ERIC STEVENS EMBARKING ON NEW JOURNEY—LEAVING COURAGE CENTER
by Lance H. Hegland
Eric 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
We 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
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
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
Eric Stevens
Tim Benjamin, Editor
Happy 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 paper. Many new advertisers
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.
Eric Stevens is leaving Courage 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
On 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,
Access Press
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
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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.
Maybe a better approach is to identify a particular need (e.g. affordable and accessible housing), identify individuals and organizations impacted by the need (e.g. consumers, disability community groups, and representatives plus financiers, developers, and property managers) and work as a team to develop, implement, and maintain an overall solution. Each sub-group could devise and suggest alterations
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 feel they are reaping as many benefits. They may feel threatened by teamwork.
The answers are not easy or straightforward. Such topics have been discussed and debated within sociological, political, and economic circles for centuries. Yet, it is something to consider, and discuss as it may be another valuable tool in our efforts toward an accessible society.
Congress Passes IDEA Reauthorization
Bill Reduces Red tape, Frivolous Lawsuits against Schools and Teachers, Helping Teachers Focus on Teaching, Students on Learning
Washington, DCThe 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.
by Beth Grube
SIDEA’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.
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 each year,” said Coleman. More information is available at for http://thomas.loc.gov and type in HR 1350. ■
“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.”
STEVENS - Cont. from p. 1
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
has served as the vice president of health-care development, where she has been responsible for healthcare planning, business development, growth of healthcare outpatient services, as well as partnering with others in building a community-wide coordinated system of care for people with disabilities. Furthermore, she has served on the Center’s Executive Management Team, which is responsible for implementing strategic direction for the organization. ■
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.
To qualify for MA-EPD, a person must:
•Be certified disabled by either the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the State Medical Review Team (SMRT). To request a SMRT review, a person may contact their local county human service agency.
•Be at least 16 but less than 65 years of age.
•Be employed and have Medicare and Social Security taxes withheld or paid from earned income.
•Have average monthly earnings of more than $65.
•Meet the asset limit of $20,000. Some assets that do not count towards the limit include homestead property, personal items, spouse’s assets, one motor vehicle if used by enrollee, retirement accounts, and medical expense accounts set up through an employer.
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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.
Minimum $35 Premium (Effective January 1, 2004): Everyone enrolled in MAEPD must pay a minimum premium of $35 or a sliding fee premium, whichever is greater, based on their income and household size.
Job Loss Grace Period (Effective January 1, 2004): Enrollees are allowed to remain enrolled in MA-EPD for up to four months after losing their job, if the job loss is not related to their work performance.
$65 Earned Income Disregard (Effective with sixmonth or annual renewals after July 1, 2004): To be considered employed, an individual must work and have earned income each month. For every enrollee, the first $65 of earned income is not counted to meet the earned income requirement for the program. To be eligible for MA-EPD, a person must have average monthly wages of more than $65. A selfemployed person must have average, monthly countable self-employment income (gross receipts minus business expenses) of more than $65 to be eligible.
Medicare and Social Security Taxes (Effective with six-month or annual renewals after July 1, 2004): To be considered employment for MA-EPD, Medicare and So-
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 by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Local county human service agencies review income, employment, asset and other household information to determine eligibility for MAEPD. Applications for MAEPD are available at all local county human service agencies and may be downloaded from the internet at http:// edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/ lfserver/Legacy/DHS-3417ENG.
For more information about MA-EPD, please contact your local county human service agency or the Department of Human Services at 651-2977139 or email: beth.grube@ state.mn.us
How is MA-EPD working for the more than 6000 people currently on the program? Pathways to Employment, funded by Minnesota’s Infrastructure Grant at the Department of Human Services, is doing an evaluation of the MA-EPD program. As part of this evaluation, DHS contracted with Wilder Research Center to conduct a telephone survey of MA-EPD enrollees to find out about their experiences with the MA-EPD program and further explore barriers to employment. Next month we will highlight the MA-EPD survey results. ■
Voting In 2004
by Marj Schneider
The 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.
I was dreading the prospect of going to vote. For me, voting
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 my own vote I wouldn’t vote this time around at all.
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.
After a 15-minute walk I arrived at my polling place. Even with the doors open, the church was sweltering inside. It was well above 80 degrees; it seemed surreal that I could be voting in November in such heat. The first poll worker insisted I sit while they all pondered whether or not I could vote in that precinct. I didn’t mind. I had decided on the way over I would be as patient as possible with the poll workers and see where it got me.
While I sat, our next-door neighbors came in and quickly voted. We talked, and they asked on their way out if they could help. I was relieved to be able to say, “No, they’ve got an accessible voting machine. They’re just getting it ready.” And, indeed, one of the poll workers had clearly been trained in what to do and after asking me if I wanted the “hidden ballot” (the screen would be blank) she set to work hooking up a keyboard and loading software to make one of the precinct’s four machines talk.
Finally, after I had signed the requisite voting certificate and the machine was ready to go, I walked over to a table, put on headphones, and listened to the instructions on the first screen. After assuring the poll worker that everything was operating as it should, I was left by myself!
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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 Cami, for employment as a personal care attendant call Al or Angie. Accessible Space, Inc.
Our Most Important Election
by Mai Thor
In 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 is important.
For the Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC), getting out the vote meant more than just representation for the disability community. It meant protecting what is often taken away from people with disabilities: the power of choice. This year, many people with disabilities owned that power and used it to their advantage by selecting the leaders of our communities. Through phone calls and e-mails, people with disabilities turned to MDLC as a source of information regarding matters such as how to register, where to vote, what kinds of assistance was available at polling places and how to vote absentee. We encountered questions such as, “My son has a severe
The process was made very simple with the 4, 5, and 6 of the telephone keypad used to vote for a candidate, go backward to review names, and go forward to the next candidate or race. Yes or No votes were cast in the same way, including mine on the ludicrous gay marriage amendment to the state’s Constitution.
When I had confirmed and reconfirmed all my votes and submitted my ballot, the plastic card clicked out of the slot and the poll worker was there to collect it. I smiled at
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. ■
The Horrified Mother’s Movie Reviews
by Kathy Sanders
Help! 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.
To be fair, I should point out that this type of stereotyping is not at all typical for King. I certainly hope he can avoid such harmful portrayals of people with disabilities in the future.
Review #3: Practically any book by Dean Koontz
After reading a couple of his books, Koontz is now completely off my escape reading list. Every person with a disability who enters his plots is frightening, evil, devilish, and a menace to society. Attention any readers out there who know Dean or live near him: how about inviting him to a self-advocacy conference. Not only could he meet some regular people, but perhaps he would also find some new and frightening villains for his plots—like SCAPEGOATING, STEREOTYPING, DISCRIMINATION and SEGREGATION.
What Can We Do About It? Here’s my plan. I’d like to hear from other ex-fans of horror movies. I’d like to assemble a list of movie and book reviews. It would be great if folks would send in their examples of how movies and books portray people with disabilities as evil, or as special angels, or as regular people. Perhaps as a warm-up
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 I’ll put it on our website (see details below).
Thanks, Kathy. Advocating Change Together.
P.S. The reviews are coming in. This article first appeared in October 2004 as a weekly email memo of the SelfAdvocacy Resource Network. And I’ve already gotten many responses, including these . . .
Judie Hockel of California writes: Horror shows disgust me, but I have a daughter who is an actor who has Down syndrome, so I taped a couple of episodes of Kingdom Hospital just to see how they used actors who have Down syndrome. I found that even in fast-forward this show was repulsive. It disgusted me that two people with disabilities were contaminated by appearing in this series; I didn’t even watch enough to know about the final stereotypical representation as otherworldly beings! The National Down Syndrome Congress, at their August convention in Minneapolis, gave the producers of this series its National Media Award. Too bad.
Lynne from Louisiana writes: I agree with Kathy on the stereotypes of people with Reviews - cont. on p. 10
Disability Technology
Free Computer Adaption
by Jeni Mundl
With 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.
Software for Visual Needs
APHont, designed for low vision, aims to enhance reading speed, comprehension and comfort for large print readers. It features more evenly-spaced letters, higher cross bars, wider letters, heavier letters, larger opening, and larger punctuation. After stating that the font will be used for a person with a visual impairment, it can be downloaded from www.aph.
org/products/aphont.html.
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
Zoom is a screen enlargement utility. It displays a floating window that shows an enlarged view of the area around the cursor. www3.sympatico. ca/paulscott/zoom.htm
Another Lens displays a magnified view of the area of the mouse cursor. The window contents can be locked and saved to a file or copied to the clipboard for taking screenshots. There are additional options, like crosshairs, resizing the window and hiding the caption bar and/or main menu. www.b-zone.de/
software/lens.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 reading, alter the pitch and simplicity of use.
Read Please and Read Words: www.readplease.com/ english/downloads/#rw
Natural Voice Text-to-speech Reader: www.naturalreaders. com/
Ultra Hal Text-to-speech Reader: http://downloadszdnet.com.com/Ultra-HalText-to-Speech-Reader/ 3000-7239_2-10329180.html ?tag=lst-0-2
Staff: Front Row — Nancy, Wendy, M., Sheila Back Row
Christine, Becki, Eloise
What Is Hepatitis C
by Xxxxxx
Hepatitis 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.
Who Is At Risk?
Since about four million Americans are infected with HCV and most don’t know it, you should have a blood test for Hepatitis C - whether you feel sick or not. About one in ten people infected with HCV have had no identifiable exposure to the disease.
How Does it Spread?
Injection drug use is the primary risk factor for HCV infection; it accounts for about 60 percent of all new cases of Hepatitis C and is also a major risk factor for the Hepatitis B virus. Among frequent drug users, 50-80 percent are infected within the first 12 months of beginning injecting. Straws shared in snorting drugs are also a potential source of infection.
HCV is not spread through kissing or casual contact. In relationships where there is one steady partner, sexual transmission is low (under five percent). Transmission is estimated to be about 15 percent among those who have multiple sex partners or where there is a history of sexually transmitted diseases.
The Hepatitis C virus is found mainly in blood; it may be transmitted by using razors, needles, toothbrushes, nail files, a barber’s scissors, tattooing equipment, body piercing or acupuncture
Leader Leader Leader Leader Leader
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, fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, headaches, and abdominal pain.
Diagnosis
Test for HCV antibodies: HCV infection can be determined by a simple and specific blood test that detects antibodies against HCV. The current enzyme immunoassay test (EIA) that detects antiHCV has a sensitivity of about 95 percent in chronic HCV. HCV infection may be identified by anti-HCV testing in approximately 80 percent of people as early as five weeks after exposure. This test is not a part of a routine physical examination, and people must ask their doctor for a Hepatitis C antibody test.
Test liver enzyme levels: If you may already have chronic infection, your doctor will test the levels of two liver enzymes: alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotrasferase (AST). Both are released when liver cells are injured or die. Elevated ALT and AST levels may appear and disappear throughout the course of the HCV infection. If the liver enzyme levels are normal with chronic HCV, they should be rechecked several times over a 6 - 12 month period. If the liver enzyme levels remain normal, your doctor may check them less frequently, such as once per year.
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
The Real Meaning Of Life
by Terri Ricci
In 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.
One lesson I learned is from my friend who died of Hepatitis C on November 5, 2001. John and I became friends when we were in 7th grade. He was my first boyfriend and became a lifelong friend. During high school, even though we no longer dated, we were buddies. We would talk for hours or just laugh with each other.
After high school John and his twin brother Jim went into the service. They rescued choppers and soldiers downed while on missions; they often encountered other soldiers who were injured and would have to administer medical treatment. On one occasion as John was rescuing a fellow soldier, a heavy metal part of the helicopter tore through his leg, injuring him and mixing his blood with that of the other soldier.
In the early 2000s he became
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 transpired since high school: families, loves, marriages, divorces, our lives today.
We could not forget that life today for John meant living with Hepatitis C. John was ill. The Hepatitis C was causing major liver damage and he was on a list for a liver transplant. In order for him to get a transplant though, he needed someone to care for him for 4-6 weeks during the recovery period. Talking with him over the next couple of weeks, I realized he had no support from his family. His ex-wife and sons lived in California, and his daughter, who lived in St. Cloud, was too young to care for him. So I told him I would care for him during his recovery—no questions asked.
A few weeks passed and John’s illness was getting worse. The likelihood of a transplant was getting slim,
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. ■
PACKAGE
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
- Cont. from p. 1
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.
Quality of care
Access to services and choice of providers will only be meaningful if there are services in the marketplace competing not just on the basis of price or risk but on quality, particularly in the area of health care. Quality must be demonstrated (and measurable) on the part of health care and disability service providers, but for those who rely heavily on state public program reimbursement, there is a limited ability to affect quality of care. True market forces don’t apply to providers who cannot raise prices to compensate for the ever escalating fixed
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 will advance the needs of Minnesotans with disabilities, including:
•A state-level commission to formulate a plan in response to the Olmstead decision. This body, similar in composition to the Long-Term Care Task force of 2001, would formulate a comprehensive plan to meet the program and policy needs of the non-elderly disabled;
•De-institutionalizing the non-elderly population of individuals with disabilities in nursing homes. 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 options;
•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 responsibilities, 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;
•Expansion of Minnesota Disability Health Options, the state’s voluntary managed care program for people with physical disabilities. Currently, it’s only available to individuals in the Metro Area. This program saves money and produces better health outcomes. More people deserve access to it;
•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 to you. ■
Joel Ulland is the Public Policy Director for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter and serves as co-chair for the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities
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
Web-site for info: http:// www.childrenshomeadopt. org/29Oct2004. html
Location/Time: Concordia University's E.M. Pearson Theater, 312 North Hamline Avenue) in St. Paul, MN.
1/5/2005
Arc Town Meeting
Sponsors: Arc HennepinCarver and The Arc of MN
Residents of Bloomington, Edina and Richfield who have been hurt by Minnesota’s cutbacks in disability services for individuals and families have an opportunity to help turn the tide at an Arc Town Meeting with legislators representing Senate Districts 40, 41 & 63B. Cost: FREE
To register for the workshop call PACER at 952-838-9000 or 952-838-0190 (TTY).
Location/Time: Bloomington City Council Chambers, 1800 West Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington. Participants are encouraged to register for the Town Meeting by January 3, 2005. To register, call Arc Hennepin-Carver at (952)
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.
1/15/2005
Project KITE -
Using Visuals and Graphics to Support Inclusion Sponsor: PACER
This KITE workshop is the third of five series for parents and professionals. It will teach learners to use images, graphics, and text to support includive classrooms.
Cost: FREE
To register for the workshop call PACER at 952-838-9000 or 952-838-0190 (TTY).
Location/Time: PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Minneapolis, Mn 55437
1/31/2005
Free Poetry Contest Sponsor: poetry.com
The International Library of Poetry will be awarding over $58,000 in prizes. Poets from St. Paul particulary beginners are welcome to win over 250 prizes.
Cost: FREE and open to everyone.
To enter, send ONE original poem, any subject and any style to: The International Library of Poetry, Suite 19921, 1 Poetry Plaza, Owings Mills, MD 21117.
Location/Time: Entries must be postmarked or sent via the Internet by January 31, 2005. www.poetry.com
Other Information: The poem should be 20 lines or less, and the poet’s name and address should appear on the top of the page.
2/1/2005 – 2/2/2005
Careers Conference 2005: Developing Careers, Changing Lives Sponsor: Center on Education and Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Location/Time: Marriott Madison West.
Scholarship funds are available for qualified educators. For conference information, including scholarship application, visit http://www.cew. wisc.edu/careers/cc2005/ scholarships05.asp
2/7/2005
IBM Web Adaptation Techology Sponsor: PACER
This workshop offers a handson demonstration of Web software that dynamically manipulates Web content to make websites more accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Cost: FREE - Register early space is limited
To register for the workshop call PACER at 952-838-9000 or 952-838-0190 (TTY).
Location/Time: PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Minneapolis, Mn 55437 Time 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Visit Our Large Fully-Stocked Showroom Open to the Public
•Wheelchairs (with complete repair service)
•Walkers/canes,crutches
Accessible Performances
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.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Performed by SteppingStone Theatre. AD: Tues., Dec. 14, 11 am; $5-8; 651-225-9265; Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul; www.steppingstonetheatre.org
A Christmas Carol Performed by: Guthrie Theater. ASL & AD: Tues., Dec. 14, 7:30 pm; $16; 612-377-2224, TTY 612-377-6626; 725 Vineland, Mpls.; www.guthrie theater.org
A Year with Frog & Toad Performed by: Children’s Theatre Co. AD & ASL: Wed., Dec. 15, 10:30 am; Fri., Dec. 17, 7:30 pm; 612-874-0400; 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls., www.childrenstheatre.org
Snow: A Winter Wonderland of Song Performed by: Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus. ASL: Fri., Dec. 17, 8 pm; 612-624-2345; Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 Fourth St. S., Mpls.; www.tcgmc.org
Chicago ASL: Fri., Dec. 17, 8 pm; AD: Sat., Dec. 18, 2 pm; 651-224-4222, TTY 651282-3100; Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington, St. Paul, www.ordway. org
3/14 - 15/2005
Call for PresentationsSecond Annual Care and Treatment Education Conference
The conference will be held at Cragun’s Resort and Hotel in Brainerd, MN. For more information contact MaryBeth Schafer at Marybeth.schafer @state.mn.us or 651-5828818. Proposals are due December 10, 2004.
Nutcracker Performed by: Ethnic Dance Theatre for Children’s Home Society & Family Services. AD: Sat., Dec. 18, 2 pm; $12 children, $20 students, $22 seniors, $25 adults. 651-255-2249 or 800-762-6353. Concordia University’s E.M. Pearson Theater, 312 N. Hamline Ave., St. Paul; www.ethnic dancetheatre.com
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Performed by: Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre. AD: Sat., Dec. 18, 7 pm; ASL: Sun., Dec. 19, 2 pm; $8, $4 children, 701-2356778, 877-687-7469, 333 Fourth St. S., Fargo; www.fmct.org
Bell, Book and Candle Performed by: Theatre in the Round Players. AD: Sun., Dec. 19, 2 pm; $20, senior/ student discounts; 612-3333010; 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls., www.theatreintheround.org
A Dickens Christmas Carol Performed by: Bloomington Art Center Gallery Players. ASL: Sat., Dec. 19, 2 pm; $12, senior/student $10; 952563-8587; at Bloomington Center for the Arts Black Box Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd.; www.bloomingtonartcenter.com
Christmas of Swing: An Andrews Sisters Holiday Musical Performed by: Great American History Theatre. ASL: Sun., Dec. 19, 2 pm; 651-292-4320, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul; www.historytheatre. com
On the Record AD: Sat., Jan. 1, 2 pm; ASL: 8 pm; 651-2244222, TTY 651-282-3100; at Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington, St. Paul; www.ordway.org
Beauford Delaney: From New York to Paris ASL: Sun., Jan. 2, 2 pm; admission charged to museum exhibition; 612-870-3131 or TTY 612-870-3132, Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 Third Ave. S.; www.artsmia.org
Under Milkwood Performed by: Jungle Theater. AD & ASL: Thurs., Jan. 6, 7:30 pm; $8, 612-822-7063; 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls; www.jungletheater.com
Mamma Mia! ASL if requested in advance: Sun., Jan. 16, 6:30 pm; $23-75; 612339-7007, 612-373-5637, TTY 612-373-5655, hotline 612-373-5650; Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls; www.hennepintheatre district.com/servicesd.asp
Same Time Next Year Performed by: Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre. AD: Sat., Jan. 22, 8:30 pm; ASL upon request in advance; $8 adults, $4 children; Dinner theatre extra; 701-235-6778, Avalon Events Center, Fargo; www.fmct.org
Two Rooms Performed by: Theatre in the Round Players. AD: Sun., Jan. 30, 2 pm; $20, senior/student discounts; 612333-3010; 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls; www.theatreinthe round.org
Green Gables Performed by: Stages Theatre Co. ASL: Sun., Jan. 30, 2 pm; $14, $11 children & seniors; 952-9791111; Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet; www. stagestheatre.org
Oedipus the King Performed by: Guthrie Theater. ASL: Fri., Feb. 4, 7:30 pm; AD: Sat., Feb. 5, 1 pm; Fri., Feb. 11, 7:30 pm; $16; 612-3772224, TTY 612-377-6626; 725 Vineland, Mpls.; www. guthrietheater.org
•Incontinence/Urological supplies
•Ostomy/wound care
•Bathroom safety aids
GREAT SERVICE & PRICES
We offer 24-hour Emergency Service exclusively to our regular customers.Free UPS and deliveries to Mpls.,St.Paul & Suburbs. Insurance Billing Service providers for MN Medical Assistance, Medicare,Medica,Health Partners,Preferred One,UCARE,Blue Cross/Blue Shield and many others.
Handi Medical Supply
2505 University Avenue West St.Paul,MN 55114 (651) 644-9770
News At A Glance . . .
New U Of M Class On How To Teach Older Learners
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.
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.
Interpreter
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.
Survey results reveal strengths, weaknesses of PCA services
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.
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.
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.
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.
Arc Hennepin-Carver To Support IDEA Education
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.
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 begin expansion into school districts across the seven-county metropolitan area in collaboration with Arc Great Rivers.
For more information and volunteer opportunities, call Arc at (952) 920-0855 or visit www.archennepincarver.org.
Grant Announcement
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.
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
People Enhancing People (PEP)
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.
With the PEP PCA Choice option individuals needing PCA services are considered a joint-employer with the organization, making them the manager of their own care. As managers, “consumers” recruit, hire, schedule and train all their own PCAs. Becoming your own manager can be a challenging task. But, PEP consumers gladly accept the challenge, and many have expressed their appreciation of the self-directed option.
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.
For more information contact People Enhancing People (PEP) at (651) 450-5960. ■
TECHNOLOGY- Cont. from p. 5
Freeware for Physical Enhancements
PhraseExpress manages frequently-used text phrases and pastes them into any Windows application in a snap. It is ideal for letter templates, signatures, addresses, internet chat phrases, and logging in to web accounts. The phrases are clearly laid out in a taskbar icon, and new phrases can be easily added via the Windows clipboard with a single mouse click. www.phraseexpress. com
RemoteKeys replaces complicated keystroke combinations with simple mouse clicks, so you can easily send commands and text modules to any application. It offers 10 user profiles for each of the 250 buttons, and these can be assigned by hand or macro recorder. Send text modules into letters, words into HTML forms and password requesters, and more. www.freeware hits.de/
Point-and-click is a program for individuals who have problems clicking the mouse. By dwelling over areas, the
mouse is able to click, doubleclick, right-click and drag. No buttons are required to operate a mouse! www. polital.com/pnc/
Click and Type Virtual Keyboard is for individuals who are unable to operate a standard keyboard. An onscreen keyboard appears on the screen and by using head pointing or a mouse input device, the operator is able to make selections to control the computer. www.lakefolks.org/cnt/
A second choice of a free onscreen keyboard is Rapid Keys. http://rapidkeys.net firms.com/en/index.htm
Macintosh Freeware
If you are Macintosh user, there is one simple way of finding a multitude of freeware and shareware software that will work for you. Mac Shareware for People with Disabilities is a website dedicated to providing solutions for computer access. It is designed for different disabilities such as vision, physical, cognitive, and hearing.
ELECTION -
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
Cont. from p. 4
to vote using vouchers.
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 of the newly-elected officials
www.specialink.com/mac. htm
Accessibility Options
Since the release of Windows 98, the control panel on the PC platform provides Accessibility Options, which provides a variety of options for customizing accessibility settings. For example, key repeat can be turned off or slowed for individuals to stop accidental keystrokes. Other options allow for a communication device to be connected to a computer through serial keys. Windows XP includes wizards for customizing settings for visual and hearing issues, and it has a free onscreen keyboard, magnifier, and voice recognition program.
The Macintosh offers similar customization for the keyboard, mouse, and visual display options. Access these options through the control panel, located by clicking the Apple icon on top of the screen.
Conclusion
In all aspects, the number of adaptations available is expanding quickly. The cost of commercial software is decreasing in price while increasing in capabilities and features. Freeware and shareware may be a good starting point for simple accommodations, but you may need to investigate other software choices. Many manufacturers provide a 30day trial download to allow for the individual to evaluate the benefits of using their products.
There are many downloads worth investigating for purposes not discussed above, such as software programs for leisure and computer maintenance. If your computer is acting up, chances are there is a freeware or shareware for you. As a final note, always make sure downloads are free of viruses and spyware. There are a variety of programs, such as Norton AntiVirus, that will scan the software before downloading. ■
REVIEWS -
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”?
Margaret Forbes of Biddeford Maine writes: I appreciate the diverse comments such as the parent of the daughter as a regular person verses stereotyping. If I could
Cont. from p. 5
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.
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 visiting www.selfadvo cacy.org/SARN/index. htm ■
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.
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.
What will be the next steps 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 what issues are important to them. MDLC will continue efforts to mobilize and edu-
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
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.
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
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.
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]…” ■
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 &&&***^^%%$$
Condo
Accessible 55+
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
Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier-free housing with wheelchair users in mind. Section 8 subsidized. Oneand two- bedroom units. For more information on availability call (651) 488-9923. St. Paul, MN. Equal Opportunity Housing.
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 availability information. Equal Opportunity Housing.
Seward Square Apartments: We are currently accepting applications for our waiting list for barrier-free housing, in Minneapolis, that is federally subsidized. For an application, 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
Access To Employment
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
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.
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.
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: www.hennepin.us 612-348-2163
Voted “Best Employment Practices” by the MN Mental Health Assoc. – 2000.
Work for Ramsey County EXCELLENCE
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•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
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