May 1996 Edition - Access Press

Page 1

.

New Product Review - p. 6 Book Review -p.3

"Any idiot can face a crisisIt is this day-to-day that wears you out. " Anton Chekhov

Reader Profile Page 4

i

Access Press a@iai

Going BackTo

r.

9

-

-

-$.,

3 Work.

..-

Social Security Administration Changes The Rules by Tom Emmons, DisAbility Works

r

*,A 4

I

issues have arisen and changes have occurred in Social Security's Plan for Achieving SelfSupport(PASS)program.

Manual System (POMS) guidelines were released in mid-April 1996. These contain dramatic changes in the

item so they have no installment payments.

mean PASSes can't be approved. This does mean the

rent PASS plans must meet the new standards.

cialists".

d) A PASS plan for a business

i

re:

-

f) PASS development fees

ACCESS PRESS explores Metro area greenspaces. See page 6. I

Wellstone Fights For Mental Illness Rimefits

using the program. "This decision was made in response to the General Accounting Officels(GAO)criticismthat Social Security Administration (SSA) staff who currently make PASS decisions have not been properly trained to perform that function." - SSA memo 311 1/96.

2) All the current confusion and lack of information is strictly by decision of SSA. The only recent change by we cover any other illness," Congress was taking the time The U.S. Senatehas approved other health care services. bipartisan legislation (vote 68he said. limits offPASS plans in 1995. 30) sponsored by U.S. Sena- "For far too long, mental SSA is still directed to liberaltors Paul Wellstone (D, MN) health illnesses have been put The Wellstone/Domenici ly construe Plans for Achievand Pete Domenici (R, NM) in parentheses - we didn't legislation is part of the ing Self Support to provide to guarantee parity in insur- want to talk about them and KassebaumKennedybiparti- every opportunity to the blind ance coverage for mental ill- we didn't want to take them san health insurance reform and disabled toreturn togainness. seriously. The stigmaofmen- bill -which Sen. Wellstone ful employment. tal illness has kept many in strongly supports. At its core The Wellstone/Domenici leg- need from asking for help, is a guarantee that workers 3) No person using a PASS; islation requires that health and has prevented policy- who have been covered by no Social Security Disability plans provide coverage for makers from providing it," health insurance continue to Income (SSDI) beneficiary, mental health services the said Sen. Wellstone. have access to it if they no Supplement Security Insame way they cover other change or lose theirjobs, or if come (SSI) recipient and no physical illnesses. Plans will "Mental illness is a problem they have pre-existing condi- community support program be prohibited from requiring affecting all sectors of Amer- tions. has received any oficial noco-pays or deductibles for ican society. It shows up in tice from SSA of the changes mental health benefits, estab- both rural and urban areas. "I am thrilled that the intheprogramthoughpeople lishing lifetime limits formen- Treatment not only saves Domenici/Wellstone amend- will' be held accountable for tal health benefits, and estab- lives; it also saves dollars. It ment was passed by such a complyingwith the new rules. lishing visit limitations for is only old data and old ideas wide margin in the Senate. Ask your Congressperson mental health services unless that keeps us from covering The 68-30 vote showed over- why. fie same restrictions ~ D D W mental health the same way Benefits - cont. on p. 5

meet the individual's needs or else anon-entry level position would be appropriate. A PASS can be for an entry level position in a professional, business, or trade environment. In most cases, persons with college degrees or vocationaVtechnical training will be considered to have the capacity to obtain such a position without the assistance of a PASS.

indicating the steps the individual will take to reach their occupational objective, and suitable to be used as a measure of progress, must be included with the PASS.

evaluation are to be considered feasible. i) A person's Occupational Objective, developed in conjunction with a qualified rehabilitation professiona1,'isto be considered feasible.

b) No item being paid for before the PASS may be included in the PASS. For example, car payments existing j) A person can have more before the PASS could not be than one PASS plan. included. k) A person working 20 hours c) PASS Plans are for start- a week can have a PASS to get up costs necessary for a per- a job for 30 hours a week. son to begin working or to begin their business. This 1) A person working 20 hours can still mean schoolingcosts a week with 20 hours a month or initial inventory. Howev- of support (Supported Emer, installment payments (e.g. ployment) can have a PASS car payments, loans for busi- to work 20 hours a week with ness) are no longer allowed. 10 hours a month of support. A person can save up for a down payment for a needed m) The PASS must state how item with the intention that much the person is making the subsequent installment now and how much they plan payments would then be made on making after the PASS. without a PASS. If neces- They must show they will have sary, a person can use a PASS enough money to meet their to save for a down payment PASS - cont. on p. 5

I

I


2

May 10,1996

Access Press

-

-

W ap a P m - t ohe$ riders It appean S p r hi s reallyhere Goes On over-booked hei.

L a s t m d I listed a group of advocates which were active at the Capitol in this last legislative session. I knewwben fonnly,wewill be abletoprow haw kout ofcompliancewith

****

#ie&mrkans with Disability

Advisory Committees Have Vacancies

1Minneapol.i~ Home Ilmprovement Loans bility improvements. Waiting list. Maximum income:

St. Paul:

ticipate in society. lead abatement. MCDA pro- er's income. Homeowners Formore information on these

-..--- -

yw*]:-;2

2.-.+

-

. . - turalaccessibility. Applicants

MN State Arts Board Needs Panel

-- should recognize Uat people Mjnaeapolis: with disabilities have unique on3 are'cu'&~tl~;t;i5ncerns regarding their daily lftIR'%p'ifeii activities. Membeq serveon the Minn~apolisP;dviwry yeat terms and receive no Committee on People With comperrsatbn.

This information is available in ASCII disk, cassette tape, Braille, or Large Pr$t upon The Arts Board is currently Formore infrwmation on panseeking nominations to fill3 els,. oantqt Bo Minnesota request. numberoffuturegrants pas- State Atts Board, Pa& i%pm elsand committea. The agtn- Court, 4@0~&le$; &&%Op~ cy is especially interested in Saint Paul, MN 35 101-1928, artistsandadmimistratorsfiom (6 12) 2 15- 1600 or toll- Percent fwArthPubl& kgrounds he(800) 8MN-ARTS. For . Nominees m,comt&t-- the Minnesota -- .,. ....... ASL Interpreted Stepping Stone Theatre for west.net m u s t h s t v e e ~ h a tWq ~ S m h at (612) 297Performanc@ Youth Development,St. Paul one of the folkwing m-as!tm 3333 or .(869) 627-3329and members, to review a p p l i t - "';' wr xkrfbt?d artistic dbipline; ark in edu- mk for the Mimmcota State tions and select artwork fok May 19, Sundag - 2:(KYpm, - June 7, Friday, 7:30pm &fmmanees ~alion;or nogprofit financia1 Arts Board purchase, or artists to ma&'$ < , ' p ~ ~ @ g rSeven" n t - - @Thesthly of Babar" -argqpnizaIionalrnanagement. fonnal d@ prapoak. i:&r !&he Piu* Square Theatei in Childccn's Th-, Mpls May 12, Sunday, 2:OOpm. downtown St. Paul 'Cat on a Hot Tin Mf" . F O ~ticket and other infor- F~~more i n k a t i o n contact e* in the ~ound,in0 . P mation call 221-7005. Craig Dunn at Very special neapolis You at;e invited to a special upcoming season; watch tech- and get a peek behind the- Arts Minnesota (612) 332day of exciting activities for nicaldemonstllrtionsoflighfs, scenes-atthe innm working& :May 19, Sunday, 2:Wpm. 3888 (V,T,or FAX), or 1- June 7, Friday, 73Opm. the entire family, h a ~ g h~oufldand special e@?%ts. Get a d the talented P W ~ V ~ ' W ~ @ ; M.ay 21, Tues&y, 10:30m 800-801-3883 W,T, or FgX) *The Story of Bsbpr" '& 12:30pm 'Tricksters" oramil:vsamnl23@mn.us Childids T h e a ~Mpls , h u 8 h m the Guthie me- a Y-L$&* m* 3 . d L a ~ n ater on Saturday, May 18th, n a r y c ~ e s a n d ~ m e v e n .-? from noon 4:3bP. The ad- slip into a costume and pose TherewillbeASLguidedtou15 . , missio camera! at 1:OOptn Bt 2:30pm which ?'. Co-Founder/Publlsher (1990-1995) ...... ......; Wm. A. Smith, Jr. at the Access Center, and . Witor .., ,., ... ~..h..............Cbarles F.hith Meet Jw Dowling Artistic It's a wondeffil way to c e B start alsoself-guiddbuilding@&; -.>' Cartoonist .... ,+ Scdt A & I . ~ ' rd -? .''W.-. Produftion . . , Presentation Images, Ellen H e u g b n Ditr,r,,andthe actors for the brate the magic of live theater, . . Staff Writer & Editorial Assistant.. , A........ Dawn W r i n g - :, ACCESS PRESSisamonthlye b l o i d n e ~ ~ ~ ~ u b l i s h e d f o r p e rwith s o ndis~bilitiesb~ s ~oIychmne~ 2

Arts perfor-hances

a-.

--.

2,

'

4-

!&

IThe Guth.rie Theater 0peR H use

1

ACCESS .,*............ PRESS .. .. . . .

II

....,.,.... ......."."... ...-...,.. ..............-...... ,.". ......... ...-.........~.................................... ... ., .,...........,......... ..... ...........- ......

...

.

Editorial submissions and news rekms on topics afiintefest to persons with disabilities, or persdns serving those with disabilities, are welcomed. , -

I

Paid advertising is available at rates ranging f m $1 1 to $15/column inch, depending on size frequency. Chssificd ads are $7.00, flus 35 centdword over 20 words

I

Advertising and editorial deadlines& the available for camem-dy act.

ofthe month preceding publication; special scheduling

IAcces Ras in availableon tape. Call MN SLBe Services fix the blind, 642-0500 or 800452-9000.

Inquiries should be dikcted to: ACCESS PRESS 3349 University Ave. S.E. h4inneapolis. Minnesota 55414 (612) 3798989 Fax (612) 379-2730

'

-

-

II

Ltd. Cir.alationis 1400Q,distributedthe! ofeachmopththroughmorel@ 120 locatrons~tatewide. A p ~ ~ 650I cpples y are mailed dtractby zp p l h c a l bw~ness,imtutional8nd crvlc leaders. Subscriptionsare avaluble for $ 15Iyr.

II I

-

=:

-

-

SPECIAL-D

-<

--

TRaN8PORTATION *

529-5619

483-9143

:

;* -

-


IN BRIEF. . . . Anne Henry Receives Award Anne Henry, lawyer at the Minnesota Disability Law Center, will receive the KARE I 1 "Woman of Distinction" Award on Thursday, June 13,

reviewed by Linh Nguyen

KARE 1 1 News. Anne has put in many long hours at the legislature keeping track of bills regarding disability rights especially PCAITEFRA, check-

of) of the bills, and writing articles for ACCESS PRESS. If you want to be at the breakfast honoring Anne, call Angela Plunkett at the Mpls. Ath-

sential Arthritis Cookbook

-

'

-

out ofseven people have arthri- lowing topics: proper medicatis and one out of three fami- tion use, easier kitchen layout The cookbook is a collabora-

Brain Injury Classes Classes will be held at the VA

June 17 . k ~ l o r ethe Brain use the resource center.

ers at the sixth annual Made in The event starts at Lake refreshments. To participate

123 recipes of appetizers, said Jenny Fransen, RN and Cost is $24.95. -main courses, breads, salads Director of the Arthritis Care

1lam. Proceeds will go to six course then goes around Lake nonprofit organizations that of the Isles. All participants In Brief - con

-

24 hour emergency

say they are Democrat and 33% Republican. vote, but many politicians were not and arenot Of people with disabilities, 19% identified - aware of the disability vote." themselves as Independent compared to 26% Other findings of this latest survey include: of the non-disabled. -Thosewith disabilitiesratepresidentClinton's overall job performance higher than the nondisabled (59% versus 44% say he is doing an excellent or pretty good job).

President Clinton currently enjoys a 3 1 percentage point lead over Senator Bob Dole among adults with disabilities as compared with only an 8 percentage point lead among those without disabilities.

* Ethical, Honest and

- If the presidential election were held today, Findings of this latest study are consistent with Harris Poll tracking of political affiliation over the past four months. "Overall, people with disabilitiesare the largest minority in America - 49 million persons, of whom more than 35 million are ofvoting age. The disability vote can have a significant impact on the nation's leadership. It's happened before and it can happen again in this year's election," said Alan Reich, President of the National Organization on Disability, upon releasing the findings.

President Clinton would havealargerdisability vote than Senator Bob Dole (54%versus 23%).

the nation today" about the same (30%versus 28%). Vote - cont. on p. 5

2 4 W O F RENTAL

"Data from a Harris study of the 1988 election undertaken for the Nationat

.

-, ,MY

than did Michael Dukakis," said Humphrey Taylor, CEO of Louis Harris and Associates. "The shift in the disability vote helped elect George

--nbehooves candidates at all levels to recognize the disability vote. I am not aware that any have done so to date," said Reich. "Our 1988 Harris survey

Our Em~lovees:

- Disabled and non-disabled rate "the state of

-

p -

msmomabJm --w

- SALES

:==

''

I

'CIWBIICIUrCIOI .I 'rrymqlya

.utIImISDI

I

.I

rn

College Studentsstudying for majors in the

Care

"Energetic, Dependable & Cheerful" Willing to learn on the job and adapt to each consumer's individual needs

.

- URINARY MANAG,...,..

constant feedback from his sister Gayle Saunders(Public RelationsAssistant / Student Experience consurner since 1988) as to what people expect who receive personal care ser-

All of our consumers have the right to recruit and help train their own PCAs! E:

Qualified staff available to start today.

-1 yWI

FlOUlllS

Student Experience Home Care Offices in St. Paul, Coon Rapids & Duluth "Providing a higher quality Personal Care Attendant!"


Letters . . . .

Owen Ortnmann

I recently had the opportunity to review the March loth, 1996, issue of your newspaper, by which I was very impressed. However, I discovered misinformation in one of thearticles involvingtheagency for which I work.

when the leaves have changed into a spectrum of red, orange and yellow colors, you can usually find this Native Iowan in the northern woods of Minnesota hunting for deer, bear

On page eight, there is an article about CLIMB Theater Company,with referencemade to a production about self-advocacy titled, "A Day in the Life." It is true that this play

not involved in the original scripting. Self-advocatesfiom Arc Hennepin and West Hemepin Community Services (WHCS) worked with advisors from these two agencies

," says Owen Orthrnann.

collaboration

with

Arc

awarded this grant, we con-

for me in 1995, as I am sure it was for Tracy Smith of Arc Hemepin, with whom WHCS collaborated. I feel I need to set the record straight,as in the nonprofit world, it is very important to get credit where credit is due! I'm sure Bonnie St. Mane and CLIMB Theater would agree. However, most of the credit should go to the thirteen self-advocate actors who volunteered many hours of rehearsal time and did a fantasticjobon thenight ofthe performance. Most of them continuetovolunteertheirtime

agencies, and national organizations to promote the concept of sharing and reusing assistive technology devices

As new options forpeople with disabilitiesarise, STARmakes that information known. Recently, an individual asked if STAR could help with his project to refurbish used computers for individualswith disabilities at no cost to the individual. STAR posted a small release within the JanuaryEebruary issue of Constellations newsletter which generated some interest. This resource was added to the "computer resources list" which included Good luck with your newspa- existing recycling programs, per! I will make sure self- such as DRAGnet. advocates at our agency are aware of your publication. It is important to realize no one organization can provide everythingpeoplewith disabilities or their families want or need. It is STAR'S goal, however, to ensure people with disabilities know about their options, the finding streams available, and the resources in program (A System of Tech- their communities.

We hope MATC, DRAGnet, and the organizationsdedicatof CLIMB did do some revi- ment" of assistive technology ed to promoting and providing assistive technology services willjoin us in sharing information about available options. Further questions or suggestions may be directedto Ronna

for

pany as acomp-lfl

dents of may reach freenumbers, 1-3W

.-

Also, the attendanceat the play DRAGnet, Metropolitan Cenwasover404)people(not200), ter for Independent Living, Sincerely, about which we were hiled. GoodwilVEaster Seals, PAC- Rachel Wobschall, Executive ER, StateTmasWon Interagen- Director, STAR Program This play was a major project cy Cemmbe, several state

IN BRIEF I

0;;hmann M

t have any big fancy goals or desires. In-

_

~a-'&

,a

Dare TO ReWear! -.

stead,hisayshewantstocon~ tinuebeingaproductivemenr- Arc of Hennepin County an- sq. foot &ively

-

designed dise sold at Value Village h ber of society andhaving each nounces the opening of a new sales floor, amerchandisepro- good quality; used and new day filled with as much laugh- Value Village Thrift "Super cessing center where volun- items made possible by taxter as poss~trle."I think what I Center" in Richfield in June tees prepare d o n d d o t h i n g deductible donations from individuals and businesses in support of Arc. Proceeds Itom Valse Village . benefit peopb' with develop- mental disabilities and their families through the programs m d services of Arc of Hennepin County. Merchan-

Family fm& fitness

dudedkryourlnmbRWlIpl

onaoasslbiMy&eech

-

'

Specializingin the

ofchildren *Adults* Elderly

Our Rehabilitative Services include: PhysicaU OccupationallSpeech/Respiaatory Therapies

of~&bltPaul %.;?%-&-, ~9-Y --, - ? 2924100 - .

.

a

--k-@-m.dbv-u # q r e n t p i a ~ d o ~ ~ n o ~ * d m i e c f ~ b y n s a w l u f ~ ~ r n d r r l ~ t p p ~ ~ ~ f u k . .

Individuals, groups, and businesses interested in donating merchandise or volunteering at Value Village are encouraged to cqll Laurel Smith at (612)866-3633for M h e r in- . fqrmation.

Available 24 h&rs per day

We provide Personal Care Assistants Home Health Aids Homemakers Live-in Caregivers Nursing

.A G-.

. . . . Continued

PCA Provider Organization

d a i v e r & d i c a r e Certified

1-

8421 Wayzata Bwlevard, Golden Valley, MN 55426

Collectables & Antiques BUY - SELL - TRADE 184 W. 7th Street, S t Paul (arms from the Civic Center)


On Mental Illness

-Beyond The Ramp: -:*

:%conferenceOn Religion tional, musical, theological, and powerful? The recent "Beyond the Ramp Conference" held at the RadissonSouth on April 23 was all of the above and more. The conference, which was designed as an inner faith conference to deal with the issues around religion anddisability, was birthed in part by the National Organization on Disability and it's book That All Mqy Worship. People representing faith communities from Catholic to Protestant, Jewish to Baptist and Islam were participants in this exciting gathering. And, what does one do at such a conference? Well, here is a sampling of what happened: Norman Kunc, keynote speaker, talked about the fact

longer be looked at as "the problem"; that disability isa part of the human condition and we have a right to be disabled.

Disability

. .,.

I u l a a v r c u L ~ I I I U I C I I LUIKCU

?out their church experin l h i o h thn-el,..one ,, thn .z,~,,c ,i n x, ology has fabricated things about disabled people such as being too sinful and not being good, and the are-+ hpnrt , P, ~, I, P Pxuh A ..en people are , , ~t accepted by their faith

.., ,, .., ..,. ..,

,. .

..

. . .

III

.,

,:,r ~ a ~ r a r r r g

,

L I I ~ LC V C I I

though our faith communi, : , ,-,.,--,---..--- ...L-lLICS l l l d y llUL SCC US dS W l l U l C

1

by Mary Schulte

rience about the anger and grief felt by those who have been shunned by their faith communities. And.. .about the hope that came out of this , , parrr

A panel of Pastors, people with disabilities, and parents

Support For Persons With Schizophrenia And Related Disorders

I

and beautiful, God does. And people had an opportunity to network, to share problems and solutions, and to learn that whatever backgroundthey comefrom,they are not alone.

It is hopedthat this conference is not the end of the story but Break out sessions covered rather the beginning; that the topics including: aging with ideas shared and the informadisability, family issues, the tion " gained will blossom into a theology of disability, the spirit of acceptance in faith dark s i d e o f b e,. n ~ . ~ - l ~ -A , n ~ ~communities and a growing willingness to embrace people invisible disabilities. of all abilities. C U ~ I rrcaru C ~ruoughmusic, -.mm.,n;t:~c

When my daughter was diagnosed nine years ago with schizophrenia,I wasdismayed by the lack of information available to me. Since then it has become increasingly obvious that there needs to be more information available to the general public about biochemical disorders, especially schizophrenia. It is estimated that 1 in 100 of our population is aMicted with schizophrenia. Compare that number to 1 in 1,000 with multiple sclerosis and 1 in 100,000 (up to age 60) with Alzheimer's. Schizophreniais one of the least understood andmostmisunderstoodofthe illnesses affecting the brain. Stigma and myth still prevent many families from getting adequate help.

The Minnesota Bio Brain Association (MBBA) (formerly named the Schizophrenia Association of Minnesota) is one cont from p. 9 place to turn for help. The bills during the PASS period. impacted by the new rules, Tom Emmons works for MBBA is a non-profit organi-

PASS -

can create positive changes in port available in thel'rcommutheir personal lives and also in nities. Since these illnesses the system. affect the person and their families in such an all-encompassWetry toeducate peopleabout ing - way, - people . . also need this these-illnesses by sharing the knowledge passed on to the most d a t e d information on schools, their work ~laces. the bioiogical causes of these their place of worship and t h e m disorders. MBBA also pro- public in general. vides information about traditional and complementary iri therapies. MBBAexplainsthat It is a hopeful time. This is the6 these disorders are not caused decade of the brain and with by the patient orby the family. more people becoming inThese are physical illnesses volved in the support, educalike diabetes and heart dis- tion and research of these illease. nesses we are learning new information about how the Another service for MBBA is brain works almost every to provide information about week. It is exciting to be incommunity resources. Once a volved in this p r o g r e s L ,i; month we have aspeaker, usually a professional, who tells One of the goals for MBBA us about pertinent information this year is to encourage famon subjects like medications, ilies to openly support their jobs training, housing possi- loved ones in seeking the apbilities, legislative decisions, propriate help they need so life planning, etc. Another they can live comfortably in important outreach servicewe the.community. provide is consumer education and in-service for staff at To find out moreabout MBBA,

I

!I4

I

4

tion gives everyone a sense of

VOTE drc~ontfrom -_ p. 3 >$.

)---

In this *%&wide

-

-

survey of nonpartisan organization that For information

0;

N.O. s where people feel safe

\

-

BENEFITS --2 A

T-

Cont worn p. I

Handi Medic$ Supply 2505 University Avenue Wdst S t Paul, Minnesota 55214 A? Hwy. & University Avenue

280

L i t suPrI;Y;

(612) 644-9770

HAND1 m D

r

6

.

-

At AHied Health Alternatives, we work with you to create a health services partnership. We'll provide-competentnursing supervision that supports your goals and objectives, plus knowledgeable assistance and coordination when you need it.--

Call 544-1655 for our FREE brochure titled . "Choosinga Personal Care Assistant."

. -

whelmingrup~*for* Vjsit Our New, Large, Fully-stockeds h o w m open to the public. which has been in my heart for ye-ars. Ihavetotakethisop YOURCOM portunity'b s a i that, despite Cohmotb& shower chairs WheelchaimIwitb ,qomplete my happiness it the pass9e of the amendment, I was v k j repair senrice Ostomyland wound care disappointed that it did not_ . . Walkemlcane~,crutchBlood pressureequipment include substance a b u r -1 &throom sahty Diabetic- supplies -will do ma!aholute best to try Incontinen~Urolagicalsupplies to ensure that in Conference, we can make some progress in SERVICE that arena. I am well aware We offer 24 hr. Emergency Service to our regular that the vety persuasive argucustomers. Free UPS and deliierks ta= Paul & Suburbs. ~ l ~ e n t hf a to r o v e .. in&mental health benefits am alsoa p p l i c a b l ~ ~ ~ v ~ a n d parity f m s u b s h c e abuse. We bill MA,MedicPre, Blue Cmaa/BIPe WQ. ULWe d ntwy olha iarurrscos benefits," said Senator . ,.Wellstom. I , . .= .

.

PLETE MEDICAL SUPPLY VENDOR

EAT

Who knows better than you

Allied .HealthAlternatives, Inc. ~ u k r Support n~ Services Nursing Enterprises 5401 Gamble Drive; Suee 235 Minneapolis, MN 55416

Branch CMRces:

8 PRICES

lr?l

2 N.E. Third Street


6

May 10,1996

Access Press

a Outdoors Sitting Shouldn't Be A Pain

1

New Product Review

Exploring F7. =-=

h-

d

-

by Charlie Smith, Editor

=">

Inspired by warm(er) weather, ACCESS PRESS has compiled a small list of interesting and perhaps lesser known places to spend some time in our nearby "great outdoors". As we all know, we Twin Citians are fortunate to have so many green spaces in our urban sprawl. However, tight budgets and different mentalities keep many of these spaces partially ortotally inaccessible to people with disabilities. So, with our limited time and resources we've picked out a few places where at least some accommodations have been made ...

that. The north gate entrance to Hidden Falls is probably the best boat/ barge viewing spot. A quieter area for picnics is near the south gate entrance to Hidden Falls at Prior Ave. Or, ifyou want to go for a stroll around a small lake, go to the Crosby Farm Park entrance along Shepard Roadnear Hwy 5. However, as wego to press, the floating boardwalk which completes this lake loop is blocked at one end from ice upheaval. Other trails wind their way through flood plain forest along the river connecting these two parks. Be aware that since it is a flood plain, some trails Hidden FallsICrosby Farm Parks may be under water especially after heavy rains. For more information, With over 500 acres of undeveloped call St. Paul's Division of Parks and Mississippi River flood plain, this Rec. at 488-7291. regional park offers close to seven miles ofpaved trails, a floating board- St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail walk, and scenic picnic areas. This gem of a preserve is located near This year-round historic walking trail Shepard Road and 1-35E, close to links together stories ofthe riverfront downtown St. Paul, and is connected at the birthplace of Minneapolis, St. to the Mississippi River Boulevard Anthony Falls. The two-mile loop trail. In the summer this is a good providesaself-guided tour along both place to admire boats cruising up banks of the Mississippi River via and down the river, if you're into Nicollet Island and the Hemepin

m

A few months ago, Bob Uhlhorn, the President of AMU Corporation, stopped in the offices of ACCESS PRESS to show me anew wheelchair seating system. Bob explained his new "Custom Care with Impression Foam" system is a custom made, restraint-free and economical solution for personal positioningsystems. Like many quadriplegics, my body has changed over the years. The traditional wheelchair back no longer gives me the support I need to sit comfortably. So I asked Bob if they could create a back for my wheelchair. A week or so afterthat conversation, Bob and Mike Manship from Winkley Orthopedic Laboratories, Inc., came by my office with a Comfort Care back. Afterdiscussing what I needed from a new back, Mark

Avenue and Stone Arch bridges. Kiosks, waymarkers, and signs mark the Trail and provide info. Guided tours are also available for a fee. Outdoors - cont. on p. 8

proceeded to take out a piece of foam, which he soaked with water formed around my back. Within ten minutes, the foam hardened and made a perfect mold of my back. Then Mark trimmed the edges of the foam and put a water-resistant fabric cover over it. All that was left was to mount the new back on my chair. The whole process took a mere 90 minutes.

third party payers. The system's personally contoured Impression foam and sculptured foam base provide total contact support and distribute weight evenly for superior pressure relief. This custom made system also provides comfortable restraint-free solutions for lateral leaning, pelvic tilt or rotation, and spinal curvatures whilegiving stability and proper support. Custom Care fits any standard wheelchair in minutes, eliminates sling-seat ham-mocking, can be reclined, is incontinent proof, lightweight, washable andcarries a 2 year warranty.

The heart ofthe system is Impression Foam, a unique water activated resin-impregnated foam, which simply and safely molds directly to the patient's every contour. Easily completed on site, the all-inclusive system is quickly fitted to any standard wheelchair. AfterusingtheCustom Care back for a couple of months now, it has imCustom Care personal positioning proved my posture and is comfortsystems with Impression Foam are able. I would recommend this sysalso very reasonably priced. Retail- tem to anyone who is unhappy with ing at the same or lower price of most their current seating situation. It is seating systems, Custom Care would guaranteed, so if you are not happy be less than halfthe cost ofthetypical they will reinstall your old system. custom made system. Price is always as important as performance, espe- To learn more about this completely cially when dealing with the lower new andinnovative product, contact reimbursement profiles of today's AMU Corporation at 612-939-6690.

.

I !

,

i

:

To List Your Bu Call 379-0989

-

it's a self transfer devise. a freedom tool an exercise assistant a support for bathing

Accessible Remodeling Stair Lifts and Elevators Ramps and Grab Bars Bathrooms and Kitchens Roll In Showers FREE Estimates and Design

DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE TODAY SYSTEMS St PauL, MN

C + E + C

TRANSPORTATION, INC.

PERSONAL C A R E SYSTEMS N C O R P O R A T E D

"FmmpZand Friendly" A MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER

Ouplity 2920

In-Home Pemd C.n

Maryland Avenue South St. Lwis hrk, Minnesota 6129-8418

ASSOCIATION, (S.T.S.A.) High Quality, Lift Equipt Service For:

,

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PRIVATE PAYMENT

721-1940

Plan to Achieve Self Support Impairment Re'atedWork Expense FOR CAPABLE ADULTS WITH DlSABlLlTlES

Duncan STS 3024 17th Ave. S: Minneapolis, MN 55407

(612) 7888397 2731 Ulysses Street N.E.

l

Minneapolis, MN 55418

Special Transportation companies, nursing homes, vendors, and individuals. For information about becoming a member of the S.T.S.A., or to receive o u r

newsleners, plesse call: ,

Kevin Walli or Mark Britton today at 221-1044

r

PNL SERVICES Conversion Raised Tops Raised Doors

Lift Installation Lift Repair Drop Floor

300 2* St. S.E. Mpls., MN 55414 (near St. Anthony Main)

672-9342

Computerized Desktop publishing: Biermann You dream it, Brochures Catalogs Homes Biermann Homes will Direct Mailings Incorporated build it. Flyers Come experience our quality in Farmington. Newsletters We have a beautiful 3 bedroom, accessible Newspapers = l o N Project Mgmt t rambler. For more information contact Marcia of Resumes Scanning ... & more! Biermann Realty (612) 438-8684

MN Builders License #5449

i I

,

1 I

1I


CLASSIFLLDS formed to help in this effort. This group, The Friend ofACCESSPRESS, suggested we start a sponsorship drive. Here are the sponsorship levels: Basic (low income) ................... .$5.00 Friend of Access Ress ... .$25.09 & up Bronze ............................ $75.00 & up Silver ........................... .$150.00 & up

Gold ............................ .$350.00 & up Diamond ...................... $500.00 & up Benefactor ................ $1,000.00 & up

ACCESS PRESS will have a listing each month of the names of sponsors. While

Cont. from p. 6

Minneapolis Parks

observationdeckand 1/4mile asphalt trail are also wheelchair %qpsible.-The audio in the aiditbrium is available through an infiared assistive listening system, and a key is available from the Center which permits driving to the bottom of the hill at the Bass Ponds Environmental Study Area near Cedar Avenue and Old ShakopeeRoad. Trails in

that border the new trellised overlook.' A new mask-sculptum ofChiefLittleCrowofthe Dakota Nation overlooks the lower glen. And, finally, northeast of Lake Harriet are the Lyndale .Park Gardens and the T.S. Roberts Bird Sanetuary which has a new visitor shelter and a floating boardwalk(withafewunevenspots). A free event, Fisbing Fun Day

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chanhassen

place where interactive programs occur. During the summer on the 2nd &4@-days of the month, "Sense-ational Sundays" takes place at the Garden. This is a public program where participants can touch, taste, smell, and listen to the plants. Audio description is nearly completed, braille sign types this summer (your input is welcome) in the Sensory Garden, and ASL tours are free with 3 weeks notice. For more

24 HOUR ON CALL SERVICE

ket, binoculars, aa best friend

Home Health Aides Live-in Caretakers

Rebabilitative Sewices -PhysicalI Occupational I Speech Therapies

Access Press HOUSE FOR SALE

PCA Provider Organization Waivered Services I Private

Minneapolis, MN 55413

opportunity for someonewith a disability. This home

I

MAIL TO: ACCESS PRESS


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.