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Meet The Met Council — Page 6
Inside Work Incentives Update — p. 3
Volume 10, Number 10
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SOURCES
October 10, 1999
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“Behold this day, it is your to make” — Black Elk
RESOURCES
October 10, 1999
EMPLOYMENT SURVEY Research Shows America Benefits When People With Disabilities Work by Charlie Smith, Editor
O
Former Senator Bob Dole receives the National Courage Award.
Program Provides Flexible Employment by Amy Farrar
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inding and keeping a job can be a daunting, if not impossible, task for someone with a disability, when transportation, medical, and scheduling issues come into play. Local companies are working with Courage Center to change that through ‘Changing Futures,’ a new program that has become a separate business entity within Courage Center. Through the program, specific tasks from local companies are outsourced to people who have been screened and trained through Courage Center’s Vocational Services Department. All participants in Changing Futures undergo a training period (from one to three months) during which they learn computer and clerical skills and receive competitive employment assistance. Once someone is hired into the program, a supervisor job coach offers hands-on training and trains participants in multiple jobs. The job coach also visits participants in their homes
twice a month (or more), provides phone back-up and support, and offers other assistance, such as retraining. Requirements for participation in the program (aside from the prerequisite that an applicant has completed the center’s vocational assessment ) include: a typing speed of 20 words per minute, the ability to manipulate paper, cognitive abilities, and the availability to work a minimum of 15 to 20 hours per week (most employees work 15 to 30 hours per week). Pat Strachan, Changing Futures’ program manager, said participants in the program are paid competitive wages on an hourly basis, adjusted for productivity. Specific tasks participants are hired for include: resume scanning, data entry, and Internet research. Changing Futures currently employs 11 people and there is a waiting list of people being assessed by the Center. People either work from home
(where they use their own computer equipment) or at Courage Center, where they use the center’s equipment. Whether an employee works from home, at the center, or at a customer site depends on the work that needs to be completed and the employee’s abilities. The program not only offers educational assistance to participants, but serves as a device to jump-start their careers. Many participants express positive feelings about their work achievements and themselves. Cyndy Shober, who started doing data entry work through the program in May, summarized her experience so far, “It feels so good to get a pay check. It feels so good to be talking with other people and just be doing something, helping others, and being part of a group.” Shober, who has Multiple Sclerosis, said looking for jobs she could do from home was a
Futures - cont. on p. 8
ctober is National Employment Awareness Month for people with disabilities. In Washington, the Congressional Budget Office is telling Congress that the Work Incentive legislation they are considering (the Work Incentive Improvement Act or WIIA), will cost upwards of $5 billion dollars over the next 5 years. The high cost appears to be the biggest barrier to passing this important bill. As the debate over how to fund national work incentive legislation continues, many policy makers fail to consider the savings that will result when more people with disabilities are able to work. In the last nine months, the House Commerce Committee and Ways and Means Committee have held hearings and heard testimony from advocates, including people from Minnesota and many other states. Advocates have stated time and time again that while the bill will cost money, it will save money in the long run. Now, a research study confirms what many people have believed all along. The survey was recently released by NISH, and includes data on over 2000 federal employees with disabilities. People with Disabilities Work: America Benefits is believed to be the first survey to systematically calculate the actual impact of employment on a person’s dependence on various government entitlements. The survey was funded by NISH (formerly The National Industries for the Severely Handicapped). It is one of NISH’s goals to expand employment and personal
advancement of people with disabilities. Mathew Greenwald and Associates (MGA), a Washington, DC-based market research and survey firm, conducted the survey. It showed that once employed on food service projects through the federal Javits-Wagner-O’Day (JWOD) Program, people with disabilities reduced dependence on government entitlements by $4.18 million annually. In addition, JWOD employment resulted in a $2.89 million increase in annual contributions to the tax base. Approximately 30,000 people with disabilities are employed in NISH/JWOD programs — two thousand in the food service industry. “As indicated by the survey, employing people with disabilities makes economic sense and benefits all Americans. The most effective way to reduce dependence on government entitlements is to provide meaningful employment. Food service is a particularly good industry in which people with many disabilities can earn good wages and learn valuable job skills for both public and private sector employment,” commented Dan McKinnon, President and CEO of NISH. “The Javits-Wagner-O’Day Program is one that addresses the alarmingly high unemployment rate among people with disabilities in our country. However, with an estimated 30 million working age Americans with disabilities, the need for more jobs is still great,” stated McKinnon. Surveys show that while most people with disabilities want to work, most cannot
find jobs. According to a 1998 Harris Poll, 71% of people with severe disabilities are unemployed. This high rate of unemployment is in stark contrast to the overall national unemployment rate of 4.3%. “Look at the savings we identified among just 2000 individuals working in one program,” stated Greenwald. “Consider what would happen if we were able to reduce the number of unemployed people with severe disabilities to say, 20%, which is five times the national average. At that level the savings could be literally in the billions of dollars.” People With Disabilities Work: America Benefits surveyed workers employed through the federal government’s Javits Wagner O’Day (JWOD) Program on food service projects. They are employed at Community Rehabilitation Programs that have contracts with government agencies to provide food services. The largest number of the workers (44%) reported their primary disability to be mental retardation. The majority of the food service projects are with the Department of Defense. This survey is tangible proof of what advocates have been telling Congress for years. With WIIA rumored to be heading toward a vote in the next few weeks, Congress would do well to consider the results of this research, and move for passage of this legislation. Information for this article was provided by NISH.
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October 10, 1999
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Editor
The Governor has recently appointed many new members to the Council. The Met Council plays an important role when it comes to the lives of people with disabilities who rely on Metro Mobility. As many of you know, the Metro Mobility program provides paratransit for people with disabilities who cannot use the mainline bus.
The Midwest Work Incentives meeting will be October 18th (see page 9). This meeting will give you an opportunity to hear what is happening on both a local level and nationally, with speakers from around the country. I would urge you to register as
The capacity of Metro Mobility is maxed out; it is getting harder and harder to get rides. There are reports of people losing their jobs or not making it to doctor’s appointments because they are denied rides. The council is responsible for recommending funding to the governor and the legislature and we need to educate them.
Charlie Smith
soon as possible. Even if you are not thinking about going to work now, this meeting can give you useful information. **** On page 6 you will find “Meet the Metropolitan Council.”
The council needs to hear from you (the riders); they need to be told how the program is not meeting the needs of riders. **** I attended the Celebration of Courage awards event last month. Courage Center should be commended for this year’s presentation. When the Celebration of Courage began three years ago, Courage gave its National Courage Award to Christopher Reeve. The Center came under criticism from many people in the community. This year, former Senator Bob Dole received the National Courage Award for his years of advocacy for people with disabilities. Also, for the first
time, all of the award winners were on stage to accept their awards and give their acceptance remarks. The evening’s entertainment, which featured the Cleveland Ballet Dancing Wheels, was a delight. They incorporated three women and a young girl in wheelchairs into high-energy modern ballet. **** Luke Pedersen and Craig McClellan, our sports reporters, are taking a break from sports reporting for the next few months. They are trying to raise significant funds for the National Electric Wheelchair Hockey League, with a goal of expanding the league around
the country. I wish them well. If anyone would like to help them in this venture, please contact the paper. We will continue to publish any sports related information we receive. **** ACCESS PRESS is seeking freelance writers. We need people to do investigative reporting, profile agencies and individuals, and write feature articles. We are also trying to increase our coverage of news and information from across Minnesota. If you have experience writing or editing, we’d like to hear from you.
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The Key To Y2K: Be Prepared
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was important to me, I chose to move 2000 miles away from family because, at that time, there were no independent living services available where they lived. Since then, I have had a desire to know whether other states provide independent living services. Even though I like living in Minneapolis, I wanted to know if I could live somewhere else. I felt trapped be-
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cause after all, wasn’t Minnesota the only state in which I could live independently? As my desire to find the answer to this question grew, I started to investigate services in other states. I searched the library in hopes of finding a guide with basic information, such as whether there was transportation or housing in a certain area. I came to realize that this independent living services guide was nowhere to be found, and I got the idea to develop A Quick Glance Into Independence, to fill this gap. It is my hope that volume 1 of A Quick Glance Into Independence will increase knowledge about independent living services in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. This guide will “open doors” to information. In a quick and easy format, A Quick Glance Into Independence contains such information as the hours of service for door-to-door transportation, how long it could take to move into accessible housing and how long it could take to receive personal assistance services in each state. It also provides contact information and phone numbers so readers can gather additional information. For more information,call Opening Doors at 612-3784946.
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 11,000, distributed the 10th of each month through more than 200 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
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he American Red Cross • Plan ahead for what you plays a major role in our would do in case of a power country’s disaster relief activioutage that left you without ties, and they have made a electricity and heat. If you number of recommendations live in a large apartment buildfor people preparing for Y2K ing, will backup power be related problems. Their sugavailable? Does your landgestions, along with tips from lord have a plan for making Y2K preparedness articles and sure the pipes don’t freeze if web sites, form the basis for there’s no heat? If you own this month’s column. The foyour home, do you know how cus is on what households can to drain your pipes to predo to prepare for disruptions in vent freezing? If not, can you utilities and essential services. line up a friend or neighbor to help? • Check with manufacturers of any essential computer-conBe sure to have flashlights, trolled equipment in your batteries and extra blankets home to see if it may be afand clothing to keep warm, fected. This includes fire and and if an outage is prolonged, security alarm systems, probe prepared to relocate. If grammable thermostats, gayou don’t know anyone with rage door openers, and eleca backup heating system tronic locks. If there are prob(such as a wood stove) that lems, you’ll need some lead you can stay with, you’ll want time to get things repaired or to find the location of the replaced, or to figure out a nearest shelter. You’ll need a way to accomplish things mebattery powered radio (or chanically or manually. access to someone who has one) to learn the location of • Have some extra cash or shelters and to keep up to traveler’s checks on hand. If date on the progress of rethere are temporary problems pairs/restoration of services. using ATM cards, check If you leave your home, be cashing machines, or credit sure and let a close friend or cards, it will be important to family member know where have a supply of cash for you are. basic necessities. Recommendations regarding the • Stock up on basic necessiamount of money to have on ties like food and drinking hand range from about $200 water. Because we have beto “enough money to pay a come so used to having evmonth’s worth of expenses.” erything at our fingertips, How much you put aside will many of us don’t think about depend on your resources planning ahead, even for a and needs, but don’t put your week. But grocery stores life savings under your matrely on regular shipments tress! Decide on a safe place from all over the world to to keep the money, and then keep food on the shelves, withdraw it in small amounts and if there are disruptions in well in advance of Dec. 31. the food production or deliv-
ery chain, there may be shortages and price increases that last well beyond the first few weeks of the new year. • You’ll need a minimum of a gallon of water per person per day--2 quarts for drinking and about the same for cooking and washing. Water can be stored now, as it has a shelf life of 6 months. The Red Cross recommends you have up to a week’s worth of nonperishable food for each person in your household, but other experts advise having more than that. This may pose a problem for some people on fixed incomes, and if food shortages occur, food shelves and soup kitchens will surely suffer. If you are able, now would be a good time to contribute to a local food shelf when you do your regular grocery shopping. Most major supermarkets have donation bins in their stores, making it easy to contribute. Now is a good time to talk with people about how you will support each other. How will you stay in touch if the phones are down? What kinds of things can you share and how can you help each other stay informed? Being prepared includes being connected with others. These connections play a key role in helping us feel comfortable with uncertainty and ensure we are looking out for one another during difficult times. Strengthening our connections with one another may be the hidden benefit of Y2K.
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October 10, 1999
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Advocate Predicts WIIA To IN BRIEF . . . . Pass With Compromises Midwest Work Incentives Meeting by Amy Farrar
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ost of the Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (WIIA) will remain intact as a free standing bill, with a few exceptions. This prediction, made by Jeff Bangsberg, a disability advocate and director of Consumer Affairs at Becklund Home Health Care, may actualize as this publication goes to press, said Bangsberg. Bangsberg recently returned from Washington D.C., where he met with law makers and aides to talk about the bill. According to Bangsberg, members of the House and Senate have assured him and other advocates that they are working very hard behind the scenes to pass the bill (at the time of publication, the bill had passed 99 to 0 in the Senate and had 260 coauthors in the House). Bangsberg said he believes members from both the House and Senate “realize this bipartisan effort will be recognized by the community as good, sound legislation during a time when Congress has been criticized for doing nothing in session.” Bangsberg said he and other disability advocates worked very hard on the bill last year — and lost — but were reassured by the Republican leadership that issues raised by the bill would be addressed and the bill would be passed. “I think we’ll see a bill that will have the necessary components to satisfy most parties, with the exception of extension of Medicare benefits,” he said. Under the Senate’s version of the bill, continuing access to Medicare coverage would be attempted through a trial program allowing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries who return to work to continue receiving Medicare coverage (Medicare does not cover the long-term costs covered by Medicaid). Congress would decide whether or not to continue the program after the trial period and those already participating would be “grandfathered” in should the program be discontinued,
as long as they remained disabled. WIIA also attempts to remove some of the most persistent barriers to employment for people with disabilities. It would reform three areas that have represented traditional sticking points for people with disabilities: health care, employment services, and Social Security work incentives. The bill would allow states to place limits on the amount of assets and income a person with disabilities can have and still remain eligible for Medicaid (also known as Medical Assistance, or MA). At the present time, many people with disabilities are precluded from working because they would lose their MA benefits if their income exceeded the low levels that are required to keep the benefits. WIIA has been delayed since last June, when the Senate passed its own version of the bill (WIIA-331) but the House of Represent-atives had not acted on any portion of its own version (HR 1180). Bangsberg said WIIA had to go through the Commerce Committee (which passed it) to address the Medicaid buyin features (access to MA while employed). The bill also needed to go to the House Ways and Means Committee to address the Social Security parts of the bill (continuing disability reviews, the expedited re-entry process, Social Security demonstration projects, extension of Med-icare, etc.). Bangsberg added, “The House Ways and Means Committee has demonstrated strong support for the bill and agreed to pay for the areas of the bill that fell under the committee’s jurisdiction. The committee refused to address the Medicaid portion of the bill because it does not fall under the committee’s governance.” The total cost for the bill is $869 million over the next five years, one-half of which is earmarked for the Medicaid buy-in.
The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Medicaid portion of the bill and the SSI Coalition for a Rewill be paid remains sponsible Safety Net are hostunanswered after negotiations broke down during strategy meetings over the summer. Some members of Congress suggested taking the money ADA Minnesota will host out of existing entitlement monthly ADA Distance Learnprograms (Medicaid, Social ing 2000 sessions beginning in Security, etc.); others asked October 1999 through Septemfor it to be paid for by foreign ber 2000. Definition of Disaid taxes, an idea that was ability will be offered on Tuesrejected by the Republicans. day, October 19 from 1- 2 p.m. at the Metropolitan Center for Disability advocates are now pushing strongly for passage of the bill before the end of the legislative session. Their concern is that if the bill’s Advocating Change Together passage is delayed due to the will celebrate its 20th year at an larger bills Congress has yet to address, they will have to struggle through the entire process of passing the bill again next year. This seminar will discuss Social Security work incentives, “Disability advocates want to with a focus on PASS (Plan For maintain the bill’s integrity Achieving Self Support) and and they want it free standing,” states Bangsberg. “They don’t want it amended into an appropriations bill.” He said everyone on the Hill agrees the bill will be there The Metropolitan Center for through Veteran’s Day, some Independent Living will hold th speculating as late as its 18 Annual Meeting on Wednesday, October 27, Thanksgiving, although three 1999,at the Sheraton Inn separate aides told him the Midway Hotel, Minnesota II bill’s details are very close to Room, 400 North Hamline Avbeing finalized. “Everyone wants to see the enue, St. Paul, (corner of 1-94 bill passed,” said Bangsberg. and Hamline Avenue). The “They believe in the phil- meeting commences at 5:30 p.m, osophical aspects of the bill followed by a social hour at 6: with the exception of the 15 p.m. At 7:00 p.m., Board Medicare extension.” Bangs- Chair Ellie Emanuel and Execuberg expects a number of tive Director David Hancox will disability groups and indi- make presentations, and at 7:30 viduals may be dis-appointed p.m. Rand Stenhjem, Chair of with the compro-mises agreed the Statewide Independent upon to pass the bill. But, he Living Council and Gene said, “they must recognize Chelberg, Director of Disabilthis is a tremendous policy ity Services at the U of M will change in Congress on the speak on Perspectives on Preissue of health care for people paring for the New Milennium. with disabilities and this is an incredible milestone.” He Interpreters will be present. All added, “If and when the bill is MCIL events are smoke and passed, we still have work to fragrance free. Please RSVP by do.”
ing a Midwest meeting to discuss workforce development as it impacts people with disabilities. The meeting is being
held on Mon., Oct. 18, 1999, at the Sheraton Midway Hotel in St. Paul. For more info, contact Barbara Otto, 312-223-9600.
Americans With Disabilities Act Training Independent Living, 1600 University Avenue West, Suite 16, St. Paul. This session will address the three ADA related Supreme Court decisions made in June. Future topics include ADA Implications for Managed Care, Interplay between
ADA and Family Medical Leave, Principles of Universal Design and Union Environments and the ADA. For more information, contact ADA Minnesota at 651-603-2915, toll-free 1-888-845-4595, e-mail: MNADA91@aol.com.
ACT Annual Meeting annual meeting/dinner on 7 pm. For more information, Tues., Oct. 19, 1999, from 4:30- contact ACT at 651-647-0291.
SSI And Work Incentives Seminar 1619a and 1619b (both used to keep MA without a spenddown once you start working). The free seminar will be held at
the Wayzata Central Middle School, Tuesday, November 16, 1999, 7-9 p.m. call 612-4016837 for more information.
MCIL Annual Meeting Friday, October 22 by calling 2001 (TTY), or 651-603-2006 651-646-9342 (Voice), 651-603- (Fax).
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October 10, 1999
Disability Culture
On Mental Illness
What Does It Mean A Star In The Face Of The Sky by Pete Feigal To Be An Ally by Lolly Lijewski I I n last month’s column we needs of groups in which talked about what an ally is they are members. and this month we would like • Listen to members of the tarto continue that discussion. get group(s) and respect their experiences as truth. The place of an ally in any civil • Respond to the needs of the rights movement is a tenuous target group(s). and delicate one at best. We • Work to be allies all the time. must have allies in order to • Believe it is in their self-intermake social change. They play est to be allies. a critical role, but learning that • Do not expect rewards for role can sometimes be a diffi“Doing the Right Thing.” cult and painful road. Allies • Are committed to embarking must develop an excellent on the inward personal joursense of timing. They must ney required of allies. learn when to walk ahead and • Take responsibility for initiwhen to speak for the group ating and implementing perthey are working with, they sonal, institutional, & socimust learn when to walk beside etal justice and equality. and affirm the statements of • Communicate the contributheir compatriots, and they tions and successes of the must know when to walk betarget group(s) to others. hind and when to remain silent. • Have a good sense of humor and use it appropriately. As the members of the op- • Work to understand the root pressed group uncover layers of problems encountered by of internalized oppression, the the target group(s). role of the ally in the group • Spend time immersed in the changes. As an individual ally communities for which they grows personally and profesare allies. sionally in their understand- • Expect support from, and give ing of the process of social support to, other allies. change, the sensibility of the • Expect to make mistakes, but do not use them as excuses ally evolves over time. One can for non-action. learn how to be an ally by talking with other allies as well as • Are aware of ways they have received unearned privileges. talking with members of the oppressed group. No social • Recognize they always have a lot to learn and actively change movement could funcseek ways to learn it. tion or make progress without • Understand and can articuthem. late how oppression has impacted their lives both as vicThe following are some chartims and as villains. acteristics of an ally adapted by Kathleen Rice from an ar- • Recognize that they contribute to an oppressive system, ticle by Shawn-Eric Brooks and and do not work to deny that. Vernon A. Wall, 1990. • Support members of the target group(s) in dealing with ALLIES... issues of internalized oppres• Work to understand the hission. tory, culture, feelings, struggles, pride & needs of • Recognize that using guilt to motivate them to be allies the group(s) for whom they sets up a power differential are allies. between them and the target • Understand the history, culgroup(s). ture, feelings, struggles, &
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don’t drive my car as much as I used to, but when I do, I often drive my passengers bonkers with my automotive equivalent of “channel surfing,” flipping from one radio station to the next in search of the elusive, mystical “Best Song.” With the dexterity of a safe-cracker, my fingers twirl the dial up and down the bandwidths looking for old favorites. In the early ’70’s, the song writing team of Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote a beautiful tune called “Daniel,” and I always listen to it when I find it and I always get a lump in my throat when I hear it. Daniel is traveling tonight on a plane. I can see the red tail lights heading for Spain, And I can see Daniel waving goodbye. God, it looks like Daniel. Must be the clouds in my eyes. Daniel my brother you are older than me. Do you still feel the pain of the scars that won’t heal? Your eyes have died. Do you see more than I? Daniel you’re a star in the face of the sky.
family, so he flies away to spend the Dark Side!” his last days with old friends in another country. For years, I trapped myself in a dance of suffering with what In 1972, I returned home at the had hurt me by holding age of 16 after being locked grudges, by hanging on to old away for almost a year in a wounds and pains. Again and closed mental ward in another again I called up those hurts, city. My friends and family, somehow believing I could not knowing what to do or say, change or erase those old and with no education or infor- tapes. But it never worked that mation to help them, seemed way. Each repetition only uncertain how to act around strengthened the habit of the me. In their confusion, they pain. My anger was at times made things worse, and I felt rocket fuel that helped me to isolated and alienated. I felt survive, but for me, that rocket like an ex-con, let out of prison fuel has now turned to poison, for some unknown crime that I to something that holds me had committed, making me unfit back. for human company. In my sadness and despair, unable What I’m trying to do now, to live with their pity and (and I don’t feel this way every shame, I dropped out of high day, believe me) is to forgive school and left my family and those who shamed or abanhome town almost never to doned me in some way. I’m not return, living for almost twenty doing this to let them off the years in self-imposed exile. hook, but to let me off the hook. Forgiving them frees me, it alThrough my life I have had a lot lows me the chance for a fresh of bitterness and anger at real beginning. I don’t forgive the and perceived injustices. I acts, but the actors. I forgive carried grudges against the them their clumsiness, their people that I felt were respon- desperation, their unskillfulsible for hurting or humiliating ness, their humanity. As I hope me, against the multiple sclero- they can also forgive me. sis that crippled my body, against the depression that I’m also trying to forgive my crippled my soul, against my- body, forgive the MS. I want to self for what I perceived as understand and accept all it’s weakness, laziness and flaws taught me — that my worth is of character. I’ve held on to not just connected with my pains and wounds and never allowed them to heal. I believed that the suffering they gave me was the only thing I was permitted to own. As Carly Simon sang, “Suffering was the only thing made me feel I was alive...” And I’ve let songs ASL Interpreted st like “Daniel’’ wound me again 10/16, Sat. 8pm, “1 Ladies of Ramsey Cty” Great Am. Hstry and again. Theatre, St. Paul, 651-292-4323
Bernie Taupin has said that the song was written during the Vietnam War. It is about a young soldier who is terribly wounded and blinded in the war. When he finally returns home, he is unable to live with Many of us have been abanthe pity and sadness of his doned, actually or emotionally, because of mental illness. We Lolly Lijewski is the Manager know what it feels like to have of the Advocacy Department people we love pity us and feel at The Metropolitan Center ashamed of us. Many of us For Independent Living. have spent years in exile, in prisons of our own despair, jailed by our own “Inner TyHandi Medical Supply rants.” Like Edmund Dante, 2505 University Avenue West the hero of Alexandre Dumas’ St. Paul, Minnesota 55114 classic “The Count of Monte At Hwy. 280 & University Avenue Cristo,” we have been arrested and given life sentences for crimes we never committed.
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When Edmund escapes from prison, he uses the knowledge and treasure he’s gained to recreate himself into the powerful but emotionless Count of Monte Cristo, and dedicates his life to exacting terrible revenge on those who wronged and imprisoned him, who betrayed and abandoned him. It’s a fantasy I’ve entertained over the years, too. But by taking his revenge, he destroys the last and best of himself, and learns that vengeance, fueled by hate, is truly a double-edged sword. “Luke, don’t give in to
physical prowess or looks; that by having certain physical limitations, my heart and eyes have been opened in new ways, with hopeful insights into life. I’m trying to forgive my mental illness, to understand that it hasn’t crippled my soul. On the contrary, it’s given me a chance to discover my center of courage, opened new paths of creativity, allowed me to find different ways of solving problems and looking at the world, others and myself. Mostly, I’m trying to forgive myself and believe that I didn’t do anything wrong by being depressed. I’ve done the best I could, and all those years of suffering and loneliness in exile were not wasted. I deserve a real life--with purpose, balance and happiness. And I don’t have to buy that happiness with suffering. Like Daniel, I’m important and wonderful to the world and my family, and no one needs to either pity me or be ashamed of me. I don’t always have to ache every time I hear that song on the radio. I can be touched, or moved, but I don’t have to always relive those wounds of my past. I’m not there yet, but I’m on my way.
Accessible Arts Performances *11/6, Sat. 8pm, “Cloud Nine,” Outward Spiral Theatre Hennepin Ctr for Arts, Mpls., 612504-2323
10/16, Sat. 1pm, “Martin 11/13, Sat. 8pm, “PhilanthroGuerre” Guthrie Theater, Mpls, fund Cabaret” Sabathani Com612-377-2224, 800-848-4912 munity Ctr, Mpls, 612-827-0992 10/17, Sun. 2pm, “Tale of the Dancing Crane” Theater Mu, Intermedia Arts, Mpls, 612871-4444
11/20 Sat. 3pm, “Bubba Nielson: Endangered Species,” Interact Ctr for Arts, Mpls, 612-3433390
10/21, Thur. 7:30pm, “Lobster Audio Described Alice”, Jungle Theater, Mpls, 10/10, Sun. 2pm., “An Ameri612-822-7063 can Daughter” Theatre in the 10/22, Fri. 7:30pm, “Martin Round, Mpls, 612-333-3010 Guerre” Guthrie Theater, Mpls, 10/16, Sat. 1pm, “Martin 612-377-2224, 800-848-4912 Guerre” Guthrie Theater, Mpls, 10/24, Sun. 2pm, “The Little 612-377-2224, 800-848-4912 Bird That Was Caught,” Step* 10/17, Sun. 2pm, “Tale of the pingStone Theatre, Landmark Dancing Crane” Theater Mu Center, St. Paul, 651-225-9265 Intermedia Arts, Mpls, 61210/24, Sun. 2pm, “Working” 871-4444 Stages Theatre Co., Hopkins, 10/21, Thur. 7:30pm, “Lobster 612-979-1111 Alice,” Jungle Theater, Mpls, 10/28, Thur. 10am, “Working” 612-822-7063 Stages Theatre Co., Hopkins, 10/22, Fri. 7:30pm, “Martin 612-979-1111 Guerre” Guthrie Theater, Mpls, 10/29, Fri. 7:30pm, “Lilly’s Pur- 612-377-2224, 800-848-4912 ple Plastic Purse,” Children’s 10/23, Sat. 2pm, “The Little Theatre, Mpls, 612-874-0400 Bird That Was Caught” 11/5, Fri. 7:3pm,”Bubba Niel- SteppingStone Theatre, Landson: Endangered Species,” In- mark Center, St. Paul, 651-225teract Center for the Arts, Mpls, 9265 612-343-3390 Arts - cont. on p. 5
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Ever since my accident five years ago my relationship with my mother has gone from bad to worse. She always wants to pretend the accident never happened and expects me to be the same person I was before. As soon as I start to accept my new life, there she is to tell me what I am doing wrong. If I act different she says, “What’s the matter with you? You never used to be this way. Where is the daughter I used to love?” I can’t stand to be in the same room with her! A year ago I changed my phone number and didn’t give my mom the number. She got it from someone else and will never stop being angry about this! But when I didn’t have her around for a while life was so peaceful! About three months ago I told her not to call me or come to see me. I told her I didn’t want anything to do with her anymore. She cried and gave me a guilt trip, but I don’t feel guilty. I feel better! I am writing now because I don’t know what to do with all the other family members and friends of my mother who are also giving me a guilt trip. They tell me how sad my mother is and how wrong what I’m doing is. They even quote me out of the bible and say I should “forgive and forget.” I wish I could just move to another state and leave them all behind, but that seems impossible with my new disabled life. What should I tell them? Do you think I have to be nice to my mother because she is upset over my disability? The wheelchair isn’t my fault!
painful for her to accept. It would be easier if your mother could just be a help to you, but this is not a fair demand to place on her. Understanding that your mother has her own emotional issues (disabilities) which are preventing her from giving you the support you need, might help you see things in a softer light. If you feel better off not talking to your mother, then by all means, don’t talk to her. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to free your life of unhelpful or harmful influences. However, having done this once myself, I know that cutting contact with a close family member is not as easy as it at first might seem. She will probably not just disappear painlessly forever. She is likely to hold a grudge; the grudge may alter your relationship — she may never forgive you. However, there may be a point in the future when you want to work on your relationship with her again. For this reason, it’s important to try to cut contact in as loving and respectful a way as you can. It may help your mother cope more easily if you give your separation some sort of time frame. For example, you could say, “I need some time on my own. I’ll call you in a year and see how you’re doing.” This doesn’t mean you will let her back in your life in a year but it is a promise to call her and not abandon her. Also, it will give you a door you can open and peek inside to see if anything between you has changed during the separation.
is harmful to your growth right now. If you have cut contact abruptly or without adequate explanation (like changing your phone number) your mother may feel angry, hurt and confused thinking you don’t love her anymore. It’s important not to confuse lack of love with the tensions between you. So often we tend to simplify our feelings and say, “I hate my mother” when actually it’s not hate but frustration, exasperation, oppression, etc. that we feel.
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It’s unfair of your mother’s friends and relatives to judge you. They can’t know what you go through in order to integrate your disability into your life and the negative effect your mother has on this process. You don’t have to justify yourself to these people, but it might be helpful to have some explanation of your separation for them. For example you could say, “I love my mother. I just need some space to deal with my life right now without her influence. I understand that you are concerned. I know this hurts my mother’s feelings. I wish I could do it some other way, but this is the best thing I can think of to do at this time. I hope you can respect both my mother and I in this.” Don’t bother to engage in arguments over right or wrong, the bible, or “forgive and forget” techniques. These are all just excuses to make you feel guilty and sweep things under the rug. You want to live an honest life and living an honest life can be very hard until we begin to learn what true love can mean.
What Gives Life Meaning by Rich Johnson
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ccasionally I hear nondisabled people say things like, “If I weren’t able to walk, I don’t know if I would want to live.” Do they mean to imply that only walking makes life worthwhile? Is mobility the only measure of the meaning of life? Not too long ago I ran into a friend of mine who had prostate surgery. I asked him how he was doing and he replied, “I’m trying to find out if there is life after sex.” Is the ability to perform sexually the ultimate source of meaning in life? Unfortunately, there are those who have reduced life to mobility or sex or gainful employment or driving a car or owning a home. But life is more than any one of these or any combination of them. But if we don’t find meaning in our lives, we will most certainly find a way to die: by accident, by disease, or by suicide. Meaning is what keeps us going. When meaning is gone the will to live also dissipates. Having been a part-time nursing home chaplain for the past twenty years, I have often heard an older person say, “I can’t see very well; I can’t hear very well; I’m in a wheelchair; most of my friends have died. Why am I still alive? Why can’t I just die?” And although I hear the pain and pathos of these pleas, I am compelled to answer in the following way: As long as there is one other person on this planet who needs love and encouragement, there is a purpose for your life and for mine. Sometimes a disability or a chronic illness can lead a person into incredible self-absorption. It is as if no one else does exist in the world. The result is loneliness and the loss of meaning,
Cutting contact doesn’t have to mean you are putting your mother out of your heart. You — Nicole can say, “Mother, I love you. Sincerely, Guiltless And I want you out of my life Question? Complaint? right now.” It is really normal Comment? W r i t e to If the source of meaninglessDear Guiltless, to still love your mother. You Nicole: % Access Press, ness and hopelessness is decan love her and you can 1821 University Ave. W, #185 pression, I certainly would Anytime we change it can know having contact with her N; St. Paul, MN 55104 encourage a person to get help, cause stress in relationships in which our expectations of the other person are already HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES set. In many ways, both physically and emotionally, Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroom you have changed so much apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. We have housing in the that it sounds like your mother is having trouble Twin Cities metropolitan area, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, updating her perceptions of Austin, Marshall, Willmar, and Duluth. you and what she expected The apartments are fully wheelchair accessible and each building has a your life to be like. Possibly your mother can’t accept central laundry room, large community room, secured entry and an on-site anything about your postcaretaker. disability life because the fact ASI also offers shared personal care services 24 hours a day, at most of your disability itself is too
Please patronize your Access Press Advertisers — and tell them where you heard about them. They bring you your paper.
October 10, 1999
Religion And Disability
Hello Nicole: Dear Nicole,
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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.
to see a doctor to get medication that would relieve the depression so that the person can function again. To take medication to address depression is not lack of faith, but a recognition that God works in many ways to help us in our time of need.
around us — our families, friends, neighbors and members of our religious community. To close ourselves off to the people around us, to deny the meaning of our lives, is to rob ourselves of joy and happiness and ultimately to experience spiritual death.
But when the underlying depression is addressed, there is still more to be done. The spiritual work is to invest one’s life with meaning. Religious people may ask themselves, “What does God want me to do with the rest of my life?” I, for one, believe that God does have a purpose for each of our lives. I also believe that purpose is related to the way we might give of ourselves to the people
Regardless of what we have or do not have, our abilities or disabilities, there is always the possibility of a meaningful and fulfilling life. But the choice is ours. So, what keeps you going? What is the source of meaning for you? What do you think God wants you to do with the rest of your life? Rich Johnson is Chaplain at Courage Center
ARTS - Cont. from p. 4 10/24, Sun. 2:00 p.m., “Work- Theatre in the Round, Mpls, ing” Stages Theatre Co., 612-333-3010 Hopkins, 612-979-1111 11/20, Sat. 3pm, “Mr. Peters’ 10/26, Tue. 7pm, “Momix Dance Connection” Guthrie Lab, Company” Ordway Music Mpls, 612-377-2224 Theatre, St. Paul, 651-224-4222 11/20, Sat., 2pm, “A Funny 10/28, Thur. 10am, “Working Thing Happened on the Way “Stages Theatre Co., Hopkins, to the Forum,” Ordway Music Theatre, St. Paul, 651-224-4222 612-979-1111 10/28, Thur. 7:30pm, “Lobster 11/21, Sun. 2pm, “Orphan Alice,” Jungle Theater, Mpls, Train”, Great Am. History Theatre, St. Paul, 651-292-4323 612-822-7063 10/29, Fri. 7:30pm, “Lilly’s Pur- * Asterisked performances are ple Plastic Purse,” Children’s eligible for reduced admission Theatre, Mpls, 612-874-0400 prices through the Access to
Theatre project. For more information, call participating theaters or VSA arts of MN, 612-3323888 (voice/TTY). For updated listings call the MACT Hotline, 612-521-5692,800-290-2428;or 11/6, Sat. 8pm, “Rosencrantz access the Web sites: http://mn. & Guildenstern Are Dead” vsarts.org/ or www.mact.net.
* 11/5 Fri. 8pm, “Cloud Nine,” Outward Spiral Theatre Co., Hennepin Center for the Arts, Mpls., 612-504-2323
TCF
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October 10, 1999
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Meet The Metropolitan Council by Charlie Smith, Editor
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he Metropolitan Council is responsible for planning and recommending funding for a variety of important services in the seven-county metropolitan area. This planning includes everything from sewers and controlling urban sprawl to roads and transportation, including MetroTransit and Metro Mobility. The governor appoints Council members and Governor Ventura recently announced his new
appointees. In an effort to keep you informed, we are providing the following list of council members and the geographic area they represent. Since the majority of the members are new, they have little or no knowledge of the issues surrounding transportation and people with disabilities. We can play a role in informing new members of the need to continually expand and im-
prove accessible public trans- denied that ride due to demand. portation. Despite improvements over the years, Metro Mobility still does As many readers know from not have the capacity to adfirst-hand experience, Metro equately serve the metro area. Mobility continues to operate with extremely limited funding. To get the name of the council Council members need to hear member representing your area, what it’s like to be denied a ride you may call the Met Council to work. They may have no at 651-602-1000. If you want to idea that people routinely get write to a council member about up at 6 a.m. (when Metro Mo- your concerns, you may do so bility opens) to call for a ride (4 c/o Met Council, 230 E 5th St., days in advance) and still be St. Paul, MN 55101-1634.
Ted Mondale Chair Vice President of Strategic Relations for Automated Intuition Inc.; Minnesota state senator 1990-1996 representing St. Louis Park, Hopkins and a portion of Minnetonka; author of Livable Communities Act and legislation keeping Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport at current location; active in national politics; a roundtable member of Democratic Leadership Council.
Julius C. (Jules) Smith District 4 (Lakeville, Eden Prairie, Carver County, most of Scott County) Private law practice; president, International Renaissance Festivals, Ltd., 1977-present; president, International Conference Foundation, 1987-present; adjunct professor, U of M’s Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, 1977-1996.
Saundra Spigner District 1 (northwestern Hennepin County)
Phil Riveness District 5 (Shakopee, Savage, Hennepin County probation Bloomington, Richfield) officer; Plymouth City Council member, 1997-1999; Plymouth Associate administrator, Planning Commission, 1996- Noran Neurological Clinic, 1997; Plymouth Human Rights 1985-present; state senator, Commission, chair, 1994-1996. representing Bloomington and Richfield, 1990-1996; senate majority whip, 1990-1992; state representative, 1982-1988; assistant house majority leader, 1986-1988.
Todd Paulson District 2 (Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, New Hope, Robbinsdale) Attorney, Suburban Middle Income Legal, Brooklyn Center, 1987-present; mayor, Brooklyn Center, 1990-1994; council member, Brooklyn Center, 1988-1990; chair, Metropolitan Transit Commission, 1989-1994.
Mary Hill Smith District 3 (Edina, Hopkins, eastern Lake Minnetonka communities) Wayzata School Board chair, 1986-1988; Sheltering Arms Foundation board chair, 19992000; executive committee member, U of M Center for Transportation Studies, 19951998.
Caren Dewar District 6 (Golden Valley, St. Louis Park, southwestern Minneapolis) President, Dewar & Associates, Inc., planning and development consultants, 1996present; development coordinator, YWCA Community and Urban Sports Center; member, Congress for New Urbanism.
MatthewRamadan District 7 (downtown and north Mpls, portion of south Mpls) Executive director, Northside Residents Redevelopment Council, Inc., 1990-present; vice president, Citizens League, 1996-present; president, American Muslim Council, MN Chapter, 1995-present.
Council- cont. on p. 7
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COUNCIL - Cont. from p. 6 sociation of Metropolitan Municipalities, 1997-present; member, North Star Corridor Development Authority, 1997present.
Director, Minnesota Office of Dispute Resolution, 1985present; New Brighton City Council member, 1986-1997; Association of Metropolitan Municipalities, metro governance committee, 1994-1997. Carolyn Rodriguez District 15 (Mendota, Mendota Heights, Eagan, Lilydale, Burnsville, Apple Valley) President, Digit Imaging, 1993present; board member of: St. Paul Foundation, Minn. His- Community Action Council cotorical Society, Ramsey ordinator for McKnight FamCounty Historical Society, St. ily Loan Program, 1986Paul Riverfront Corp., Minne- present; Minnesota state representative, 1981-1985; Minsota Urban Initiative Board. nesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, 1992April 1999. Fred Perez District 13 (southern half of St. Paul)
Carol Kummer District 8 (eastern half of Mpls) Management analyst, Minnesota Dept. of Labor and Industry, 1997-present; chair, Hiawatha LRT Corridor Community Advisory Committee; former Metropolitan Waste Control Commission member,
James Nelson District 10 (Coon Rapids, Fridley, Hilltop, Columbia Heights, St. Anthony, New Brighton, Mounds View) Owner, James W. Nelson Real Estate Co.; Reform Party chair, Legislative District 52A; Columbia Heights Park and Recreation commissioner, 1997present; Minneapolis Park Board commissioner, 1969-74.
1983-1991.
Marc Hugunin District 12 (almost all of Washington County, North St. Paul, portion of Maplewood) President, FastForward Marketing, 1998-present; Grant City Council member, 19961999; board of directors, Minnesota Parks & Trails Council, 1996-present; member, Minnesota High Tech Association, 1993-present.
Farmer producing beef cattle, hogs and raising corn, soybeans, alfalfa and vegetables; member, Dakota County Planning Commission, 1995present; board of directors, Norwest Bank-Hastings, 1982present.
BUILDING BRIDGES
Natalie Haas Steffen District 9 (Anoka County, except Coon Rapids, Fridley, Columbia Heights, Hilltop) Former commissioner, Minn. Dept. of Human Services, 19911993; board of directors, As-
John Conzemius District 16 (south Washington County, large portion of Dakota County)
Roger Williams District 11 (Eleven communities in northern Ramsey County)
Lee Pao Xiong District 14 (northern half St. Paul, Lauderdale, Falcon Heights)
Helping people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities achieve independence.
Director of government and community relations, Concordia University, 1997–present; board of directors: Midway Chamber of Commerce, 1998present; University National Bank, 1996-present; Citizens League, 1998-present.
You see people. We see promise.
UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY (612) 646-7588
Complete Mobility Systems
1915 West County Road C • Roseville, MN 55113 • 800-788-7479 • 651-635-0655
Complete Mobility Systems: • Is Committed to ‘Quality Accessibility’ for over 26 Years • Is the Major Mobility Builder in the Upper Midwest • Is Conveniently located in the Rosedale Shopping Center area • Has a Complete Selection of No Accessible Vans — NEW w vans arriving daily, as Av well as LATE ail ab MODELUSED le! VANS in stock Th lin e Sp veh e . F o r t L o V e icle r t h i f t P i e h w run i c l e h i c f i r s c k u p h w t ti nin is L g b ift ill m e e a n — ex oar tr v d c i s uly e r , w c i t i n “ g om m o t h ple u n t a k e t e e l c h n e w hem a i tin e d r add g t un he d e any u s e r s i t i o n aut r n e w h t om a t h e r e c a n e o B r . a ” n oti ve t h e T joy un’ sty v e h h e U a n a s p r o lin i c l g o e , VL — c c e s s d u c t f t wit Un i b l e he h c o n m o der ver l d e d sio n.
sa d ha is n a ift act mp hair L i v e r o c c R l is rm Whee C r o w s i n c e o f t a TM II t of tion g pl din n g a t e r r o d u c s p o r t a l o f p a n i's tr T h e V d i s a a n t r a TM II v n r, a ater try. ive ang i d e e n Q u i e t e a d a p t V e Th d a r d s a l l e r , e r i n d s t a n er, Sm a l e a t , s s Fa s t r i e u Ind 7 . 9 1 7
Web site: www.completemobility.com
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E-mail address: cms1@usinternet.com
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CHANGING FUTURES - Cont. from p. 1 available. “It’s a great program for people with disabilities,” she said. “They can feel good about themselves that they can work and participate in society. It’s wonderful.”
Living One Day At A Time
has a working partnership with by LeAnne Dahl Changing Futures to assist the program with acquiring new s I write the third part of customers. “We’re already exthe story of my husband ceeding 3M’s expectations,” Larry’s stroke and recovery, I said Strachan. feel it is sounding like a continuing saga. I hope that if you, Nearing the completion of its The program’s technical sup- the reader, experience similar first year, Changing Futures port staff writes software that circumstances, that perhaps was made possible through a is provided to program cus- this will in some small way give $100,000 grant from 3M and an tomers. The software breaks you encouragement. $80,000 grant from United Way. the work down into several 3M, Green Tree Financial, the jobs to assist supervisors at Without sounding disrespectMs. Shober is currently work- St. Paul Companies, and the Courage Center in spreading ful to Larry, I have to admit that ing at Courage Center (she said Minneapolis School District the work out to a greater num- it was easier to have him in the she is able take the bus) but will are doing business with ber of participants. This frees nursing home where I knew he be working from home as soon Changing Futures. The Min- customers such as 3M from was being taken care of. Once as her new computer becomes nesota Work Force Center also the task of breaking the work Larry was home, we were on tasks down themselves. “We our own. I was responsible for decide how best to complete helping him, whereas before the work using our unique his stroke, he had helped me. staff,” said Strachan. Now, I was thrust into a care giving role and I felt ill-preShe added that the program’s pared for it. Our friends have staff (consisting of several full- been and continue to be so time technical support person- helpful and understanding, but nel, one supervisor job coach, we don’t expect anyone to be and herself, a part-time man- with us twenty-four hours a ager) has shown local compa- day. nies how competitive the program is. “This is something It’s funny, the little things that’s never been tried before. (such as my husband putting The companies we’re working on his socks), suddenly bewith are very supportive and come a major daily task for open to this. This is a very both of us. Or fixing breakfast 612-933-1126 exciting program and we’re while my hands perspired beST. PAUL 651-641-1917 very proud of it,” she said. cause I worried about spilling milk before it got to the cereal Strachan said she is hoping the program’s successful pilot year will encourage more companies to participate in it, providing additional job openings. Not only does participation in Independent Diversified the program contribute to a image, but participaREAL ESTATE SERVICES, INC. positive tion makes the local economy 6712 Upton Ave, S more productive by putting Richfield, MN 55423 people to work who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to (612) 869-6177 contribute. Each company currently participating in Changing Futures has one representative who sits on a Business Lynn Kadlubowski, Advisory Committee. The Broker/Realtor committee identifies business opportunities for people with disabilities. nightmarish experience because she could never be sure of the legitimacy or quality of many of the positions. Shober found her way to Changing Futures through a counselor at Minnesota’s Rehabilitation Services (a common route to the program), who pointed her to Courage Center. “It was the first time I’d ever heard of the program,” she said.
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bowl. But my constant worry was that Larry would choke on food. His swallowing was, and sometime still is, difficult. There were many frustrations during those first two months. We were fortunate to have a PCA come in twice a week to do laundry, cleaning and shopping. Since Larry could no longer write out checks to pay bills, we had to have help with that. I also ordered a signature stamp so that it would be easier for me to sign checks. I never would have believed all this could happen so fast. The irony of all this was that I felt embarrassed. I kept apologizing to PCAs because we needed help. I’m speaking from my heart as I write my next statement. I really didn’t know what it would be like to be responsible for someone I love; to know that he depends on me for everything from personal care to taking care of all our household’s business. It’s a huge task, especially since we both had disabilities from the start. It’s been said many times that time heals wounds and takes care of everything in its own way. Well, to a certain extent,
Golf Tournament J
erry Nadeau of New Richmond, Wisc. won first place in the 18-hole championship of the Seventeenth Annual Sister Kenny Institute Golf Tournament for Golfers with Physical Disabilities. Nadeau fin-
HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICE
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his new construction home is scheduled for completion approximately March 31, 2000. Developed by Greater Frogtown Community Development Corp., this one-story slab-on-grade style, barrier free floor plan features the living room, dining room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, one full bath and one three-quarter bath, and laundry/furnace room all on one level. There is ample closet space, a two car detached garage, maintenance free vinyl siding, fully landscaped yard, a 2-10 warranty provided by the builder and so much more. Income restrictions (80% of median), owner occupancy and a soft 2nd mortgage (from the City of St. Paul) apply. The buyer, or a member of the immediate family, must provide sufficient documentation displaying a need for this type of housing construction. $112,000
Proudly marketed by: Independent Diversified Lynn Kadlubowski, Real Estate Services, Inc. Broker/Realtor Business: 612-869-6177 E-MAIL: LYNSAZSOLD Fax: 612-861-7295 @CITILINK.COM Cell: 612-990-6439 WEB ADDRESS: MAINLEVELLIVING.COM
In closing this series I’d like to end with my philosophy as a person with cerebral palsy. I believe that we don’t learn to take responsibility for ourselves until we’re faced with situations that call for actions that not only affect us, but loved ones as well. It’s the hardest way to learn, but it’s the most effective. I also feel it’s important to know how and when to accept kindness from friends. I need to learn this lesson over and over again. Without our friends, I don’t think we could have made it this far. So I’d like to say “Thank You” to everyone who is a part of our lives through this very difficult journey.
Sports Beat
M.I.L.S. For Sale • New Construction
it’s true. Nearly ten months have passed since Larry’s stroke. He has gained back his ability to eat, he takes daily walks using a cane, and his speech has improved. We’re still learning the methods of choosing the right PCAs. I’ve just experienced my second cataract surgery. I even learned to put my own eye drops in when the PCA didn’t show up one night. Undoubtedly, there will be more periods of darkness, but there are always days with rays of sunshine. And that’s the hope we cling to.
24 HOUR ON CALL SERVICE __________________________________
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
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ished with the lowest gross score of 85. John Ross of Maple Plain, MN won first place with the lowest net score of 95. Jim Listerud of Duluth placed second with the lowest gross score of 87; and Duff Dorschner won a second place with the lowest net score of 98. Emery Balts of Minnetonka won first place on the executive course with a low gross score of 38. Jennie Smith of Minneapolis won the ladies’ division with a gross score of 59. Evan Carlson of Champlin won the junior division for the second year in a row with a gross score of 64. About 50 golfers, from four states and Canada, some using one hand, playing from single-rider carts, or with help from a sighted guide, played in the August 13th tournament at Braemar Golf Course in Edina. Sister Kenny Institute and Braemar Golf Course were the first organizations in the country to offer a golf tournament for people with a variety of physical disabilities.
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October 10, 1999
Mental Health Public Hearings
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innesota’s State Advi sory Council on Mental Health and its Subcommittee on Children’s Mental Health recently began a series of public hearings on mental health. All of the hearings - the first convened by the council on mental health in more than a decade- are being held on Saturdays. The morning sessions (9 a.m. to noon) focus on children and from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. the focus is adult mental health needs. Hearings have already been held in Bemidji, Duluth, Alexandria and Marshall, but written comments may still be submitted.
Oct. 23- Owatonna, Steele County Administration Center, Commissioner’s Room, 630 Florence Ave. Contact: Carolyn Wheeler, (507) 455-8 100. Oct. 30- Rosemount, Rosemount Community Center Banquet Room, 13885 S. Robert Trail. Contact: Andrea Novak (651) 450-2220, ext. 11.
(DHS), (651) 582-1824, or the local contacts listed below. For TTY communication, use the Minnesota Relay Service at 1(800) 627-3529. Testimony may also be submitted by mail, to the attention of Erica Buffington, Public Hearings, Department of Human Services, Mental Health Unit, 444 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-3828, or by e-mail, www.mh.comments@state.mn.us.
Nov. 6- Minneapolis, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, 1501 Hennepin After the hearings, testimony Ave. S. Contact: Shelley Zuzek will be compiled for the council (612) 870-0011. and subcommittee who will write a report and recommenThose wishing to speak at the dations for the governor, the hearings should contact Erica Minnesota Department of HuDate, location and contact for Buffington at the Minnesota man Services and the Legislathe remaining hearings are: Department of Human Services ture. APPLICATION OPENING: SECTION 8 RENT ASSISTANCE Equal Housing Opportunity
Equal Housing Opportunity
The Public Housing Agency of the City of St. Paul (PHA) will be accepting applications for the Section 8 Rent Assistance Program. To Receive an Application: Call 651-298-5108 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on October 20 or 21, 1999, and leave your name and address; OR
Leave your name and address with the receptionist at the PHA Rental Office, 480 Cedar Street, Suite 300, St. Paul, MN 55101.
OR
If you need special assistance, you may call the following numbers: Hearing Impaired: 651-292-7280 (TTY) Interpreter Service: 612-808-57 10 (Please specify language)
NOTE: The above telephone numbers will not be in service until October 20 and 21, 1999. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE TAKEN IN PERSON. THE PHA WILL MAIL APPLICATION FORMS TO ALL APPLICANTS, APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO THE PHA. Your Family Income Must Not Exceed the Limits Listed Below: 1 person ............. $22,250 4 persons ........... $31,800 2 persons ........... $25,450 5 persons ........... $34,350 3 persons ........... $28,600 6 persons .......... $ 36,900 A random drawing of all returned applications will be conducted to determine an applicant’s place on the waiting lists. Waiting list placement will be further determined according to an applicant’s qualifications for a local preference. To be included in the random drawing, your application must be received by the PHA by Nov 30, 1999. Applications returned after this date will be placed on the bottom of the waiting list in the order received. Information on the waiting periods for the Section 8 Program will be mailed to all applicants by Jan 31, 2000. Starting January 2000, applications will continue to be accepted ONLY on the third Wednesday of every month by calling 651-298-5108.
7 persons ...... $39,450 8 persons ...... $42,000
M.A.T. Metropolitan Area Transit, Inc.
SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER “On Time Every Time or we will buy you lunch” call for details
(612) 379-4107 MA, U-CARE, MEDICA, PRIVATE PAY, PRIVATE INSURANCE **Standing Orders
** Group Charters
Martha Hage’s RADIO SHOW Disabled & Proud, It’s Not An Oxymoron October 12 Sam interviews Stacy Shamblott, Vision Loss Resources’ new Community Center Coordinator October 19 Martha interviews Lydia Howell about her reactions to the book “Planet of the Blind” October 26 Lolly Lijewski hosts November 2 Martha and Sam host a unique listener discussion and call-in show on provocative topics such as: assisted suicide, disability as a metaphor, common usage of terms like psycho, retard,etc., and more. KFAI Every Tues. 7:30 p.m. 106.7 FM — St. Paul 90.3 FM — Mpls
Computerized Desktop publishing: Brochures Catalogs Direct Mailings Flyers Newsletters Newspapers Project Mgmt Resumes Scanning ... & more!
Ellen Houghton 612-404-9981
Workforce Development Issues Impacting People with Disabilities Midwest Regional Meeting
October 18, 1999 • 9:00am - 4:30pm Sheraton Midway • St. Paul, MN Keynote Becky Ogle, Executive Director Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities This one day conference will bring together disability advocates throughout the region to exchange the most up-to-date information about the status of federal legislation, Workforce Incentives Improvement Act of 1999, and Medicaid Buy-In legislation passed in the states of Minnesota and Iowa. Participants will attend workshops focusing on recent employment-related ADA Supreme Court decisions or the impact of the federal Workforce Investment Act on vocational programs affecting people with disabilities.
Cost: $10.00 (Lunch Included) Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities SSI Coalition for a Responsible Safety Net For registration information and disability accommodations Barbara Otto, SSI Coalition, 312/223/9600 (tel) or 312/223/9518 (fax) Registration closes on October 12, 1999 Prepared and paid for by The Disability Institute, MnCCD member
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October 10, 1999
Access To Employment
EXTENSION EDUCATOR Community Resources, Sibley County, Gaylord, MN
More listings on pg 11 Employment ads are $14 per col. inch; Oct 29 is the deadline for the Nov 10 issue. Mail to: Required: A bachelor’s or ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #185N • St. Paul, MN 55104 FAX 651-644-2136 master’s degree in an area such as economics, sociology, pubCOUNSELOR COMMUNICATIONS PCL CONSTRUCTION lic policy, administration, busiHennepin Technical College SPECIALIST SERVICES, INC. ness, political science, education, or human ecology; effecCourage, a nationally re- Full-time Counselor at the American Express tive verbal and written communowned rehab & resource cen- Brooklyn Park Campus. ProClient Service Center nication skills; teaching skills; ter for people with disabilities, vide personal, academic and public relations skills; and the is currently seeking a Commu- career counseling for students American Express, owner nications Spec to work FT. In and prospective students of HKS, Inc./RSP Architects, arch ability to work as a team memthis exciting role you’ll write Hennepin Technical College. Michaud Cooley Erickson, eng ber. communication tools that pro- Work as a team member to pro- PCL Construction, contractor Preferred: A master’s degree; mote our programs & services mote the mission of Hennepin to include brochures, flyers, Technical College and the suc- Project: 14 story structural course work or experience in newsletters, press releases, cess of students enrolled at steel office tower, approx. school-to-work, community development, or economic dePSAs & feature articles; and Hennepin Technical College. 1,200,000 SF. velopment; experience in ecohelp develop & manage PR & Must possess the credentials marketing projects. The se- and work experience to qualify PCL encourages all diverse nomic development, commulected candidate will possess a for licensure as a counselor, suppliers to submit bids for nity leadership, government, bachelor’s degree in Journal- license #001000, in the techni- this project. We also expect community decision-making, ism or PR, & 5+ yrs of general cal college system. Computer that all bidding subcontrac- trend analysis, and strategic writing exp or equivalent; software familiarity is recom- tors expend every good faith planning; computer user skills knowledge of news writing, mended. Ability to communi- effort to achieve maximum par- in word processing and dataediting & PR principles; suc- cate with many different cli- ticipation by diverse supplies. base management; grant writing and administration; busicessful track record in media ents is essential. Send letter, ness management; volunteer placements & bldg relation- resume with three professional Plans are available at PCL. management; and the ability to ships with key media reps; ac- references by October 21, 1999, complished in developing mar- to Deb Clough, Human Re- The Bid Date for each Bid manage multiple tasks concurrently. keting plans which support sources, Hennepin Technical Package is as follows: strategic direction of an orga- College, 9000 Brooklyn Blvd., #09 - Architectural - 10/28/99 Deadline for materials: nization; & strong organiza- Brooklyn Park, MN 55445. #109 -Temperature Controls November 1, 1999. tion, communication, & project 10/28/99 mgmt skills. For consideration, HTC is an AA/EOE Employer. #11 - Sitework – I0/28/99 To obtain complete position please mail or fax cover letter & announcement & application resume to Human Resources, PCL Construction materials, call U of M Human ATTORNEY CS Recruit, Courage Center, Services, Inc. Resources at 612/624-3717, 3915 Golden Valley Rd., Mpls, Attn: Jim Mortenson or download from Web page: th MN 55422. Fax: 612-520-0577. So. MN Reg. Legal Services 905 4 Avenue South www.extension.umn.edu/exseeks 1 MN lic’d atty. To work Minneapolis, MN 55404 tension/jobs.html. EOE. in St. Paul on family law issues PHONE 612-340-0928 We welcome & embrace with Hmong Comm. Salary FAX 612-340-0942 The U of M is an equal diversity. DOE. Resumes to: M. Luisa th opportunity educator and Giese; SMRLS; 46 E. 4 St., An Equal Opportunity employer. Ste. 700; St. Paul, MN 55101. Employer M/F/V/H EOE/AAE.
POLICE OFFICERS
SUPPORT SERVICE/ DISABILITY SERVICES COORDINATOR Hennepin Technical College
Eden Prairie Police Department and Minnetonka Police Department Joint Testing Opportunity
Full-time (9 months) Support Service/Disability Services Coordinator at the Brooklyn Park Campus. Plan, implement, and coordinate programs and services for students identified as academically disadvantaged or as having a disability or handicapping condition. Provide necessary program and service modifications and accommodations. Qualifications: B.S. degree required, Masters preferred in an educational major. Knowledge about identification and appropriate service for students with disabilities. Excellent interpersonal skills, knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding service to students with disabilities. Send letter, resume with three professional references by October 21, 1999, to Deb Clough, Human Resources, Hennepin Technical College, 9000 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445.
The Eden Prairie Police Department and the Minnetonka Police Department are accepting applications for the position of police officer. Essential employee qualifications: licensed or be eligible to be licensed by MN POST Board by time of appointment, but not later than January 1, 2001; US Citizenship and possession of a valid driver’s license. Selection criteria: good interpersonal communication skills, demonstrable problem solving ability, independent decision making while working as part of a team effort. Successful candidates must also pass written exams, oral boards, agility, psychological, medical exams, and a complete background investigation. Joint testing exams are scheduled for Nov. 6 and Nov. 9.
HTC is an AA/EOE Employer. To obtain an application to be used for both departments, call Jobline at 612.939.8212, or visit CLERK TYPIST/LEGAL www.ci.minnetonka.mn.us/ police.htm SECRETARY Application deadline: So. MN Regl. Legal Services October 18, 1999. seeks a clerk typist or legal secretary to work in St. Paul. Fluency in English and a sec- Women and minorities are enond language preferred. Sal- couraged to apply. ary DOE. Resumes to: Glenda City of Eden Prairie and Potter; SMRLS; 529 Jackson Minnetonka Street, Suite 221; St. Paul, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd MN 55101. EO/AAE. Minnetonka, MN 55345
Professional Directory M.A.T. METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT, INC.
Meeting Your Transportation Needs
SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER
Northland Transportation, Inc.
Mn D.O.T. Certified Transportation Specialist 612-379-4107 MA, U-CARE Minnesota, Private Insurance - Pay
PNL
Lori L. Guzmán
SERVICES Conversion Raised Tops Raised Doors
Attorney at Law
Lift Installation Lift Repair Drop Floor
300 2nd St. S.E. Mpls., MN 55414 (near St. Anthony Main) Office: (651) 645-0645 Fax (651) 645-0630
5777 - 125th Street West Apple Valley MN 55124-8390 Fax 612-953-6135 Tel 612-953-4424 email: llguzman@aol.com
612-672-9342
Licensed Psychologist Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant
UNITY CARE TRANSPORTATION, INC. Private Transportation For All Your Needs
Nathaniel Stewart, Jr., M.A. Psychology & Rehabilitation Services
Griggs Midway Office Building 1821 University Ave., S-231 St. Paul. MN 55104
Ambulatory and Wheelchair Service Group Charters Available M.A. provider plus other insurances (612) 922-6876/885-0580
E-Mail: stew@juno.com or/nathstewart@earthlink.net
Specializing in working with people with disabilities Wkrs comp., personal injury, vocational/personal counseling Private pay, most insurances accepted
Standing Order • Dial-a-Ride Ambulatory • Wheelchair Serving Metro Area 9630 Cortland Road Woodbury, MN 55125
Phone (651) 276-1625 Fax (651) 714-4503
Deb Sanchez 795 7th Avenue Newport, MN 55055 Tel 651/768.8989 Cell 651/274.6286
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Access To Employment More Ads On Pg 10
EMPLOYMENT ADS ARE $14 A COL. INCH; OCT 29 IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE NOV 10 ISSUE. Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #185N • St. Paul, MN 55104 • Fax 651-644-2136
LEAD MULTIMEDIA COURSEWARE PRODUCER
Full-time position funded for one year with possibility of renewal in the Communications, Education and Technology Services of the U of M Extension Service, based on the St. Paul campus. Work with clients and lead online courseware development. Required: Master’s degree in technical communication, instructional design or comparable. Coursework in document design, visual communication and related areas. Demonstrated writing, editing, and instructional design skills; minimum 2 years experience designing courseware for Web; experience conducting usability testing and in leading and participating on course design teams.
Early Learning Center needs energetic and creative individuals to develop and provide an educational and learning environment for preschool children. Experience working with diverse populations and special needs children would be helpful. Positions available: LEAD TEACHER (Mentor Teacher)
n VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT EXTENSION EDUCATOR
University of Minnesota Extension Service
Assist campus and field faculty and staff to develop, implement, evaluate, and create posACTING EXTENSION sibilities for volunteers in proEDUCATOR grams that meet the needs of 12/1/1999 to 12/31/2000, Com- diverse audiences and promunity Resources, Washing- grams across the state. ton County, Stillwater, MN. Required: Master’s degree or Required: A bachelor’s de- current enrollment in such a gree; superior verbal and writ- program; demonstrated expeten communications. rience and success in developing and maintaining quality Preferred: A master’s degree; youth and adult volunteers in course work in education, so- connection with relevant types cial sciences (economics, an- of programs; demonstrated thropology, political science, commitment to inclusivity/digeography, or public policy) versity. Skills and abilities inand related fields; course work clude: excellent oral & written in applied fields such as com- communication, community munity development planning networking, leadership in voland policy and policy analy- unteer areas, teaching, organisis; experience working with zation, computer user skills, collaborations and working team building, recognition syswith businesses; experience in tems, problem solving, and creeconomic development, com- ativity. munity leadership, government, community decision- Preferred: Degrees approprimaking, trend analysis, and ate to the position, i.e., educastrategic planning; skills in tion, college student personteaching methods, educational nel, human resource developprogram needs assessment, ment, adolescent developorganization, development, ment, multicultural programdesign, delivery, and evalua- ming, and/or training and detion; networking; team collabo- velopment. Course work/trainration; volunteer management; ing in volunteer management applied research; leadership; and/or youth development. work with the media; work with Community networking expeeconomically or culturally di- rience. verse audiences; computer user skills in word processing; To apply: send cover letter desktop publishing; e-mail, and describing how your backInternet use. ground and education relate to the position, current resume, Deadline for materials: Octo- transcripts, and three letters of ber 18, 1999. reference to: Extension Human Resources, 260 Coffey To obtain complete position Hall, 1420 Eckles, St. Paul announcement & application MN 55108. For complete pomaterials, call U of M Human sition announcement, call Resources at 612/624-3717 612.624.4267 or check web site. or download from Web page www. extension.umn.edu/exwww.extension.umn.edu/ex- tension/jobs.html Materials tension/jobs.html. due in our office 10/21/99.
Provide classroom leadership and direction. Also, will mentor and coach a staff of three. Must have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or Special Education or related field. Required qualifications: supervisory experience, good interpersonal relations skills, demonstrated leadership and management skills, familiar with Accreditation and Licensing Preferred Experience: writing, requirements, and knowledge editing and instructional de- of High/Scope or related sign for multimedia (video, CD- Early Childhood curriculum. ROM, etc.); with the U of M computer network; designing TEACHER and conducting training for computer users. Provide positive learning enSalary commensurate with edu- vironment for children. Would cation and experience. Dead- be responsible for coordinatline for app. materials: 10/25/99. ing daily learning environment and activities and assessing To apply: send cover letter, children’s skills. Must have current resume, transcripts and Minnesota Department of Huthree letters of reference to: man Services License or be Extension Human Resources, Teacher Qualified (CDA quali260 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles, fied). Must have good interSt. Paul MN 55108. For com- personal relations skills. Trainplete description call 612/624- ing and experience in teaching 4267 or check our web site: is desirable. http://www.umn.edu/extension/jobs.html/. The U of M is We offer a competitive salary an equal opportunity educator and full benefits. If you have and employer. questions contact Sheila at 612.872.2764. Apply in person: ASSISTANT COORDINATOR FOR LNB, 1925 Nicollet, Mpls., ELEMENTARY/JUNIOR Mon-Thurs 9-4 p.m. Agency application required. ApplicaHIGH PROGRAM tion review is ongoing and Educational Enrichment Pro- continues until positions are The U of M is an equal oppor- The U of M is an equal opporgram needs an energetic indi- filled. EOE tunity educator and employer. tunity educator and employer. vidual to provide after school services to elementary and junJOB OPPORTUNITIES ior high students ages 8-14. Must be able to speak Spanish, have strong public rela- St. Paul based glass and glaztions skills and be detail ori- ing contractor is seeking motiented. Must possess strong vated individuals to fill skilled interpersonal skills and be able and unskilled union positions. to handle multiple priorities. Equal opportunity employer. We offer a competitive salary and full benefits. Apply in Please submit application/reperson: LNB, 1925 Nicollet, sume to: Ramsey Cty Mpls., Mon-Thurs 9-4 p.m. Human Resources Agency application required. 18 11 Greenview Place SW Application review is ongoing Suite 101 and continues until position is Rochester, MN 55902 filled. EOE.
October 10, 1999
11
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/ DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE
Twin Cities Public Television (KTCA/2 & KTCI/17), one of the largest and most respected PBS affiliates, seeks a Director of Marketing and Communications. This is an exciting and rewarding position for an experienced and strategic thinking professional who can help lead the station into the digital television age.
Full time annual appointment, MN 4-H Foundation with the Center for 4-H Youth Development to be located in the Gateway Center, U of M East Bank, starting November 1999. Direct unrestricted and restricted annual fund campaigns, expand special fund raising events, determine needed and appropriate public relations vehicles.
The Director is responsible for developing a communications and branding plan that positions the organization as a highly valued community institution and that achieves measurable use and value goals as set out in the station’s strategic plan. This plan will also support the station’s efforts to meet annual revenue goals. Along with a staff of producers and media specialists, the Director manages and implements various communications resources including onair promotion, public relations and editorial coverage efforts, advertising, community outreach and TV2 (a program magazine distributed to 105,000 members). The Director serves as the primary spokesperson for the station.
Required: Bachelor’s degree. Two years fund raising experience including work in one or more areas: direct mail, phone solicitation, special events, corporate gifts, grant writing. Experience using word processing, electronic mail and database systems; in recruiting, training, and managing teams of volunteers; in working with or for a youth development organization. Highlevel proficiency in written and oral communications; demonstrated skills in interaction and communication with people, individually and in groups; demonstrated ability to recruit, train, manage, and reward volunteers; ability to organize events and programs; ability to work flexible hours in a fastpaced environment; ability to travel in and out of MN ; ability to work as a team fwith oundation staff and volunteers, program faculty and Extension staff; understanding of youth development work and outreach education of the Uof M.
Strongest candidates will have at least 8 years of marketing and communication leadership experience in planning and implementing a comprehensive strategic communications plan. Excellent written and oral communications skills are essential as is a clear understanding Preferred: Master’s degree; of brand strategy. Successful course work in fund raising, history of managing a staff of communications and youth diverse talents is also critical. development. Experience creating networks of individuals Salary negotiable DOE. Send as fund raising prospects; factresume and cover letter by 10/ to-fact funding raising experi15/99 to: Box 323-0, KTCAence. th TV, 172 East 4 St., St. Paul, MN 55101. To apply: submit letter addressing how your qualificaEEO/AAP tions fit the position, current COMPUTER TECHNICAL resume, college transcripts, and three letters of reference SPECIALIST to: Extension Human ReSo. MN Reg. Legal Services sources, 260 Coffey Hall, 1420 seeks a Comp. Tech. Specialist Eckles Ave., St Paul, MN to work in St. Paul area offices. 55108. Deadline for receipt of Variety of software trouble- all materials: 10/22/99. For comshooting entry level exp. req’d. plete position announcement Salary DOE. Resumes to: Steve call 612.624-4267 or check Web Wolfe; SMRLS; 46 E. 4th St., site: http://www.extension. Ste. 300; St. Paul, MN 55101. umn.edu/extension/jobs.html/ The U of M is an equal opporEO/AAE tunity educator and employer.
Don't Miss An Issue! Subscribe Today! $15 Buys A Full Year (12 Issues) Of Access Press Name _____________________________________ Street _____________________________________ City ______________________________________ State ______________ Zip ____________________ Telephone _________________________________
Recruiter ------------------------------------- 651-266-6476 24-hour Jobline ------------------------------ 651-266-6502 TDD/TTY ------------------------------------ 651-266-6501 Personnel Fax -------------------------------- 651-292-7656
Limited income subscription: $5 I have an idea for editorial coverage. Please call me. I’ve enclosed my check for $15. Start my subscription. Send your advertising rates. MAIL TO: ACCESS PRESS; 1821 University Ave. W., #185N, St. Paul, MN 55104. (651) 644-2133
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October 10, 1999
CLASSIFIEDS
Reach 11,000 Active, Interested Readers with ACCESS PRESS Classifieds. $8 up to 20 words, 35¢/word thereafter. Mail with check to: ACCESS PRESS, 1821 University Ave W, #185N, St. Paul, MN 55104; (651) 644-2133 FOR SALE
Tickets Wheelchair accessible seats for October 26 Lynyrd 3 and 4 Wheel Mobility Scoot- Skynyrd/ZZ Top concert at Tarers, Scooter lifts and ramps. get Center. Six great seats at face New scooters from $1,975.00. value. Call Mike at 651-481Free in-home demonstration. Sales 4062. and services. FastServ Medical. (320) 654-0434 (St. Cloud) or toll 1984 GMC Vandura conv. van. free 1-888-565-0434. Raised roof, crow river lift, w/ extra folding platform. 98,000 3 and 4 Wheel Scooter Repair. mi., many new parts. No rust, TX We repair Amigo, Bruno, Electric winters. Very sharp van in exc. Mobility, most brands. New and condition. $9000/offer, call Deb used scooters for sale. Buy, sell at 651-459-2466. & trade. FastServ Medical. (320) 654-0434 (St. Cloud) or toll free 1- Uni-lift, simple electric, platform 888-565-0434. is 26x36. Like new condition. $400/offer, call Deb at 651-459Amigo Electric wheelchair, dual 2466. wheels, charger, other accessories, $700.00. 612-831-6973.
Rascal convertible cart with joy stick. Burgundy with grey seat. Like new. Paid $4,200 asking $3,000 or B/O. Call Pat Fox, (612) 712-1023.
Seward Square Apartments: We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list at Seward Square Apartments in Minneapolis. Seward Square is barrierfree housing and is federally sub1997 Ford Econoline conversion sidized. For an application, please van. Hydraulic wheelchair lift. call 612/338-2680. Equal Oppor35,500 miles, excellent condition. tunity Housing. Lots of extras, asking $22,000. Call Mike at 612-906-4000. Holmes-Greenway Housing One and two bedroom apartments FOR RENT designed for physically handicapped persons. Convenient SE Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier Minneapolis location. Call 612/ free housing with wheelchair user 378-0331 for availability inforin mind. Section 8 subsidized. mation. Equal Opportunity HousOne and two bedroom units. For ing. more information on availability call 651/488-9923. St. Paul, MN Equal Opportunity Housing.
THE FRIENDS OF ACCESS PRESS Since the sudden death of the publisher of ACCESS PRESS in 1996, ACCESS PRESS has been struggling financially. Over the past three years, The Friends of ACCESS PRESS have kept us alive. We need your continued support to keep publishing. Your gift entitles you to a one year complimentary subscription to ACCESS PRESS.
Sponsorship levels: Basic (low income) . $5.00 Friend ......... .$25.00 & up Bronze ......... $75.00 & up
Silver .............. .$150.00 & up Gold ................ .$350.00 & up Diamond .......... $500.00 & up
Benefactor ... $1,000.00 & up
ACCESS PRESS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Checks should be made out to ACCESS PRESS. Your contribution is tax deductible. Please mail your sponsorship to ACCESS PRESS, 1821 University Avenue West, Suite 185N, St. Paul, MN 55104. Your help is crucial if ACCESS PRESS is to continue being the voice for people with disabilities! Thank you.
SPONSORS OF ACCESS PRESS: Thanks to the following sponsors for supporting ACCESS PRESS this year. ------------------------------------- BASIC SPONSOR ------------------------------------Margaret Beier Patricia Guerrero Steven McKeever Jane & Albert Olson Paul W. Taylor
M. Cotcamp Beth Jensen Kathleen M. Miller Carla Reichenberg Kelli N-E Wysocki
------------------------------------- BRONZE SPONSOR -------------------------------------
Jerry Dempsey Susan Asplund Jeff Bangsberg Scott Beers Ericka Johnson Janet Berndt Tom Brick Rick Cardenas Cindy Moore Stephanie Cunningham LeAnne & Larry Dahl Dawn Doering Ramona Sherer M. Therese Gockenbach Diane Greig Lori Guzman Judy Haaversen Roger A. Hoffman David and Susan Houghton James R. House Lolly Lijewski Ronna Linroth Matt Liveringhouse Paul & Corrine McNamara Christopher Meyer ------------------------------------- FRIEND SPONSOR ------------------------------------Joline Gitis & Steven Miles Manley & Ann Olson Louise Pattridge Sue Abderholden Lynda Adams Cheryl A. Anderson Mary & Henry Pattridge Rick & Debbie Ryan Dean Doering & Lisa Scribner Mary Andresen David Baldwin Kathy Ball John Smith Peter & Pamela Stanfiel Mary Jane Steinhagen Don & Maggie Bania Marisa Bennett Patrick Bilbrey Erica Stern Helen Thompson Julie Wegscheid Mike & Karen Bjorgan Susan Blaylock Bill Blom Jerrold Wood Joe & JoAnn Zwack Maynard Bostrom Anita Boucher Bob Brick AC Transportation Bridgeton Healthways Co. Susan Bulger Deah Cain Cathy Carlson Dept. of Occupat’l Therapy-U of M Div. MN Rehab. Assoc Job Placement & Dvlpmt Lynne Corneli Marty Cushing LeRoy deBoom Merrick Companies Pat Siebert, MN Dis. Law Ctr. Neil Doughty Christine N. Drew Craig Dunn National Results Council Lee Ann Erickson Tom & Mimi Fogarty Dr. Robert A. Ganz Candace/David Gislason Tom Gode Robert Gregory ------------------------------------- SILVER SPONSOR ------------------------------------Nadine & Andy Groven Jimmie Hanson Ken Hennessey Anne Henry Ellen & Skip Houghton Judy Hunt Becky J. Bugbee-Tong Robert E. Buuck Catherine Eilers Margot Imdieke Cross Beth Jensen Cindy & Gregory Johnson David Grosvenor Martha Hage Ericka Johnson Linnea Johnson Hoff Barb Kane Arc Hennepin County Courage Center Corbin Kidder Janet and Bill King Beth Knutson-Kolodzne Help Yourself Job Placement and Development Division, MN Rehab Assn Ann Kranz Dianna Krogstad Sherry Lampman Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Network Mpls. Advisory Committee Sue Lasoff Linda Larson Linda Lattin Multiple Sclerosis Society Sister Kenny Institute LoRene Leikind Donna Liveringhouse Dorothy McCoy Twin City Transportation Vinland Center Tim McMillan Senator John Marty Cliff Miller Kathy Moran William O’Dowd Amy Olmscheid ------------------------------------- GOLD SPONSOR ------------------------------------Barbara Proehl Virginia Puzak Julee Quarvee Peterson Mary Rapson Kim Rezek Stuart Rosen Shirley Larson Margaret Perryman Ginger Rudberg Mary E. Rupert Patricia Rydeen Art Sauter Elizabeth Smith Adele Spavin ------------------------------------- DIAMOND SPONSOR ------------------------------------Diane Sprague Helen Thompson Gerry and Barb Tollakson MATRIX Advocare Network North Memorial Health Care Caryl Wattman Teri Welcher Curt Wiehle Chris Berndt David Wood Beth Wright Accord Health Care Services All Temporaries, Inc Alliance for the Mentally Ill of MN ------------------------------------- BENEFACTOR SPONSOR ------------------------------------Arc of Anoka/Ramsey Cty Arc Suburban Arc Minnesota Deluxe Corporation Handicabs Best Care Brain Injury Assn. of MN Consumer Council of The Alliance for the Mentally Ill Disabled Dealer ------------------------------------- IN HONOR ------------------------------------Duluth Consumer & Family Regional Resource Ctr East Suburban Resources Equity Services-St. Paul Franciscan Sisters of St. Paul Anne Henry by Karen Adamson Forensic Alliance of Mentally Ill Fraser Community Services Goodwill/Easter Seals Rochester Equipment Loan ------------------------------------- IN MEMORY------------------------------------Home Health Care Kaposia Mankato Consumer & Family Reg. Resource Ctr MBW Company Michael Graf by E. Alexandra Gray Bill Smith by Joe & Peg Figliuzzi Mental Health Assoc. of MN Mental Health Consumer Survivor Network of MN Bill Smith by Kathy & Paul West Metro Mobility Service Center Staff MN Bio Brain Association MN Developmental Achievement Center Assoc. (MnDACA) New Dimensions ------------------------------------- FOUNDATION SPONSOR ------------------------------------New Ways Rise Park Rapids Consumer & Family Reg. Resource Ctr Resource The Medtronic Foundation S.M.I.L.E.S. St. Cloud Consumer/Family Reg. Resource Ctr United Cerebral Palsy of MN