May 2015 Edition - Access Press

Learn about work, P. 7

Volume 26, Number 5

www.accesspress.org

ReelAbilities Adjournment date nears Many issues unresolved as rolls 'em legislative session winds down in June

by Access Press staff

by Jane McClure

Many actors are playing a role in the ReelAbilities Film Festival, set for June 11-14 in the Twin Cities. Organizers continue to seek volunteers, sponsor support and of course, audience members.

Venues include the Union Depot in St. Paul, MacPhail Center in Minneapolis, the Cinema Grill in New Hope and the Doubletree Hotel in St. Louis Park. A complete listing of films, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities is posted on the festival’s website, at www.minneapolis. reelabilities.org The website also offers links to purchase tickets.

Ticket prices are $10 for movies, $35 for the opening reception and $80 for the Taste of Art reception. Winning short films from the Call for Entries to Minnesota Filmmakers of All Abilities will be screened during the opening reception. Partnership Resources Inc. (PRI), Independent Filmmaker Project Minnesota, Twin Cities Public Television (tptMN), and ReelAbilities - p. 7

Months of lobbying are coming to down to waiting and wondering about Minnesota’s disability communities’ legislation.

The Minnesota House and Senate passed health and human services funding bills in late April, sending them to a conference committee that began meeting the first week of May. While both bills contained many priorities for Minnesotans Wingspan employee Lynne Jensen, center, was one of the caregivers who with disabilities and their spoke at an April 30 press conference at the State Office Building. The 5 % service organizations, Campaign organized the press conference to draw attention to the crisis questions remained about seen in finding and retaining workers.

Photo courtesy of the 5% Campaign dozens of issues.

The Minnesota Consorspecial session this summer or worse, a governtium for Citizens with Disabilities planned ment shutdown. two final Tuesdays at the capitol, May 2 and A key focus continues to be that of caregiver 12, to press for legislation. Other advocacy wages. The House bill provides a one-time, groups were also working on their issues as five percent increase for home and communitythe clock ticked down to a May 18 adjournbased services effective July 1, 2016, while the ment date.

Senate bill had no increase. The 5 % Campaign As final phone calls were made and emails made a big push April 30 for increased home sent, one overriding worry has been how conand community-based services dollars, lining tentious the final days of the regular session up supporters outside of the House and Senate could become. The House and Senate have dichambers and packing a press conference at the verged sharply on a number of issues, which State Office Building. is worrisome. Many people had fingers More than 300 supporters turned out to lobby crossed that issues could be resolved without legislators and hand out more than 1,000 postthe possibility of state lawmakers going into a Adjournment date nears - p. 3

See track and field stars

U.S. Paralympics track and field meet is in June Fans of the U.S. Paralympics track and field team have a rare chance to see prominent athletes in action at St. Paul’s Hamline University in June. U.S. Paralympics, a division of the United States Olympic Committee, has announced that Hamline will be the host site for the 2015 U.S. Paralympics Track & Field National Championships, June 19-21. This marks the first time that the national championships have been held in Minnesota.

The championships will serve as a selection event for athletes competing at the 2015 Parapan American Games this summer and 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships in the fall. International classification will take place from June 17-18.

Joshua George won the IPC Marathon World Championships in a close sprint on the streets of London in 2015.

Photo courtesy U.S. Paralympics

The venue at Hamline University is the Robert and Alexandra Klas Center, at the north end of the campus. The $7.1 million Klas Center is a four-level multi-use facility with an adjacent athletic stadium and track and field facilities. The seating capacity of the stadium is estimated at 2,000 people. For the past seven years, Klas Center has served as the home for the Minnesota State High School League boys’ and girls’ track and field meet.

“Hosting the national championships in Minnesota will be an exciting atmosphere ahead of the Parapan Am Games this summer and Rio in 2016,” said Cathy Sellers, high performance director for U.S. Paralympics track & field. “This next year will be a make-it-or-break-it time for our athletes, and we’re eager to see who stands out at nationals. Fostering the most competitive environment is imperative for preparing for Rio, and we’re confident Hamline University will deliver that.”

Hamline University and Meet Minneapolis will cooperatively host the championships with approximately 200 top U.S. athletes expected to compete. Tatyana McFadden (Clarksville, Md.), who is the first woman to win an unprecedented six events at the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships, is anticipated to highlight a talented roster at this year’s trials.

McFadden, an 11-time Paralympic medalist, set new world records in the 1,500 meters and 5,000 meters T54 races and won her second-straight marathon grand slam in 2014.

Lineups for the meet are still being finalized. Potentially joining McFadden is Raymond Martin (Jersey City, N.J.), the Paralympics - p. 5

May 10, 2015 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities. MN Permit No. 4766 Address Service Requested

“Justin Dart, in his own way has the most Olympian spirit I believe I have ever come across.”

— President Bill Clinton

NEWS DIGEST

He shares his story to help others with traumatic brain injury.

Page 10

Consider signing up for Partners in Policymaking training.

Page 3

Subminimum wage issue bears watching.

Page 4

Rolling toward a record.

Page 11

Hit a home run with free Saints tickets.

Page 12

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

Pg 2 May 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 5

EDITOR’S DESK

Tim Benjamin I’m wearing a short sleeve shirt today for the first time this season. I’m sitting in my office with the window open, too, and am very comfortable. Summer warmth has officially begun. I hope it sticks around.

The end of the 2015 legislative session is around the corner. The gavel will fall to end the session on May 18, but there’s still a lot up in the air. The next couple weeks will be very busy at the capitol.

There are plenty of questions and concerns in the community about the program that was PCA Choice.

It has been redesigned and is now called Participant Employment Options (PEO). All those who were on PCA Choice will need to decide which of two PEO models to use, but they’re not well defined yet. The Department of Human Services has offered to provide information, receive suggestions, and answer questions. We should take them up on the offer in order to make sure this program works even better than PCA choice. Some obvious questions concern whether or not individuals or their families will become employers, and whether individuals and families will become responsible for, say, unemployment insurance, liability insurance and employer tax requirements. The state’s original PCA program, before there were agencies, worked this way and it was

charged with being fraud-ridden and full of tax problems.

The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities’ (MN-CCD) PCA/CFSS Work Group submitted 45 questions to DHS to be addressed and answered before MN-CCD would endorse the program.

They haven’t yet received the answers. There have been continuous delays on Community First Support Services, and while they wait for federal decisions, DHS is introducing this new program as a transitional approach.

Partners in Policymaking, a program offered by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, is accepting applications for the 2015 session. All self-advocates who really want to become good at their craft should get into this. The sessions are held once a month, on Fridays and Saturdays, for nine months. You can learn some vital information about how to keep our disability rights movement strong, in a fun environment with peers you’ll get to know and enjoy for life. People who have gone through the program have nothing but praise about the experience. They talk about gaining confidence and self-determination and learning to reject No or that’s not possible as an acceptable answer. There are many scholarships, and most of the program is paid for, so the only out-of-pocket expense is what you want to donate to support this incredible training program.

On page 4, we have an article by Carrie Salberg, a board member of Access Press, on sub-minimum wages and how other state legislatures are restructur-

ing and cutting back on a practice that goes back to 1938, when a law was passed to help employers hire veterans who came back from war with a disability.

Salberg has shared some pretty sobering statistics: in 1977 only 10% of people in sheltered workshops ever worked outside the walls of the workshop, and by 2001 only 5% ever left the sheltered workshop. The intent of the law was to give veterans with disabilities a learning platform to move back into the mainstream workforce. That’s not what’s happening today. The Employment First policies of the Olmstead Plan may eliminate the sub-minimum wage and these obsolete practices.

Speaking of the Olmstead Plan, there is plenty of misinformation out there concerning the plan and its Employment First policies. These laws will eventually allow people with disabilities to live more independently with much better opportunities to live where we want in our communities, and to get jobs that pay a livable income. On page 7, we have a Q&A about these two plans that will be helpful for any of you who might be concerned that these plans may affect you detrimentally.

In July, Access Press will celebrate its 25th anniversary — along with the ADA. We’ll have much more discussion about both celebrations in the June issue of Access Press.

Don’t forget to submit requests for our St. Paul Saints baseball tickets; a note on the criteria for the giveaway is on page 12. Check it out and we’ll see you at a Saints game at their new, more accessible downtown stadium.

Have a good month, and if you want to share any news or comment, you know how to contact us. We’ll talk soon. ■

HISTORY NOTE

1990 petition regarded as Magna Carta for disability rights What is considered to be the most impressive petition drive of its day, for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), bears the names of more than 8,500 people with disabilities, their advocates and organizations. While gathering thousands of petition signatures is easy with today’s social media and online tools, this important petition took shape 25 years ago.

Supporters had to pass and mail paper copies to get names added, which was no easy task.

But the petition was needed to show support for the ADA and to keep elected officials from weakening its protections. By March 1990, the ADA had already passed the U.S. Senate, 76-8, and had bipartisan Congressional support. The petition called for the ADA to be approved by the House of Representatives.

The petition appeared in the February 7, 1990 edition of the Washington Post. It was the idea of the late Justin Dart. Justin’s wife, Yoshiko, recalled that it was very expensive to buy a full page ad but he convinced the Washington Post sales department to charge only half price.

Yoshiko Dart solicited donations from around the

country, kept up with hundreds of incoming contribution checks of $2, $5, $10 and $25; sorting and depositing them in their local bank, and entering donors’ names without a modern computer system.

The ad was headlined, Message to Congress from Representatives of 43 Million Americans with Disabilities. The ad congratulated then-President George H.W. Bush, Attorney General Richard Thornburgh, Senators Tom Harkin, Robert Dole, Ted Kennedy, John McCain, Paul Simon, David Durenberger, Orrin Hatch and all who supported the Senate’s approval of the ADA. The ad stated, “WE URGE THE PROMPT APPROVAL by the US House of Representatives of this landmark legislation to provide to people with disabilities the comprehensive civil rights protection which other minorities attained more than two decades ago.”

The ad also urged that the House reject “weakening amendments that would legalize intolerable discrimination which has made people with disabilities this nation’s most isolated, unemployed, impover-

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ished and welfare dependent minority.” The ADA was under fire by those who claimed it would impose high costs on businesses, and put businesses at risk for litigation.

“These claims are groundless,” the ad stated.

“They reflect the same obsolete attitudes, unfounded fears and doomsday predictions that have greeted all previous extensions of basic civil rights protections.”

Yoshiko Dart recalled that Harkin was impressed by the ad and instructed his aide to find out who organized it. The aide called the telephone number listed at the bottom of the ad.

One week later, on February 14, 1990, Justin Dart had an opportunity to see Bush in the Oval Office. He wanted to make sure the president would see the actual ad. One of Yoshiko Dart’s daughters wrote a message, with red marker, on the full-page ad. “Mr. President, Happy Valentine’s! We love you!” That brought a smile from the commander-in-chief.

Most of the elected officials who championed the ADA are gone from the scene. Justin Dart died in History Note - p. 5

May 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 5

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Partners in Policymaking offers chance to develop skills Anyone who has ever wanted to develop effective advocacy skills, for themselves or for a family member, should consider the nationally acclaimed Partners in Policymaking Program. The program is now accepting applications for its nine-month leadership training program. Many participants have described it as a lifechanging experience. Individuals with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities will be trained at no cost in monthly sessions, starting this fall. Over the course of eight sessions, participants will learn how to become knowledgeable, confident and effective advocates for themselves, their children, and others with disabilities.

This groundbreaking program was developed by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities more than 25 years ago. “Graduates report that they gained a greater understanding of disability law and policies and increased their self-confidence in advocating for their needs,” said Colleen Wieck, executive director of the council. “Many have become leaders in their own communities as they speak up for people with disabilities.” The program is now offered in almost every state and in many foreign countries.

The eight sessions cover the history of the disability and self-advocacy movements, inclusive education, supported living, and avenues to influence county, state and federal legislative processes. To make it easier to participate, the two-day meetings are all held on Fridays and Saturdays, from September to May. No session is held in December.

U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank taught the April Partners in Policymaking class.

Jodi Dey, who works for Congressman Collin Peterson, taught groups about effective communication with elected representatives.

Photos courtesy of Partners in Policymaking

The program is free for the individuals selected for the program, since costs are covered by a federal grant.

Adults with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Child care and respite allowances are given, and overnight accommodations are also provided for those who have to travel from outside the metro area to attend. Mileage and meals are also covered by the grant. All eight sessions will be held at the Minneapolis Airport Marriott in Bloomington.

Limited to 40 participants, all of whom must be Minnesota residents, the class members are selected by a panel of program graduates and council representatives. The first session for the 2015-2016 program year is scheduled for the weekend of September 25-26. Presenters include local experts and nationally recognized leaders in school inclusion, community organizing, governmental processes, and disability issues. Applica-

tions are due by July 10. Those selected to participate in the program must attend all meetings and complete homework assignments between the sessions.

The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities introduced the Partners in Policymaking program in 1987. Since then, more than 900 Minnesotans have completed the program. More than 27,000 people have participated in similar programs offered worldwide.

“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 these individuals with the tools needed to be successful in the public policy arena,” said Wieck.

For further information or to receive an application form, interested individuals can go to the web page www.mngts.org/partnersinpolicymaking. Dolly Parker of GTS Educational Events may be emailed at dparker@mngts.org if there are questions. ■

Adjournments date nears - from p. 1 cards stating their case. One supporter held up a large sign that simply said, “PLEA5E” with a numeral 5 in place of the S. At the press conference, caregivers spoke of the difficulties they face due to past state budget cuts and the rising cost of living. They described how the high turnover of staff has affected quality of care and quality of life for their clients.

Some clients with disabilities have been forced to leave their homes because they couldn’t get care. Workers often live at the poverty level, taking multiple jobs to make ends meet.

“A rate increase is needed to address the caregiving workforce crisis,” said Sam Subah of Living Well Disability Services. Subah described how he works two jobs and is on call at a third, simply to make ends meet. Subah said he and other caregivers, who are dedicated to their jobs, must provide a voice for those they serve as well as for their coworkers.

Lynne Jensen, who works for Wingspan Life Resources, spoke through tears as she recalled starting work in 1998 at $8.87 per hour. “I am still at Wingspan and I love going to my job every day,” she said. But her pay has only gone up to $13.27 per hour, not nearly enough to pay basic expenses. Factoring in inflation, “I make less than I made 17 years ago.”

Jensen and other caregivers said, they are thankful for the five percent increase approved by state lawmakers in 2014, but that it doesn’t go far enough to address the problems agencies and the individuals they serve face in hiring and retaining quality staff.

Jon Nelson, executive director of Residential Services, Inc. in Duluth, said his agency is struggling to fill 47 openings, which adds up to an 11 percent vacancy rate. “Our experience is not unique,” he said. Some agencies face a 20 percent vacancy rate. Employees work long hours covering shifts due to staff shortages.

“The situation, as we look at it today, is pretty desperate,” Nelson said. “Legislators must figure out how we’re going to address this (wage issue).”

The House and Senate bills contain better news on some fronts. Both include elimination of a 2014 Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) premium hike that has caused hardships for many Minnesotans. Gov. Mark Dayton has expressed support for eliminating the MA-EPD premium increase but provided no funding to do so in his supplemental budget.

Yet another item in play is changing the MA spend-down standard, to allow people to keep more of income and assets and still qualify for MA. The House changes the spend-down from 75 percent to 80 percent of the federal poverty guideline while the Senate brings it up to 85 percent. Both would take effect January 1, 2017, with the Senate bill increasing to 95 percent in 2019. Still, those who are able-bodied retains 100 percent of the federal poverty guideline to be eligible for MA. Numerous other items remain on the table including State Quality Council funding, money for mental health programs, funding to establish ABLE accounts and operating funds for several community group, and funding to establish Achieving a Better Life or ABLE accounts. ABLE, which was signed into law in December 2014 by President Barak Obama, allows people with disabilities (with an age of disability onset up to 26 years old) and their families the opportunity to create a tax-exempt savings account that can be used for maintaining health, independence and quality of life. States must pass companion legislation for ABLE to take effect.

Other bills are also being watched closely as they go to conference committee, including funding for K-12 and higher education, capital bonding and transportation funding. Advocates rallied in late April to speak out against the House transportation bill, which proposed cuts to transit programs that serve riders with disabilities.

Many groups are posting online updates on conference committee proceedings.

A complete wrap-up of the session will appear in the June issue of Access Press.

■

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FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Subminimum wage ban has implications for workers

by Carrie Salberg

New Hampshire is set to become the first state to ban subminimum wage for workers with disabilities.

Legislation passed by the New Hampshire Senate and House of Representatives and ready for the governor’s signature at the time of this writing, “prohibits employers from employing individuals with disabilities at an hourly rate lower than the federal minimum wage.” The bill also affects sheltered workshops, in which the majority of subminimum wages are paid.

Legal payment of subminimum wage for individuals with disabilities dates back to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938. Section 14(c) of the FLSA, originally created to help injured veterans, allows employers to apply for an exemption to the federal minimum wage when an employee’s disability directly affects his or her productivity. Wages are to be “commensurate,” or equal, to productivity. Employers calculate wages by measuring the productivity of employees with disabilities against the productivity of individuals without disabilities doing the same work.

The payment of subminimum wage to individuals with disabilities increased as the sheltered workshop movement expanded in the 1950s and 1960s. A 1977 Department of Labor study reported that by 1976 there were 3,000 sheltered workshops with 14(c) subminimum wage certificates, up from only 85 in 1948. The deinstitutionalization movement contributed to that increase as more individuals with significant disabilities rejoined the community and entered vocational rehabilitation programs.

The stated goal of most sheltered workshops during that expansion was to provide training and experience that would lead to competitive jobs in the community. However, most individuals stayed in sheltered employment indefinitely, some earning pennies an hour. The 1977 Department of Labor study found that only 10 percent of those in sheltered workshops transitioned to competitive employment. According to that study, “the severely disabled [had] little hope

for employment in the competitive labor market because of the complexity of their needs.” That number dropped to five percent in 2001.

In the decades since, attitudes about disability and employment have drastically changed. Customized and supported employment help individuals with all levels of disability find meaningful work as vocational rehabilitation specialists recognize that the employment potential for individuals with disabilities has been underestimated. With supports like job coaches and placement in customized positions to fit each individual’s skills, people previously considered unemployable are able to hold competitive jobs within the community.

These changes occur as national disability policy shifts toward community integration. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 1999 Olmstead decision state that services for people with disabilities must be provided in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of each individual. Some advocates charge that states violate the ADA by over-relying on sheltered workshops and too often place individuals who can and want to work in the community into segregated settings instead of offering the supports needed for competitive employment. Since 2009, the Department of Justice has been cracking down on Olmstead compliance, causing states to re-evaluate their employment programs for individuals with disabilities.

New Hampshire’s subminimum wage and sheltered workshop legislation comes as the U.S. Department of Education releases a draft rule of proposed changes to the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. Among other changes to VR programs, the draft rule proposes limits to subminimum wage employment for individuals with disabilities. The proposed changes are mandated by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, signed by President Barak Obama in July of 2014.

The draft rule places heightened emphasis on competitive integrated employment. The proposal states that, “The foundation of the VR program is the principle

that individuals with disabilities, including those with the most significant disabilities, are capable of achieving high quality, competitive integrated employment when provided the necessary skills and supports.”

The proposed changes Carrie Salberg would require individuals with disabilities to satisfy certain service-related requirements to start or maintain subminimum wage employment. Individuals age 24 and younger must receive pre-employment transition services and be given competitive employment opportunities before they could work for subminimum wage. Those currently working for subminimum wage would receive career counseling at regular intervals to ensure they have the information needed to make informed choices about their employment. In addition, schools and states would be prohibited from creating contracts with organizations that provide subminimum wage employment for youth with disabilities. The proposal would also mandate increases in the percentage of VR funding set aside for supported employment for individuals with the most significant disabilities.

The proposed changes are open for public comment until June 15, 2015 and can be found at http:// tinyurl.com/sub-minimum ■ Editor’s note: Carrie Salberg is a Twin Cities resident who is completing a master’s degree at Metropolitan State University this spring. This article is excerpted from her extensive research on subminimum wage and sheltered/segregated employment versus integrated employment for people with disabilities. The research was conducted for her Capstone course paper, and then framed within the context of current events. She is a member of the Access Press Board of Directors.

TO THE EDITOR

Careful planning, adequate time needed for shift To the editor: Minnesota has led the way in innovating service approaches that make life better for people with disabilities. In the 1970s, people with disabilities began moving out of regional treatment centers and into more home-like settings in our community. It’s time to take the next steps that will improve quality of life for people with disabilities and reduce cost to taxpayers as well.

This strategic approach is all about people with disabilities living more self-directed lives, as envisioned in the Olmstead plan.

More than 65,000 people are living with disabilities in Minnesota and 5,000 of those are on a waiting list for services. With continued focus on community living and reducing costs, and approaching factors

like the Olmstead Plan, Minnesota has an opportunity to address issues for people with disabilities in new ways that can lead to the desired outcomes for independence and decreased costs.

At the state legislature, six organizations that serve people with disabilities and their families have been advocating for a new strategic approach that would be made possible through a Minnesota Department of Human Services Innovation Pool, which is now in the proposed budgets of the Governor, House and Senate.

We’re grateful that there is wide, bipartisan support from our legislators and government officials who believe that it is time to move Minnesota forward once again in ways that help people with disabilities live the

lives they imagine for themselves and at a lower cost.

But making an enormous shift like this is an art. Organizations and communities need to be prepared to support people living in new settings, individuals need to be prepared to try new settings, and all kinds of processes, complicated systems, and payment mechanisms need to be adjusted to prepare for this change. Organizations serving people with disabilities have been using their expertise in partnership with the state every step of the way to shape the system to prepare for and expedite these shifts to community.

This shift won’t take place overnight. Thousands of Minnesotans with disabilities still live in four-perTo the editor - p. 5

Diamond Hill Townhomes Diamond Hill Townhomes is a great property located near the Minneapolis International Airport. We have spacious two and three bedroom townhomes that are HUD subsidized and rent is 30% of the total household’s adjusted gross income.

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May 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 5

To the editor - from p. 4 son homes and work in sheltered workshops that require higher levels of support. These models and the individuals using these services now need to continue to be supported with dedicated, quality staff, even as we explore and offer people new ways of living and working in our community.

As our economy picks up and the Minnesota minimum wage increases, providing a quality, consistent workforce for people with disabilities is a major chalParalympics - from p. 1 first man to win five individual titles in the 2013 world championships. Martin bested his own 200 meters T52 world record at the 2014 Desert Challenge Games in Mesa, Ariz. and took gold in the 100 meters, 800 meters and 1500 meters events at the same meet.

Other reigning world champions anticipated to compete at nationals include Richard Browne (Jackson, Miss.), men’s 100 meters and 200 meters T44; Jarryd Wallace (Athens, Ga.), men’s 200 meters T44; Joshua George (Herndon, Va.), men’s 800 meters T53; Jeremy Campbell (Perryton, Texas), men’s discus F44; Lex Gillette (Raleigh, N.C.), men’s long jump T11; Cassie Mitchell (Atlanta, Ga.), women’s shot put F52/53; Browne, Jerome Singleton (Irmo, S.C.), Blake Leeper (Kingsport, Tenn.) and Wallace also won the men’s 4x100 meters relay T42-46 title.

The Parapan American Games will take place Aug. 7-15 in Toronto, Canada followed by the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships in Doha, Qatar, Oct. 21-31.

“We are excited and honored to host this great event at Hamline University,” Hamline athletics director Jason Verdugo said. “It’s a testament to the quality of the track and field facilities at Klas Center and to our outstanding track and field staff.”

“It has been a great experience working with U.S. Paralympics and learning about all the great work they do with these truly inspiring athletes,” said, Scott Romane, executive director of Sports Minneapolis.

“We look forward to continuing to work together on a very successful track and field national championships here in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, and celebrating the athletes’ journeys to reach the championships.”

Athletic events have been a part of the Paralympic program since the first Paralympic Games in Rome, Italy, in 1960. Events in the first games included track, throwing, jumping and the marathon.

The rules of Paralympic track and field are almost identical to those of its non-disabled counterpart.

Certain allowances are made to accommodate certain disabilities. For example, the blind and more severely visually impaired runners compete with guide runners, who are often attached by the wrist with a tether to the runner. Paralympic track and field competition is open to male and female athletes with physical disabilities such as amputation/limb loss, blindness/visual impairment, spinal cord injury/wheelchair-users and cerebral palsy/brain injury/stroke.

Paralympic track and field events are enjoyed increased popularity. The 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships in Lyon, France was one of the U.S. Paralympics Track & Field National Team’s most successful competitions to date. During the nine days of competition, Team USA won a total of 52 medals — 17 gold, 18 silver and 17 bronze — to finish one medal shy of winning the overall medal count. U.S. team members also set four world records at the event.

Tickets for the national championships will be sold at the spectator entrance gate during the times of competition on June 19-21. Tickets are $15 per person for an all-session pass (age 10 and up). A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to local track and field clubs. Cash and VISA credit card are the only method of payment accepted for tickets. Spectator parking is available on the campus.

Merchandise will be sold at the competition venue during the times of packet pick-up. Cash and VISA credit card are the only methods of payment accepted for merchandise.

For more information on the 2015 U.S. Paralympics Track & Field National Championships, visit USParalympics.org ■

lenge, even as many individuals begin to make new choices to less intensive, less expensive settings. This is why we are advocating for another rate increase for the people who support individuals in their own homes and group homes. Simply put, with lags in investment over the years, the current rates for this critical work do not support a wage that many employees and their families can rely on.

This is a smart economic investment for our Minnesota workforce and it’s aligned with Minnesota’s work to ensure that people with disabilities are the chief architects of their own lives—what we all want for ourselves.

With the support of our legislature, we can make giant leaps forward in quality of life for people with disabilities and create a more efficient model of service that benefits all of us.

George Klauser, Julie Manworren, John Estrem, Armando Camacho, Judy Lysne, Jodi Harpstead and Bruce Torgerson signed this letter as members of the Altair Accountable Care Organization. ■

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History Note - from p. 2 2002 at the age of 71, from congestive heart failure related to complications of post-polio syndrome.

Years after his death, he is still is an icon for the modern disability movement and the ideals of inclusion, advocacy and leadership. In his final stateJustin Dart ment, Dart wrote: “I call for solidarity among all who love justice, all who love life, to create a revolution that will empower every single human being to govern his or her life, to govern the society and to be fully productive of life quality for self and for all.” ■ 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. This month’s History Note is taken from the series Moments in Disability History, which is also on the council’s website.

Pg 6 May 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 5

Accessible home search difficult

REGIONAL NEWS State steps up enforcement After years of criticism that it is soft on fraud, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has stepped up efforts to combat illegal overbilling in the state’s publicly funded health insurance program. The agency more than doubled its recoveries last year from health care providers who billed for services not rendered and other improper billing practices. Recoveries from fraud and overpayments totaled $3.9 million last year, up from $1.8 million in 2013, according to recent DHS data.

The surge in recoveries reflects a broader shift at DHS, toward increased oversight of doctors, pharmacies, home caregivers and others that bill the statefederal Medicaid program for services delivered to more than 1 million poor and disabled Minnesotans.

For years, the agency has been chided for lax supervision, particularly in cases where elderly and disabled people receive care at home.

Because of Medicaid’s massive size — it is the biggest program in Minnesota government, with outlays of nearly $9 billion last year — even modest recoveries can add up to large sums.

The DHS Office of Inspector General has undertaken the broadest expansion of its powers since being created four years ago. The office has doubled the size of its fraud investigative unit, from seven to 14 staff; launched an intensive effort to conduct hundreds of unannounced, on-site screenings of Medicaid providers and has initiated fingerprint background checks on tens of thousands of health care and social service workers statewide.

The office is on pace this year to refer a record number of Medicaid fraud cases, more than 110, to the state attorney general’s office for possible prosecution. “We are trying to hit on all cylinders,” said DHS Inspector General Jerry Kerber. “It’s a recognition that more ought to be done to [check on providers] before we start shipping out boatloads of money.”

The increased surveillance, however, has revealed a disturbing level of fraud and abuse within the insurance program, known in Minnesota as Medical Assistance. Of roughly 250 on-site screening visits completed this year, the agency has found enough cause for suspicion to refer 67 providers — or 27 percent of those screened — to the agency’s fraud investigative unit. Some of the providers were home care agencies that lacked basic records for services rendered.

Several influential state lawmakers, said the findings show that Minnesota still needs to spend more at the front end to screen out unscrupulous providers. In 2013, Minnesota ranked last among states in antifraud outlays as a percentage of total Medicaid spending, according to federal officials. ■ (Source: Star Tribune)

Tanesha Johnson is 28 years old and has lived in a Minneapolis nursing home since July 2014. She’d like to be reunited with her young children but cannot find accessible, affordable housing.

Johnson is paralyzed from the chest down and uses a wheelchair. She was shot and injured by a man she barely knew, after she told him that someone had stolen from him. He is serving a prison sentence.

After months of hospitalization and rehabilitation at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute to learn new skills, Johnson was cleared to go home. But her old garden-level apartment has steps and she couldn’t return there.

Johnson’s two young children lived with her mother in a one-bedroom apartment, in an adults-only building. That was supposed to be temporary, as was the nursing home stay. But it took a long time to find a home for the family. Johnson said her experience was frustrating.

“Inside of these institutions, they want to push you to group homes,” Johnson said, recalling her conversation with one local housing non-profit.

“I still want to be there for my kids. I still want to, that’s my family. I want to reunite my family.’ They just can’t understand that,” she told Minnesota Public Radio.

With the help of her social worker, Johnson applied to 30 places: subsidized and market rate, non-profits and public housing with years’ long waiting lists.

Desperate, she signed a six-month lease for a twobedroom market-rate apartment in Brooklyn Center.

After she pays her $929 monthly rent, she has $121 left over. After living in the nursing home for eight months without her kids, anything was worth it. She is hoping to get into a less expensive apartment in the future and is still on a number of waiting lists.

“This is just a very heartbreaking story about what has happened to her,” said Alex Bartolic, director for disability services at the Minnesota Department of Human Services. “That is not what we want to have happen in this state.” A proposal at the Minnesota Legislature would create housing assistance for people living in institutions and group homes so they can spend it where they wish to live. ■ (Source: Minnesota Public Radio)

Duluth woman sentenced for fraud The owner of two home care agencies in Duluth, who was convicted of health care fraud in February, was sentenced April 22 in St. Louis County District Court to five years’ of probation and ordered to pay restitution to the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). Lisa Marie Huffman was charged with billing for qualified professional services that were not provided and billing for personal care assistant services that were not properly supervised totaling $164,234. The improper billing occurred between July 3 and December 18, 2012. Huffman can be discharged from probation after one year if she meets all conditions, including repaying restitution in full. A restitution hearing is scheduled for early June.

Huffman owns Peace of Mind Health Services Inc. and PCA Services North in Duluth. DHS Inspector General Jerry Kerber described Huffman’s actions as putting vulnerable Medical Assistance clients at risk.

“The defendant’s activities impact a number of people, from clients who are put at risk, to taxpayers whose money is obtained fraudulently,” Kerber said.

“The department is rigorously pursuing every fraud tip we receive. This case should put providers on notice that we are committed to putting an end to this misuse of health care dollars that should rightfully go to Minnesota’s neediest individuals.”

DHS was first notified about the provider’s possible fraudulent activity after two Medical Assistance recipients transferred to another provider. DHS Surveillance and Integrity Review Section (SIRS) staff initiated an investigation in the fall of 2012 and referred the case to the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office in February 2013. On May 3, 2013, SIRS ordered MA payments to stop for both home care agencies. ■ (Source: Minnesota DHS)

Student working to change signs A high school student is leading the fight to update the wording of accessibility signs. Champlin resident Hope Hoffman was born with spina bifida and uses leg braces to walk. Hoffman was disturbed when a Target building put the word “handicapped” on signs for parking spaces. She wrote Target officials but never heard back.

So Hoffman channeled her frustration by drafting a piece of state legislation. It would require that the words “handicapped” and “disabled” and “disability” be eliminated from signs for parking stalls, building entrances and restroom doors. The word “accessible” would replace those words on the signage.

The message is that words matter.

“Not everyone who uses those entrances has a disability,” Hoffman told a KARE-11 reporter. “Women who are pregnant, the elderly, a lot of people recovering from injuries. Those words are very

marginalizing and we need to refer to people first.”

Hope Hoffman’s father, Sen. John Hoffman (DFLChamplin), is carrying the bill in the Senate. Her aunt, Rep. Yvonne Selcer (DFL-Minnetonka), is author of the House version.

“This word ‘disabled’ is synonymous with broken down, incapable and powerless. I was born with spina bifida, and I’m none of those adjectives,” Hoffman told members of the Senate State Government Committee last month. “Handicap references a time in old England when veterans would come back from war with disabilities. Being denied employment, they were forced to beg on the streets for money with a ‘cap handy’ in their hands — cap in hand.”

The measure would also require the term “accessible” be used as a substitute for those words in digital media for government agencies. ■ (Source: KARE-11 News)

BDC Management Co. is now accepting applications for our accessible waiting lists at the following affordable communities Albright Townhomes Buffalo Court Apartments Elliot Park Apartments Evergreen Apartments Franklin Lane Apartments Hanover Townhomes Lincoln Place Apartments Olson Towne Homes Prairie Meadows Slater Square Apartments Talmage Green Trinity Apartments Unity Place Vadnais Highlands Willow Apartments Woodland Court Apartments

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May 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 5

Pg 7

Learn about work options under state programs

by Derek Nord, Ph.D.

People with disabilities have voiced loudly and clearly that they can and want to work. It’s also clear that Minnesota wants employment to increase for people with significant disabilities. The Olmstead Plan and Employment First Policy paves the way for better employment outcomes. However, people are unclear about how these changes will affect their services and supports.

Minnesota Olmstead Plan is the state’s plan for how and when services for people with disabilities will be provided in the most integrated setting and across life domains. Employment goal for the Minnesota Olmstead Plan is: “People with disabilities will have choices for competitive, meaningful and sustained employment in the most integrated setting.”

Passed by Gov. Mark Dayton’s Olmstead Sub-Cabinet in September 2014 as a key objective to achieve this goal; the Minnesota Employment First Policy provides a call to action for state agencies that provide employment services and supports to more effectively facilitate competitive employment.

With these changes come questions about what the Minnesota Olmstead Plan and the Minnesota Employment First Policy will really mean.

ReelAbilities - from p. 1 Minnesota State Council on Disabilities created the program. The presentation will also appear on tptMN. Reelabilities opens on Thursday, June 11 with free morning and early afternoon screenings at Union Depot. Free screenings are also offered Friday, June 12.

The festival will culminate on Sunday, June 14 with a Hollywood-themed Taste of Art reception, at Doubletree. Crowd film favorites will be revealed during the gala closing night event, co-sponsored by the American Culinary Federation, Minneapolis Chefs Chapter.

“This is the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, landmark legislation that turned the country’s focus to including individuals with disabilities in more areas of everyday life. The film festival reflects how far we’ve come. Each film focuses on abilities rather than disabilities,” said Dan Reed, marketing director for festival organizer and host PRI. “Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. This festival celebrates how we all can deal with challenges in a constructive way.”

“After our first ReelAbilities Film Festival in 2013, almost every person we surveyed told us that they wanted more of a Minnesota connection with the filmmakers,” said Reed. Organizers listened, so this year’s event will feature films by more than 20 local filmmakers, including Minneapolis director and filmmaker Kevin May. His film, It’s Raining, So What, will open the festival. It’s the story of former Apple Valley resident Joe Stone, who set his sights on a seemingly impossible goal of becoming the first wheelchair-using quadriplegic to complete a full Ironman triathlon.

Stone and girlfriend Amy Rosendahl headed west to Missoula, Mont. several years ago, where life took a tragic turn for the couple. A speed-flying accident left Stone in a coma for weeks. His injuries included a broken neck. Following a long road of rehabilitation as well as personal discovery, Stone began setting increasingly bigger goals.

“We realized that through the making of this film, we were sharing a universal message: Happiness and true life fulfillment is possible if we can break through our own perceived limitations through intentional thinking and positive actions,” said May. “I wasn’t expecting this film-making process to touch me so deeply,” said Stone. “It has been an adventure, filled with passion and personal drive. I’m excited and thrilled that we’ll soon be sharing this with the Minneapolis/St. Paul community.”

Stone believes this film will change perceptions. “I hope that it motivates anyone dealing with struggles or challenges in their life, whether or not they have a physical disability. I also want to change how people view those of us with disabilities so that they begin to see us as productive members of society.”

“When Joe struggles, that means he’s on the edge

Below are some of the commonly asked questions and answers: Question 1: Will the Olmstead Plan and Minnesota Employment First Policy (MEFP) close down my day services provider?

Answer 1: NO. Nowhere in the plan or MEFP is there language stating that day services will be closed. Both of these initiatives ensure all people with disabilities receiving public services for who want to work, with or without supports will have that opportunity.

Question 2: Will the plan and MEFP require me to work 30 to 40 hours per week, at prevailing wages with benefits?

Answer 2: NO. Neither the plan nor MEFP specifies the number of hours, wages, and benefits that people with disabilities are required to earn. In fact, there are no requirements on people with disabilities.

Question 3: Will the plan and MEFP force me to work in the non-disabled workforce if I don’t want to, rather than providing a choice?

Answer 3: NO. Neither the plan nor the MEFP require people with disabilities to work in the regular workforce. They require actions by state agencies to ensure processes are in place that help people with

disabilities to make an informed choice about work.

Both start with the individual to ensure choices are retained.

Question 4: Will the plan and MEFP force me off the public benefits and supports (e.g., SSI, Social Security, Medicaid, etc.)

Answer 4: NO. The plan and the MEFP states that people with disabilities will not be moved off public benefits or out of services until they are earning a livable income. In fact, they ensure that people understand the financial and other benefits of working and the work incentives that protect public benefits.

People with disabilities can choose to work without losing any of the support they need.

Question 5: Will the plan and MEFP require me to work in community settings where I may not be safe?

Answer 5: NO. The plan the MEFP would not require people with disabilities to work in settings that they do not choose. Finding the right job match and setting are essential to successful employment. Being safe is part of that match. Both the plan and the MEFP recognize the importance of adequate support services to ensure people who want to work in the community can do so safely.

Olmstead - p. 15

of a breakthrough,” said May. “That has been a guiding principle for him that I now apply to my own life. This film is about how we deal with struggles. When you see someone with a disability succeed, it magnifies what is possible in your own life. I realize that if I don’t give up, the next time I’m hit with something, I’ll know how to deal with it.”

Celebrities will be a part of the festival, for question and an- Danny Woodburn, actor, comedian and activist for people with disabilities, will teach an acting workshop at the ReelAbilities Film Festival. He recently gave a workshop for the swer periods before and after 24 members of the 2014-2015 Partners in Policymaking class. He told his story of growfilm screenings. Stone will be on hand, as will Josh LaRue, au- ing up with a brother who has Down syndrome, and the health, living and career challenges he has faced as a little person. Over the past 25 years he has appeared in more thor, poet and philosopher. than 130 television shows and more than two dozen feature films. He discussed activism LaRue’s story, My Last Breath, and changes in the media arts, and led the class in improvisational activities to help them will be shown twice during the prepare to deal with the unexpected and to communicate well in their advocacy work. festival. Fans can also meet Photo courtesy of Partners in Policymaking Steve Wampler, from the film create partnerships between people with disabilities Wampler’s Ascent. Wampler is known for scaling El and our community.”

Capitan.

Reed said that while people are being entertained, Another fan favorite is actor and activist Danny Woodburn. Woodburn, who has acted in many movies, films will also increase their comfort level about interacting with people who have a disability. “We was a regular character on the television show don’t see many persons with disabilities in film or on Seinfeld. He will teach an acting improve class at TV. As a result, most of us have experienced fear of MacPhail on Saturday, June 13 and will emcee the ReelAbilities closing night and Taste of Art fundraiser. interacting with the disabled appropriately. How do I approach someone who has cerebral palsy? Or a perThe Real Story, the Access Press documentary on son who is blind or deaf? How do I shake a veteran’s disability and the news media, will be one of many hand if they have a prosthetic arm? These powerful films shown. It will be shown at noon, Friday, June 12 stories will promote better understanding and change at the Union Depot in St. Paul. Copies of the DVD lives for the better.” will be available for purchase.

Founded in 2007, the ReelAbilities Film Festival is The festival is expected to attract more than 3,000 held annually in more than a dozen major U.S. cities. people over four days. “These highly entertaining The first Minneapolis-St. Paul festival was organized films give our community a reason to come together. and hosted by PRI in 2013 at multiple venues. See a We will celebrate and educate. When you reach short film highlighting the first Twin Cities festival people through the arts, it helps to raise awareness at www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnX-ZLUV6kc ■ and break stereotypes,” said Reed. “Our mission is to

Pg 8 May 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 5 Curious to see if there are accessible properties?

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Pg 10 May 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 5

Pedal in Place race marks third year

PEOPLE & PLACES

Snowboarder Kevin Pearce, right, met fans in a recent Twin Cities visit.

Photo courtesy of HCMC

Olympic hopeful visits HCMC patients Snowboarder Kevin Pearce, who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2009 while training for the Olympics, visited Hennepin County Medical Center’s Traumatic Brain Injury Center in April to visit with and encourage TBI patients. He spoke with patients, posed for pictures and signed autographs.

HCMC’s TBI Center was chosen as a visit site for Pearce because of its reputation for exceptional care of TBI patients and its leadership in the industry. The care and encouragement I received during my recovery was so important and now I want to support and encourage others living with a traumatic brain injury,” said Pearce.

Pearce is an internationally renowned sports commentator, motivational speaker and advocate for TBI education, prevention, rehabilitation and research, as well as a sports ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society.

On December 31, 2009, Pearce was attempting a cab double cork in a half-pipe in Park City, Utah when he had an accident and was injured. The HBO documentary about his experience “The Crash Reel – the Ride of a Lifetime” won an Emmy for Outstanding Information Program.

Each year, more than 1.5 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury. Among children and young adults, TBI is the leading cause of death and disability. In Minnesota, nearly 100,000 brain injuries occur annually. A large percentage of those injuries are mild to moderate cases and often go untreated.

As a Level I Trauma Center, Hennepin County Medical Center admits and treats the most traumatic brain injuries in the state. The Traumatic Brain Injury Center at Hennepin County Medical Center offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary patient care, education and research to serve people who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. Each year, professionals at the Traumatic Brain Injury Center care for more than 2,000 patients. Providing a full range of state-of-the-art medical and rehabilitative services, the TBI Center features caregivers whose expertise spans the entire continuum of care for adult and pediatric TBI patients. ■

For the third year, teams of bicyclists gathered for a day of biking, teamwork and friendly competition at the Mounds Park Academy gymnasium in St. Paul. These competitors didn’t race to a finish line. Instead, they pedaled in place in a fundraiser for Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare and United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota.

During Pedal in Place, teams of 10 riders pedaled for 20 minutes each. The minimum pledge for a team to race is $1,000, with teams raising funds in the month-and-a-half leading up to the race. This year, Pedal in Place more than doubled in size, with 23 teams participating and pre-event Pedal in Place teams had a great time at this spring’s event, sponsored fundraising approaching $30,000.

by Gillette Children’s Hospital and United Cerebral Palsy. Teams Proceeds from Pedal in Place will help raised money, had fun and got to see the latest in adaptive equipment. families of Gillette patients, who have cerebral Photo courtesy of Pedal in Place palsy and other disabilities, purchase adaptive recreabilities could test ride and purchase the latest in ational equipment suited to their child’s unique needs.

This year’s event, which was held earlier this spring, sports equipment, such as bicycles and tricycles, adapted to their needs. As a result, teams were able to was held in conjunction with the Adapted Bike and Sports Expo, where children and adults who have dis- witness the impact of their fundraising firsthand. ■

Wood receives Gerontological Society award Jean Wood, executive director of the Minnesota Board on Aging and director of Aging and Adult Services for the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), is receiving the Dutch Kastenbaum Outstanding Gerontologist Award from the Minnesota Gerontological Society in April. The award was presented at the society’s annual conference.

“I cannot think of a more worthy recipient than Jean Wood, who has devoted her career to improving the lives of older adults,” said Sue HumphersGinther, co-president of the Minnesota Gerontological Society Board of Directors.

Humphers-Ginther said Wood’s key accomplishments have included spearheading development of Senior LinkAge Line, Minnesota’s information and referral system for older adults and their families which has expanded to include information and referral services for other populations, including the webbased minnesotahelp.info. Wood has also helped lead development of home and community-based services

to allow older adults to remain in their homes as they age.

A DHS employee since 1993, Wood has served in her current position since 2006. She previously was deputy director of the Minnesota Board on Aging and held other aging-related positions in the department.

She earlier was with the National Association of State Units on Aging in Washington, D.C., and was a state long-term care ombudsman in Ohio. She holds two master’s degrees, in public administration and in social work, both from Ohio State University, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Immaculate Heart College, Los Angeles. She lives in Excelsior.

The Dutch Kastenbaum Award recognizes individuals who have contributed to the lives of older people throughout Minnesota. It is named for a former social worker who was a champion of service programs for older people. He later became well known for his weekly television show, “Senior Citizen Forum,” which ran for almost 25 years. ■

Greenway’s foundation helps families

Viking Chad Greenway greeted a young fan.

Photo courtesy of Lead The Way Foundation

Minnesota Vikings star Chad Greenway, his wife Jenni and the Lead the Way Foundation hosted two events in April. The primary focus of the Lead the Way Foundation is to provide critically and chronically ill children and their families throughout Greater Minneapolis with daily support and life changing experiences. Many of the children have disabilities.

One event was the sixth annual Chad’s Locker, an electronic hub that provides access to iPads, laptops, Leap Frog Readers, DVDs, games and other electronics to patients and their families. The locker, presented by First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard was launched at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. It is the first Chad’s Locker in his home state of South Dakota. The locker will service 25,000 people annually.

“We feel great that we were able to make it out to South Dakota,” said Greenway. “We were thrilled that First PREMIER stepped up to help launch this.

We’ve always had a strong personal connection with Sanford Health and we are glad to be able to extend our foundation back home and help give more children and families a more positive experience.”

Lead the Way Foundation has five lockers in the Greater Twin Cities, at University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Children’s Minneapolis Hospital – Geek Squad Precinct, Hudson Hospitals and Clinics, Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota – St. Paul and Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare – Ronald McDonald Family Room. Together, these lockers have touched the lives of more than 375,000 people. Plans for a seventh locker located in Hutchinson are underway.

The Greenways also hosted the fifth annual TendHER Heart Brunch for 170 mothers of chronically ill children, at Hilton Minneapolis Hotel. The private luncheon is one of several programs meant to give support to mothers of chronically and critically ill children in the Foundation helps - p. 15

May 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 5 Pg 11

PEOPLE & PLACES

On a roll to a new record

Grand Rapids is on a roll to set another Guinness World Record. This time, its focus is on raising awareness of accessibility for differently-abled people.

Come Roll with Us is a challenge to get more than 193 people in wheelchairs to do a one-minute roll on May 16, 2015 at the IRA Civic Center. Following the mission of MyrnaLee Mania, inspired by Grand Rapids resident Myrna Peterson, this event has grown from a story of tragedy to that of perseverance, triumph, kindness and a community that is coming together to help neighbors in wheelchairs.

While the fun part is the challenge of breaking the record, the heart of the event is to start a movement to support neighbors who are differently-abled, to make the community wheelchair-friendly and to raise awareness of the issues and barriers that people in wheelchairs face every day.

The two people leading the charge are Peterson and Lee Isaacs. By an unfortunate twist of fate, both were victims of separate accidents that occurred on the same day on June 21, 1995, within a half a mile of each other. Doctors told them they would never walk again. They’ve endured dozens of surgeries, painful infections and even survived flat-lining.

After two decades of working to build their lives back, Peterson and Isaacs want to draw attention to changes that need to be made to help wheelchair users have the independence that most of us take for granted.

“It’s compliance versus accessibility,” said Peterson, whose warm spirit and strong determination have made her a leader among the community and friend to many. “The issue is you can be compliant but not necessarily accessible.”

Peterson and Isaacs spoke about some of the issues they deal with on a daily basis such as doorway thresholds that are too elevated for their chairs or sidewalk ramps that were constructed at an angle leading right into traffic lanes. Painting for handicapped parking spots is often faded or covered in snow. Elevator buttons are too high to reach. Accessible entrances to government buildings that are locked early don’t allow for access during late meetings or voting hours. Park system trails are too often not clear enough for wheelchairs. Most aren’t paved,

Spotlight placed on disability issues

Students met speaker Aaron Cross at the April 13 event.

Courtesy photo

Embracing the Difference: the ABILITY event and the St. Cloud State University (SCSU) School of Health and Human Services Colloquium put a spotlight on disability issues April 13. Participants gained awareness about disability, and how it is viewed by society, by taking part in several activities.

Event participants could take part in seven different disability-themed experiential learning scenario stations. Each station was led by a SCSU student or community member with a disability. Autism, blindness/vision loss, ADD/ADHD, deafness/hard of hearing, cerebral palsy, mental health and spinal cord injury were the disabilities featured at the stations.

Embracing the Difference - p. 15

keeping people with disabilities from enjoying many of our natural wonders.

“Where there’s a will there’s a way,” said an optimistic Isaacs. But for someone who has always found a connection with the outdoors it’s frustrating when he cannot visit places like the Lost 40 Forest or when the wheels of his chair get stuck in the cracks of fishing piers.

“If you can’t get into a place, you don’t go there,” Isaacs said.

Isaacs uses a chair he describes as a “piece of steel” with a footrest that’s “like a bulldozer.”

Peterson’s chair weighs 350 pounds and has two regular-sized car batteries in it — it cost $14,000.

“You can’t tell me that this should be more expensive than a used car but that’s how it works,” said Peterson.

Like others like themselves who rely on expensive and heavy equipment such as this, the challenges are many. Peterson and Isaacs want to increase understanding of the issues they face and also encourage people like themselves to have a voice. They hope an event like Come Roll with Us will draw hundreds to recognize how many people in this community and beyond also face mobility issues everyday — neighbors, friends, family members.

Supporters are also planning to help Peterson and Isaacs in return for their efforts. As part of the event, they hope to raise funds to replace Peterson’s handicapped vehicle which lacks the adaptive technology to allow her to drive and Isaac’s 30-plus-year-old accessible van which is no longer repairable and needs to be replaced.

“The hope is this will spread beyond Itasca County as far as transportation and accessibility,” said event organizer Lisa Arnold. “We’d like to help these two people then go beyond. Imagine what Myrna could do if she had a van — she could go to the legislature!”

Come Roll With Us starts at the IRA Civic Center in Grand Rapids on Saturday, May 16, with a 1-2:45 wheelchair record check-in (pre-registration is required online at www.myrnaleemania.com or by call-

Lee Isaacs and Myrna Peterson are rolling to a record.

Photo courtesy of Grand Rapids Herald-Review

ing 218-398-2649). The Break Guinness Book of World Record Wheelchair Roll is at 3 p.m., followed by a pork tenderloin dinner (cost $10), wheelchair basketball exhibition, bean bag toss tournament, vendors, festivities, beer garden, silent auction and raffles from 4-9 p.m. People of all abilities are welcome.

To top everything off, adding even more excitement for this challenge and its mission, organizers and supporters are hoping to gain the attention of Ellen DeGeneres of the popular Ellen Show.

“We are asking you to do three things: Spread the word about MyrnaLee Mania, like us on Facebook and contact Ellen on our behalf (www.ellentv.com/beon-the-show/10/),” said Arnold. “Please help us show Ellen the real Minnesota Nice and extend the Roll Challenge.

“The power of the people sending our mission viral will create true change. Other communities have started movements. Why can’t ours?”

For more information about the event and this movement, visit www.myrnaleemania.com (This article is reprinted with permission of the Grand Rapids Herald-Review.) ■

————— In Memoriam —————

Hammargren led long life of service

Disability rights activist Marjorie Hammargren died this spring at Carondolet Village in St. Paul.

Born in Watertown, South Dakota, she moved with her family at a young age to Kilkenny, a small town in LeSueur County. Hammargren attended St. Canice Catholic Grade School, Montgomery High School and the University of Minnesota.

Life with physical disabilities prompted Hammargren to become a longtime advocate on accessibility issues. She served on the Minnesota State Council on Disabilities for six years, and also served on its access and human rights committees.

Hammargren lived in Kilkenny for most of her life.

She owned a printing company and a flower shop, and also served as the city clerk. She wrote to St. Canice Parish in Kilkenny, Ireland, and obtained a picture of St. Canice’s statue. From the picture the St. Paul Statuary Company modeled a modern, heroic size statue of St. Canice which was placed on the front of the new church in the Minnesota town. It was dedicated in 1954.

She was on the Southwest Deanery Board for many

years. She was a third Order Carmelite and also belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary. In 1976 she chaired the Kilkenny U.S. Bicentennial Celebration.

Her awards for service included the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women Award, the Catholic Charities Award for Social Justice and the WCCO Radio Marjorie Hammargren Good Neighbor award. In 1996, she was one of several Minnesotans who carried the torch for the Atlanta Olympic Games, as the torch passed through Minnesota. She was a friend of Access Press and past nominee for the Access Press Charlie Smith Award.

Several years ago Hammargren moved to St. Paul, to be closer to her sister, Betty Lou. Her sister survives her as do a niece, nephew, grandnephew and grandnieces. Services have been held and burial was in Calvary Cemetery in Kilkenny. ■

Pg 12 May 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 5 Win tickets to a Saints game

ACCESSIBLE FUN Bridge View School hosts annual carnival Join the children and parents of Bridge View School for a fun evening of food, carnival games, fire truck rides and much more to help raise money and support for Bridge View School, 5-9 p.m. Fri, May 15 at the school at 360 Colbourne St., St. Paul. FunFest helps the Parent Teacher Association of Bridge View School raise money for class supplies, adaptive equipment, and items that support instruction and student development, each of which are essential tools used to support Bridge View’s mission of successfully transitioning students into the community.

FFI: Mike Zipko, 651-269-8756

Let Access Press take you out to the ballgame this baseball season. The newspaper has St. Paul Saints baseball tickets available for home games at the new baseball park in Lowertown St. Paul, and we’d like to share them with our readers.

With lively mascots, legendary tailgating and all kinds of giveaways, Saints games are nonstop fun.

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Peter Pan the Musical Children’s Theatre Company presents the children’s favorite at Children’s Theatre Co., United Health Group Stage, 2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls. AD and ASL show is 7 p.m. Fri, May 15. Sensory friendly show is 7 p.m. Fri, May 29. Ask about special price rates for ASL/AD patrons (regular $16-40). FFI: 612-874-0400; http:// www.childrenstheatre.org

Save the date for celebration Save the date of Sun, June 7 for Celebrating 40 Years of Spinal Cord Injury Research, at Nicollet Island Pavilion, Mpls. This outdoor event features Dr. Jim Krause of the Medical University of South Carolina, and the Longevity After Injury Project. Krause and his research team want to bring together long-term survivors of spinal cord injury (SCI) who have participated in multiple stages of the SCI longitudinal aging study. The goal is to share findings from the study, strengthen the network of participants for ongoing research, gather materials that include photographs and testimonials, and celebrate the lives of the long-term survivors. All research participants have been enrolled within the study a minimum of 20 years, with some people enrolled at 30 and 40 years previously. FFI: http://tinyurl.com/40yr-reunion

Interactive puppet workshops Children’s Theatre Company and the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) host a series of four interactive family workshops modeling art-based strategies. Early Childhood and Autism: Expression Through Storytelling, Puppetry, Movement and Music are designed for parents and/or caregivers with a child or children ages 3-5 with autism spectrum disorder and their siblings. Each workshop will explore theater activities that facilitate self-expression, creativity and imagination-play.

Workshops will include a unique lesson to support the social and imaginative development of each child and his or her family. As sessions will focus on different methods of expression, families have the option to register for single sessions or to sign up for all four. Each registered family will receive one complimentary child’s ticket to an upcoming sensory-friendly performance at Children’s Theatre Company. Workshops are at CTC, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. Per-workshop cost $25 AuSM member/CTC season ticket-holders or $50 for nonmembers. Puppetry is 2-4 p.m. Sun, July 19, creative movement is Sun, Sept. 20 and music and sound is 2-4 p.m.

Sun, Nov. 8. Workshops are made possible by a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. Preregistration required. FFI: www.ausm.org

Evita Rochester Repertory Theatre presents the story of Evita, the saint of the working class, at Rochester Repertory Theatre, 103 7th St. NE, Rochester. ASL show is 8 p.m. Fri, May 15. Tickets are student/senior $23. FFI: 507-289-1737, www.rochesterrep.org

Pecos Bill and Other Tall Tales Youth Performance Company presents beloved American tall tales, at Howard Conn Fine Arts Center, 1900 Nicollet Ave., Mpls. ASL and AD shows are 7:30 p.m. Sat, May 16. Tickets $15, child/senior $12, $10 group. VSA discount applies. FFI: 612-623-9080, www.youthperformanceco.org

Detroit ’67 Penumbra Theatre Company presents the story of two orphans who start an after-hours club, at Penumbra Theatre, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul. ASL show is 7:30 p.m. Sat, May 16, Tickets $40, senior $35, student $15.

FFI: 651-224-3180, www.penumbratheatre.org/

Bedroom Farce Theatre in the Round Players presents a smart, sometimes slapstick comedy about modern marriage, at Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD show is 2 p.m. Sun, May 17. Tickets $22 with discounts available Fri and Sun for students (with ID) and seniors (62+). FFI: 612-333-3010, www.theatreintheround.org

State Fair Lakeshore Players Theatre presents the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, at Lakeshore Players Theatre, 4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake. ASL show is 2 p.m. Sun, May 17. (If no ASL seats are reserved within two weeks of the performance, the ASL-interpretation will be cancelled).Tickets reduced to $10 for ASL patrons (reg. $23, senior $21, student $18). FFI: 651-429-5674, www.lakeshoreplayers.com

Press on Facebook and follow our news feed. When we post a notice of an upcoming game, tell us why you’d like to attend a game. Tickets will be awarded firstcome, first-served. One set of tickets per person, please.

We have four seats available per game, all fully accessible and right behind home plate. Take a swing at this contest and you may hit a home run! ■

River Road Boogie: The Augie Garcia Story History Theatre presents a new musical by Joe Minjares, about a beloved Twin Cities musician, at History Theatre, 30 E. 10th St., St. Paul. ASL and AD shows are 2 p.m. Sun, May 17. Tickets Reduced to $20 for ASL/AD patrons (regular $30-45). The accessible entrance is on the east side of the building off Cedar Street; the theatre has six spaces for wheelchairs, plus companion seats; hearing enhancement devices and Braille or large print playbills are available. FFI: 651-292-4323, www.historytheatre.com

Breaking Ground: The Artspace Celebration The third annual Artspace celebration — which will be streamed live to artists and partners across the country — reviews a year of growth and looks toward a future of building better communities that are created, animated and sustained by remarkable artists. Co-hosts actor Ansa Akyea and Springboard for the Arts Executive Director Laura Zabel will introduce local and national performers, at the Cowles Center for Dance and Performing Arts, 528 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. ASL is offered 7-8 p.m. Mon, May 18, art activities at 6 p.m., reception following show. Tickets $20 or VIP $50; RSVP. FFI: 612-206-3600, shaela.wilson@artspace.org, www.artspace.org/breakingground

On Golden Pond Rochester Civic Theatre presents the story of an elderly couple and their beloved lake home, at Rochester Civil Theater, 20 Civic Center Dr. SE, Rochester. ASL show is 7 p.m. Sat, May 23. Tickets $24, senior $19, student $17; Please indicate ASL seating when booking tickets. FFI: 507-282-8481, www.rochestercivictheatre.org

The Language Archive Park Square Theatre presents the story of a talented linguist who cannot speak the language of love, at Park Square Theatre, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul. AD show is 7:30 p.m. Fri, May 29. Captioning offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, May 30 and 2 p.m. Sun, May 31. ASL arranged upon request. Tickets AD/OC single ticket discount is halfprice for patron and one guest (regular $38-58); age 30 and under: $21; Senior age 62+: $38; Rush tickets: $22 cash only, available 10 minutes before performance; subject to availability; Assistive listening devices available. FFI: 651-291-7005, www.parksquaretheatre.org

Open Flow Forum The Artists with Disabilities Alliance and supporters gather on the first Thu of each month for a free opportunity to share visual art, writing, music, theatre and other artistic efforts with each other in an informal, fragrancefree setting, at Carleton Artists’ Lofts community room, 2285 University Ave. W., St. Paul. Refreshments served. Enter on the north side of the building (not the light rail side). The meeting room is directly opposite the security entrance. Facilitators are Pamela Veeder, Mike Price and Dan Reiva. Upcoming gathering is 7-9 p.m.

Thu, June 4. Ask about accommodations. FFI: Jon, 612-332-3888, jon@vsamn.org, www.carleton artistlofts.com/ or http://vsamn.org/artists-disabilities/

Master Builder Commonweal Theatre Company presents a new adaptation of Henry Ibsen’s classic story, at Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro. AD show is 1:30 p.m. Sat, June 6, with pre-show at 1:10 p.m. Tickets reduced to $15 for AD/ASL patrons (regular $30; student $15); Please make AD reservations at least one week in advance, noting if you want a tactile tour at noon. Two-week notice requested for a Braille program.

Five-week notice requested for ASL interpreting.

Assistive listening devices available at the box office; special seating available for persons with mobility issues. FFI: 507-467-2525, 800-657-7025; info@commonwealtheatre.org

Impressionism: Breaking the Rules Mpls Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Ave. S., hosts a must-see show about impressionism. ASL tour is 1 p.m.

Sun, June 7. Meet at the Information Desk in the museum lobby. Interpreted tours are also scheduled on other days. On the second weekend of each month,

Accessible Fun - p. 15

May 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 5 Pg 13

Make plans to attend celebration

UPCOMING EVENTS Advocacy Comment on CADI waiver changes The Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Disability Services Division is in the process of renewing the Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals (CADI) waiver with the federal government. CADI provides community-based services and supports to people with disabilities as an alternative to nursing facility care.

Proposed changes are now available for review and comment. Some of the changes include changing the title of the waiver from Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals to Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI); updating the person-centered planning requirements to be mandatory; updating the Quality Assurance measures based on new federal requirements and adding two new services: crisis respite and night supervision. A comment period ends Tue, June 9. Persons unable to access the document electronically may get a paper copy by calling the DSD Response Center at 651-431-4300 or sending a written request to CADI Waiver Renewal, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Disability Services Division, P.O. Box 64967, St. Paul, MN 55164-0967. Access the full document online at www.dhs.state.mn.us/dhs16_194235 Comments may be sent to DSD.PublicComments@state.mn.us or by postal mail to ATTN: CADI Waiver Comments, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Disability Services Division, P.O. Box 64967, St. Paul, MN 55164-0967 Save the date: Autism in Business On Thu, Oct. 22, the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) will bring together Minnesota’s top corporate leaders, business professionals, state agencies and autism advocates for Autism in Business, a forum focused on providing positive strategies for employing and retaining individuals with autism. Held at TIES in St. Paul, it will feature a keynote presentation, leadership luncheon and breakout sessions on topics including how to achieve diversity hiring goals, theory of mind in the workplace, a moderated panel of people with autism discussing their employment experiences, successful employment stories from business managers and leaders, and tactics for companies to employ individuals with autism. With a diagnosis rate of 1 in 68, autism, a life-long disability, is Minnesota’s fastest growing developmental disability. According to a study released in the Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics, roughly half a million children with autism will reach adulthood in the next decade. Registration opens in June. FFI: www.ausm.org Videos are available The Arc Greater Twin Cities has partnered with ECHO to create four short videos that help Minnesotans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families better understand affordable health care available through MnSure. Versions of the video in English, Hmong, Spanish and Somali may now be seen on YouTube and The Arc’s website. The videos provide basic information about the importance of access to health care for people with disabilities, an explanation of MnSure, and The Arc’s role as a health care expert that can help families apply for coverage through MNsure and answer healthcare questions. Versions in Hmong, Somali and Spanish translate the information into culturally appropriate language and feature spokespersons from those communities. The videos can be seen at www.arc greatertwincities.org/health-care-access.aspx or go to YouTube and searching for TheArcGTC channel.

Beyond the Baby Blues Conference Beyond the Baby Blues is a full-day conference designed to educate professionals and families about mood disorders and anxiety before, during and after pregnancy. It will be held on May 28 at the University of Minnesota Continuing Education Center, 1890 Bufford Avenue, St. Paul. Experts in the field of psychology, social work, and maternal and child health, along with women and family members whose lives have been affected by postpartum depression will offer presentations. The conference is sponsored by NAMI Minnesota, the University of Minnesota School of Social Work, Postpartum International Support and UCare. FFI: NAMI Minnesota, 651-645-2948, www.namihelps.org

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. This spring many workshops are in Greater

The Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark in civil rights legislation, turns 25 years old on July 26. The Minnesota State Council on Disability (MSCOD), in cooperation with a coalition of disability organizations, is planning several projects and events to celebrate this historic day.

A 25th ADA Anniversary Celebration and Family Day is noon-4 p.m. Sun, July 26 at the Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. The event includes live entertainment, an open mic, arts activities, and an airing of a portion of Twin Cities Public Television’s (tptMN) upcoming documentary about the ADA. It is free and everyone is welcome.

MSCOD’s yearlong festivities will culminate in a conference Wed, Oct. 28. The conference will focus on employment, technology, advocacy, and community living.

It will feature speakers, breakout sessions, a live tele-

cast by tptMN, a career fair presented in partnership with the Minnesota Business Leadership Network, and much more. The ADA anniversary brings great cause for celebration and reflection. As part of an overall effort to describe the ADA’s role in Minnesota, the conference provides an examination of how employment—both for the employer, and the disabled individual who may currently be employed, or is seeking employment—has been impacted by the ADA. MSCOD is also continuing a study on employment.

Everyone’s personal experiences and insight will be invaluable to the success of this study. Be a part of the future of the ADA in Minnesota and go to http:// tinyurl.com/ADA25employmentMN For a list of partners in all 25th ADA events and activities, please visit www.disability.state.mn.us/ada/ourpartners/ ■

Minnesota. Advance registration is required for all workshops. Check out PACER’s website and link to the newsletter of statewide workshops that allows participants to pick and choose sessions catered to their needs. Technology for Girls: Engineering Structures, is 10-11:30 a.m. Sat, May 16 at PACER Center. When constructing a building, the possibilities are endless.

Middle school girls with disabilities who participate in this fun, hands-on workshop will learn how to turn simple household items into amazing structures. They’ll learn how engineering principles are applied in the real world and how these can be used in everyday situations through hands-on exploration. The workshop will be presented by Natalie Hedberg, a high school student with experience in FIRST robotics and Project Lead the Way. FFI: PACER at 952-838-9000. In Greater Minnesota, call 800-537-2237 (toll free), www.PACER.org

on Adoptable Children (NACAC), Special Olympics Minnesota and the YMCA. FFI: www.arcgreatertwincities.org, debreisner@arcgreatertwincities.org

Information and assistance Healthy Relationship Project offered The Healthy Relationship Project invites west metro families of children who have or are suspected of having Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) to have fun, connect and learn about safe social connections at a three-part event for the entire family. This free event will be at the Northwest YMCA, 7601 42nd Ave. N., New Hope. It will be offered Saturday afternoons, May 30 and June 27. Children ages 2 - 7 will participate in structured play through the Special Olympics Young Athletes program. Youth ages 8 - 15 will engage in activities while learning about friendships, safety and bullying. While kids are at play, parents will connect with an experienced parent to share resources, tools and tips for keeping their child safe in the community. Each session will cover different topics. Families are encouraged to attend all sessions, but it is not required. Pre-registration required. The Healthy Relationship Project is a collaboration of The Arc Greater Twin Cities, the Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS), the North American Council

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 those 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 MCIL offers classes and activities The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) offers many life skills classes as well as fun outings and activities for people with disabilities. MCIL’s new location is at 530 N. Robert Street, St Paul and most activities are there or start there. Classes and events are listed on the website, www.mcil-mn.org Click on “Classes Groups and Sessions” for updated information or to print their calendar. Please give two weeks’ notice if alternative format or other accommodations are needed. Events are free, accessible and mostly scent-free. FFI: 651-603-2030 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. Check the web site for upcoming groups.

Groups meet at the AuSM offices at 2380 Wycliff St. FFI: 651-647-1083 ext. 10, www.ausm.org 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

Events - p. 15

Pg 14 May 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 5

May Sampling

Radio Talking Book Guideposts is latest addition Guideposts Magazine is now available on NFBNewsline. Current customers of the Communication Center and the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library may call 651-539-1424 or 1-800-652-9000 to subscribe. Esther Dahl will assist callers in signing up.

Applications for NFB-Newsline can be mailed out by request or found online at www.mnssb.org

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 Newsline. Register for NFB Newsline by calling 651-539-1424.

Access Press is featured at 9 p.m. Sundays on the program It Makes a Difference.

Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m.

The Dylanologists, nonfiction by David Kinney, 2014.

Nine broadcasts. Begins May 26. Bob Dylan has been

writing songs for a half century and remains a cultural touchstone and the subject of endless fascination.

Dylan is intensely private and has been frightened, annoyed, and perplexed by fanatical fans. But he does have a cult following. L- Read by Natasha DeVoe. Past is Prologue • Monday – Friday 9 a.m.

The Court-Martial of Paul Revere, nonfiction by Michael Greenburg, 2014. 10 broadcasts. Begins May 25. Paul Revere was a key figure in the debacle of the Penobscot Expedition. Though he was not formally condemned for his actions, rumors swirled and he spent the next several years actively pursuing a court-martial to restore his reputation. Read by Jan Anderson.

Bookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m.

The Mapmaker’s Children, fiction by Sarah McCoy, 2015. 12 broadcasts. Begins May 13. Sarah Brown uses her artistic talent by making maps for the Underground Railroad. One hundred fifty years later, Eden discovers the head of a doll from the Underground Railroad with its history of secret messages, danger, and deliverance. Read by Nancy Felknor.

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

Dangerous Odds, nonfiction by Marisa Lankester, 2014.

13 broadcasts. Begins May 13. Marisa Lankester stumbled into the backdoor of the largest illegal sports betting organization in the U.S., and as a thrill seeker, she stayed, becoming a trusted insider. But what began as fun, morphed into a nightmare. V, L, S - Read by Anne Obst.

Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

Land of Dreams, fiction by Kate Kerrigan, 2014. 10 broadcasts. Begins May 19. Irish immigrant Ellie Hogan has achieved the American Dream, but her comfortable life is shattered when her son, Leo, runs away to Hollywood. Determined to keep the family intact, Ellie follows. Read by Holly Sylvester.

PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

First SEALs, nonfiction by Patrick K. O’Donnell, 2014.

Nine broadcasts. Begins May 13. In the summer of 1942, an extraordinary group of men united to form a unit that would be the Navy’s Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) Teams.

Known as the Maritime Unit, it comprised America’s first swimmer-commandos, a breed of warrior-spies decades ahead of their time. Read by Mike Piscitelli.

Shadow Government, nonfiction by Tom Engelhardt, 2015. Eight broadcasts. Begins May 26. Engelhardt says we no longer live in a national security state, but a global

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security one, fighting secret wars that have turned our president into an assassin-in- chief. Read by John Holden.

Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

A Second Helping of Murder and Recipes, fiction by Jeanne Cooney, 2014. Nine broadcasts. Begins May 19. Reporter Emerald Malloy is working on a feature on rural cooking. Margie, the owner of Hot Dish Heaven, surprises her with unusual recipes. With her focus divided by a romantic interest in the deputy, she’s not interested in looking into the murder of a local farmhand.

Read by Janelle Mattson.

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

Charleston, fiction by Margaret Bradham Thornton, 2014. 10 broadcasts. Begins May 18. When Eliza left Charleston for college, she never expected it would take 10 years to return. Now a decade later, she is an art historian in London and runs into Henry, her childhood love. Read by Alletta Jervey.

Potpourri • Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

Ongoingness, nonfiction by Sarah Manguso, 2015.

Two broadcasts. Begins May 14. Sarah Manguso kept a meticulous diary for 25 years. The terror behind that was that she might forget something important. Then when she became pregnant, her relationship with her diary changed. Read by Julie Bolton.

A Deadly Wandering, nonfiction by Matt Richtel, 2014. 14 broadcasts. Begins May 18. Reggie Shaw fatally struck two rocket scientists while texting and driving. The accident and the aftermath exemplify the challenge of technological distractions, which have led to a new science of attention. Read by Chris Colestock.

Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight Elizabeth Is Missing, fiction by Emma Healey, 2014.

10 broadcasts. Begins May 18. No one takes Maud’s anxiety about Elizabeth seriously because of Maud’s dementia. But she is convinced that Elizabeth needs her help. Maud will discover the truth no matter what it takes. L - Read by Pat Kovel-Jarboe.

After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m.

The Darkest Part of the Forest, fiction by Holly Black, 2015. 11 broadcasts. Begins May 19. Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the town of Fairfold, where humans and faeries exist side by side. The faeries’ harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, before. L, S - Read by Kristi Sullivan.

Weekend program books Your Personal World (Saturday at 1 p.m.) is airing Rewire by Richard O’Connor, PhD.; For the Younger Set (Sunday at 11 a.m.) is airing The Peculiar by Stephan Bachmann and The Eye of Minds by James Dashner; Poetic Reflections (Sunday at noon) is airing Station Zed by Tom Sleigh and Gabriel by Edward Hirsch; The U.S. and Us (Sunday at 4 p.m.) is airing Minneapolis Madams by Penny A. Petersen. ■ Abbreviations: V – violence, L – offensive language, S – sexual situations.

Thanks to all of you for supporting Access Press FRIEND SPONSOR ($50 and above) Monte Blair (in memoriam) Ellen Boucher Susan Bulger Mike Chevrette Yoshiko Dart Teresa Dock Steve & JoAnn Erbes Lee Ann Erickson Marjorie Goldberg Stephan Grams Sherry Gray Pamela Hochrein Stuart Holland Marjorie Huebner Ellen & Skip Houghton Laurie Jarvis Sandi Lane Gene Martinez Christopher Meyer Paula Newman-Scott Lee Ohnesorge Linda Paulson Kelly Rathcke Virginia Schwartzbauer John Sherman Mary Treacy Hammer Residences Life by Designs, Inc. MBW Company

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May 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 5 Pg 15

Olmstead - from p. 7 Question 6: Is the idea of “Community-Based Services” just a trendy topic that the plan and MEFP latched onto, recently?

Answer 6: NO. The notion that people with disabilities can and should have the opportunity to live fully in their communities goes back decades. In the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s people with disabilities and their families fought for the right to live in the community and receive community-based services, rather than living in segregated settings. In 1983, Home and Community-Based Services came into existence to ensure those with the most significant disabilities could receive long-term supportive services. Communitybased employment supports also emerged during that time. In the 1999 U.S. Supreme Court Olmstead decision affirmed the right for people with disabilities, in-

cluding those with the most significant barriers, to receive public services in the community. Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan is aligned with that court decision.

Question 7: Is it true that most people with disabilities cannot work in the non-disabled workforce?

Answer 7: NO. This is inaccurate, most citizens with disabilities can work in the non-disabled workforce. That belief is a barrier to employment and is reflected in an employment rate of 44% for Minnesotans with disabilities compared to 81% for non-disabled citizens. With the right accommodations and appropriate supports, many jobs are achievable for people once considered “unemployable.” ■ Derek Nord, Ph.D. is Associate Director, Research and Training Center on Community living Institute on Community Integration, at the University of Minnesota.

Work opportunities benefit everyone.

File photo

Accessible Fun - from p. 12 free tours are offered for visitors with memory loss, Alzheimer’s and their friends or care partners. Tickets free. FFI: 612-870-3131, www.artsmia.org

God of Carnage Bloomington Theatre and Art Center presents the Tony Award-winning play, at Bloomington Center for the Arts, Black Box Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd, Bloom-ington. AD show is 7:30 p.m. Fri, June 12.

ASL show is 7:30 p.m. Sat, June 13. Tickets reduced to $17 for AD/ASL (regular $24, senior $22, age 25 and under $19, Wed. $2 less.). FFI: 952-563-8575; boxoffice@btacmn.org

Covers: A Pop Concert Cantus presents favorite pop hits in a sing-along concert at Cowles Center, 528 Hennepin Ave., Mpls.

ASL show is 7:30 p.m. Fri, June 12. Tickets $25, $30, $35; $10 student; discounts for groups of 10+. FFI: 612435-0055, weekdays 12-3 p.m.; info@cantussings.org

The Gospel of Lovingkindness Pillsbury House Theatre presents a story about two young men from Chicago’s South Side, at Pillsbury House Theatre, 3501 Chicago Ave. S., Mpls. AD show is 7:30 p.m. Fri, June 12. ASL show is 7:30 p.m. Sat, June 20. Tickets are pay-what-you-want (regular $25).

FFI: 612-825-0459, www.pillsburyhouseandtheatre.org

Foundation helps - from p. 10 Greater Twin Cities. Mothers enjoyed brunch, cocktails and mocktails, gifts from Burt’s Bees and generous sponsor South Hill Designs, photos, and an opportunity to share their story. Women were encouraged to keep in contact throughout the year via a private group on Facebook, hosted by Greenway. This year’s luncheon was the largest in the program’s history.

“This is really an opportunity for these strong women to connect with people who have a shared experience,” said Greenway. “I am so thankful to the women who have attended every year, and to the many new faces I saw today, for coming out to offer each other support.”

In May, Lead the Way Foundation will host Field of Dreams – an all-expense-paid weekend stay-cation for 15 families with a chronically or critically ill family member. Sponsored by Mall of America and Radisson Blu Hotel, this stay-cation will offer families who very rarely get to pamper themselves a nice weekend together to bond and have fun. ■ Embracing the Difference - from p. 11 The keynote address was delivered by Aaron Cross, a first-year student in the SCSU Rehabilitation Counseling Master’s program. Cross is a life skills coach, and speaks publically and professionally through his company, Motivation on Wheels. He urged those at the event to focus on their dreams and not give up.

At age 15, Cross was injured while competing in a bicycle race. He broke his neck in three place and was paralyzed. He still bicycles and pursues other outdoor activities, and is best known as a champion archer. Cross has been a three-time member of the US Paralympic Archery team, winning Team Bronze in the 2004 Athens Summer Paralympic Games.

Many volunteers made the spring ABILITY event possible, including coordinator Amy Knopf, an assistant professor in the SCSU Rehabilitation Counseling program. Undergraduate and graduate students in several other programs were also involved. ■

Black Tie

Juno and the Paycock

Theatre in the Round Players presents the tale of a wedding and clashing generations, at Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD show is 2 p.m. Sun, June 14. Tickets $22. Discounts available Fri and Sun for students (with ID) and seniors (62-plus). FFI: 612333-3010, www.theatreintheround.org

Guthrie Theater presents the story of a Dublin family after the Irish Civil War, at Guthrie Theater, McGuire Proscenium Stage, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. Captioning is 1 p.m. Wed, June 17; 7:30 p.m. Fri, June 19 and 1 p.m.

Sat, June 27, 1:00 PM. ASL show is 7:30 p.m. Fri, June 19, and 1 p.m. Sat, June 20. AD show is 1 p.m. Sat, June 20 and 7:30 p.m. Fri, June 26. Tickets reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for Captioning (regular $34-85). FFI: 612377-2224, www.guthrietheater.org/visit/access_services

11th Annual 10-Minute Play Festival Lakeshore Players Theatre presents its 10-minute play festival with 10 world premieres, at Lakeshore Players Theatre, 4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake.

ASL is 2 p.m. Sun, June 14. (If no ASL seats are reserved within two weeks of the performance, the ASLinterpretation will be cancelled).Tickets reduced to $10 for ASL patrons (regular $19, senior $17, student $15).

FFI: 651-429-5674, www.lakeshoreplayers.com

The Illusion Theatre Pro Rata presents Tony Kushner’s adaptation of the classic comedy, at Park Square Theatre, Boss Stage, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul. AD and ASL shows are 2 p.m. Sun, June 14. Tickets $25, discounts for students, seniors and Fringe button holders; ASL/ AD/OC single ticket discount is half-price for patron and one guest; Assistive listening devices available. FFI: 651-291-7005, http://theatreprorata.org/new/portfolio/ the-illusion

Events - from p. 13 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. 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 Mental health support offered May is Mental Health Month, so the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota and dozens of other organizations are involved in community education about mental illnesses, including creating awareness that effective treatments are available and that people can and do recover. NAMI Minnesota offers over 300 free educational classes statewide each year, along with help in navigating the mental health system.

NAMI also has more than 60 free support groups living with a mental illness and their families. In the Twin Cities 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. 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 and 6:30-6 p.m. on the second and fourth Thu at Goodwill-Easter Seals, 553 Fairview Ave. N., St. Paul. FFI: 651-645-2948 A family support group meets in St. Paul on the second Wednesday of each month at 6-7:30 p.m., at Goodwill-Easter Seals, at the Fairview location in room 123. FFI: Sonja, 651-357-2077. A family support group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, from 7:00-8:30 p.m., at Canvas Health, 7066 Stillwater Blvd., Oakdale. FFI: Dan, 651-341-8918. ■

More events information VSA Minnesota is at http://vsamn.org The website has a large calendar at in the upper right hand corner of its home page. For information on galleries and theater performances around the state join the Access to Performing Arts email list ataccess@vsamn.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 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 ■

CLASSIFIEDS Access Press Classifieds are $14 for the first 12 and 65¢ per word thereafter. They must be prepaid.

Mail to: Access Press care of The Kelly Inn Offices; 161 St. Anthony Ave; #910; St. Paul, MN 55103; 651-644-2133 • FAX 651-644-2136 Email: access@accesspress.org

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.

Find your new home with At Home Apartments.

Call 651-224-1234 or visit AtHomeApartments.com for an apartment or town home. Equal Opportunity Housing.

2 BR accessible home for rent – Inver Grove: 1 level, 2 bedroom, 1 bath accessible home w/ double attached garage, C/A, W/D, 1400 sq. ft., $1150 month, with a $200 discount the first month, plus $1150 security deposit. Lawn, snow, trash, water paid. FMI: go to www.6514511010.net or call 651-451-1010

Pg 16 May 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 5