June 2014 Edition - Access Press

Thanks for the 5% . . . Pgs 8-9

Volume 25, Number 6

Many requests met in bonding

by Access Press staff

Expansion of a children’s service center renovation, replacement of state facilities and accessibility improvements around the state were among items included in a bonding package approved by the 2014 Minnesota Legislature and signed

by Gov. Mark Dayton. The total bonding package is about $1 billion. Of that amount $846 million is in the bonding bill itself; another $200 million was allocated separately.

The biggest winner may have been St. Peter facilities.

The Minnesota Security Hospital was awarded $56.317 million for design, construction and remodeling needs, with another $7.405 million to pay for similar work at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program. Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Bonding package - p. 15

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2014 legislative session saw many more gains than losses

by Jane McClure Minnesota’s disability community saw many more gains than losses during the 2014 legislative session. The 5% Campaign for an increase in personal care attendant wages, changes in programs for people with autism, bonding requests and changes to many other education, health and job training programs were among the issues that found support at the state capitol.

Not every issue important to the disability community was resolved to everyone’s satisfaction when the final gavel fell May 16. But most advocates agree it was a good session and that groundwork was laid for further changes in 2015.

(Summaries of key legislative Mike and many others are thankful for the Minnesota Legislature efforts begin on page 3.) and Gov. Mark Dayton’s approval of the 5 percent increase for perThe Minnesota Consortium sonal care attendant services. Read about the successful 5 percent for Citizens with Disabilities campaign on page 4 and see pictures of ARRM and Opportunity (MN-CCD) celebrated session’s Partners clients and staff on pages 8-9 as they say thank you. end May 21, with a focus on the Photos courtesy of Opportunity Partners 5 percent increase. “What a difdifference, Nelson said. “Legislators rememference a year makes,” said Bruce Nelson, bered those stories and remember what all of CEO of ARRM. One person he singled out for you said.” He thanked everyone for their work thanks is The Arc Minnesota’s public policy in providing real-life examples. director, Steve Larson, for his leadership on The 5 % Campaign and many other efforts The 5 % Campaign. Personal stories from More gains than losses - p. 15 caregivers and self-advocates also made the

Submit a nomination

Charlie Smith Award contest is now open

by Access Press staff

Minnesotans with disabilities have many unsung heroes in their midst. These are the people and organizations demonstrating outstanding service and commitment to others. Why not recognize that hero or heroes with a nomination for the 2014 Access Press Charlie Smith Award?

The award is presented annually to honor outstanding people in our community. The Access Press Board of Directors has announced the start of the nomination period. Nominations will be taken until 5 p.m. August 15.

Access Press Executive Director Tim Benjamin, left, congratulated 2011 winner Jeff Bangsberg.

File photo

“The disability community has a rich and varied past, some of which we learned about with last year’s winner,” said Access Press Board Chairperson Kristin Jorenby. “There are many people doing really transformational work particularly now that Minnesota has developed an Olmstead Plan. So whether you know someone that did something in the past that should be remembered. or someone that is doing great things now we want to hear about them as nominees for the Charlie Smith Award.”

The Charlie Smith Award is named in honor of the late Charlie Smith, founding editor of Access Press. He was a wellknown Minnesota disability rights advocate and was wellknown and respected at the state capitol. With the support of his family and his many friends, Smith founded the newspaper in 1990.

The first award ceremony was held in 2003, two years after Smith’s death. It began in St. Paul and has grown over the years, moving to a larger space in Bloomington several ago.

“When we first started the banquet it was more of a celebration of our friend, but it has become ‘THE BE AT BANQUET’ of the year,” said Access Press Executive Director Tim Benjamin. Benjamin, who was a longtime friend of Smith’s, is his successor at Access Press.

The winner and finalists will be honored in the September issue of Access Press.

The winner is the guest of honor at the annual award banquet, which is Friday, Nov. 7 at the Minneapolis Airport Marriot 2020 E. American Blvd., Bloomington. Guests enjoy a delicious meal, Submit a nomination - p. 12

June 10, 2014 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities. MN Permit No. 4766 Address Service Requested

“If ifs and buts were candies and nuts the world would never go hungry.”

— Russian proverb

NEWS DIGEST

A historic structure at Fergus Falls was a dramatic place for self-advocates to visit.

Page 5 Read legislative updates from our community members and learn what happened during the 2014 session.

Page 3 Outstanding caregivers were honored at an awards ceremony.

Page 7 Partners in Policymaking is looking for participants for the upcoming year.

Page 10 The Minnesota State High School League has crowned its 2014 adaptive bowling champions.

Page 11

INSIDE Accessible Fun, pg 12 Events, pg 13 People & Places, pps 7-8, 10-11 Radio Talking Book, pg 14 Regional News, pg 6

Pg 2 June 10, 2014 Volume 25, Number 6

EDITOR’S DESK

Tim Benjamin Summer is here and like most Minnesotans, I have to complain about the weather. It got too darn hot to darn fast! We had no time to acclimate—seems like it was in the low 40s and the next day it was in the high 80s. Before we could turn the furnace off from winter we had to turn the air-conditioning on for summer.

But it’s here and of course behind the complaining, I’m glad. I am looking forward to hitting the lake so my dog can take a refreshing swim, and to some long walks on bew paths with my wife and my dog. Oh, and sneaking off to some classic car shows. Some of you that know me know I just can’t get over my love of those classic motorcycles and ‘60s muscle cars.

Back indoors, the legislative session ended without having to go into special session, again. That makes two years in a row. We made some clear progress on several fronts. One exciting development that deserves to be applauded is that many new, younger activists and advocates carried out many of this year’s campaigns. Some of Minnesota’s prominent disability organizations put some of their younger employees (lobbyists) on these projects and they took them and

ran with them. They were very successful. Thanks are due for the good work of all who were involved, but let’s extend an extra big THANKS to the powerful next-generation disability lobbyists who took the reins. These emerging voices belong to people who are following in the footsteps of so many of our community’s established, long-term leaders. They will be soon taking the reins, and we can be sure our interests will be in good hands.

The 5% Campaign was a huge success. I think our community needs to take note of the strategies used in that campaign. One in particular, that I think made it so successful, was the length and breadth of the campaign. It was front and center since last legislative session, with no loss of energy.

In addition, a 10% reduction in parental fees for families’ eligibility for Medical Assistance for their children with disabilities, including autism, was an outstanding step forward. The new rules allow the Commissioner of Human Services to approve many early-intervention benefits for children with autism, so that they and their families can get services as quickly as needed. Early diagnosis and early intervention in autism is proving to be an essential step to allowing autistic children to become as successful as possible.

The Safe School Act passed, which will stop some of the bullying of children and improve children’s rights. This legislation involved a wide variety of

groups and a couple years of lobbying to bring public attention to the Act. It was highly effective to get many policymakers signed on early.

Some changes were made to clarify language, and to reduce some overhead for providers in Home and Community-Based Service standards (245 D); more changes are going to be sought in the 2015 session.

The 2014 language clarifications are enormous, though, with unbelievable consequences if not dealt with.

Everyone involved should be very proud of their tireless efforts on each of these campaigns. Many of you were involved in more than one of these huge initiatives and you all deserve applause! Thank you!

One major disappointment was the issue of poverty in the aging and disability community. The Income standards for Medical Assistance did not make the final Omnibus Supplemental Appropriation bill.

These Income qualification standards are keeping people, often the most vulnerable in our society, in poverty. The issues deserve our attention and all people with disabilities deserve their dignity. On the positive side, there was a lot more exposure concerning this issue than in years past. It would be great to see those young faces I mentioned back on the hill next year, putting together the same kind of support and lobbying that they brought to The 5% Campaign to promoting an increase in the MA income standards.

Enjoy the summer and learn a lesson I didn’t want to hear in my younger days. Don’t get sunburned: wear sun block! It’s another one of those “if only I’d listened to my doctor” stories—I might tell you more some time. ■

HISTORY NOTE

State ombudsman’s office rooted in court case, tragedy Roberta Opheim was recently honored by The Arc Minnesota for her outstanding service as Minnesota’s State Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. It’s hard to image the days before Minnesota had that kind of a watchdog office in place. But it took a legal case and an unrelated tragic death for state officials to make the ombudsman’s office a reality.

Willmar State Hospital resident John Dragoo died in October 1985 while being restrained face down by staff at Glacial Ridge Treatment Center. The institution’s death investigation sought to establish a true cause of death that would close the door on the matter, stating that he died of natural causes or from a seizure. It was also stated that a manual hold procedure had been appropriately authorized and properly administered. But in response to an investigation by Legal Advocacy for Developmentally Disabled Persons in Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) appointed an independent review panel that concluded Dragoo died “from an acute cardiac arrhythmia brought about by psychological stress of the manual hold procedure.”

In other words, the manual hold procedure killed

Dragoo. Both the institution’s initial response regarding the cause of death and the failure to follow up by questioning the effectiveness of the procedure itself dictated the need for an established external review process.

At about the same time DHS wished to conclude the court monitor for the Welsh case consent decree.

From 1980 to early 1987 monitors for the decree found on numerous occasions that DHS failed to comply with decree requirements, particularly those that related to provision of services that appropriately met individual needs.

The consent decree was slated to end in the summer of 1987. Starting in February 1987 DHS and attorneys for the plaintiff class in Welsh negotiated a settlement that, among other things, required various quality review processes to be established. One was creation of an external monitoring system, with power to investigate deaths and serious injuries and the adequacy of services in both the state operated and community services.

Those events led to 1987 and 1988 legislation in establishing what was initially known as the Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Mental Retarda-

Volume 25, Number 06 • Periodicals Imprint: Pending ISSN Advertising Sales Business Manager/Webmaster Michelle Hegarty Dawn Frederick 612-807-1078 Co-Founder/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Cartoonist Co-Founder/Publisher Wm. A. Smith, Jr. (1990-1996) Charles F. Smith (1990-2001)

Executive Director Tim Benjamin

Scott Adams

Board of Directors Production Brigid Alseth, Steve Anderson, John Clark, Ellen Houghton with Presentation Images Managing Editor Kristin Jorenby, Elin Ohlsson, Halle O'Falvey, Jane McClure Distribution Carrie Salberg, Cheryl Vander Linden, Walt S. C. Distribution Seibert and Kay Willshire 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 and advertising do not necessarily reflect the view of the editor/publisher of Access Press.

Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $12 to $28 per column inch, depending on size and frequency of run. Classified ads are $14, plus 65 cents per word over 12 words. News, display advertising and classified advertising deadline is routinely the 25th of the month. When the 25th falls on a weekend, deadline is the next Monday.

Access Press is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Circulation is 11,000, distributed the 10th of each month through more than 200 locations statewide. Approximately 450 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.

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tion. The court monitor’s office was then terminated.

Anne Henry of the Minnesota Disability Law Center said the formation of the ombudsman’s office was a very important step for Minnesotans with disabilities. “We needed to have a state funded office, yet we needed it Roberta Opheim to be an independent office, able to look at issues and complaints,” she said.

Shirley Hokanson was the first ombudsman, followed by Bruce Johnson. Opheim is the third person to hold the post. She and her staff were instrumental in the recent investigation and report on the former Minnesota Extended Treatment Options program, which showed that use of restraint and restrictions is not only illegal but also ineffective. ■ Information from former History Note author Luther Granquist was included in this article.

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.partnersinpolicymaking.com

June 10, 2014 Volume 25, Number 6

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Legislative wrap-up

Push continues to change income standards

Susie Schatz, co-chairperson of the MN-CCD Public Policy Committee, made a presentation at the consortium’s legislative end-of-session event May 21.

Photo courtesy of MN-CCD

by Gene Martinez

One of the top priorities for the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) during the 2014 legislative session was an effort to increase Medical Assistance (MA) Income Standards. Although we did win greater legislative exposure to this issue it did not make it into the final Omnibus Supplemental Appropriations bill. MN-CCD also has a Breaking Through Poverty Campaign that will continue to bring forward these types of issues.

The issue of poverty for persons with disabilities and the elderly certainly deserves to have continued focus and attention. Persons with disabilities who make even $1 over the federal poverty limit (currently $958 per month or $11,496 per year) need to spend-down to 75% of poverty which is currently (for a single person) only $719 per month or $8,628 per year. Things are even worse for a couple

Waiver System Clarified

by John Wayne Barker

The Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS), passed by the 2013 Minnesota Legislature, is a new way to determine rates for people who get services funded by four of the Home and Community-Based Waivers (CAC, CADI, DD, & TBI).

The need for the DWRS came from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (the federal Medicaid agency) requiring the Department of Human Services to use a consistent statewide rate methodology in order to remain eligible for federal financial participation (FFP). FFP means that the federal government funds 50% of waivered services here in Minnesota, so it was important for DHS to comply.

Launched on January 1, 2014, the DWRS is being phased-in over a 5-year “banding period,” with full compliance by January 1, 2019. During this banding period, the rate paid to providers cannot change, either up or down, more than half of one percent in 2014 and 2015; and no more than one percent in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The intent of the banding period is to give providers time to make the operational and budget adjustments needed for this dramatic shift in how they are paid.

For day services (such as DT and H) and residential services (such as group homes) providers will have to change from a shared service rate to individual rates for each client receiving a service. If we applied this methodology to schools, it would be like going from a nine-month rate for each student to one daily or hourly rate for each student based on their attendance, class schedule, and ability to learn.

This is not how schools operate and, in this author’s view, not how human service programs should be funded either.

Still, at present this is the plan being implemented. To generate a waiver recipient’s rate, the County of Financial Responsibility enters data into the system for the service being renewed or requested. It seems most counties intend for their case managers to complete this task throughout 2014 during the person’s annual team meeting. Once the data is entered, a “screen shot” is generated and sent to the appropriate provider confirming services, units, and rates approved for a specific period of time.

During the 2014 session, a coalition of waiver service providers developed a list of legislative changes to clarify and/or correct some problem areas in the 2013 DWRS legislation. This group presented the suggested changes to DHS for review and discussion so they could be introduced at the legislature without objection.

Most but not all of these changes were included in the Omnibus bill that was passed.

If you, or someone you know, are a recipient of waiver services you can expect that the DWRS will be part of your 2014 annual meeting. As you prepare for this meeting it is important that you are clear on what services and units are desired under your definition of a quality life; and to expect the case manager to explain what will be authorized. For people receiving waivered services before 12/31/13, the 2013 legislation prohibits any reduction in your services and your rights to appeal have not changed. ■ John Wayne Barker is Executive Director of Merrick, Inc and a member of DWRS Advisory Committee.

with disabilities or elderly who are married. They must spend-down to $971 per month or $11,652 per year. On Medical Assistance for Employed People with Disabilities the income, spousal and asset standards are quite different.

These individuals can also have no more than $3,000 in assets (excluding a house and car) and some changes in retirement have been addressed recently. This asset limitation has not changed since the 1980s.

Requiring people to live on 75% of the poverty limit or less and restricting assets to $3,000 can amount to a lifelong sentence of poverty for those affected.

What are the policy reasons why Minnesota would require this sacrifice? Also, why are some of the lowest income people in the state being forced to surrender part of their social security income?

We need to have a discussion about health care affordability. In order to live in the community a persons with disabilities or the elderly may require more extensive support services in addition to traditional medical benefits. While these services can be costly they are far cheaper than what was paid to institutionalize many people just a few years ago. The state has apparently decided that because people require these extra support services they must pay what amounts to a penalty by surrendering much of their income back to the state. This is not a value we believe is just or defensible.

The issue of equity is also boosted by the opportunity for people who qualify for MA through the Medicaid expansion available under the Affordable Care Act. An individual without disabilities can earn up to 138% of poverty, currently $1,273 or $15,281 per year and be eligible for MA without any spend-down or asset limitations. This is good public policy and we want persons with disabilities and the elderly to have this same policy treatment.

What a difference it would make for an individual to have an increase in monthly income from $719 to $958 or even $1273! It would allow people to have a few “extras” or save for a needed purchase. It would boost economic growth as that income is spent in the community. It would restore dignity to people who feel discriminated against because they need MA provided support services and have a disability.

MN-CCD is excited about this prospect! Please join us in this campaign.

For further info contact Gene Martinez at genemartinez@thearcgtc.org or 952-915-3615. ■ Gene Martinez chairs the MN-CCD Board. MN-CCD is a broad-based coalition of organizations representing persons with disabilities, providers and advocates.

Pg 4 June 10, 2014 Volume 25, Number 6

245D amendments add clarification for providers

by Barb Turner

During the 2014 session, Minnesota’s Home and Community-Based Services Standards statute, known as 245D, moved through the Minnesota Legislature with positive, technical changes. These were changes that many self-advocates, MN-CCD organizations and ARRM, which spearheaded the campaign, were requesting. These standards were initially passed by the 2013 legislature as part of a larger initiative to improve the dignity, health and independence of people with disabilities.

ARRM’s 2014 outreach to find common ground for administrative and legislative fixes for 245D issues

included family spokespersons, the mental health community, other provider associations, advocacy organizations, the Minnesota Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Department of Health.

On May 15 the Minnesota House and Senate passed the Omnibus Health and Human Services Policy Bill, which included several of the 245D changes that ARRM brought to the legislature this session. These changes included clarifying language, reducing administrative burdens for some services, and changes in language to address issues in the area of behavior management.

ARRM plans to bring forward further changes to

245D in 2015 as well as a broad reform package to further enable providers to address the needs of people with disabilities with flexibility. It will also promote operations under standards that focus on quality outcomes for individuals with disabilities across the state.

ARRM is a nonprofit association of providers, businesses and advocates dedicated to leading the advancement of community-based services that support people living with disabilities in their pursuit of meaningful lives. Founded in 1970, ARRM works on industry reforms that support Minnesotans with disabilities. ■ Barb Turner is ARRM Chief Operations Officer.

Safe Schools Act’s passage the work of many

by Mike Gude

The Safe Schools for All Coalition was successful in its efforts this session in large part because of the depth and breadth of the coalition. The Safe and Supportive Minnesota School Act was supported by a wide variety of disability advocacy groups, plus other organizations representing numerous other interests in the diverse, 140-member coalition.

The voices from the disability community were certainly not the only ones heard at the capitol and in the media during the Safe Schools debate, but we were an important and essential presence throughout. A number of disability groups made this bill one of their legislative priorities this session, including The Arc Minnesota, The Arc Greater Twin Cities, Minnesota Con-

sortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) and PACER. Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, The Youth Legacy Foundation, and the Minnesota State Council on Disability were among those groups also actively backing this effort. Passage of the act was important because of incidents of bullying that targets students with disabilities.

We knew that victory would depend on activity on many fronts: Grassroots action. Self-advocacy groups, whether made up students or adults, educated themselves on the issue, shared their stories at individual visits with legislators, and joined delegations who met with key legislative leaders like Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk. Members of The Arc statewide and other members of MN-CCD made sure this issue was raised in

personal visits and e-mails to their state representatives and senators throughout the session.

Media/communications. There was significant disability input on the coalition’s communications team when drafting common messages and talking points.

The bullying of students with disabilities was one of the main themes in op-eds published in the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press, as well as letters to the editor in Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota newspapers.

The disability community was kept abreast of the progress of the bill through publications like Access Press. Those preparing for the March 18th Disability Day at the Capitol were e-mailed fact sheets and links to YouTube videos that briefed them on the bill and the importance of sharing personal stories about it.

Safe Schools Act - p. 14

The 5% Campaign brings equity When Gov. Mark Dayton signed The 5% Campaign bill into law, the swipe of that pen ended a grassroots journey that began nearly one year ago for increased revenue for home and community-based services. (HCBS) As a result of this legislation, providers of these services for people with disabilities and older adults will receive a five percent rate increase effective July 1, 2014. Eighty percent of the increase must be specifically allocated to compensation-related expenses for direct support professionals and caregivers.

“The 5% Campaign has maintained that life in the community is the first and best option for people with disabilities and older Minnesotans, as well as their families, workers and our state as a whole,” said Steve Larson, Co-Chair of The 5% Campaign. “While the State of Minnesota is supportive of moving more individuals away from institutional settings to receive care and services in their homes or community settings, the funding mechanism for these programs has not kept pace with rising costs. This $80.3 million investment this year in caregiving is a step in the right direction to recognize and value these essential ser-

vices that allow people to continue living as independently as possible in the community.”

Larson said, the rate increase and its specific appropriation for caregivers will help reduce high staff turnover that has resulted from years of budget cuts and freezes to HCBS. While inflation rose 24.5 percent between 2003 and 2012, provider rates that pay for caregiver wages increased only 3.4 percent during that same period.

“We supported the specific dedication of funding for our employees as we know they are essential to ensuring a quality of life for those who benefit from home and community-based services,” Larson said.

One percent of the total rate increase is tied to quality improvement. Providers will be required to designate a specific quality improvement project that improves the quality of life of recipients in a meaningful way, improves the quality of services in a measurable way or delivers good quality service more efficiently to receive this portion of the rate increase.

Larson credited strong grassroots advocacy and broad bipartisan support from lawmakers for the suc5% Campaign - p. 15

Autism legislation saw key gains by the Autism Society of Minnesota (AusM)

Minnesota’s 2014 legislative session was successful for persons with autism and their families. The omnibus bill (HF 3172 and SF 2785) contained several provisions including: A 10% reduction in the parental fees for families whose children with disability, including autism are eligible for medical assistance. Although this fee reduction will benefit thousands of Minnesota families, more work needs to be done to provide relief for children with autism receiving Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association (MCHA) coverage.

MCHA is scheduled to be eliminated at the end of this year.

Legislation related to the Medical Assistance autism early intensive intervention benefit created during the 2013 legislative session, were modified. One new provision expands the federal authority that the Commissioner of Human Services may use to gain

approval for the autism benefit, specifically citing, but not limited to, Early and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment, known as EPSDT. The purpose of this provision is to ensure that the benefit will be available for families to access as soon as possible.

The new legislation also eliminated the requirement that two separate professionals must diagnose a child with autism in order to access the new benefit.

The new language states that a diagnosis must be completed by either a licensed physician or a mental health practitioner.

Additionally, a new section requires that the DHS commissioner provide statewide training on the autism benefit for culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Training for autism service providers on culturally appropriate practices must be online, accessible, and available in multiple languages. The training for families, lead agencies, advocates, and Autism legislation - p. 15

June 10, 2014 Volume 25, Number 6

FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Pg 5

Fergus Falls visit stirs strong emotions

by Sophia E. Terazawa

“Here, put this on,” said Halle O’Falvey, community organizer of Remembering with Dignity, a program run by Advocating Change Together (ACT).

She handed me an oversized black jacket. “It is cold in there!” The May day’s sunshine was a contrast to the bitter gust of icy air that greeted the group of six self-advocates and ACT staff as we entered the abandoned building of the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center. It was a good thing we came prepared for the chill. What we were not quite prepared for, however, were the feelings triggered on this visit. For some of us, this was not the first time walking through the doors of a state hospital institution.

The tour was held in preparation for a cemetery ceremony that will be held in Fergus Falls at 1:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 7. There are 3,196 people buried with unmarked graves in Fergus Falls. Remembering With Dignity hired Braham Monument Company to install 538 new grave markers this summer.

The tour also gave the group the chance to see the historic Kirkbride Building at Fergus Falls. It was designed

by Dr. Thomas Kirkbride of Pennsylvania, who was superintendent of the of the state hospital institution, in the second half of the 19th century. The building is slated for demolition but there is an effort to save it.

The tour brought back strong memories. “They held me down like this,” said Larry Lubbers, self-advocate and ACT board member. His voice echoed under the high ceilings of the empty dining hall. With clenched fists, he spread his arms out to the side and described how the staff at Faribault—another institution less than four hours away—force-fed him a long time ago. “It was 15 years of torture.”

Remembering With Dignity is one of ACT’s many programs. It honors people with disabilities who died under institutional care. Grave markers with names are provided for what have been numbered graves.

Artists with disabilities paint portraits of people buried at state institutions.

We visited Fergus Falls to see for ourselves the condition of the place. It certainly was a space of contradictions, from the ornate wrought iron stair railings to the musky smell of abandoned corridors and the stark rooms for the residents, who historically were described as “inmates.”

“It was startling to walk in there and be presented with this beautiful building,” said O’Falvey. “But it was also awful to think about how this place had all these patients lined up in the hallways to sleep for the night with such overcrowding.”

The massive fourth floor apartments of the supervising doctors differed significantly from the cramped patient rooms. We stared with mixed feelings of awe and horror.

“To me, it was kind of eerie,” said Carol Robinson, self-advocate and ACT board member. “I was kind of expecting to see the (inmate) beds.”

We then visited the cemetery where the state hospital residents are buried. From a distance, the field looked like a sprawling plot of grass amidst a bare field. At first, the only indication of the land being a burial ground was a small cross and a handful of grave markers scattered throughout. However, a closer look revealed hundreds of indentations in the ground, like pockmarks of the earth. Here, people were hastily buried side by side, without names marking their graves.

For Lubbers, this visit moved him to speak out about the lack of dignity and respect for the deceased. “I want people to remember all the relatives and people who died at an institution,” he said. “They did not have a very good life at all. There was no freedom.”

Free tours of the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center are given at 12:30 p.m. Fridays, from May to October. Contact Maxine Schmidt. 218-736-5328.

She is part of ‘Save the Kirkbride’ group hoping to preserve the Fergus Falls building.

There are monthly tours of the Fergus Falls State Hospital Cemetery. Contact the Ottertail Historical Society for specific times and dates, 218-736-6038. ■ Sophia E. Terazawa works at Advocating Change Together (ACT).

This historic Fergus Falls building faces demolition.

The group toured the historic Fergus Falls building.

Photos courtesy of ACT

Pg 6 June 10, 2014 Volume 25, Number 6

REGIONAL NEWS No resolution in cable television dispute The television program “Disability Viewpoints” continues to face an uncertain future as the North Suburban Communications Commission decided May 15 to reject a new Comcast cable franchise proposal.

“Disability Viewpoints” is produced and aired by CTV, which is overseen by the commission. The vote makes it likely that the dispute will wind up in court.

Comcast wants to change its franchise agreement with several northern Twin Cities suburbs, including cutting the public, education and government (PEG) funding provided for staff, facilities and equipment. Comcast wants to cut the subscriber fee from $4.15 to 42 cents, which the commission argues would bankrupt CTV. The cable commission is made up of representatives from Arden Hills, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Little Canada, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks, Roseville, St. Anthony and Shoreview.

Shoreview’s representative cast the only vote against rejecting the proposal. Shoreview has considered leaving the commission and negotiating on its own.

But representatives of other cities said they need to protect CTV and compared losing it to losing other city assets such as libraries and parks.

“Disability Viewpoints” is a program by and for Minnesotans with disabilities. It is rebroadcast by other cable networks in Minnesota and is also shown on Twin Cities Public Television. Those involved in the program said that while they could find another home for the production, they have longstanding working relationships with CTV staff and volunteers and would like those to continue. ■ (Source: Lillie Suburban Newspapers)

Portable bed handles recalled Reports of three deaths have prompted the recall of about 113,000 adult portable bed handles used to help people get into and out of bed. The federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said the recall involves handles sold by Bed Handles Inc., of Blue Springs, MO. One of the deaths was in a Minnesota assisted living facility.

The handles can reportedly shift out of place when attached to a bed without the use of the safety retention straps. That creates a dangerous gap between the handle and the side of the mattress. The CPSC said three women became trapped between the mattress and the handles. The other two deaths were in Washington State, one in an adult family home and the other in a state managed care facility.

The recalled handles were sold at home health care, drug and medical equipment stores and in home and health care catalogs from January 1994 through December 2007. They cost about $100. The safety commission indicated that 174 deaths were associated with adult portable bed rails between January 2003 and December 2012.

More than 80 percent of those killed were 60 or older.

The recall came just days after the CPSC announced a program intended to protect older adults from dangerous consumer products. ■ (Source: Associated Press)

Parks department accused of discrimination The Minnesota Disability Law Center May 28 filed a charge of discrimination with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, centered on access to a Twin Cities off-leash dog area.

The complaint was filed on behalf of Ramsey County resident David Zylka. It is filed against the Ramsey County Department of Parks and Recreation.

In the complaint Zylka alleges that Ramsey County has failed to ensure physical access for individuals with disabilities who want to use the Rice Creek Off-Leash Dog Park.

The park is one of four off-leash dog areas operated by the county. It is in Shoreview and consists of 13 fenced acres. Zylka has a disability that prohibits him from walking long distances on soft surfaces such as dirt and sand.

Zylka wants to be able to use the park so he and his dog can exercise. But the dog park contains a soft

sand path for walking that is inaccessible to him and others who have difficulty walking or use a mobility device such as a wheelchair.

According to the complaint, for the past few years Zylka has tried to persuade Ramsey County to make the Rice Creek area accessible to individuals with disabilities by putting in a path that is firm. But Ramsey County has refused his requests.

“I am filing this Charge of Discrimination because the Rice Creek Off-Leash Dog Park should be accessible to everybody, including people with disabilities,” said Zylka. “I am hopeful that the Minnesota Department of Human Rights will find probable cause in this case and require Ramsey County to make this public dog park accessible for everyone.” ■ (Source: Minnesota Disability Law Center)

Book won’t be pulled from shelves

‘R’ stands for respect

A book that uses a word that is derogatory to people with cognitive disabilities has been allowed to stay in the libraries of nine Minnesota schools. That is despite a parental complaint. Jenna Boutain of Farmington requested in April that the book Sixth Grade Can Really Kill You by Barthe DeClements be removed because it uses a derogatory term for students with special needs.

Boutain is a district employee who works with special needs students and the mother of a student.

But on May 14 a panel of parents, teachers and officials from the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school District voted unanimously to keep the book.

The district has only removed one other book under the policy. Lori Torseth, media specialist at Westview Elementary School, told the panel that the book was valuable for students who were struggling to learn to read. Torseth added that the book’s author told her it was written to “give people comfort that learning to read is hard.”

Boutain’s child was given the book as part of an accelerated-reader program. A district official offered to restrict the child’s access to the book, and the mother agreed. Boutain then decided to move forward with her request to have it removed from schools. The book was first published in 1985 and tells the story of Helen, a sixth-grader with a learning disability. ■ (Source: Pioneer Press)

A campaign to “Disable the Label” filled the Vadnais Heights Sports Center May 14. People living with disabilities spread the message that the “R” word not only hurts, but is also degrading. They used the event to state that “R” needs to stand for respect.

Members of several dozen families wore “Disable the Label” tee shirts. They stood in the shape of a giant heart as their own positive protest of the “R” word.

“Excuse my bluntness, but it’s like a verbal assassination of a person’s character,” said Hunter Sargent who wrote and performed his “Disable the Label” rap.

Many people at the rally helped campaign for the Safe Schools Act at the capitol this past legislative session.

“People with intellectual and developmental disabilities need to be treated with respect in the school and workplace. It’s something that can really bring a person’s self-esteem down. We as a community and society need to take time to learn from each other rather than label each other,” said Sargent.

“Everyone wears their R-word shirts and stands in a heart supporting those and showing our love for those in our community with intellectual disabilities,” said organizer Leslie Sieleni, a White Bear Lake mother.

The event was organized by the White Bear Lake Peer and Leadership Society, Special Olympics Minnesota, the Arc Minnesota and Mains’l Services. ■ (Source: KARE 11)

Families demand changes at hospital Families are demanding better oversight at the Minnesota Security Hospital, after a patient was beaten to death in his room at the St. Peter facility. “It breaks my heart that it came to this—that a man is now dead —for these problems to come into focus,” one patient’s mother said at a news briefing May 15 in St. Paul.

Parents joined advocates in demanding that independent experts review therapy protocols and staff training at the hospital. It is Minnesota’s main treatment facility for people who are mentally ill and dangerous. Another demand is that patients and families need a greater role in developing therapy plans.

Reforms are sought just after release of a harshly worded investigation by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). DHS looked into the January killing of Michael F. Douglas, 41, and called the inci-

dent an “an unacceptable failure” on the hospital’s part. The report found that some hospital staff chose to spend their time inside offices and not interacting with patients, and that the patient who killed Douglas had asked twice to see a psychiatrist on the day of the killing but was denied.

After the report came out, DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson called for sweeping changes in the hospital’s culture, as well as much more staff training.

Other DHS officials have indicated that they are open to discussing changes with advocacy groups. Staff is already being added to deal with high-tension situations.

The hospital has been the focus of several reports and investigations, including a 2013 legislative auditor’s report that found understaffing in many situations. ■ (Source: Star Tribune)

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June 10, 2014 Volume 25, Number 6

Pg 7

PEOPLE & PLACES Outstanding caregivers honored by ARRM The Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) honored six outstanding direct support professionals from around the state during its ARRM Cares Awards Ceremony May 14 at the Doubletree Bloomington. ARRM is a statewide association of private disability providers that support people with developmental and physical disabilities, autism, brain injuries and mental illness in their pursuit of a meaningful life.

The award program began in 1996 to recognize professional caregivers who provide exemplary services to people with disabilities. Recipients of this award have demonstrated that they are committed to providing innovative, professional services to people with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities.

“Year after year, our selection committee is bowled over by the inspiring stories of support these caregivers provide to people with disabilities,” said ARRM CEO Bruce Nelson. “That’s why at ARRM, we believe that every person nominated is a winner.”

The 2014 the ARRM Cares Awards were presented

by ARRM Board president Darlene Scott, president and CEO of The Phoenix Residence, Inc. The winners were chosen from a field of more than 100 nominees.

The winners are: Robert Johnson, Duluth Regional Care Center (DRCC), has worked at the Laverne facility for more than a year. A longtime community gardener, Johnson and his wife used their expertise to start the DRCC Garden Club. Garden club members helped prepare the site, plant and tend the garden, and harvest the produce to share with their housemates. The gardeners planted fruit trees and herbs. They hauled water and did other garden chores. In 2014 the garden will grow larger. One goal is to build raised bed plots for gardeners in wheelchairs. Gardeners have worked together, learned about healthy eating and had fun together, thanks to Johnson.

ARRM Cares award winners were honored in May. In the back row, left to right, are Priscilla Spaeth, Dungarvin Minnesota; Tommy Nelson, Habilitative Services, Inc.: Robert Johnson, Duluth Regional Care Center and Joshua Lewis, Living Well Disability Services. In the front row, left to right, are Jeneil Popp, Homeward Bound and Becky Sallberg, Creative Care for Reaching Independence.

Photo courtesy of ARRM

Joshua Lewis, Living Well Disability Services, has made a career out of helping others. Keith, a resident of the group home where Lewis works, had severe anxiety. Keith was unable to advocate for himself. But Lewis put him at ease and over time, Keith found the first trusting relationship he had had in years. Lewis helped Keith develop the skills and confidence to become a self-advocate, attend the statewide Advocating Change Together Conference and run for a board seat in a self-advocacy organization. Lewis also helped Keith make his first-ever trip to the Minnesota State High School League hockey tournament.

Tommy Nelson, Habilitative Services, Inc. After a serious accident ended his office supply delivery job, Nelson became a team lead assist for in-home support services in Marshall. He works with clients ages 6 to 26 and helps each find what they enjoy and what their abilities are. He helps his clients find opportunities to express their talents. One boy has written stories about superheroes. Another boy is preparing his artwork to enter in a county fair. Nelson enjoys teaching and helping people find their abilities and talents.

Nelson knows his actions are observed by those he works with and he strives to be a role model.

Jeneil Popp, Homeward Bound, Inc. Popp is a nurse and case manager for the Homeward Bound Noble Court Community Alternative Care Home, working with medically fragile clients. Popp encourages her clients to explore and express themselves through art.

Clients use many different types of adaptive devices to create art. The art is then displayed at the Hennepin County Ridgedale Library’s annual Art Abilities—Art Gallery. Popp understands that every person, no matter his or her disability, can enjoy creating art and finding a means of self-expression. Art has given Popp’s clients a voice and a way to enrich their lives.

Becky Sallberg, Creative Care for Reaching Independence. Sallberg has worked for the agency for nine years. She was honored for her work with a client, Cathy, who needed help staying physically and mentally active. Sallberg made walking fun for Cathy, and helped her discover a love of riding a bicycle. Cathy has also learned to enjoy water exercise. Sallberg has Caregivers honored - p. 10

Assistance dog teams from throughout the Midwest received their diplomas

Four year-old Julia Rogne and her autism assist dog Ivy recently celebrated graduation from Can Do Canines training.

Photo courtesy of Can Do Canines

Seventeen teams from throughout the upper Midwest received diplomas in May, in recognition of graduating from Can Do Canines assistance dog program. The May 17 ceremony at Can Do Canines’ facility in New Hope included a building dedication to commemorate the completion of a $4.4 million capital campaign.

The campaign helped the program attain a permanent home and provide needed infrastructure for growth.

For the teams the event is the culmination of training. Puppy raisers teach basic obedience and early assistance dog skills. After 18 months, the young dogs are returned to Can Do Canines for final training and to begin their new life with a person in need, free of charge.

One graduate is four year-old Julia Rogne and her autism assist dog Ivy. Three children in the Rogne

family are diagnosed with autism. Ivy already has had a life-changing impact on Julia and her family. Julia has had nightmares and was prone to running off in public. Ivy is Julia’s constant companion, being close and calm during the night and helping Julie stay in close proximity to her family.

Can Do Canines got some help preparing for graduation day from Rebuilding Together Twin Cities and approximately 80 volunteers from Honeywell and Cooper High School. They spent May 8 installing new kennels, clearing land for training and recreation spaces, creating a walking trail, repairing fencing in the exercise yard and completing other landscaping and repair tasks around the facility.

Honeywell donated $5,000 in materials in addition to volunteers’ time on the project. ■

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Pg 10 June 10, 2014 Volume 25, Number 6

PEOPLE & PLACES Partners in Policymaking seeks participants Forest Lake resident Xochipitzahua (known as “SoCheel”) Flores is a parent of two daughters with disabilities. One daughters is age 3½ with a rare genetic chromosomal condition. Her 10-year-old daughter has other special needs. To do more for her children, Flores took part in the Partners in Policymaking advocacy training program. She urges other parents who are raising children with disabilities to sign up for the training.

It was valuable to “learn about (civil and societal) rights for children with special needs,” said Flores. “I have learned how to stand up to the school system, to be an advocate for myself and feel more strong.”

Flores, other parents and self-advocates became more familiar with laws regarding people with disabilities.

They also learned how to testify at a hearing.

Other 2013-2014 participants praised the program.

Mounds View resident Danzig “Ziggy” Norberg, a self-advocate with a physical disability, said it was valuable to be able to learn from the parents, in the class, what his own parents have had to go through.

With parents who were learning to advocate for their children with disabilities, the class covered laws regarding people with disabilities and also how to testify in a hearing. Norberg, 19, who has been active in Paralympic kayak racing and political issues, highly recommends the experience to other people with disabilities.

Richfield resident and self-advocate, Millie Cell, who is on the autism spectrum, said the program

David Quilleash, President of Q Holdings and board member for the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, presented awards to this spring’s Partners in Policy Making program graduates. Mounds View resident Danzig “Ziggy” Norberg, a self-advocate with a physical disability, left, and Richfield resident and self-advocate, Millie Cell, right, who is on the autism spectrum, received their awards from Quilleash.

Photo courtesy of Partners in Policy Making/Wallace Group

helped her become better advocate for herself and for others. “I became more independent and more selfconfident,” she said. Cell became more familiar with laws regarding people with disability; and how to testify in a hearing, experiences she said would be valuable to others.

Now offered in almost every state and many foreign countries, Partners in Policymaking was created by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities 27 years ago. Since 1987 about 900 Minnesotans have completed the training. More than 23,000 people have participated in Partners programs offered worldwide.

“Many graduates credit this program for helping them gain self-confidence and a greater understanding of disability law and policies, enabling them to be better advocates for their needs. Many have stepped up to become leaders in their own communities and take on greater roles in speaking for people with disabilities,” said Colleen Wieck, executive director of the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities Topics covered in the training include the history of the disability and self-advocacy movements, inclusive education, supported living and having an influence county, state and federal legislative processes.

The two-day meetings during the program year are all held on weekends, making it easier for people to participate.

There is no cost to individuals selected for the program. It is covered by a federal grant to the Minnesota Governor’s Council. Child care and respite allow-

ances and overnight accommodations are also provided for participants who have to travel some distance to attend and mileage and meals are also covered by the grant. All eight sessions will be held at the Minneapolis Airport Marriott in Bloomington.

The class is limited to 40 participants, selected by a panel of program graduates and representatives of the Governor’s Council. Those selected to participate in the program are expected to attend all meetings and to complete homework assignments between the sessions.

Presenters include nationally recognized leaders in the disabilities area, as well as local experts.

“This program is based on the belief that systems change is best brought about through the efforts of those most affected by them, and we seek to arm them with the tools needed to be successful in the public policy arena,” said Wieck.

This nine-month leadership training program for people with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities is seeking applications for its sessions this fall. The first session is scheduled for September 26-27. Applications are due July 11. For further information or to receive an application form, interested individuals can go to the web page and online application form, www.mngts.org/ partnersinpolicymaking or contact Carol Schoeneck at Government Training Services, 1-800-0569-6878, ext. 205, or at 651-222-7409, ext. 205. She may be emailed at cschoeneck@mngts.org ■

Canoe challenge to highlight PTSD Marine Joshua Ploetz, a veteran diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is canoeing the length of the Mississippi River. The 64-day trip began in May and will cover 2,350 miles of river. Ploetz is making the trip, called Paddle Off the War, to draw attention to PTSD and to raise money to help those who have lost a loved one to PTSD and combat stress.

Ploetz is from St. Charles and graduated from high school there in 2002. He enlisted in the Marines while still in high school. He completed training at Camp Pendleton and was a machine gunner with the Third Battalion, Third Marines Alpha and Lima Companies. He served and was wounded in Afghanistan, and experienced the hardships of war first-hand.

Ploetz has dealt with PTSD for several years. He enjoys physical activities and the outdoors, and was inspired to take his canoe trip. He expects to arrive in Louisiana around August 1. ■ Caregivers honored - from p. 7 helped Cathy develop healthy eating habits and easy-to-prepare meals.

Recipes and pictures of each meal go into a cookbook Cathy can use.

Cathy has also received help from Sallberg to cut back on smoking, participate in \new social activities and go to overnight camp.

Priscilla Spaeth, Dungarvin Minnesota. Spaeth was honored for going the extra mile in helping her clients. One client had aggressive behavior issues. Rather than moving him to another facility, Spaeth worked with his probation officer, helped him with legal issues and had his medications adjusted in a hospital setting. The individual has not exhibited aggressive behavior toward others in several months and was able to complete high school and find a job. Another client, who dislikes change, needed extra attention when his home was relocated. One part of the transition was to help the client plant a garden at the new location. ■

June 10, 2014 Volume 25, Number 6 Pg 11

PEOPLE & PLACES

Opportunity Partners gives awards

Adapted bowling champions crowned One new and one repeat champion went home with titles after the Minnesota State High School League Adapted Bowling Tournament May 16 at Brunswick Zone in Brooklyn Park. Simley High School of Inver Grove Heights won its second consecutive title in the PI Division, for athletes with physical disabilities.

Team members are returnees and seniors Mazin Hassabelrasoul and Kayla Wamstad, and junior Paul Stokke. They were joined by one new member, seventh-grader Emily Rettinger.

Simley bested a 10-team field, with a score of 1,740. Alexandria finished second and St. Paul Highland Park finished third.

Tartan High School of Oakdale won the CI Division title, for athletes with cognitive disabilities. Tartan bested a 32-team field that included the 2013 CI champions from Lake City. Lake City was bowling for its sixth championship. Alexandria finished second and Mankato East finished third.

Tartan racked up a score of 1,675, with senior bowler Steffie Bailey, junior Thao Chia Neng and freshmen Justin Breister and Yeng Her. It was one of seven Tartan teams in the tournament.

Prep bowlers also compete for boys’ and girls’ singles titles, and doubles’ titles. New winners were crowned in all categories.

In the PI Division, 34 bowlers competed in boys’ singles and 44 bowlers in girls’ singles. There were 27 different duos competing in doubles. Freshman Ryan Harroun of Mankato East won the PI boys’ singles title with a score of 458. Girls’ singles champion is Monticello senior Jessica Kellinen, with a score of 485. The North St. Paul team of junior Nicole Turnquist and senior Jeanne Waskosky won the doubles crown with a score of 898.

In the CI Division, there were 123 boys and 78 girls entered in the singles competition. There were 83 pairs of bowlers entered in the doubles event.

Boys’ singles champion is sophomore Keith Travis of St. Paul Como Park, with a score of 497. Girls’ singles champion is senior Keosha Farr of Minneapolis North Community, with a score of 468. Simley won the doubles crown as senior Tanner Dockter and junior Travis Mitchell had a score of 890.

Bowling will be followed this spring by the adapted softball tournament and the state track and field meet, were held after deadline for this issue of Access Press. ■

Award winners at Opportunity Partners’ May 22 legislative celebration were Asplin Center, 2014 group advocate honoree. Asplin Center representatives are shown with Rep. Jim Abeler and Sen. Melissa Franzen. Inset is Paul Nelson, with his staff Kim Luttrell. Nelson is proud of his “2014 Self-Advocate of the Year” award. Daniel Guerin, not shown, was honored as “2014 Staff Advocate of the Year.”

Photos courtesy of Opportunity Partners

ARRM announces new board members The Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM), a statewide association of private community-based providers that support people with disabilities, has announced its 2014-2017 board of directors.

“We are especially excited about the potential contributions of our new board members,” said ARRM’s CEO Bruce Nelson. “As disability services in Minnesota continue to undergo dramatic transformations in how they are funded and regulated, this board will be instrumental in advancing quality services, as well as sustaining and building ARRM’s membership.”

ARRM’s board is a working entity of disability industry leaders. They are empowered by their organizations to make decisions affecting services for thousands of Minnesotans with disabilities. During the nomination process, ARRM sought experts who will make significant contributions to ARRM and the larger disability industry the coming years. Officers will be elected in June.

The incoming members of ARRM’s 2014-17 board

of directors are Doug Annett, Opportunity Partners Inc.; Curt Bossert, Habilitative Services, Inc. and Laurie Tazelaar Williams, Community Connections Partnership. Returning members are Shannon Bock, CCRI, Inc.; Rod Carlson, Living Well Disability Services; David Doth, REM Minnesota; John Estrem, Hammer Residences, Inc. ; John Everett, Community Involvement Programs; Sandy Henry, Sengistix, LLC; Bob Hafdahl, Capstone Services, LLC; Barb Hoheisel, Mains’l Services, Inc.; John Kehr, Volunteers of America Minnesota; Karen Klein, ResCare MN; Steve Liston, Mary T. Inc.; Michael Mills, Duluth Regional Care Center; Jon Nelson, Residential Services, Inc.; Sam Orbovich, Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.; Rhonda Peterson , Integrity Living Options, Inc.; Don Priebe, Homeward Bound; Vicki Sieve, MBW Company; Darlene Scott, The Phoenix Residence, Inc.; Karin Stockwell, Dungarvin Minnesota; Lisa Zaspel, Fraser; and Susann Zeug-Hoese, Mount Olivet Rolling Acres, Inc. ■

ALLY will ‘green up” Green Line and other spots

Green Line light rail starts operations June 14.

Photo courtesy of Metro Transit/Drew Kerr

ALLY program participants will be digging in the dirt this planting season. The work program for

people with disabilities will tend the YMCA Community Garden near University Avenue and Fairview avenues; the Midway Spirit Garden at Hamline Avenue and Pierce Butler Road, and the Historic Maplewood Bruentrup Farm. The YMCA Garden is along the new Green Line light rail line, which opens June 14.

Participants have regular watering, weed pulling and in the later summer, harvesting schedules. Fresh produce is used by participants’ families, group homes, and donated to local food shelters along in St. Paul.

This is the last year for one ALLY gardening effort.

For many years ALLY participants have helped beautify Midway Stadium, by planting hundreds of annuals around the entrance and in flower boxes around

the stadium. It is the home of the St. Paul Saints baseball team. The Saints are moving to the new Lowertown Ballpark next season.

Saints owner Mike Veeck is grateful for the partnership and supports ALLY People Solutions by giving away tickets to the participants who take time from their busy schedules to volunteer at the ballpark for the flower planting. ■

Pg 12 June 10, 2014 Volume 25, Number 6 Plan to attend ADA 24th Anniversary Celebration July 25

ACCESSIBLE FUN Welcome to the Access Press Accessible Fun listings, a sampling of theater, music, arts, walks, runs, dances and gala events for our community. Readers looking for additional opportunities to enjoy the arts have these options: VSA Minnesota is at http://vsamn.org/ has a large calendar at in the upper right hand corner of the home page. VSA Minnesota would like feedback on the design, so users should weigh in on the site or at access@vsamn.org or 612-332-3888 ext. 2. The new website is intended to be easier for volunteers to maintain and expand. Users of the site should change their bookmarks if they haven’t already done so.

For information on galleries and theater performances around the state join the Access to Performing Arts email list at access@vsa.n.org or call VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or statewide 800-801-3883 (voice/TTY).

To hear a weekly listing of accessible performances, call 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883.

Another web events’ listing is http://c2net.org (c2: caption coalition, inc.), which does most of the captioned shows in Minnesota and across the country. Facebook is another way to connect with performances. Sign up to connect with Audio Description Across Minnesota (http://tinyurl.com/d34dzo2). Connect with ASL Interpreted and Captioned Performances across Minnesota on Facebook http://tinyurl.com/FBcaption

The Longest Day On Sat, June 21, join the Alzheimer’s Association and participate in The Longest Day, a sunrise-to-sunset event to honor the strength, passion and endurance of those facing Alzheimer’s disease. The event is held on the day of the solstice, the longest event of planned in Minnesota or North Dakota. http://www.alz.org/mnnd/

Golf, party fundraiser The 19th Annual Paul Adelman Children with Disabilities Golf Classic and Paul’s Party is Mon, July 28 at Oak Ridge Country Club in Hopkins. Events begin at 11 a.m. with lunch, check-in and then golf. The evening event, Paul’s Party, is at 5 p.m. Paul’s Party will include an extensive array of hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auctions, and a raffle with prizes including trips to the 2015 Kentucky Derby, the 2015 Masters and other destinations.

The fundraiser has helped many causes over the years, raising more than $1 million. Many Minnesota children have benefitted. FFI: Golf and/or party registrations, Sheila Johnson, 612-708-0591, sheila@pauladelmanen dowmentfund.coml raffle tickets, Floyd Adelman, 952-935-580, floyd@pauladelmanendowmentfund.com; www.pauladelmanendowmentfund.com

Opportunity Partners tournament Opportunity Partners will hold a golf tournament and fundraiser Mon, July 21 at Midland Hills Country Club, Roseville. Enjoy a beautiful day outdoors while supporting programs and services for people with disabilities.

Mark your calendar for Friday, July 25 and plan to attend the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) 24th Anniversary Celebration.

The event is 10 a.m. to noon at the Elmer L. Anderson Building (Department of Human Services), 540 Cedar St., St. Paul. Take the new Green Line light rail to the event and stop at the Cedar Street station. Speakers include Darlene Zangara, the new director of Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan Implementation Office. Entertainers include Leslye Orr, St. Paul writer and storyteller, and Twin Cities musicians Tony Wentersdorf and Mary Parker. Light refreshments will be served.

Watch for the ADA celebration updates in the July Access Press.

2014 marks the 24th anniversary of the ADA, the key federal legislation whic has greatly improved the lives of people with disabilities. The 25th anniversary celebration in 2015 promises to be a significant event. ■ Events start at 10:30 a.m. and include lunch, dinner, 18 holes of golf and a cart. The hole-in-one prize is a two-year lease on a Lexus RX350. Tickets are $199.

Sponsors are needed for the event. FFI: Mary Grupa, 952-930-4253, mgrupa@opportunities.org; sponsor information, Dawn Piburn, 952-912-7448, dpiburn@opportunities.org; tickets, http://bit.ly/1hGXbMV

Candide Skylark Opera presents Leonard Bernstein’s musical of comedy, action and romance at E.M. Pearson Theatre at Concordia University, 312 N. Hamline Ave., St. Paul.

Captioning is 7:30 p.m. Wed, June 18. Tickets are $22 student, $29 super saver, $45 premium, $39 senior, and $78 ticket to both productions. FFI: TicketWorks, 612-343-339, http://www.ticketworks.com, http://www.skylarkopera.org/

Ship of Fools Directed by Kyle Cadotte and Matt Trucano of the Chicago-based theater company The Bricklayers, this performance features actors with disabilities. It will be at Interact Center for Visual & Performing Arts, 212 Third Ave. N., #140, Mpls. ASL show is 7 p.m. Thu, June 19, 7:00 PM. AD show is 3 p.m. Sat, June 21. Tickets are $18, DISCOUNT: Dis/Cover the Arts $5 tickets, plus a $2.50 transportation subsidy, available to people with disabilities plus one companion ticket per person. At the performance, tell the Box Office the name of your transportation provider to receive $2.50 reimbursement.

Tickets are limited, so reservations are encouraged.

FFI: Brown Paper Tickets, 800-838-3006, http:// www.brownpapertickets.com/event/635576. Select Dis/ Cover ticket price option. Interact, 612-339-5145, http://www.interactcenter.com.

The Big Gay Sing The Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus, hosted by Miss Richfield 1981, presents one of the highlights of Pride Month, at Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 4th St. S., Mpls. ASL show is 8 p.m. Sat, June 21. Tickets are reduced to half-price for ASL patrons (regular $25-41, includes all fees). FFI: 612-624-2345, 612-339-7664;

Submit a nomination - from p. 1 a fun silent auction and “pick your prize” raffle, speeches and time to socialize with friends. Family members and friends of the honoree are encouraged to attend.

Interpretation is offered, by request for any guests.

Please let the staff know if any accommodations are needed.

Any individual or group in Minnesota is eligible for nomination. People cannot nominate themselves. Past nominees can be nominated again, and can be nominated for two consecutive years. After two years a one-year wait for nomination is required. A nominator cannot nominate the same person or organization in consecutive years.

The entry form is on the Access Press website, at www.accesspress.org and is available for downloaded.

Please send a high-resolution digital photo or an actual picture of the nominee. Otherwise, tell the editors where a picture can be obtained. Pictures will be returned on request. Anyone who needs accommodations to complete the form or has any questions about the nominations can call the office at 651-644-2133.

Completed nominations can be sent via email to CSAnominations@accesspress.org, via fax to 651-644-2136, or mail to Access Press, c/o Charlie Award Committee, 161 St. Anthony Ave #910; St. Paul, MN 55103.

Access Press Business Manager Dawn Frederick is seeking banquet sponsors, as well as donations for the silent auction and raffle. Please contact Dawn at

Learning how to vote was a highlight of the 2010 ADA Anniversary Celebration. Make plans to attend this year’s event in St. Paul July 25.

Access Press file photo

nto@umn.edu, www.tcgmc.org or https://www.tickets.umn.edu/Online/

Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat Children’s Theatre Company presents Doctor Seuss’ story at Children’s Theatre Co., Cargill Stage, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls. AD and ASL show is 7 p.m.

Fri, June 27. Tickets include special price rates for ASL/AD patrons (regular $16-40). FFI: 612-874-0400; tickets@childrenstheatre.org, http://www.childrenstheatre.org

The Red Box The mystery is presented by Park Square Theatre Company at the theater at 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul.

ASL show is 2 p.m. Sun, June 29, 2:00 PM. AD show is 7:30 p.m. Fri, July 11. Captioning is 2 p.m. Sun, July 13.

(Captioning by c2 inc.)Tickets include an ASL/AD single ticket discount of half-price for patron & one guest (regular $38-58); age 30 & under: $19; Senior age 62+: $5 discount; Rush tickets: $22 cash only, available 10 minutes before performance; subject to availability. FFI: 651-291-7005, http://www.parksquaretheatre.org.

The Heiress Jungle Theater presents a play based on one of Henry James’ novels, at Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. AD show is 7:30 p.m. Thu, July 3. Tickets are reduced to $14 (regular $25-43). Assistive Listening Devices available. FFI: 612-822-7063; boxoffice@jungle theater.com, http://www.jungletheater.com

Rent Lyric Arts Company of Anoka presents the popular Pulitzer Prize-winning musical at its Main Street Stage, 420 E. Main Street, Anoka. ASL show is 2 p.m. Sun, July 13. Tickets are $13-26. Seats for ASL patrons are held in reserve until two weeks prior to the show, then released to the public. When ordering tickets, please indicate the need for seating in this section; if there are no reservations a week before the show, the interpretation will be canceled. FFI: 763-422-1838, boxoffice@lyricarts.org, http://www.lyricarts.org ■

651-644-2133 or dawn@accesspress.org if you would like to donate or have questions about donations.

Reservations can now be made for the banquet.

Cost is $45 per person if you register early, $50 per person at the door or $325 for an eight-person table.

The table rate represents a savings of $35. Registration can be made online, at www.access press.org Checks with the name and number of guests can be mailed to Access Press, Attn: Dawn, 161 St. Anthony Ave Suite 910, St. Paul, MN 55103. Please make checks payable to Access Press and note banquet in the notation line. Credit card transactions can be made over the phone by calling the office.

Previous winners are: 2013: Cal Appleby with the late Vern Bloom and Wayne “Mo” Moldenhauer, Augsburg College 2012: Charles “Chuck” Van Heuveln, Disability Rights Activist 2011: Jeff Bangsberg, Consultant, Legislative Activist 2010: Steve Kuntz, Minnesota DEED 2009: Anne Henry, Minnesota Disability Law Center 2008: Pete Feigal, Co-Founder of Tilting at Windmills 2007: Jim and Claudia Carlisle, People Enhancing People 2006: John Smith, University of Minnesota 2005: Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities 2004: Rick Cardenas, Co-Director of Advocating Change Together 2003: Margot Imdieke Cross, Minnesota State Council on Disability ■

June 10, 2014 Volume 25, Number 6 Pg 13

Knight Green Line Challenge seeks applicants

UPCOMING EVENTS Advocacy Employment and mental health The State Rehabilitation Council and Vocation Rehabilitation Services are sponsoring a public forum on the importance of employment as part of recovery for people with mental illnesses, 1-4:30 p.m. Wed, June 25 at Duluth Holiday Inn, 200 W. 1st St., Duluth. Learn about individual placement and support, a well-documented approach to supporting people with mental illnesses as they move toward employment and economic selfsufficiency. Forum speakers and panelists will address topics including how employment affects recovery from mental illness and if there is a needed for expanded employment services. There will be ample time for public testimony, personal stories and discussion. Comments will become part of the public record. American Sign Language interpreters and CART reporting will be available. Request other accommodations by June 18.

Public comment may continue until 5:30 p.m. Please schedule a time if you plan to provide comment after 4:30 p.m. FFI: Gail Lundeen, 651-259-7364, Gail.Lundeen@state.mn.us Olmstead listening sessions Opportunities to comment on Minnesota’s draft Olmstead Plan continue. The plan, which is the state’s guide to improving services to people with disabilities, is awaiting community input. The Olmstead SubCabinet, a group with representatives from several state departments and agencies, will hear comments. The final listening session is Mon, Aug. 11, but no location has been determined. FFI: http://tinyurl.com/ m88uh4n

Youth and families PACER offers workshops PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with any kind of disabilities. Workshops are at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, unless specified. Advance registration is required for all workshops.

Check out PACER’s website and link to a bimonthly newsletter of workshops statewide that allows participants to pick and choose sessions catered to their needs.

One upcoming free workshop is

Science or Science Fiction? Star Wars Meets Technology for Kids, 10-11:30 a.m. Sat, June 21. Can the “Force” actually be with you?

Can you really fly from one planet to another in an X-Wing fighter? Your favorite “Star Wars” character in full costume will provide the answers to these and other important scientific questions as middle school students with disabilities learn about the science behind science fiction. Hosted by IBM and presented by members of the 501st Legion, Central Garrison, this interactive workshop will explore the science of “Star Wars” in a fun and engaging way.

Making the Move from Early Childhood Special Education to Kindergarten is 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Mon, June 23. Kindergarten is a big step in any child’s life. For a child with disabilities, being ready for kindergarten often requires some intentional preparation. This workshop will help parents plan for this transition and learn strategies to help their child be successful and make the first school experience a good one. BFFI: 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237 (toll free), www.PACER.org Journey of Hope Journey of Hope for People Affected by Chronic Condition” is an alternative Christian/Interfaith church that focuses on spiritual growth rather than specific beliefs or doctrine. The congregation is currently meeting one or two Thursday afternoons a month at J. Arthur’s Coffee, 2441 Rice St., Roseville for a time of worship followed by a time for support. The congregation is looking for people to join in this ministry by, and for, people affected by chronic conditions of any kind, and the people who love and support them. People with a heart for seeking out people who have become isolated because of their health issues, and welcoming them into the community, are needed to join. Journey of Hope is open to all. The congregation is looking for a technical volunteer who is familiar with Google Hangouts, who can set up the equipment before the meeting and run the Hangout on Air. Also sought are one or two musicians who can serve as substitutes for the primary musician.

FFI: Susan, 651-689-3374; http://journeymn.org

Camp Character provides camp experiences for students with many types of disabilities. The camp is geared towards high-energy and interactive activities and challenges that promote unity, selfconfidence, social skills, and an emphasis on character traits. Camp is hosted on the beautiful grounds of Eagle Beach Resort and the majority of “learning” occurs at the Character Challenge Course, a high ropes aerial adventure and teambuilding facility near Park Rapids Minnesota.

The Knight Foundation seeks applicants for its Green Line Challenge, to fund great projects that will help make St. Paul Central Corridor neighborhoods great places to live, learn, work, play and visit. Over the next three years, the grant program will fund $1.5 million in winning projects. Any individual, business or nonprofit can apply through an easy process.

The challenge is sponsored

by Knight Foundation and managed by the St. Paul Foundation.

The challenge could benefit the disability community in a multitude of ways. People with disabilities and disability community organizations are encouraged to apply. Kjensmo Walker, a community member with a disability and staff member for the District Councils Collaborative of St. Paul and Minneapolis, said, “The Knight Green Line Challenge gives the disability community a chance to step up and truly change the world we live in.

Instead of seeing obstacles in

our community, Knight Foundation is giving us freedom to dream and the tools to create lasting solutions that will benefit all people.”

The only requirement is that projects must take place in and benefit at least one St. Paul neighborhood along the Green Line. Applications for year one will be accepted June 24 – July 24. Visit www. knightgreenlinechallenge.org for details and to sign-up for email updates. ■

Information and assistance

meet monthly at the AuSM offices at 2380 Wycliff St, St Paul.

FFI: 651-647-1083 ext. 10, www.ausm.org

Meetings are held all over the region. UCare for Seniors has more than 75,000 members across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. UCare serves Medicare-eligible individuals and families enrolled in income-based Minnesota Health Care Programs, such as Minnesota Care and Prepaid Medical Assistance Program; adults with disabilities and Medicare beneficiaries with chronic health conditions and Minnesotans dually eligible for Medical Assistance and Medicare FFI: 1-877-523-1518, www.ucare.org

Vet Connection Group meets in Minneapolis NAMI Vet Connection gives veterans the opportunity to talk with other veterans and share their experiences, and the successes and hardships of the reintegration process. The group meets 2:15-3:45 p.m. Mondays at the Mpls VA, 1 Veterans Drive, in Room 1B-102 (1st floor).

FFI: Rebecca, 612-801-7415 or Brian, 651-645-2948 x116 Vision loss group offers activities Vision Loss Resources offers free and low-cost activities in the Twin Cities for people who are blind or visually impaired. Life skills classes for people with low vision, card games, craft classes, book clubs, walking groups, dinners out, special outings and technology classes are among the offerings. Participants need to RVSP to participate. FFI: RSVP hotline 612-843-3439; activity phone 612-253-5155, www.visionlossresources.org Adult support groups offered Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) offers free support groups for adults with autism spectrum disorder. Groups include those for adult family members, women with autism spectrum disorders and independent adults with autism. Groups meet monthly throughout 2014. Groups

First aid training offered The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota will hold a free Youth Mental Health First Aid training course in Oakdale on June 27, from 8:30-4:30, at Canvas Health, 7066 Stillwater Boulevard North. The course is designed to teach participants the risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, build understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teach individuals how to help a youth in crisis or experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Participants will also learn a five-step action plan to support an adolescent developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or emotional crisis. To register (required) or get more detailed information, please contact NAMI Minnesota at 651-645-2948.

UCare meetings UCare hosts informational meetings about its UCare for Seniors Medicare Advantage plan, as well as informational meetings about the UCare’s new UCare Choices and Fairview UCare Choices health plans available on MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace. Learn about the various plans, as well as key dates and penalties associated with health care reform.

Mental health support offered NAMI Minnesota offers free support groups for families who have a relative with a mental illness. NAMI has about two dozen family support groups, more than 20 support groups for people living with a mental illness, anxiety support groups, groups for veterans and other groups. Led by trained facilitators, groups provide help and support. FFI: 651-645-2948. A full calendar of all events is offered online.

Partners and Spouses support group meets 6:45 p.m. the first Tue of each month at Falcon Heights United Church of Christ, 1795 Holton St. FFI: Lois, 651788-1920, or Donna, 651-6452948 ext. 101. Open Door Anxiety and Panic support, meets at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Thu at Woodland Hills Church, 1740 Van Dyke St., St. Paul. ■

Pg 14 June 10, 2014 Volume 25, Number 6

June Sampling

Radio Talking Book Podcasts offered for job seekers Programming for the Radio Talking Book includes material for people across a wide spectrum of life activities.

Some listeners served by State Services for the Blind are people who are looking for employment. Some of the programming is designed for customers who are working and those who are looking for work. To better suit the needs of these listeners, Radio Talking Book is now making podcasts of some of the articles that appear on the program Career Corner. Podcasts will be on the website for State Services for the Blind, in the area entitled Employment and Career Services. Access that site at http://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/blind-visual-impaired/ employment/

Books available through Faribault Books broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network are available through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault Call 1-800722-0550, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The catalog is online at www.mnbtbl.org, click on the link Search the Library Catalog. Persons living outside of Minnesota may obtain copies of books via inter-library loan by contacting their home state’s Network Library for the National Library Service.

Listen to the Minnesota Radio Talking Book, either live or archived programs from the previous week, on the Internet at www.mnssb.org/rtb Call the Talking Book Library for a password to the site. To find more information about Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network events go to the Facebook site at http://tinyurl.com/ RadioTalkBook. Audio information about the daily book listings is also on NFB Newslines. Register for NFB Newslines by calling 651-539-1424.Access Press is one of the publications featured at 9 p.m. Sundays on the program It Makes a Difference.

Weekend Program Books Your Personal World (Saturday at 1 p.m.) is airing Secrets and Lies, by Jane Isay; For the Younger Set (Sunday at 11 a.m.) is airing When You Wish upon a Rat, by Maureen McCarthy, and Travels with Louis, by Mick Carlon; Poetic Reflections (Sunday at noon) is airing Paragon Park, by Mark Doty; The U.S. and Us (Sunday at 4 p.m.) is airing We’ll Be the Last Ones to Let You Down, by Rachael Hanel, and Vikings Across the Atlantic, by Daron W. Olson.

Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m.

Empty Hands, Open Arms, Nonfiction by Deni Bechard, 2013. 13 broadcasts. Begins June 20. Everyone is familiar with the challenges of the environment: global warming, overpopulation, accelerating extinction of species, pollution of our habitat. But one NGO has provided a positive model for postcolonial conservation: the Bonobo Conservation Initiative. Read by Leila Poullada.

The Writer’s Voice • Monday – Friday 2 p.m.

Cathedral of the Wild, Nonfiction by Boyd Varty, 2014.

10 broadcasts. Begins June 15. Boyd grew up on Londolozi Game Reserve in South Africa where perils exist alongside wonders. He survived many dangers but his biggest challenge was a personal crisis of purpose.

Read by Chris Colestock.

To Stir a Movement, Nonfiction by Jeremy Affeldt, 2013. Five broadcasts. Begins June 30. Jeremy’s life was turned around by his religion. He now plays baseball not just for himself but for the world of the orphan, the widow and the exploited. Read by Denny Laufenberger.

Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

Chasing the Moon, Fiction by Carolyn K. Boehlke, 2012. 11 broadcasts. Begins June 16. The only one of her family not caught by the Border Patrol, Nadia makes her way across the country to Minneapolis. Now working as a laundry girl at a downtown hotel, she is torn between going back to family and trying to live her parents’ dream of a better life. Read by Kathy Stults.

PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

American Tapestry, Nonfiction by Rachel L. Swarns, 2013. 13 broadcasts. Begins June 16. Michelle Obama’s family saga is a remarkable, quintessentially American story – from slavery to the White House in five generations. Rachel Swarns traces that tale uncovering details about Mrs. Obama’s forbearers that even the First Lady didn’t know. Read by Jan Anderson.

Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

What We Saw at Night, Fiction by Jacquelyn Mitchard, 2013. Six broadcasts. Begins June 23. Because of her allergy to sunlight, Allie lives at night. Her sport is scaling and leaping off tall buildings, which makes her feel alive. But while doing this, she and her friends see what looks to be a murder. Read by Jennie O’Brien.

genius who left his high-paying job to teach programming to high schoolers, is asking out Greta Cassamajor, the tough gym coach that no one dares mock. Samuel doesn’t believe in love and only asks her out to prove that he’s got the guts to do it. But she accepts, which terrifies him. L - Read by Kristi Sullivan.

Potpourri • Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, Nonfiction by David Sedaris, 2013. Seven broadcasts. Begins June 24.

Sedaris’s essays are always turned into a love story of sorts: how it feels to be in a relationship where one loves and is loved over many years, what it means to be part of a family, and how it’s possible to grow to love oneself.

L - Read by Mike Piscitelli.

Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight TransAtlantic, Fiction by Colum McCann, 2013. 10 broadcasts. Begins June 16. Women in one family are caught up in the swells of history - Frederick Douglass visiting Dublin to get support for the abolitionist cause; aviators Alcock and Brown attempting the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic; and Senator Mitchell attempting peace talks in Northern Ireland. L - Read by Esmé Evans.

The Tulip Eaters, Fiction by Antoinette van Heugten, 2013. 10 broadcasts. Begins June 30. Nora de Jong returns from work to find her mother murdered, her infant daughter missing, and an unknown dead man on the living room floor. Piecing together clues from a family diary, she realizes the events may stem from her family’s history during World War II. L - Read by Judy Woodward.

After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m.

Rocket City, Fiction by Cathryn Alpert, 2012. 15 broadcasts. Begins June 24. Marilee journeys to New Mexico to surprise her fiancé, Larry, who has taken a job on the Alamogordo Air Force Base to gain, in a Zen experiment, an understanding of peace. L, S - Read by Laura Rohlik. ■

Off the Shelf • Monday – Friday 10 p.m.

Courting Greta, Fiction by Ramsey Hootman, 2013.

13 Br. Begins June 18. Samuel Cooke, prickly computer

Abbreviations: V - violence, L – Offensive language, S - sexual situations.

Safe Schools Act - from p. 4 Speaking at public events. The disability perspective was heard at events inside and outside the State Capitol. Self-advocates and disability advocates shared their stories and expertise at legislative hearings on the bill, at the March 3 Safe Schools Rally in the capitol rotunda, at briefings and rallies during the March 18 Disability Day at the Capitol and at school events in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth.

Leadership from other members of the coalition– OutFront Minnesota, Education Minnesota, and the Twin Cities chapters of the Federation of Teachers, among them–was a huge factor in making sure the Safe Schools bill became law. The coalition also ben-

efited from the diversity of its supporting agencies across Minnesota representing communities of color, faith-based organizations, medical and mental health professionals, and youth agencies, to name a few.

The depth and breadth of the coalition that helped pass the bill will also be crucial to successfully implementing the law. Disability advocates and other Safe Schools supporters will be at the table to help ensure that the law protects all Minnesota students from bullying and responds effectively to bullying incidents that do occur. ■ This article was submitted by Mike Gude of The Arc Minnesota, on behalf of the Safe Schools Campaign.

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June 10, 2014 Volume 25, Number 6 Pg 15

More gains than losses - from p. 1 were helped by a state budget surplus. Although there were more requests than dollars available, several disability community programs did benefit. The Minnesota’s eight centers for independent living were awarded a one-time appropriate of $450,000 for fiscal year 2015, from those surplus funds. Another plus is $250,000 for extended employment programs, to provide rate increases to organizations offering extended employment services to Minnesotans with disabilities.

Other campaigns set groundwork for the future. In employment services for persons who are deaf, deafblind or hard-of-hearing, policy language was added for future grants. This change was included in hopes that organizations serving these populations do not have to compete as part of the broader Adult Workforce Development Competitive Grant Program pool.

In health care, an across the board cut of 10% was made for all parental fees. This was accomplished because money was available due to the delays in the implementation of the autism benefit passed in 2013.

Several thousand Minnesota families will benefit from this action.

A number of changes were made in mental health.

The role of mental health crisis teams was expanded to ensure they provide earlier and more proactive assistance to people experiencing a mental health crisis.

The expansion includes providing follow-up services and working more collaboratively with families. More mental health training and clarification of the voluntary mental health certification for adult foster care providers also won praise.

One effort that drew on a large number of self-advocates and parents was the quest to legalize marijuana. Legalization of medical marijuana will help Minnesotans with nine medical conditions spelled out in the newly passed law.

Minnesota became the 22nd state in the country to allow medical marijuana. But the law is one of the most restrictive as it bars use of marijuana in plant form. That is, patients will only be able to use pills, liquids or vaporized liquid marijuana. Some people have already rejected those restrictions as impractical.

Those who can use medical marijuana must have cancer associated with severe or chronic pain, wasting or vomiting, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, seizure-induc-

Bonding package - from p. 1 Lucinda Jesson made the requests a priority, visiting the hospital in the spring to highlight some of the safety needs.

During her visit, Jesson met with employees of the hospital and the offenders’ program, which share the St. Peter campus. The improvements would help physically separate the distinct programs onto the upper and lower campuses.

Another group that saw success with its request is St. David’s Center in Minnetonka. The center, which serves children with special needs, was awarded $3.75 million in bond funding to expand and renovate its current campus. The bonding moves St. David’s closer to its goal of raising $12.2 million. The nonprofit has been raising money for expansion since 2012 and had $7.4 million in hand going into the legislative session.

Expansion will help the center add more services for children. The proposed 6,000 square foot expansion includes redesigned and expanded autism day treatment classrooms, on-site therapy rooms, a children’s mental health clinic and improved early childhood education environments.

Once the expanded center is up and running, St.

David’s will be able to increase the number of children and families served. The center has been in existence for more than 50 years and currently serves almost 2,000 children and families.

A third human service request that was approved was $195,000 for Remembering With Dignity. It provides grave markers and other ways to honor persons who are buried at state institutions, replacing numbered markers with names. Remembering With Dignity is a program of the self-advocacy group Advocating Change Together (ACT).

In education funding, the Minnesota State Academies for the Blind and Deaf in Faribault received $700,000 in asset preservation funding and $10.654 million for dormitory replacement. The dormitory needing replacement is Frechette Hall, the boys’ dormitory on the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf campus. Fund will be used to demolish and replace the dorms, and to convert other space into student living quarters during the dormitory construction period.

A number of projects included accessible improvements as part of larger renovation or construction packages. These include Duluth’s NorShor Theater renovations, at $6.95 million, and access improvements at Mud Lake Regional Park in Oakdale at $150,000. ■

Autism legislation - from p. 4 other interested parties must provide information on the benefit and how to access it.

AuSM believes that all of these changes should provide earlier access to services for children with autism once the benefit is available.

A one-time appropriation of $769,000 for an autism interagency resource website was approved. The site will include autism-related resources for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, their family members, and other interested parties. The commissioners of education, employment and economic development, and health are requested to provide technical assistance to the commissioner in the development of the website in order to consolidate autism-related resources that are under the jurisdiction of affected agencies, and any other related resources of which the

agencies are aware, in an effort to provide a comprehensive intra-agency site for interested users. This appropriation expires on June 30, 2017.

An allocation of $2.5 million for autism family respite was provided. The legislation provides for the development of in-home and out-of-home respite services to benefit children and adults with autism and their families. The DHS commissioner is allowed to authorize exceptions to the current licensing moratorium, up to eight beds, if needed to increase capacity.

For more information about how this legislation may affect you or your family, please visit the Autism Society of Minnesota website at www.ausm.org, call 651-647-1083 or e-mail info@ausm.org ■ The legislative summary was prepared by Jean Bender, Advocacy Committee Chair of the Autism Society of Minnesota.

5% Campaign - from p. 4 cess of the campaign this session. More than 120 organizations joined The 5% Campaign coalition to secure a rate increase, and nearly 75 percent of the elected officials in the Minnesota Legislature signed onto the legislation before the session even began.

“We sincerely appreciate the support we received from providers, caregivers, self-advocates, family members, and the more than 92,000 Minnesotans who benefit from these vital services. Our campaign at the State Capitol would not have been successful without their tireless advocacy and the broad support of lawmakers committed to recognizing and funding these important programs,” Larson said.

The 5% Campaign honored its legislative and grassroots champions at a celebration event on Tuesday, June 10 at the capitol. ■ This article was compiled by The 5 % Campaign.

Kent Fordyce

Kent’s Accounting Service, LLC

Certified QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor 2014 2005-2013 6371 Bartlett Blvd, Mound, MN 55364

Fax: 952-472-1458 • 612-889-2959 fordyce6@aol.com

ing epilepsy, severe and persistent muscle spasms brought on by multiple sclerosis, Croh’s disease and terminal illness under certain conditions.

Medical marijuana will only be available at eight locations and can only be used by persons whose medical conditions have been certified. Patients will register and pay a $200 or $50 annual fee, depending on income and insurance coverage. The program is to be in place by July 1, 2015 and will be studied by a task force.

What remains for 2015? There are many issues of concern to the community. MN-CCD has surveyed its members and hopes to announce it main 2015 policy issue soon.

Much unfinished business remains including the Medical Assistance spend-down, the need for more transportation funding and changes to the Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) program, which was created by lawmakers in 2013.This program is replacing the personal care attendant program. It is meant to facilitate transitions out of institutional care, or prevent or delay future admissions to institutional care.

But while CFSS has been praised as allowing people with disabilities to control their own resources and direct their own care, one needed change wasn’t made to the program. Language to change the discriminatory definition of dependency did not make it into the Omnibus bill due to its cost, limiting the number of people who are eligible for CFSS. Changing the language and new ways to address those concerns will be sought in 2015 session. ■

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FOR RENT Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier-free housing with wheelchair users in mind. Section 8 subsidized. Oneand two-bedroom units. For more information on availability call 651-488-9923. St. Paul, MN. Equal Opportunity Housing.

Oak Park Village: We are accepting applications for the waiting list for one-bedroom wheelchair accessible apartments. Section 8 subsidized. Convenient St. Louis Park location. Call 952-935-9125 for information. Equal Opportunity Housing.

Calvary Center Apts: 7650 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN. A Section 8 building now accepting applications for our waiting list. Call 9 am to 4 pm, Mon – Fri 763-546-4988 for an application.

Equal Opportunity Housing.

Holmes-Greenway Housing: One- and two-bedroom wheelchair-accessible apartments. Section 8 subsidized. Convenient SE Minneapolis location.

Call 612-378-0331 for availability information. Equal Opportunity Housing.

FOR SALE Condo For Sale in Eden Prairie 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo on one level. Elevator in building, two-car heated parking with extra storage. Unit constructed in 2003, and features fireplace, balcony, walk-in closets, and in-unit laundry. $149,000

Pg 16 June 10, 2014 Volume 25, Number 6