September 2008 Edition - Access Press

www.accesspress.org History Note

Inside

“Probably, no nation is rich enough to pay for both war and civilization. We must make our choice; we cannot have both.”

— Abraham Flexner

■ Something Unexpected—pg 3 ■ Congressional candidates—pg 6 ■ Ramp changes eyed—pg 8 Page 2

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

Volume 19, Number 9

Minnesota’s Disability

Community Newspaper

September 10, 2008

Tropic Thunder? Offense Taken!

Two very different movie premieres raise the curtain on disabilities, stereotypes other hand, the disability rights movement is now at a place where the power of language is crashing up against the advancement of dignity and human rights. People with developmental disabilities want to be regular people and are tired of old hate speech that keeps them in a subhuman place.

NEW YORK CITY Self-Advocates gathered at a rally organized by Disability Network of New York City & Self-Advocacy Association of NYS to protest the film “Tropic Thunder.”

by Bret Hesla

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he call to action was a offensive play title.

The response was a movie. Now the call comes again—an offensive movie.

In the spring of 2007, when the Minneapolis theater company Brave New Workshop put on

a show titled “The Rise of the Celebretards,” people with disabilities and their allies took action. They later made a documentary that shows their organized response to the play title and to the public use of the “R-word.” Ironically, just when that film, “Offense Taken”, was set to premiere, a similar thing happened —this

time with the national release of a movie full of “retard” slurs.

The two August movie premieres reveal America’s deep chasm on the issue of respect for people with disabilities. On the one hand, popular culture can’t seem to let go of using demeaning disability words as “funny” put-downs. On the

On August 13th Kelly Lee and Brad Duncan of St. Paul-based Advocating Change Together (ACT) were among hundreds of disability rights activists participating in public awareness or protests across the country at opening night of the movie “Tropic Thunder” (released by DreamWorks). A coalition of groups, including Special Olympics and Arc, organized a national boycott of the comedy, which features dialogue drenched in ridiculing use of the R-word.

Lee and Duncan, along with ACT staff Rick Cardenas and Mary Kay Kennedy, handed out fliers to moviegoers at the

Highland Theater in St. Paul, telling about the issue of disrespectful language and inviting people to the premiere of “Offense Taken”. Lee and Duncan told moviegoers that they have personally experienced name calling, and that the word “retard” is especially hurtful. “I got teased and called retard when I was a kid,” said Lee. “It hurt. My mom tells me now that names can’t hurt me. I kind of agree, but deep inside I know names do hurt.”

meeting that led to the film’s creation. The documentary was the result of 16 months of organizing by a coalition of local disability groups in response to a similar situation, when Brave New Workshop used “celebretard” in a show title. The documentary follows local self-advocates and allies through a year of planning and taking action, as they interview self-advocates, people on the street and family members, host a public forum, take part in a training, speak in classrooms, and set up a shredder at the state capitol for a rally where advocates brought in hate words and ran them through the machine to cheers and applause.

Many of the moviegoers were teenage boys or young men.

One young man commented, “I use language worse than anything I’ll see in this movie,” and said he was not offended by the language. Duncan observed, however, that “almost The film was produced by Selfeveryone wanted to hear what Advocates Minnesota (SAM) and filmed and directed by we had to say.”

Jerry Smith of the Institute on About 100 people turned out Community Integration. to Interact Theater for the “What struck me about this August 21 premiere of “Of- project was how quickly and fense Taken”. Interact was the effectively individuals and site of the first community Offense Taken - cont. on p. 10

Finding gainful employment, adaptive services among barriers to disability community job-seekers The next state forum will be held in September

by Nancy Sopkowiak

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mproving Minnesota’s vocational and independent living services for individuals with disabilities is the topic of a forum set for Wednesday, September 24 in St. Cloud. The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC), the Minnesota State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) are hosting the forum.

“Hearing from the public about unmet needs and ideas for improving services for Minnesotans with disabilities is absolutely essential for the councils and the state to carry out their work,” said Kim Peck,

forum from 1:15 to 4:30 p.m.

The public is encouraged to speak out about their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with Minnesota’s independent livThe forum is 9 a.m. to 4:30 ing and employment services p.m., and the public is wel- for our community. come at any time during the day. From 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. a Registration is not required to panel will discuss four recent attend. The forum will be held projects where DEED and RS at the Radisson Suite Hotel, have teamed up with Minne- 404 West St. Germain St., St sota’s Centers for Independent Cloud, MN 56301. Please conLiving to improve and expand tact Gail Lundeen from DEED services for the disability com- Rehabilitative Services at 1munity.

800-328-9095, 651-259-7364, or TTY at 1-800-657-3973 if Anyone may testify in the af- you have questions or requests ternoon. The schedule includes for accommodations. Realan opportunity to respond to time captioning and sign lanthe morning discussion from guage interpreters will be 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. and an open available. director of DEED’s Rehabilitation Services (RS) and a member of the SILC and SRC councils.

A forum this summer dealt with important vocational rehabilitation issues. A large crowd attended a state forum about employment services for people with disabilities at Golden Valley City Hall on June 25. The forum was hosted by the Minnesota State Rehabilitation Council (MSRC), DEED and the Golden Valley Human Rights Commission.

The topics covered were employment disability discrimination, unmet needs for disability related employment services, and public satisfaction with the state services.

“At least 175,000 Minnesotans of working age experience significant difficulty finding or keeping employment

tool maker for 27 years. He praised his former employer DataCard Corp for accommodating his disability by hiring interpreters for meetings. Unfortunately, Sauers was recently laid off due to the slow economy. He described his current job search as very difficult due to what he perceives Many people testified, includ- as disability discrimination. ing vocational clients, experts and service providers. The is- Robyn McCree, who is also sues they raised are wide-rang- deaf, encouraged Vocational ing and complex yet may only Rehab Services and the public represent a fraction of the chal- libraries to install a VRI-VP lenges the state faces in trying system “so deaf people can have access to communicatto provide services. ing with employers while lookCarl Sauers, who is deaf, talked ing for work.” The VRI-VP is about his vocational experi- a phone system that uses video ences. Sauers has worked as a VR Forum - cont. on p. 15 due to long-lasting disabilities,” said Peck. Rehabilitation Services (RS) helps Minnesotans with disabilities to prepare for, find, or keep work.

The MSRC advises the state on the performance of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs.

September 10, 2008

2

Tim Benjamin, Editor

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he documentary, “Of fense Taken,” is again highlighted in Access Press. The collaboration involved in creating and distributing this documentary has proven to be phenomenal. I think of myself as a pretty aware person with respect to recognizing discrimination.

But “Offense Taken” opened my eyes to the hurtful language that I use in my com-

munications. That’s one measure of the importance of this film—that even those of us who think of ourselves as pretty well-informed on what hurtful language is, get a wake-up call.

I know that everyone who sees this documentary will re-examine their language and how they use it, and what thoughts lie behind it. But the other power I see in this film is how it demonstrates what a few people committed to create change can accomplish. Best of all, it was put together by folks “in our own backyard,” and many of you will recognize them. By next month, Access Press will offer a way for you to see the documentary on your own—it will change the way you think about a lot of things. I’d like to thank everyone who was involved in creating this documentary, and for allowing Access Press to be involved. Great job!

Also, don’t miss Access Press assistant editor, Jane McClure, whose article, “Hall of Shame,” appears in this issue.

McClure has put together a summary of several prominent films that have reflected badly on the disability community.

If you have any more films to add, or if you’d like to comment on any of the films that Jane writes about here, please send in your comments and your suggestions. Unfortunately, we expect that the Hall of Shame will expand.

Mai Thor is sharing with us her journey to parenthood. Mai is due to give birth to her and her partner’s first child. Many of you may know Mai, and those of you who do, will recognize her voice in her journal. If you don’t yet know Mai, I urge you to read her journal and get to know a pretty fabulous woman and her sharp wit

History Note

Institutions ‘grew’ gentlemen farmers

by Luther Granquist

and in-your-face attitude about life. I know you’ll enjoy reading about something that isn’t written about much: disability and pregnancy. I want to thank Mai Thor for sharing this intimate part of her life and we wish her and her child the greatest joy on his or her birth day.

Our Congressional survey responses are very interesting; please take the time to read them, as they were written for the readers of Access Press. As for any of the candidates who did not reply, you can contact them or the Secretary of State’s office to ask them what their responses are to your own questions (and maybe why they didn’t respond to the disability community newspaper). If we receive any late responses, we’ll post them on our web site. We appreciate very much the responsiveness of the candidates that replied: thank you!

In the middle of September, an International Code Convention (ICC) will be held in the Twin Cities. I know what you’re thinking: What’s the ICC? Well, read page 8 and you’ll see the proposed changes on the degree of slope being suggested for the residential ramps of the future. I was at a recent demonstration on the different angles of ramps, and I invited two of my good friends, Bill and Joen Overby. They’re a retired couple in very good health.

Bill plays softball on a regular basis, and Joen is an avid walker. They both had a very difficult time pushing one another up and down these proposed new ramp slopes.

Thanks to all the folks involved for bringing this to our attention.

both major parties now have nominees. The Republican National Convention was held here in St. Paul and many journalists, including Amy Goodman from “Democracy Now,” were arrested. I don’t know how to defend the Police Department for the arrests. In fact, I don’t want to defend them. They were wrong! St Paul, Minneapolis, and Minnesota came off well in the eyes of the national media, and that’s a great thing. We do live in a wonderful place. But the media didn’t give enough attention to the ways in which people’s legal rights to demonstrate were quashed—from the planning phases right through to being rounded up on bridges and being arrested for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. We can do As for the political conven- better than that. ■ tions, all the fun is over and

It’s time to promote understanding Sept. 25, Ataxia Awareness Day

by Mike Chevrette

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trists and doctors who ran the institutions became gentlemen farmers with strong opinions about which cow was the better “milch cow” and whether oxen or horses should be used for hauling. In 1909, after presentations by university professors on how to get maximum milk yield from dairy herds, Dr. Harry Tomlinson, the superintendent of St. Peter State Hospital, responded that “cows must be studied individually, if we are going to deal with them intelligently.”

He observed that some characteristics of cows indicate a “defect in the nervous system” that “may be aggravated by lack of intelligence on the part of the herdsman.” He discussed The reports of these confer- “the influence of the environences show that the psychia- ment upon the health of the n 1901 the Minnesota Legislature established the Board of Control to manage the state institutions and prisons and required the board to meet regularly with the superintendents and wardens to consider “in detail” methods to secure “economical management.” At quarterly conferences, they often discussed how best to manage the farms at their institutions.

These “farming industries,” as Superintendent A.C. Rogers from the Faribault State School and Hospital referred to them in a paper he presented in 1914, provided needed support for the institutions and real work for some of the residents.

cow” and warned of the harm from having one hundred cows in a barn “without a supply of good air and sunshine.”

The institutions’ residents who worked on these farms did receive good air and sunshine, although usually without pay.

Unfortunately, then, and for decades that followed, herd care in understaffed and overcrowded buildings was all that many institution residents received. ■ The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.mnddc.org or www. mncdd.org and www.part nersinpolicymaking.com.

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 ....................................................... Brigid Alseth, Mike Chevrette, Kelly Matter, Anita Schermer, Tom Squire and Kay Willshire Editor ......................................................................................................... Tim Benjamin Editorial Assistant .................................................................................... Jane McClure Business Manager ................................................................................. Dawn Frederick Cartoonist ..................................................................................................... Scott Adams Production ...................................................... Ellen Houghton at Presentation Images Webmaster ...................................................................................................... Alice Oden Distribution ......................................................................................... S. C. Distribution Advertising Sales Manager ................................................................... Raymond Yates Access Press is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Circulation is 10,000, distributed the 10th of each month through more than 200 locations statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to individuals, including political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $30/yr. Low-income, student and bulk subscriptions are available at discounted rates.

Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest to persons with disabilities, or persons serving those with disabilities, are welcomed. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Editorial material does not necessarily reflect the view of the editor/publisher of Access Press.

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n our lives, we have all experienced barriers that get in the way of accomplishing what we want or need to achieve. The barrier may be as simple as the carts in the space at the grocery store you wanted to park in but couldn’t because somebody was too lazy to put the cart in the corral. Or, the wheelchair that you use does not currently have monster truck capabilities and therefore, you are not able to get from the sidewalk to the bus in the winter due to unplowed snow. Barriers can get in anyone’s way but rarely are they debilitating or unsolvable.

barriers that are less wellknown, barriers that when I say the word brings a polite and puzzled response?

Mike Chevrette common and affects almost 50,000 Americans. There are two individuals in my life that I am proud to know and care about who are affected by this disorder. I will call these brothers Allen and Rico. Friedrich’s ataxia is hereditary and neither had any idea that they would be affected by it. Nor had they even heard of it until their late teens. Researchers indicate that after symptoms begin to show it may be 15 to 20 years before a wheelchair is necessary for mobility. However, for the brothers it was less than that, only 10 years.

Both men have utilized wheelchairs since their late 20s.

My hope is to help raise awareness about a condition that affects the lives of approximately 150,000 Americans. The condition is ataxia and “it’s not a foreign cab” as the National Ataxia Foundation’s slogan states. The word “ataxia” means “without order or in coordination.” It is a neurological degenerative disorder that affects balance, coordination, and speech. Ataxia is most often a loss of functioning in the cerebellum, which controls coordination. It can occur at University of Minnesota reHealth concerns can create any age. searchers note that 1 in 100 other, more difficult barriers.

Everyone may not have the There are several types of people may be a carrier of the anguish and challenges of deal- ataxia. The type of ataxia that recessive gene but only one in ing with cancer, HIV/AIDS, I have a connection with and 20,000 to 50,000 will have or multiple sclerosis but most have had the opportunity to Friedrich’s ataxia. The statispeople are somewhat familiar learn the most about is tics lead one to believe that it with them. But what about the Friedrich’s ataxia. It is the most Ataxia - cont. on p. 10

September 10, 2008

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Activists hold conference Something unexpected Imagine the reactions this pregnant lady gets for all who care

by Mai Thor

by Clarence Schadegg

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pen Doors and Open Hearts is an upcoming conference, put together by a dedicated group of socially active people of diverse faiths and backgrounds. Former prison inmates, people in recovery, government and community service professionals, and representatives from Twin Cities-based spiritual communities will cooperatively share viewpoints and ideas. The conference will be a time of reflection, meditation and growth. The conference is 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, October 11 at the Recovery Church, West Campus, Wesley United Methodist Church, 101 East Grant Street, Minneapolis, next to the Minneapolis Convention Center.

When people who are released from prison or those in recovery are made to feel invisible, one must ask, what more can be done to be a more inclusive and welcoming society and community? That is a question asked by Reverend John Hunter, an ordained minister who formed a ministry for exoffenders in North Minneapolis. Hunter believes the conference is important for any community. “Why we need a conference like this is because it brings us all together, all of the resources, and it brings communities together to better serve inmates so inmates can be better servants to the home, community and church,” said Hunter, pastor at First Community Recovery Church.

“Should communities be concerned about felons coming out of prison?” said Lyle Wildes, a member of Men as Peacemakers and a former prison inmate. “We should be concerned about anyone moving into or living in our community who feels invisible and disconnected to it, felon or non-

felon. I’ve heard drug dealers talk about those special people they wouldn’t sell drugs to.

Why? They felt connected to them in some positive way.”

conference project director Vern Bloom. “I’m certainly in favor of that. We also need ’community reform.’ We need to be much more inclusive than we have been with these folks.

Through a process called And all of us need to be part of “Open Space,” all conference this effort!” participants will have an equal opportunity to be heard and to To show compassion to each identify the issues and oppor- other is one way to make our tunities about which they are cities, streets and community most passionate. These mean- safer places to live for all ingful conversations, held in people. To force people into concurrent sessions during the invisibility with guns or reday, will provide the basis for strictive acts or disconnection recommendations and next or silence who’ve been resteps. While the specific re- leased from prison and who sults aren’t known, the pro- are in recovery from treatment cess will generate interactive for mental illness only reinlearning, inspirational visions, forces the negativity of punsurprising partnerships, heart- ishment. felt community, and transformative outcomes.

Everyone is invited to join us in this groundbreaking, highly “We do transformational interactive event for all those workshops inside prisons and who care about more open and jails, and during re-entry,” said inclusive spiritual communiAlternatives to Violence ties. The conference is free but Project Coordinator, Erika you need to preregister. Space Thorne. Many felons have in- is limited, so please register dicated that while housing, early. Please use email if posjobs and food are the most sible, oct11conference@aim. urgent concerns for recently- com or call: 651-644-5851. released inmates, the programs Be sure to include name, adthat provide them aren’t fully dress, phone number, email, utilized by an individual with- and organization (if any). For out consistent spiritual sup- further information or quesport in some form.” tions: call or e-mail Cal Appleby at 612-929-0901, or “We hear about prison and lafscal@aol.com mental health reform,” said

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eople with disabilities do a lot of regular things that elicit rather strange responses from the able-bodied world. For example, I often hear about how people with disabilities go out to eat at restaurants with friends or family and do not directly get asked questions by the waiter. Or how people get surprised to know when a person with a disability mentions that they have a job—a real one that is at an actual office, not just licking envelopes at home.

Now, imagine what kinds of reactions a disabled woman who is pregnant would get.

No, that wasn’t a typographical error you just read. I actually did say a disabled woman —using a wheelchair, no less—who is pregnant. Some of you might be thinking—is that even possible! How could that even happen? Well…news flash, it is possible, and it just did happen—to me. Yep, I’ve gone and done it. I’ve got a bun in the oven, I’m preggers, I’m knocked up. And guess what? I had sex in order for it to happen—gasp! But I’ll get to that part later.

First, let’s talk about the whole notion of being pregnant and disabled. Practically nobody seems to talk much about it.

Heck, people don’t think it’s

even possible. Can disabled women really get pregnant?

Well, unless what I saw in my first ultrasound was stock footage of some random woman’s fetus, I am here to say that it can happen and I am proof. In fact, it happens all the time.

Women with disabilities have been choosing to get pregnant and have children for years and years. Why not? After all, are we so different from our able-bodied counterparts that we don’t have the maternalistic desires to raise our own children, like our mothers and our mothers’ mothers did? We are women first, with all the normal female desires, wants and needs. No one has the right to tell any woman whether or not she should have children. It is a decision completely up to a woman to decide. I say do it just to prove people wrong.

In all seriousness, having a child should not be taken lightly. It’s a life changer. And, mine wasn’t exactly planned, although I am extremely excited (I can privately tell you about my recent lack of faith in the contraception industry).

When I first found out last month that I am expecting, my first reaction was—OK, that explains a lot. Then I thought, WHOA. This is huge. Then I thought about questions any woman would have—how far along am I, when do I see my

Open Doors and Open Hearts conference This conference is underwritten by the Trust for the Meditation Process, a charitable foundation supporting contemplative practice among Christians and encouraging dialogue and cooperation among all contemplative traditions.

Co-sponsoring organizations include: Minnesota Department of Corrections, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Governor’s Council on Faith and Community Services Initiatives, Minnesota Council of Churches, St. Paul Area Council of Churches, Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondolet and Consociates, NAMI-Minnesota, Beverly White Prison Meditation Project, Clouds in Water Zen Center, Rivers Way Meditation Center, Common Ground Meditation Center, Minnesota Zen Meditation Center, Compassionate Ocean Dharma Center, The Meditation Center, Gyuot Wheel of Dharma Monastery, Dharma Field Meditation and Learning Center, Mindroads Center for Meditation, Shadhilliyya Sufi Center, Resources for Ecumenical Spirituality, First Community Recovery Church, Center for Restoration Justice and Peacemaking, Minneapolis Yoga Workshop, Yoga Center of Minneapolis, Correctional Transition Services, Inc., Friends for a NonViolent World, Alternatives to Violence Project, Amicus, City House, RS Eden, Kenwood Therapy Center and Pax Christi Twin Cities.

doctor for my first prenatal visit—all that stuff and much more. In the interest of my baby, I also started thinking about how my disability would affect my pregnancy. So, the other questions such as can I carry to full term, will I need a caesarian to deliver and how will my mobility be affected when I grow bigger, crossed my mind. Having polio from waist down, I thought my pelvis might be too small for natural birth. However, my doctors assure me that there’s no reason to worry about carrying to full term. And it’s exciting for me to hear that, especially since the development of the baby is so fascinating.

If you are a woman with a disability and you want to have a baby, start researching it now.

My advice is to check with your doctor with all of your questions. Write them all down so you don’t forget. It’s great how many women with all kinds of disabilities throughout time have been able to have children. When your doctor has answered all your questions, there’s only one thing left to do—and that’s to do it.

Have all the sex you want until that home pregnancy test turns the right color. If anything, have lots of sex just to dispel the myth that people with disabilities don’t have sex.

I’ll be checking in every month or so to tell Access Press readers how I’m doing. It’s important to talk about this subject because it rarely gets talked about. I’ll talk about the baby’s development and how I’m feeling (so far, so good). I’ll bring up issues such as how to move around in a wheelchair while pregnant, what kind of delivery I’ll have and how I plan on preparing for the baby after it’s born. Until next time, happy sex to all people with disabilities and I hope that at least some will result in a baby! ■

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September 10, 2008

Effective in October Transit rate hike affects Metro Mobility

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ikes in transit fares, which take effect next month, will affect Metro Mobility riders as well as riders of Metro Transit buses and Hiawatha Corridor light rail. The rate hike was approved August 13 by the Metropolitan Council and will go into effect October 1. The increase is 50 cents for Metro Mobility service for persons with disabilities and 25 cents for regular-route service.

New cash fares will be $1.75, $2.25 or $3 depending on the type of service and time of day. Metro Mobility fares will be $4 during weekday rush hours and $3 at other times.

The fare increase will be implemented by all service providers, including Metro Transit, the region’s largest provider of transit service, Metro Mobility, suburban transit providers, and dial-a-ride and other contacted service.

Metro Transit, the region’s largest provider of transit service, expects to provide 80 million rides in 2008. The need for a fare increase was announced in June, followed by public hearings and meetings in July. More than 400 public comments were received from people who attended the public sessions or submitted comments by other means, including email, fax, phone messages and mail. Comments were received from riders with disabilities as well as those who ride regular Metro Transit routes and routes of suburban transit providers.

Among those commenting was Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, who expressed opposition to the fare increase at one public hearing. Rybak said that fare increases are a step in the wrong direction. “At a time of skyrocketing gas prices, traf-

fic congestion and global warming, we have an historic opportunity to dramatically improve and increase transit use,” Rybak said. “At this rare moment, we have the opportunity to make the single greatest shift in transportation patterns in a generation. We should seize this opportunity, not ignore it.”

“More people than ever want to ride transit and Metro Transit should do everything possible to encourage people to use transit, not discourage them,” Rybak added. “Fare increases discourage transit ridership pure and simple and Metro Transit should delay this increase and explore other options to balance their budget.”

The Metropolitan Council also approved a second fare increase, if needed, to take effect sometime in 2009, adding up to another 50 cents to the cost of a bus, train or Metro Mobility ride, depending on the cost of fuel and other economic factors. Council officials have indicated there will be opportunity for additional public input in advance of a second increase, if another increase is deemed necessary.

The last fare increase took effect July 1, 2005.

The council, however, did not support extending the morning rush-hour by one-half hour, so that rush hour fares would have begun at 5:30 a.m. “The longer morning rush-hour was a sticking point among people who are transit dependent, and who felt it would impose particular hardship upon lowerincome customers,” said Council Chair Peter Bell. “We felt this was an area where we were able to exercise some flexibility.”

The Central Corridor and light rail stations How accessible will the line be?

“No one particularly relishes the idea of higher fares, least of all the council—given grow- by Clarence Schadegg ing transit ridership,” said Bell. lans for Central Corri“But it’s safe to say people dor won Metropolitan understand what it means when Council approval Sepwe experience rising fuel costs and lower than expected rev- tember 3, putting the project enues from the Motor Vehicle in contention for needed federal funding. Under the bestSales Tax (MSTV). case scenario construction on “Under the circumstances, it’s the light rail line would start in an increase that’s pretty mod- 2010, with operations starting est and fair,” Bell added. in 2014. The line will connect The regional transit operating downtown Minneapolis and St. budget in FY2009 is $378.4 Paul, and will connect to the million. Transit services are Hiawatha light rail line. struggling with increased fuel costs, as a time when ridership Three public hearings were demand continuers to increase held in August to hear comMVST revenues for FY2009 ments on the light rail plans are forecasted to be $124 mil- and a supplemental draft envilion, $16 million less than the ronmental impact statement Nov. 2007 forecast (in FY08, (SDEIS). One key concern is metro-area transit receives 24 how accessible trains and light percent of MVST revenues, rail stations will be for persons and when the five-year phase- with disabilities. Even though in is complete in 2012, metro- plans for the $892 million area transit will receive 36 project have been submitted percent of MVST revenues) to the federal government public comments will continue Even with the fare increase, to be requested and accepted agency officials say support through 2009, according to from the Minnesota Legisla- Laura Baenen, communicature will be needed to close the tions manager of the Central gap on projected shortfalls in Corridor LRT Project. To acthe future. The fare increase cess the Met Council website, addresses about half the ex- go to www.centralcorridor. pected regional transit short- org Transportation commufall for 2009 of $15 million, a nity advisory committees are deficit that would have been held monthly, and anybody can higher without a $31 million submit questions or comments. infusion from the county sales The comment line is 651-602 tax the legislature approved 1645; the email is central this year. The fare increase corridor@metc.mn.us will also help to lower an anticipated shortfall in 2010 and The concerns for people with 2011, which combined, was disabilities include how accesprojected to be closer to $70 sible the train itself will be to people who use wheelchairs, million. ■ white canes, service animals (This information is from Met- and people who have ambularopolitan Council and City of tory difficulties. It’s more then just to safely navigate on and Minneapolis.) off the cars and around all of the LRT stations. It’s also, just as important getting to and from the LRT stations and bus stops safely. Concerns that people with disabilities might have to climb over mounds of

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snow at bus stops, that’s a barrier to somebody who uses a wheelchair or has a difficulty with mobility and cannot board the bus at such a location.

When asked about access to all parts of a station at all times as well as safe access to and from stations and bus stops, Baenen said that if “at all times means at all times that we can foresee and expect right now, then yes.”

will be in the middle of University Avenue. People will have to cross bus lanes to access the LRT stop at a signalized crossing with an audible device.

More specific plans need to be done on station and street crossing plans. Currently there’s no mechanism for an audio device, although that is still being studied.

It is always a safety risk for anybody to cross at signal intersections and pedestrian walkways with the concentration of traffic on University ave. Many people with disabilities have been struck by motorists who didn’t see the pedestrian or wasn’t pay attention and violated the law.

People on foot have the right of way by law to cross safely at signal intersections and crosswalks. And nobody should be at risk of injury or worse at a signal intersections. People with disabilities and older adults, because of the time limations are at a higher risk attempting to get to the opposite side of the street.

One safety measure will protect private use of user codes.

Ticket vending machines will be fitted with a translucent green cover for privacy and safety to obscure the view of anybody who may attempt to watch the use of private codes.

For consistency, Baenen said the ticket vending machines will be in the similar locations at each station. Machines will be ADA compliant and should be accessible for all users.

While the design of each station will not be identical, the location of ticket vending machines will be. The station design will benefit not only people with disabilities, but people who are elderly and people who are newcomers to the Twin Cities as well as infrequent LRT users.”

Baenen said transit police will patrol trains like at the Hiawatha stations. Security cameras and accessible emergency phones will be at each station; to satisfy safety and security issues.

Questions center on getting to the stations, many of which

The risk for everyone is to cross any lanes of traffic at any time of day. I’m aware of only one audible pedestrian signal, at the intersection of Hampden and University avenues.

A stretch of the Central Corridor where there are questions about pedestrian safety is the proposed pedestrian mall between Pleasant Avenue, near the covered Washington Avenue Bridge, to Oak Street on the East Bank campus of the University of Minnesota. In the July issue of Making Tracks, a publication of the Metropolitan Council, proposed changes to Washington Avenue were described. University of Minnesota president Robert Bruininks stated, “…Regents for the University of Minnesota have approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on $27 million in LRT- cont. on p. 10

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September 10, 2008

5

News at a glance . . .

Target settles lawsuit over web access In a victory for visually impaired consumers, Target Corp. has agreed to settle a two-year-old class action lawsuit and pay a $6 million settlement. The settlement was announced August 26.

Visually impaired web users contended that they were blocked from using the target.com web site because of technical issues.

The plaintiffs alleged that Target could have fixed the web site but chose not to.

The federal lawsuit was filed in San Francisco by the National Federation of the Blind, a Baltimore-based group. The Federation filed on behalf of Target web customers who were unable to use elements of the web site. The basis of the lawsuit was that the lack of accessibility violated two California state laws. The court rejected a third claim, that Target was also violating federal law.

Visually impaired people can access websites by using keyboard controls to move to mouse or by listening to text-tospeech software that reads aloud site content. The software can identify web features including web links, drop-down menus and other items. The lawsuit alleged that customers could not use the target.com site because the checkout button could not be read by the software.

The settlement means the case won’t go to trial and that Target will complete accessibility improvements to the website by February 28, 2009. The settlement will be split by an undetermined number of blind consumers, who will have to submit sworn statements detailing their inability to use the Target web site. The maximum claim per person will be $7,000.

[Source: Associated Press, Star Tribune]

for running a red light. Bahl gestured to the police officer that he wanted to write, but the officer wouldn’t communicate with him in that way. The lawsuit alleges that the officer peppersprayed Bahl, struck him and pulled him from the vehicle.

spiritual seekers, progressives, environmentalists, youth and the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. These are groups ignored by the mainstream media as legitimate audiences, sources and subjects for the news.

Bahl also alleges he was held in jail for three days without an American Sign Language interpreter to describe the charges against him, jail procedures and how he could be released. He was also given no special aids or way to reach his family.

Evergreene Digest provides links to more than 380 web sites of various groups and publications. More than 150 articles per month are highlighted. Original writing, photos and art are also presented. Until now the work of Evergreene Digest has been carried out by a small but extremely capable and dedicated informal group of volunteers. The journal’s success, however, is leading to organizing more formally as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. A board of directors is needed to set overall policy and direction of the organization. Its first job will be to review, approve, and submit the application for non-profit status the staff has prepared.

At trial last year Bahl was convicted of misdemeanor obstructing legal process but acquitted of the more serious charge of obstructing legal process with force. He was sentenced to four days’ time served, a 60-day suspended sentence and one year’s probation. Police reports indicate that Bahl wouldn’t speak with officers at the traffic stop grabbed the officer’s jacket and punched and bit the officer.

In the lawsuit Bahl is alleges that the city and county violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act and the Minnesota Human Rights Act. He and KovacsBahl are seeking more than $50,000 plus punitive damages.

They also are trying to change the way police and jail personnel interact with deaf and hard-of-hearing persons in the future.

The city has filed notice to move the lawsuit to federal court, saying that court has the authority to rule on ADA-related matters. The Bahls want the case to remain in Ramsey County District Court.

[Source: Star Tribune, Pioneer Press]

Redesign and reconstruction of two streets will alter the transit landscape downtown

Groundbreaking began in August on a $34 million transit Autism case numbers among Somalis raise concerns project in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. This marks the Fears about a possible surge in autism have swept Minnesota’s start of an ambitious multi-year project that will reshape how Somali community. Autism, a brain disorder that can cause people get into, out of and around downtown. It will include disruptive and withdrawn behavior, has been rising rapidly accessibility improvements. throughout the country. The discovery of a cluster among Somalis, experts say, could help scientists shed light on why. A reconstruction of Marquette and Second avenues from First Or, it could just be a statistical fluke. to 12th streets south, a project known as MARQ2, will dramatically increase bus capacity on those streets, letting those buses In Minneapolis, fears have been fueled by some puzzling move more efficiently through downtown. It will also affect statistics. Last year, Somali children made up just fewer than 6 other major downtown streets, such as Hennepin Ave. and percent of the school population, but 17 percent of those in the Nicollet Mall. early childhood autism programs (14 of 81 children). The numbers have been creeping up for several years, especially “Passengers will be spending a lot less time sitting, waiting on among young children. an express bus as it moves slowly through downtown,” said City Council Transportation and Public Works Committee ”People are worried,” said Saeed Fahia, who heads a Somali Chair Sandy Colvin Roy. community group. “Nobody remembers any autistic children in Somalia. I’m sure there must have been some, but there were not “That will make using buses more attractive to thousands of that many.” Somali children appear to have a more severe form commuters who work here and make our city more accessible of the condition, said Dr. Dan McLellan, a developmental than ever before.” pediatrician and autism specialist at Children’s Hospital. He estimates that 10 percent of his patients are Somali. “I do think When the MARQ2 project is completed in late 2009, other there’s something up with this,” he said. “I don’t know what it is.” changes will come to downtown streets. Express buses will no longer run on Nicollet Mall, opening it up to more bike traffic As of July, 3.6 percent of Somali students were in autism- and reducing peak-hour bus traffic by 40 percent. Also, Hennepin related programs in the Minneapolis Public Schools—about Ave and First Ave North will be converted into two-way streets. twice the district average.

MARQ 2 is one of the major components of Access MinneapoFor now, state and federal officials say they’re not sure whether lis, the City’s comprehensive ten-year transportation action Somalis in Minnesota are getting autism at an unusual rate or plan. This plan addresses a full range of transportation options whether there’s another explanation. But they’re taking it and issues facing Minneapolis, including pedestrians, bicycles, seriously enough to look closer. ”We want to understand the transit, automobiles, and numbers. That’s my goal,” said Judy Punyko, who is heading freight. a study group for the Minnesota Department of Health.

For more information on [Source: Star Tribune] MARQ2, go to: www.ci.minn Deaf activist, spouse file lawsuit against city, county eapolis.mn.us/public-works/ Douglas Bahl, a longtime deaf community activist, has filed marq2. For more information suit in Ramsey County District Court against the city of St. Paul on Access Minneapolis, go to: and Ramsey County sheriff’s office. The civil lawsuit was filed www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ August 20, in connection with a traffic stop and Bahl’s subse- public-works/trans-plan quent incarceration in November, 2006.

[Source: City of Minneapolis] The 57-year-old St. Paul resident was “seriously beaten, arrested and isolated in jail for three days with no adequate or effective means of communicating with jail staff or of communicating with his family or other people outside of the jail,” according to the lawsuit. The Minnesota Disability Law Center is representing Bahl, who has been a sign language trainer at St. Paul College for several years.

Evergreene Digest seeks board members

Evergreene Digest, an on-line monthly journal, is seeking board members. The vision for Evergreene Digest is to be the preferred one-stop online source for people with disabiliBahl’s wife, Susan Kovacs-Bahl, is a co-defendant in the ties, activists, women, comlawsuit. She was hospitalized at the time of his arrest and he was munities of color, working on his way to visit her when he was stopped by St. Paul Police people, veterans, pacifists,

Prospective board members should be committed to the purpose of Evergreene Digest and be willing to commit two to five hours a month, Board members should live in or be able to periodically travel to the Twin Cities area.

Adaptability and dealing with ambiguity, ability to work with others as a team, and initiative and risk-taking are other attributes sought in board members.

Anyone interested in the board can contact Evergreene Digest at 952-253-1444, evergreenedigest@earthlink.net), or at the home page of Evergreene Digest www.evergreenedigest.org (Source: Evergreene Digest)

A partner with the community, Regions Hospital celebrates National Physically Challenged Month.

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As a Level I Trauma Center and one of the area’s most respected healthcare providers, Regions Hospital celebrates diverse talents and backgrounds. Through acceptance and diversity, we can succeed in our mission to be a healing presence in the lives of the patients and families we serve.

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6

September 10, 2008

Congressional survey responses Access Press and the Minnesota Disability Law Center contacted Minnesota’s Congressional candidates to determine their positions on issues important to the disability community. Responses received prior to the September issue deadline are listed below. If you would like to know more about candidates, all have contact information listed on the Minnesota Secretary of State web site, at www.sos.mn.us. Candidates are arranged alphabetically by last name. Incumbents are starred, if one is in a race. Questionnaire responses received after Access Press went to press will be posted on the newspaper web site, www.accesspress.org Candidates were asked the following questions: 1) What you will work on if U.S. SENATE James Niemackl you are elected that will help Constitution Party improve the lives of people 1) My focus would be to inwith disabilities? crease the availability for em2) So far, what has been your ployment and volunteer work experience with the disability for people with all types of disabilities. We are all lookcommunity? ing for meaning and purpose 3) Many feel the recent pas- in our lives and we often find sage of the ADA Amendments that through work, whether that Act will prove to be beneficial is a paid job or volunteering to for the disability community. work for a shared purpose.

What are your thoughts on 2) My experience is that those this? who are disabled have the same 4) How do you intend to im- desire for living life as those prove the employment rate of who are not disabled. Each person’s disability has caused people with disabilities? them to adapt accordingly to 5) What is your plan to im- their situation with the desire prove federal programs and to accomplish the same tasks funding in order to help people as those who are not disabled, with disabilities to get quality but in a different way. I admire healthcare and supports they the ingenuity and determinaneed to live as independently tion that I often see among people who must conquer tasks as possible? that the rest of us take for 6) What’s your take on the granted. proposed Community Choice 3) The act was a good example Act? of Congress clarifying the law so that the courts rule according to the intention of the law

rather than redefining legislation as they see fit. By defining the intent Congress re-established individual rights that had been worn away by court rulings.

4) The key to finding jobs for those who are disabled is in organization. Organizing a network of caring people within organizations can serve to identify the strengths and limitations of each person to best match them with a job opening that they not only can do, but will enjoy. To strengthen this effort, we must rebuild our economy and the opportunity that is available.

5) Our healthcare system has become so expensive and such a burden that many people are excluded from benefits that they need to live a normal and healthy life. Much of this is due to excessive control of the industry by government. The constraints should be loosened to allow more flexibility to everyone, including those who are disabled. By reducing government restrictions and allow-

ing direct access to healthcare services, we can reduce the cost and eventually eliminate the need for health insurance altogether. To combat raising costs and massive government debt, I would work to organize local and state governments with private organizations to establish a network of assistance and resources that the disabled community can benefit from immediately. The organizations are in place, but we have to bring them together for a common purpose. That purpose would be to improve the quality of life for those who are disabled.

6) The idea behind the act is very good. Rather than keeping our disabled family members in high-priced nursing homes and institutions, we should take steps to shift to a more versatile system and promote family living arrangements. To do this money would have to be shifted to provide the assistance needed for people with disabilities to enjoy more freedom without simply adding more to the nation’s

economic burden. With a co- Charles Aldrich ordinated effort by government Libertarian Party officials, private organiza- Kurt Michael Anderson tions, and the disabled comIndependence Party munity we can create more Dean Barkley opportunity for a better life.

Independence Party Norm Coleman Ole’ Savior, DFL Party Republican Party* 1) More funding programs and Bill Dahn, Independence Party better health care for everyone Alve Erickson, DFL Party to improve their lives.

Priscilla Lord Faris, DFL Party Rob Fitzgerald, DFL Party 2) I have been involved with Al Franken, DFL Party Hennepin County programs Richard “Dick” Franson for the last five years already.

DFL Party Bob Larson, DFL Party 3) I am in favor of all amend- Jack Shepard ments that help the disabled.

Republican Party Darryl Stanton 4) Many companies need to Independence Party increase the work force in dis- Jack Uldrich ability.

Independence Party Stephen Williams 5) Many programs at state and Independence Party federal level are being cut and Doug Williams my goal will be to restore all Independence Party previous funding and also increase the programs in a fair U.S. House manner to help the disabled in DISTRICT 1 employment areas and raise Brian J. Davis the standard of living, health Republican Party care and other needs they have. Dick Day Republican Party 6) No answer Questionnaire - cont. on p. 7

September 10, 2008

CONGRESSIONAL QUESTIONNAIRE I now work as a business analyst at Target Corporation, which has a long history of actively hiring people with disabilities through the Work DISTRICT 2 John Kline, Republican Party* Opportunity Tax Credit program. This program has Steve Sarvi, DFL Party proven to be an important tool to expand employment opporDISTRICT 3 (Incumbent Jim Ramstad tunities for people with dischose to not seek re-election.) abilities.

Gregory Mikkelson Independence Party Tim Walz, DFL Party*

David Dillon Independence Party 1) Employment. There is a tremendous opportunity to both provide more employment prospects for people with disabilities and an opportunity to help our economy be more competitive and successful by taping into skills, abilities and energy of those with disabilities.

2) As a CEO, entrepreneur and family business owner we have found people with disabilities to be some of our strongest contributors.

3) This may well be true despite the fact that it may not have gone far enough and it is clear certain items (such as a provision for the importation of helper monkeys for quadriplegics) were missed altogether.

4) Today employers worry needlessly about health care cost liabilities with employees with disabilities. Health care reform that allows employers, particularly small employers to buy into the same cost risk pools of large employers and government employees will remove this impediment for employment for citizens with disabilities.

5) The two most important initiatives are the reform mentioned in number four above and passing the Community Choice Act 6) I strongly support the Community Choice Act. Like mental health parity, it is a matter both of fairness and good economics.

Erik Paulsen Republican Party 1) I pledge to maintain the same strong commitment that was demonstrated by my friend and mentor, Rep. Jim Ramstad, to tearing down the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from living with dignity and independence. He has served with distinction as the co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus in Congress, and I pledge to be an active member of that important caucus and work in a bipartisan way to expand opportunities for people with disabilities.

And as a member of the Minnesota Legislature, I worked hard for policies to help people with disabilities, and I pledge to do the same if elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Also, I volunteer for The Learning Exchange, an organization that helps people with developmental disabilities.

3) I agree. I was appalled by the recent court decisions that had significantly eroded the important protections contained in the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and I was pleased the ADA Amendments Act passed the U.S. House.

Among other things, the bill clarifies that those people with disabilities who use adaptive technology to cope with their disability will still receive the full protections of the ADA. 4) I strongly believe we need to make the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) permanent. I am pleased this important incentive was recently extended, but now Congress needs to take the next step and make it permanent.

We must also ensure that people with disabilities are fully informed about the opportunities to work without losing health benefits that are afforded by the Ticket to Work Act. Eliminating disincentives to work for people with disabilities is a matter of justice and basic civil rights.

I strongly believe we must maintain the protections of the ADA in the workplace and other areas.

Cont. from p. 6

6) I strongly agree with Senator Harkin that individuals should be able to choose the setting in which they live.

People want real choices. It is a good idea to allow funding to follow the person, to not favor one setting over another, and to remove program disincentives that lower the number of choices available to individuals with disabilities.

Ashwin Madia, DFL Party Steev Ramsdell, Independence Party

must finally make it a priority to live up to the promise that all children deserve a free and appropriate education. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I have been proud to support legislation that rejects cuts proposed by the administration and provides increases for special education.

I will continue to fight for adequate funding to ensure that all children have access to a quality education.

25, 2008. This legislation restores the intent of the ADA and clarifies that the ADA provides broad coverage to protect anyone who faces discrimination because of a disability. The ADA Amendments Act restores the promise of this important civil rights law.

4) I will continue to fight to increase funding for IDEA to ensure a quality education for all students and to improve access to higher education. The Higher Education Opportunity Act is an important step in reducing barriers for students with disabilities. This legislation provides assistance to faculty and staff and improves access to college course materials. It also creates a system for gathering information about technical assistance so that we can continue to make improvements at higher education institutions across the country.

Voting is the right and responsibility of every citizen and polling places must be accesDISTRICT 4 sible. If re-elected, I will conBetty McCollum tinue to fight to ensure that all DFL Party* 1) I will continue to work with Americans can exercise their the disability community to right to participate in our defight discrimination and re- mocracy. move barriers. We need to ensure that all Americans have 2) Congress plays an imporfull access to our communities tant role in issues that directly and the opportunity to live in- impact persons with disabilities. I have enjoyed the oppordependently. tunity to work with many MinMedicare and Medicaid are nesotans who share my goal of critical safety net programs that improved access to health care, must be preserved. Access to education, and full participa- In addition, I will continue to health care for many allows tion in our government. The work to ensure funding for independence, the opportunity disability community has been to work, and the critical care an effective partner in passing that one needs for a dignified, important legislation such as productive life. I voted against the ADA Amendments Act. In administration proposals to cut addition, at home I have the this critical funding and will opportunity to work directly continue to work to ensure with residents of the 4th Disthese important programs ex- trict on casework involving ist for future generations. As a Social Security and Medicare member of the Appropriations benefits.

Committee, I will also continue to work to provide the On a personal level, I grew up funding necessary to eliminate with a father with a severe the Social Security Disability hearing disability. Like the majority of our families, I have backlog. many friends and relatives who I have been a strong advocate face daily challenges with their of special education and have disability. introduced H.R. 1896, the Achieving our IDEA Act, to 3) I am a cosponsor of H.R. provide full funding of 3195, the ADA Amendments Washington’s commitment to Act, which passed the House special education. Congress by a vote of 402-17 on June

critical job training and vocational rehabilitation programs.

To remain competitive, we need to make sure that all our citizens have access to training for high-demand jobs and that we have the services in place to support work and selfsufficiency.

5) I believe health care should be a right for all Americans.

We must invest in healthcare coverage to improve the health of all Americans. Access to health care for many allows independence, the opportunity to work, and the critical care that one needs for a dignified, productive life.

An important part of improving health care is to ensure that Medicare and Medicaid continue to provide adequate coverage for recipients and reimbursements for providers. This means we must fund Medicare and Medicaid adequately and make the changes necessary to provide quality care. I am a cosponsor of the Direct SupQuestionnaire - cont. on p. 11

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I also believe we need to fully fund Vocational Rehabilitation programs, which are an important tool to give people with disabilities a meaningful opportunity to work.

5) I share the bipartisan opposition to the misguided Targeted Case Management regulations promulgated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that would have decimated programs that help people with disabilities transition to independent living. I am pleased a one year moratorium was passed to block these regula2) As a legislative aide to Con- tions, and I will certainly congressman Ramstad, I helped tinue to oppose them. staff his own Disability Advisory Committee, where I I also strongly support the prolearned firsthand about the grams in the Assistive Techmany major issues facing nology Act. people with disabilities.

7

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September 10, 2008

8

12 to one or 8 to one; that is the question International Residential Code changes are controversial

by Access Press staff

A

nyone who has ever tried to navigate a toosteep ramp will want to weigh in proposed building code changes that will be voted on September 21. A lobbying and public education effort is underway to make sure the changes aren’t implemented.

Code (IRC) is the building code that governs construction involving one and twofamily homes in 46 states, including Minnesota. A proposal has been made by Rick Davidson, director of Building Inspection Services for the city of Maple Grove, to change the language in this code to The International Residential allow wheelchair ramps that INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS TRANSITION SERVICES HOUSING NEEDS PEER MENTORING RAMP PROJECT NURSING HOME RELOCATION DISABILITY LINKAGE LINE www.mcil-mn.org ADVOCACY Phone: 651.646.8342 ACCESSIBILITY Fax: 651.603.2006 ADA INFORMATION TTY: 651.603.2001 TECHNOLOGY PERSONAL ASSISTANCE

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are too steep to be safe for the large majority of mobility device users. The change is being proposed as both a costsavings measure and as a way to clear up ambiguity in the current code language. But disability advocates are worried that the change could create barriers to ramp users. If the change is adopted it could become a standard throughout the United States. Individuals would be getting advice from contractors that are just following the code, not the ability and safety to use the ramp.

access to single-family homes and duplexes. It would change the current code language that requires a 1 to 12 in most cases to code language that states “Ramps shall have a maximum slope of one unit vertical in eight horizontal.” Slope is determined by how many inches or feet of sloped surface (also called run) there are for each unit of height. For example, if the entrance to a home is 1 foot above the ground, an 8 foot long ramp creates a 1 to 8 slope and a 12 foot long ramp creates a 1 to 12 slope. The math also works by measuring The decision to approve or both height and run in inches. Bob Zimmerman carefully heads down an 8 to 1 slope. The disapprove this change will be It is important to remember slope raises concerns about the safety factory in the winter made September 21 at the In- that more units of run create a when it would be slippery with snow and ice.

Photos by Gordon Gillesby and Guy Winters ternational Code Council more gradual ramp and fewer (ICC) annual meeting in Min- units make the ramp steeper. garding proper slopes for lowable slope and do not preneapolis. Several advocates vent anyone from building a and people with disabilities Jim Williams of the Metro- ramps. more gently sloped ramp if will provide testimony to the politan Center for Independent ICC members who will be vot- Living (MCIL) and Bob Much of the public education desired. According to Ziming to approve or disapprove Zimmerman of the Minnesota efforts centers on a video, pro- merman, who has designed the new language. The advo- Rehabilitation Services Inde- duced August 23 with the help more than 3,000 ramps in the cates hope to persuade the pendent Living section are of about a dozen volunteers. Twin Cities area since 1992, council to keep the standard coordinating efforts to block The video will provide power- “a ramp with a 1 to 8 slope is so for the slope of ramps for the Davidson proposal. The ful testimony about the prob- steep it will be difficult or danhomes at 1 to 12. The ICC is a Statewide Council for Inde- lems and potential dangers gerous for most people to just non-profit organization that pendent Living, the Minnesota caused by steep ramps. The walk up and down. Changing develops the various codes Association of Independent volunteers, using a variety of the code language as proposed used around the country.

Living Centers, the South East- mobility devices, were filmed by Davidson will create the ern Minnesota CIL and MCIL using both a 1 to 8 and 1 to 12 false impression that a 1 to 8 Davidson’s proposal deals are co-sponsoring a booth at ramp. All agreed using the ramp is the right ramp to build with the maximum or steepest the ICC meeting. The booth steeper ramp was more diffi- because it is the code.” slope allowed for ramps for will provide information re- cult. In some cases, volunteers said the steeper ramp was Advocates note that building even scary. Comments like “I code officials are seen as had no idea pushing a wheel- sources of reliable informachair up a ramp could that tion and many people conhard” and “It’s really hard to fronted with the need to install maintain control going down a ramp at their home will conthis ramp” were common. The tact their local code official to sound of wheelchair footrests find out what to build. The scraping the floor when get- official will tell them what the ting on or off the 1 to 8 ramp code is and many people take was often heard, with no simi- that to mean a 1 to 8 slope is lar occurrence on the 1 to 12 what they should build. They ramp. will only find out it is too steep for them after it has been built.

The code current code lanJoen Overby, struggling to keep her husband Bill from guage and the proposed change The web site www.iccsafe.org freewheeling down the ramp that is far too steep for easy both establish the steepest al- has complete information control.

Photos by Gordon Gillesby and Guy Winters about the International Code Council and how it develops the codes. Anyone can submit a code change proposal. The proposal is then reviewed by a committee and members of the organization vote to accept or reject the proposal. Davidson’s proposal and 20 public comments requesting that it be disapproved can be found by going to the ICC website. In the drop down menu for Codes and Standards choose Code Development then choose 2007/2008 Code Development Cycle and scroll down to and select “Final Action Agenda”, scroll down to IRC residential code and click on RB2 – RB105 and in this section scroll down to RB 57. ■

September 10, 2008

9

Access Press movie Hall of Shame

by Jane McClure

T

he controversy over “Tropic Thunder� brings to mind other recent movies that have sparked controversy about portrayals of persons with disabilities. Here is our list for the Hall of Shame, listed in order of year of release.

“The Ringer� (2005) Our Hall of Shame would be much larger if Access Press had included the genre some of us know as teenage horror/ gross-out films. Those seem to pile stereotype upon stereotype, with no group left unscathed.

And that’s the difficulty with movies for younger viewers, such as the crowd “Tropic Thunder� is drawing in. It’s what these viewers take away from a movie that can shape attitudes for the rest of their lives. Any movie with MTV star Johnny Knoxville as a star and the Farrelly brothers as producers is certain to draw the youthful movie crowd. “The Ringer� is the story of a young man who poses as a disabled athlete so that he can compete in the Special Olympics and help win an obviously rigged bet. Knoxville is Steve, the young man who is part of this twisted scheme.

What surprised many people about “The Ringer� is how it was embraced by the Special Olympics and the National Down Syndrome Society. Both groups had quite a say in the making of the film, which provided work for more than 150 actors with disabilities.

The reviews and blog postings about the film were very mixed, with some hailing the portrayal of athletes with disabilities and others saying the movie only would perpetuate stereotypes.

This article from The New York Times describes the involvement of disabled actors and how the experience was positive for them and for groups that advocate for them: www.nytimes.com/2005/12/ 11/movies/11bauer.html?_r= 1&oref=slogin

“Forrest Gump� and other films with a similar message.

She too was concerned with what he would take away from seeing these films.

Anyone interested in reactions to movies, regardless of the movie topic or message, should check out the Internet Movie Database, at www.imdb.com What’s great about this web site is that it includes message boards about each movie, as well as a parent’s guide. The comments on movies, especially movies involving persons with disabilities, are usually as varied as they are thought-provoking.

melodramatic assault on people with disabilities.�

Drake dissects the movie’s ending, point by point, to explain how illogical it is. One would have to know nothing about modern medical care, accommodations or services for persons with disabilities or event basic nursing home security to believe any of it.

Other movie characters’ disabilities were also criticized by advocates as unrealistic, stereotyped or lacking in perspective. One character is partially blind. Another is developmentally disabled. Read Drake’s review at: www.rag ged-edge-mag.com/reviews/ “Million Dollar Baby� (2004) drakemillionbaby.html This Clint Eastwood movie, which also starred Morgan “In Her Shoes� (2002) Freeman and Hillary A movie featuring a trio of Swank, drew rave revery talented female views and many stars, Shirley Machonors for indilaine, Cameron Diaz vidual portrayals and Toni Collette, and the film itself. “In Her Shoes� was Swank’s portrayal marketed mainly to of Maggie, a young women. Diaz and woman boxer trained Collette are sisters

by Eastwood, netted and total opposites, her second Academy with one a fun-loving, irreAward. sponsible party girl and the other a hard-working, dour atYet “Million Dollar Baby� was torney. The sisters have all assailed by the disability com- kinds of issues—a mother’s munity for its ending (spoiler death, a (stereotypically) mean alert!) which centered on the stepmother, jealousy, sibling assisted suicide of a disabled rivalry, etc. The title’s shoe main character. The character’s reference is to a closet of shoes transformation and the atti- owned but seldom worn by tudes surrounding that trans- Collette’s character. Of course, formation were ridiculous. It they fit Diaz’ character perwas as if we weren’t even deal- fectly, which causes another ing with the same character. source of friction between the siblings.

In his review on the Ragged Edge web site, Steve Drake of The sisters live together until Not Dead Yet describes “Mil- having a huge falling-out over lion Dollar Baby� as a “corny, (what else?) a man. Diaz then

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Ragged Edge had a much different take, at: www.raggeded gemagazine.com/blogs/ edgecentric/archives/2005/ 12/can_movies_disp.html What made me uncomfortable about this film was what message young movie goers, disabled or not, would take away from it. My concern was that it still perpetuated stereotypes on some ways. Some of the reactions on the Internet Movie Database were compelling to read, especially one from the mother of youngster with developmental disabilities who explained why she would not take her son to see “The Ringer,�

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goes to live with their grandmother, portrayed by Maclaine.

During the course of the film it’s revealed that Maggie has dyslexia, which has cost her all kinds of work and personal opportunities over the years.

Although most movie-goers would develop a sense of empathy for Maggie’s plight, the movie portrays learning disabilities as easily overcome by the love of one’s family and friends. Anyone who has ever coped with a learning disability, or had a friend or family member with a learning disability, will no doubt cringe at the ending.

Most reviews were not terribly excited about “In Her Shoes,� although few savaged the movie. Most reviews glossed over the dyslexia issues and the improbable ending. My favorite comments came from WBAI, which had this review: http://wbai.org/ index.php?option=com_content &task=view&id=7223&Item id=2

Kelly and Bradley pass out information about “Offense Taken� during a showing of “Tropic Thunder� at the Highland Theater in St. Paul. community service project, she falls in love with a young, developmentally disabled man nicknamed Pumpkin. Of course this turn of events changes her life and makes her a better and noble person, but it brings disruption to the lives of all others around her. (Again we have a disabled person with a stereotypically overprotective mother, a stock character in many movies as you’ll see in another review.)

“Pumpkin� (2002) A movie starring Christina Ricci, “Pumpkin� centers on a young woman named Carolyn whose sorority takes on the community service project of coaching athletes who are disLike our other Hall of Shame abled. contenders, this movie had its Ricci also produced the movie. staunch defenders and detracHer character starts out as the tors. Some critics liked Pumptypical blonde, vapid, privi- kin; others consigned it to the leged young sorority sister ste- movie compost bin. Ann reotype (which itself is unfair Hornaday’s review in the to sorority members every- Washington Post notes that where). Through the sorority’s “disability, whether mental or

physical, has become the new blackface—an acceptable foil for cruelty, base humor and false piety in an industry that prides itself as progressive and humanists.�

Hornaday also describes “Pumpkin� as a movie that cannot decide which type of message it is trying to convey.

Is it supposed to be meaningful? Irreverent? It’s hard to decide.

Read Hornaday’s review at: www.washingtonpost.com/ ac2/wp-dyn/A263512002Jul4 “The Other Sister� (1999) This movie received decidedly mixed reviews for its portrayal Shame - cont. on p. 10

10

September 10, 2008

OFFENSE TAKEN groups came together,” said Sherry Gray, one of the many volunteers who worked to make the film a reality. A number of organizations were involved, including Advocating Change Together, the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota, Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, Arc Greater Twin Cities.

The film was proposed in the summer of 2007 as a way to extend the issues to the wider community, to help spread the word that this isn’t merely an issue of “politically correct” language. Rather, it is an issue that goes to the heart of whether persons with disabilities are fully credited – and honored – as part of their communities.

And one cannot be a full member of a community when one comes with a derogatory, demeaning or distancing label.

After the premiere, a large group stayed to discuss the video and how to use it to launch a local public awareness and human rights campaign—in schools, churches and community groups.

Wilbur Frank, of Arc Southwest, spoke about how she plans to use the video as a part of the play being produced by United We Stand players, a group of self-advocates from

from p. 1

Mankato. Frank noted that her theater troupe, composed of self-advocates and allies, has been inspired by the year-long campaign already mounted by the coalition whose actions are documented in ”Offense Taken.” An excerpt of the movie will close out the group’s play, which will be performed at the statewide Arc convention, October 11 and 12 in Mankato.

The brainstorming extended to other media forms as well.

Audience member Sally Koenecke from the Lake Minnetonka Communications Commission, urged folks to call their local community access station to get the film shown locally around the state.

In the two weeks since the screening, several people have already begun to contact cable access to schedule the show in their area. Another audience member, Alexanda Bornstein, was motivated to start a Facebook group, “Offense Taken: Shredding the ‘R’ Word.”

For more information, visit www.offensetaken.org Bret Hesla is a former Access Press assistant editor. He was involved through ACT in the production of “Offense Taken.”

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Ataxia Cont. from p. 2 could not possibly happen twice in one family. These two brothers are struggling with a disorder that they should not even have—according to statistics.

Rico began to notice his first symptom of Friedrich’s ataxia at football practice, when he felt as though he could not keep his balance and began to fall a lot. He eventually had to drop out of football. Other symptoms he began to experience included muscle weakness, unsteady gait, no reflexes in the legs, scoliosis and slurred or abnormal speech. Rico said, “Ataxia impacts every aspect of your life. Simple tasks such as tying your shoes, getting ready in the morning or eating can be a struggle.” What Allen and Rico’s parents did not know is that they were both carrying the recessive gene that is necessary to produce Friedrich’s ataxia. This gene was identified in 1993. Genetic testing for the disorder is now available thanks to research conducted at the University of Minnesota. Allen and Rico are courageous men who have donated time to the University of Minnesota to help researchers and doctors find a cure or medication. Although there have been many discoveries made by researchers to attempt to solve the mystery of Ataxia in the last ten years, there is no cure for Friedrich’s ataxia or any other form of ataxia.

Intellectual disability is NOT funny

by Pam Carlson

A

rc works very hard to change attitudes and policies to improve the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We have learned from the people we serve and their families that language does matter—it can cut human beings down, or it can build them up.

That’s why Arc responded when “Tropic Thunder,” opened August 13 in theaters across the country. The president of the Arc of the United States, along with representatives of Special Olympics, the Down Syndrome Congress and other disability organizations, met with DreamWorks studios and Paramount Pictures early in August. They voiced concern about the movie’s depiction of a character called Simple Jack and the film’s frequent use of the word “retard” and other insulting terms used to describe this character. DreamWorks and Paramount pulled an offensive website and other promotional pieces, but refused to make any changes to the film.

LRT -

Locally, the Arc of Minnesota and its chapters suggested the public boycott the film to protest its use of language that demeans people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and decreases the quality of their lives by making them the focal point of attempted humor.

tend his graduation party this spring than his sister did at hers. This fall David plans to begin volunteering at our local Humane Society and our neighborhood community center.

“David works harder than his siblings (and most adults) every day to improve his level of independence. To make fun of his challenges when he works so hard to contribute to his family, neighbors, and community is offensive and inexcusable.”

Jean Bender, president of the Arc of Minnesota Board of Directors, said, “As representatives of Minnesota organizations promoting the rights and human acceptance of persons with disabilities, we take these degrading depictions of Tom Judd, chairman of the people with intellectual dis- board of directors for Arc abilities to heart.

Greater Twin Cities, wrote a letter to the editor to the Star “My son David has significant Tribune published August 14, cognitive and medical disabili- 2008. He said “Use of the ties, and he requires assistance term ‘retard’ in the film is infor activities most of us con- tolerant, disrespectful and insider routine. And yet, he is as sensitive and every bit as ofinvolved and included in his fensive as an ethnic or racial community as his neighbors, slur…we would encourage friends and family.

DreamWorks and the movie “David walks the neighbors’ industry to establish a social puppy every day, and assists responsibility review board to several neighbors with their use the power of filmmaking recycling. His circle of friends to not only entertain, but also is large; he had more pals at- Not Funny - cont. on p. 14

Cont. from p. 4

traffic mitigation, including on the rail line. University $11.1 million for converting Avenue will lose all but 195 of Washington Avenue into a about 1,000 parking spaces. transit/pedestrian mall. The The City of St. Paul is working MOU also includes $5.1 mil- with businesses and the Metlion for East Bank campus area ropolitan Council to resolve For the most part people with street connections and fund- the issue.

Friedrich’s ataxia can live their ing for modifying some interlives like anyone else. They sections.”

Information on parking, street work, go to baseball games, crossings and station designs get groceries, get married, have Another question that needs can be found at www.central children and go fishing. They answers is the of loss of on- corridor.org or www.metro just face more barriers along street parking allowing private council.org The City of St. the way than persons without motorist access to businesses, Paul web site provides parkataxia. It can be a tremendous struggle. September 25th is InCont. from p. 9 ternational Ataxia Awareness of a young woman, with a de- school, getting an apartment, Day. Now that you have an velopmental disability making making new friends and beidea what ataxia is and how it her way in the world after years coming a veterinary assistant. affects people, please take time away from her family at a Her overprotective mother to learn more about it. The school for persons with dis- (Diane Keaton) is much more National Ataxia Foundation’s abilities. skeptical and fearful about her website is an excellent resource daughter’s abilities. The famand can be visited at www. Juliette Lewis stars as Carla, ily dynamic of members who ataxia.org ■ the main character and the are supportive and members other sister referred to in the who are embarrassed by Carla Mike Chevrette is an employ- title. Carla’s homecoming is would ring true for many famiment support consultant for an uneasy one. Her father (Tom lies, but the way the movie Goodwill/Easter Seals in St. Skerritt) encourages Carla to makes its points is about as Paul. follow her dreams of going to subtle as a slap in the face at times.

ing information at www.st paul.gov/ Look for the link to Central Corridor. U-Plan, a program of the advocacy group University UNITED, has done its own versions of the Central Corridor University Avenue maps. Some users think those maps are clearer and easier to use than the ones provided by Met Council. Find them, by intersection, at www.uplan.org ■

SHAME -

Spoiler alert! There are the predictable scenes centered on Carla causing a commotion at public events, including a dog

show/benefit where mutts are let out of their cages. The part of the movie in which she and her new boyfriend explore sex is just too cutesy for words.

Film critic Roger Ebert criticized “The Other Sister” for having “no serious knowledge of developmental disabilities and no interest in learning and teaching” and for using mental retardation as a “gimmick” and a “plot device.”

Read Ebert’s review at:http:// rogerebert.suntimes.com/ apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/ 19990226/REVIEWS/ 902260306/1023. ■

September 10, 2008

QUESTIONNAIRE port Professionals Fairness and Security Act which will raise the wages of these important providers to ensure that quality care remains available for persons with disabilities.

I also strongly support health care research, which can prevent and cure illness, allow for higher quality of life, and create jobs in our communities.

As a member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education subcommittee, I will continue to work for increased investment in research and prevention, as well as strengthening our public health system.

6) I am a cosponsor of H.R. 1621, the Community Choice Act. This bill will allow flexibility and choice for persons with disabilities and their families in how and where they receive services.

Ed Matthews, Republican Party DISTRICT 5 Keith Ellison, DFL Party* 1. The ADA prohibits employment discrimination and requires accommodations that make it possible for people with disabilities to work, travel, and recreate independently. Unfortunately, recent court decisions have incorrectly interpreted the ADA narrowly, causing a surge in employment discrimination.

That’s why I’m proud to have co-sponsored and voted for the ADA Amendments Act, which clarifies the ADA’s intent to protect people with disabilities from discrimination. If reelected I will continue to be vigilant in making sure the ADA lives up to its promise.

Navigating and patching our broken health care system is time-consuming and diverts resources from long-term solutions. That’s why I will continue to push for universal, single-payer health care.

Single-payer health care will free all Americans, and especially people with disabilities, from the expense and uncertainty of our HMO-dominated health care system. By providing universal care, we free people with disabilities from the confining fear of losing their health care and we ensure people with disabilities can make employment and health care choices that maximize their independence.

Protecting Voting Rights. Voting is the most fundamental sign of inclusion in our society. But people with disabilities often encounter physical and institutional barriers to voting. My campaign and Congressional office work hard to make sure people with disabilities are aware of and can exercise their full voting rights. I will continue to raise this issue and work to educate the public and election officials about the

11

Cont. from p. 7

need to ensure full access to employment limits people with voting. disabilities’ their financial independence and decreases 2) Since the beginning of my their access to the health care public service, I’ve been they need. Social service orblessed with the advice and ganizations, non-profits, and friendship of extraordinarily government agencies serving gifted and insightful people people with disabilities should with disabilities. They’ve make closing the employment made me more aware of the gaps one of their primary goals. diversity of challenges and For government policy to propopportunities facing their com- erly address the employment munity. Through those rela- issues facing people with distionships, I’ve reached a abilities, we must first be willdeeper understanding of the ing to admit areas where govhow much more our society ernment helps cause the probcan and should do to foster lem. SSI benefits decline or greater access for people with stop after a recipient rises disabilities. My campaign has above a certain income level— held two forums on how to the income cap provides a disengage more people with dis- incentive to work. We need to abilities in the political pro- reexamine the income cap and cess. The forums led my cam- make adjustments to ensure paign to adapt our campaign we’re not driving people with practices to allow people with disabilities away from the disabilities to participate in workplace. important voter outreach, including generating Braille Access is another issue—we voter education lists for visu- need to keep up the pressure ally impaired volunteers. In on the US Senate to pass the order to help more people with ADA Amendments Act, just disabilities find their political as the House did earlier this voice, the campaign has hired year. When we remove disa long-time friend and col- crimination from our workleague of mine, Michael Cohn. places and providing the acMike, who is the chair of the commodation people with disDFL Disability Caucus, will abilities need, we’ll have taken serve as our Disability Out- critical steps toward fuller reach Organizer. Mike will employment. Finally, we need work hard to open further paths to push for universal, singlefor people with disabilities to payer health care. As with all work on this and other cam- Americans, when people with paigns, and also help ensure disabilities have guaranteed that the voting rights of people health care independent of with disabilities are respected their employers, they’ll have and enforced in the upcoming the freedom to choose from elections. far more jobs, rather than remain unemployed for fear of 3) The motto of my campaign losing government benefits. is “Everybody Counts, Everybody Matters.” I believe the 5) Passing the Paul Wellstone ADA Amendments Act, which Mental Health Parity Act, I co-sponsored and voted for; which I co-sponsored, voted, helps bring that motto to life and fought for, will be a huge for people with disabilities. step toward inclusion of people The ADA Amendments Act with disabilities. H.R.1424 provides much needed clarity provides the same care and to the ADA. It makes clear that benefits to those who suffer Congress intended the ADA’s from mental illness or addiccoverage to be broad, to cover tion as for any other ailment. anyone who faces unfair dis- The bill will be of particular crimination because of a dis- benefit to those with intellecability, or because of the per- tual disabilities and their famiception he or she might be lies, who will no longer have disabled. The ADA Amend- to fight with insurance compaments Act also overturns re- nies to get the care they decent court decisions to make serve. I have also worked to sure people with disabilities enforce the federal requirewill not lose their coverage ment that special education under the ADA because their programs receive the full recondition can be treated with imbursement specified in the medication or can be addressed law. Providing that funding with assistive technology. will encourage state, local, and These narrow, incorrect court non-profit investment in prointerpretations have restricted grams designed to help people ADA coverage for people with with disabilities achieve indediabetes, epilepsy, serious pendence. I also worked heart conditions, mental dis- closely with Congressional abilities and even cancer. Cor- leadership, authoring a provirecting such judicial mistakes sion to save Minnesotans beand clarifying the full cover- tween $40 and $50 million in age of the ADA are important cuts to Medicaid. The provisteps toward realizing the true sion I authored saves Medicpromise of the Americans with aid coverage for targeted case Disabilities Act. management, services essential to the care of people with 4) Nationwide, people with special needs, many of whom disabilities have 20% less are people with disabilities. employment than people without disabilities. Such under- From just these few examples,

we see how much we have to exert ourselves to secure health care and independence for people with disabilities. I’m proud to pass these measures, but we need a comprehensive solution. That’s why I continue to advocate for universal, single-payer health care.

Single-payer health care will eliminate the endless need to patch our broken health care system and allow us to focus our resources on providing people the care they need to live independent, fulfilling lives.

6) Fostering independent living is a key goal of advancing the inclusion of people with disabilities into society. That is why I plan to co-sponsor the Community Choice Act, which requires Medicaid to reimburse people with disabilities for a variety of communitybased living arrangements, rather than confining people with disabilities to large, institutional care centers that may isolate them from the larger world. By funding communitybased living, we allow people with disabilities a much wider range of housing options and community choices, giving them more independent access to grocery stories, libraries, schools, and social services.

By fostering a deeper connection to society, we put people with disabilities in contact with the economic, political, and social life of the nation, and the networks vital to individual prosperity. We also demonstrate to the temporarily ablebodied that people with disabilities are fully capable of participating in civic and economic life, thus enriching all communities.

Gregg A. Iverson DFL Party 1) Better medical care.

2) Have worked with disabled people.

3) I will support any help that people need.

4) They can do the job! They should be hired.

5) Work for funding for the their family members at home, program. financial assistance for family care givers. I think that there 6) No opinion. are a number of opportunities to be there for families who Bill McCaughey care for family members who Independence Party need help.

I have looked over your questions and decided that I am not 2) I have been the project mansufficiently well informed to ager on homes that are built give intelligent answers. My for those in wheelchairs and campaign is devoted to bring- have done work on homes that ing economic issues to the fore. we have had to build to ADA We must be concerned with specification. I have also volthe declining job opportuni- unteered with the Special ties for future generations and Olympics and have taken those environmental degradation with disabilities fishing from that threatens everyone’s qual- local group homes. ity of life.

3) To be honest I have not had Barb Davis White, an opportunity to read them.

Republican Party 4) We need to create tax inDISTRICT 6 centives to companies who Aubrey Immelman employ those with disabilities Republican Party and help companies with creThe candidate chose not to ating better access to older respond to the questions, cit- buildings that were built being time commitments. fore current laws were in effect.

Bob Anderson, Independence Party 5) I am not a believer in fedMichele Bachmann eral programs. I would help by Republican Party* creating tax incentives to El Tinklenberg, DFL Party health care providers who provide services to the commuDISTRICT 7 nity.

Glen Menze, Republican Party 6)I was visiting with someone Collin C. Peterson, at the Minnesota State Fair DFL Party* who sells equipment to houseAlan Roebke, holds who choose to provide Republican Party care in the home. Any time we can provide care in the home DISTRICT 8 this is far better then providing Michael Cummins care outside the home. There Republican Party are always going to be times 1) I do not know how to an- when this is not possible, but swer this as there are so many when it is, we need to encourways to answer this. Job op- age this. portunities, tax credits for companies who hire people with James L. Oberstar, disabilities, access, health care, DFL Party* ■ long term disabilities, tax credits to families who care for

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September 10, 2008

Upcoming events To list an event, email access@accesspress.org Hope for recovery workshop Sept 13 The National Alliance on Mental Illness of MN (NAMI-MN) will hold a free, one-day workshop to provide families and individuals with information on mental illnesses, practical coping strategies and hope for recovery. The workshop is 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat, Sept 13 at NAMI MN, 800 Transfer Rd, Suite 31, St. Paul. Reg. is req.

FFI: 651-645-2948 Artists with Disabilities Alliance gathering Sept 17 The Artists With Disabilities Alliance (AWDA) meets 6-8 p.m. Wed, Sept 17 at the Mpls College of Art & Design Confr Rm, 2501 Stevens Ave. S., Mpls. Free parking ramp is offered off of 3rd Ave. S. Writers, visual artists/performers are welcomed. This is an opportunity to share your talents and network with others. Dan Reiva, Facilitator. FFI: 612332-3888 x4, jon@vsaartsmn. org; www.vsaartsmn.org MakeMplswalkable/accessible Sept 18 The City of Mpls is working on a pedestrian master plan, top make the city more walkable and accessible. Hear more

about a proposed pedestrian master plan and share your thoughts and ideas at an upcoming public meeting. The meeting is 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Thur, Sept 18, with a plan presentation at 6 p.m. The meeting is at the Mpls Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Mpls.

This is the second meeting on the plan. The first, in March drew more than 100 people.

The plan is to be completed by year’s end and will include recommendations on policies, projects and procedures related to pedestrian facilities/ programs. A key focus of the plan is accessibility and is funded by a federal grant and

by Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

The meeting is wheelchair-accessible and other accommodations, such as materials in a different format/sign language interpreter, are avail. Call by Sept 11. FFI: Shaun Murphy, 612-673-2335; www.ci.Mpls. mn.us/pe destrian

St. Peter St. Tickets are $35, with all proceeds used to help self-advocates attend the Conference in St. Paul in April 2009. Della-Ratta is an international jazz pianist, vocalist and composer. Jazz for Peace is a band with members from around the world. The group gathers to hold benefit concerts and has helped raise funds for hundreds of groups. FFI: Kathy, ACT, 651-641-0297 Candidate Forums Sept-Oct The MN Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD) has announced its schedule of candidate forums. These forums feature candidates for MN House and U.S. House candidates. Everyone is welcome to attend.

*Candidates for Congressional Distr 6 forum is 6-7:30 p.m. at Thur, Sept 18 at Whitney Senior Ctr, 1527 Norway Dr, St. Cloud. FFI: Christian Knights, Courage Ctr, christian.knights @courage.org or Deanna Benefit concert Guilford, Goodwill/Easter Oct 5 Rick DellaRatta and Jazz for Seals at dguilford@goodwill Peace will perform at a benefit easterseals.org concert for next spring’s MN Self-Advocacy Conference *Candidates for House Distr The concert is 3 p.m. Sun, Oct 56A forum is 6-7:30 p.m. Tue, 5 at The Artists’ Quarter, 408 Sept 30 at Bayport Sr Ctr, 263

3rd St. N., Bayport. “Realize Your Power: Voting Your Val- 3rd Annual National Bullying ues” is at 5-6 p.m. FFI: chris Prevention Awareness Week tian.knights@courage.org Oct 5-10 It takes a community to prevent *Candidates for House Distr bullying of children. The 3rd 9A and 9B (Moorhead area) Annual Nat'l Bullying Prevenforum is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tues, tion Awareness Wk, Oct 5-11 Sept 30 at Heritage Hjemkomst encourages communities nationInterpretive Ctr, 202 1st Ave. wide to work together to inN, Moorhead. FFI: Mary crease awareness of the prevaTintes, Freedom CIL, mctintes lence/impact of bullying on all @freedomrc.org children. The week is sponsored

by PACER Ctr’s Nat'l Ctr for *Candidates for MN House Bullying Prevention and coDistrs 26-31 (Rochester area) sponsored by the American Fed. forum is 6-8:30 p.m. Thur, Oct for Teachers, Nat'l Coalition for 2 at Rochester Intern'l Events Parent Involvement in Ed, Nat'l Ctr, 7333 Airport View Dr SW, Ed Assoc., Nat'l PTA, and Rochester. A voter participa- School Social Work Assoc. of tion for self-advocate session America. “When 160,000 chilprecedes the forum, at 4-6 p.m. dren in the US miss school each FFI: Karen Larson, Region 10, day as a result of being bullied, at Oakaren@msn.com it’s time to take action,” said Paula F. Goldberg, executive *Candidates for MN House dir of PACER, a nat'l parent Ctr Distrs 25A and 25B (LeCtr located in MN. “Teachers, pararea) forum is 7-8:30 p.m. ents, students and adults Wed, Oct 8 at American Le- throughout each community gion Post 108, 97 S Park Ave., must work together to create a LeCtr. Advocacy training pre- climate that doesn’t accept bulcedes the event at 6-7 p.m. lying.” Families, students, FFI: Jeff Nachbar, BIA, schools, org. and other grps can jeffn@braininjurymn.org unite/partner with PACER to prevent bullying by contacting *Candidates for MN House bullying411@ pacer.org.

Distrs 47A and 47B (Coon Partnering orgs are asked to Rapids area) forum is 7-8 p.m. share their bullying prevention Tue, Oct 14 at Mercy Hospital activities and will be listed as a Heart Ctr ClassRms A & B link on PACER’s bullying pre(second floor), 4050 Coon vention Web site.

Rapids Blvd. NW, Coon Rap- Grps can wrk to stop bullying in ids. Advocacy training pre- several ways. Activities and cedes the event at 6-7 p.m. materials such as contests, FFI: Jeff Nachbar, BIA, toolkits and online bullying prejeffn@braininjurymn.org vention training are avail. on www.pacer.org and the interac*Candidates for Congressional tive Web site for ele. school Distr 3 forum is 6:30-8 p.m. students www.pacer Thur, Oct 16 at Mntka Com- kidsagainstbullying.org to help munity Ctr, 14600 Mntka reduce bullying in schools, rec’l Blvd., Mntka . At 5-6 p.m. is a progs, and community orgs. FFI: session on Realize Your www.pacer. org, its numbers Power: Voting Your Values. are 952-838-9000; Toll free: FFI: Ann Roscoe, MCIL, 800-53-PACER (MN); 888annr@mcil-mn.org 248-0822. *Candidates for MN House Distrs 42A and 42B (Eden Prairie area) forum is Mon, Oct 20 at Eden Prairie City Council Chambers, 808 Mitchell Rd, E.P. “Realize Your Power: Voting Your Values” at 6-7 p.m.

FFI: Gene Martinez, Arc GTC, genemartinez@arcgreater twincities.org *Candidates for Congressional Distr 1 forum is 6-8:30 p.m.

Thur, Oct 30 at Old Main Village, 301 S. 5th St., Mankato.

A voter participation for selfadvocates session precedes the forum at 4-6 p.m. FFI: Karen Larson, Region 10, Oakaren @msn.com *A session for MN House Distr 21A (Marshall area) is also planned but no date has been set. FFI: Steve Thovson, SWCIL, steve@swcil.com Other debates may be scheduled: FFI: www.mnccd.org

Artability Art Show Oct 2-4 in St. Paul The 14th annual People Incorporated Artability (PIA) art show highlights the many contributions and amazing talents of people with mental illness.

This year’s theme, Café des Arts, evokes the milieu of a Parisian coffee shop, filled with artists exchanging ideas and perspectives. Almost 100 artists will participate, displaying 350 pieces of art. Artists receive 90 percent of the profits when items are sold. The

PIA art show will be held Oct 2-4 at Redeemer Arms lower level, 313 N Dale St., St. Paul.

Viewing times are Thur, Oct 2, 6-8:30 p.m.; Fri, Oct 3, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sat, Oct 4, 12-5 p.m.

FFI: 651-227-6321, www.

PeopleIncorporated.org Help others manage finances RSVP/Volunteers of America of MN in collaboration with the AARP Foundation is looking for volunteers with good budgeting, organizational, and supporting skills to help manage the finances of older or disabled low-income individuals who want assistance. If you have a few hours a month to volunteer this fall, the organizations’ Money Management Program staff will train and match you with someone in the community who needs help. FFI: Money Management Program Coordinator, 612617-7821.

Moving Self-Advocacy Forward Save the dates of April 17-18, 2009 for the 2009 MN SelfAdvocacy Confr, Moving SelfAdvocacy Forward. The Confr will be held at the Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront Hotel, 11 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. Advocating Change Together, Arc Greater Twin Cities, Dakota Communities, Hammer Residences, Lifeworks, Mains’l Services, Merrick Inc., Metro Ctr for Independent Living and People First MN are sponsors.

FFI: Kathy Sanders, ACT, 651-641-0297, act@selfad vocacy.org Be a literacy volunteer Adult literacy volunteers make an impact. Last year, MN Literacy Council volunteers helped more than 24,000 adults achieve their learning goals.

Tutor immigrants, refugees and life-long Minnesotans in reading, writing and English.

Help students achieve life’s necessities like completing job applications, helping their children with homework or understanding medicine labels. Tutor one-to-one, in a small group or as a classroom assistant.

Training and ongoing support provided by the MN Literacy Council. Opportunities are available throughout MN. FFI: Allison at volunteer@themlc. org or 651-645-2277, Ext 219.

A GREA T RESOURCE! GREAT

Dir ectAbility.com DirectAbility is a comprehensive, ever-expanding, award-winning, Internet directory devoted to disability-related products, services, resources and information throughout the state. Online at www.directability.com.

September 10, 2008

13

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. Selected performances offer reduced admission prices for the patron and one companion. When calling a box office, confirm the service (ASL or AD), date, time, ticket price and anything else needed, e.g. length of performance, etc. If you attend a show, please share your feedback with the performing organization, interpreter, and VSA arts of Minnesota.

Accessible performance information is compiled by VSA arts of Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or www.vsaartsmn.org

See www.accesspress.org for complete listing and for Accessible Movie Theaters Amazons & Their Men Oct. 17 - Nov. 1 Walking Shadow Theatre Co. at Pillsbury House Theater, 3501 Chicago Ave. S., Mpls.

ASL: Fri., Oct. 24, 7:30 pm, Tix: Disc to $7 (reg. $16, $14 student/sr), Phone: 612-3750300, Web: www.walking shadowCo..org

AD: Sun., Sept. 14, 2:00 pm, Tix: $31 (reg. $38, student $18), Phone: 651-224-3180, E-mail: boxoffice @penum bratheatre.org Web: www. penumbratheatre.org

Forever Plaid April 9 - Sept. 27 Old Log Theater, 5185 Meadville St, Excelsior. AD: Axel & His Dog Thurs., Sept. 4, 1:00 pm, Tix: Sept. 5 - 28 $15 for AD patrons (reg.

Lakeshore Players, 4820 $19.50-32), Phone: 952-474Stewart Ave., White Bear 5951, Web: www.oldlog.com Lake. ASL: Sun., Sept. 14, 2:00 pm, Tix: ½-price for ASL Harvey patrons & companion; reg.

May 31 - Oct. 25 $20, $18 student/sr, Phone: Commonweal Theatre, 208 651-429-5674, Web: www. Pkwy Ave. N., Lanesboro. ASL: lakeshoreplayers.com Sun., June 29, 1:30 pm. Tix: ½ price (reg. $25, student $12), Broadway Legendary Ladies Phone: 507-467-2525, 800Oct. 1 - 26 657-7025, E-mail: tickets@ Ordway Ctr for Performing commonwealtheatre.org Arts McKnight Theatre, 345 Web: www.commonweal Washington, St. Paul. AD: Sat., theatre.org Oct. 18, 2:00 pm, ASL: Sat., Oct. 25, 2:00 pm, Tix/Phone: How I Became a Pirate 651-224-4222, TTY: 651Sept. 19 - Oct. 19 282-3100, Web: www.ord Stages Theatre Co. at Hopkins way.org/services/access.asp Ctr for the Arts Mainstage, 1111 Main St. ASL: Sun., Oct. The Caretaker 5, 2:00 pm, & Wed., Oct. 8, Oct. 11 - Nov. 2 10:00 am, AD: avail upon req, Guthrie Theater, Dowling Stu- Tix: $15, $11 child (age 2-17) dio, 818 - 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD/ & sr (age 60+) +$150 fee for ASL: Sat., Nov. 1, 7:30 pm, phone/web, Phone: 952-979Tix: Disc to $20 for AD/ASL, 1111, Web: www.stages $25 for captioning users; reg. theatre.org $18-34, Phone: 612-3772224, TTY: 612-377-6626, The Irresistible Rise of Web: www.guthrietheater.

Big Daddy Ubu org/accessibility Sept. 5 - 28 Nimbus Theatre Co. at Mpls Distracted Theatre Garage, 711 W. Sept. 25 - Oct. 19 Franklin Ave. (at Lyndale), Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. Mpls. AD: Sat., Sept. 13, 8:00 4th St., Mpls. AD, ASL, Cap- pm, Tix: Disc to $8 (reg. $15), tioning: Thurs., Oct. 9, 7:30 Phone: 651-229-3122, Epm, Tix: $18, $16 student/sr, mail: info@nimbustheatre. $14 grps, season access pass com Web: www.nimbus $50, Phone: 612-338-6131, theatre.com Web: www.mixedblood.com It Wasn’t Murder Fences Oct. 9 - 26 Aug. 21 - Sept. 21 Bloomington Art Ctr’s GalPenumbra Theatre, Hallie Q. lery Theater Co. at BloomBrown/Martin Luther King ington Ctr for the Arts, Black Ctr, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul. Box Theater, 1800 W. Old

Shakopee Rd. AD/ASL: Sun., Oct. 26, 2:00 pm, Tix: $17, sr/ student $15, Phone: 952-5638575, Web: www.blooming tonartCtr.com

Pkwy Ave. N., Lanesboro.

ASL: Sun., Sept. 7, 1:30 pm, Tix: ½ price (reg. $25, student $12), Phone: 507-467-2525, 800-657-7025, E-mail: tick ets@commonwealtheatre.org Web: www.commonweal theatre.org

James & the Giant Peach Sept. 26 Theaterworks USA at Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, St Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 John’s U, Collegeville. ASL: Sept. 5 - 21 Fri., Sept. 26, 7:00 pm, Tix: $16, Sr/Youth $8, Phone: 320- Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 363-3577, Web: www.csbsju. Civic Ctr Dr SE. ASL: Sun., Sept. 14, 2:00 pm, Tix: $17, edu/finearts $14 sr, $12 student, Phone: 507-282-8481, Web: www.

Junie B. Jones: A Little rochestercivictheatre.org Monkey Business Sept. 25 - Oct. 12 Peter Pan Youth Performance Co. at Sept. 5 - Oct. 2 Howard Conn Fine Arts Ctr, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. AD/ A co-production of the ASL: Sat., Oct. 11, 7:30 pm, Children’s Theatre Co. & VisTix: ½-price (reg. $12, stu- ible Fictions, Scotland, at dent/sr $10); AD: adv. resrv. Children’s Theatre Co., Cargill req Phone: 612-623-9080, Stage, 2400 - 3rd Ave. S., Mpls.

Web: www.youthperfor AD/ASL: Fri., Sept. 26, 7:30 manceco.com pm, Tix: Mention VSA Offer for $14 tix; regular $14-27, Les Miserables Phone: 612-874-0400, Web: Opened June 15, 2007 www.childrenstheatre.org Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, 501 W 78th St, Chanhassen.

Pump Boys & Dinettes AD/ASL: Sat., July 21, curtain Sept. 12 - 28 1:00 pm, lunch seating at 11:00 Lyric Arts Co. of Anoka at am Specify accommodation needed at time tix purchased to assure proper seating, Tix: Vision Loss Resources grp $37 incl. lunch: Stacy Shamblott, VLR, 612-871-2222; other tix (reg. $40-52), Phone: 952934-1525 or 800-362-3515, Email: information@chanhas sendt.com Web: www.chan AUDIO hassentheatres.com

DESCRIBED

A Life in the Theatre Sept. 19 - Oct. 26 Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Thurs., Oct. 9, 7:30 pm, Tix: Disc to $10 (reg. $26-36), Phone: 612822-7063, E-mail: boxoffice @jungletheater.com Web: www.jungletheater.com Man of La Mancha June 21 - Oct. 25 Commonweal Theatre, 208

Assistive Technology @ Your Library FREE Internet and word processing services are available to persons with vision, mobility, and special learning needs at three Saint Paul Public Library locations: Hayden Heights Library, Highland Park Library and Rondo Outreach Library.

For additional details, or to make an appointment, call a library listed below: Hayden Heights (651) 793-3934 1456 White Bear Ave. Highland Park (651) 695-3700 1974 Ford Pkwy.

Rondo Outreach (651) 266-7400 461 N. Dale St.

A c c e s s for S u c c e s s Assistive technologies are provided by a grant from Minnesota Library Services and School Technology

Lyric Arts Main St Stage, 420 E. Main St., Anoka. ASL: Sat., Sept. 13, 7:30 pm (req. 1wk before open), Tix: Disc to $13 (reg. $18, $16 student/sr), $20 box seats, Phone: 763-4221838, Web: www.lyricarts.org Radio Macbeth Sept. 18 - 20 SITI Co. at College of St Benedict, Gorecki Family Theater, St. Joseph. ASL: Sat., Sept.

20, 7:30 pm, Tix: $24, sr/youth & aid rate available, Phone: 320-363-5700, E-mail: DWol ford@csbsju.edu Web: www. csbsju.edu/finearts

Triple Espresso Ongoing Music Box Theatre, 1407 Nicollet Ave, Mpls. AD: Thurs., July 5, 7:30 pm; preshow at 7:00, Tix: Disc to $17 (reg. $32.50), Phone: 612874-9000, E-mail: tickets@ tripleespresso.com Web: www.tripleespresso.com Twelfth Night Oct. 17 - Nov. 2 Ten Thousand Things Theater at Open Bk, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Mpls. AD: Sun., Oct. 19, 8:00 pm, Tix: Disc to $13 (reg. $20), Phone: 612-2039502, Web: www.ten thousandthings.org

The Sisters Rosensweig Sept. 12 - Oct. 5 Park Sq Theatre, 20 W 7th Place, A View from the Bridge Sept. 13 - Nov. 9 St Paul. AD/ASL: Sat., Sept.

27, 7:30 pm, Tix: Disc to $1850, Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Phone: 651-291-7005, Web: Thrust Stage, 818 2nd St. S., www.parksquaretheatre.org Mpls. AD: Fri., Oct. 10, 7:30 pm; Sat., Oct. 11, 1:00 pm; SenA Stcar Named Desire sory Tour 10:30 am, ASL: Oct. 17 - Nov. 2 Thurs., Nov. 6, 7:30 pm; Fri, Rochester Civic Theatre, 20 Nov 7, 7:30 pm, Tix: Disc to Civic Ctr Dr SE. ASL: Sat., $20 for AD/ASL; reg. $18-34, Oct. 25, 8:00 pm, Tix: $17, Phone: 612-377-2224, TTY: $14 sr, $12 student, Phone: 612-377-6626, Web: www.guth 507-282-8481, Web: www. rietheater.org/accessibility rochestercivictheatre.org Performances - cont. on p. 14

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES An American story sings.

GUhifXUm 5i[" '$ &$$, % d"a" GYbgcfm Hcif Uh %$.'$ U"a" :f]XUm GYdh" %& &$$, +.'$ d"a" Tickets: $20

INTERPRETED IN AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE :f]XUm GYdh" %- &$$, +.'$ d"a" H\ifgXUm GYdh" &) &$$, +.'$ d"a" Tickets: $20

OPEN CAPTIONED 7Udh]cbYX Vm W& ]bW" :f]XUm GYdh" &* &$$, +.'$ d"a" GUhifXUm GYdh" &+ &$$, % d"a" Tickets: $25 Prices valid for patron plus one companion.

5WWYgg dfc[fUag Uh h\Y ;ih\f]Y UfY gdcbgcfYX Vm Xcel Energy Foundation k]h\ UXX]h]cbU` giddcfh Vm Allianz Life Insurance

612.377.2224 > TTY 612.377.6626 > GUTHRIETHEATER.ORG

14

September 10, 2008

Sept. Radio Talking Book sampling

Web sightings Six award-winning web favorites from American Network of Community Options and Resources The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) www.an cor.org in partnership with Therap Services, LLC www. therapservices.net has announced winners of the DSPTV Online Video Contest.

The contest is part of ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign (NAC),and was created to give direct support professionals (DSP), families and consumers a platform to educate the public about the critical role direct service provid-

ers or DSPs play in the lives of people with disabilities. DSPTV Online participants were encouraged to tell in their own words why the DSP workforce is so important, why DSPs are deserving of additional compensation and how DSPs are making a difference.

attention to the growing workforce wage crisis.”

The contest has five categories. The contest grand prize winner was awarded $1,000 and paid hotel and airfare to ANCOR’s September Washington, DC event. The top winner in each category was ”This is truly reality TV,” said awarded $500.

Renee Pietrangelo, chief executive officer of ANCOR. The winning videos can be “DSP-TV Online is a great accessed through ANCOR’s way to showcase the many tal- National Advocacy Campaign ents of America’s direct sup- website, or by viewing the links port professionals and draw below:

Grand Prize: ”We Put the ’P’ in DSP www.youtube.com/watch?v=veHT-I543eY by: Ben Leadbetter” • Agency: RHD-RI, Pawtucket, RI Healthy Living: ”Eugene” www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZuV4qEh3w4 by: Eugene Miller • Agency: Teri, Inc., Oceanside, CA Self Advocate: ”Maroon and Gold” www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq-tyk91yk8 by: Greg Devorce • Agency: AZ Foundation for the Handicapped, Phoenix, AZ Music & Comedy: ”Open Your Eyes” www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSdfCN5ewHY by: Sean Delaney • Agency: Special Needs Programs, Ghent, NY Reality: ”Hear Us Out” www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy46m1wA5UQ by: Chad Ek • Agency: REM ND, Grafton, ND Honorable Mention: ”Thank You” www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxjs6CT-JeM by: Andrea McMurray • Agency: Cottonwood, Inc., Lawrence, KS About ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign Launched in 2001, the mission of ANCOR’s National Advocacy Campaign is to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by obtaining the resources to recruit, train and retain a sustainable direct support workforce. For more information about ANCOR, visit www.ancor.org For more information about the National Advocacy Campaign, visit www.youneedtoknowme.org

Radio Talking Book (RTB) is a closed-circuit reading network broadcasting 24 hours daily to more than 7,500 handicapped persons (with a potential of 35,000) in Minnesota and South Dakota. Receivers are available on loan without charge to those who are eligible and who want to keep up to date with the latest word in newspapers, magazines and best-sellers. FFI: www.mnssb.org/allages/commcenter/rtb • 4 a.m. Chautauqua– Adult education and culture for the whole community. This month: The Geography of Bliss, Nonfiction by Eric Weiner, 2008. Many have tried to describe what happiness is, but few have shown us where it is, why some places seem happier than others and how changing your location can change your mood. A self-described mope, Weiner traveled to the parts of the world known to be the happiest. L- Read by Charlie Boone. 13 broadcasts. Begins September 17.

• 9 a.m. Past is Prologue– Readings of historical nonfiction • 11 a.m. Bookworm– Novels and nonfiction books for daytime reading. This month: Gentlemen of the Road, Fiction by Michael Chabon, 2007. Zelikman, the physician, is traveling companion of ex-soldier Amram. They make their way through the Caucasus Mountains until they are dragooned into service as escorts and defenders to a prince of the Khazar Empire. Read by Carolyn Light Bell. Five broadcasts. Begins September 29.

• 2 p.m. Potpourri– A wide variety of books, both fiction and nonfiction, for afternoon reading • 4 p.m. Choice Reading– Critically acclaimed books on a wide variety of subjects • 5 p.m. Commentary– The latest issues of national news magazines • 6 p.m. Evening Newspapers– Live broadcast of the New York Times • 7:55 p.m. Radio Talking Book schedule for the rest of the broadcast day • 8 p.m. PM Report– Books exploring critical, contemporary and controversial issues • 9 p.m. Night Journey– Books of intrigue and suspense • 10 p.m. Off the Shelf– Mostly best sellers. This month: Sway, Fiction by Zachary Lazar, 2008. When the Rolling Stones began in the 1960s, it seemed all was innocence and glamour. But in 1969, the Stones’ leader, Brian Jones, drowned in his swimming pool, and a fan was murdered at a Stones concert. V, L, S- Read by Peter Danbury. Nine broadcasts.

Begins September 29.

• 12 a.m. Good Night Owl– A wide-ranging assortment of books • 1 a.m. After Midnight– Adventures of the heart and body *Abbreviations: L- offensive language, S- sexual situations

RTB books available through Faribault All books broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network are available through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault. Library phone is 800-722-0550 and hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Their catalog is also online and can be accessed at www.klas.com/mnbph

PERFORMANCESVSA Auction & Cabaret Sept. 21 Paul Mabon & Jon Pemberton perform at VSA arts of MN’s annual fund-raiser, silent auction & Arts Access Awards at Solera, 900 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. AD/ASL: Sun., Sept.

21, 3:00-6:00 pm, Tix: $40 ($45 after Sept. 17), Phone: 612-332-3888 v/tty, E-mail: info@vsaartsmn.org Web: www.vsaartsmn.org

Cont. from p. 13

Vinegar Tom Sept. 12 - Oct. 5 Frank Theatre at Ritz Theatre, 345 13th Ave. NE, Mpls. AD: Fri., Sept. 19, 8:00 p.m. Tix: Disc (reg. $20-25), Phone: 612-436-1129, Web: www. franktheatre.org or www.ritz theaterfoundation.org/boxoffice

NOT FUNNY to increase awareness and sensitivity. It is possible. Remember ‘Rain Man’ and ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?’ Quality films are not made at the expense of vulnerable people.”

Wicked Nov. 5 - Dec. 7 Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. ASL: Sun., Nov. 9, 1:00 pm, AD: Sun., Nov. 23, 1:00 pm, Tix: $32-132.50, Phone: 612-3735639 or 5609, Hotline: 612373-5650, TTY: 612-3735655, E-mail: accessible @orpheum.com Web: www. hennepintheatredistrict.org/ guestservices/aslad/ ■

Cont. from p. 10 term ‘retarded’ because it is so offensive. When is the rest of the world going to catch up?”

Sargent said.

Comments on the blogosphere, however, have suggested people who are outraged “As a Native American and a should “lighten up” and are person with a disability, I’ve taking the movie too seriously. been the brunt of racial slurs as well as having been called a “Movies and media that con‘retard’. Neither feels good,” tinue to use offensive terms said Hunter Sargent, a self- and portrayals counteract the advocate and board member positive work being done to for the Arc of Minnesota. “I make this world a more welhate the label ‘retard’ because coming place for persons with it puts me down rather than intellectual disabilities,” said emphasizing what I can do in Bender. “People with disabilispite of my disability. I have a ties have been the brunt of disability—my disability tasteless jokes and stereotypes doesn’t have me, my grand- for too long, and it must stop. mother always used to say.

If more people knew the truth about those with intellectual “Arc Greater Twin Cities and disabilities, they would not find the Arc of Minnesota have this movie funny at all.” ■ been a huge part of my life, helping me learn how to be an Pam Carlson is the director of effective self-advocate. Arc community relations for Arc changed its name nearly two of the Greater Twin Cities. decades ago to eliminate the

September 10, 2008

15

Access To Employment Employment ads are $20-$22 per col. inch. Aug 31 is the deadline for the Sept 10 issue.

Mail to: Access Press, 1821 University Ave. #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 • FAX 651-644-2136 • Email: access@accesspress.org Community Work Incentive Coordinator The MN Work Incentives Connection is Growing!

Statewide non-profit seeks affable, energetic individuals to join team of Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWIC).

Unique, full-time opportunities, or possible job sharing. Provide answers about the impact of work on public benefits, so that people with disabilities can see their choices & take advantage of life’s opportunities. People with disabilities and those from Greater Minnesota are encouraged to apply.

The individual who is most successful as a CWIC believes in: putting people with disabilities more in charge of their lives; the power of work; learning and maintaining in-depth knowledge of public benefits; & being a tenacious advocate. Knowledge of gov’t benefits as well as VR helpful. Strong verbal skills; persistence & patience; & team attitude necessary. Minimum 2 yrs exp. Working with people with disabilities and B.A. degree or equiv. Must be able to travel the state as needed.

Must pass Social Security Screening & training. $36-39K. Deadline 9-24-08.

Send resume with cover letter: Anita Boucher, Minnesota Work Incentives Connection 2200 University Avenue W. Ste. 240, St. Paul, MN 55114 {GREATER MINNESOTA}

RN Case Manager AXIS Healthcare is a growing program that serves individuals with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions through an innovative care model. AXIS focuses on delivering services to prevent complications and ensuring effective communication between the member, the provider and everyone else involved in the process. This approach has led to better healthcare outcomes for our members, like shorter hospital and nursing home stays and decreased emergency room visits.

LPN – Case Manager AXIS Healthcare is a growing program that serves individuals with physical disabilities and chronic health conditions through an innovative care model. AXIS focuses on delivering services to prevent complications and ensuring effective communication between the member, the provider and everyone else involved in the process. This approach has led to better healthcare outcomes for our members, like shorter hospital and nursing home stays and decreased emergency room visits.

LPN case managers will provide care coordination across a continuum of services and settings, promoting effective utilization and monitoring of health care resources based upon the needs and input of enrolled members. Responsibilities include: —Assisting with data collection for initial assessments to identify member needs and desired outcomes —Providing input for the evaluation of the effectiveness of individual service and care plans that ensure member participation and choice.

—Meets weekly with the Team to ensure the overall health and well being of the member is effectively managed.

The ideal candidates for this full-time position will be public The ideal candidates will be public health oriented, familiar health oriented, familiar with health and disability communiwith health and disability communities, and value keeping ties, and value keeping people independent in managing their people independent in managing their health. Licensure as a health. Licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse and valid drivers license are required.

Registered Nurse and valid drivers license are required.

AXIS is seeking full-time, experienced, motivated and creative RN case managers to provide care coordination across a continuum of services and settings, promoting effective utilization and monitoring of health care resources based upon the needs and input of enrolled members. Responsibilities include: • Performing assessment and individual service plan development, ensuring member participation and choice.

• Providing ongoing monitoring and reassessment of member status and needs.

• Meet weekly with the Team to ensure the overall health and well being of the member is effectively managed.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact Diana at If you are interested in learning more, please contact Diana at dmaclennan@axishealth.com or 651-556-9320. EOE. Visit dmaclennan@axishealth.com or 651-556-9320. EOE. Visit our website at www.axis our website at www.axishealth.com to learn more. health.com to learn more.

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Reach 11,000 Active, Interested Readers with Access Press Classifieds. $13 up to 12 words, 60¢/word thereafter. Must be prepaid. Mail with check to: Access Press, 1821 University Ave W, #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 • 651-644-2133 FOR RENT wheelchair users in mind. Sec- 9125 for availability informaHolmes-Greenway Hous- tion 8 subsidized. One- and tion. Equal Opportunity Housing: One- and two-bedroom two-bedroom units. For more ing. wheelchair-accessible apart- information on availability call ments. Section 8 subsidized. 651-488-9923. St. Paul, MN. Seward Square Apartments: Convenient SE Minneapolis Equal Opportunity Housing. We are currently accepting location. Call 612-378-0331 applications for our waiting for availability information. Oak Park Village: One-bed- list for barrier-free housing, in Equal Opportunity Housing. room wheelchair-accessible Minneapolis, that is federally apartments. Section 8 subsi- subsidized. For an applicaLewis Park Apartments: dized. Convenient St. Louis tion, please call 612-338-2680.

Barrier-free housing with Park location. Call 952-935- Equal Opportunity Housing.

VR FORUM -

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Cont. from p. 1

enhanced communication with a sign language interpreter to facilitate communication between a deaf person and the hearing community. McCree explained that having the special phone system at home would cost about $200 per month, which is too expensive for a job seeker on a limited income.

Paul Deeming works as a case manager for Deaf Blind Services MN. He testified regarding the need for in-depth training on job-seeking skills. In his experience clients are often lacking knowledge about how to find work. He believes that this is a deficit in the system.

Don Lavin testified on behalf of the Minnesota Employment First Coalition, a change advocacy organization seeking to make integrative employment at competitive wages and benefits the first option for Minnesotans with disabilities.

Lavin pointed out that there are too many people with disabilities in Minnesota who are

Kimberly Peck summed up the purpose of holding these forums with these thoughts: One of the challenges with VR, or any program, is that making a shift to do things differently requires the willingness to take Lavin declared that while he is a step back and say—how well often critical of state agencies, do our current practices serve “I want to publicly acknowl- us and serve our customers? edge and applaud the measurable progress made by Minne- For more information on the sota Rehabilitation Services.” agencies mentioned above: Lavin pointed to a giant step Employment First: forward. “We are pleased Min- http://donlavin.blogspot. nesota RS has recently created com/search?q=%22June+ a task force to examine better 25%22; ways to deliver employment Deaf Blind Services Minneservices to Minnesotans who sota: www.dbsm.org/ are deaf or hard of hearing,” Minnesota State Independent Living Council: www.mnsilc. he said. org/ Minnesota State Rehabilitation Lavin also proposed a stateCouncil: www.deed.state. wide marketing campaign to mn.us/rehab/councils/src/ bring business leaders into a partnership with VR Services. src.htm He pointed out that Minnesota State Rehabilitation Services: has untapped labor resources www.deed.state.mn.us/rein the disability community. hab/vr/main_vr.htm; In addition, Lavin stressed em- DEED: www.deed.state.mn. phasizing people’s strengths us/agency/index.htm ■ and abilities, not their disabilities. not working, underemployed or working for sub-minimum wages. Also, too many employers don’t know how to hire or support workers with disabilities.

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September 10, 2008

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------------------------------- FRIEND SPONSOR ($50 and above) --------------------------Lisa Adami Dave & Lynda Adams Brigid Alseth Hans Anderson Michelle Anderson Kathleen Ball Vicki & Fred Benjamin Patrick Bilbrey Sandi Lane & Monte Blair Susan Bulger Rick Cardenas Teresa Dock Dawn Doering Neil Doughty Beverly Ekola Mary & Will Englund Jo Ann & Steven Erbes Lee Ann Erickson Mary Fenske Sean & Jean Fogarty Thomas & Mary Fogarty Leigh A. Gleason Marge Goldberg Nadine & Andrew Groven Judith Haaversen Michael Hicks Ellie Heller Anne Henry John Hoffman Skip & Ellen Houghton Jeff Nygaard & Marjorie Huebner Elizabeth Johnson Karen Jothen Laura Joyce Barb Kane Mary Kay Kennedy Corbin Sherwood Kidder Barbara Kleist Jennifer Lenzen Russell Lindquist Dorothy McCoy Mary McGrath Connie & John Marty Lynne Megan Kristi Michaelson Jackie Mlynarczyk Brian T. Musselman James & Cynthia Musselman Clifton Ollila Lee Ohnesorge Joan M. Ostrove William & Joen Overby Mark & Mary Payette Linda Paulson Robert J. Geldert & Roberta Pinkosh Julee Quarve-Peterson Kelly Rathcke Terri Ricci Ann Roscoe Scott Rostron Mai Thor Ron Shelby Jon Skaalen Diane Sprague Cathleen Urbain Teresa Vickery Michael Wilson Blue Sky Designs, Inc. Cannon Valley Printing Dakota County LAC Equity Services Guild Incorporated Mental Health Assoc. of MN Nemer, Fieger & Associates, Inc. PACER Center, Inc. Rise, Inc. Reach for Resources Southern MN Regional Legal Services, Inc. United Cerebral Palsy of MN, Inc. Ventures Travel, LLC ---------------------------------- BRONZE SPONSOR ($75 and above) ---------------------Susan Abderholden Anne & Robert Brick Nancy Eustis James Dodge David & Candace Gislason Luther Granquist & Anita Schermer David & Cindy Hadlich Martha Hage Kathleen Hagen Craig Dunn & Candace Hart Pamela Hoopes Dianna Krogstad Linda & Douglas Leicht Richard J & Kelly J Matter Donna McNamara & Paul Monroe

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---------------------------------- BRONZE SPONSOR (continued) ---------------------Paul Mueller Chris Meyer Donn Poll & Eric Nelson Mark Sherman David J. Shusterich Patricia Siebert John G. Smith Eric & Caroline Stevens Peter Vaill Joani Werner MCIL Merrick, Inc. MNDACA MN Work Incentives Connection Northwestern College The Phoenix Residence, Inc. TSE, Inc. --------------------------------- SILVER SPONSOR ($150 and above) ----------------------Michael Bjerkesett Jeff Bangsberg & Anita Boucher Robert & Gail Buuck Mike & Jan Chevrette Robert Gregory Doris & John Groven Ronna Linroth John & Shelia Maier Ellen Emanuel/Peggy Martin Manley and Ann Olson Opportunity Partners Patricia L. Rogers Erica Stern Kevin & Kathy Sullivan Kathy & Paul West William O’Dowd & George Zilligen Focus Beyond Programs Fraser MN Rehab Association MN Work Incentives Connection NAMI-MN Rehabilitation Services Ryan Companies US, Inc. SWCIL ------------------------------- GOLD SPONSOR ($500 and above) ------------------------------Phyllis A. Benjamin (in memoriam) Mary Lou Burdick Wilber Frink Advocating Change Together, Inc. Amerimed Home Care, Inc. Celia Wirth & Associates Cheri McClellon of CBM Home Health Services Inc. Duff-Westman Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation Freedom Health Care, Inc. Mary T, Inc. Rapit Print Tamarack Habilitation Tech., Inc. WE DO CARE ------------------------- BENEFACTOR SPONSOR ($1000 and above) --------------------Barbara Bjerkesett (in memoriam) Bremer Foundation Catharine C. Reid Fund of Headwaters Foundation for Justice Headwaters Fund Lynda Milne The Medtronic Foundation Thomas & Lassiter Family Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation UCare

---------------------------- IN KIND (time & services for this issue)-------------------------Mike Chevrette • Bret Hesla • Luther Granquist • Sherry Gray Clarence Schadegg • Nancy Sopkowiak • Mai Thor

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