November 1990 Edition - Access Press

Page 1

Volume 1, Number 6

November 1990

Computer Techndoqy

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Conference Bridg .

Ten years ago, Dolores and Bud Hagen were l o ~ k i n g , , ; ~ . ~ ~ .for solutions. Their son was intelligent, perceptive - and deaf. He was attendiig school, going through prescribed motions failing to learn.

How Does a Quadriplegic Carve a Work of Art? Having been in the .lishing business for t k , the Hagens felt solved to shaTe them through the medium of a now bi-

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cessful programs. The Rehab Center serves peqle with a wide range of ditWilities. Job seekers increase their employment op portunities through vocational training and counseling, jsb coaching, and taking advantage of the relationships that the b h a b Center has developed with the local employers. And as we enter the 1990sthe center 's well equipped to meet the eeds of both workers and mployers with their inreased focus on careers in

computer technology.

pimple with disabilities. The 9-month program began its

and/or data base management skills. Flexwork has first class in 3une with moth- offices in Minneapolis, er class dated to begin in Duluth and by 1991 a St. Jammy. Cloud office. "We've had Along with CAD, the success in the Twin Cities, Minneapolis Rehab Cemxs' surpassing projected p b Flexwork program bas ex- ment goals, and more empanded its areas -into cus- ployers are getting receptive tomized personal computer to what we can offer them. training. Flexwork is a pro- Now, we're lookin2 forward gram which matches in- to helping as many people as dividds with severe disa- wecan in the northern part of bilities or health conditions the state find jobs," said prowith jobs that they can per- ject director Jane Anderson. form entirely or partially at The next Flexwork Cwhome, workfng an a flexible tomized PC Training pro-

The interest exceeded their grandest expectations.

Pi.ogramming will now be ployment. the name of the 12-month course which trains mdemts P m ~ ~ l T H m U m y in COBOL (Common 1977, Oriented Business Lan(PWI) ha9 been Egoage) business qplicatio~ls tiye in placing people with pmgmmmhg. Business disabilities in jobs. The proProgramming began its sixth gram offers training in job class in September of this -king by showing year. A 94%job-placement &cl~am how to sell rate of graduates is what themselves MU& positive keeps the program going communication. P w will strong. "Ithing it's exciting videotape mock interviews to see some of the eartier to help thejob seeker present graduates who were placed a an aetimage, assist few years ago doing so well in developing a professional and advancing in their resume and guide parcareers," commented Jane Rehab. cont on p. 8

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fkom

Wisconsin's

stout gt,Cdlegc to assist in a 1982 eodeface o8 the subjadcampuEer technology as itappdies tothosewitb disabilities. The coniePence was slightly smaller than the Hagen'sexpected, muchbigger than Stout State anticipated, and marked by the differences in philosophy ' whichcan cropup in any ambitious undertaking. Seeking an opportunity to develop a conference consistent with their own findings Conf. cont. on p. 6


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ess Press A great thing has happened in Minnesota, we all have something to celebrate! Paul Wellstone is our new senator from Minnesota. CONGRATULATIONS PAUL! We now have a friend in Washington.

at ~ethodist-Hospital and would like to thank Dr.'s Andrew Smith, David Olson, Bruce Idelkope, the nursing staff, the PT and OT departments for all their help and support. One of the things which gets reinforced each time I'm forced to spend any time in the hospital or even dealing with the medical establishment, is that you are your own advocate. YOU need to question and know

CHA RL1E SMlTH

why or what is being done to or for you. If you understand why things are happening, you will be helping the very people who are trying to help. Everyone is busy these days and people in the medical profession are no different, but you need to make sure they take all the time you need to explain whats happening and why. It is your right to know.

I was not able to attend the Closing the Gap Assistive Technology conference, but did monitor the proceedings via my reporters and literature. It looks like a lot of fantastic stuff has become available to people with disabilities.. Now the task is to get this equipment and

knowledge to the consumers and out of the hands of their developers. I hope you take a minute to read about some of the things that were shown at the conference, see what may help you improve your life. The technology can only be as good as the people who use it.

Sister Kenny has joined with ACCESS PRESS to provide a Medical Column. Starting with this issue they will be talking about health issues related to people with disabilities. Read it, think about it. Your body is the only one you have and you are the one responsible for it. If you have a health question send it to us. We will get you an answer.

A neat thing is happening here at ACCESS PRESS. We have started to build a resource of experts willing to help with our questions. If you have a question regarding health, law, finance, housing, transportation, computers or anything else you can think of, we want to hear from you. Write, call or fax your questions and see if you can stump us. One last thing. We have gotten a few inquiries about personal ads. We are willing to set up a "Personals" section in the paper similar to the Reader's if the interest is there. This will be totally up to our readers. Your comments will be the deciding factor. Let us know!

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Tamarack Habilitation Technologies

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Human Engineering' Earmarks New Firm Marty Carlson is a people person. His people are those whose abilities have been restricted by illness, acci-

Carlg$n recently left the relative security of W 16year position for the considerably dicier role as head

creativity on the task.

Following graduation -he

spent tour years at the I Jniversitv of Minnesota as a Research and Teaching as-

by Michael Sheehan was missing, and sought o p ble, and it was that broader Energy Park-Business Cenp o m n i t i m add more of a responsibility that Carlson ter. It may be the only comhuman equacon to his and his staff undertook. pany with less than a halfprofessional Iife. C~arlson's years at Gill- R.4 .&dozen employees to feature In 1972he joined the staff werea pied of receiving aC iE own daycare center, but at Gillette. Over the next six well as giving. He consid- &at, too, reflects the philosyears he participated in eight ered it a 'wonderfol privi- ophy of its founder. w mmes in lege' to work with the physiStaffed by Carlson, a Ceratid d o t i c s , cians, nurses and therapists % it & Orthotist, Certified in as a team for the solution of Prosthetist, and an Orthotist both discipi& Po his identified problems. Since and SeatindAdaptive professional resume. Ulti- 95% of device applications Equipment Specialist, with a mately ,he caused the orthot- were either adapted or cus- Rehabilitation Engineer icslprosthetics laboratory to tom made, he -- - -- .and his staff thrown in for good measure, be named

Habilitat~on were exposed to some eighty .ahoratom be- thnusnnd leamine onnortu-Jl!l---e

Technolog --- -- -

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reversing the negative cause it more accurately de&ects of disabilities - how- sistant and graduate student, scribed the evolving role of ever acquired - on personal and the next six honing am-

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fbmm Diimtm of Htbilitation Technology for Gllette

-Children's Hospital. It fails to such an extent, in fact, that

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the facilities remind the first-

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time v i ~ i t n rnf a rmqc he-

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nities over the years, all &e& related to communication, repair shop. Piaster room, or enhanced tool mom and welding room

'AT* the M impairment that is being U t with, it is the particular b d i i being caused by it. Each problem is looked at individually, from a base level, to see how it t be solved most simply and directly: without causing lutions can r mentaiive sy print switch, infants with Spina Bilida 'nennle nackc' and r

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sleds, devices fat tnaqmting the mobility-impaired op

-w,hsnnaialeb, During the period, Carl- --in wi&% design, mnstruccentage of fhe 100 a-mpa- am dev&pd four priorities t h , fitting and modification @neering. tients the department served which ranked aU take place. U l W all speculation. The demand, will . The y of unfortunately, is increasing. While the financial satis- each week had little or no operational our factions were adequate, capabiiity to restpre. Habili- quality of serv were in the To the extent that the de to make capa- research, e& and various stages of develop mand is met with tzoddmaCarlson felt that something ration mfinancial stabflty. Ultimate- ment famil& to any I&

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5-yr. warranty VA & Medicare approved For A Test Drive, Call

METRO AMIGO .,,.

PLUMBING

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iy, differences in priority business owner. ranking led him to start his -fium-m~ own firm. Ser ltew &tmy Tamarack Habilitation sblilar* T is lacated in a ~6%- phiambng 4'7& sq.* site In St. Paul's the Tamarack &iff. It is not

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tion must be requested. How is prior authorization requested?

by LeAnn uahl

The Triax Community V Center in Mound is the Project VITAL because it Iv Ibenecke h a m e in'rested in the idea not O ~ because her Own back-' ground in video work9 but because she is the mother of a 12-year-old daughter who is mentally challenged. The idea originated with le Little City Foundation, mted in a suburb of chi=60-The project is headed by Alan Dachman*who felt that

Subscribe to

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379-0989 , .

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Cindy havemany things in

ate the camera, to b on her own show and to demonpart d &&%% -WAL,but strate some of her sewing they all reside at Jwrney projects. House, a residence for perHAROLD HANDEL besons who are mentally came a &lkaa;l challenged and have varying A video buff, h= degrees of hearing impair- TVs, a VCR and many ments. Kathy Robs, the so- videos. Now he can add one cia1 skills educator at Jour- that he helped produce to his ney House, learned about collection. Project VITAL and contactDAN MIKUSH has had ed Sally Koenecke. prior experience through The four students met vocational rehabilitation in with Ms Koenecke for a taking pictures and interthree-hour session each viewing. Through this class week for six weeks. They he gained more skills in uslearned how to operate port- ing the video camera and in able and studio cameras. doing on-screen interviews. More importantly, they Someday he would like to do learned how to tell their sto- more writing, reporting and ries in front of the cameras. showing how people with or Each, in turn, was inter- without hearing impairviewed about his or her hob- ments can learn from each by while the others worked other. He's also interested in behind the scenes on the teaching children how to use cameras. A voice and sign the video process to learn. interpreter was videotaped WALTER SILGE is. by a separate camera and proud of his certificateshow- , '

Yconman. Not only are they a

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1990 COURAGE AWARD WINNER

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November 1990

Access Press

Events Calendar :R 1990

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YOUNG ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES SUPPORT GROUP Thurs. 4:00 - 5 0 0 P.M. call Murray 378-0027 PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP - UNDER 55'12 STEP 7:30 P.M. Methodist Hospital, 932-5495 5 LOSS SUPPORT GROUP Mon. 3:00 - 4:00 P.M. call Murray 378-0027 6 ADULTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY SUPPORT GROUP Tues. Lutheran Social Services, 378-0027 7 MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP Wed. 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. Creekside Community Center, 887-9604 BLOOMINGTON STROKE CLUB Brunch - call Denise Royer 887-9604 ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES SUPPORT GROUP 1:00 - 3:00 P.M. Call Murray 378-0027 ,YiYOUNGADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES SUPPORT GROUP Thurs. 4:00 - 5:00 P.M. call Murray 378-0027 &ST. PAUL CMTAN CLUB 6:15 P.M. Tracks at Midway Motor Lodge, 221-6144 PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP 7:00 P.M. Methodist Hospital, 932-5495 12 LOSS SUPPORT GROUP Mon. 3:00 - 4:00 P.M. call Murray 378-0027 PARKINSON CARE GIVERS GROUP 7:00 P.M. Methodist Hospital, 932-5495 13 ADULTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY SUPPORT GROUP Tues. Lutheran Social Services, 378-0027 14 BLOOMINGTON STROKE CLUB Wed. 10:30 - 1 1 :30 A.M. Creekside Community Center, 887-9604 MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP 7 :00 - 9:00 P.M. Creekside Community Center, 887-9604 ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES SUPPORT GROUP 1:00 - 3:00 P.M. call Murray 378-0027 15 UNITED HANDICAPPED FEDERATiW BOARD MEETING Thurs. 7:00 P.M. 1821 University Avenue, 645-8922 YOUNG ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES SUPPORT GROUP 4:00 - 5:00 P.M. call Murray 378-0027 PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP - UNDER 55'12 STEP 7:30 P.M. Methodist Hospital, 932-5495 19 LOSS SUPPORT GROUP Mon. 3:00 - 4:00 P.M. call Murray 378-0027 1

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ADULTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY SUPPORT GROUP Tues. Lutheran Social Services, 378-0027 LEUKEMIA SUPPORT GROUP Wed. 7:00 P.M. Meadowbrook Medical Building, 932-5682 PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP l:00 P.M. Methodist Hospital, 932-5495 ADULTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY SUPPORT GROUP Lutheran Social Services, 378-0027 ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES SUPPORT GROUP 1:00 - 3:00 P.M. Call Murray 378-0027 BLOOMINGTON STROKE CLUB 10:30 - 11 :30 A.M. Creekside Community Center, 887-9604 STROKE SURYIVORS SUPPORT GROUP 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. Creekside Community Center, 887-9604 ST. PAUL CMTAN CLUB Thurs. 6:15 P.M. Tracks at Midway Motor Lodge, 221-6144 PARKINSON3 SUPPORT GROUP 7:00 P.M. Methodist Hospital, 932-5495 YOUNG ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES SUPPORT GROUP 4:00 - 5 :00 P.M. call Murray 378-0027 ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES SUPPORT GROUP Fri. 1:00 - 3:00 P.M. Lewis Park Apartments, 378-0027 LOSS SUPPORT GROUP Mon. 3:00 - 4:00 call Murray 378-0027 ADULTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY SUPPORT GROUP Tues. Lutheran Social Services, 378-0027 YMCA (downtown) ARTHRITIS EDUCATION SERIES Call Rachel Richardson 332-0501, ext. 180 MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP Wed. 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. Creekside Community Center, 887-9604 ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES SUPPORT GROUP 1 :00 - 3:00 P.M. call Murray 378-0027 BLOOMINGTON STROKE CLUB 10:30 - 11:30 A.M. Creekside Community Center, 887-9604 YOUNG ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES SUPPORT GROUP Thur. 4:00 - 5:00 P.M. call Murray 378-0027 WORKSHOP LMNG WITH PARKINSON'S Fri 6:30 P.M. Methodist HospiPel, 932-5495

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AbleNet Workshops Train Educators, Caregivers and adults with severe disabilities to control appliances, ys, computers, lights and ther devices. The flat, plas'c switch was specially designed by AbleNet, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tens of thousands 'Big RedTM switches have been shipped across the U.S. and around the world since the first device was assembled nearly six yiars ago. Many other produkts have joined the line. Yet, technology is only half of AbleNet's business.

use simple technology to meet specificeducationalobjectives.

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lis, ~ b l e ~ e tfirst ' s effort \;as Center. The kll-day workshops a 'how-to' lesson for building That was eight years ago. provide: . an easy-touch switch from Those first wooden switches A n opportunity for par. , TWpmts to identify a set of beliefs and assumptions that .. provide a basis for device selection and use. An overview and handson experience with simple technology. Over 60 com"There's so much technolWorkshops are critical scrap wood. Parents and eventually evolved into the mercial components are disogy out there today," said because they help par- teachers left the evening ses- Big Red switch popular to- played, including switches, Jackie Levin, AbleNet's vice ticipants recognize that tech- sion with handmade day. And the counsel about control units, special adappresident of marketing and nology is a tool with which to switches and practical applications quickly became ters and reinforcers. Guidelines based on faceducation services. "It's a achieve set objectives. knowledge about using them full workshops addressing Training has been an in school, home and ther- the many factors that make tors which appear critical to challenge just to know the many commercial products AbleNet commitment from apeutic settings. AbleNet for successful irnplementaAbleNet cont. p. 9

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user's unique needs, interests and capabilities," she said.

Goals and Objectives for People with Disabilities are Based on What Non-Disabled People Do Everyday. i

ACCESS PRESS

.............................................Wm.A.Smith,Jr. ..................................................CharlesF.Smith ..........................................Michael Sheehan ....................................Adam Quinn . ..................................................Scott Adams .................................Stanton Publication Sew.,Inc.

Publisher Editor Features Editor Staff Writer/Photographer Cartoonist Production.

ACCESS PRESS is a monthly tabloid newspaper published f i r persons with disabilities by Polychrome, Ltd., W.A. Smith, Jr., President. Circulation is 10,000, distributed the first week of each month through more than 100 locations statewide. Approximately 300 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscrip tions are available for $12/yr.

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Commissioned Ad Salesperson Wanted Access Press-379-0989

Warchol, Berndt & Hajek

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 $6 to $l2/column inch, depending on size and frequency. Classified ads are $7.00, plus 20 centslword over 35 words. Advertising and editorial deadlines are the 20th of the month preceding publication; special scheduling available for camera-ready art. Inquiries should be directed to:

ACCESS PRESS 3338 University Ave. S.E. Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414 (612) 379-0989

3433 Broadway Street Northeast

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Access Press

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Sister Kenny Institute

ab, Physic Because most persons with physical disab'ities need some form of rehabilitatid, this article is devoted to explaining the components of physicgl medicine and rehabilitation. The primary goal of r e habilitation is to reduce h-

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-ent andlowest resulting bility to the possible levels and to maximize a patient's.ab%ty to h & o n inm t l y . An M s ciplinary team approach combines the expertise of a number of medical pofessionals to determincthebest course of treatment for each

person in a holistic (whole-

person) can= A physiatrist is a l#ad

the efforts of the members of bathing, g the team and keeping the pri- cooking. mary physic@ apprised of The speech pathologist

The need .fat rehabdh-

team in q m k i n g o r ~ h t a n d i n g matically in receMt years. m- spoken or wiFicten Words to Many hospitals have opened

completed a three-year residency in physical medi-

W r e l m b m . berofmedicalprofessii,nals, leamto~mmuniea,eithcr rehabilitation units, a d the F%y&t@istsreceive special- depending on the type and through retraining their demand for rehabi1itatk-m izedd%ininginmanagingpa- degree of illness or injury: brain or the use of sign Ian- professionals such as physi-

cine

tion and treatment, resulting in qioicker return to function or dcreased debilitation. The aging of our population and increased longevity ' have also increased the need for rehabilitation services. For persons recovering from strokes or suffering such mnMons s chronic pain, d & s and other degenerative diseases, rehabitifation can mean'the difference between a life of inactivity and confinement or active involvement. Selecting a Rehabilitation

-, gait training, ,- wh&lchair training, and 'transferring are all part of physics (the science of* Sister cont. on p. 9

cians to assess and diagnose

dinate the patient's m i t i o n fKmrthe hosfTTtalW-w

A

PCA FLOVIDER PROFESSIONAL - SENSITIVE - DISCREET TOM, MARY, BILL

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and keep patients apprised of their medical condition. The dietitian helps patients identify dietary needs to achieve and maintain proper body weight and nutrition. Psychologistshelp the pa-

In-Home Assessments PCA Training Available to answer your e d 24 hours a day, 7 &ys a week We train those who need training

Specialists in Commercial Maintenance Painting Interior Wallpaper Enameling Sandblasting Taping Custom Finishing Bonded and Insured

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Certified facility under the guidelines . of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics. Inc.

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Diabetic Equipment Canes Bathroom & Crutches Safety Aids Blood Pressure Eqpt. Home Oxygen Portable Oxvaen

MEDICARE & MEMCAlD PROVIDERS 1015 EXCELSIOR AVE. HOPKlNS CanpMe REPAIR SERVICE Opsn 8:30 6M) Mon. - Fn. WE T O M ~ - L I P A U L & A u ~ ~

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Conf. mot. h m p. I

workshop (actually 20 separate day-long workshops), and direction, the couple the three-day conference, elected to start their own, and the open exhibitors hall. and did so the following The conference itself conyear. There were 297 regis- sisted of over 175individual, trants. hour-long educational sesIn the 1990 version held sions. Session categories inlast month at the Radisson cluded Augmentative ComSouth and Hotel Sofitel, the munication, Cognitive paid registrant list had Redevelopment, Curricugrown to 1300, not to men- lum Development, Early tion over 500 presenters and Childhood, Keyboard Alter120 great hall exhibitors. natives, Language DevelopAlso called 'Closing the ment, Learning Styles, Gap', the conference is Product Development, Redesigned primarily as an in- habilitation, Screen Alternaformation exchange among tives, Special Education, professionals in the areas of Teacher Training, Telecomspecial education and re- munication and Transibabditati~n,, , 'an/J~b~ccommodation. . A&- -

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pointer or mouthstick. The Powerpad that, with programs and overlays, eliminates the keyboard altogether.

duce up to 4,300 braille 1-800-262-1984 pages in an eight hour day. Touch Talker and Light Also offers the Braillo 90, a Talker devices for nonPC-compatible 90 CPS per- speaking m p l e . Systems

WESTERN ENGINEERING CORPORATION (801) 298-7100 DARCI, a microcomputercarrying joystick& that replaces the keyboard, and permits anyone who can operate a joystick to operate a computer. Self-contained; other changes required. Works with all standard PC software. Can be used to send completewords to com-

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The Conference Actually Consists of . . . 20 Seperate DayLong Workshops -. . . 175 ladividual . Hour-Long Presentations . . . And 120 Great Hall Exhibitors t

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computer screen into spoken messages. Laptop computer model with earphone is a talking notebook, calendar,


November 1990

Access Press,

Example: HyperATA is a desktop ersion of the governmentfunded database of more

viewers; seat lifters; walking tables and carts; diabetic care products; gripping devices and kitchen aids; a

Software. Categories in- employment screening asclude Reading & Language; sistance for personnel Early Learning; Math; departments. Science; Authoring Tools; HUMANWARE.- INC. - (9 16) 652-7253 Mastertouch, a system which integrates an interactive screen access program @d a touch tablet, allowing immediate and intuitive in-

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programmed with up to 7000 WITH DISABILITIES spoken words, and a variety of other communication 1-800-284-9482 Offers resource guides on devices. disabilities related to hearMINNESOTA SOCIETY ing, learning, mobility, FOR AUGMENTATIVE speech or language, vision AND ALTERNATIVE and support. Includes proCOMMUNICATION gram to help persons kith 626-2098 disabilities purchase on IBM State chapter of the national computer at a discount.

The 789-page Trace Resource Book Provides pdated Information OnJ&$g ver 1000 Products & 400 Manufacturers For $49 INFORMATION CENTER

responding to the text lines on a screen. Touching the

cil on Technology for People with Disabilities. Publicly

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Educatio Institute on Disability and

causes the

ence:

handle the key cies; provides workplace-

HENTER-JOYCE, IN Trace Resource Bodr provides updated information

@ systems; page turner.

equipment r s c o ~ o nC o m a with tutorid manual. mouII-. fo~employers;a a w w n Campany dso offers

The

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--,-. Nove~~&r1990 Access h e s s .uinne;$olis ~ e h a b i l i t a T nCenter (Cont.)

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icipants toward good jobs. PWI places mdte'than 230 didates every year, ow-much of its success to with ff take a aping ng g them ss, acm. PWI lains, n for fthat boration between busis can ake a positive difference." While some people enter new job with ease, others need a little help. That is the 'ob of the Train and Place

department does just that. It employers. We're always was established in 1960 as looking fdr new avenues I one of the first comprehen- pursue, and to succeed in sive vocational evaluation that we have to know what workshops in the state of employers are targeting as Minnesota and one of the current and future staffing first in the nation. The Voca- needs." tional Evaluation staff tailors The other three divisions its testing to people with a of Multi Resource Centers wide variety of disabilities, are: 1. Recovery Resource including sensory and learning disabilities and head in- Center: This division offers juries. Job seekers who sign primary and aftercare treatup for a vocational evalua- ment for adults recovering tion can now add the latest in from chemical dependency. IBM and Macbtosh com- Recovery Resource Center puter technology to their list has comprehensive services of testing options. "Our test- including housing, vocationing reflects current job mar- al guidance, therapy, and ket trends and employers de- connections to other mands as much as possible," resources, all within the says program director Susan same system.' Lewis. Testing can take 2. Employment Action place in the Vocational Center: With more than a ,' & PLACE Evaluation simulated work dozen programs in the Twin environment, on an actual Cities, Employment Action Train and Place focuses job site, or in the home. Center assists people who one-to-one support f ~ r The Rehab are Is an iliustration of HEADMASTER In use with Abilicad by Abiiitech. The head iadividuals Cener lo , ployed Or in a carer transi- This pi-e h e r r n n cumor and the puff switch as an &enterkey thus r k h e . BYarranging close ties with employera'%on t~ reach their highest sumituting for a conrentionai moue in running the W D program. iews between qualified andidates and- 1,emplayers le providing :an on-site Counsels tatian ,of Rehabilitation Fa- in transition to achieve greatcoach to train and offer BACs are

rain and Place coordinator. With all the different pro-

Vocational

Evaluation

3. Mental Health Serinternships and jobs. Minneapolis Rehab Center vices: MRCs Mental Health

people with mental illness in the commuaw at lage.

with tfie rehabilitation p m ess through Project With In-

available by 871-2402

can adequately respond to

Commission on the Accrerli-

disabled, disadvantaged, or

MN 55404.

ment,

a

number

of

If anything happens to you tomorrow, would y o w family member a disability cbntirme to enjey the same qdify d life he or she presently enjoys?

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btPfc Plvrning Cor thc Disabledcounsels and assists famities of disabled persons in developingcornprehenriw life plans includingall wills, special needs trusts,

F a r hec brodKtre, please m n k t

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NofthCentral Regional Office Amold 1. Gmetzmuhu, Regional Directar D q l l Stenberg, Regb&Dincta state Planningf ix the Dbibkd -1 E. h i n l p o n my. W n @ a n , Minnesota 55420 (612) 881-5339 0487-5310

nlak (class of 1986) nneapolis Community

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Serving special needs with Q.E.S. * 'quality-experience-service

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Complete Mobility Systems

of the Twin Cities Suite 1, 1901 Oakcrest Roseville, MN 55113

Complete Mobility Systems

of the Arrowhead 3732 Greysolon Road Duluth, MN 55804


Sister Kenny (Con't.)

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chological abilities. Team members will carefully consider motivation and psychosocial factors during evaluationand treatment and will work together to determine the best course of action for treating the patient. Selection of an appropriate facility is an important step in rehabilitation. Here are some guidelines to follow: Obtain the names of at least two or three facilities. Ask them to send you information about their facility and programs so you may prepare questions. Make sure the staff has expertise in the type of illness or injury that concerns you and that they use an interdisciplinary team approach to treatment and establishing goals. Tour the facility and talk with the staff. Look for a clean, stimulating environment with adequate space for therapists to provide and

much experience does the staff have in treating this illness or disability? How many similar cases have they treated in the past year? How many persons with the same disability do they currently have in the program and what are their ages? Where do their patients go when they are discharged? What kind of insurancecoverageis required? Is the program accredited? What is their average length of stay for this disability? You may also want to ask about their methods of communication with the primary physician, to what extent physicians are involved in medical management, how often the team has conferences and who may attend, and what the therapy schedule is and who may participate. Learn all you can about the discharge process and pdstdischarge follow-up.

the individual participate in community activities and are vocational and educational counseling available? These may be only some of the questions you11 want to ask. Each patient and their -family will have concerns specific to their situation. A number of community resources are available to assist the patient ahd their family in determining what facility and programs will best meet their needs. Ask your physician or social worker for information on such organizations as the Head Injury Association, Spinal Cord Injury Association, Stroke Association, United Cerebral Palsy, etc. An excellent resource and referral source is the National Rehabilitation Information Center. Their toll-free number is 1-800-346-2742. To submit questions on medical or rehabilitative issues for future columns,

the selection and effective u~,@?dtechnology. k' Practical applications. Participants integrate workshop content and apply to a variety of problem-solving

with disabilities were primarily based on mental age. The move is also to integrate people who have disabilities with non-disabled

ble with it. In the field of special education for 14 years, Levin has a masters degree in communications disorders. She is one of the three highly ex-

andlarge-groupdiscussions. Decision-making process. Participants become faa process for de-

phasis on partial participation allows the person with disabilities to actively perform a portion of an activity.

workshops in 15 states and Canada. An average of 30, and as many as 70, teachers, oc-

iectives. itifying

work together to develop an educational plan in which

attend each Oregon, 50 t

"The workshop guidelines are very important because they focus on critical factors for appropriateselection and use of technology," stressed Levin. Factors include: Functional objectives for the user and reasons for using the technology; activity selection based on a variety of criteria, including func-

The toward functional use of simple technology often leads reality, Levin has observed. "The field is in transition. In many cases, districts have the new vision, but old organizational structures hamper implementation." "An AbleNet goal is to provide workshops that can

promotion of integration; the optimal position for the user; user's motor movement, and simple technology compati-

settings and the future."

national,

and equipment. A focus on integrated leiG sure activities and a variety -- - of strategies for increasing k--% active participation. Includes discussions of particie pation strategies, kbwe i ; terest surveys. "Growing wor op atFi tendance reflects a national shift to functional curricu-

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with disabilities are based on what non-disabled people do every day. In the past, activities for children and adults

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YOU KEEP MORE OF YOUR MONEY! 3338 University Ave. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55414


10

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November 1990

Access Press

!persistence

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Pays for Lakeville Quad

And Admirers of the Carver's Art Bill Buckley's lifestyle has given him a sparkle in his eye, the patience of Job, a groove in his teeth, and a growing reputation among the arts community of southern Minnesota. An avid outdoorsman before losing an encounter with a ditch on his Six-Fifty Yamaha in i975,the Lakeville quad took up decoy carving six years ago, after buying a painted model at a rummage sale. Today the model pales by comparison with his lustrous and realistic ducks and loons. And how does a quadriplegic carve life-size wooden birds? With an Xacto knife, a strong set of jaws, and just a smidgen of help from his friend, wife and helpmate Sharon. Originally a fan of basswood for its relative softness and lack of checking or cracking, the carver today selekts his woods on the basis of beauty, grain, texture and durability. His inventory of raw material ranges from basswood, cedar and birch, to butternut, cherry and catalpa. Most of the wood he hand cures, letting it dry for up to two years in an open "kiln' formed by a brick enclosure over his contempary metal wood stovetfireplace. Basic patterns are sketched by Bill on selected blocks following an assessment of grain patterns, potential use of bark, and/or imperfections, etcetera. A little help from his friends is now employed to cut out the basic shape of both body and separately carved head. Initially this "hacking away' task was done by Bill as well. The body of the bird is affixed to a gimbal on a base plate enabling a certain degree of flexibility and placement. Unlike able-bodied carvers however, the base plate is not affixed to the bench - partially because Bill needs to wrestle the piece around a bit more, partially because until just before press time Bill's "bench' was Sharon's center island kitchen counter. Beginning this month however, his studio will be an ingeniously designed 8 X 10workshop tucked in the corner of the couple's spacious earth home garage, designed and built with the assistance of neighbor Gary Hanson. Bill's carving process would serve as an enviableobject lesson for the impatient - with or without disabilities. He holds with his arms and carves with a blade held in his teeth. Until his dentist designed a holding device similar

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! With the mouthpiecea firmer - and less damaging - grip can be held on the handle and more wood removed per ps. Like all true artists, Bill can really "get into' his work when t h e e is right, the block is correctly positioned and the vision ofthe completed effort clear. "When the chips are flying," Bill laughs, "Sharon e u s '~ the interruption were urgent, however, she w all that long to wait. Ten minutes of intense co intricate neckmovements, and staring at an object approximately six inches from the end of his nose are about all that Bill cares to take at a stretch. Then it's sit back, evaluate, and jump in for ten more. When the wood is carved to nearly the dimensions sought, out comes the sand paper - folded for stiffness, stuck between and bent over the fingers and applied, literally, until the blood flows. All hand work with the occasional exception of a Dremel tool

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4 his c~&lations. His first effort, a life-size #

which he did so arLattested to todai by a noticeable arc once occupied by the comers of his front teeth.

Minneimta loon, was adjudged complete nine months after the first

chips flew. The head alone of a current effort will require more than forty hours of carving and sandingbefore meeting with Bill's approval. And are concessions made by judges and the general public for the painstaking and laborious process a carver must use? Not at all. The works arejudged side by side with other t regard to any handi-

working full time as an actuarial com not a "commercial' artist. His pieces St. Paul Companies. Later this month he will be a guest =-=y

hiHpermh evoktion into-artist -"and &de dinaire.

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Commentarv

Elections Over; Did We Learn Anything? by Wilfisin A. Smih, Jr. Now that the results are in and Paul Wellstone has accomplished the "Minnesota Miracle", let's think about the future. Did we learn anything in this last campaign? Did we see any change in the vast incumbent advantage?Ingeneral, with the exception of Paul's victory, the answer is no. Jesse Helms did his despicable normal campaign and won. Ninety percent of the incumbents were re-elected-what percentage deserved

to stay in office? Are we going to be quiet between elections or make our voices heard? Let's really act like we care about the futureget informed on issues that concern us-and tell our newly elected representatives how we feel. Well be printing our 'BE HEARD'column regularly, with names addresses and phone'numbers of State & National

legislators, City and County officials, newspaper -tors, etc. We want you to write to us as well, and in time we may all be better informed. No one wants to hear any more about the infamous race for governor, but I do think our senatorial contest deserves a second look. Senator Boschwitz ran a classic modem campaign of the sort all voters should despise. He started his campaign in a condescending manner, in effect saying it didn't matter who opposed him. Loaded with cash solicited over the past six years, and contident of his invincibility, he bought a series of TV ads which misrepresented the true nature of his tenure in the senate. He attempted to show himself as just a homespun friendly fellow, instead of a hawkish hardline apologist for the administration. Late in October, as the polls showed Wellstone gaining strength, Boschwitz bought an unbelievable amount of time to attack his adversary by innuendo, misrepresentation and blatant appeals to what he perceived to be the public's greatest fears. He enlisted lame duck Congressman Bill Frenzel to lie about Wellstone's plans, and used a New York Auto Dealers group as another vehicle to run more deceptive ads, claiming he did not know about them. This was the Bush campaign revisited, Willie Horton and all. It probably would have made Lee Atwater proud, but I found it disgusting. Rudy Boschwitz got what he deserved and so did Paul Wellstme.

Editorial & Advertising Deadline for the December Issue Nov. 30, 1990

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