reliGod’s image, yet there are gious functions is a pastovariations in individual abiliral duty. ties. 7. We must recognize and 3. Our defense of life and reappreciate the contribution jection of the culture of persons with disabilities death requires that we accan make to the Church’s knowledge the dignity and spiritual life, and encourpositive contributions of age them to do the Lord’s our brothers and sisters work in the world accordwith disabilities. We ing to their God-given talunequivocally oppose ents and capacity. negative attitudes toward disability which often lead 8. We welcome qualified indito abortion, medical rationviduals with disabilities to ing and euthanasia. ordination, to consecrated life, and to full time, professional service in the Church.

by Peter Feigal 9. Often, families are not prepared for the birth of a child with a disability or the development of impairments. Our pastoral response is to become informed about disabilities and to offer ongoing support to the families and welcome to the child. 10. Evangelization efforts are most effective when promoted by diocesan staff and parish committees which include persons with disabilities. Where no such evangelization efforts exist, we urge that they be developed. We join the Holy Father in calling for actions which “ensure that the power of salvation may be shared by all” (John Paul II, Tertio Millennio Adveniente, n. 16). Furthermore, we encourage all Catholics to study the original U.S. Bishops and Vatican documents from which these principles were drawn.

his funny, heartbreaking, little tongue-in-cheek essay was written by a teenage writer. To use the term ‘mentally ill’ loosely for anyone who wanders in the hospital door looking befuddled betrays those individuals who have worked long and hard to achieve the disease. People who have attempted mental illness without the necessary chemical imbalances and correct family background have universally failed...they can erupt into ill-like behavior in combat, or when caught in some other mad or intolerable situation, but they are unable to sustain that behavior when the environment seems to right itself. The same point applies to the variety of fascinating drugs which are falsely said to induce psychosis. Not only does the drug influence miss the essence of the experience but the effect wears off rapidly. The occasional ‘goat’ who manages to be mentally ill after the drug has left his system is easily separated from the ‘sheep’ who go back to normal - he has come from the right kind of family and probably would have achieved his illness even without the benefit of medical research.

terpersonal relations. To achieve mental illness a man must have experienced a mother who has a range of behavior unequaled by the most accomplished of actresses. She is capable, when stung (which can occur whenever any suggestion is made to her) of weeping, promising violence, expressing concern, threatening to go mad and fall apart, being kind and pious, and offering to flee the country if another word is said. The Father: Must teach him to be immovable. The father has a stubbornness unequaled among men (as well as the skill to keep a woman in the state of exasperated despair which helps mother make use of her range of behavior.) On occasions when present and sober such a father can easily say, “I am Right, God in heaven knows I cannot be proven wrong, black is not white, and you know it too in your heart of hearts.”

the family together. Although social scientists, even family therapists, haven’t yet the vaguest idea how to prevent a family from disintegrating, the mentally ill child accomplishes this with ease. It is his duty to use his keen perception in interpersonal skill to maintain the family system in a stable state, even if that state is a mood of constant despair. His importance in this function appears on those rare occasions when the ill child abandons his disease and becomes normal, succeeding in life and leaving his family. His parents at once individually collapse, losing their sense of purpose in life, and they set about to divorce. If, on the other hand, the family situation deteriorates, requiring heroic measures on the part of the mentally ill child...

The Mental Collapse: This is merely a more extreme version of other behavior of the ill child at times of family crisis, but this The Sibling: (Important but time it precipitates him into a not essential) The kind of per- situation which calls forth all son who is hated on contact, a his skill. For consultation and assisdo-gooder, a good-in-schooler, tance contact: a sweet, weak kind bastard of a The Treatment Situation: Only in the mental hospital can menNational Catholic Office for sibling. tal illness achieve its full flowPersons with Disabilities The Budding Mentally Ill ering. Just as a plant reaches P.O. Box 29113 Washington D.C. 20017-0113 Child: Must hold a certain its greatest growth in well-ma(202) 529-2933 v/tty; position in the family. Like any nured ground, so does the ill The Family: As individuals, artist, several hours a day of child achieve his full range on (202) 529-4678 fax the family members are unrec- practice over many years is the closed wards of mental E-mail: ncpd@ncpd.org institutions. Yet, oddly ognizable on the street, but necessary. enough, the first reaction of bring them together and the John Schatzlein outstanding feature is immedi- It is the primary function of the the ill child to hospitalization is Catholic Charities ately apparent: a kind of form- menally ill child to be the rep- a stout objection. Office for Persons with less, bizarre despair overlaid resentative failure in the famdisAbilities with a veneer of glossy hope ily. The mentally ill child shows The Hospital: The outstand215 Old Sixth St. and good intentions conhis artistry by achieving more ing feature of a mental instituSt. Paul, MN 55102-1077 cealing a power-struggle-to- than usual ability along this tion is a kind of formless, bi(651) 215-2216 v the-death coated with a qual- line, while also indicating at zarre despair overlaid with a (651) 222-4581 fax ity of continual confusion. regular intervals that he could veneer of glossy hope and E-mail: jhnshotzln@aol.com  do quite a good job at succeed- good intentions concealing a The Mother: Just as the child ing if he wanted to, thus giving power-struggle-to-the-death in a circus family learns from his parents sufficient cause for between patients and staff, coated with a quality of conhis parents how to maneuver disappointment. tinual confusion. The basic art on the slack wire, so does the ill child learn from his mother to The primary responsibility of of mental illness lies in a genius maneuver acrobatically in in- the mentally ill child is to hold for dealing with power struggles, and of course in a mental hospital the problem of power is central. It should not be thought that the struggle between patient and staff is unequal. True, the staff has drugs, tubs, cold packs, shock Home Care Services treatments (both insulin and Available 24 hours per day electric), brain operations, isolation cells, control of food and Specializing in the care of Children • Adults • Elderly all privileges, and the ability to form in gangs composed of We provide Personal Care Assistants • Home Health aides, nurses, social workers, Aides • Homemakers • Live-in Caregivers • Nursing psychologists and psychiaOur Rehabilitative Services include: Physical/ trists. The mentally ill child Occupational/Speech/Respiratory Therapies lacks all these appurtenances PCA Provider Organization of power, including the use of gang tactics, since he is essenMA/Waiver/Medicare Certified tially a loner, but he has his 544-0315 or 1-800-231-0315 manner, his words and a stout and determined heart.”

Disability Culture

Children With Disabilities & Disability Culture: Raising A ‘Bicultural’ Family Member by Deborah Leuchovius

t may not be obvious to parents of children with disabilities that there is such a thing as disability culture. And if there is such a thing, what relevance or value it might have for their children. The parents of Deaf children are probably an exception. Because of the more obvious links between communication, language and culture as well as an activist Deaf community, the shared culture of the Deaf community is somewhat easier to identify. It may be less obvious to parents of children with other disabilities, but similar issues exist for the rest of us. We would do well to learn from the experiences of Deaf/hearing families as well as other ‘bicultural’ or multi-racial families. I have often thought that having a child with a disability must have some similarities to parenting an adopted child of a different culture or race. You love your child just the way she or he is, of course, and you want them to be a full participant in the society you have grown up in and are part of, but you also feel some sense of obligation to communicate the culture and history of your child’s own unique heritage. What could this mean for families of children with disabilities? Our sons and daughters with disabilities can benefit if we as parents embrace disability culture and seek to find ways to pass on the history and heritage that they share with other people with disabilities. To me, the most valuable by-product of such efforts is what disability activists call ‘disability pride.’ To me, seeking ‘disability pride’ doesn’t mean we are asking our children to be proud of their disability in any specific way, so much as having no shame about it, and being proud of ‘who you are.’ It is important for the psychological development of our child that they recognize “I am a person with a disability,” and that they accept their disability as part of who they are. It is also important they do not equate disability with victimhood, dependency, or inadequacy. Disability pride means recognizing your disability has shaped you in a way that has provided you with unique and valuable insights into yourself, others and society which you could not have obtained any other way. And that you value and are proud of that.

tions that can help parents and children reflect on the meaning of disability in their lives. What cultural beliefs about disability have been passed on to us from previous generations? Do we think of disability as a punishment, a trial, a personal failure? How do our inherited beliefs affect the messages we send our children? How could Helen Keller have been the person we know as Helen Keller if she were not deaf and blind? How does living with disability foster creativity - force us to find new ways of doing or thinking about things? If Henri Matisse had not developed arthritis, would he ever have created his exceptional cutpaper collages? Learning about disability culture can help our children realize that they have a rich heritage. They are not alone. Theirs is a history of struggle and oppression, and of love and empowerment. People with disabilities have produced their own heroes and role models that can inspire our sons and daughters. So how do we foster an awareness of disability culture at home? A first step is giving our children permission to talk openly about their disability with us. If they can’t talk about their own disability and their feelings about it, how can they ever accept their disability(s) as part of who they are? We need to reassure them that even while we are trying to treat their disability and reduce or prevent any loss of function, we do not see our children themselves as failures. Likewise, with all the emphasis on medical treatments and surgical interventions in our lives, we may give youth the impression their condition will be cured, when the outcome may only be a lessening of symptoms or a partial return of function.

Secondly, in our eagerness to see our children included in mainstream society, we should not deny the value of disability centered events. We should provide our sons and daughters with opportunities to talk with peers with disabilities their own age, and with adults with disabilities in our communities. Look to the disability organizations you are a member of, schools, and centers for independent living to see what social groups or peer or adult mentoring programs they might offer — as well as your own friends or family members with disabilities. Let’s face it, The study of disability culture they have personal experiences can prompt all kinds of ques- that we do not share, however

much disability has affected our own lives. Our children are likely to feel more free to express themselves to others who have had the same experiences and some insights can’t be passed on any other way. Thirdly, we should promote more opportunities for our sons and daughters to learn about their culture and history. We can encourage teachers to integrate disability history and the contributions of people with disabilities into their regular classroom curriculum. You could ask your son or daughter’s social studies teacher to point out that Franklin Delano Roosevelt used a wheelchair, and consider having a class discussion about why that was kept hidden from the public. Transition programs should instruct students with disabilities about their civil rights, but they could also discuss how the American disability rights movement reflects our forefathers’ pursuit of independence, liberty and equality.

January 10, 1999

Hello Nicole: Dear Nicole, Over the holidays I spent a few days with my grandparents. Age has really caught up with my grandpa. He’s been having more and more physical problems for a few years, but this year he’s gotten a lot worse. He has some sort of brain problem like Alzheimer’s and, although he mostly understands what is being said to him, he has a lot of trouble speaking. This year he couldn’t put two words together, let alone a sentence. He can say some stock phrases like, “How are you?” and “Love you” but if I talk to him he can’t respond and gets frustrated. I know he was happy to see me over the holidays, but he kept away from me most of the time. He watches a lot of TV, especially football, but he got mad whenever I came in the TV room and asked him about the game. I tried not to say anything to him in the TV room, but it’s hard not to try and make conversation. I’ve always had a close relationship with my grandpa and we used to play cards and talk a lot during my visits. I don’t mind if it’s hard to figure out what he’s trying to say. I have a lot of friends with speech disabilities and I know I just need to be patient and ask them questions if I don’t understand what they’ve said. It hurts my feelings that now my grandpa only wants to be with his dog! How can I get him to pay attention to me? I know he must be lonesome.

our minds that when we’re old we’ll feel differently about being old than we would if we woke up tomorrow morning and found our bodies suddenly eighty-five years old. This kind of reasoning often leads to the idea that therefore we don’t have to think about getting old until it happens. But we don’t suddenly become different people when we turn seventy or eighty, anymore than we do when we turn thirty. This is not to say people never change, only that we don’t change automatically. When it comes to aging, there is little social support or appreciation for the losses and grief inevitable in aging. We seem to regard it as an unsavory aspect of life, the inevitability of which (or our desire to deny it) lessens it’s importance. However, seniors need a lot of support - as much as a new baby. Transitioning into and out of life are equally important and difficult life stages involving a lot of change. Your grandpa is the same person he has always been, only now his body is breaking down. Most of us don’t realize our lives are whizzing by until something happens to stop us in our tracks. It’s scary to experience our body “giving out” and our having no control - perhaps this is especially true with people who’ve lived in physical health without giving much thought to their own body’s vulnerability. The physical losses involved in aging can leave us feeling out of place or useless when we are no longer able to contribute, or participate in the ways we’ve been accustomed. For example, no longer being able to cook, or drive a car, or talk, or stand up from a chair, are all painful losses. Some people are ashamed of their physical decline or start to feel like failures for not being able to do what they’ve been doing effortlessly their whole lives. Some seniors choose to stay home by themselves rather then try to

function around others with their newly-unpredictable health. It’s natural for humans to want to avoid embarrassing or frustrating situations. In your grandpa’s case this means communicating. I think it’s good that you have some experience talking with people who have communication difficulties. You’re right that the best thing you can do is have patience and ask questions so that you can let the person know you really want to hear what they’re saying. However, although you may have the patience to let your grandpa work words out at his own speed, he may not have the patience needed for himself. It’s easy to see how people who have trouble communicating can become lonesome or isolated, and I’m sure your grandpa is no exception, but forcing (or encouraging) him to talk when he doesn’t want to will only destroy trust in your relationship. You could be a great help to him, but I don’t think your help at this stage can mean trying to engage him in talk. What struck me about this letter is your observation that your grandpa only wants to be with his dog. I think the key to your grandpa’s heart is to become as much as possible like his dog. Sit with him quietly; expect nothing. Drop formalities of striking up casual “comfortable” conversation. Maybe offer to hold his hand and then look away so he knows you don’t mean he has to talk or do anything but sit with you. Often eye contact can lead to discomfort if a conversation does not arise, so for now let him be the initiator of eye contact. Let him see that you only want his love and that you don’t expect anything from him in return but quiet companionship. Make every effort not to talk to him, especially don’t ask

Postsecondary institutions could offer Disability Studies programs to provide students with opportunities to pursue such subjects in even greater depth. And conferences sponsored by disability organizations for families and youth should consider adding pre- Sincerely, Lonesome sentations about disability history and culture in addition to Dear Lonesome, their normal fare of medical and Aging is normal and natural, legal topics. but not easy, especially in To quote California clinical today’s society where we tend social worker Karen Donovan, to choose to ignore the reality “Integration into the main- of age (and ignore our aged stream is the desired goal, but population) until we have no the part that gets overlooked longer have a choice. is that an individual needs to Nicole - cont. on p. 11 know who she or he is, and We might believe in the back of how one’s experiences have shaped one’s identity. These Handi Medical Supply experiences, painful, joyous, 2505 University Avenue West or whatever, have to be made St. Paul, Minnesota 55114 part of one’s own personal hisAt Hwy. 280 & University Avenue tory.” Learning about disability culture can enrich the life of HANDI MEDICAL SUPPLY your child, promote a young persons’s self-knowledge and Visit Our Large, Fully-stocked showroom open to the public. self-worth, and expand one’s own awareness of the history and contributions of people • Wheelchairs/with complete • Commode & shower chairs with disabilities. 

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Deborah Leuchovius is a parent of a teenager with a disability. Two helpful resources for families interested in exploring this issue are “The Disability Rights Movement” and “Exceptional People with Disabilities,” by Deborah Kent, (Grolier Press). For info. on ordering these books, contact Project PRIDE at the PACER Ctr, 612-827-2966.

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January 10, 1999

LEG. 99 - Cont. from p. 1 ways, at least one “no step entrance,” one adaptable bathroom on the main floor, accessible outlets, light switches and other environmental controls. PCA Licensure: MCIL will work for: a licensure program which allows for consumers who are capable of directing their own care to do so; a program which supports capacity building for consumers who may be capable of directing their own care with training; a program which allows for enough flexibility to cover the range of abilities and needs within the population which uses PCA services; a program which allows for the inclusion and coverage of private-pay consumers.

with disabilities; Support a strong fiscal commitment from the State of MN for the education of students birth through age 22; Work for protection of children and young adults with disabilities in the education process by examining all proposals for language changes that might impact students with disabilities; Monitor and analyze any proposals to amend or change current special education statutes and/or rules.

TRANSPORTATION: Advocate for improving the paratransit system in the areas of efficiency and sensitivity training. Encourage the use of public transportation, whenever possible; Monitor legislation pertaining to light rail transit to ensure accessibility for perMCIL will support cost-of-Liv- sons with disabilities. ing raises for Personal Service Assistants. HEALTH CARE: Support the passage of legislation that United Cerebral Palsy of would define services or prodMinnesota, Inc. ucts that insurers would be United Cerebral Palsy of Min- required to pay for or cover nesota, Inc. has taken the po- those products or services that sition to “Watch, Protect and encourage the independence, Defend” with respect to legis- productivity, and/or overall lation pertaining to the rights health of the individual inof people with disabilities. sured; Support the passage of legislation that would allow for EDUCATION: Monitor all pro- the payment or coverage by posals relating to education insurers for products or serfunding in Minnesota’s vices provided to the insured schools. Work to insure that including, but not limited to: any proposed changes do not durable medical equipment, negatively impact special edu- communication assistive decation funding for students vices, personal care attendant

served each year; Consumer Action Networks grants which link rural residents with disabilities with resources for training, assessment, provision and follow-up services of assistive technology in six areas of the state serving over 500 people each year; Toll free telephone assistance and newsletter, reaching over 4,000 consumers, professionals, and family members each month on commercially available products and funding assistance; Funding Directory - STAR produces the only statewide comprehensive directory of funding assistance for individuals in need of assistive technology over 100,000 distributed to date; Scholarships to conferences of international significance; Individual assistance and advocacy to an averSTAR Program age of 300 individuals per (System of Technology month; Five new protections to Achieve Results) for consumers of assistive Request: Appropriation of technology enacted in law or $900,000 for this biennium to policy. continue its work in assuring access to assistive technol- Request: $210,000 to expand ogy to all Minnesotans with the current pilot project servDisabilities. This funding ing the seven county metrowould allow for the continua- politan area and southwestern tion of: Minnesota counties to give Regional Assistive Technol- statewide access to augmenogy Grants to rural areas which tative and alternative commuprovide technology to meet nication (AAC) education and the needs of individuals with recycling services. While the disabilities through internet AAC Pilot Project was funded access, employment search through the Department of opportunities, training and Human Services budget, this development of new technol- proposal effectively moves ogy; 8 grants, 400 individuals statewide implementation to

services; and transportation costs for individuals with disabilities; Monitor any proposals for administrative or legislative changes to the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program to protect the interests of person with disabilities and their families; Participate and support the Campaign for a Healthy Minnesota to use tobacco settlement dollars to address current unmet health and longterm care needs for all Minnesotans and not replace existing funding for health and longterm care programs, services and infrastructure; Support legislation to develop a statewide augmentative and alternative communication device program; Support full funding for the Health Care Consumer Assistance Office.

Metro Transit

Government Operations enabling service to all Minnesotans with severe communication disabilities. Courage Center Courage Center has prioritized their 1999 legislative agenda into two categories. The following areas are being given the most priority for proactive strategizing.

needs such as retirement or to buy a house; to secure legislative approval to pursue federal waivers, demonstration projects or other opportunities to remove Social Security barriers to employment; and to promote better cross-departmental coordination among state agencies on issues related to removing policy barriers to employment of people with disabilities.

Transit: Full funding for Metro Mobility; and strength- Vocational rehabilitation: ening the role of consumers in Full funding for vocational accessible transit planning. rehabilitation services for people with disabilities. Publicly-funded health care programs: Full funding for New medical assistance MA services needed by people managed care models: To with disabilities; an increase in ensure strong service delivery MA reimbursement for ser- standards, consumer protecvices needed by people with tions and consumer involvedisabilities so providers can ment as mandatory, countycontinue to recruit and retain based projects (DPPD) are dequalified staff; to increase the veloped; and to support AXIS maximum income allowable for Healthcare’s voluntary manMA eligibility; and to ensure aged care pilot project with that MA therapy prior authori- appropriate service delivery zation requirements do not in- standards, consumer proteccrease administrative costs, tions and consumer involvereduce services or result in ment. delays. Courage Residence: To Work incentives: To allow modify the reimbursement working persons with disabili- formula for Courage Resities to purchase continued MA dence to better correlate paycoverage on a sliding fee scale ment with actual costs to defor health and long term sup- liver the service; and to proport services not covered by pose a new, outcome-based employer-based insurance; to reimbursement model for Courexpand MA asset limits to al- age Residence which better fits low working persons with dis- our program and clientele than abilities to save for significant Leg. 99 - cont. on p. 7

n LEG. 99 - Cont. from p. 6 the current nursing home li- Strengthen the Patient Proteccensure. tion Act with provisions for alternative dispute resolution. Mental Health Legislative Permit a physician to prescribe Network Increase funding for hous- an alternative medication, withing, education, and voca- out administrative delay, when tional services for adults the prescriber determines that and children. a drug formulary does not adequately address the needs of Establish an employment ini- the patient. tiative to help people with serious mental illness enter the Define medical loss ratio and work force, succeed on the job, require its disclosure by health and move toward economic plans. self-sufficiency. Establish a mechanism for the Increase the funding for credentialing of community Bridges housing subsidies to mental health programs by $3 million per year. managed care organizations and set reasonable time limits Increase the Crisis Housing for the credentialing of staff. Fund for hospitalized individuals. Insure that court-ordered services covered by a health plan Improve the housing and sup- will be deemed medically necport options to persons with essary and paid for by the plan. serious mental illness who, without support options, will Protect the rights of people have difficulty living in the with mental illness. community. Clarify the local mental health Improve the funding of men- authority is financially respontal health services and pub- sible for the Jarvis process. lic health insurance plans. Establish special needs units Expand the MinnesotaCare in prisons for people with speprogram to better address is- cial needs, including mental sues of affordability, access, illness. and quality. License day treatment proIncrease the fee-for-service grams. Medical Assistance rates for adult and children’s mental Maintain parity health services. Maintain equal treatment Establish pay equity between and coverage for mental state, county, and community health services as stipulated service providers. in the Minnesota Law on Parity (Minnesota statutes, Provide a cost-of-living adjust62Q.47) ment to community mental health services. Insure the new insurance product, established with Continue the effort to fully fund federal Children’s Health the Children’s Mental Health care funds, includes parity Act of 1989. for mental health services. Increase funding for outreach Minnesota State Council services to homeless persons on Disability with mental illness, 1. Seek maximum funding for accessible transportation, Support enhanced funding to urban and rural Deaf persons with mental illness. 2. Insure that valid MA or insurance will cover costs of Strengthen the cultural batteries, personal care sercompetence, sensitivity, and vices, communication dediversity of the service sysvices, and transportation tem. services Improve the access, accountability, and consumer protections in managed care. Require capitated public programs to identify annually the portion of the capitation that is actually spent on mental health and chemical dependency services, reporting separately for the two population groups and using standard procedures codes. Clarify that the Mental Health parity (62Q.47) and other regulatory statutes apply to state and local government in their roles as health care purchaser, provider, and/or risk bearer.

3. Support work incentives for tion model. Issues associated people with disabilities with this include ensuring there is proper informed consent; 4. Seek increased funding for ensuring that students do not Vocational Rehabilitation receive less services; recognition of joint certification stan5. Support salary increases for dards; and requiring districts personal care attendants, not set up elaborate billing deand assist in reducing em- partments. ployment restrictions Public Guardianship: Ap6. Support a stronger accessi- proximately 4,600 people with bility requirement on com- developmental disabilities are mercial and public construc- public wards. The Commistion sioner of Human Services delegates duties for oversight to 7. Support a universal design county case managers. Case concept for residential managers also screen and condevelopment in both fund- tract for services on behalf of ing and practice wards. 8. Support MSCOD appropria- This is viewed by many as a tion request $600,000 plus conflict of interest that will be $300,000 new initiative particularly troubling as the system continues to give counArc Minnesota ties more authority in securing Waiting Lists: Over 4200 and contracting for services. people and families in Minne- The Department of Human sota with mental retardation Services may have a proposal and other disabilities are on to shift responsibility for pubwaiting lists for services. Arc lic wards to other entities not Minnesota is working with the associated with county case Disability Law Center and other management responsibilities. parties to implement the “A Arc MN supports this shift. Key of Our Own - Unlock the Waiting List” campaign. Leg- Personal Care Attendant Serislation being drafted will seek vices: The Department of Huadditional funding for these man Services has been planservices, encourage counties ning to bring forward legislato jointly manage their pro- tion to create more flexibility in grams and provide consumers this program. The Department more control over the funding of Health is seeking to develop being used to purchase sup- licensure requirements for perport services. sonal care assistance agencies. It is unclear how these proposSpecial Education Rules: As a als will affect persons with disresult of legislation passed in 1998, all Minnesota Special Education rules that exceed Federal minimum requirements will sunset on July 1, 1999. This may result in the gutting of education services for children with disabilities. Our goal is to extend the sunset date, and this will require advocates and parents convincing legislators of the importance of current state rules. Third Party Billing: Legislation passed last session requires school districts to bill public and private third-party payers (health plans) for all health-related services provided by school districts beginning July 1, 1999. Arc supports postponing the implementation date or further clarifying responsibilities and creating an efficient implementa-

January 10, 1999 abilities; Arc will monitor any proposals put forward and advocate on behalf of people with disabilities.

priorities in which the Society will be taking a strong proactive role. • Fully fund Metro Mobility to restore past reductions in operation & service areas • To improve involvement of consumers in addressing accessible transit needs • To ensure new light rail system meets the needs of people with disabilities

Health Care Consumer Assistance Office: In 1998, advocates were successful in passing a bill authorizing the creation of an office of Health Care Consumer Assistance. However, minimal funding was authorized. Arc will support the additional funding needed Publicly Funded Health Care for this office to be effective. • To secure increases (inflationary) in the amount of monthly Provider Cost of Living Allo- income that people with discation: The disability service abilities can keep to qualify system continues to have ma- for MA. jor problems attracting and • To find an alternative source keeping direct care staff in spite for prescription drug coverof the fact that COLAs have age for people on Medicare. been passed during the last • Ensure adequate funding for two sessions. Arc supports PCA program so that more increased funding of the sys- people with MS can remain independent. tem. 24 Hour Control: When the state-operated Regional Treatment Centers (RTC) closure legislation was passed, the state was given until the year 2000 to ensure that no one receive both residential and day services from the RTCs. Approximately 175 people continue to receive both services from the state. Arc is working to ensure this legislation is enforced.

Privately Funded Health Care • To strengthen private sector coverage for durable medical equipment (DME, supplies and other services and create a standard definition of DME for all health plans to cover.

Tobacco Settlement Money • To use the tobacco settlement dollars for health related programs such as expanding MN Care, funding a prescription drug program for people with disabilities and seniors National MS Society, and more funding for perMinnesota Chapter The MS Society will promote sonal care attendants.  legislation at several levels. What follows is a list of the

January 10, 1999

Tilting At Windmills New Theater And Arts Program Opens T

ilting at Windmills is the name of a new theater and arts program with a focus on mental illnes/brain disorders and disabilities.

ASL interpreted. The actors and representatives from disability organizations lead discussions with the audience after each performance.

Their first production is a play called “Faith Healer” by noted Irish playwright Brian Friel. The play is set in rural Scotland and Wales in the years following World War II. The threeperson cast includes Frank, the faith healer; his wife Grace; and their cockney theatrical agent Teddy. It is a funny, heartbreaking story that explores issues of disability, despair, suicide, and mental illness. All performances are

The title of the new arts organization, “Tilting at Windmills,” is borrowed from Cervantes’ character Don Quixote, who sees windmills as giants and common people as great lords and ladies. According to Pete Feigal, a founding member of the company, Quixote is “the image of the mentally ill I hold in my heart.”

Center at 20th Avenue South and Riverside Avenue, in Minneapolis. Tickets are $10 for Thursday and Sunday performances and $12 for Fridays and Saturdays, and are available through Ticketmaster and Dayton’s. Financial assistance for Tilting at Windmills is being provided by People, Inc. Performances of Faith Healer will be Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, with Sunday matinees on the 9th, 16th, and 23rd at 2 pm. The January 21st performance will be audio described. 

Performances are in the theater at the Cedar Riverside People’s

St. Paul Hearing On Housing Plan

Northern Exposure Series About Disability by Linda Lattin

orthern Exposure is a monthly cable series recently begun at CTV North Suburbs in Roseville, and is playing regularly on the system’s Channel 15. “The purpose of Northern Exposure is to cover disability issues and make people a little more aware,” program host and producer Mark Hughes proudly explained when questioned about his new show. Hughes pointed out that the show is appealing because “as our demographics get older or we have a family member who is aging, we find a need for more of the things talked about on the show.”

Hughes was asked how the guests are chosen for the show. He explained that, as a person with Cerebral Palsy, he is aware of and uses a lot of the services himself. “Also when you get around town, you bump into people and start talking about things. For example, I bumped into someone who designs accessible housing and he’s Dan Reed, Marketing Director going to be on in March,’ he at Midway Training Services said. and author of the book “Paid for the Privilege - Hearing the The need for a show such as

contrast, the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 8 guidelines require that or many low-income Minfamilies spend no more than nesota seniors, the cost 30% of their income on hous- of prescription drugs takes a ing. big bite out of limited household budgets, often to the detThe draft Plan contains a plan riment of seniors’ health. But Most groups argued that the to encourage affordable housHousing Plan’s production ing, and recommends that 20 tions until replacement housgoals should be more specific. percent of all new publicly sub- ing is built. The plan does not include spe- sidized units be earmarked for Housing advocacy groups cific goals for increasing the people earning 80 percent of A man who owns several such as the St. Paul Tenants number of new units. The Ur- the RMI, which would be rental properties in St. Paul laUnion, Community Stabiliza- ban Coalition supported new $48,800 annual income. Former mented the cost of a fix-up tion Project, St. Paul Area Coun- construction of affordable Council Member Bobbi project like Selby-Dayton, saycil of Churches and the St. Paul housing but asked for a mora- Megard suggested that 40% ing that he bought an apartArea Coalition for the Home- torium on new affordable hous- be affordable to people earn- ment building for four times less organized St. Paul resi- ing in neighborhoods with over ing 50 percent of the RMI cheaper per unit than the rehab dents and organizations to at- 20% affordable housing. The (approximately). Community is costing the city, only two tend the hearing. draft Housing Plan shows that Stabilization Project and the blocks away. A District Two 7700 families earning below 30 St. Paul Tenants Union argued organizer from St. Paul’s UpAll of the 25 people who spoke percent of the Regional Me- for an inclusion of lower in- per East Side related her at the hearing addressed the dian Income (RMI), (30% is come brackets in the final Hous- group’s concerns relating to need for more affordable hous- about $18,000 per year), cur- ing Plan, like 30% of RMI or the concentration of poverty. ing. Rondo Community Land rently spend more than half people earning minimum wage their income on housing. In and a moratorium on all demoli- A tenant of 7th Place Residence related the fears he has of his many neighbors who have a physical or mental disability. HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES Although he survived a bout Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroom of homelessness, he fears the difficulty, if the St. Paul Comapartments for individuals with physical disabilities. We have housing in the panies tears down their homes, Twin Cities metropolitan area, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, of facing homelessness with a Austin, Marshall, Willmar, and Duluth. disability. Another man then spoke about the difficulty findThe apartments are fully wheelchair accessible and each building has a ing an apartment which is accentral laundry room, large community room, secured entry and an on-site cessible. Trust suggested a goal of 400 new units per year. Several groups argued for a “one-toone replacement” which means that for every unit torn down a unit would be built in its place.

caretaker.

ASI also offers shared personal care services 24 hours a day, at most locations, for adults with a physical disability and/or traumatic brain injury who qualify for Medical Assistance. For more information call (651) 645-7271 or (800) 466-7722. For services or housing call Leigh, for employment as a personal care attendant call Al or Kellie.

Accessible Space, Inc.

Northern Exposure was inadvertently highlighted on Dec. 1, when guests were forced to wait for an hour for the arrival of the host. The reason the host was tardy was that he was having a problem with his Metro Mobility ride and, ironically, this occurred on the very day that his guests included Mark Fuhrman of the Metropolitan Council, which is responsible for the Metro Mobility program! Mark Hughes shines with a positive energy that is exciting to be around and contagious. Hughes concludes by saying, “I enjoy what I’m doing and I hope it shows. I would like to send a message to people as to how good life can be.” 

New Program Pays For Seniors’ Medications

by Mark Schuller n December 7 th, 212 people attended a public hearing co-sponsored by the St. Paul Planning Commission and City Council. The focus of the hearing was the 18-page Housing Plan, a part of the city’s 10-year Comprehensive Plan, which will be submitted to the Metropolitan Council for approval in April, 1999.

Voices of Autism”, is a scheduled guest for the January 26 show. Mr. Reed, whose book gives a unique and compassionate look at some autistic characters, will be joined on the show by Gene O’Neil, Executive Director of Midwest Special Services.

The Planning Commission will submit its Housing Plan to the City Council in early January. Sometime in late January or early February the City Council will have a public hearing to decide what policy to adopt.



Mark Schuller works with the St. Paul Tenants Union.

now a remedy is on the way. Beginning Jan. 1, older residents with limited income and assets can get help purchasing prescription drugs through the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Senior Drug Program. The Senior Drug Program will pay prescription drug costs for those age 65 and over who have incomes at or below 120 percent of the federal poverty level (currently $805 per month for individuals and $1,085 for couples). Seniors with assets over $4,000 ($6,000 for couples) will not be eligible, nor will seniors who live in nursing homes.

pital and many eventually end up in nursing homes,” Varpness said. Seniors who enroll also would be enrolled in either one of two programs: one which covers all Medicare copays, co-insurance, deductibles and premiums, and the other for people with income above the poverty level, which covers the Medicare premiums only.

Program planners estimate that about 4,500 Minnesota seniors will enroll in the program by next June, and 16,500 by July 2001. County human services departments have been accepting applications for enrollment during December. The “This program is targeted at first benefits will become availpeople on the margin,” said able after January 1. James Varpness, director of Aging and Adult Services for Those enrolled in the Senior DHS. “It will help seniors live Drug Program will have their pharmacy expenses paid once independently longer. they pay a non-refundable $120 The cost of prescription drugs annual enrollment fee and a is not covered by Medicare in $25-a-month deductible (paid Minnesota and is a leading only if there are expenses that health care concern among month). Program administraMedicare recipients, Varpness tors stress that those who will said. While the Medical As- benefit from the program are sistance program does have a those who incur at least $420 in drug benefit, many seniors out-of-pocket pharmacy exhave too much income or as- penses per year. sets to qualify for that program. At the same time, a num- Seniors with questions about ber of those same seniors can- specific eligibility criteria or not afford sufficient private other aspects of the program health insurance. The Senior should contact their local Drug Program offers relief for county human services agency or their local Health Insurance those seniors. Counseling Program (that num“We know from experience that ber can be obtained by calling people who don’t take their the Senior LinkAGE Line at 1medication end up in the hos- 800-333-2433). 

January 10, 1999

Directory of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities A A Chance to Grow, Bob DeBour, 612-521-2266 AccessAbility, Inc., Bonnie Hammel, 612-331-5958 Access Project, Lynell Lindberg, 6405-2482 V, 452-1537 TTY Access to Employment, Cynthia Newbecker, 612-870-0578V/TTY Accessible Space, Inc., Stephen Vanderschaaf, 651-645-7271 Achilles Track Club-Uptown, Richard Schwartz, 612-825-3741 ACT-UP MN, Robert Halfhill, 612-870-8026 Adult Basic Education/Special Needs, Betty Sims, 651-290-4729 Advocating Change Together, Kathy Sanders, 651-641-0297 Alliance for Mentally Ill - Wash. Co., Bob Rafferty, 651-439-3800 Alliance for Mentally Ill of MN, 651-645-2948 Altern. for People with Autism, Inc, John Makepeace, 612-560-5330 Alzheimer’s Association, John Kemp, 612-830-0512 Am. Behcet's Disease Assoc., 651-645-9475, 1-800-723-4238 American Cancer Soc.- MN Div., 612-925-2772, 1-800-227-2345 Am. Cancer Soc. (Ramsey Co.), 651-644-1224 Am. Council of Blind Services, James Olsen, 612-332-3242 Amer. Diabetes Assoc., Al Barton, 612-593-5333 Amer. Heart Assoc., Robin Durand, 612-835-3300 American Lung Assoc., Dorothy Berg, 651-227-8014 Anoka Metro Reg. Treatment Ctr., Judith Krohn, 612-576-5500 ARC - Anoka & Ramsey County, Marianne Reich, 612-783-4958, Blaine; 651-778-1414 V/TTY, St. Paul ARC - Carver County, Susan Hines, 612-448-8829 ARC - Hennepin County, Kim Keprios, 612-920-0855 ARC - MN, Bob Brick, 612-827-5641, 800-582-5256 ARC - St. Croix Valley, Dick Ulrich, 651-439-0721 (Ans. service) ARC - Suburban, Joan Fawcett, 651-890-3057 ARRM, Bruce Nelson, 651-291-1086 Arthritis Foundation, Deb Dressely, 651-644-4108 Assoc. of Late-Deafened Adults, Everet Chard, 612- 871-7349 TTY, 651-297-5353 V/MRS B Blind, Inc., Joyce Scanlan, 612-872-0100 Boy Scouting for People w/ Spec. Needs, Bob Hannah, 651-224-1891 Brain Injury Assoc. of MN, Tom Goode, 612-378-2742, 800-6696442 Broken Wing Outreach, Mark Davis, 612-866-0462 C Camp for Child. & Teens w/ Epilepsy, Deborah McNally, 651-6468675, 1-800-779-0777 Camp Winnebago, Barb Cage, 507- 724-2351 Candle in the Window, Kathy Szinnyey, 1-502-895-0866 Capable Partners, 612-542-8156 Catholic Charities, Program for People with Disabilities, John Schatzlein, 651-222-3001 Center for Learning & Adaptive Student Serv. (CLASS), Sue Carlson, 612-330-1053, 612-330-1748 Chemical Injury Resource Assn. 651-643-4220 Children’s/United Hospital, 651-220-6000 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association of Minnesota, 612-943-2769 Client Assist. Project (CAP) MN, 612-332-1441 Climb Inc., Peggy Wetli, 612-227-9660 Closing the Gap, MaryAnn Harty, 1-507-248-3294 Commun. Action Council, Mary Ajax, 651-431-2424 (HELP Line) Communication Center for the Blind, Dave Andrews, 651-642-0513 Community Bridge Consortium, Pat Svendsen, 651-770-4744 V/TTY Comprehensive Seizure Ctr, Neurology,Regions Hosp. 651-221-3700 Cooperating Community Progs, Sherry Wolf-Halonen, 651-641-0041 Courage Center, Tony Lebahn, 612-520-0520 612-520-0245 TTY Crippled Child. Relief, Marilyn Blore, 612-520-0176, 520-0245 TTY Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Linda Mahoney, 612-338-0885 D Dakota Co. Social Services, 612-891-7400 Deaf Blind Services MN, Mary Hartnett, 612-871-4788 V/TTY D.E.A.F., 651-296-7393 V/TTY Disability Institute, Wendy Brower, 612-935-9343 Disability Services, City of Blmgtn, Judith Hansing, 612-881-5811, Ext. 320, Ext. 409 - Nancy Schuett TTY 612-887-9677 Div. for Persons w/ Developmental Disabilities, 651-296-2160 Div. of Rehab Services, 651-296-5616 or 800-328-9095, 651-2963900 TTY Down Syndrome Assn. Of MN, Jim Belka, 612-797-0110 DRAGnet, Gordon Gillesby, 612-378-9796 V/TTY E East Suburban Resources, Sue Schmidt, 651-351-0190 or MRS 800627-3529 ELCA Committee on Disabilities, Linda Larson, 612-788-8064 Emotions Anonymous, Karen Meed, 651-647-9712 Epilepsy Found., 651-646-8675, 800-779-0777, 651-297-5353 TTY

N National Ataxia Foundation, Donna Gruetzmacher, 612-553-0020 Nat’l Center for Youth w/ Disabilities, Elizabeth Latts, 612-6262825, 612-624-3939 TTY National Spinal Cord Injuries Association, Roger 651-464-7559 North Suburban Consumer Advocates for the Handicapped (NSCAH), Jesse Ellingworth, 612-783-4708, 612-783-4724 TTY Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council, 612-493-2802 V/TTY O Office for Students w/ Disabilities, Mpls. Community and Technical College, Melissa Newman, 612-341-7205 V/TTY (State of MN) Ombudsman for Mental Health & Mental Retardation, 651-296-3848 1-800-657-3506 Opportunity Partners, 612-938-5511, 612-930-4293 TTY OUT Front MN, 612-822-0127 V/TTY 1-800-800-0350 Owobopte Industries, Inc., Anne Boie, 651-686-0405 P PACER Center, Inc., Pat Bill, 612-827-2966 V/TTY Parent Support Network (EBD/ADD/ADHD/LD), 612-783-4949 People, Inc. Epilepsy Services, Anne Barnwell, 612-338-9035 The Phoenix Residence, Judy Douglas, 651-227-7655 Pilot City Mental Health Center, Sy Gross, 612-348-4622 Pilot Parents, 651-778-0727 V, 651-778-0738 TTY POHI District Consultants-Mpls. Public Schools, Barb Reynolds or Judy Azar - District Consultants, or Jim Thomas - Anwatin Coord., 612-627-3150 Presbytery Disability Concerns Comm, Carolyn Peterson, 651-4892672 Project Compass, Adult Disability Program - Winona Comm. Educ., Helen Newell, 507-454-9450 Voice/TTY Project Enhance, Deb Clark, 612-627-2925 V 612-627-3131 TTY Project SOAR, Vaughn Krake, 612-470-2855 V R Radio Talking Book, 651-642-0500 Regional Transit Board, 651-292-8789, 651-229-2715 TTY Rehab Services Branch, 651-296-5156, 800-328-9095, 612-269-3900 TTY Rehabilitation Centers, MRCI - Burnsville, 612-894-4680 MRCI - Carver/Scott 612-445-6811 MRCI - Chanhassen, 612-474-6469 MRCI - Chaska, 612-448-2234 MRCI - Fairmont, 507-238-4388 MRCI - Industrial Operations, 507-345-5865, Steve Ditschler MRCI - Lakeville, 612-898-5025 MRCI - Mankato, 507-345-4507, Pam Year MRCI - New Ulm, 507-354-2758 Reuben Lindh Learning Center, Dorothy Mollien, 612-721-5111 Rise, Inc., 612-786-8334 Rise Partnership, 612-560-0336 S Sight & Hearing Association, 651-645-2546 SILC-Statewide Independent Living Council, 651- 296-5085 V, 651297-2705 TTY Sister Kenny Institute, Dana May, 612-863-4622 Ski for Light, Judy Dixon, 612-827-3232 Southeastern MN Center for Ind. Living(SEMCIL)Frank 507-2851815, 507-285-0616 TTY So. MN Ind. Liv. Enterprises and Serv. (S.M.I.L.E.S.), Alan Augustin, 507-345-7139 So. Suburban Adaptive Rec., Jennifer Watson, 612-861-9360 V/TTY Spina Bifida Association of MN, Lisa Schaffee, 651-222-6395 St. Paul Advis. Comm.for People w/Disabilities, Alberto Quintela, 651-266-8510 St. Paul Rehabilitation Ctr, 651-227-8471 V, 651-227-3779 TTY STAR Program-Governor’s Council on Technology, Rachel Wobschall, 651-296-2771, 651-296-9478 TTY T Tilting At Windmills Theatre Arts, 612-724-7547 Traumatic Brain Injury-TBI Metro Services, 612-869-3995 TSE, Inc., Phil Saari, 651-489-2595 Twin Cities Autism Society, 612-339-5212 Twin Cities/MN Chapter of National Sjogren’s Syndrome Assoc., Marie Miner, 463-8222 U United Blind of MN, Inc., 612-391-3699 United Cerebral Palsy of MN, JoAnn Erbes, 651-646-7588, 1-800328-4827, ext.1437 UofM Disability Services, Sue Kroeger, 612-626-1333 V/TTY UofM Disabled Stud Cultural Ctr, 612-624-2602, 612-626-7003 TTY V VSA MN, 612-332-3888 V/TTY Vinland National Center, Beth Milligan, 612-479-3555 V/TTY Vision Loss Resources West, 612-871-2222 Vision Loss Resources East, Steve Fischer, 651-224-7662 Voices for Disability Rights, Dorothy Balen, 612-973-0103 Volunteer Braille Services & Large Print, Jean Zolick, 612-521-0372 W

Hearing and Service Dogs of MN, Alan Peterson, 612-729-5986 V, 612-729-5914 TTY Hearing Impaired Prog., Joyce Dougaard, 651-627-2623 V/TTY Help Yourself, Sara Meyer, 612-497-2800 Helping Paws Of Minnesota, 612-988-9359 Hemophilia Foundation of MN, 612-323-7406 Henn. Co. Lib. Homebound Serv., Becky Mobarry, 612-541-8547 612-541-8604 TTY Henn. Co. Mental Health Ctr., Joel Pribnow, 612-348-4947 Health Psychology Clinic, U of M, 612-624-9646 Homeward Bound, Inc., Noel Mooneyham, 612-566-7860, I Independence Crossroads, Leah Welch, 612-854-8004 Indian Family Service, Maggie Spears, 612-348-5788 Institute on Community Integration,, Vicki Gaylord, 612-624-4848 Interact Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 612-339-5145 V, 612339-6465 TTY Interstate Rehabilitation Center, Mary Augustine, 612-338-7108 K Kaposia, Cindy Amadick, 651-224-6974 L League of Women Voters, 651-224-5445 Learning Disabilities Program (Family Services of St. Paul), Lory Perryman, 651-222-2696 Learning Exchange, Lynn Dennis, 612-885-8531, TTY 612-885-8590 Legal Advocacy for Persons with Dev. Disabilities, 612-332-1441 Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis, Laurie Moser, 612-332-1441 Leukemia Society, 612-545-3309 Longfellow HandyWorks, chore services for elderly and people with disabilities, David Fee, (Henn. & Anoka counties) 612-721-8898 Lupus Foundation of Am., MN Chapter, 612-375-1131 Lyme Disease Network - MN, Sherri, 612-441-2857 M MELD (MN Early Learning Design), Libby Johnson, 612-332-7563 V/TTY Mental Health Association of MN, Kathleen Kelso, 612-331-6840, 1-800-862-1799 Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Network, 651-637-2800, 1-800383-2007 Mental Health Law Project, Pat Siebert, 612-332-1441 Methodist Hosp. Senior Connection, Monica Carlson, 612-932-5041 Methodist Hosp. Stroke Supp. Grp., Pat Srickler, 612-932-5499 Methodist Hosp. Parkinson’s Clinic, Ruth Hagesteun, 612-932-5495 Metro Assoc. for Hearing Impaired, Mary Jean Jacobson, 651-6866479 V/TTY Metro Ctr. for Independent Living, 651-646-8342 V, 651-603-2001 TTY Metro Mobility, 651-602-1111, 651-221-0014 TTY Metro North Adult Basic Education, 612-755-6626 Metro Regional Service Ctr. for Deaf & Hard of Hearing People, Marie Koehler, 651-297-1313 TTY, 651-297-1316 V Metro Work Center, Inc., 612-729-738 Midway Training Services, Barbara Kale, 651-641-0709 Midwest Special Services, Gene O’Neil, 651-778-1000 Mpls. Advisory Commitee for People with Disabilities, Margot Imdieke 651-296-6785 Mpls Rehabilitation Center, Dave Wood, 612-879-5499, 612-8795519 TTY MN AIDS Project, Lorraine Teel, 612-870-7773, 612-870-0700 MN Assoc. for Child. Mental Health, 651-644-7333, 1-800-528-4511 MN Assoc. of Deaf Citizens, Inc., Douglas Bahl, 612-757-5998 TTY MN Bio Brain Assoc., Charlotte Burns, 612-922-6916 MN Children with Special Health Needs, Carolyn Anderson, 651623-5050 V/TTY MN Commission Serving Deaf & Hard of Hearing People, 651-2977305 TTY MN Comprehensive Health Assoc., Floyd Robertson, 612-881-6741 MN Consortium for Citizens With Disabilities, Tom Brick, 651-2963478 MN Dept. of Human Services, Traumatic Brain Injury Program, 651-297-7511 MN Depressive & Manic Depressive Assoc., 612-379-7933 MN Developmental Achievement Center Assoc, 651-647-9200 MN Disability Law Ctr., 612-332-1441 MN Foundation for Better Hearing & Speech, Sharaine Rawlinson, 612/223-5130, 800/228-2506(V/TTY) MN Gov. Council On Developmental Disabilities, Colleen Wiech, 651-296-4018 V, 651-296-9962 TTY MN Multiple Sclerosis Society, 612-335-7900, 800-582-5296 V/ TTY F MN Relay Service, 1-800-627-3529 Fraser Community Services, Diane Cross, 612-861-1688 MN State Council on Disability, Margot Imdieke, 651-296-6785 Friendship Ventures, 651-274-8376 MN State Services for the Blind, 651-642-0500, 800-652-9000 Functional Industries, Laurie Cameron, 612-682-4336 Muscular Dystrophy Assoc., Lisa Pachan, 612- 832-5517, 612-832Gay and Lesbian Helpline, 612-822-8661 V/TTY, 1-800-800-0907 5716 St. Paul office Gillette Children’s Hospital, Lynn Carpentier, 651-229-3845 MultiplePersonality Disorder Consumer Advocacy Network Hotline West Hennepin Community Services, Mary Perkins, 612-988-4177 Goodwill Indus./Easter Seal, Michele Heinbigner, 651-646-2591 V, 612-879-5441 Wilderness Inquiry, Greg Lais, 612-379-3858, 800-728-0719 V/TTY 651-646-0424 TTY

If your organization would like to be included in the Directory of Organizations, contact Access Press at Suite 185N, 1821University Ave.W. • #185N • St. Paul, MN 55104 • 651-644-2133 • 651-644-2136 fax

January 10, 1999

Sports Beat

Get Active In ’99! by Craig McClellan and Luke Pedersen

ue to the holidays, there was very little action in the sporting world. We are printing the following guide to local and national sports resources for people who may want to get ACTIVE IN 1999!

American Wheelchair Bowling Association. General Info. Phone: (954) 491-2886 Email: b o v v l a w b a C q @ juno.com Web Page: http:llmembers.aol. com/bowlerweblawba.htm

Sports and Recreation Resource Guide

Accessible Arts Performances American Sign Language 1/23, Sat., 2:00, “Web Sight”, Heart of the Beast Theatre, Mpls *1/23, Sat., 4:00, “Wizard of Oz”, Orpheum Theatre, Mpls. (612-373-5650).

Disabled Sports, USA Contact: General Information Phone: (301) 217-0960 *1/24, Sun., 2:00, “Dreamland”, Local Web Page: http:/Iivww.dsusa. Child’s Play Theatre, Hopkins American Sled Hockey Asso- orgl-dsusaids usa.htmI Center for the Arts. ciation (612) 881-2129 Email: dsuswj4@,dsusaorg Web Page: http://www.sled 1/26, Tue.,10am, “Web Sight”, hockey.org National Foundation of Wheel- Heart of the Beast Theatre, chair Tennis Mpls Courage Center Phone: (714) 361-3663 Contact: Tobe Broadrick Email: NFWT(it ,@aoixom 1/29, Fri., 8:00, “The Magic Phone: (612) 520-0479 Web Page: http:1/www. Fire”, Guthrie Theater, Mpls. nfivt.org High School Adapted Athlet*1/31, Sun., 2:00, “Jake’s ics Programs National Wheelchair Basket- Women”, Theatre in the Contact: John Bartz (MSHSL) ball Association Round, Mpls. Phone: 612-560-2262 Phone: (704) 355-1064 Web Page: http:/fwww.nwba. *1/31, Sun., 2:00, “The Gin National Wheelchair Softball orgi Game”, State Theatre, Mpls. Association, 1616 Todd Ct. (612-373-5650). Hastings, MN 55033 Sports on Wheels Phone: (651) 437-1792 Contact: Dangerous Doug 2/4, Thurs., 7:30, “The Magic Champa Fire”, Guthrie Theater, Mpls. U.S. Electric Wheelchair Phone: (714) 524-2524 Hockey Association Wheelchair Sports USA *2/6, Sat., 2:00, “Home on the Contact: Craig McClellan Contact: General Information Mornin’ Train”, Youth PerPhone: (612) 535-4736 Phone: (719) 574-1150  formance Co., Howard Conn Web Page: http/iwww.use Center, Mpls. wha.org **** Email: hockeyCq)usewha.org *2/6, Sat., 8:00, “Three Days of Send your comments and Rain”, Park Sq Theatre, St. Paul. National sports related stories to Luke Adapted Swimming Commit- Pedersen and Craig McClellan. *2/14, Sun., 2:00, “Fame”, tee. Contact: USA Swimming Phone: (612) 362-8406, Mail: Orpheum Theatre, Mpls. (612One Olympic Plaza 215 Broadway St. NE, Suite 373-5650). Colorado Springs, CO 80909 103, Minneapolis, MN 55413, Web Page: http://www.usa- or Email: cm17@skypoint.com swimmingorg

*2/19, Fri., 7:00, “Cinderella”, *2/6, Sat., 8:00, “Three Days of Nine Mile Creek Theatre, Rain”, Park Sq Theatre, St. Paul. Bloomington. *2/13, Sat., 8:00, “To Kill A Audio Described Mockingbird”, Great American History Theatre, St. Paul. 1/23, Sat., 2:00, “Web Sight”, Heart of the Beast Theatre, *Asterisked performances are Mpls eligible for reduced price admission through the Access to *1/23, Sat., 4:00, “Wizard of Theatre project. Contact the Oz”, Orpheum Theatre, Mpls. theater or VSA Minnesota (612(612-373-5650). 332-3888) for further details. 1/26, Tue.,10am, “Web Sight”, Heart of the Beast Theatre, Mpls 1/29, Fri., 7:30, “Mr. A’s Amazing Maze Play”, Children’s Theater, Mpls. 1/30, Sat., 1:00, “The Magic Fire”, Guthrie Theater, Mpls. *1/31, Sun., 2:00, “Jake’s Women”, Theatre in the Round, Mpls. *1/31, Sun., 2:00, “Dreamland”, Child’s Play Theatre, Hopkins Center for the Arts. *1/31, Sun., 2:00, “The Gin Game”, State Theatre, Mpls. (612-373-5650).

Access to Theater is a program that encourages broader participation in live theater by Deaf individuals and by people who are blind. It is a joint project of VSA Minnesota, D E A F, Inc., the Minnesota Association of Community Theaters and the Guthrie Theater. For listings of participating theaters and productions, contact VSAMN at the number listed above. 

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Specializing in Full Home Care Service Personal Care Assistants Home Health Aides Homemakers Live-in Caretakers Skilled Nursing

Rehabilitative Services Physical / Occupational / Speech Therapies PCA Provider Organization Medicare Certified / Medical Assistance Waivered Services / Private

*1/31, Sun., 2:00, “Jake’s Women”, Theatre in the Round, Mpls.

379-4027

2/5, Fri., 8:00, “The Magic Fire”, Guthrie Theater, Mpls.

2010 East Hennepin Avenue, Bldg. #5 Minneapolis, MN 55413

Professional Directory CHORN REALTY Specializing in Wheelchair Accessible Homes Office: (612) 482-8330 Pager: (612) 642-3276 Home: (612) 451-7387

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Northland Transportation, Inc. Ambulatory and Wheelchair Service Group Charters Available M.A. provider plus other insurances (612) 922-6876/885-0580 National Guild of

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Fine Residential and Commercial Painting and Wallcovering Installation Office: 612.331.1031 Digital Pager: 647.8021 Wm.A.Smith III, C.P. Facsimile: 379-2730

January 10, 1999

Access To Employment Social Security: E $14 . ;J . 1

MPLOYMENT ADS ARE THE FEB. 10 ISSUE. Mail

PER COL INCH

IS THE DEADLINE FOR

to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave.

• #185N • St. Paul, MN 55104 • FAX 651-644-2136 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Qualifications: degree or exp. in graphic design/communications; working knowledge of Illustrator, Photoshop, QuarkXPress for Macintosh; good computer aptitude; exp. with AutoCAD, 3-D Illustration or HTML Code is a plus. Duties: desktop publishing/design using above software; spot illustration/graphics for presentations & reports; photo production & scanning; large format graphic preparation & mounting; graphic design for company promotional materials. SRF is a progressive, growing consulting firm located in a western Mpls. suburb. This is a full time, permanent position with opportunity for growth & learning. Competitive wages & benefits based on exp. Send resume to SRF Consulting Group, Inc., 1 Carlson Pkwy. N., Suite 150, Minneapolis, MN 55447. EOE HYDROGEOLOGIST Entry level hydrogeologist. 13 yrs. exper. monitoring well installation, design field work, groundwater modeling, aquifer testing, water chemistry, Hazwoper trained. Send resume to Wenck Assoc., Inc., P.O. Box 428, Maple Plain, MN 55359.

PRODUCTION SPECIALIST/PRODUCER

ACCOUNTING INSTRUCTOR

Twin Cities Public Television (channels 2 and 17) is looking for a production specialist/ producer to join the on-air production team. This position is the main technical producer, responsible for the ongoing creative (concept and copy) and production (design, produce, direct) of promotional, image, development spots, and break material. Requires minimum 4 years television creative and production experience; experience on Avids and Adobe Photoshop or similar programs; a strong grasp of production technology and process. Send a cover letter, resume, nonreturnable demo reel with at least five examples (note your role in each) and salary requirements to: Box 300-9, KTCA, 172 East 4th St., Saint Paul, MN 55101 by 01/18/99. AAP/EEO.

Full-time academic position in accounting program. Must be able to obtain a Minnesota vocational educator’s license in Accounting. Minimum requirement: associate degree or two-year diploma in accounting and 6000 hours of occupational experience. Prefer: teaching experience, baccalaureate degree, CMA, or CPA; knowledge and/or experience in auditing, income tax, cost accounting and/or governmental accounting. Familiarity with computer spreadsheet applications a plus. Position description available upon request. Starts approximately March 8, 1999. Application deadline January 18, 1999. Send letter of application, resume, and transcripts to: Human Resources, Alexandria Technical College, 1601 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, MN 56308. 320-762-0221. Alexandria Technical College is an equal opportunity educator/employer. Women and minorities encouraged to apply. CIVIL/ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER

LEGAL SUPPORT PERSON(S) So. MN Reg. Legal Services seeks to hire several FT &/or PT support persons to work with attys. on public benefits cases. Eng./Span. or Eng./Lao skills & bi-cultural exp. pref’d. Salary DOE. Resumes to: Gary Petersen; SMRLS; 421 10th St.; Worthington, MN 56187. EO/AAE.

Entry level civil/environmental engineer. 0-2 yrs. database exper., field document skills, multi-media sampling, mech. aptitude, wastewater treatment design. Send resume to Wenck Assoc., Inc., P. O. Box 428, Maple Plain, MN 55359. ATTORNEY

Recruiter ------------------------------------- 651-266-6476 24-hour Jobline ------------------------------ 651-266-6502 TDD/TTY ------------------------------------ 651-266-6501 Personnel Fax -------------------------------- 651-292-7656

So. MN Reg. Legal Services seeks exp., MN Lic’d atty. To work in St. Paul office on family law cases. Salary DOE. Resumes to: M. L. Giese; SMRLS; 46 E. 4th St., Ste. 700; St. Paul, MN 55101. EO/AAE.

ATTORNEY

2 ATTORNEYS

So. MN Reg. Legal Services seeks atty. to work on Fam. Law cases in Mankato. Prefer MN Lic. or ’99 Bar candidate. Span. or E. Asian lang. skills pref’d. Salary DOE. Resumes to: Larry Nicol; SMRLS; P. O. Box 3304; Mankato, MN 56002-3304. EO/AAE.

So. MN Reg. Legal Services seeks 2 MN Lic’d attys. Min. 3 yrs exp. req’d. To work in St. Paul & Rochester offices on fair housing cases. Salary DOE. Resumes to: M. Luisa Giese; SMRLS; 46 E. 4th St., Ste. 700; St. Paul, MN 55101. EO/AAE.

NICOLE - Cont. from p. 5 him questions. It might take a while to win his companionship; after all, you are not a sweet innocent little dog! Let him leave the room or push you away. It will hurt your feelings, naturally, but it is only a reaction of your grandpa’s fear and probably shame for not being able to be with you in the way that he is used to. When you’re ready, go back and gently try again — maybe at first, just being in the same room quietly doing your own thing, maybe just being in the same house. Get as close as you can to him but let him remain in control of

the speed that your relation- ing than the love developed in ship develops. The less you casual conversation or card demand of him (i. e. eye con- games. tact, conversation) the better. — Nicole Value and love your grandpa based on who he is today. P. S. Life just got easier! You Don’t compare or expect your can now send letters to Nicole relationship to be what it was via e-mail at HelloNicole98 in the past. Maybe someday @hotmail.com  he will decide to work out a few important words to you, maybe Question? Complaint? Comnot. Just work on gaining his ment? Write to Nicole: % trust. Accept the kind of com- Access Press, 1821 Univerpanionship you are able to sity Ave. W, #185 N; St. Paul, share at this point in your lives. MN 55104 It may turn out that this quiet love is deeper and longer-last-

Where’s The Money by Jeff Nygaard

ete, my barber, told me recently that he had a man in his shop who was going on and on about how screwed-up the Social Security system is, and always has been. One of the things that bugs him the most, Pete said, is that the money in the Social Security trust fund has just been frittered away by the government, so that there is now no money in there to pay for future benefits. Not only that, he told Pete, but the trust fund has been mismanaged since the program began in the Thirties, which explains why it’s finally going broke!

just fine until about the year 2013. From 2013 to about 2022, we will pay full benefits by using the income from those taxes plus the interest the trust fund has earned. From 2022 to 2032, these taxes, plus the interest and the principal in the trust fund, will be sufficient to pay 100% of promised benefits through those years. Then, if the (pessimistic) economic projections of the Trustees are true, the trust fund is projected to be all used up, and we will have to depend entirely on current taxes, which will at that time only cover about 72% of promised benefits.

This fellow is certainly not alone in having these opinions, and he’s not the only one who’s angry. Now, if you are one of those folks who is angry about government mismanagement of your retirement funds, or you know someone who is, then reading the following information should help to reduce some of this unnecessary stress.

This does not pose a crisis. Relatively modest changes can be made in the next ten years that will make the system solvent for the next 100 years or more. If we wanted to, we could even make substantial changes that would bring the system more in line with that of other wealthy countries. There is no shortage of ideas, only of political will.

What is the Trust Fund? No Money in the Trust Fund? First of all, there has only been a trust fund of any consequence since 1984. For the previous 57 years Social Security was almost a pure pay-asyou-go system. What that means is that Social Security previously only collected enough taxes each year to pay for the benefits in that same year. (Although a small amount was always kept in reserve for cash-flow purposes.) In 1983 the law was changed so that it now takes in more in taxes than is needed to pay current benefits, thus creating what we know as the trust fund. So the trust fund couldn t have been mismanaged since the Thirties, because there was no such thing until the Eighties. Why did the Congress create a trust fund for Social Security in 1983? The reason is that the Social Security Trustees were anticipating the retirement of the famous baby boomers, that big group of Americans born between 1946 and 1964. They looked ahead and saw that the retirement of such a large group would be hard to pay for on a strict pay-as-yougo basis, so they increased payroll taxes to make the system be partially pre-funded. And it worked. Current projections are that the system will be 100% funded until at least the year 2032, when the youngest baby boomer will be 68 years old, and already retired. According to the Social Security Trustees, here’s how the numbers add up: “Pay-as-yougo” taxes will cover everything

is required by law to invest its money in U.S. Treasury Bonds, because that is the safest investment in the world. So, the Trust Fund has no “money.” It has the promise of the U.S. government to pay back its bonds, with interest. That money, and that interest, will be used to pay Social Socurity benefits in the future. “Promises, promises! The government has already spent all the money that’s supposedly in the Trust Fund,” you say. That is true. When Sarah invests her money in Jim’s bonds, Jim does not just make a big pile of money and jump in it. Jim either 1) loans out that money to someone who will pay him a higher interest rate than he is paying Sarah or 2) spends her money on whatever he wants. It’s the same with the U.S. government. The government sells bonds, and uses that money to build roads, to pay clerks, to buy bombers, or to do whatever the government does. You or I may have problems with how the government spends our money, but that doesn’t have anything to do with the Social Security trust fund. The key point for our purposes is that the government pays off its bond obligations. It always has, and almost everyone in the world thinks that it always will (at least for the foreseeable future). The Treasury Bonds held by the Social Security trust fund are thus very secure assets.

The trust fund is projected to do just what it was set up to do: pay for the retirement of the baby boomers. But is there really any money in this trust fund? No, there isn’t. Don’t be alarmed; that’s how it is supposed to be. One of the most common misconceptions about the Social Security trust fund is that there is a huge pile of money sitting somewhere, just waiting until people retire. This is not how it works, not with the Social Security trust If you hear someone say that fund or any other trust fund. the government might not pay Here’s how it does work: off its debts, you need to think about what they are really sayWhen the Social Security sys- ing, because that’s very seritem receives more in taxes than ous. As the late economist it needs to pay out for current Robert Eisner wrote, . . . “if benefits, it uses that extra Treasury securities or prommoney to buy U.S. Treasury ises by the government to pay Bonds. are worthless, then so is all our money.” Hold on! Before we go any further, we need to understand Many readers will find it hard what a bond is. Sarah and Jim to believe that the trust fund is will illustrate: When Sarah really safe and secure, espebuys a bond from Jim for $100, cially since so many commenwhat that means is that Sarah is tators seem to be saying the loaning Jim that money. When opposite. Almost all of the Sarah loans Jim the money, Jim commentators who are saying gives Sarah a bond, which is that there is no money in the simply a piece of paper which trust fund have their own says that Sarah will get back agenda. They want to change her $100 - plus interest - on a Social Security from a public specified date in the future. system of social insurance into You can say that she is invest- an individual, market-based ing her money , or you can say system of investment. That’s that she is buying bonds ; it’s a big change, and we should the same thing. However much think very carefully before we interest she gets paid by Jim is do something so drastic. In the the “return” on her investment. meantime, don’t worry that In the meantime, all she pos- someone has stolen your resesses is a promise from Jim. tirement money; it’s as safe as it can be.  The Social Security Trust Fund

January 10, 1999

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