December 2004 Edition - Access Press

November 10, 2004

Inside

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“Christmas is a time when you get homesick—even when you’re home.”

■ Horrified Mother— p. 5 ■ MA-EPD— p. 3 ■ Balkanization— p. 2

—Carol Nelson Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Mpls. MN Permit No. 4766

Volume 15, Number 12

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

December 10, 2004

ERIC STEVENS EMBARKING ON NEW JOURNEY—LEAVING COURAGE CENTER

by Lance H. Hegland

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ric Stevens, CEO of Courage Center for the past six years, recently resigned his position in order to continue his life’s journey. He has been vital to the Center’s incorporation of assistive technology, development of numerous community outreach activities and resulting partnerships, as well as focus on fitness and wellness. In 2003, Twin Cities Business Monthly ranked Courage Center as having the second most-

respected reputation among nonprofit organizations in the state, behind only the Mayo Clinic. Also in 2003, Courage Center received the Secretary of [the US Department of] Labor’s New Freedom Initiative Award.

Stevens announced his decision to the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers on November 29; his last day will be December 31. “Working as a leader in this field has been my life’s work - and

continues to inspire me. It has given me the opportunity to contribute to our community and to the healthy development of children, families and people with disabilities. Courage is a wonderful organization. Our mission, the people I work with daily, and the generous, selfless support that we receive from thousands of donors and volunteers have inspired me and motivated me to give all I could,” he said in an announcement to

family, friends, and colleagues. Among a host of his fondest Courage memories are the grand opening of the renovated Courage Residence, their 75th Anniversary Celebration, and receiving the New Freedom Initiative Award.

“I have come to a point in my career and in my life where I feel in my heart that it is time to move on to something else.

As much as the opportunities and challenges still stimulate

NEW COMPREHENSIVE DISABILITY PACKAGE

by Joel Ulland

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e have all seen it—some have even tried to stop it—but the reality is some people with disabilities in Minnesota have faced significant budget cuts and changes to MinnesotaCare, Medical Assistance, Metro Mobility and Greater Minnesota transit services, just to name a few. After three years of budget deficits, the state facing another $700 million deficit this session, a comprehensive plan has been developed to improve services to people with disabilities and not continue to make cuts to key programs.

When you look at how the legislature is structured, you have health issues in one committee, transportation issues in another committee and employment issues in yet

another committee and housing in another committee.

But for many people with disabilities, access to health care, transportation, employment and housing are equal issues. Maintaining these issues is a constant balancing act and for many, the budget cuts of the past three years have decreased access to these critical issues. But many legislators never see the whole picture because they only see a narrow slice of the issues such as transportation or health care.

This is why the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) is developing a comprehensive plan so legislators see the whole picture of both the negative impacts of budget cuts and the positive solutions we are proposing for

2005. MN-CCD is a coalition of nearly 40 disability organizations and providers who work at the capitol on a variety of disability issue.

The coalition has worked since April to identify key issues for people with disabilities and how changes in public policy could improve their lives. In September, MN-CCD approved almost 65 pages of positions paper with solutions to some very complex problems.

For some individuals, there must always be a role for government to help support them in their home and community. It is the strong belief of MN-CCD that public policies should support the cost-effective delivery of these services with results that produce positive health and independence out-

comes for the individual with disabilities. The 1999 U.S. Supreme Court Olmstead decision mandates that states deliver services to individuals with disabilities in the ‘least restrictive setting.’ The State of Minnesota has made great strides toward this goal of delivering communitybased care, but needs to do more. While 48 states have adopted comprehensive plans to address the Olmstead decision, Minnesota has not.

The following outlines a clear multi-pronged approach that is based on a few fundamental principles: Access to needed services Individuals with disabilities have the same hopes and desires as their non-disabled peers. They want to be Package - cont. on p. 7

me day in and day out, I want to step away from the increasingly complex nonprofit CEO responsibilities— including the challenges that have been amplified in the past several years by government funding cuts…I’m excited and ready to move on to the next phase of my life”, he continued.

Despite last August marking his 25th year providing non-profit leadership, Stevens has no plans of retiring quite yet! Stevens, an adventurer at heart, quoted Bob Dylan, “He who is not busy being born is busy dying.” During the first two to three months, he plans a “personal sabbatical” for relaxing a bit, spending time with family and friends, and considering his next opportunities, which will likely include additional time with his wife Caroline, wilderness backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, cycling, and gardening. Potential professional treks include teaching, executive and personal coaching, and perhaps writing.

Stevens has become wellknown throughout the Twin Cities as a professional development coach in the areas of leadership development, strategic planning, business development, marketing and board development. He is viewed by many business leaders as a strategic and entrepreneurial leader, a visionary who can drive successful organizational change and growth. He has served on various nonprofit boards as well as actively participated within many community and professional groups, including the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, United

Eric Stevens Way Council of Agency Executives, Minneapolis Rotary Club, and the Minneapolis Club.

He has earned degrees from New York’s Queens College (bachelor’s degree in economics), the Leadership Institute of Seattle (master’s degree in organizational leadership/applied behavioral science), and Central Washington State University (master’s degree in early childhood education). Plus, he was a Bush Fellow in early childhood education at the University of Minnesota.

The Board of Directors has appointed Nancy Larkin as interim CEO while they search for his successor. “I feel that Courage is in excellent hands. We spent the past year developing a new strategic plan that I believe positions Courage well for the future - and I am proud to have been one of the architects of that direction. I also have total confidence in the inordinately talented group of staff and volunteers who work here, as well as a great Board of Directors”, Stevens stated.

Larkin joined Courage Center last January, after serving as the executive director for Minneapolis’ Sister Kenny Stevens - cont. on p. 3

November 10, 2004

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Tim Benjamin, Editor

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have joined the ranks to support Access Press. So, please support them. My goal for 2005 is to improve the advertising revenue and spend more time on building the individual contributors; the “Friends” of Access Press. I hope that all of you individual contributors will continue your generosity throughout the next year and far into the future. For your dedication I will continue to look for interesting articles and insightful stories for you all to read. Also, if anyone has ideas on new columns, articles or any improvements that you would like to see please don’t hesitate to call, write or dropin. I’m completely opened to your advice and suggestions.

appy Holidays to all of you. It seems like just yesterday when we moved from 1999 to 2000 and now it’s 2005! Access Press has had a very good year. In the past year we’ve had over 40 contributing writers’ to the Eric Stevens is leaving Courpaper. Many new advertisers age Center after six successful

years. Eric implanted many changes at Courage Center during his six years as Executive Director.

The biggest one, of course was the remodeling of the Courage residence. Eric has done a good job at representing Courage Center positively within the disability community. We wish him well, he is a wealth of information for all of us in the nonprofit world and it is unfortunate to loose him. We hope he continues to keep in contact with the disability community.

The Legislative Session will be starting soon and it’s time to call and make appointments to meet your Senator and Representative and introduce yourself and your thoughts on disability issues.

Beginning this month, Access

Press will be publishing many of the position papers of many disability organizations. Contact the organization that you are connected with and offer your help on the issues that you would like to advocate for passage. There is a huge deficit again this year, as you all know, so we will have to fight so that we don’t lose any of our benefits or programs.

The article on Balkanization is something we all need to consider as we move into this legislative session—we need to have a combined front.

Bring only one voice, to the capitol for the betterment of all people with disabilities.

There are many options to balance the budget and maintaining the rights of all Minnesotans. And, if I can be so bold as to say that Govenor Pawlenty and his administra-

tion need to reevaluate their position on raising taxes.

The horrified moms’ stories are some unique looks at how some folks view people with disabilities as something different from what we view ourselves. Take a minute and read them and then send us your own stories of similar situations where people with disabilities have been portrayed as something other than what we are.

Pete Feigel has been ill and has not been able to write for the last few months. We wish him well and hope his returns to us in 2004. Jeni Mundl has some interesting ideas for the technology column this month. Thanks, Jeni and get well Pete! ■

Disability “Balkanization”: Examining The Disparities

by Lance H. Hegland

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n October 15, Courage Center hosted the “‘Balkanization’ of Disability: Examining the Disparities” conference for those interested in improving disability services. Several groups from the University community came together for this conference, including the Center on Aging, MN Area Geriatric Education Center (MAGEC), Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, Center for Bioethics, Institute for Community Integration, and Disability Services.

“Balkanization,” in this context, means the division of the disability community into smaller, often competitive, groups. Historically, the disability community has tended to organize into smaller groups of individuals who can relate to each other based upon similar circumstances (e.g. geography, disability, and/or age). Each of us may be a member of several groups.

For example, as a 30-something individual experiencing effects of spinal muscular

atrophy, I might participate in a local organization for young adults with spinal muscular atrophy. I may also be a member of a statewide organization, as well as a broader national group addressing all ages, such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association. On the other hand, because I experience depression, I may additionally be a member of a mental illness group.

Each of these groups may be advocating for particular cause, such as transportation, housing, support services, economic assistance, or health care coverage. For example, the local young adult spinal muscular atrophy group may be working to ensure additional accessible and affordable housing. At the same time, the mental illness group may be working to expand mental health insurance coverage. Each cause requires resources (i.e. funding) from individuals, private organizations, community groups, or government. Unfortunately, because resources are limited,

the groups may end up competing for those resources, whether or not the competition is obvious. Who decides how to divide resources toward each group’s project?

In this case, because each would likely be a statewide initiative, they may be funded by the state government. The division of funds between health care and housing would be decided by the state’s budgetary process. Here, the groups would not literally be fighting over those resources.

But, when the state is developing its budget and deciding how to divide resources, each group may approach their legislators or budget committee to try to get more resources for their programs.

So, directly or indirectly, they do compete.

Generally, each group has specific sets of needs, works to develop specific sets of solutions, and requires resources. More groups may mean a greater variety of needs, solutions, and more resources required. Almost

Access Press Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1996) ............................................................. Wm. A. Smith, Jr. Co-Founder/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief (1990-2001) .................................. Charles F. Smith Board of Directors ....................................... JoAnn Cardenas Enos, Mike Chevrette, Mary Kay Kennedy, Kelly Matter, Tom Squire, Peg Thomas, & Kay Willshire Editor .................................................................................................................... Tim Benjamin Financial Manager/Editorial Assistant ................................................................... Terri Ricci Cartoonist ................................................................................................................ Scott Adams Production ................................................................. Ellen Houghton at Presentation Images 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 $25/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 $16 to $20.70/column inch, depending on size and frequency of run. Classified ads are $10, plus 45¢ per word over 12 words.

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like a pack of 20 hungry wolves fighting over 2 pounds of hamburger a farmer threw out! The more aggressive wolves eat a little, the less aggressive may starve. Or, to use another cliché, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

In the disability community, countless groups exist, resources are limited, and competition naturally results; hence, “Balkanization”. Furthermore, a fragmented community results in fragmented programs; groups with particular needs have advocated for specific solutions. The question addressed during the conference was: “is ‘Balkanization’ good or bad?” Obviously, a well-organized group with a large active membership can be more influential and will be more likely to satisfy its needs; such groups benefit. Other groups may be able to modify the solution to meet their needs; they may benefit as well. But what about groups that do not have the resources or membership to become well-organized and influential? What if they cannot adapt to larger groups’ solutions? Typically, they lose out.

What if several groups had similar needs and worked together, bargaining, negotiating, giving and taking, toward common solutions?

For example, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, United Cerebral Palsy, and National Spinal Cord Injury Association working together to advocate for more affordable, accessible housing? They may be able to pool enough resources and participants to become more organized and influential, therefore more effectively satisfy-

ing their overall needs. True, the specific housing needs may vary from group to group, just as it does among individuals. No matter who develops the solution, individualized modification may be required. Nevertheless, several groups working together more efficiently satisfies the needs of each individual group plus contributes to the greater good of society.

In this case, “Balkanization” discourages teamwork and therefore is undesirable because it does not promote societal efficiency.

to meet their more specific needs.

No matter how to beneficial this teamwork could be, these teams may be difficult to develop and maintain. Teamwork can be scary for individual groups. Would they have been better off working alone? More people involved may result in a slower decision-making process, longer development process, and more difficult maintenance. Some groups may lose power, influence, and recognition by working as part of a larger group; they may not Maybe a better approach is to feel they are reaping as many identify a particular need (e.g. benefits.

They may feel affordable and accessible threatened by teamwork. housing), identify individuals and organizations impacted The answers are not easy or by the need (e.g. consumers, straightforward. Such topics disability community groups, have been discussed and and representatives plus fin- debated within sociological, anciers, developers, and prop- political, and economic circles erty managers) and work as a for centuries. Yet, it is team to develop, implement, something to consider, and and maintain an overall solu- discuss as it may be another tion. Each sub-group could valuable tool in our efforts devise and suggest alterations toward an accessible society.

November 10, 2004

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Congress Medical Assistance For Employed Passes IDEA Persons With Disabilities: Reauthorization An Important Work Incentive

Bill Reduces Red tape, Frivolous Lawsuits against Schools and Teachers, Helping Teachers Focus on Teaching, Students on Learning

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ashington, DC The United States Senate voted unanimously to reauthorize the bipartisan Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Senator Norm Coleman announced. Coleman said the legislation helps ensure school safety and reasonable discipline, gives local schools more flexibility and greater control, moves away from burdensome regulations and costly litigation, reduces paperwork for teachers, and expands choices and gives parents more control over their children’s education.

“The number one goal of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is to ensure that all our children have the opportunity learn,” said Coleman. “The legislation we passed helps to accomplish this by empowering schools, teachers, and parents. The bill helps to ensure school safety and reasonable discipline,

gives schools and parents flexibility and greater control, while cutting red tape, paperwork and costly frivolous litigation so teachers can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning.”

IDEA’s reauthorization comes a night before Congress approves an appropriations bill containing a $607 million increase in funding for IDEA, advancing toward the federal government’s commitment to fully fund its share of IDEA’s costs.

by Beth Grube

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ince 1999, through federal legislation called the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, Minnesota has offered a work incentive for individuals with disabilities who are employed. This optional Medicaid buy-in program is called Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD).

MA-EPD promotes competitive employment and the economic self-sufficiency of people with disabilities. It does this by assuring continued access to Medical Assistance (MA) for necessary health care services when people with disabilities go to work. MA-EPD allows working people with disabilities to qualify for MA under higher income and asset limits than regular MA.

While I had offered an amendment earlier this year to more substantially step up the pace of the federal government’s efforts to fully fund IDEA, I am pleased that we are at least making meaningful progress toward that goal To qualify for MA-EPD, a each year,” said Coleman. person must: More information is available •Be certified disabled by at for http://thomas.loc.gov either the Social Security and type in HR 1350. ■ Administration (SSA) or the State Medical Review Team (SMRT). To request a SMRT review, a person may contact their local county human service agency.

Cont. from p. 1 •Be at least 16 but less than 65 has served as the vice presi- years of age. dent of health-care develop- •Be employed and have ment, where she has been Medicare and Social Securesponsible for healthcare rity taxes withheld or paid planning, business develop- from earned income. ment, growth of healthcare •Have average monthly earnoutpatient services, as well as ings of more than $65. partnering with others in •Meet the asset limit of building a community-wide $20,000. Some assets that coordinated system of care do not count towards the for people with disabilities. limit include homestead Furthermore, she has served property, personal items, on the Center’s Executive spouse’s assets, one motor Management Team, which is vehicle if used by enrollee, responsible for implementing retirement accounts, and strategic direction for the medical expense accounts set up through an employer. organization. ■

STEVENS Rehabilitation Institute since 1998. There, she successfully provided leadership in the development of an integrated rehabilitation system in four metropolitan Allina Hospitals. She also participated in the transition of the Sister Kenny Board of Trustees from an operational leadership team to a charitable board. Her efforts helped increase overall patient admissions, market share, and profitability plus furthered excellence and innovation in rehabilitative services. Since joining Courage Center, she

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Participants in the program must pay a monthly premium to be on MA-EPD. Premiums are based on a sliding fee scale or a minimum of $35, whichever is greater. Income and household size are used to calculate the premium. There is no maximum income limit or maximum premium amount for MA-EPD. In addition to the monthly MA-EPD premium, people who have unearned income, such as Social Security Disability (SSDI), must pay one-half percent of their unearned income. The Department of Human Services (DHS) has developed a web site that will assist in estimating MA-EPD premium costs. The web site is located at http:// www.nasmd.org/disabilities/ minnesota/Premium_ Estimator.htm The 2003 Minnesota Legislature made several policy changes to the MA-EPD program. They included the following: Changes in Payment of Medicare Part B Premium (Effective Nov. 1, 2003): The Medicare Part B premium is paid or reimbursed only for enrollees whose gross income is not more than 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline, currently $1,552 for an individual, and $2,082 for a 2person household.

Unearned Income Obligation (Effective Jan. 1, 2004): In addition to the MA-EPD premium, enrollees with unearned income, such as Social Security Disability (SSDI or RSDI) must pay a monthly “unearned income obligation” equal to one half percent of their gross unearned income. To calculate the

monthly unearned income obligation, multiply the total unearned income amount by .005. For example, a person with $400 of unearned income per month would have a monthly unearned income obligation of $2, in addition to the monthly premium.

cial Security taxes must be withheld from wages or paid from self-employment income. Enrollees who are selfemployed and have not yet filed taxes may be given additional time to provide tax information. State and federal income taxes must be withheld or paid only if required Minimum $35 Premium (Ef- by the Internal Revenue fective January 1, 2004): Service (IRS).

Everyone enrolled in MAEPD must pay a minimum Local county human service premium of $35 or a sliding agencies review income, emfee premium, whichever is ployment, asset and other greater, based on their income household information to deand household size. termine eligibility for MAEPD. Applications for MAJob Loss Grace Period EPD are available at all local (Effective January 1, 2004): county human service agenEnrollees are allowed to cies and may be downloaded remain enrolled in MA-EPD from the internet at http:// for up to four months after e d o c s . d h s . s t a t e . m n . u s / losing their job, if the job loss lfserver/Legacy/DHS-3417is not related to their work ENG. performance.

For more information about $65 Earned Income Disre- MA-EPD, please contact your gard (Effective with six- local county human service month or annual renewals agency or the Department of after July 1, 2004): To be Human Services at 651-297considered employed, an in- 7139 or email: beth.grube@ dividual must work and have state.mn.us. earned income each month.

For every enrollee, the first How is MA-EPD working $65 of earned income is not for the more than 6000 counted to meet the earned people currently on the income requirement for the program? Pathways to Emprogram. To be eligible for ployment, funded by MA-EPD, a person must have Minnesota’s Infrastructure average monthly wages of Grant at the Department of more than $65. A self- Human Services, is doing an employed person must have evaluation of the MA-EPD average, monthly countable program. As part of this self-employment income evaluation, DHS contracted (gross receipts minus busi- with Wilder Research Center ness expenses) of more than to conduct a telephone survey $65 to be eligible. of MA-EPD enrollees to find out about their experiences Medicare and Social Secu- with the MA-EPD program rity Taxes (Effective with and further explore barriers to six-month or annual renew- employment. Next month we als after July 1, 2004): To be will highlight the MA-EPD considered employment for survey results. ■ MA-EPD, Medicare and So-

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November 10, 2004

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Voting In 2004

Our Most Important Election

by Marj Schneider

by Mai Thor

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he controversies surrounding the 2000 presidential election prompted passage in 2002 of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), which, among its other provisions, requires that states make polling places and the voting process accessible to voters with disabilities. I have friends in Minnesota who’ve been involved in determining how blind and visually impaired people will gain access to the voting process, but nothing was in place by November 2.

Imagine my surprise when I learned last year that Georgia had accessible voting machines that had been in use for two years. The state replaced a hodgepodge of paper ballot systems and antiquated voting machines with touch-screen voting equipment. Maybe it was Georgia’s proximity to Florida that prompted the state to so quickly implement the provisions of HAVA. Is touch-screen voting the best and most tamper-proof form of technology? I don’t know, and no, there’s no paper record of a person’s votes, but the technology allows for large print and voice output of what’s on the screen.

has always involved thinking about just how I was going to accomplish the task, and it was often an irritating process. I had to take someone with me: either my mom, a friend, a reader, and in more recent years, Don. Then there were the election judges to contend with - always elderly and typically baffled by my presence. They could neither correctly spell my name, nor speak to me directly. “Is she supposed to vote in this precinct?” “Can she sign her name?” “Can you help her vote?”

It was worse if I’d come alone and had to ask for their assistance to vote. It always had to be two of them, one Democrat and one Republican. In years past, they both would crowd into the voting booth along with me, and one would throw the right lever while the other looked on.

“You want to vote for Paul Wellstone?” he would loudly inquire. He had to make sure he’d heard right. I would mumble affirmatively in response, embarrassed that everyone could hear how I was voting. I was fed up with the Election Day rigmarole. I even thought, after moving to Georgia, that if I couldn’t cast I was dreading the prospect of my own vote I wouldn’t vote going to vote. For me, voting this time around at all.

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n the months before November, you may have heard your families, friends or co-workers discuss the importance this year’s election. “It is one of the most important elections of our time,” was the phrase used over and over again in the “get out the vote” arena.

People from communities of all backgrounds may have felt differently on political issues and candidates, however one thing was clear: Minnesotans feel that the power of the vote After a 15-minute walk I is important. arrived at my polling place.

Even with the doors open, the For the Minnesota Disability church was sweltering inside. Law Center (MDLC), getting It was well above 80 degrees; out the vote meant more than it seemed surreal that I could just representation for the be voting in November in disability community. It meant such heat. The first poll protecting what is often taken worker insisted I sit while away from people with disthey all pondered whether or abilities: the power of choice. not I could vote in that This year, many people with precinct. I didn’t mind. I had disabilities owned that power decided on the way over I and used it to their advantage would be as patient as by selecting the leaders of our possible with the poll workers communities. Through phone calls and e-mails, people with and see where it got me. disabilities turned to MDLC While I sat, our next-door as a source of information neighbors came in and quickly regarding matters such as how voted. We talked, and they to register, where to vote, asked on their way out if they what kinds of assistance was could help. I was relieved to available at polling places and be able to say, “No, they’ve how to vote absentee. We got an accessible voting encountered questions such machine. They’re just getting as, “My son has a severe it ready.” And, indeed, one of the poll workers had clearly been trained in what to do and The process was made very after asking me if I wanted the simple with the 4, 5, and 6 of “hidden ballot” (the screen the telephone keypad used to would be blank) she set to vote for a candidate, go work hooking up a keyboard backward to review names, and loading software to make and go forward to the next one of the precinct’s four candidate or race. Yes or No machines talk. votes were cast in the same way, including mine on the Finally, after I had signed the ludicrous gay marriage amendrequisite voting certificate ment to the state’s Constituand the machine was ready to tion. go, I walked over to a table, put on headphones, and lis- When I had confirmed and tened to the instructions on reconfirmed all my votes and the first screen. After assuring submitted my ballot, the the poll worker that every- plastic card clicked out of the thing was operating as it slot and the poll worker was should, I was left by myself! there to collect it. I smiled at In October the Savannah Council of the Blind held a demonstration of the voice and large print ballots; since I knew my precinct had to have one voting machine that could be made to run with voice output, I knew I had to give it a try. Yet I still dreaded the prospect. I felt I needed to go at a different time from Don, just to make those judges deal with me directly without assuming Don was there to speak for me.

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developmental disability and cannot read or write, however he wants to vote. What can I do to help him?” and “I use a power chair and have no way of getting to my polling place on Election Day. Can you help me get an absentee ballot?”

Between June and October, 398 individuals with disabilities received training from Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access, MDLC’s program funded by the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA). Out of the 398 who received training, approximately 175 individuals registered to vote.

MDLC also ran a hotline on Election Day. Our attorneys and advocates were ready to provide assistance to our callers and had prepared for the worst. However, overall, the day went smoothly, especially considering the record voter turnout. There were a total of 52 calls from October to November regarding voting issues, and 22 on Election Day. Many of the callers needed information on transportation to the polls, vouching, and guardianship status.

Three individuals mentioned they would file a formal HAVA complaint with the

her and said, “This is the first time I’ve ever voted by myself.” I wanted her to know that the efforts to make the machines accessible were worth it.

I don’t know how long it took me to vote. I know I was at the church for over half an hour, and even though it was at lunchtime, surprisingly few other people came and went.

As Manda and I stepped outside, another poll worker handed me two peach-shaped “I voted” stickers. I guess one was for Manda, though even in dog years she’s too young

Secretary of State due to treatment and/or denial at the polls. You may contact the MDLC Voting Outreach Advocate at 612-746-3716, or email mthor@midmnlegal.org if you feel your experience at the polling place was unfair or if you need assistance filing a formal complaint.

On Election Day, non-profits, attorneys, and advocates from all over the country came together in an effort to protect voter rights and assist with challenges at the polls. Minnesota participated through a non-partisan project called Election Protection Minnesota, which also ran a hotline from mid-October through Election Day. According to their data, Election Protection Minnesota fielded 733 calls to the 1-866-OUR-VOTE hotline between October 15th and November 2nd. On November 2nd, there were 325 calls, mostly regarding polling location, same-day registration, residency requirements for people in transition, requirements for absentee ballots, the rights of ex-felons, vouching, and requests for rides or other special assistance. Eighty-one formal complaint forms were filled out to report voting irregularities on Election Day. Election - cont. on p. 10 to vote. As elated as I was, I didn’t want to put on both: I thought it might send the wrong message.

Aside from how discouraging most of the results of this election are to me, that doesn’t diminish the thrill of finally fully participating in a small act that is fundamental to our form of government.

Voting took on new meaning for me this time, and having spent possibly half my voting life carrying out that act through others, I won’t take for granted finally being able to do it for myself. ■

November 10, 2004

The Horrified Mother’s Movie Reviews

by Kathy Sanders

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elp! Ever since I learned about the moral view of disability, I’m seeing it everywhere. It’s gotten to where I can’t watch horror movies.

Don’t get me wrong. I love to get scared out of my tree.

Unfortunately, horror movies insist on showing people with disabilities as either frightening or special. Why can’t they portray someone with a disability as a regular person, like my daughter for instance?

The Moral View Of Disability: Saint or Sinner In case you’re wondering what I’m talking about, I’ll back up a little. The moral view of disability is the false idea that people with disabilities are morally different from others. People with disabilities are pre-judged to be either especially good or especially bad because of having a disability. They are not allowed to be regular people.

Instead, people with disabilities are labeled as either special angels, innocent and worthy of charity or as frightening, evil and worthy of ridicule. Literature, legend, religion and language have all played a strong role in spreading this stereotype throughout society. Now let’s look at just a few examples of how this harmful viewpoint continues to be driven home again and again by the popular media.

Review #1: “The Village” (movie) In this “blockbuster,” we have to endure both stereotypes (people with disabilities are devils / people with disabilities are angels) in the same plot. A small isolated village lives in fear of a monster that legend says lives in the surrounding woods. Early on, a gruesome stabbing is committed by—surprise—a person with a cognitive disability (devil stereotype). Later on, this villain turns out to be that mythical monster. And who comes in to save the day? A hero who just happens to be blind (special angel stereotype.)

Review #2: “Kingdom Hospital” (15-part TV series) Stephen King is a favorite author of mine, so I just had to watch his Kingdom Hospital.

Initially, I was pleased to see two young adults with Down syndrome play small parts.

But my antenna went up as the weeks went on—there was obviously something we didn’t yet know about these two.

Guess what we find out in the last episode about the only two people with disabilities in the whole movie. That they’re evil? No, but good guess. Try

again. They’re special angels? Right! They’re not regular people at all—they have special saintly powers.

at your next meeting, folks could brainstorm about movies they’ve recently seen that fit this description. Send me what you come up with, and To be fair, I should point out I’ll put it on our website (see that this type of stereotyping details below). is not at all typical for King. I certainly hope he can avoid Thanks, Kathy. such harmful portrayals of Advocating Change Together. people with disabilities in the future.

P.S. The reviews are coming in. This article first appeared Review #3: Practically any in October 2004 as a weekly book by Dean Koontz email memo of the SelfAfter reading a couple of his Advocacy Resource Network. books, Koontz is now com- And I’ve already gotten many pletely off my escape reading responses, including these . . . list. Every person with a disability who enters his plots Judie Hockel of California is frightening, evil, devilish, writes: Horror shows disgust and a menace to society. me, but I have a daughter who Attention any readers out is an actor who has Down there who know Dean or live syndrome, so I taped a couple near him: how about inviting of episodes of Kingdom him to a self-advocacy con- Hospital just to see how they ference. Not only could he used actors who have Down meet some regular people, but syndrome. I found that even in perhaps he would also find fast-forward this show was some new and frightening repulsive. It disgusted me that villains for his plots—like two people with disabilities SCAPEGOATING, STE- were contaminated by apREOTYPING, DISCRIMI- pearing in this series; I didn’t NATION and SEGREGA- even watch enough to know TION. about the final stereotypical representation as otherWhat Can We Do About It? worldly beings! The National Here’s my plan. I’d like to Down Syndrome Congress, at hear from other ex-fans of their August convention in horror movies. I’d like to Minneapolis, gave the proassemble a list of movie and ducers of this series its book reviews. It would be National Media Award. Too great if folks would send in bad. their examples of how movies and books portray people Lynne from Louisiana writes: with disabilities as evil, or as I agree with Kathy on the special angels, or as regular stereotypes of people with people. Perhaps as a warm-up Reviews - cont. on p. 10

5

Disability Technology

Free Computer Adaption

by Jeni Mundl

W

ith commercial software, you purchase the program before you install it.

Unfortunately, after trying it, you may find it’s not what you anticipated and be unable to return it. Freeware and shareware are different. This category of software is free to use, distribute and try, though some programs may request a donation to continue their work. They are normally not as robust as commercial software, but they may provide a variety of functions beneficial to persons with disabilities.

org/products/aphont.html.

software/lens.htm

EzMagnifier magnifies a portion of the computer screen. It allows you to choose the zooming factor and you can resize the magnified portion to suit your needs. You can capture an image of the magnified area and the program saves it in a program folder; if you save multiple captures, the program will save them sequentially. www.ancientsoft.com/ ezmagnifier.htm

Text-to-speech Programs

Persons with visual impairments and/or reading issues will find several options to have the computer read to them. These are not as easy to utilize as screen reading or voice output programs because they require the user to copy information into the freeware program to be read.

The following have the ability to change the voices, increase or decrease the speed of Zoom is a screen enlargement reading, alter the pitch and utility. It displays a floating simplicity of use. window that shows an enSoftware for Visual Needs larged view of the area around Read Please and Read Words: the cursor. www3.sympatico. w w w . r e a d p l e a s e . c o m / APHont, designed for low ca/paulscott/zoom.htm english/downloads/#rw vision, aims to enhance reading speed, comprehension Another Lens displays a Natural Voice Text-to-speech and comfort for large print magnified view of the area of Reader: www.naturalreaders. readers. It features more the mouse cursor. The win- com/ evenly-spaced letters, higher dow contents can be locked cross bars, wider letters, and saved to a file or copied to Ultra Hal Text-to-speech heavier letters, larger open- the clipboard for taking Reader: http://downloadsing, and larger punctuation. screenshots. There are addi- zdnet.com.com/Ultra-HalAfter stating that the font will tional options, like crosshairs, Text-to-Speech-Reader/ be used for a person with a resizing the window and 3000-7239_2-10329180.html visual impairment, it can be hiding the caption bar and/or ?tag=lst-0-2 downloaded from www.aph. main menu. www.b-zone.de/ Technology - cont. on p. 10

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November 10, 2004

6

What Is Hepatitis C

The Real Meaning Of Life

by Xxxxxx

by Terri Ricci

H

epatitis C virus (HCV) causes inflammation of the liver. A national survey found that 1.8 percent of Americans, about 3.9 million, have been infected with HCV. About 2.7 million are chronically infected and many show no signs or symptoms. Hepatitis C is a slow-progressing disease that may take 10-40 years to cause serious liver damage in some people.

needles if these items are contaminated by blood of an infected person. Healthcare workers have a two percent risk of acquiring HCV after a needle stick contaminated with HCV-positive blood.

Symptoms Most people who are infected with the HCV do not have symptoms and are leading normal lives. If symptoms are present, they may be very mild and flu-like: nausea, Who Is At Risk? fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, Since about four million headaches, and abdominal Americans are infected with pain.

HCV and most don’t know it, you should have a blood test Diagnosis for Hepatitis C - whether you Test for HCV antibodies: feel sick or not. About one in HCV infection can be deterten people infected with HCV mined by a simple and have had no identifiable specific blood test that detects exposure to the disease. antibodies against HCV. The current enzyme immunoassay How Does it Spread? test (EIA) that detects antiInjection drug use is the HCV has a sensitivity of primary risk factor for HCV about 95 percent in chronic infection; it accounts for HCV. HCV infection may be about 60 percent of all new identified by anti-HCV testcases of Hepatitis C and is ing in approximately 80 also a major risk factor for the percent of people as early as Hepatitis B virus. Among five weeks after exposure. frequent drug users, 50-80 This test is not a part of a percent are infected within the routine physical examination, first 12 months of beginning and people must ask their injecting. Straws shared in doctor for a Hepatitis C snorting drugs are also a antibody test. potential source of infection.

Test liver enzyme levels: If HCV is not spread through you may already have chronic kissing or casual contact. In infection, your doctor will test relationships where there is the levels of two liver enone steady partner, sexual zymes: alanine aminotranstransmission is low (under ferase (ALT) and aspartate five percent). Transmission is aminotrasferase (AST). Both estimated to be about 15 are released when liver cells percent among those who are injured or die. Elevated have multiple sex partners or ALT and AST levels may where there is a history of appear and disappear throughsexually transmitted diseases. out the course of the HCV infection. If the liver enzyme levels are normal with chronic The Hepatitis C virus is found HCV, they should be remainly in blood; it may be checked several times over a 6 transmitted by using razors, - 12 month period. If the liver needles, toothbrushes, nail enzyme levels remain normal, files, a barber’s scissors, your doctor may check them tattooing equipment, body less frequently, such as once piercing or acupuncture per year.

Leader s Leaders Read

Treating HCV There are three types of interferon, plus a combination of interferon and ribavirin, used to treat Hepatitis C. Blood tests and liver biopsy findings may determine the need for treatment. Interferon must be given by injection, and may have a number of side effects, including flu-like symptoms: headaches, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and thinning of hair. Ribavirin, given by mouth, can have additional side effects including depression, severe anemia and especially birth defects.

Ribavirin may also interfere with the production of red blood cells and platelets by depressing bone marrow. Patients should be monitored frequently.

Currently, almost half of all liver transplants in the U.S. are performed for end-stage Hepatitis C. However, reinfection of the transplanted liver by the virus usually occurs and may require a second transplant.

The above information was found at the Hepatitis Foundation International website at www.hepfi.org. For more information you can also contact their toll-free number: (800) 891-0707.

A local support group meets in the Twin Cities: LiverHope Support Group can be reached at Voicemail: (763) 7800108, Helen Clark (952) 9330932, helen@liverhope.com Or Pat Buchanan (763) 5663839, pat@liverhope.com Liverhope Meetings Are: 7-9 pm, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays unless otherwise noted in the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Choir Room (street level) or Youth Room (basement) located at 3920 North Victoria Street, Shoreview, MN ■

I

n the book The Language of Letting Go, Melody Beattie instills in her readers the power of letting go and moving past the guilt and fear of living and to begin creating a life of love and wonder. On page 312, dated October 25 in the year of recovery, her book tells us that some of us believe that our days are planned, Divinely Ordered. That God knew how we were to live our lives and that each day transpires exactly to that plan.

Others of us believe that we choose–the events, the circumstances that take place in our lives–that we need to learn how to master the lessons they bring. No matter what we believe about how we got to where we are today, the circumstances are exactly what they needed to be. We must embrace our imperfections, our mistakes and our tragedies, because it is what makes us who we are—real and alive.

ill and was diagnosed with Hepatitis C. John’s disease could have been caused by that injury during the rescue or it could have been caused by the use of drugs and alcohol. No one really knows how John contracted Hepatitis C, but he did. That was his tragedy and he had to live with it. His family thought that his illness was the cause of his drug and alcohol abuse and were not very supportive of him after his diagnosis.

In September 2001, four days before the tragic 9/11 event, my long-time friend and I were reunited after 24 years.

At a high school reunion, I ran into his brother Jim and asked “where is John?” He said he was ill and at the Veteran’s home. I asked for his phone number and gave him mine to pass on to John. John called me the next day and we talked—just like we had spoken yesterday. Forget that 24 years had passed. We talked about everything that One lesson I learned is from transpired since high school: my friend who died of families, loves, marriages, Hepatitis C on November 5, divorces, our lives today.

2001. John and I became friends when we were in 7th We could not forget that life grade. He was my first today for John meant living boyfriend and became a life- with Hepatitis C. John was ill. long friend. During high The Hepatitis C was causing school, even though we no major liver damage and he longer dated, we were bud- was on a list for a liver dies. We would talk for hours transplant. In order for him to or just laugh with each other. get a transplant though, he needed someone to care for After high school John and his him for 4-6 weeks during the twin brother Jim went into the recovery period. Talking with service. They rescued chop- him over the next couple of pers and soldiers downed weeks, I realized he had no while on missions; they often support from his family. His encountered other soldiers ex-wife and sons lived in who were injured and would California, and his daughter, have to administer medical who lived in St. Cloud, was treatment. On one occasion as too young to care for him. So I John was rescuing a fellow told him I would care for him soldier, a heavy metal part of during his recovery—no questhe helicopter tore through his tions asked. leg, injuring him and mixing his blood with that of the other A few weeks passed and soldier.

John’s illness was getting worse. The likelihood of a In the early 2000s he became transplant was getting slim,

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and his life expectancy was getting shorter.

During this time in his life, John did not have many friends and his family neglected him. In order to get him out of the Veteran’s home for short times, I would bring him to my home. I traveled extensively at this time for my job and John would stay at my house with my children while I was away. People tell me that what I did for John by getting him out of the VA home was a blessing; they don’t know how much it meant to me to have him at my house with my children. He taught them lessons about life: about drugs and their effects on his life, what it was like to be in the service; he helped them understand the struggles in life.

One weekend when I was away, John stayed at my house with my kids. I called him every day and he never told me he was not feeling well. When I talked to my son on Sunday before I caught my plane, Ross mentioned that John was in bed most of the weekend and did not look good. When I arrived home, John looked terrible. I insisted that we go to the VA hospital immediately; he really did not want to go. When we arrived at the hospital, the nursing staff would not allow me to be in his room as I was not a family member. I called his brother and his sister to inform them that he was at the hospital. Because this was not a new occurrence to them, they asked whether or not they should be there. His sister, Beth, did arrive at the hospital about midnight and was with me when he died at 4:00 am.

When I returned home about 6:30 am, my son, Ross, asked if John was okay, then without hesitation, he just said, “Mom, he died, didn’t he” and began to cry. My children were able to meet a person who meant a lot to me throughout my life and lost him even before they really got to know him.

I miss my friend and the time I spent with him during the last part of his life. If, as Melody Beattie says, my life was planned, and Divinely Ordered, then this tragedy was given to me to learn. If I had a choice to be a part of John’s life at that time, would I have chosen to ignore him, like many of his family and friends? No, I chose to be a part of John’s life! At his funeral, his family considered me to be John’s Guardian Angel, sent to him when he needed one. I disagree, I think John was my Guardian Angel, sent to help me understand the real meaning of life and how to live–real and alive. ■

November 10, 2004

7

PACKAGE - Cont. from p. 1 healthy, safe, and participate actively in their communities.

Doing so often means reliance on multiple public programs and services, be it Medical Assistance, Metro Mobility, or Vocational Rehabilitation Services. In many cases, a person may need all three of these programs to be functioning properly in order to keep a job and earn a paycheck. Access to essential programs and services are critical for individuals now living successfully in the community to remain there, and for newly disabled individuals to maximize their health and independence outcomes. The recommendations here reflect a holistic approach and acknowledgment that coordinating these systems and understanding how they interact is crucial to supporting Minnesotans with disabilities.

Empowerment and Choice Minnesotans with disabilities and those who support them ought to be held accountable for their decisions, but need and deserve to have enough financial control over the

support services they require to maximize their ability to function as productive and contributing members of society. Certain options exist within the Medical Assistance program, such as PCA Choice and Consumer Directed Community Support option that are consistent with this philosophy, which must also include enough policy oversight to ensure the safety of program participants.

costs associated with running their businesses. In many cases these reimbursement rates are directly linked with the wages paid to employees • providing care to individuals with disabilities. Quality of care is not just a function of regulatory reform, but also of targeted state investments in critical direct care services.

With this as a framework, MN-CCD has adopted several recommendations that Quality of care will advance the needs of Minnesotans with disabilities, • Access to services and choice including: of providers will only be meaningful if there are ser- • A state-level commission vices in the marketplace to formulate a plan in competing not just on the response to the Olmstead basis of price or risk but on decision. This body, simiquality, particularly in the lar in composition to the area of health care. Quality Long-Term Care Task must be demonstrated (and force of 2001, would measurable) on the part of formulate a comprehenhealth care and disability sive plan to meet the service providers, but for program and policy needs • those who rely heavily on of the non-elderly disstate public program reimabled; bursement, there is a limited ability to affect quality of • De-institutionalizing the care. True market forces don’t non-elderly population of apply to providers who canindividuals with disabilinot raise prices to compensate ties in nursing homes. for the ever escalating fixed Currently, there are 2,600

Minnesotans under the • age of 65 who call a nursing home their home; A dedicated funding source for Metro Mobility, the door-to-door para-transit service for 18,000 individuals with disabilities.

Currently, it is fully funded through the state’s general fund, unlike the regular route bus system which is a mix of state and county • dollars; Greater access to transit in Greater Minnesota. Currently, several counties have no form of accessible transportation for people with disabilities. Transit funding remains static or declining. People with disabilities in rural Minnesota deserve transit op- • tions; Increase the amount of assets an individual with a disability can keep to qualify for Medical Assistance. Today an individual can only retain $3,000. A couple can keep $6,000.

These amounts haven’t increased since 1983;

Better coordinate the • state’s employment efforts for people with disabilities. Currently, both the Department of Human Services and Department of Employment and Economic Development share some programs and re- • sponsibilities, but have little interaction and no comprehensive vision; Choice of case management provider. Currently, Minnesota counties authorize services and provide case management services for individuals with disabilities. Qualified community service providers should be able to compete for this service coordination responsibility;

Lower parental fees for families with children with disabilities enrolled in the TEFRA program. Premium increases in 2003 were too steep and too punitive; Additional protections for special education students, including additional certification of qualified teachers and standards on the use of locked time out rooms.

Passage of this legislative package will depend upon legislators hearing from their constituents about the need for changes outlined in this article. Make sure that you contact your legislator and focus in on one or two of these topics and why it is important Expansion of Minnesota to you. ■ Disability Health Options, the state’s voluntary managed care program for Joel Ulland is the Public people with physical dis- Policy Director for the Naabilities. Currently, it’s tional Multiple Sclerosis Soonly available to individu- ciety, Minnesota Chapter and als in the Metro Area. This serves as co-chair for the program saves money and Minnesota Consortium for produces better health out- Citizens with Disabilities. comes. More people deserve access to it;

8

November 10, 2004

Upcoming Events 12/18/2004 The Nutcracker Benefit Performance for Children’s Home Society & Family Services International Child Welfare Programs. Performed by Ethnic Dance Theatre.

Cost: $12 for children, $20 for students, $22 for seniors, and $25 for adults If you would like to request the AD service for this performance please contact Kevin Vollmers at (651) 2552249 to make a reservation.

To order tickets call Ticketworkstoll free at 1-800762-6353 or order tickets online http://www.ticket works.com/event.php?event number=CHS04NUT

920-0855 or e-mail your name, address and phone number to martinezgene@archennepincarver.org.

The meeting will preview important disability issues that will come before the state legislature in 2005, including: •Lowering parental fees for disability services critical to children with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities; •Budget cuts for Consumer Directed Community Supports; •Funding for special education services; •Addressing waiting lists for services; and •Ensuring that the entire disability service system reflects the principles of self-determination.

Web-site for info: http:// www.childrenshomeadopt. org/29Oct2004. html

1/15/2005 Project KITE Using Visuals and GraphLocation/Time: Concordia ics to Support Inclusion University's E.M. Pearson Sponsor: PACER Theater, 312 North Hamline This KITE workshop is the Avenue) in St. Paul, MN. third of five series for parents and professionals. It will 1/5/2005 teach learners to use images, Arc Town Meeting graphics, and text to support Sponsors: Arc Hennepinincludive classrooms.

Carver and The Arc of MN Residents of Bloomington, Cost: FREE Edina and Richfield who have been hurt by Minnesota’s cut- To register for the workshop backs in disability services for call PACER at 952-838-9000 individuals and families have or 952-838-0190 (TTY). an opportunity to help turn the tide at an Arc Town Meeting Location/Time: PACER Cenwith legislators representing ter, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Senate Districts 40, 41 & 63B. Minneapolis, Mn 55437 Cost: FREE 1/31/2005 Free Poetry Contest To register for the workshop Sponsor: poetry.com call PACER at 952-838-9000 or 952-838-0190 (TTY).

The International Library of Poetry will be awarding over Location/Time: Blooming- $58,000 in prizes. Poets from ton City Council Chambers, St. Paul particulary beginners 1800 West Old Shakopee Rd, are welcome to win over 250 Bloomington. Participants are prizes. encouraged to register for the Town Meeting by January 3, Cost: FREE and open to 2005. To register, call Arc everyone.

Hennepin-Carver at (952)

The following performances will be Audio Described (AD) for people who are blind or have low vision, or Interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Compiled by VSA arts of Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or http://mn.vsarts.org.

To enter, send ONE original poem, any subject and any style to: The International The Best Christmas Pag- Nutcracker Performed by: Beauford Delaney: From Library of Poetry, Suite 19921, eant Ever Performed by Ethnic Dance Theatre for New York to Paris ASL: 1 Poetry Plaza, Owings Mills, SteppingStone Theatre. AD: Children’s Home Society & Sun., Jan. 2, 2 pm; admission Tues., Dec. 14, 11 am; $5-8; Family Services. AD: Sat., charged to museum exhibiMD 21117.

651-225-9265; Landmark Dec. 18, 2 pm; $12 children, tion; 612-870-3131 or TTY Location/Time: Entries must Center, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul; $20 students, $22 seniors, 612-870-3132, Minneapolis be postmarked or sent via the www.steppingstonetheatre.org $25 adults. 651-255-2249 or Institute of Art, 2400 Third 800-762-6353. Concordia Ave. S.; www.artsmia.org Internet by January 31, 2005.

A Christmas Carol Per- University’s E.M. Pearson www.poetry.com formed by: Guthrie Theater. Theater, 312 N. Hamline Under Milkwood Performed Other Information: The poem ASL & AD: Tues., Dec. 14, Ave., St. Paul; www.ethnic by: Jungle Theater. AD & ASL: Thurs., Jan. 6, 7:30 pm; should be 20 lines or less, and 7:30 pm; $16; 612-377-2224, dancetheatre.com $8, 612-822-7063; 2951 the poet’s name and address TTY 612-377-6626; 725 should appear on the top of Vineland, Mpls.; www.guthrie The Best Christmas Pag- Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls; eant Ever Performed by: www.jungletheater.com theater.org the page.

Fargo-Moorhead Community A Year with Frog & Toad Theatre. AD: Sat., Dec. 18, 7 Mamma Mia! ASL if re2/1/2005 – 2/2/2005 Careers Conference 2005: Performed by: Children’s The- pm; ASL: Sun., Dec. 19, 2 quested in advance: Sun., Jan. atre Co. AD & ASL: Wed., pm; $8, $4 children, 701-235- 16, 6:30 pm; $23-75; 612Developing Careers, Dec. 15, 10:30 am; Fri., Dec. 6778, 877-687-7469, 333 339-7007, 612-373-5637, Changing Lives Sponsor: Center on Educa- 17, 7:30 pm; 612-874-0400; Fourth St. S., Fargo; TTY 612-373-5655, hotline 612-373-5650; Orpheum Thetion and Work at the Univer- 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls., www.fmct.org atre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., sity of Wisconsin-Madison www.childrenstheatre.org Bell, Book and Candle Mpls; www.hennepintheatre Location/Time: Marriott Snow: A Winter Wonder- Performed by: Theatre in the district.com/servicesd.asp land of Song Performed by: Round Players. AD: Sun., Madison West.

Twin Cities Gay Men’s Cho- Dec. 19, 2 pm; $20, senior/ Same Time Next Year PerScholarship funds are avail- rus. ASL: Fri., Dec. 17, 8 pm; student discounts; 612-333- formed by: Fargo-Moorhead able for qualified educators. 612-624-2345; Ted Mann 3010; 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls., Community Theatre. AD: For conference information, Concert Hall, 2128 Fourth St. www.theatreintheround.org Sat., Jan. 22, 8:30 pm; ASL upon request in advance; $8 including scholarship appli- S., Mpls.; www.tcgmc.org A Dickens Christmas Carol adults, $4 children; Dinner cation, visit http://www.cew. wisc.edu/careers/cc2005/ Chicago ASL: Fri., Dec. 17, 8 Performed by: Bloomington theatre extra; 701-235-6778, pm; AD: Sat., Dec. 18, 2 pm; Art Center Gallery Players. Avalon Events Center, Fargo; scholarships05.asp 651-224-4222, TTY 651- ASL: Sat., Dec. 19, 2 pm; www.fmct.org 282-3100; Ordway Center for $12, senior/student $10; 9522/7/2005 Performing Arts, 345 Wash- 563-8587; at Bloomington Two Rooms Performed by: IBM Web Adaptation ington, St. Paul, www.ordway. Center for the Arts Black Box Theatre in the Round Players.

Techology Theater, 1800 W. Old AD: Sun., Jan. 30, 2 pm; $20, org Sponsor: PACER Shakopee Rd.; senior/student discounts; 612This workshop offers a handswww.bloomingtonartcenter.com 333-3010; 245 Cedar Ave., on demonstration of Web Mpls; www.theatreinthe software that dynamically Christmas of Swing: An round.org manipulates Web content to 3/14 - 15/2005 Andrews Sisters Holiday make websites more accesCall for Presentations sible to individuals with Second Annual Care and Musical Performed by: Great Green Gables Performed by: American History Theatre. Stages Theatre Co. ASL: disabilities.

Treatment Education ASL: Sun., Dec. 19, 2 pm; Sun., Jan. 30, 2 pm; $14, $11 Conference th Cost: FREE - Register early The conference will be held at 651-292-4320, 30 E. 10 St., children & seniors; 952-979space is limited Cragun’s Resort and Hotel in St. Paul; www.historytheatre. 1111; Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet; www.

Brainerd, MN. For more com stagestheatre.org To register for the workshop information contact MaryBeth call PACER at 952-838-9000 Schafer at Marybeth.schafer On the Record AD: Sat., Jan. or 952-838-0190 (TTY). @state.mn.us or 651-582- 1, 2 pm; ASL: 8 pm; 651-224- Oedipus the King Performed 8818. Proposals are due 4222, TTY 651-282-3100; at by: Guthrie Theater. ASL: Ordway Center for Perform- Fri., Feb. 4, 7:30 pm; AD: Location/Time: PACER Cen- December 10, 2004. ing Arts, 345 Washington, St. Sat., Feb. 5, 1 pm; Fri., Feb. ter, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Paul; www.ordway.org 11, 7:30 pm; $16; 612-377Minneapolis, Mn 55437 2224, TTY 612-377-6626; Time 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm 725 Vineland, Mpls.; www. guthrietheater.org

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Accessible Performances

November 10, 2004

9

News At A Glance . . .

New U Of M Class On How To Teach Older Learners

Arc Hennepin-Carver To Support IDEA Education

For those interested in teaching older adults or those already teaching older adults, a new class at the University of Minnesota will help them learn more about the theory and the practicalities of this topic. The class, Educating Learners in Mid-Life and Beyond, will be offered by the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) during the spring semester of 2005. Registration is open now.

The McKnight Foundation has awarded a two-year grant of $100,000 to Arc Hennepin-Carver to support the continued growth of What’s the Big IDEA?, a program that helps parents of school-age children with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities become better education advocates for their children.

Assist human services staff to effectively and efficiently serve non-English speaking clients by translating and reverse translating Hmong, Somali, Oromo, or Spanish and English and perform related duties as assigned. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Contact Ramsey County Community Human Services—Volunteer Services at 651-266-4090 for additional information or e-mail to volunteerservices @co.ramsey.mn.us.

What’s the Big IDEA? introduces parents to the Individuals with Disabilities with Education Act (IDEA) and outlines their children’s educational rights under IDEA. The McKnight Foundation grant will help Arc expand the program in Hennepin and Carver counties; support collaborative efforts to bring the program to more culturally diverse populations; and With the PEP PCA Choice option individuals needing PCA begin expansion into school districts across the seven-county services are considered a joint-employer with the organizametropolitan area in collaboration with Arc Great Rivers. tion, making them the manager of their own care. As managers, “consumers” recruit, hire, schedule and train all For more information and volunteer opportunities, call Arc at their own PCAs. Becoming your own manager can be a (952) 920-0855 or visit www.archennepincarver.org. challenging task. But, PEP consumers gladly accept the challenge, and many have expressed their appreciation of the self-directed option.

Grant Announcement

Personal care assistants are generally providing quality care that greatly helps people with disabilities work and participate in their communities. But getting enough assistance can be challenging for some individuals, according to the results of a survey commissioned by the Department of Human Services.

For additional information, contact: Cindy Tarshish, ADA Minnesota, c/o MCIL, 1600 University Avenue, #16, St. Paul MN 55104. 888-630-9793 (toll free in Minnesota only), 651603-2015(Twin Cities), 651-603-2001 (TTY), 651-603-2006 (fax) or, e-mail: cindyt@mcil-mn.org

DHS manages the Minnesota Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program, which helps 6,000 participants statewide with daily activities needed to live in their homes, work and recreate. In 2003, the Wilder Research Center, under contract with DHS, surveyed 455 randomly chosen PCA consumers or their spokespersons about how the services affect quality of life and ability to work. Survey participants also were asked about strengths and weaknesses of the program.

Asked to name the single most valuable aspect of the PCA program, most consumers described how it helps them and their families to lead a more active, less stressful life. Another frequent comment was that PCA services allow the consumer to live on their own or with their family instead of in a nursing home. They also talked about the relief it provided for family members.

The full report is available at http:// www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/groups/agencywide/documents/ pub/dhs_search_results.hcsp.

Life Care Home Health Care 24 Hour Home Care Services Skilled nursing care in the privacy of your home.

We Accept All Reimbursement/Payment For More Information contact Daniel at 651-335-9980

For more information contact People Enhancing People (PEP) at (651) 450-5960. ■ 5$03 &2168/7,1*

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Services provided by PCAs include activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing and dressing; health-related functions assigned by a licensed health care professional; activities such as meal planning and finance management; and redirection and intervention for behavior.

PEP continues to hold monthly committee meetings made of Consumers and PCAs. These committees have played an essential part in PEP’s continued progress. It is through the feedback they receive at these meetings that PEP is able to stay informed of the current needs and ideas that Consumers and PCAs have on what works and what could work better. The active role that PEP Consumers, PCAs and individuals in the community have taken has been a great support to this organization.

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Survey results reveal strengths, weaknesses of PCA services

ADA Minnesota has mini-grants available for projects that increase public knowledge and understanding of Titles I (employment), II (public services) or III (public accommodations) of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The proposed projects should increase and encourage the involvement of people with disabilities and provide opportunities to create collaborative partnerships. Grant applications are due February 11, 2005 and projects should be completed by September 30, 2005. Grants cannot be used for capital requests, continuation funding or operating expenses. Grant awards range from $500 to $2000.

,1)250$7,21 5()(55$/

Interpreter

In its second year of operation, People Enhancing People (PEP) is making its mark in the field of Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Choice. Drawing from their combined forty years of PCA experience, Co-Founders Jim and Claudia Carlisle who have been in wheelchairs all their lives started PEP with a mission to enhance PCA services by emphasizing the consumer’s choice in directing their own care.

PEP continues to focus on nurturing a rewarding personal care experience for individuals with disabilities by emphasizing the choice of the individual using the services, and the feedback PEP has received from both consumers and PCAs has been encouraging.

6833257 *52836

Educating Learners in Mid-Life and Beyond will meet Saturday mornings, beginning Jan. 29 and ending April 30.

Experts from the university and the local community will facilitate each session. This is a regular university course offering and will carry three credits. It is open to both degree and non-degree students. For information on tuition and registration procedures, visit the College of Education and Human Development Website: http://education.umn.edu, or call Mary Gupta at (612) 624-1221.

People Enhancing People (PEP)

10

November 10, 2004

TECHNOLOGY- Cont. from p. 5

REVIEWS - Cont. from p. 5

Freeware for Physical Enhancements

mouse is able to click, double- www.specialink.com/mac.

Conclusion click, right-click and drag. htm No buttons are required to In all aspects, the number of PhraseExpress manages fre- operate a mouse! www.

Accessibility Options adaptations available is exquently-used text phrases and polital.com/pnc/ panding quickly. The cost of pastes them into any WinSince the release of Windows commercial software is dedows application in a snap. It Click and Type Virtual Key- 98, the control panel on the creasing in price while inis ideal for letter templates, board is for individuals who PC platform provides Acces- creasing in capabilities and signatures, addresses, internet are unable to operate a sibility Options, which pro- features.

Freeware and chat phrases, and logging in to standard keyboard. An on- vides a variety of options for shareware may be a good web accounts. The phrases screen keyboard appears on customizing accessibility set- starting point for simple are clearly laid out in a taskbar the screen and by using head tings.

For example, key accommodations, but you icon, and new phrases can be pointing or a mouse input repeat can be turned off or may need to investigate other easily added via the Windows device, the operator is able to slowed for individuals to stop software choices.

Many clipboard with a single mouse make selections to control the accidental keystrokes. Other manufacturers provide a 30click. www.phraseexpress. computer. options allow for a communi- day trial download to allow com www.lakefolks.org/cnt/ cation device to be connected for the individual to evaluate to a computer through serial the benefits of using their RemoteKeys replaces com- A second choice of a free on- keys. Windows XP includes products. plicated keystroke combina- screen keyboard is Rapid wizards for customizing settions with simple mouse Keys. http://rapidkeys.net tings for visual and hearing There are many downloads clicks, so you can easily send firms.com/en/index.htm issues, and it has a free on- worth investigating for purcommands and text modules screen keyboard, magnifier, poses not discussed above, to any application. It offers 10 Macintosh Freeware and voice recognition pro- such as software programs for user profiles for each of the gram. leisure and computer mainte250 buttons, and these can be If you are Macintosh user, nance. If your computer is assigned by hand or macro there is one simple way of The Macintosh offers similar acting up, chances are there is recorder. Send text modules finding a multitude of freeware customization for the key- a freeware or shareware for into letters, words into HTML and shareware software that board, mouse, and visual you. As a final note, always forms and password request- will work for you. Mac display options. Access these make sure downloads are free ers, and more. www.freeware Shareware for People with options through the control of viruses and spyware. There hits.de/ Disabilities is a website dedi- panel, located by clicking the are a variety of programs, cated to providing solutions Apple icon on top of the such as Norton AntiVirus, Point-and-click is a program for computer access. It is screen. that will scan the software for individuals who have designed for different disbefore downloading. ■ problems clicking the mouse. abilities such as vision, physiBy dwelling over areas, the cal, cognitive, and hearing.

disabilities in the movies and books. I am an advisor for an Advocacy Group and sometimes I am so excited that a person with a disability is even in a book or movie I overlook the stereotyping!

Don’t forget Stephen King’s book and movie, “Dreamcatcher” where a man with Down syndrome is a major character but again has “special” powers. On a good note you may want to check out an excellent science-fiction book called, “The Speed of Dark”

by Elizabeth Moon. I have met Ms. Moon and the book was inspired by her son who has Autism. The book is set in the future where people with Autism can take a drug and the Autism is gone. But do they want to change who they are and be what society calls “normal”?

make a movie it would be about a success/attractive married couple, perhaps where the husband of this pair has a developmental disability.

They have executive jobs, with children and a lovely home and are seen as valuable members of the community…. But these are the opportunities that are denied, avoided and by some—feared.

Thanks for the chance to dream.

polling places throughout the state. A committee of representatives from the disability community and the Office of the Secretary of State has been formed to ensure that the most appropriate HAVA-compliant equipment is used to meet the needs of voters of all abilities.

want to vote but have concerns about whether or not they can. We will discuss these discrepancies with the hope of clarifying the language as it is written in the statute.

Here are three ways readers can follow up: 1. Send your movie reviews to Kathy at act@self advocacy.org 2. Request the free weekly email memo by writing to Advocating Change Together at act@selfadvo cacy. org 3. Read the reviews that readers are sending in by Margaret Forbes of visiting www.selfadvo Biddeford Maine writes: cacy.org/SARN/index.

I appreciate the diverse comhtm ■ ments such as the parent of the daughter as a regular person verses stereotyping. If I could

ELECTION - Cont. from p. 4 Of the 81 complaints, 46 were considered substantive enough to forward to the Election Protection database. The majority of serious complaints were related to unfair challenges at the polls directed particularly at low income people, people of color, homeless individuals and immigrants who were registered

to vote using vouchers.

in your area. For more information about your elected officials, access the website of the Minnesota State Legislature at www.leg.state.mn.us.

This site can tell you how to contact your state senators and representatives.

The people of Minnesota should congratulate themselves and celebrate their passion for recognizing the important civic responsibility of voting. Access the Office of the Secretary of State at www.sos.state.mn.us for a list What will be the next steps of the newly-elected officials now that the election is over?

Voter education does not only occur during an election year.

It is equally important for people with disabilities to remain active participants and let elected officials know Celebrating 33 Yrs Of RENTAL • SALES what issues are important to SERVICE • REPAIR them. MDLC will continue efforts to mobilize and edu-

IN-HOME ASSESSMENTS TO DETERMINE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT NEEDS

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cate people with disabilities across the state on building bridges between our communities and the individuals who have been elected for the next legislative session. Continue to read Access Press for updates on future community forums scheduled to take place throughout the Metro Area and greater Minnesota.

These forums will begin in February 2005, occurring once each month into the summer.

MDLC is also working with the Office of the Secretary of State to ensure that accessible voting equipment is available for the 2006 elections at

Computerized Desktop publishing: Brochures Catalogs Direct Mailings Flyers Newsletters Newspapers Resumes and more!

Ellen Houghton • 952-404-9981 presentationimages@mn.rr.com

Finally, guardianship law as it pertains to voting is also an item that MDLC will address during the upcoming legislative session. During the recent election cycle we learned that guardianship issues continue to pose questions for many people with disabilities who

In the meantime, we encourage all individuals with disabilities to continue to remain informed and participate! As Justin Dart once said, “…become a politician for empowerment in your living room, in your community...vote. Educate others to vote for self and for all. But voting alone won’t do it. Winning politics is a 365 day [affair]…” ■

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3680 Victoria St. N. • Shoreview, MN 55126 Office: (651) 481-4062 • Fax: (651) 787-2790 mike.chevrette@deluxe.com

November 10, 2004

Access To Employment

Classifieds Reach 11,000 Active, Interested Readers with ACCESS PRESS Classifieds. $10 up to 12 words, 45¢/word thereafter. Must be prepaid. Mail with check to: ACCESS PRESS, 1821 University Ave W, #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 • (651) 644-2133

FOR SALE 1989 Ford Econoline 150 van 75,000 miles, really good condition, has a wheelchair lift. Six-way power-seat. No hand-controls. $3,500 or best offer, call &&&***^^%%$$ Accessible 55+ Condo Wheelchair accessible 2 BR apartment in senior (55+ ) building in great Uptown location. Roll-in shower and other modifications all in place; parquet floors, 24-hour security; optional dinners served Tues.-Friday. Fantastic downtown view. Asking $155,000. Call 612-801-2630 for appointment to see. Gigi Pilhofer

FOR SALE Cont.

Minnesota Mobility: We specialize in affordable wheelchair vans. Contact us at 952746-1800.

FOR RENT Cont.

Holmes-Greenway Housing: One- and two-bedroom apartments designed for physically handicapped persons. Convenient SE Minneapolis location. Call (612) 378-0331 for FOR RENT availability information.

Lewis Park Apartments: Equal Opportunity Housing.

Barrier-free housing with wheelchair users in mind. Seward Square Apartments: Section 8 subsidized. One- We are currently accepting and two- bedroom units. For applications for our waiting more information on avail- list for barrier-free housing, in ability call (651) 488-9923. Minneapolis, that is federally St. Paul, MN. Equal Opportu- subsidized. For an applicanity Housing. tion, please call (612) 3382680. Equal Opportunity Housing.

This Could Be Your Ad — Reach Active and Interested Readers, Call 651- 644- 2133 or visit us at accesspress.org

Employment ads are $16-$17 per col. inch.

December 31 is the deadline for the January 10 issue.

Mail to: ACCESS PRESS 1821 University Ave. #104S St. Paul, MN 55104 • FAX 651-644-2136 E-mail: access@mninter.net CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGER PROPERTY MGMT RAMSEY COUNTY RC seeks motivated Project Mgr to join the Property Mgmt team to provide all aspects of project mgmt related to construction projects for new facilities or remodeling/repairing of existing facilities. BA in planning/ architecture/construction mgmt plus 5 yrs exp project mgmt or exp with commercial& institutional bldg projects. $4443 - 6585/mo DOQ with exc. Benefits. For more info visit www.co. ramsey.mn.us or call 651266-2700 for an application packet. Application deadline December 30, 2004.

EOE

We’re on a mission . . .

Work for Ramsey County EXCELLENCE RESPECT DIVERSITY Join the Team Explore Ramsey County career opportunities in: • Administrative, management and technical services • Building and facility services • Clerical and secretarial • Community and social services • Court, legal and law enforcement • Parks and recreation • Property records and revenue • Public works and transportation • Public health and nursing www.co.ramsey.mn.us Click on “Work for Ramsey County” or call the job hotline at (651) 266-2666 Ramsey County Human Resources 50 West Kellogg Blvd.; #430 Saint Paul, MN 55102 (651) 266-2700 or TDD (651) 266-2728 EOE

to bring the best together.

Exceptional care starts with me.

Join forces with Regions Hospital. As a Level 1 Trauma Center leading in quality patient care, you’ll find a stellar team of professionals who support and respect one another. Regions Hospital is a model of efficiency, prime working conditions, and the employer of choice for discerning RNs like you.

To learn more, visit regionshospital.com, or call our Job Hotline at 651-254-0855.

I am Fairview.

OPEN Like those of us in Hennepin County government, you’ll discover the tremendous value of a diverse community and a workforce made of unique viewpoints and experiences.

Cyndy, R.N., 2004 Minnesota Caregiver of the Year

The 11,000 employees of Hennepin County government serve over 1.1 million people and 46 suburban communities. If you seek a career that enhances the world around you, consider joining our team.

Opportunities exist in social services, community health, general government, corrections, transportation, recycling, libraries and other key services.

Join my team at fairview.org Come build a career with a passionate, progressive network of healthcare professionals. We believe that serving the health care needs of our communities begins with supporting the well being of our employees. Join our team and experience working in an environment where dignity, integrity, service and compassion guide everything we do.

Build a future, discover opportunities to learn, and challenge yourself in a positive work culture that truly embraces the essence of diversity. To learn about current openings and/or register to be e-mailed about future job openings, visit us at:

Learn more about opportunities in • Nursing • Imaging • Lab • Respiratory • Pharmacy

www.hennepin.us 612-348-2163

Voted “Best Employment Practices” by the MN Mental Health Assoc. – 2000.

EOE

11

• Physical Therapy • Operations • Administration • Medical Records • And more

fairview.org • Fairview is an equal opportunity employer.

12

November 10, 2004

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