January 2000 Edition - Access Press

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Inside Directory of Organizations— p. 8

Volume 11, Number 1

Children’s Mental Health — Page 3

SOURCES

January 10, 2000

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“You must be the change you want to see in the world.”

— Mahatma Gandhi

RESOURCES

January 10, 2000

GREENFIELD LEAVING HOUSE A Champion of Disability Legislation

by Charlie Smith, Editor

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Congressman Jim Ramstad, major supporter of federal work incentives legislation, at the celebration of Clinton’s signing of the bill.

Metro Mobility Hears From The Public

by Jeff Nygaard

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n mid-December the Metropolitan Council held three public forums at which they asked people to tell them how well Metro Mobility is doing its job. They got an earful.

ACCESS PRESS attended two of the three forums, at which was heard testimony from riders and others who are affected by the system.

Various concerns were stated, many of them quite forcefully. Over the course of the meetings several themes emerged.

Too many rides are denied Many people cannot get rides when they call Metro Mobility.

Comments included: “I just moved [to the Twin Cities] in September. I often wonder why, because transportation is so bad.”

“Metro Mobility has never been able to give me a roundtrip ride to the hospital in Maplewood.” “I can often get rides between 11 am and 1 pm; after 1 o’clock, forget

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it!” While the official “denial rate” says that callers are denied rides roughly 4 to 5 percent of the time, the vehemence and frequency with which people stated this problem indicates that the problem may be worse than official records show.

Riders cannot get round-trips Several riders reported that they have trouble scheduling a round-trip ride at any time. As readers might expect, riders who are offered a one-way ride with no way to get home often decide not to go on their trip at all.

standing order.” Metro Mobility assistant general manager Gerri Sutton told participants, “We have 400 to 500 requests for standing orders every quarter, and we can only grant 100 to 200.”

Difficult reservation system Many comments were heard about telephone problems, with concerns including difficulty in getting through, frequent disconnects, and being placed on hold for long periods.

Long waits In a vivid illustration of this problem, two participants arrived very late to the Monday forum because they had ridden on Metro Mobility.

Riders cannot get standing orders Many riders have regular commitments, such as jobs, Inefficient routing church, medical appoint- Some riders told of being ments, and so on. Regularly- refused rides when nearby scheduled rides on Metro neighbors who were going to Mobility are known as the same place at the same “standing orders,” and they time were able to get rides. are hard to get. One rider Others told of several sepastated, “I have been trying rate vans coming to the same for a year-and-a-half to get a Metro Mobility - cont. on p. 7

epresentative Lee Greenfield, a leader in championing disability legislation in Minnesota, announced he won’t seek reelection in November. Greenfield served 20 years in Minnesota’s House of Representatives, many of them as Chair of the Health and Human Services Finance Committee. ACCESS PRESS interviewed Representative Greenfield and asked him about his decision to retire, as well as his reflections on his tenure in the House.

Why did you decide to retire?

It’s mostly personal things.

Being in the minority [in the House of Representatives] hasn’t been easy, but I don’t think the Democrats will be in the minority next year. And I can only chair the Health and Human Services Committee, if we come back in the majority, for two more years.

I’m not that interested in other kinds of committees.

Essentially, in the 21 years that I’ve been in the House, my wife has supplemented our income by working as a Senate staff member. This isn’t technically a full-time job, but I’ve always pretty much treated it as such, because I don’t know how you can do Health and Human Services and keep up with things, let alone meet with people and make yourself available and things like that. So, I’ve done it as a fulltime job. And I could use some years of earning money that counts for my social Security. I’m 58½ and if I wait much longer it’ll be totally impossible.

You’ve initiated so many great programs, especially

for people with disabilities.

You were a key legislator with the PCA program, TEFRA, the de-institutionalization of people with developmental disabilities, MinnesotaCare. If you could pick one or two highlights, what would they be.

I guess the major one would be MinnesotaCare. Not only did we change how health care is sold in this state, particularly for small businesses and individuals, but we started to reduce drastically the [number of people who are] uninsured — moving to universal healthcare.

We have one of the lowest uninsured rates in the United States. According to the latest university study, it’s about 5.2%. MinnesotaCare has done a lot to help that.

It’s been very exciting. We started out trying to do a lot more than we actually accomplished in MinnesotaCare, but we still accomplished a lot. And I still think the rest has to be done.

The other things, collectively, I would say have been to recognize the state role for various groups with disabilities. To make sure people were in the least restrictive setting, with the most possibilities in getting whatever training, education or access to things that were needed to give them as full a life as possible. Whether it’s getting developmentally disabled [people] out of the regional treatment centers into community programs, or helping people with mental illness get community programs so they can stay in the community, or doing the original “Minnesota version of the ADA” to allow people to seek employment appropriately with an accommoda-

tion. It all fits the same kind of model and it was great to work on.

It was great communities to work with.

You’ve just done so much.

Well, one of the things that really helped that I have to point out is something I never thought about when I first ran [for office]. I’m fairly good with math, so if I have to handle budgets, it’s not a big deal. If you can handle the big money, and move it around, you can accomplish a lot. If they put you in the right position.

You have been the Chair of the Health and Human Services Finance Committee for 11 years. How has that committee changed over the years?

What’s interesting about it is when I started in Health and Human Services and on the Finance Division, everybody viewed this as an area where “Oh, you help people, but there was no money in it, this was no way to build a political career, etc., etc.”

Well, health care dominates our spending, [it’s] close to what K-12 does in education.

And so now, people don’t look at it as “you’re just doing welfare,” you’re doing “health care.” That’s where the big bucks are. But there is enough money and if you learn all the systems and the players in the system, you can do good things — lots of good things for people. You can find groups that need help, that haven’t had it in the past and help create programs that fit Medicaid or something like that and really help a lot of people.

And you can stop stupidity.

Greenfield - cont. on p. 9

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January 10, 2000

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Our lead story is about Representative Lee Greenfield’s retirement. As the subhead suggests, Representative Greenfield has been a great champion for people with disabilities. From the 1970’s through the 1990’s, he authored many of the bills which form the foundation for us to live independently in the community.

When the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) program and TEFRA program became targets for budget cuts during Governor Carlson’s administration, Lee led the way to defend the programs and successfully saved them. He is also responsible for many of the raises for the PCA program over the years. Rep. Greenfield will be missed after this year’s

Charlie Smith Editor

ADA/IDEA Celebration T

he ADA 2000 Celebration is scheduled for July 26, 2000. The purpose of the event is to bring together individuals with disabilities, family members, and supporters to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the 25th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), two of the most important pieces of

disability legislation in our speaker, will be a featured nation’s history. speaker at the event. Kennedy was involved with disability The ADA/IDEA Celebration issues when the ADA was is a statewide event which will passed by Congress and bring people together from signed into law by former every part of the state. By President Bush. providing special transportation scholarships, it is hoped The celebration will be held at that as many people as the Anne Sullivan Middle possible will be abe to attend. School in south Minneapolis.

Ted Kennedy, Jr., an indi- This school is a model of vidual with a disability who is functional access, with ample also a moving motivational accessible space both indoors and out. The event will include local speakers, artists and performers; non-profit MINNESOTA STATE organization information booths; local vendors; prodCOUNCIL uct demonstrations and other ON DISABILITY festivities.

Legislative

Roundtable

January 27, 2000 Training session from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Roundtable from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

If your organization wants to make a presentation of legislative priorities at the Roundtable, please contact Tom Brick, 651-296-3478 immediately.

121 E. 7th Place • St. Paul, MN 55101 651-296-6785 V/TTY 1-800-945-8913 V/TTY; Fax: 651-296-5935 E-mail: council.disability@state.mn.us

The following disability organizations are represented on the ADA/IDEA 2000 Celebration Committee: ACCESS PRESS; ADA Minnesota; Advocating Change Together; Courage Center; Metropolitan Center for Independent Living; the Minnesota State Council on Disability; the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MN Chapter; PACER Center; United Cerebral Palsy; University of Minnesota Disability Services; VSA - MN; and Wilderness Inquiry.

legislative session.

vehicles on the streets.

If you get a chance, give him a call or write him a note and thank him for his years of service.

Riders still need to keep requesting rides, even if you believe you won’t get the ride.

High denial rates work in favor of requesting higher funding for the program. The Make Your Ride Count campaign is building momentum, the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living’s (MCIL) hot line is receiving more calls each month (651) 603-2039 (voice); (612) 794-7514 (TTY).

I encourage all riders who experience poor service to continue to call the hot line and the service center every time it happens.

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Metro Mobility held their annual meetings last month.

Again this year, it was an opportunity for riders to express their frustrations with our paratransit program. The staff from the service center and the Metropolitan Council heard first hand what ACCESS PRESS has been reporting.

People are not being able to get the rides they need when they need them. Metro Mobility is **** not meeting the needs of its ridership. They need more On page 9 you will find a newly

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 • E-mail: access@wavetech.net.

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**** Donna McNamara, ACCESS PRESS’ Editorial Assistant, has decided to leave the paper. Over the last year and a half she has added another dimension to the paper with her perspective on the issues. The paper and I have benefited greatly from her being here and she will be hard to replace.

I wish her well with her new endeavors.

Three Beneficial Medications — No Money To Pay

by Joel Ulland

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or the past 10 years, multiple sclerosis research has held much promise for people with MS. Three new drug treatments, Avonex, Betaseron and Copaxone, have been approved for use in treating symptoms of MS. These treatments help reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks. But for one group of people with MS, these drugs are unaffordable. This group is on Medicare — and Medicare doesn’t pay for prescription drugs.

The future of the Medicare program is important to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter, because one in every four people with MS receives health care coverage through Medicare. Currently, Medicare only covers drugs when administered during hospitalization or in a physician’s office. As use of drug therapies to treat MS continues to advance, coverage for prescription drugs under Medi-

For further information or to become involved, please contact Margot Imdieke Cross at the Minnesota State Council on Disability, 121 East 7th Place, Suite 107, Saint Paul, Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996) ................................................................... Wm. A. Smith, Jr. MN 55101. Phone toll free at: Editor/Publisher/Co-Founder ............................................................................. Charles F. Smith 1-800-945-8913 (v/tty) or 651Cartoonist ..................................................................................................................... Scott Adams 296-6785( v/tty). Q Production .......................................................................... Presentation Images, Ellen Houghton

ACCESS PRESS

updated Directory of Organizations. I would like to thank Elizabeth Young and Eddie Maddox for making the calls to update this valuable resource for the community.

Without their help it wouldn’t have been done

care becomes very important. which does cover prescription drugs. The drawback is Some beneficiaries have ac- that income and asset limits cess to drug coverage through are very strict. People must Medicare HMO plans or “spend down” their Social supplemental (Medigap) Security check to $487 per plans. However, prescription month, threatening their abilcoverage under Medicare ity to pay for food and shelter.

HMOs and Medigap is often limited, forcing people to pay Proposals have been introa hefty premium and a 50- duced in the US Congress to percent co-pay for the drug. reform Medicare, but it is The three MS drug treatments unclear how these proposals each average about $1,000 a would benefit people with month. The $500 co-pay per MS. A bill to expand the month leaves many people Senior Prescription Drug Prowith no choice but to go gram to people with disabiliwithout the drug or impover- ties under age 65 will be ish themselves and their introduced at the Minnesota family to afford the medica- Legislature in February. This tion. expansion will obviously benefit people with MS, but the The options are very limited benefits go to anyone with a for people in this situation. disability under age 65. People All three drug companies with disabilities can’t pass up offer some grants to people to this chance to make the get started on the drug Senior Prescription Drug Protreatment or to continue treat- gram fair to everyone. ment while an insurance carrier is being changed. But If you or someone you know none offer ongoing, continu- would directly benefit from ous grants to people on this proposal or you would Medicare. like more information, please contact Joel Ulland from the Another option is to enroll in National MS Society, MN Medical Assistance (MA), Chapter at 612-335-7933. Q

CORRECTION The Y2K article on page 2 of the December 10 issue incorrectly identified St. Paul’s Y2K office staff member.

The staff person is Sean Kershaw.

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612-529-5019 • 651-483-9143 MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER Drivers Wanted!

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Organization Profile

Children’s Mental Health Association

by Christine Tomlinson

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he Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health (MACMH) will be filling billboards around town with children’s drawings. The drawings are the agency’s way of letting kids educate us on the reality of mental health disorders in children.

Judging on the poster project will be held January 16 at the Minnesota History Center.

Through the project, the agency intends to make itself known to parents and to diminish the stigma associated with mental health disorders in kids. Posters are drawn by kids from fourth to eighth grade, in two graduated categories. The Association developed activity packets for teachers whose students enter the contest to help them add learning about mental health issues to their curriculum. The billboard posters, hung with space donated

by Eller Media, stand to help us all learn about children’s mental health issues, and, hopefully, to give parents information about an advocacy resource they may not have known was available to them.

“We help them [parents] understand the mental health system, help them navigate the mental health system,” said Deborah Saxhaug, the Association’s executive director. The Association offers education, support and advocacy services to parents who are seeking help. Often, though, Saxhaug says, by the time parents learn of the Association and the help it can provide, they have already tried to get help, and have already gotten frustrated. “Most of the time we hear from parents when they’re in crisis mode,” she said.

One of the Association’s goals is to reach parents sooner, so they can have assessments done earlier and get intervention before more serious problems set in. The nature of children’s mental health disorders places kids in a vicious cycle. The “unacceptable behaviors” cause a child to have difficulty in school, or to be rejected socially, thus creating a larger problem. And yet, with proper mental health care, the disorders that affect children can be treated, just as they are in adults. The kinds of disorders most often seen at MACMH include depression, attention deficit disorder, anxiety disorders that cause school resistance and bi-polar disorder.

Other disorders, like schizophrenia, are sometimes dealt with as well.

While the disorders have a biological and neurological base, the public awareness of mental health disability in children is not at the level it is for adults. “One of the largest challenges, the root, the main obstacle that parents face would be stigma,” said Saxhaug. “The child faces a stigma of having a mental illness, but the parent faces a stigma as well about being a parent of a child who has a mental health disability. Different than physical disability, parents of children with emotional/behavioral disorders typically are looked at as being dysfunctional, are looked at as having poor parenting skills.”

MACMH has developed 36 support groups for parents that serve a variety of the parents’ needs. Besides providing the emotional support of knowing there are others going through what a parent goes through having a child with an emotional disorder, the groups also act as a community resource. “Other parents really understand the issues another parent is going through, and they’re a wonderful resource for information. Because they’re community specific, we refer a lot of people to the groups. Even if they don’t want to attend the group, the group members will often act as resource people as well, and let them know who is a good psychologist in the community, or psychiatrist, what are some groups or services that on the state level we might not know about, but people on the community level may know about,” said Saxhaug.

The Association’s mission includes both education and advocacy, to help fight the lack of public knowledge, while getting kids and their parents the kind of help they Parents of children with emoneed, and the kind of help that Kids Health - cont. on p. 6

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IN BRIEF . . . .

ADA Minnesota Training Sessions ADA Minnesota will host On Tuesday, February 15, February 9, 2000, at the

distance learning sessions in January and February 2000.

These opportunities are free is their civil right. Under the and open to anyone who is Children’s Mental Health Act, interested. They will be held services for children are manat MCIL, 1600 University dated across the state.

Avenue, Suite 16, St. Paul.

“There are a variety of services mandated under the Children’s Mental Health Act that parents should have access to, but don’t know how to advocate for those services,” said Saxhaug. The services that are mandated by the state sometimes exist in the parents’ counties, but sometimes they do not. The Association tries to help parents access the services to which they are entitled. One way to do this is through the parent support groups the Association has set up across the state.

January 10, 2000

On Jan 18 from 1-2p.m. the session is entitled “Interplay between ADA and Family Medical Leave Act” and will be presented by Carol Miaskoff, Assistant Legal Counsel, EEOC. She will discus the relationship between the two laws addressing workplace leave, reasonable accommodations, and medical care.

from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Marc Charmatx, Director of the National Association of the Deaf, will present on “Effective Communication.” His presentation will cover misperceptions about when an interpreter needs to be provided, the use of notes, affording an auxiliary aid, and more. For information call ADA Minnesota, 651-6032015(V); 1-888-845-4595 (toll free) or 651-603-2001 (TTY).

Robin Jones, Director of the Great Lakes ADA Center, will conduct an advanced training workshop on Wednesday,

Sheraton Midway Hotel. This workshop will use case studies to focus on Title I of the ADA (employment) with some case study related to communication. This is not an introductory workshop; participants should have working knowledge of the ADA. Ms Jones has extensive experience as a trainer in all titles of the ADA. She is actively involved in disability related advocacy efforts on local, state and national levels. For more information, contact ADA MN 651-603-2015(V), 1-888-845-4595 (toll free) or 651-603-2001 (TTY).

New Disability Website Minnesota’s Internet Dis- ity-related products, services, to get listed, send an E-mail to ability Directory is online.

DirectAbility is a comprehensive, award-winning web site directory devoted to disabil-

resources and information in Mike@patcom.com or call Minnesota. To access the 612-827-4ll0. site, go to www.directability. com For more information or

Artists With Disabilities Receive Awards Six Minnesota artists with Visual Arts: Pastel, Pencil & process conducted by individuals with extensive backgrounds in the written, visual and performing arts. VSA arts of Minnesota is a nonprofit organization working to make the arts accessible to people with all types of disabilities. It serves individuals as well as arts organizations. For more information on its grant or arts programs, call (612) 3323888 (Voice/TTY), or toll free J. D. Carlson, Grand Rapids: The Recognition Grants were 1-800-801-3883 (V/TTY).

Writing: Short Stories Dennis Behr, Minneapolis, awarded following a jurying disabilities have been awarded grants for their artistic efforts and activities by VSA arts of Minnesota. The fourth annual Artist Recognition Program presented the six $750 awards through funding from the Jerome Foundation of St. Paul. This year’s selected grantees are:

Conte Crayon Mary Degen, Minneapolis, Visual arts: Construction & Photography Carei Thomas, Minneapolis, Music Performance: Composition Mary Carol Peterson, Pelican Rapids, Visual Arts: Pastels Jane Gerus, St. Paul, Visual Arts: Painting, Acrylics

Hartz Leads Midwest Special Services Lyth J. Hartz has been selected as the new president of Midwest Special Services, a Twin Cities organization that

has provided training and employment for adults with disabilities since 1949. Hartz has directed Midwest’s De-

velopmental Achievement Center for the past 20 years.

He replaces Gene O’Neil, who retired after 28 years.

Martha Hage’s RADIO SHOW Disabled & Proud, It’s Not An Oxymoron Jan 11: Jan 18: Jan 25: Feb 1:

Catherine Durivage Dir., MN Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Sonja Alvarez Lolly Lijewski host with guest TBA Layne Nelson, Ronna Linroth and Tom Schaefer, Assistive Technology MN

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January 10, 2000

Hello Nicole:

Accessible Arts Performances American Sign Language (ASL)

2/4 Fri., 8:00 p.m., “Misalliance,” Guthrie Theater, Mpls, 612-377-2224, 1/12 Wed., 10:00 p.m. and 1/14 800-848-4912, TTY 612-377Fri., 7:00 p.m., “The Frog 6626 Prince,” Central Minnesota Children’s Theater, Para- 2/4 Fri., 7:30 p.m., “Green Eggs mount, St. Cloud, 320-259- & Ham,” Children’s Theatre 0250 Co., Mpls, 612-874-0400 1/15 Sat., 8:00 p.m., “Scotland Road,” Rochester Civic Theatre, 507-282-8481 1/22 Sat., 8:00 p.m., “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told,” Outward Spiral Theatre, Hennepin Center for the Arts , Little Theatre, Mpls., 612-2535222

1/21 Fri., 8:00 p.m., “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told”, Outward Spiral Theatre, Hennepin Center for the Arts Little Theatre, Mpls., 612-2535222

1/29 Sat., 8:00 p.m., “The Waiting Room,” Park Square Theater, St. Paul, 651-291* 2/5 Sat., 2:00 p.m., and 2/9 7005 Wed., 9:00 a.m. “Number the Stars,” Central MN Children’s 1/29 Sat., 1:00 p.m., (sensory Theater, Para-mount, St. tour 11:00 a.m.) “Misalliance,” Guthrie Theater, Mpls, 612Cloud, 320-259-0250 377-2224, 800-848-4912, TTY * 2/10 Thur., 8:00 p.m., “The 612-377-6626 Glue Factory Project,” Beth Corning, Danny Buraczeski, *1/30 Sun., 2:00 p.m., 2/3 Bonnie Mathis, Theatre de la Thurs., 12:30 p.m., “The Silver Jeune Lune, Mpls, 612-333- Skates,” Stages Theatre Co., Hopkins, 612-979-1111 6200

1/29 Sat., 8:00 p.m., “The Waiting Room,” Park Square Theater, St. Paul, 651-291- * 2/18 Fri., 7:30 p.m., “The 7005 Island of Anyplace,” AnokaRamsey Community College, 1/29 Sat., 1:00 p.m., (sensory Coon Rapids, 612-422-3459 tour 11:00 a.m.) “Misalliance,” Guthrie Theater, Mpls, 612- 2/20 Sun., 2:00 p.m., “Most 377-2224, 800-848-4912, TTY Valuable Player: The Jackie 612-377-6626 Robinson Story,” Youth Performance Co., 1900 Nicollet * 1/30 Sun., 2:00 p.m., 2/3 Ave., Mpls, 612-623-9080 Thurs., 12:30 p.m., “The Silver Skates,” Stages Theatre Co., Audio Described (AD) Hopkins, 612-979-1111 * 1/16 Sun.,, 8:00 p.m., 2/3 Thur., 11:00 a.m., “Dance “Whirligig: Life & Perspective Asia,” St. John’s University, 101,” Burning House Group at Collegeville Loring Playhouse, Mpls, 612623-9396 or 333-2172

Dear Nicole, I’m the Mom of a beautiful almost 6 year-old named Carla with severe Muscular Dystrophy. I am 20 weeks pregnant with another child now and we are concerned because our genetic testing results are not back yet and I’m already noticing decreased movement.

I don’t want to make another child suffer like Carla has in her short life. How should I tell Carla we won’t be having the baby if the tests come back showing problems? She is a very intelligent 6 year-old and has been looking forward to her new sister or brother.

Sincerely, Carla’s Mom

2/4 Fri., 8:00 p.m., “MisDear Mom, alliance,” Guthrie Theater, Mpls, 612-377-2224, 800-848This is probably the hardest 4912, TTY 612-377-6626 question I’ve ever responded to. Of course, you don¹t want 2/13 Sun., 5:00 p.m., “Peking to make another child suffer Acrobats,” Ordway Music like Carla has suffered. WatchTheatre, St. Paul, 651-224ing helplessly while a child 4222 suffers is one of the most heartbreaking exper-iences of * Asterisked performances a parent’s lifetime. Oftentimes, are eligible for Reduced this pain is tinged with guilt.

Admission Prices through Guilt is rarely “appropriate” or Access to Theatre, funded by logical, but seems to serve as United Arts and VSA Arts of a buffer from a deep sense of Minnesota. confusion or loss of control.

A parent might think, “Why is The Religion Column this happening to my child? will resume What did I do wrong?”

in February.

With genetic testing, this sense of guilt is magnified because the suffering seems “preventable.” Therefore, for most people, choosing to have a child with a disability is out of the question. There is a lot of social pressure to abort a disabled fetus, both for the baby’s good and the good of the society. In Alabama it has been declared state policy “to encourage the prevention of birth defects and mental retardation through education, genetic counseling and amniocentesis...”(Section 22-0A-l of Alabama statutes).

of my selfishness. Of course, I would not want to “make” someone go through it!

Now I want to tell you about one of my earliest memories. I was around one year old. My mother was holding me up by my hands while my father moved my feet in steps across the floor. It felt wrong to me, as though they were throwing me into the air and expecting me to fly, and I fought them every step of the way! I knew absolutely that I was not meant to walk. It was a natural knowledge to me, as though I had made the choice myself, and I didn’t feel any disappointment or tragedy in not I remember when I was 3, and walking. my mother was pregnant. She told me that she was going to Unfortunately, my parents have some tests done and if still suffer an awful burden of the fetus was found to have guilt and disappointment over Muscular Dystrophy (like me), my situation. My younger she was going to have an brother turned out to be ableabortion and “try again.” I bodied. However, I cannot was shocked and suddenly tell you how many times I’ve panicked. It was my first face- looked at my brother and to-face encounter with the thought, “If you had been like idea that my disability was so me, you would not be here.” I bad it should not be allowed ponder his accomplishments, to exist. I must have looked his physical agility, health, confused, because after a relationships, his “bright” minute my mother said, “You future prospects and I wonwouldn’t want to make some- der what makes his life a one else go through what you blessing and mine a tragedy? have to go through, would Because I’ve spent my life you?” Instantly, my shock dealing with issues of death, turned to guilt. I felt ashamed illness, pain and rejection, I am more adept at seeing beyond super-ficialities and I can offer unique experiences that may nourish our deeper, truer selves. How do we measure the worth of a life?

On February 21, State Which life is the larger Reresentative Mindy Greiling blessing? and Hennepin NAMI President Pete Feigal will speak at the I hope you will see that Richfield United Methodist aborting a disabled fetus is Church about the commitment not simply the “right” or law. All are invited to give your “responsible” thing to do. valuable insights/experience to Listen to your heart. If you Representative Greiling. decide that for yourself you

Support Groups T

he Hennepin County affiliate of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill meets the third Friday of every month at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, at 50th & Knox in South Minneapolis.

The family and consumer support groups are at 6:30 P.M. The Main Meeting is held from 7:30-9:00 P.M. Pete Feigal, President (651) 310-9923.

talking about re-examining Minnesota’s commitment law.

Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Ron Groat will also be a guest.

Please join in a discussion to give Representative Greiling feedback and insights before she drafts new legislation.

The Minnesota Bio-Brain Associa-tion will host Brian Nystrom of Nystrom and Associates Clinic on the topic On January 21, the meeting will of SAD (Seasonal Affective host State Representative Disorder). He will cover the Mindy Greiling who will be causes, treatment, the impact on family members, and what they can do to help. This meeting will be held January HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the Richfield United Methodist Church, Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroom 5835 Lyndale Ave. S.

apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. We have housing in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Austin, Marshall, Willmar, and Duluth.

The apartments are fully wheelchair accessible and each building has a central laundry room, large community room, secured entry and an on-site caretaker.

ASI also offers shared personal care services 24 hours a day, at most locations, for adults with a physical disability and/or traumatic brain injury who qualify for Medical Assistance.

For more information call (651) 645-7271 or (800) 466-7722. For services or housing call Leigh, for employment as a personal care attendant call Al or Kellie.

Bio-Brain’s weekly, 7:00 p.m, Monday night support and information meetings will be at the Bio-Brain offices in Edina at 6950 France Ave, Suite 18.

Support groups for individuals meet the 1st and 4th Monday of each month, also at 6950 France, but in the lower conference room at 7:00 p.m.

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M.A.T. Metropolitan Area Transit, Inc.

SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER “On Time Every Time or we will buy you lunch”

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- Nicole

call for details

(612) 379-4107 MA, U-CARE, MEDICA, PRIVATE PAY, PRIVATE INSURANCE

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need to abort this baby, I think it’s important to sort out that you are doing it because of your feelings or ability, not because there is something wrong with the baby that you are saving it from. Explain practical matters to Carla — explain your lack of time or space or money. Talk in terms of your feelings, what you can or cannot manage. Allow Carla to be upset. It is a loss.

It might be nice to make an object for the baby so that you and Carla can honor and remember it’s existence. By honoring this baby’s life as valuable (whether or not you choose to birth the baby) you will also honor Carla and all of us with disabilities.

**Standing Orders

** Group Charters

Question? Complaint?

Comment? Write to Nicole: % Access Press, 1821 University Ave. W, #185 N; St. Paul, MN 55104

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January 10, 2000

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On Mental Illness

Disability Culture

Remembering Our History Never Leave A Man Behind

by Pete Feigal

by Lolly Lijewski

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short time before his death, Irv Zola reviewed a few books on the history of disability and made this very important observation.

“We cannot and should not root the origin of our history solidly in the 20th century, since there has been an eternal existence of chronic disease and disability and also personal, social and political attempts both to deal with and deny them. Without

this sense of history, there is no societal or even personal appreciation of the depth of the fear of disability. Without appreciation of the depth of the fear of disability, there is a naivete that what’s ‘wrong’ about disability can be righted, by single actions like the ADA.’ Without recognition of its omnipresence through both time and space, we will seek the elimination and prevention of disability as our primary goals rather

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than its integration, accepovernor Jesse Ventura is tance, and ultimately its ap(rightly) proud of his preciation.” connection to the Navy SEALs, an elite group of highly trained, As we look ahead to a new highly motivated commandos century, it’s important that we whose reputation as a Special also look to the past. Doing Forces unit is second to none so will help insure that we in the entire world. The SEALs learn from the lessons of the are taught in all aspects of past and avoid repeating the warfare and reconnaissance, same mistakes. Zola’s vision have some of the most intenof complete integration, ac- sive and toughest physical ceptance and appreciation of training and have experienced disability can inspire us and combat from the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of the Middle move us to action. Q East.

Moving Ahead Into 2000 T

he Hennepin County CareS planning team continues to seek out Medical Assistance (MA) consumers and their representatives to help create a better health care delivery management system.

to determine the financial risk to the County in undertaking this project. The team has also researched managed care projects in other states and found programs that are successful and some that are not.

The team expects to learn from these programs which The planning team has spent will help the team develop a 1999 researching two main successful program for the planning goals, which has citizens of Minnesota. taken the team in two distinct directions.

Part of the 1999 planning activities focused around 1. “Determine whether a learning from the two southHennepin County initiative ern Minnesota implementahas the potential to add tion sites. To date, these sites value to a person’s quality have not been able to start of health care.” due to time lags and setbacks.

2. “Determine whether imple- The planning team had hoped menting a Hennepin County to gain a full year’s worth of initiative is fiscally viable actual experience from these and responsible.” sites to add to our planning in 2000, but this will not be the In studying the first goal, the case. team has conducted extensive community outreach. At the last DPPD StakeOver 40 community meetings holder’s Committee meeting have been held to educate held December 6, 1999, DHS potential consumers about announced the extension of the planning process for a the time lines for implementanew health care delivery tion in the southern sites. system. The planning team The current time line is as also learned what consumers follows: 1/31/2000, first part of thought of the current MA the Request for Proposals fee-for-service program, and (RFP) response is due back to how to create a better system DHS; 6/30/2000, second part of care delivery. of the RFP response is due back to DHS; 9/30/2000 the With regard to the second contract between the demongoal, the planning team has stration sites and DHS is been examining data received completed; 12/01/2000, eduin March 1999 from the MN cation and enrollment starts; Department of Human Ser- and 1/01/2001, services start vices (DHS). The team sorted in the demonstration sites. the data to make it easier to This new time frame is a analyze. The team’s hope is seven-month delay from the

previously announced time line. Also at the meeting, Olmstead County announced that it will be withdrawing from further participation as a DPPD implementation site.

This leaves the Southern Minnesota Health Initiative (SMHI) as the only DPPD implementation site. Hennepin and Itasca Counties continue to be planning sites.

The SEAL’s biggest point of pride, however, is not their combat prowess or physical toughness, but that they have never left a man behind.

Wounded or dead, they always bring their buddies home. Having the confidence that they will not be abandoned is one of the keys to why the SEALs can work with a minimum of supervision or support, and perform with such distinction and bravery. The SEALs have learned the greatest secret of valor: that people fight and work hardest not for a cause, glory or themselves, but for each other; that you never abandon or be unworthy of each other; that the cement that forms any group of people into a unit is not self-sufficiency, toughness or even professionalism, but love.

In the year 2000, the Hennepin County planning team will focus on continuing it’s planning for the State’s mandatory DPPD project. The County will also begin to look at other creative ways to provide MA consumers with disabilities with additional voluntary options for a health care delivery management system.

Thousands and thousands of wounded Minnesotans are The planning team, using a being left behind. They are our quarterly newsletter and other family members, our neighbors, press releases, will continue our friends. They are wounded to inform consumers and by physical brain disorders like other stakeholders regarding depression, schizophrenia, the next planning phase. If bi-polar disorder, obsessiveyou would like to receive this compulsive disorder. They are information, please call Bill suffering in hell-like existences, Blom or Julie Wegscheid at often without treatment or un612-348-2200 (voice) or 612- derstanding. Because of out596-6758 (TTY). Q dated prejudices, these diseases have been shrouded in This column is a paid inser- mystery and dread, literally tion by Hennepin County since the Dark Ages. Many CareS, a Demon-stration who suffer do so in silence, Project for People with Dis- afraid to seek care because of abilities. the stigma and uneducated

If you are a consumer or a provider and know health care can and must be done better, we need to hear from you.

judgments associated with the world in a little different these diseases. way, forcing us to find new ways of solving problems, Even with medical break- making us more creative and throughs revealing that these thoughtful. are physical diseases of the brain, not unlike Parkinson’s As we enter this new millenor Alzheimer’s, mental illness/ nium, I pray that our State, our brain disorders still have Country and our World bestigma, myths, and lies at- come more aware and educated tached to them. In addition to about this most mysterious of the unbelievable suffering the diseases. I pray that those with diseases bring, is the added this disorder, their families and burden that somehow the dis- friends will all come forward, ease is not a real disease, that “out of the closet,” to tell their the fault lies with the mentally own stories, because that is ill person himself. There is a what will finally make the difpersistent myth that it is inher- ference, what will finally open ent weakness, laziness and peoples’ hearts and minds. We flaws of character that are re- need to reawaken people, responsible, and that all some- light their “pilot lights” and one has to do is simply “pull help them look at those with yourself up by your boot- special needs with new eyes. straps.” We know now, of People with brain disorders course, that this is like telling should not be seen as impedisomeone with MS to “get up ments, but as beloved friends out of that wheelchair.” who need a little extra help to get over the obstacle course of Like the SEALs, individuals life, so that we can all cross the and nations achieve greatness finish line together. from how they protect and care for each other, especially the Helping those in need is not a ones that are wounded or suf- burden or a hardship, but a fering. For the wounded are cherished honor. Anyone who equally valuable, and have their has given to a worthy cause or place of importance, their gifts volunteered their time to othto offer. The ancient Greeks ers knows that nothing is half wrote about how the orator so rewarding, that there is no with a speech impediment could greater gift that one can give to actually be the greater speaker, someone else or himself. There as he would have to focus more is no greater example or inspion what he said than the way ration we can give to our chilhe said it. A wrestler with a dren. Making a conscious, fopulled tendon was actually cused effort to aid those left more dangerous, because he behind, whether from disease would have to be smarter, rely or abuse, poverty or lack of more on his brain than his 1egs. education, is what will tranOur “weaknesses” are actu- scend us — as individuals and ally keys to helping us look at Illness - cont. on p. 6

TCF

A REVOLUTIONARY APPROACH FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

651-641-0887

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January 10, 2000

AXIS Moving Ahead KID’S HEALTH - Cont. from p. 3 Learning From Consumers A XIS Healthcare, a joint venture of Becklund Home Health Care, Courage Center and Sister Kenny Institute, was created to work with consumers, providers and health plans to redesign the delivery of health care for persons with physical disabilities.

To learn of the barriers experienced by persons with disabilities, AXIS has been providing health coordination support for 20 persons on a voluntary basis since early last summer. While diverse in their composition, ranging in age from 25 to 75, with a variety of disabilities, they consistently described a dysfunctional health care system. They experienced it as comprised of islands of care, difficult to access, with minimal communication between providers or with consumers.

These individuals generally stated that they received good care, though their providers only considered the services which they provided, without regard to the consumers’ other needs. This one-dimensional treatment commonly resulted in undesired side effects and redundant assessments and tests, with important issues left

unaddressed. As one person stated: “My doctors and therapists don’t know what each other are doing, so my care is fragmented and important pieces get lost.” Many had difficulty finding an experienced primary care physician, therefore received much of their medical care in emergency rooms-- from health care personnel unfamiliar with their disability or overall health status. The result was frequent episodes of preventable illnesses, with avoidable complications. Thus, the common refrain: “People who don’t know me or my disability are telling me what I need,” with one person stating “I’m tired of training new health professionals about my disability.”

Perhaps most frustrating to the consumers was the difficulty they experienced navigating the health care system, including obtaining needed authorizations. This is exemplified by the individual with quadriplegia who was assured by their case manager that “the foam cushion will be comfortable;” the individual experiencing a great deal of pain who was told there wasn’t an appointment available for two weeks; andthe

person who sat by the phone for hours while spiking a very high temperature, waiting for a nurse to call back. One individual captured the frustration of many, stating, “I have to spend hours talking to numerous people before I get authorization for even the basic things I need.” Another stated she doesn’t always have the energy to keep fighting, “so I sometimes just give up and accept whatever they say.”

These voluntary AXIS consumers, along with Consumer and Provider Workgroups, are developing and refining a consumer-centered model of health coordination, utilizing the best providers to develop integrated systems of care and services. This model will be based on a single contact for the management and authorization of all health care services, utilization of experienced providers, and 24-hour access to a primary care physician.

Consumers who wish to learn more about the voluntary health coordination trial, or providers who know that the health care system can be improved, are encouraged to contact Sue Bulger or Chris Duff at AXIS Healthcare at (651) 641-0887.Q

tional disorders often have to access a whole spec-trum of services, like mental health services, school services, county services, day treatment, and sometimes corrections. The multiple systems navigation is difficult even for the social services professional to understand, so the parents need all the collaborative help they can get.

far, 9000 manuals have been sold and donated. The manual includes information about county services, public health nursing, early childhood and special education services, as well as financial programs, such as Medical Assistance, SSI and TEFRA. The Children’s Multicultural Task Force of the Department of Human Services prepared a “cultural resource guide” for The Children’s Mental Health the manual as well.

Act was amended in 1993 to establish the Children’s Men- MACMH conducts support tal Health Collaborative, to group facilitator training for provide funding to design an the parent groups. They also integrated children’s mental host workshops and presenhealth system, to streamline tations throughout the year, services and get everyone in addition to their annual working together for the well- Children’s Mental Health Conbeing of the child. The state’s ference, which will take place appropriations designate that this year on April 25 & 26 in the funds must enhance con- St. Cloud. sumer empowerment. The MACMH attempts to do just The Association relies heavily that, in part as a direct result on volunteers to help set up of their own lack of staff. With the conference, which has one full-time and two part- grown in its hands-on focus. time advocates, the agency is The conference is attended relegated to doing most of the by parents and professionals, advocating over the phone. including psychologists, psyThey fill in the gaps for chiatrists, teachers, social parents by providing a breadth workers, corrections workers of educational materials to and nurses. “They want some parents, as well as access to concrete information that they the community support can take back to their commugroups. nity, take back to their job or take back to their home if The Association also pub- they’re a parent,” said lishes a Survival Manual. So Saxhaug, “and see a change

One critic called Misalliance “one of the few great farces of the English language.” The play revolves around the potential union of a young middle-class woman and the upper-crust young man her parents want her to marry.

With this production the Guthrie honors the generosity of the American Express Minnesota Philanthropic Foundation.

ASL Interpreted Performances: Friday, January 28, 2000 at 7:30pm Thursday, February 10, 2000 at 7:30pm Audio Described Performances: Saturday, January 29, 2000 at 1:00pm* Friday, February 4, 2000 at 7:30pm *11:00am sensory tour

Ticket prices are $12 for patrons who are blind, low vision, Deaf/hard of hearing, and for students and teachers of ASL, and $12 for one companion.

FOR TICKETS OR INFORMATION CALL 612-377-2224 (voice) or 612-377-6626 (TTY).

Access Programs at the Guthrie are supported in part by Northern States Power, KARE 11, and Miracle Ear.

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The MACMH continues its attempts to get the message out about the help that is available to parents and their kids with emotional disorders.

The Association is represented on a state advisory council and committees at the Department of Children Families Services, in an on-going effort to also effect systemwide change, and to bring more dollars into the programs. The task of getting to parents early enough to get kids help when they really need it, before their mental health disorders have taken root untreated, is daunting, but hopeful.

Saxhaug has been at the task since the Association’s inception in 1992. She is also the parent of a child who had emotional disorders, and is now doing quite well, she says. So, the rewards are ever present for her and for those who continue to fight for the rights and well-being of children. Q

MINED

MISALLIANCE

By George Bernard Shaw Directed by Neil Munro January 14 - February 13, 2000

based on some information, whether it’s a skill or knowledge they’ve received. We try to make it more skill-based, try to bring in any new information that’s come about in children’s mental health.”

M ILLNESS - Cont. from p. 5 as a people — and our actions will touch the sublime.

Hope, healing and equality for those with this terrible disease, and their famalies, is all within reach. It’s right there, and has never been closer. All we have to do is to do it. And bring everyone home. Q

INED is a new Literary and Art Journal of, by and for people with mental illnesses. The journal seeks poetry, short stories, and creative non-fiction from mentally ill or emotionally disturbed writers. Camera ready black line art (8½" X 11") is also welcome. Submit up to 5 poems (single-spaced), one prose piece (double-spaced), or one drawing at a time. (Line drawing may include writing.)

Poems in languages other than English are accepted; the journal requests an English translation be included as well.

Home Care Services

The magazine will be printed in fourteen-point type and will also be available on cassette. The sound of the poem, as well as its appearance in print, is, therefore, important. Limits: · Poetry Maximum 38 lines, 40 characters wide · Prose Maximum 500-1000 words · Notes: Make all names of persons and places fictional. · Include Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope for return of manuscript. · The Editorial Board will comment on rejected manuscripts if received early. · Deadline April 1, 2000 Mail submissions to: Editor, Mined, C/O Walker Church, Box 7588, Minneapolis, MN 55407. Q

Available 24 hours per day Specializing in the care of Children • Adults • Elderly We provide Personal Care Assistants • Home Health Aides • Homemakers • Live-in Caregivers • Nursing Our Rehabilitative Services include: Physical/ Occupational/Speech/Respiratory Therapies PCA Provider Organization MA/Waiver/Medicare Certified

612-544-0315 or 1-800-231-0315

Please patronize your Access Press Advertisers — and tell them where you heard about them.

They bring you your paper.

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P METRO MOBILITY- Cont. from p. 1 place to pick up several people who were all going to the same destination at the same time.

Long transit times One rider told of a five-hour ride to get from St. Paul to Brooklyn Park, and others had similar stories.

Federal regulations have been put in place to serve as a “floor” below which states are not allowed to fall in providing paratransit services. Disability advocates are proud of the fact that Minnesota has often chosen to exceed federal regulations when it comes to disability access. And even though big gaps in service remain a problem for Metro Mobility, in some ways the system still exceeds federal minimums.

For example, Sutton points out that Metro Mobility has chosen to exceed regulations in regard to driver training.

Mobility official responded to her specific complaint by saying that, “This should not be happening,” the crowd spontaneously erupted with cries of “This happens all the time!”

An inadequate system for receiving complaints may be only a part of the problem.

Some riders suspect that the method of recording trip denials may provide data that understates the true extent of the problem. The recording of round trips illustrates one aspect of how this may occur.

As mentioned earlier, riders often decide not to accept a trip to a destination if they cannot get a ride back from that destination. Rather than this situation being recorded as two trip denials, Metro Mobility actually records the refused return trip as a denial (which is the responsibility of Metro Mobility) and the unused front-end trip as a cancellation (which is the responsibility of the rider). If the round-trip problem is as common as these forums made it appear, this method of recording trip denials may give management a distorted picture of the trip denial problem.

Poorly trained or unpleasant drivers While riders stressed that most Metro Mobility drivers are very good, many riders told stories about drivers who could not read maps or who were rude or less than helpful.

Several riders said they were afraid to ride with one particu- Minnesota legislators could, lar driver who is often angry however, choose to use the and drives very dangerously. existing federal paratransit regulations as a “ceiling,” saying in effect that “We will System not able to fund only enough to meet keep up with demand federal guidelines, and no There seemed to be general more,” putting further presagreement from both users sure on an already underand staff that Metro Mobility funded system. This would is not able to meet the demand be ironic, but both advocates for its services. On the sur- and paratransit officials have face, the problem appears to told ACCESS PRESS that be quite simple: Not enough they fear that this danger may vehicles, and not enough exist. Perhaps it is already drivers. Harlan Peterson, occurring. Metropolitan Counowner of HandiCabs, one of cil member Todd Paulson, the service providers for who attended the last of the Metro Mobility, said, “What three public forums, told it really boils down to is not ACCESS PRESS that “We enough drivers. If we had used to have one of the “Latent demand” enough drivers, the other strongest [paratransit] sys- The true extent of the problem things would be better.” tems in the nation, but since of lack of funding may be Metro Mobility general man- the passage of the ADA it even worse than that indiager Dave Jacobson under- almost seems like we have cated by the official statistics, lined the problem when he scaled it back to ADA since some unknown number pointed out that, despite specifications.” of riders have already “given ever-increasing demand, “In up” on the system, in whole 1993 [when the current sysLeadership out of touch? or in part. As rider Frances tem was put into place] we Some riders think that the pointed out, “I doubt that started with 150 vans. That extent of the problems experi- anyone knows the actual number is still the same.” enced by riders on the street demand that is out there, is not fully understood by the because a lot of times I don’t Another problem was illus- management of Metro Mobil- even try calling for a ride. If trated by Jacobson when he ity. you think it’s hopeless, you explained the problem with don’t even try.” She went on standing orders: “Federal law Advocate Lolly Lijewski to say that “I’ve talked to lots limits our standing orders to stated that, “The current of other people who have no more than 50 percent of system for receiving com- given up [calling], as they see our total trips. In other words, plaints at Metro Mobility is it as hopeless.” we have to save one-half of not working.

It is not our trips for demand trips [Ed. supplying accurate informa- The phenomenon of potential note: “Demand” trips are tion about what is actually riders who have dropped out individual trips for which happening on the street.” Her of the system, or who have riders call in one at a time.] claim appeared to be sup- never gotten into the system, We have thus had to bring ported by the following ex- is known as “latent demand.” our numbers of standing change: Rider Elaine com- Jacobson acknowledged that orders down so they wouldn’t mented that, “I have to call this demand could be quite exceed 50 percent of all trips.” every day to confirm my rides large when he said, “Latent for the day.” When a Metro demand has never been meaThe alternative option, that of increasing the number of demand trips to equal the Don't Miss An Issue! Subscribe Today! $15 number of standing orders Buys A Full Year (12 Issues) Of Access Press that riders would like to have, is apparently out of the Name _____________________________________ question due to lack of Street _____________________________________ funding, or “capacity constraints.” And this points to City ______________________________________ another fear that several State ______________ Zip ____________________ forum participants expressed to ACCESS PRESS: That Telephone _________________________________ federal regulations may actuLimited income subscription: $5 ally serve to decrease the I have an idea for editorial coverage. Please call me. level of paratransit service in I’ve enclosed my check for $15. Start my subscription.

Minnesota. Here’s how that Send your advertising rates. could happen: MAIL TO: ACCESS PRESS; 1821 University Ave. W., #185N, St. Paul, MN 55104. (651) 644-2133

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January 10, 2000

sured. It would be shocking the Met Council has to ask for to see what it is, but it’s hard what they need. The Council, to know.” and [Council Chair] Ted Mondale, need to go to the Not enough money governor and tell him what is to do the job needed to really do the job.”

On December 15th, the Met Council approved additional Throughout the forums, parMetro Mobility funding in the ticipants praised Metro Moamount of $750,000. Of that bility staff for stretching an $350,000 will be used to provide additional service, and $400,000 will be used to improve existing service by providing driver incentives.

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inadequate budget about as far as it will go. But riders kept coming back to the basic issue, which was summed up near the end of the final forum by a rider named Juliet: “There’s going to have to be a lot more money. It’s going to be a legislative matter.” Q

When this new funding was announced at the forum on the 16th, listeners were pleased but not satisfied. As one rider put it, “$750,000 is a welcome addition to the system, but it’s not enough.” This was met by general applause from the group.

Finally, many forum participants agreed with Metro Mobility staff that demand is bound to be higher in the future due to demographics.

As disability advocate Roseanne stated, “Right now, people’s lives are being affected drastically. With the aging of the baby boomers, demand will increase. We need more rides, we need more money. The governor needs to listen but, better yet,

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State Rehabilitation Council Public Forum

– On Meeting the Need – Vocational Rehabilitation Services in MN

Wednesday, February 2, 2000 Sheraton Midway Hotel I-94 & Hamline Ave. – St. Paul, MN Tell us about the state’s unmet needs for VR services!

Tell us your recommendations for innovation and improvement of VR services!

Tell us what the state’s VR goals and priorities should be!

The Minnesota Department of Economic Security-Rehabilitation Services will complete work in the year 2000 on goals and priorities for the VR Program. VR is Minnesota’s only statewide public program for meeting the vocational needs of people with disabilities.

The State Rehabilitation Council and MDES-RS want your participation.

This will not be your only opportunity, but the importance of public participation is such that no opportunity for participation should be missed.

VR is your program. Let us hear your voice.

Bob Niemiec, Chair Kris Flaten Rich Diedrichsen, Vice-Chair Howard Glad Yvonne Redmond-Brown Peter Hoialmen Jolene Bruce David Leiseth Scott Dehn Mark Netzinger Jean Dunn Rachel Parker

Maureen Pranghofer Jerry Roberts Anne Robertson Sarah Simmons Jayne Spayne William Stech

Closed captioning and interpreters will be present. Other reasonable accommodations will be made upon request. For accommodations or information call VOICE: (800)-3289095, (651) 296-7869 or TTY: 800-657-3973, (651) 296-3900; or write SRC, MDESRS, 390 No. Robert St., St. Paul MN 55101.

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January 10, 2000

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Directory of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities A A Chance to Grow, Bob DeBour, 612-521-2266 AccessAbility, Inc., 612-331-5958 Access to Employment, Lori Sterner, 612-870-0578V/TTY Accessible Space, Inc., Stephen Vanderschaaf, 651-645-7271 Achilles Track Club-Uptown, Richard Schwartz, 612-285-1957 ACT-UP MN, Robert Halfhill, 612-870-8026 Adult Basic Education/Special Needs, Betty Sims, 651-290-4729 Advocating Change Together, Kathy Sanders, 651-641-0297 Alliance for Mentally Ill - Wash. Co., Bob Rafferty, 651-439-3800 Alliance for Mentally Ill of MN, 651-645-2948 ALS Assoc. (Lou Gehrig's Disease), 612-672-0484 Altern. for People with Autism, Inc, John Makepeace, 612-560-5330 Alzheimer’s Association, John Kemp, 612-830-0512 Am. Behcet's Disease Assoc., 1-800-723-4238 American Cancer Soc.- MN Div., 612-925-2772, 1-800-227-2345 Am. Cancer Soc. (Ramsey Co.), 651-644-1224 Am. Council of Blind Services, James Olsen, 612-332-3242 Amer. Diabetes Assoc., Lee Johnson, 612-593-5333 Amer. Heart Assoc., Robin Durand, 612-835-3300 American Lung Assoc., 651-227-8014 Anoka Metro Reg. Treatment Ctr., Judith Krohn, 612-576-5500 ARC - Anoka/Ramsey Counties, Marianne Reich, 612-783-4958 ARC - Carver County, Susan Hines, 612-448-8829 ARC - Hennepin County, Kim Keprios, 612-920-0855 ARC - MN, Bob Brick, 651-523-0823, 1-800-582-5256 ARC - St. Croix Valley, Dick Ulrich, 651-439-0721 (Ans. service) ARC - Suburban, Joan Fawcett, 612-890-3057 ARRM, Bruce Nelson, 651-291-1086 Arthritis Foundation, Deb Dressely, 651-644-4108 Assoc. of Late-Deafened Adults, 1-800-627-3529 B BLIND, Inc., Joyce Scanlan, 612-872-0100 Boy Scouting for People w/ Spec. Needs, 651-224-1891 Brain Injury Assoc. of MN, Tom Gode, 612-378-2742, 800-669-6442 C Camp for Child. & Teens w/ Epilepsy, Deborah McNally, 651-6468675, 1-800-779-0777 Camp Winnebago, Barb Cage, 507- 724-2351 Candle in the Window, Kathy Szinnyey, 1-502-895-0866 Capable Partners, 612-542-8156 Capella Management Group, Gerald Glomb, 651-641-0041 Catholic Charities, Program for People with Disabilities, John Schatzlein, 651-222-3001 Center for Learning & Adaptive Student Serv. (CLASS), Sue Carlson, 612-330-1053, 612-330-1748 Chemical Injury Resource Assn. 651-643-4220 Children’s United Hospital, 651-220-8000 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association of Minnesota, 612-285-9067 Client Assist. Project (CAP) MN )Legal Aid), 612-332-1441 Closing the Gap, MaryAnn Harty, 1-507-248-3294 Communication Center for the Blind, Dave Andrews, 651-642-0513 Community Bridge Consortium, Pat Svendsen, 651-748-7437V/TTY Comprehensive Seizure Ctr, Neurology,Regions Hosp. 651-221-3700 Courage Center, Tony Lebahn, 612-520-0520 612-520-0245 TTY Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Linda Mahoney, 612-338-0885 D Dakota Co. Social Services, 612-891-7400 Deaf Blind Services MN, Mary Hartnett, 612-871-4788 V/TTY Disability Institute, Wendy Brower, 612-935-9343 Div. for Persons w/ Developmental Disabilities, 651-296-2160 Down Syndrome Assn. Of MN, 612-797-0110 Duluth Consumer & Family Regional Resource Center, 218-728-3531 E East Suburban Resources, Sue Schmidt, 651-351-0190 or MRS 800627-3529 ELCA Committee on Disabilities, Linda Larson, 612-788-8064 Emotions Anonymous, 651-647-9712 Epilepsy Found., 651-646-8675, 800-779-0777, 651-297-5353 TTY F Fraser Community Services, Diane Cross, 612-861-1688 Functional Industries, Laurie Cameron, 612-682-4336 G Gay and Lesbian Helpline, 612-822-8661 V/TTY, 1-800-800-0907 Gillette Children’s Hospital, Lynn Carpentier, 651-229-3845 Goodwill Indus./Easter Seal, Michele Heinbigner, 651-646-2591 V, 651-646-0424 TTY

H Hearing and Service Dogs of MN, Alan Peters, 612-729-5986 V, 612729-5914 TTY Hearing Impaired Prog., Joyce Dougaard, 612-627-2623 V/TTY Help Yourself, Sara Meyer, 651-646-3662 Helping Paws Of Minnesota, 612-988-9359 Hemophilia Foundation of MN, 612-323-7406 Henn. Co. Lib. Homebound Serv., Becky Mobarry, 612-847-8854 Henn. Co. Mental Health Ctr., Joel Pribnow, 612-348-4947 Health Psychology Clinic, U of M, 612-624-9646 Homeward Bound, Inc., 612-566-7860 I Independence Crossroads, Leah Welch, 612-854-8004 Indian Family Service, Maggie Spears, 612-348-5788 Institute on Community Integration,, Vicki Gaylord, 612-624-6347 Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, 612-339-5145 V, 612-339-6465 TTY Interstate Rehabilitation Center, Mary Augustine, 612-338-7108 K Kaposia, Inc., Cindy Amadick, 651-224-6974 L League of Women Voters, 651-224-5445 Learning Disabilities Program (Family Services of St. Paul), Lory Perryman, 651-291-6795 Learning Exchange, Lynn Dennis, 612-885-8531, TTY 612-885-8590 Legal Advocacy for Persons with Dev. Disabilities, 612-332-1441 Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis, Laurie Moser, 612-332-1441 Leukemia Society of America, MN Chapter, 612-545-3309 Lupus Foundation of America, MN Chapter, 612-375-1131 Lyme Disease Network of Minnesota, Sherri, 612-441-2857 M MELD (MN Early Learning Design), 612-332-7563 V/TTY Mental Health Association, 612-331-6840, 1-800-862-1799; www.MentalHealthMN.org Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Network, 651-637-2800, 1-800383-2007; csnmt@uslink.net Mental Health Law Project, Pat Siebert, 612-332-1441 Methodist Hosp. Ctr. for Senior Services, 612-993-5041 Methodist Hosp. Stroke Supp. Grp., 612-993-6789 Methodist Hosp. Parkinson Center, 612-993-5495 Metro Ctr. for Independent Living, 651-646-8342 V, 651-603-2001 TTY Metro Mobility, 651-602-1111, 651-221-0014 TTY Metro North Adult Basic Education, 612-755-6626 Metro Regional Service Ctr. for Deaf & Hard of Hearing People, Marie Koehler, 651-297-1313 TTY, 651-297-1316 V Metro Work Center, Inc., 612-729-738 Midway Training Services, Barbara Kale, 651-641-0709 Midwest Special Services, Gene O’Neil, 651-778-1000 Mpls. Advisory Commitee for People with Disabilities, Margot Imdieke 651-296-6785 Mpls. Community and Technical College, Office for Students w/ Disabilities, Melissa Newman, 612-341-7000 V/TTY Mpls Rehabilitation Center, Kim Fellen, 612-752-8102, MN AIDS Project, Lorraine Teel, 612-870-7773, 612-870-0700 MN Assoc. for Child. Mental Health, 651-644-7333, 1-800-528-4511 MN Assoc. of Deaf Citizens, Inc., Douglas Bahl, 612-757-5998 TTY MN Bio Brain Assoc., Theresa Carufel, 612-922-6916, www.mnbba.org MN Children with Special Health Needs, 651-215-8956, 1-800-7285420 V/TTY MN Commission Serving Deaf & Hard of Hearing People, 651-2977305 TTY MN Comprehensive Health Assoc., Floyd Robertson, 612-881-6741 MN Consortium for Citizens With Disabilities, Tom Brick, 651-2963478 MN Dept. of Human Services, Traumatic Brain Injury Program, 651-297-7511 MN Depressive & Manic Depressive Assoc., 612-379-7933 MN Developmental Achievement Center Assoc, 651-647-9200 MN Disability Law Ctr., 612-332-1441 MN Gov. Council On Dev. Disabilities, Katy Peterson, 651-296-4018 V, 651-296-9962 TTY MN Relay Service, 1-800-627-3529 MN State Council on Disability, Margot Imdieke, 651-296-6785 MN State Services for the Blind, 651-642-0500, 800-652-9000 Muscular Dystrophy Assoc., Lisa Pachan, 612- 832-5517 (Mpls. district), 612-832-5716 (St. Paul district) MultiplePersonality Disorder Consumer Advocacy Network Hotline 612-752-8012

If your organization would like to be included in the Directory of Organizations, contact ACCESS PRESS at Suite 185N, 1821University Ave.W. St. Paul, MN 55104 651-644-2133 • E-mail: access@wavetech.net

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N National Ataxia Foundation, Donna Gruetzmacher, 612-553-0020 Nat’l Center for Youth w/ Disabilities, Elizabeth Latts, 612-626-2820 Nat'l. Multiple Sclerosis Society, MN Chapter, 612-335-7900, 1800-582-5296 V/TTY National Spinal Cord Injuries Assn, Roger Hoffman, 651-464-7559 North Suburban Consumer Advocates for the Handicapped (NSCAH), Jesse Ellingworth, 612-783-4708, 612-783-4724 TTY Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council, 612-493-2802 V/TTY O Ombudsman for Mental Health & Mental Retardation, 651-296-3848 1-800-657-3506 Opportunity Partners, 612-938-5511, 612-930-4293 TTY OUT Front MN, 612-822-0127 V/TTY 1-800-800-0350 Owobopte, Inc., 651-686-0405 P PACER Center, Inc., Pat Bill, 612-827-2966 V/TTY Parent Support Network (EBD/ADD/ADHD/LD), 612-783-4949 People, Inc. Epilepsy Services, Anne Barnwell, 612-338-9035 The Phoenix Residence, Darlene M. Scott, 651-227-7655 Pilot City Mental Health Center, Sy Gross, 612-348-4622

POHI District Consultants-Mpls. Public Schools, Barb Reynolds or Judy Azar - District Consultants, or Jim Thomas - Anwatin Coord., 612-627-3150 Project Compass, Adult Disability Program - Winona Comm. Educ., Helen Newell, 507-454-9450 Voice/TTY Project Enhance, Deb Clark, 612-627-2925 V 612-627-3131 TTY Project SOAR, Janice Wade, 612-470-2855 V R Radio Talking Book, 651-642-0500 Regional Transit Board, 651-292-0593 Rehab Services Branch, 651-296-5616 or 800-328-9095, 651-2963900 TTY Rehabilitation Centers, MRCI - Burnsville, 612-894-4680 MRCI - Carver/Scott 612-445-6811 MRCI - Chanhassen, 612-474-6469 MRCI - Chaska, 612-448-2234 MRCI - Fairmont, 507-238-4388 MRCI - Industrial Operations, 507-345-5865, Steve Ditschler MRCI - Lakeville, 612-898-5025 MRCI - Mankato, 507-345-4507, Pam Year MRCI - New Ulm, 507-354-2758 Reuben Lindh Learning Center, 612-721-5111 Rise, Inc., 612-786-8334 S Self Help for Hard of Hearing (SHHH), Leslie Cotter, 651-772-4931 V/TTY Sight & Hearing Association, 651-645-2546 SILC-Statewide Independent Living Council, 651- 296-5085 V, 651297-2705 TTY Sister Kenny Institute, Bill Bauer, 612-863-4622 Ski for Light, 612-827-3232 SE MN Ctr for Independent Living (SEMCIL), 507-285-1815, 507285-0616 TTY So. MN Independent Living Enterprises & Serv. (SMILES), Alan Augustin, 507-345-7139 So. Suburban Adaptive Rec., Jennifer Watson, 612-861-9360 V/TTY Spina Bifida Association of MN, Lisa Schaffee, 651-222-6395 St. Paul Advis. Comm.for People w/Disabilities, Roger Schwagmeyer, 651-266-8891 St. Paul Rehabilitation Ctr, 651-227-8471 V, 651-227-3779 TTY STAR Program-Governor’s Council on Technology, 651-296-2771, 651-296-9478 TTY T Traumatic Brain Injury-TBI Metro Services, 612-869-3995 TSE, Inc., Phil Saari, 651-489-2595 Twin Cities Autism Society, 651-647-1083 U United Blind of MN, Inc., 612-391-3699 United Cerebral Palsy of MN, JoAnn Erbes, 651-646-7588, 1-800328-4827, ext.1437 UofM Disability Services, 612-626-1333 V/TTY UofM Disabled Stud Cultural Ctr, 612-624-2602, 612-626-7003 TTY V VSA MN, 612-332-3888 V/TTY, MN@vsarts.org Vinland Center, Beth Milligan, 612-479-3555 V/TTY Vision Loss Resources West, 612-871-2222 Vision Loss Resources East, 651-224-7662 Volunteer Braille Services & Large Print, 612-521-0372 W West Hennepin Community Services, Mary Perkins, 612-988-4177 Wilderness Inquiry, Corey Schlosser-Hall, 612-379-3858, 800-7280719 V/TTY, www.wildernessinquiry.org Wings, Mark Davis, 612-866-0462

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P GREENFIELD- Cont. from p. 1 That becomes a very important aspect of it. I remember Governor Carlson trying to — for reasons I have never understood — eliminate the TEFRA program. He was hearing from people in other states that it was being abused. First of all, if there were abuses — as is typical of almost any program you can have — there were a lot less [of them] in Minnesota than elsewhere. Minnesotans don’t abuse programs, they use them when they need them. And it took us two full years to get back enough money.

and got it. I guess I would have to say I really would have liked to keep the commitment to universal care that was in MinnesotaCare when we first passed it. We had to give it up after the 94 election.

We lost a whole bunch of votes and were barely in the majority, and time went against it when the federal attempt by the Clinton folks failed.

If you could go back and change something that you didn’t get through or that you could improve upon, what would it be.

Well, actually, it’s interesting because the question is how you do it exactly. There are states that have a lot of work to do. For example, Arizona.

In Arizona, a third of all people have no health care coverage. In Minnesota, it’s 5.2%. That’s not a huge number of folks. And when they have needs, we found that for most significant things, we already covered these people–if they had an emergency, they went to an

That’s really hard. Most big things that I really supported, moved in the direction I wanted before it was over.

For example, the hate crimes bill including gays and lesbians. I lost it the first time it came to the floor, we came back a couple of years later

Universal health care has always been one of the key goals of an awful lot of people. Why do you think this hasn’t been successful?

M.I.L.S. HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICE 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

612-379-4027 2010 East Hennepin Avenue, Bldg. #5 Minneapolis, MN 55413

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January 10, 2000

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Access To Employment

The commuemergency Employment ads are $14 per col. inch; nity basically room and we Jan 31 is the deadline for the Feb 10 issue. has held to[sic] took care Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. gether and of them.

• #185N • St. Paul, MN 55104 • FAX 651-644-2136 come together What we • E-mail: access@wavetech.net when it was didn’t give More listings on pages 10 & 11 needed. I think them was prethey’ve got to BUILDING SENIOR ECONOMIC ventive care understand MAINTENANCE CUSANALYST or care that that more of helped if they TODIAN that is needed, had chronic Opening for utility rates anaconditions — Representative Greenfield not less, and The City of Minnetonka has a lyst at the senior level involvcare that would cover them they’ve got to continue the full-time employment oppor- ing state regulation of teleand not let them deteriorate. course. But, it is working. We tunity available for a Building phone companies. Seeking And if you look at that, we have, over the years, im- Maintenance Custodian. Po- candidates with a graduate probably spend as much proved services that are avail- sition is responsible for the degree in economics, public money on them — for many of able. Slowly, I’m sure people security, cleaning and mainte- policy or business administhem — as if we had given would have loved it to be nance of the interior of tration (relevant field and them universal care. If we had done much faster, but still, city-owned buildings, along experience as a rates analysis just given them coverage, we we’ve improved them. with their mechanical and elec- in a utility regulatory agency, could have saved and avoided trical systems. Applicants must public utility company, or emergencies and a whole And we certainly need help be experienced with cleaning other regulatory rate-setting with Metro Mobility, which methods, materials and equip- process). Salary begins at bunch of other things. has been a chronic point, ment, and work primarily from $38,500 with a higher salary So the question then is, how though if we can start to move 10 p.m. - 6 a.m., Sunday – Thurs- level for significant experido you exactly do it. As soon into more mass transit, like a day. One to five years relevant ence. To receive an applicaas you start to do it, people light rail that people in wheel- experience preferred, boilers tion packet, please submit a start to worry, well, is the chairs can use, I think that will license a plus. Salary: resume to: MN Department of government involved, this is take some of the pressure off $25,147.20 -$29,577.60, with Commerce, 121-7th Place the whole thing that hap- of Metro Mobility. We’re excellent fringe benefits. To East, 200 Metro Square pened during the Clinton moving in a direction, I think, obtain an application packet, Building, St. Paul, MN which in the long run will call the JobLine at (612) 55101-2145. Attention: Wiladministration. work well for the community, 939-8212. Application deadline liam Janisch, Personnel DiOne of the lessons I tell and I guess we just have to date is January 24th. rector. Application packets people about from other states encourage people to keep at should be returned by Januis in MinnesotaCare — the it. Make sure they make their ary 31, 2000 to be considered City of Minnetonka insured part — the subsidized contacts with their legislafor the current vacancy with 14600 Minnetonka Blvd sliding fee program for work- tors, make sure that legislathe Public Utilities CommisMinnetonka, Minnesota ing people — the lesson I tors are aware of their needs. sion.

55345 learned was if you’re going to You can never do enough of do a big program like that, get that in this system. If you’re Equal Opportunity Employer An affirmative action it up and running as fast as quiet too long, people assume employer possible, because very soon you’re being taken care of. Q you’ll have large numbers of people [using it] and nobody OFFICE MANAGER/EDITORIAL ASSISTANT will fight it. And in MinnesotaCare, there’s some- Immediate opening at ACCESS PRESS. Tasks include writing articles, editing and thing like a little under 1,000 proofreading; maintaining computer and paper files; responsibility for accounts payable and people in every district who receivable; maintaining/updating database; phone and written contact with the public; and use it. It’s when they’re general office duties as needed. Required skills include effective written and oral working people, or at least communication abilities, experience with Microsoft Word and/or WordPerfect software; there’s one person in the attention to detail; and flexibility in handling a variety of tasks. 30 hours/week. Hourly salary family that works, which plus benefits. To apply, contact: Charlie Smith, Editor, by phone at: 651-644-2133; fax means they’re more likely to resume to 651-644-2136; or mail resume to 1821 University Avenue West, Suite 185N, St. be voters than regular poor Paul, MN 55104. people who don’t work. So ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN legislators are generally afraid to tick them off. So nobody Civil Engineering firm seeks Technician to assist in preparation of highway and municipal street wants to destroy the program and utility plans. Position requires 2 year technical degree and experience utilizing CAD. Auto anymore.

Cad or Microstation experience highly desirable.

Is there anything you’d like For the above position, send resume to: SRF Consulting Group, Inc., Suite 150, One to tell the disability commu- Carlson Parkway North, Minneapolis, MN 55447 or to web site www.srf consulting.com nity?

EOE

Metro Transit

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January 10, 2000

Access To Employment Employment ads are $14 per col. inch; Jan 31 is the deadline for the Feb 10 issue.

Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #185N • St. Paul, MN 55104 • FAX 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@wavetech.net More listings on pages 9 & 11

HEALTHCARE

AXIS Healthcare, a new health care alternative for persons with physical disabilities, is building a staff to work with our members to obtain consumer-centered health care services and supports. The positions include: Health Coordinator, Community-Based Servicesand Mental Health Specialists, Office Manager, and Member Services/ Enrollment Specialists. Qualifications vary by position, though all require: significant professional experience empowering persons with physical disabilities, a commitment to improving the health care delivery system, and a creative, problem-solving approach to all job tasks.

We are seeking a diverse and flexible staff, motivated by a belief that the health care system must be redesigned. If you believe you have a contribution to make as part of the AXIS team, please call (651) 6410887 X 351 for further information, or fax/ email/mail your resume to (651) 646-1887, staff@axishealth.com, 2356 University Ave W., Ste 405, St. Paul, MN 55114

CUSTOMER SERVICE Major upper Midwest chemical manufacturer/ distributor of commercial, institutional, and industrial chemicals has immediate opening for a professional customer service representative for inside sales.

Representative will take customer service orders, reconcile customer issues, track orders and assist in defining customer needs. Ideal candidate will have a college degree or two years vo-tech, customer service experience with chemical background.

Excellent phone and communication skills required. Good computer skills (AS-400, Outlook) Position is salaried, fulltime days. Excellent company paid benefit package. Please submit resume and salary requirements to: Hawkins Chemical, Inc. Attn: Jennifer Wiisanen, CS 3100 E Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55413

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HUMAN SERVICES TECHNICIAN On-call and/or part-time positions in Duluth, Cloquet, Virginia, Gilbert and Moose Lake areas providing direct care to persons with developmental disabilities in State operated group homes and day, training & habilitation programs; positions in Duluth and Eveleth providing inpatient and out-reach services for persons with mental illness; and positions in Cloquet providing direct care to chemically dependent patients. Hours include rotating shifts, weekends & holidays.

Entry level State of MN positions with opportunities for advancement. CNA preferred. Starting salary $9.97/ hr. All training provided.

Applications accepted on a continuous basis. For application call: Moose Lake Regional State Operated Services, Human Resources Office at 218-485-5300 Ext. 5513.

Fax: (612) 331-1851 No phone calls please.

EOE

Moose Lake Regional State Operated Services EOE/AA Employer

ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT We’re looking for the best!

We’re looking for the best! Excellent position for someone who wants meaningful work. Arc Hennepin County, a dynamic non-profit org., has an exciting opportunity to support Director of Finance. Responsibilities include maintaining general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, bank reconciliation, & other accounting support. Successful candidate must have strong organizational skills, ability to handle confidential info, interpersonal & written communication skills. Must have previous accounting exp & proficiency w/ MS Excel 97. Experience in Solomon IV & MS Word 97 desired. In return we offer a comp salary, exc benefits, growth opportunities & a friendly, warm work environment. No phone calls, please. Fax or mail resume, cover letter & salary req by Jan 14, 2000 to: Arc Hennepin County 4301 Hwy 7, #140 Minneapolis, MN 55416 Fax 612- 920-1480 Equal Opportunity Employer PROJECT MANAGER/ESTIMATOR WANTED Growing Twin Cities Construction firm has an immediate opening for a project manager/estimator with 3+ years of experience in structural steel, miscellaneous metals and rebar.

Must be computer literate. Full benefits and pension plan.

Please fax or send resume to: J & L Steel Erectors ATTN: Louanne Reger 11621-95th Avenue North Maple Grove, MN 55369 FAX: (612) 315-4725 J & L Steel Erectors is an equal opportunity employer

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

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

Computerized Desktop publishing: Brochures Catalogs Direct Mailings Flyers Newsletters Newspapers Project Mgmt Resumes Scanning ... & more!

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Ellen Houghton

•

Ambulatory and Wheelchair Service Group Charters Available M.A. provider plus other insurances (612) 922-6876/885-0580

612-404-9981

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

www.mainlevelliving.com For ALL your buying and selling needs.

Providing you with the services you’ve come to expect & deserve!

Lynn Kadlubowski, Broker/Realtor Independent Diversified

REAL ESTATE SERVICES, INC.

612/861-2345office 612/861-7295 fax lynsazsold@citilink.com

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Access To Employment

More Ads On Pg 9 & 10

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION OPERATIONS

EMPLOYMENT ADS ARE $14 A COL. INCH; JAN 31 IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE FEB 10 ISSUE. Mail to: ACCESS PRESS • 1821 University Ave. • #185N • St. Paul, MN 55104 • Fax 651-644-2136 • E-mail: access@wavetech.net

GRAPHIC ARTIST DESIGN ASSISTANT

Twin Cities Public Television (KTCA/2 & KTCI/17), one of the largest and most respected PBS affiliates seeks a Director of Production Operations. This is a key leadership position for an experienced professional.

We are a rapidly growing Engineering, Planning & Landscape Architecture Consulting Firm in the western suburbs (free parking!) looking for a creative team player.

This is a full-time permanent position with excellent benefits & a great opportunity for The Director is responsible training & growth. for overall management of production technical staff and Qualifications: facilities, including schedul- · Two-year degree or equivaing and utilization analysis. lent experience in graphic Responsibilities also include design/production department budgets, supervi- · Basic knowledge of Adobe sion of staff managers, and Illustrator, Acrobat, Photoliaison work with production shop & QuarkXpress departments and bargaining · Good computer aptitude & units. working knowledge of Macintosh operating system Strongest candidates will · Exp. with HTML Code or have 5 -10 years of television Macintosh Networking is a industry experience with 3-5 plus. years in managerial positions. Duties: Excellent written and oral · Preparation of large format communications skills are es- presentations sential, as are analysis skills · Photo production, scanning and a clear understanding of & archiving television production tech- · Developing internal corponology. Successful history of rate intranet & newsletter managing a staff of diverse · Graphic design & desktop talents is also critical. publishing

HOUSING PROGRAM TEAM LEADER Professional - Single Family $38,500 - $52,000 annually The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency seeks a Single Family Homebuyer Team Leader. The qualified candidate has proven experience working with communities of color and targeted populations in an effort to increase home ownership opportunities within those communities.

The qualified candidate will: recommend and implement monitoring and evaluation processes for comprehensive home ownership training services; provide leadership to homebuyer staff by delegating and monitoring workflow, and coaching and mentoring others; work with program managers to increase MHFA program usage while actively advocating programs; work with program managers to help establish outreach goals and methods of tracking and monitoring success of goals.

To minimally qualify, you must have two years experience in mortgage or consumer lending, residential mortgage loan servicing, or rehabilitation loan programs; OR a Bachelor’s Degree in Business AdminEEO/AAP istration, Finance, Economics, Public Administration, HousCLERICAL POSITION ing or related PLUS 1-1/2 years of the above experience.

Full-time clerical opening with progressive, team-oriented Qualified candidates must be company. Collaborative working environment, competitive available for overnight travel. salary and excellent benefits. Duties include back-up switchboard/receptionist, file maintenance, copying, office TO APPLY, submit a skillsrouting, data entry, deliveries and report production. We’re based scannable resume AND looking for an individual with 3 years of related experience and a State of Minnesota Skilla positive attitude. Send resumes to: SRF Consulting Group, Search Application for Inc., One Carlson Parkway North, Suite 150, Minneapolis, Employment. To receive MN 55447 or visit our web site: www.srfconsulting.com further information about the position and the application Equal Opportunity Employer process, including information on how to write a skills-based scannable resume, contact Human Resources, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency at 651/296-8177, FAX 651/2968032, or the TDD (hearing impaired individuals only, please) 651/297-2361.

Salary negotiable DOE. Send resume and cover letter by 01/ 21/00 to: Box 325-0, KTCATV, 172 East 4th St., St. Paul, MN 55101

Ramsey Cty

For the above position, send resume to: SRF Consulting Group, Inc., Suite 150, One Carlson Parkway N., Mpls., MN 55447 or visit our web site: www.srfconsulting.com EOE

Submit applications by January 21, 2000 to: Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Room 300, 400 Sibley Street, St. Paul, MN 551011998.

The MN Housing Finance Agency, located downtown St. Paul, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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January 10, 2000

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EXTENSION EDUCATOR, CHILD & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HOUSTON COUNTY, CALEDONIA, MN University of Minnesota Extension Service

BUILDING OFFICIAL The City of Hopkins has an opening for a Chief Building Official. Responsibilities include supervising Inspections Division and enforcing construction regulations including: Building, Housing, Mechanical, Fire, Electrical, and Health Codes. Min. Qual: HS grad. or equiv. Must have an automobile and a valid driver’s license. Class II Certification as a Building Official from the State of Minnesota or the ability to obtain the Certification within 3 months. 2 years post HS courses in code enforcement, engineering or architecture.

Min. 5 years exp. in municipal Building Code enforcement with increasing responsibility.

Des. quals. include: One or more years of exp. as a supervisor; bachelors degree in architecture, engineering or code enforcement. Starting salary range $42 - $52k; plus excellent benefits. Apply at: Hopkins City Hall, 1010 1st St. S. Hopkins, MN 55343 or call 612-935-8474. Completed City application form must be received by 3:30 P.M. January 21, 2000.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Required: A bachelor’s degree; acceptance into a graduate program or academic achievement at a level qualifying the applicant for admission to graduate study; excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred: A master’s degree; a degree in education or a youth related major; course work or related professional experience in citizenship and leadership; familiarity and experience with the 4-H Youth Program or a similar youth development program; community involvement; experience managing volunteers; networking experience; enthusiasm, creativity, and a positive attitude; teaching methods and program assessment skills; team collaboration; media work; computer use in database management or other specialized software; and grant writing. Experience with agriculture is desired.

Deadline for materials: February 1, 2000.

To obtain complete position announcement & application materials, call U of MN Human Resources at 6121624-3717, or download from Web page: www.extension.unm.edu/units/ director/positions.html The U of MN is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

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

NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS SAINT PAUL PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY

SECTION 8 PROJECT- BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

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he Saint Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA) announces the availablity of its Section 8 Project- Based Rental Assistance Program. The PHA wishes to improve the existing rental housing stock and increase the supply of affordable rental housing available to low income households. The PHA has available at this time up to 100 Units of subsidy for use in buildings in which the owner agrees to construct or rehabilitate the dwelling units in compliance with federal regulations. Proposals will be accepted from owners, developers or other ownership teams who agree to rehabilitate or construct dwelling units for occupancy by tenants eligible for Section 8 rental assistance.

Upon acceptance and approval of the proposal and completion of the construction or rehabilitation, the PHA will provide rental assistance to eligible Section 8 applicants who agree to live in the rehabilitated or newly built units. Financing for the construction or rehabilitation of the dwelling units must be arranged independently, as such funds are not available through the PHA. The property must be located in the city of Saint Paul. Owners must be willing to enter into a Housing Assistance Payments Contract with the PHA for a minimum of one year.

PHA goals for the program include contributing to the upgrading and long-term viability of the city’s housing stock; increase the supply of affordable housing and locational choice for very low income households; integrate housing and supportive services; and promote the coordination and leveraging of resources.

The PHA, through this RFP, does not promise to accept any proposals and specifically reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive any formal proposal requirements, to investigate the qualification and experience of any proposer, to reject provisions in any proposal, or to obtain new proposals. Proposals which do not meet basic program requirements or which are not sufficiently detailed or in acceptable form may be returned for completion or rejected by the PHA. The PHA is acccpting all applications through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) SuperRFP process, scheduled for release December 6, 1999. You can obtain more information and an application and guidebook by contacting the MHFA Multi-Farnily Division at 651-297-3294 or 1-800-657-3701, checking the MHFA web site at www.mhfa.state.mn.us, or by contacting Rita Ander, PHA Section 8 Programs Manager, at 651-298-5079.

Applications are due no later than 4:00 pm. on February 17, 2000.

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January 10, 2000

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WEB SITE SERVICES Basic Web site design, hosting, FOR RENT updating, phone support. Seward Square Apartments: We Designing for accessibility and are currently accepting applicadiverse browsers. Help with tions for our waiting list at Seward Linux. Please call for information. Square Apartments in Minne651-222-8222. apolis. Seward Square is barrier-

free housing and is federally subsidized. For an application, please call (612) 338-2680. Equal Opportunity Housing.

Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier free housing with wheelchair user in mind. Section 8 subsidized.

One and two bedroom units. For more information on availability call 651/488-9923. St. Paul, MN Equal Opportunity Housing.

Holmes-Greenway Housing One and two bedroom apartments designed for physically handicapped persons. Convenient SE Minneapolis location. Call 612/ 378-0331 for availability information. Equal Opportunity Housing.

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------------------------------------- BASIC SPONSOR ------------------------------------------------------------------------- BRONZE SPONSOR ------------------------------------Beverly Ammons Margaret Beier M. Cotcamp Sue Abderholden Susan Asplund Jeff Bangsberg Jerry Dempsey Patricia Guerrero Beth Jensen Jill Bedow Janet Berndt Tom Brick Ericka Johnson Rosanne Kramnicz Steven McKeever Rick Cardenas Michael and Janice Chevrette Stephanie Cunningham Kathleen M. Miller Cindy Moore Jane & Albert Olson LeAnne & Larry Dahl Dawn Doering Chris Duff Carla Reichenberg Ramona Sherer Paul W. Taylor M. Therese Gockenbach Luther Granquist Robert Gregory Kelli N-E Wysocki Diane Greig Lori Guzman Judy Haaversen Roger A. Hoffman David and Susan Houghton James R. House ------------------------------------- FRIEND SPONSOR ------------------------------------Dianna Krogstad Lolly Lijewski Ronna Linroth Lynda Adams Cheryl A. 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Advisory Committee Dorothy McCoy Tim McMillan Senator John Marty Multiple Sclerosis Society Sister Kenny Institute Cliff Miller Kathy Moran William O’Dowd Twin City Transportation Vinland Center Amy Olmscheid Dwight & Chris Porter Barbara Proehl Virginia Puzak Julee Quarvee Peterson Mary Rapson ------------------------------------- GOLD SPONSOR ------------------------------------Kim Rezek Stuart Rosen Ginger Rudberg Shirley Larson MATRIX Advocare Network Margaret Perryman Mary E. 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