September 2015 Edition - Access Press

Moses remembered, Pg 2

Volume 26, Number 9

www.accesspress.org

Mishandling of funds alleged in lawsuit

2015 winner

by Access Press staff

by Jane McClure

More than 5,000 Minnesotans with disabilities have been deprived of plus-$1 billion in services for more than two decades under a federal Medicaid program managed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).

That’s the claim outlined in a lawsuit filed August 29 in U.S. District Court in St. Paul.

The lawsuit states that people have waited for years for services needed so that they can live in the community. But some Minnesota counties don’t spend Medicaid funds as quickly as they should.

The lawsuit is brought against the state and DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson. The lawsuit contends that for more than two decades DHS mismanaged monies appropriated by the Minnesota Legislature for the Home and Community Based Waiver Services program.

“We have been waiting for these services for over 14 years,” said Jeff Pearson.

His daughter Abigail, age Mishandled program - p. 15

Experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault is difficult and painful. Additional challenges face people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Deaf advocate Jessalyn Akerman-Frank is a pioneer in bridging and closing gaps between deaf and hard of hearing survivors and the multiple systems that provide services.

She is known nationally for her work with advocates, service providers, law enforcement and the disability community. Her writings and training work have helped many people, and she is furthering that work by co-authoring a book on domestic Jessalyn Akerman-Frank is the winner of the 2015 Access violence in the deaf community.

For those efforts and her work with the Press Charlie Smith Award.

Courtesy photo deaf and hard of hearing LGBTQI community, Akerman-Frank is the winner of the Access Press Board Chairperson Kristin 2015 Access Press Charlie Smith Award. She Jorenby. “Jessalyn’s work has impacted the will be honored at the newspaper’s annual lives of many people across the disability combanquet November 6 for her lifelong dedicamunity. She works with a cross-section of socition to community service. ety through a variety of avenues. Her work The award, which honors the founding edireaches from the legislator to teaching adaptive tor of Access Press, is given annually to those yoga to all types of interested folks.” who provide outstanding service to Not only is Akerman-Frank known nationally Minnesota’s disability community. for her work in domestic violence and sexual Akerman-Frank said she was shocked to reassault service, she has a strong commitment to ceive the Charlie Smith Award, and considers the LGBTQI community. She founded the anit to be a great honor. nual Deaf Pride Awards. Deaf Pride celebrated Akerman-Frank was nominated by Darlene its fifth anniversary in June, where one guest Zangara and topped a large field of nominees. described movingly how the event saved his “The board of directors had a difficult decilife and helped him to be true to himself. One sion, given all of the worthy nominees,” said 2015 award winner - p. 15

Her commitment to community sets Akerman-Frank apart

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“Handi Medical has thousands of UCare customers who have received complex rehab; we maintain and repair their equipment. They count on us to keep them safe and independent.”

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NEWS DIGEST

Recycling program creates jobs.

Page 12 Meet the Charlie Smith Award runners-up.

Page 3-5, 7 Olmstead Plan filed with court last month.

Page 6

UCare’s uncertain future

Big Medicaid, MinnesotaCare changes ahead

by Access Press staff

UCare, its partner businesses and about 370,000 of its clients face uncertain times as a result of a competitive bidding process for state health care contracts.

The clients are among an estimated 475,000 Minnesotans who must switch public health plan providers in January 2016. This is the greatest number of Minnesotans who have ever had to switch plans in a given year.

UCare officials have described the change as a disruption, noting that about 40,000 of its clients affected speak languages other than English. Clients are low-income, many with disabilities.

UCare’s fight to retain its contracts, and allow counties to indicate a preference for its health care plans, is part of a larger statewide shakeup for Minnesota managed care organizations that provide Medicaid and The UCare booth is always a busy place during the MinMinnesotaCare services. nesota State Fair. UCare may be forced to cut staff and With an estimated value programs after losing a state contract.

File photo of $4.9 billion for the

new enrollment cycle, Medicaid and MinnesotaCare contracts are a huge windfall for companies that land them. Enactment of the federal Affordable Care Act, which expanded availability of Medicaid for people at or below the poverty level, has changed the landscape of this contract process.

State officials have said they will award managed care contracts county-by-county, with at least two plan options in most counties.

Counties in the seven-county metropolitan area will each have three plans available. Minnesota hires county-based purchasing organizations and health maintenance organizations to manage care for most clients in public health insurance programs.

Losing contracts would mean cuts to as much as half of UCare’s staff, the end of services including immigrant health programs and a mobile dental clinic and cuts to organizations UCare has supported. UCare is very dependent on public programs as about half of its $3 billion in revenue in 2014 came from state programs.

The situation is much bleaker for Owatonnabased South Country Health Alliance (SCHA).

The county-owned managed care organization Sweeping changes ahead - p. 13

Brain injury is focus of new book.

Page 8 Chautauqua offers accessible arts, education.

Page 10

INSIDE Accessible Fun, pg 10 Events, pg 11 People & Places, pg 8-9 & 12 Radio Talking Book, pg 14 Regional News, pg 6

Pg 2 September 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 9

EDITOR’S DESK

Tim Benjamin As I write this, we’re still enjoying the last days of summer, but warm weather is just about over. While the kids are back in school, they’re also still romping on the playground in t-shirts and shorts. Many of them are probably looking forward to cold and winter sports. But those of us using wheelchairs are not as eager for the snow or the cold. The long-term prediction for the winter is a couple degrees above average.

That’s good news, I guess, but a couple degrees is not enough to keep me warm—how about you?

By now you’ve heard that UCare is not in the group of HMOs and insurance providers approved to insure individuals through the State of Minnesota’s Prepaid Medical Assistance Program and MinnesotaCare. In other words, the state’s largest health care plan, serving 369,000 individuals in two state-funded public programs, will not be able to serve its enrollees. If you are enrolled in either of these programs, you should probably contact UCare to find out your best course of action. Don’t wait too long; UCare will be excluded from participating in Minnesota’s medical assistance programs beginning in January 2016. That

is, unless they are successful in a lawsuit they have filed to determine whether the state’s bidding process was conducted fairly.

On September 4, a judge rejected UCare’s bid for an injunction to delay the start of 2016 enrollment in medical assistance and MinnesotaCare. But the judge did expedite the date for a trial, and that will take place November 2. In the meantime, DHS’s enrollment process for 2016 has begun. Scott Ikeda, assistant attorney general for the State of Minnesota, suggested that UCare is trying to roll back the clock to a time before the legislature required competitive bidding. DHS assistant commissioner Nathan Moracco said that UCare lost the 2016 contract simply because they didn’t score high enough on cost and quality measures compared to the competition.

All of this is creating a lot of confusion for UCare clients and will probably result in many people losing their jobs at UCare because of the loss of this huge contract. Some estimates are that about half of UCare’s $3 billion in revenue in 2014 came from Minnesota public insurance programs. There may be an impact as well on many independent durable medical supplies providers that UCare clients used. But of greatest concern is the probable damage to the trusted and confidential relationships between thousands of patients and their doctors and other healthcare providers who may not be in their new networks.

The most challenged of Minnesota’s citizens are being expected to make significant choices about the

source of their healthcare services in a short period of time. There will be fewer healthcare insurers to choose from for 2016-2017, and the Department of Human Services says that it expects to save $450 million in the next two years. Cutting out choices for citizens may reduce costs in the short run but future costs could skyrocket. As just one example, if a person with a disability doesn’t have confidence in a new doctor or is reluctant to go to a new hospital, there could be delayed interventions and more emergency room visits, at much higher cost.

As far back as I can remember, UCare has been at the top of Minnesota insurance providers as an innovative, ethical and patient-centered organization, and has always been an insurer for those on medical assistance. UCare’s popularity is obvious, with its hundreds of thousands of enrollees. What’s more, Minnesota counties determine which of the state’s recommended providers to make available to their citizens.

Out of 87 counties, 55 recommend UCare as one of the insurance providers. UCare’s lawsuit will seek to continue to provide service in those counties. Stay tuned until early November, and meanwhile, contact UCare and DHS with your questions.

Speaking of early November, don’t forget the Charlie Smith award banquet. Sounds like a long time away, but November 6 is just around the corner.

Come and celebrate this year’s winner, Jessalyn Akerman-Frank, with us, and until then, enjoy the beautiful days of early fall. We’ll keep talking, here in print, and at accesspress.org, about other news in our community. Stay safe! ■

HISTORY NOTE

A passion for puppets was a part of Moses’ life

by Access Press staff

A lifetime love of puppetry and theater, and a commitment to disability rights, defined Ken Moses’ life.

The Stillwater area resident died of congestive heart failure August 17.

In Minnesota, Moses is remembered for his work on disability and GLBT rights as well as his theater and arts accessibility work with VSA Minnesota, the Minnesota Association of Community Theaters and other groups.

But what many of his Minnesota friends may not know is Moses’ longtime work with puppets. Moses, a native of New York, became interested in theater and puppetry at age four, when he received puppets as a gift. He earned a theater technology degree from Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) in 1965, with puppetry as part of his portfolio. He worked with and later succeeded the late Larry Berthelson as director of the famed Pickwick Puppet Theatre. Moses wanted puppetry to be thought of as an art form for all ages, not just for children. He was the first two-term president of the Puppetry Guild of Greater New York.

His career in professional theater included work on and off Broadway, at the Smithsonian Institute, in

London’s West End and in regional and community theaters. Moses was the 1975 recipient of the United International de la Marrionnette or UNIMA Citation of Excellence award for collaboration with Berthelson on Stravinsky’s “Pulcinella.” Moses also produced and directed Mozart’s “Magic Flute” at Lincoln Center, and produced an original adaptation of Cervantes’ “Don Quixote” with a score by Manuel de Falla.

His work appears in books, newspaper and magazine articles and photos. In 1983 he told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that puppetry could be presented as fine art, not simply as children’s entertainment. He performed with puppeteers from around the world. Moses Pickwick’s work was featured in print and broadcast media ads, and in performances with musicians ranging from orchestras to the rock band Mott the Hoople.

Moses was also a longtime teacher, starting out as an instructor at Syracuse University’s Drama Department in 1966-67 before heading to New York for a career in professional theater work. He taught many classes and workshops, and frequently taught at theater festivals. In his later years he gave presentations on theater access for people with disabilities, as well as transportation systems.

Moses hosted more than 150 international visitors,

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inspiring him to take a round-the-world trip in 1987-1990.

He was a self-trained audio describer, working at state and national theater festivals, and smaller theaters throughout the region.

Moses volunteered several years for Art St. Croix, a Ken Moses group of east metro artists with disabilities, and set up several art exhibits and performance events – all of which incorporated ASL interpreting, audio description, captioning and large print.

The last theater production he directed and designed was “Sly Fox,” in November 2011 for the Bridge Theatre in Stillwater. He developed plans for an unbuilt theater in downtown Stillwater.

He gave talks to groups including Critical Thinkers Clubs in the Twin Cities. One talk he gave on the poor condition of highway infrastructure was just hours before the I-35W Bridge collapse.

“How to Train a Cat: The Evolution of the Human Passion for puppets - p. 12

September 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 9

Pg 3

Meet the other 2015 Charlie Smith Award nominees

Ambassadors for Respect

Ambassadors for Respect Ambassadors for Respect is an anti-bullying initiative developed and run by self-advocates in the northeastern Twin Cities area. The program was launched in 2011 with a donation by U.S. District Court Judge Donovan Frank. A fiveyear grant from the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities has propelled the program into a cutting-edge model for antibullying curriculum in schools.

Teams of six to nine young ambassadors work together to present interactive workshops in the fourth grade classrooms of elementary schools.

The ambassadors each share their own stories of what life was like when they were in school, including the experience of having been bullied, how it felt to be bullied, and how they responded to the situation.

The ambassadors also share their personal stories of the successes they have had since they were in school and talk about the need for respect and the focus on people instead of labels. They promote abilities versus disabilities, and provide encourage and a positive message.

Students then participate in smaller break-out sessions and help identify bullying behavior and discuss strategies for preventing bullying and ways to respond when it does.

Ambassadors for Respect taps into the curiosity of young people in a positive way to learn and accept differences, and urge others to do the same. Students come away from workshops seeing that people have more things in common than differences. Everyone learns to actively help change attitudes.

Fourth graders’ comments show the positive

Mary Anderson, shown with Dave Durenberger

impact Ambassadors for Respect has had. “You guys are awesome! You guys almost brought tears to my eyes! I loved your presentation. I loved the activities, especially writing something that someone said or I said that hurt me or the other person. It helped me understand to be nice” Ambassadors for Respect continues to grow each year. During the 2014-2015 school year, the ambassadors conducted 23 workshops at eight elementary schools and reached 589 students.

Principals at the schools where they have conducted workshops ask them back year after year.

Last year, a principal invited the ambassadors to conduct an emergency session in the case of a fifth grade student with disabilities. The student was being bullied his peers.

Ambassadors for Respect was created by self-advocates as a realworld response to the increase of bullying incidences and intensity in schools and in the community-at-large. These self-advocates took it upon themselves to reach out to young people in their school settings to foster an environment of caring for and acceptance of others.

Organizers of the program have begun to meet with other advocates who are interested in replicating the program in the southern suburbs of the Twin Cities. The Ambassadors proudly share the keys to success in their program.

Mary Margaret O’Hara Anderson The late Mary Margaret O’Hara Anderson is remembered for her tireless work for people with disabilities. Her efforts on behalf of Minnesota’s disability community spanned many years and

many topics. Anderson died in June.

Anderson is remembered by many friends for working on numerous issues, including personal care attendants, housing, accessibility, education, independent living, employment and transportation and transit access. She was a founding member of the United Handicapped Federation, a group that many of today’s disability service organizations have roots in.

She was a leader in the effort to found centers for independent living in Minnesota and at one time served as director of the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living.

She once chaired the Minnesota State Council on Disabilities. More recently she served on the Minnesota Governor’s Council for Developmental Disabilities.

“Mary devoted her life blood and energy to disability advocacy issues,” said nominator David Sherwood-Gabrielson.

“Despite the ups and downs of her own health and disability challenges, she worked without ceasing.” He recalled that Anderson had a role in many of the issues involved Minnesotans with disabilities, using her passion for volunteering and organization skills to get things done.

“Because of Mary, our community — whether we think of the Greater

Twin Cities or of Greater Minnesota, is a better place to live — for all Minnesotans,” said Sherwood-Gabrielson.

“Besides her organizational and volunteer work, Mary was an organization in and of herself in her willingness to connect with people and do the necessary work of advocacy and education.”

Many people have stories about Anderson and her decades of activism, as well her work at the state capitol on a wide range of issues. She would explore buildings inch by inch to make sure accessibility guidelines were met. She was respected for her ability to cut red tape and help people, and to draw media attention to issues that needed correcting.

She also had a sense of humor. One story she liked to tell was about meeting then-St. Paul

Disability Viewpoints: Mark Hughes (pictured) and Jo Erbes

Mayor George Latimer, when she was checking a bathroom for accessibility. There was the mayor.

One of her causes was making sure people with disabilities could get the vehicle parking tags they need. She successfully pushed state officials to get thousands of expired disability parking tags off of the books, and to increase fines for those who violated parking regulations.

Anderson was once honored by her good friend, former Congressman Jim Ramstad, with a citation in the Congressional Record. Former Gov. Rudy Perpich declared February 8th 1980 “Mary O’Hara Anderson Day” in Minnesota, She and her husband Mike were the longtime managers of Arbor Pointe Apartments in St. Paul, ranking third in a national survey for outstanding customer service.

Disability Viewpoints: Jo Erbes and Mark Hughes Jo Erbes and Mark Hughes are two key members of the team that brings “Disability Viewpoints” to eager viewers.

“Disability Viewpoints” is an award-winning, monthly community access television program.

Airing for more than 15 years, the program is the nation’s longest-running cable access show focusing on people with disabilities. It is carried on several cable channels other than CTV and has been aired on Twin Cities Public Television.

Mark Knutson nominated Hughes, Erbes and “Disability Viewpoints” for the award. “The show is an opportunity for people in the disability community to get their information out,” said Knutson. “The show also covers what is happening CSA Runners-up - p. 4

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Pg 4 September 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 9 CSA Runners-up - from p. 3

Drama Interaction

at the state capitol.” Knutson noted that without the show, issues important to community members wouldn’t receive coverage.

Hughes, Erbes and their team of co-hosts and guests explore a wide range of topics in the shows, ranging from public policy updates to the latest advances in assistive technology.

Erbes is a longtime show volunteer and helps produce the show, working with a group of dedicated behind-the-scenes volunteers. Erbes and Hughes have helped many of the crew go on to produce other shows, volunteer for other public access program or use their volunteer experience as they pursue careers.

Many elected officials and community activists appear on the show, because they know they will reach a large audience. “Disability Viewpoints” presents information that is important to people with disabilities, and that doesn’t appear on other television shows.

“Disability Viewpoints” has won several national Home Town Media awards. The awards are given by the Alliance for Community Media.

The awards honor and promote community media and local cable programs that are dis-

Carol Fury-Fistman

tributed on public access cable television channels. Awards are presented to creative programs that address community needs, develop diverse community involvement, challenge conventional commercial television formats, and move viewers to experience television in a different way.

The show is produced at the CTV Studio in Roseville. The North Suburban Access Corporation, known as CTV, is a non-profit organization that provides public access community television to the cities of Arden Hills, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Little Canada, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks, Roseville and St. Anthony.

CTV is managed by the North Suburban Communications Commission, which is made up of representatives of each of the member cities.

Outside of their work with “Disability Viewpoints” Hughes and Erbes are very active in the community. Hughes is active with Shriners and with various advisory groups including the St. Paul Mayor’s Advisory Council for People with Disabilities. He has also worked on accessibility and public safety issues. Erbes works for the Minnesota Con-

Dianne Goodwin

sortium for Citizens with Disabilities. In the past she worked for United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota as executive director and the Minnesota STAR Program.

Drama Interaction Drama Interaction is a nonprofit organization that provides performing arts programming for children and adults with a wide array of cognitive and physical disabilities.

Through classes and performances, participants experience the joy of performing arts. They receive theater education, helping to build selfexpression and self-confidence. Program participants learn and improve on interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills. The participants enjoy shared social experiences, make new friends and have fun.

Drama Interaction is based in Edina and works with individuals and disability service groups throughout the region.

Program founder Bonnie Neumann began the non-profit organization in order to provide the unique experiences of theater and performance to all individuals, regardless of any physical or cognitive disabilities. She is currently the

Highland Friendship Club

organization’s president and program director.

Neumann has a long resume of service to others through her theater work. She is also known for her efforts toward inclusion.

She founded In the Company of Kids Performing Arts Center in 2006 and Drama Interaction in 2011. She is praised as a compassionate and tireless volunteer, who wants everyone to have the chance to perform. She works to develop the creative gifts and strengths in each and every participant through theater, music, dance and puppetry Drama Interaction seeks to focus on the ability of the participants and the talents each person has. Members of the group develop their own understanding of various disability groups through pursuing their own training about autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities and other disabilities. Keeping various disabilities in mind, every class and experience is tailored to the interests and strengths of those children and adults involved, added nominator Jill Kuzma.

Neumann’s work is praised by those she works with. One testimonial stated, “Bonnie is the perfect blend of cheerleader, facilitator, show person and theater coach. She grew up in theater, starting dancing when she was young and continuing to perform her whole life. She designed the adaptive theater class many years ago with the help of special education teachers. Bonnie wanted everyone to have the chance to experience theater and it just so turns out that theater gives everyone a chance to act out and process some of the little nuances of human interaction. Thus it makes the perfect class to work on social skills too!”

In spring 2015 Drama Interaction received funding from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council and the Legacy Fund to provide adaptive theater programs for adults to Chrestomathy’s sites located in Minneapolis, Burnsville and Eden Prairie. Chrestomathy is a day activity and habilitation program.

Kuzma said, “The work of the Drama Interaction organization has not only impacted the lives of its clients and fami-

lies, but they have also been active contributors to community fundraising and support of various advocacy groups.”

Carol Fury-Fistman Carol Fury-Fistman has a lifelong passion and commitment to serving people with disabilities. In 2001 she founded the nonprofit Assistive Technology of Minnesota, which is known as EquipALife. Her years of service span a 43-year career. She has co-authored state statutes, set up programs for people of all ages and been a champion for assistive technology. At age 15, she was a volunteer paraprofessional in the Chaska Public Schools, helping the first student mainstreamed there.

One of her first involvements in system change work was on a development team through the University of Minnesota Institute on Community Integration, to create the Minnesota Developmental Program System. This was one of the first tools created to evaluate the skills of persons with developmental disabilities. It was needed to help move people out of institutions and into appropriate community settings.

In 1980 she built, licensed and operated an intermediate care facilities for individuals with behavioral and intellectual disabilities, to meet needs during a state moratorium.

Also in the 1980s she cofounded the Project SWAN day training and habilitation program. SWAN stood for Strategic Work Activities Now and was a pilot program for Hennepin County.

Fury-Fistman served on the Howard Lake-WaverlyWinsted School Board for six years, where she served on the school district’s special education cooperation and worked on standards for paraprofessional certification. The standards she worked on are now required for public schools across Minnesota. She also designed the first communitybased residential program for people with traumatic brain injury. ReSTART became a national model.

But Fury-Fistman’s crowning achievement may be CSA Runners-up - p. 5

September 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 9

Pg 5

CSA Runners-up - from p. 4 EquipALife. EquipALife has received major grants to help people obtain needed assistive technology, and to help people with disabilities develop, expand or maintain businesses. It has also been a partner with the Twin Cities Marathon to provide volunteers and promote wheelchair racing. That is just one example of Fury-Fistman’s commitment to make sports accessible.

Fury-Fistman founded the Minnesota Regions Assistive Technology Collaborative, which ensures that services are available throughout Minnesota. She has led a variety of needed assistive technology training programs, for educators and for those involved in the assistive technology assessment process. She has raised money from private foundations to help people buy the assistive technology they couldn’t otherwise afford.

Fury-Fistman has been honored by the Minnesota State Council on Disability and the Minnesota STAR Program for her work to get assistive technology to those who need it.

“To this day, Carol works tirelessly to make sure every person in need of equipment gets the right tool for the right task,” said nominator Wendy Arneson.

“This is evidenced by the fact that she will respond to requests for assistance no matter what time or day of the week.”

Dianne Goodwin, Dianne Goodwin is founder and president of Minneapolis-based BlueSky Designs, Inc. BlueSky is a for-profit assistive design, manufacturing, and marketing company that provides advanced tools that allow people with various physical disabilities to do alone what they previously couldn’t do without a caregiver’s help.

BlueSky’s very first commercial product was the Freedom Tent, which enabled people in wheelchairs to pitch a tent and camp. It received editors’ pick awards from two publications and a DaVinci Award for universal design from the MS Society and Ford. Other innovations followed, including the Mount’n Mover, which attaches to a wheelchair and allows the user to attach devices for use and move them aside when not in use.

The Mount’n Mover enhances a person’s level of freedom and independence. As one user said, “I can now eat and talk at the same time.” More than 3,000 Mount’n Movers have been sold to individuals, rehabilitation centers, veterans’ hospitals, schools, and other assistive organizations and facilities in 25 countries. There are several accessories for the Mount’n Mover, including tools that allow it to be used while standing or while in a bed.

A Mount’n Mover is seen on CBS TV’s show NCIS: New Orleans.

Patton Plame, played by actor Daryl “Chill” Mitchell, is a high-tech information specialist, and uses one of BlueSky’s products.

Goodwin has served in national roles with the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society (RESNA). Since 2006, she has served on the board of AccessAbility, Inc. and previously on the Projects with Industry, Business Advisory Council, Minnesota Rehab Services, and on the Courage Center Assistive Technology Advisory Board. She cofounded the Minnesota Assistive Technology Consortium.

BlueSky works with health institutions serving people with disabilities, including Veterans Administration hospitals, Courage Kenny Institute,

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Gillette Children’s Specialty Health Care and the University of IllinoisChicago Assistive Technology Unit.

One of her more unusual projects was helping mystery writer Nevada Barr develop a character who uses a wheelchair. The resulting novel, Destroyer Angel, shows character Heath Jarrod with new assistive technology and includes the designer of the technology in the story. Readers gain a new perspective on people with sudden disabilities, learn about how

technology makes a difference, and discovers that people with disabilities are people first – and not always perfect and charming characters.

Goodwin holds a B.S. degree in recreation and biology and an M.E. in biomedical and rehabilitation engineering. Her nominator, Margaret Owens Thorpe of the University of St. Thomas Small Business Development Center, said that while such credentials could have led her into engineering design at a major corporation, Goodwin is the rare per-

son who can combine that capability with entrepreneurship, management, and marketing to take her products to the end users – to the marketplace.

Highland Friendship Club The Highland Friendship Club provides fun and meaningful activities for Twin Cities area teens and young adults with disabilities. Many people make the organization a success. It has an executive director, several part-time staff, a dedicated board and dozens of volunteers.

HFC’s goal for its mem-

bers is to create friendships, have new experiences, build life-skills, and better know their community. It provides opportunities for fun while teaching young people with disabilities what is safe and not-safe social behavior when learning to make new friends, with those lessons carrying over in real life and adulthood.

In June 2002, Pat Leseman and Rosemary Fagrelius sat at the Leseman kitchen table pondering a long summer of empty hours ahead for their teenage sons, CSA Runners-up - p. 7

Pg 6 September 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 9

REGIONAL NEWS Transit incident under investigation Metro Transit police officers said that as they tried to subdue a teenager with autism who was resisting arrest earlier this week in St. Paul, the 17-year-old lost consciousness, according to police reports released last month. Family members of the teen said excessive force was used.

Maria Caldwell said that her son, Marcus, is autistic, suffers seizures and has a number of mental health disorders including sensory and anger management problems. She said officers mishandled the situation and unnecessarily injured her son. She has hired an attorney.

Metro Transit police are reviewing the incident.

After the boy was handcuffed, police noticed that he was unconscious. Medical staff was called, and the teen was taken to Regions Hospital. While at the hospital, the mother informed the officers of her son’s disabilities, and they determined it was better to send him home. Police have said the use of force complied with department policies.

(Source: Star Tribune)

Customer receives cruel note At just four-and-a-half feet tall, Nathan Hrdlicka, from Apple Valley, is used to getting stares and odd comments because of his height. He has bilateral PFFD, a rare birth defect that affects the pelvis, particularly the hip bone, and the proximal femur.

Hrdlicka was the subject of a cruel incident in August at the Burger King in Prior Lake. The trouble began after he took his wheelchair through the drivethrough lane because it was too wide to fit through the door. He then argued with employees over how much change he got back, for the second day in a row.

When Hrdlicka got home, he noticed one of the employees had written “golden ticket to the choclate (sic) factory,” on the wrapper for his cheeseburger. It is an apparent reference to the miniature “oompa loompa” characters from Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory story.

“I’ve seen a lot,” Hrdlicka said. “I’ve never in my life had someone disrespect me like that at a place where I was just buying a burger.”

Adding insult to injury, Hrdlicka said when he and a friend complained to the manager and then police, both weren’t interested. “I’m pretty offended by it,” he said. “I kind of thought people were past that on a professional level.” Police have since decided to look into the incident, after television news reports drew attention to Hrdlicka’s complaints.

(Source: KMSP-TV)

Artist’s work stolen at state fair Minnesota State Fair Police are seeking a person who stole a painting from a professional artist at the fair September 4. The painting was stolen inside the Education Building, from the Minnesota State Council on Disability booth. Artist Annie Young, who is blind, lost part of a two-piece artwork.

“The painting was wrapped up in cardboard and it was opened,” Young told KSTP-TV. “Deliberately opened and the larger piece of the two-piece work was gone.”

A report was filed but Linda Gremillion of the

state council said this is a hit to the disabled working community.

“You can’t calculate the potential earnings and exposure that the State Fair gives to artists with disabilities,” she said.

Young said she became blind in her mid-30. She used textiles to stencil and paint the piece. “I may do things differently, but I want to do things like everyone else,” she said.

Because she’s blind, she won’t be able to duplicate the exact colors and symmetry of the piece.

(Source: KSTP-TV)

Olmstead Plan filed with court

Amputees object to restrictions

An amended version of the Olmstead Plan was filed with United States District Court August 10. This version reflects a complete reframing of the plan and is focused more on outcomes for people with disabilities and less on government operations and processes, according to planning leaders.

The revised plan will be reviewed and ruled on by the court. A full version of the revised Olmstead Plan is available for review on the Olmstead website at the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.

In a letter included with the plan, Commissioner Mary Tingerthal, the Chair of the Olmstead Subcabinet Mary Tingerthal stated that, “We are firmly committed to building a future where people with disabilities experience lives of inclusion and integration in the community - just like people without disabilities. We envision a Minnesota where people with disabilities have the opportunity to live close to their families and friends and as independently as possible, to work in competitive, integrated employment, to be educated in integrated schools and to participate fully in community life.”

“This plan is about choice, not about closure,” she added. “The goals in this plan will pave the way for Minnesotans with disabilities to express their preferences for how they choose to live, learn, work and engage in community life, while receiving the supports they need. The goals are also focused on increasing the options that will be available for people with disabilities when they express those choices.”

Olmstead Office staff are continuing to take comments on the plan. There is an online form on the plan website. Email comments may be sent to MNOlmsteadPlan@state.mn.us Mailed comments may be sent to Olmstead Implementation Office, 400 Sibley Street, Suite 300, St Paul, MN 55101. A voicemail option is also available, at 651-296-8081.

All states are required to have Olmstead plans, which outline how services for people with disabilities will be provided. The focus is on having the most integrated setting.

(Source: Minnesota Olmstead Plan)

Newly proposed restrictions on Medicare payments for prosthetics will hurt amputees, advocates say. The changes envisioned by Medicare, the government’s health insurance agency, revise coverage for what are called “definitive prosthetic components.” The proposed rules also require a medical exam by a doctor or health professional other than a prosthetics expert to determine “functionality.” Additionally, the rules mandate participation in a rehabilitation program before amputees can get a “definitive prosthesis” and limit Medicare payments for certain adjustments to prosthetics, as well as coverage for certain kinds of prosthetic technology.

Minnesotans who uses prosthetics object to the changes. Ann Morris of St. Louis Park is on her fourth pair of artificial legs in five years. Limiting the number and kinds of prosthetics Medicare will pay for is a step backward, she said.

Medicare’s regional durable medical equipment contractors proposed the rule changes. “CMS believes that Medicare beneficiaries will continue to have access to lower-limb prosthetics that are appropriate, and the intent of this proposed local coverage determination is not meant to restrict any medically necessary prosthesis,” an agency spokesman said in an e-mail to the Star Tribune. “We welcome comments from the public and stakeholders on how to improve the proposal so that Medicare beneficiaries are able to get the lower-limb prosthetics they need.”

Federal elected officials are hearing from angry constituents. “I’ve heard from a number of constituents, along with patient groups, that have raised serious concerns regarding this proposed CMS policy,” said Rep. Erik Paulsen, R.-Minn. “I share their apprehension on what this rule would mean for patient access to prosthetic care and will be engaging with the agency to encourage them to pursue a different path.”

The rules “are looking to disregard the recommendations of prosthetics,” said Teri Kuffel, part owner of Arise Orthotics and Prosthetics in Blaine. “That’s quite a slap in the face to our industry.”

(Source: Star Tribune)

Target agrees to pay claim to settle a hiring discrimination claim Target Corp. has agreed to pay $2.8 million to settle a hiring discrimination claim filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

The EEOC said three employment assessments formerly used by the Minneapolis-based retailer disproportionately screened out applicants for professional positions based on

race and gender. It says the tests were not sufficiently jobrelated. The EEOC also says an assessment that was performed by psychologists violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits employers from subjecting applicants to medical exams prior making a job offer.

The EEOC said thousands of people were adversely

affected, and the settlement money will be divided among them.

Target agreed to take several steps to ensure the validity of its hiring process, including keeping better data for assessing the impact of its hiring procedures.

(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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September 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 9

Pg 7

CSA Runners-up - from p. 5

June Lacey

Richard VanWagner

Michael and John. Frustrated at the lack of ageappropriate, interesting and accessible social opportunities for teens and young adults with disabilities, Pat and Rosemary decided it was up to them to create fun, interesting opportunities for their sons and friends.

Armed with creativity, knowledge of their community, a blank calendar and a list of their sons’ friends and classmates, the two mothers began filling the calendar with interesting, age-appropriate activities and events like adaptive recreation teams, trips to the zoo, movie nights, ball games and service projects. Assuming that other parents were equally frustrated, the women called other parents of adolescents with disabilities to see if they were interested in being part of the effort.

The Highland Friendship Club was born.

Participants can take part in a full schedule of activities. Volunteers raise scholarship money so everyone can pay the fees.

The volunteers who started the group and who keep it going spend many hours planning a diverse range of activities for the participants.

Young people don’t have to sit home and feel left out. They can meet new friends and do the same things everyone else their age gets to do. One recent offering is the ability to act in movies such as the Underland series, led by staff member and St. Paul Public Schools Special Education Teacher Dusty Thune. Not only do cast and crew enjoy the fun of making movies, the premieres are worthy of Hollywood. Everyone has a great time.

HFC’s work is relevant and important for several reasons. One is because of the many opportuni-

ties it provides. Without this group, young people would sit home or only enjoy limited chances to get out and enjoy themselves with their peers.

Another reason is that for many young people with disabilities, they are all too often given the messages that they cannot do things. Disabilities can create barriers, yet participation in HFC has given many young people the confidence to seek jobs and take part in other school and community activities.

June Lacey June Lacey is a dedicated volunteer who puts in countless hours on a wide variety of disability service and human services causes. Her work proves that people with disabilities can volunteer and make a positive difference in their communities. Lacey has lifelong disabilities and lives with severe arthritis, scoliosis, heart issues, loss of vision and a seizure disorder caused by a head injury. She doesn’t let her disabilities keep her from helping others and inspiring others.

Lacey is a resident of Ashby, in west central Minnesota. She is a wellknown leader with the nonprofit Project Bear Hugs. She delivers stuffed animals, food and clothing to hospitals, shelters, veterans’ facilities, nursing homes and victims of disasters. The donations are welcomed, especially the stuffed animals. Stuffed animals bring smiles to many faces and comfort at a time of stress and sadness.

Lacey co-directs the Strides for Strokes Walk for the Fergus Falls area, and the Midwest Walk and Roll for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. She also sells Herberger’s gift card books to benefit the Reeve Foundation. She

has raised thousands of dollars through the walks and other fundraising efforts.

Having the Strides for Strokes Walk in western Minnesota allows many people to participate in the walk, as not everyone can go to events in the Twin Cities or St. Cloud area.

She volunteers with the Disabled American Veterans, Wounded Warriors project, MS Walk, 150 Bike Ride, MS Tram, MS Root Beer Float Days, Community MS Booths, 30/60 MS Bike Ride and Challenge Walk. She served on the steering committee for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure.

Her other cancer-related volunteer work includes American Cancer Association Relay for Life, Golf for the Cure, Bike for the Cure and Shop for the Cure.

Lacey has also helped with the Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon. She serves meals at the Salvation Army and Union Gospel Mission, and helps with the annual holiday drives at both places.

She also enjoying visiting nursing homes, hospitals and shelters, and entertaining those who stay there.

Lacey has changed many lives for the better and she continues to do so.

As a public speaker and volunteer legislative lobbyist, Lacey seeks to raise awareness of disability issues. Accessibility issues are a major focus of Lacey’s. She worked to raise awareness of needed changes at the Mall of America so that accessibility improvements were made for public events such as book signings. She raised concerns with the U.S. Department of Justice about access.

“She makes a difference every day with her volunteer work, providing an individual with disabilities can make a huge impact,” said Joyce Lacey, June Lacey’s daughter.

Dick VanWagner Helping individuals with disabilities find rewarding employment and fulfilling careers has been the life work and focus for Dick

VanWagner. Retirement hasn’t stopped him from giving back to his community. He continues to help others through his work at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and beyond.

VanWagner began volunteering at Courage Kenny in 2013. He first served as a mentor for the Job Start Awards.

This was an internship program for individuals in Courage Kenny’s Vocational Services Department, which provided clients with work experiences out in the community. As a mentor, VanWagner would work one-on-one with individuals with disabilities who were in the internship program. He would typically remain in touch with those he had mentored, to help them in their pursuit of career goals and provide encouragement.

Even after the program ended due to funding cuts, VanWagner didn’t lose touch with those he had helped. He has helped Courage Kenny staff in their efforts to design a replacement for the programs, so that

more people with disabilities can seek internship opportunities with local companies in the future.

He was the first person to step up and volunteer for the Job Start Awards.

Courage Kenny Vocational Services Supervisor Lynn Vincent, who nominated VanWagner, said “He set the stage for what a program mentor could be and was a role model for other mentors.”

“Dick has been a true advocate in our community for people living with disabilities,” said Vincent. “Dick is highly respected in the disability community for his ongoing efforts to create and inclusive work force.

He has created so many connections by engaging with the business community, civic leaders, attorneys and others to raise awareness, eliminate misconceptions and create more opportunities for people living with disabilities to successfully join our work force. Yes, Dick has helped hundreds of people gain jobs but he’s done so much more for

an underserved population and has bettered Minnesota through his advocacy and his passion for helping others.”

Since Job Starts Awards ended, VanWagner has taken on additional volunteer activities including helping with other Vocational Services Department programs. He also served on the volunteer recognition committee in 2014 and on the Judd Jacobson Memorial Award panel in 2014 and 2015. The award is for business entrepreneurial efforts by people with disabilities. VanWagner’s detailed review of each application is appreciated by those he works with.

VanWagner genuinely wants to see success for the people he volunteers with and does what he can to help everyone find employment that meets an individual’s skills and needs. He uses his skills and his consulting company, VanWagner Consulting Services, to help others. He is regarded as a team player by those he works with at Courage Kenny. ■

Pg 8 September 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 9

PEOPLE & PLACES Thanks to a successful KickStarter campaign, Amy Zellmer is publishing her book, Life with a Traumatic Brain Injury: Funding the Road Back to Normal. The book is a collection of short stories originally published on the Huffington Post website and other sites.

Zellmer’s articles have also appeared Brainline, The Good Men Project and Vivid & Brave.

Zellmer is a professional photography, writer and creative coach. She and her Yorkie, Pixxie, live in St. Paul. In February 2014 Zellmer sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). “I slipped on a patch of ice and fell, forcibly landing on the back of my skull,” she said.

“The impact briefly knocked me out, and when I started to get up, I immediately knew something was very wrong. I had suffered a TBI and was about to start a journey unlike anything I had ever experienced.”

A TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity may range from

Her writing helps others understand brain injuries “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury.

Every 13 seconds someone in the United States suffers a TBI, more than 3.5 million people per year in the U.S. alone. Falls are the leading cause of TBI. Rates are highest for children aged 0 to 4 years and for adults aged 75 years and older. TBI is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for those ages 1 to 44, and third overall behind cancer and heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

There is no cure for TBI. Many will deal with aftereffects for the rest of their life. It can take months or years to start feeling better again. There is no correlation between the severity of the accident that caused the TBI and the length of recovery.

“I originally began writing articles for The Huffington Post as my own personal therapy, as well as to bring awareness to the subject of TBI. I had no idea the impact and reach that my writing would have on other TBI

survivors,” Zellmer said.

She has since created a Facebook group with more than 2,550 fellow TBI survivors and caregivers, all dealing with the same invisible injury. “It is a place for us all to understand that we are not alone in our journey.”

Amy Zellmer Her book was fully funded within three hours, which is almost unheard in crowdfunding. “This just goes to show that there is a dire need for information on TBI,” she said. She believes the book will be a resource for people with TBI, their family members and friends, medical professionals and caregivers.

“Learn about what it means to have a TBI as you read about my struggles and frustrations, like the days I can’t remember how to run the microwave, or how I get lost driving to familiar places. Understand what it’s like to suffer fatigue and exhaustion after doing a simple task that most take for granted,” she said.

Zellmer was recently elected to the Minnesota TBI Advisory committee and serves on the Brain Injury Association of America’s Ambassador’s Council. In addition, she has also volunteers for the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance.

Writing about brain injuries - p. 12

September 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 9

PEOPLE & PLACES

Pg 9

Tom’s Big Ride raises mental health awareness

Tom’s Big Ride for mental health awareness is back from the Gulf of Mexico, reaching Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis on August 7 for a welcome home celebration. Tom Mork, a banker from Lakeville, and three other riders traveled 2,100 mile by bicycle. The bike journey began July 6, following the Mississippi River to its source at Lake Itasca.

More than a dozen other riders joined the group for the trip on different days.

Along the journey, Mork spoke to a variety of groups and individuals and gave interviews for the media. As

New leadership welcomed Guild Incorporated, which helps individuals with mental illness lead quality lives, has announced a new hire. Marian Bayer has joined Guild Incorporated as Chief Financial Officer. Bayer holds degrees from Harvard University, the University of St. Thomas and Augsburg College. She has held senior management positions in finance and operations for notfor-profit, for-profit and government organizations including the Red Cross, Parents in Community Action, Social Venture Partners, and Mille Lacs County.

Lou Gomez, MBA, Director of Sales (Twin Cities), Senior Vice President of U.S. Bank, has joined the Guild Incorporated Board of Directors. Gomez has an extensive background in wealth management and banking, previously holding positions with Associated and Wells Fargo banks. He is an alumnus of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Guild Incorporated provides an array of community treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals age 16 and older who have serious mental illnesses.

Services are mobile, provided throughout the Twin Cities when and where needed. ■

DHS programs win awards Two Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) efforts to improve the satisfaction and health outcomes of people served are among 10 winners of this year’s Minnesota State Government Innovation Awards. Return to Community and MnCHOICES were honored July 30 at the Minnesota History Center.

“We are delighted with this recognition of two DHS reform initiatives that result in both better outcomes for people and better use of public dollars,” said Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson.

“Groundbreaking reforms like these help make Minnesota a national leader in long-term care services.”

Return to Community, a collaboration between the Minnesota Board on Aging and DHS, helps people who are in a nursing home and are not yet on Medical Assistance return home if they wish. Candidates for the service – people who seems likely to be able to live at home with some help – are visited by Senior LinkAge Line community living specialists and asked if they want to return home. If so, the specialists work closely with the nursing facility staff to help make the discharge successful. Upon the return home, specialists follow up with participants for five years. Since 2010, the service has helped more than 2,200 Minnesotans return home from nursing homes.

MnCHOICES is a change in both tools and processes to determine individuals’ needs for long-term services and supports. It replaces three assessments with a comprehensive assessment and service planning process that can be tailored for people of all ages, disabilities and income levels. MnCHOICES uses a planning process that helps people make New program is lauded A new program launched by the Minnesota Judicial Branch to better protect elderly and vulnerable adults from financial abuse has received the 2015 Justice Achievement Award is a nation-leading initiative to protect the assets of vulnerable individuals – persons with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or traumatic brain injuries – for whom the court has appointed a conservator to manage the individual’s financial affairs.

DHS programs win government innovation award - p. 12

a parent who struggled with his daughter’s bipolar diagnosis, Mork has a story to tell which includes “ignorance, despair, bewilderment, humor, and yes…hope.”

Tom’s Big Ride has surpassed its goal of raising $100,000 for National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minnesota, and worked toward a goal of $125,000 by the time the ride ended August 13.

NAMI Minnesota provides more than 300 free classes each year, more than 60 ongoing support groups, and advocacy for children and adults with mental illnesses and their families.

The Winona Daily News described how Mork and his four fellow cyclists stopped in La Crosse and Winona in the afternoon to meet with representatives from the Family and Children’s Center, which offers a variety of mental health services in southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Mork discussed the challenged his family faced when his daughter was hospitalized at age 21. His priority during the Big Ride has been to be as open as possible in sharing his story. Mental health awareness is an uphill battle, one the group is emphasizing with their south-to-north trek.

“If we can tell our story, other people can tell theirs,” Mork said. “We’ve heard an awful lot of those stories along the way.” His daughter is now 26 years old and is thriving with the help of therapy and medication. Mork said she’s been serving as his advisory board chairwoman during the two-year planning

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Christine Mork and Tom Mork, third and fourth from right, are shown during Tom’s Big Ride.

Photo courtesy of NAMI Minnesota

process and the Big Ride itself. Mork celebrated his 60th birthday while taking part in the ride.

Mork’s advice for parents is to be proactive if they see their kids struggling with mental health. For disorders such as bipolar, the first episode often occurs in the late teens or early 20s. “The important thing is just do something,” he said. “Don’t think that it’s just going to go away.”

NAMI Minnesota members, Rotarians and Mork’s friends and family members attended the celebration at Minnehaha Falls. Riders took a rest break and then rode the final 283 miles to Itasca State Park and the Headwaters of the Mississippi. The final leg of the trip took them through the Brainerd Lakes Area and along the Paul Bunyan Trail. ■

Pg 10 September 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 9 Chautauqua offers diverse arts opportunities

ACCESSIBLE FUN Family Fun Day and Tech Expo PACER Center hosts Family Fun Day and tech Expo 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., Sept, 19 at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington. The event is free but advance registration is required. Children and young adults with disabilities, their families, and professionals can discover the latest in assistive technology and take part in a variety of hands-on fun during the Simon Technology Center’s Family Fun Day and Tech Expo. Try out new assistive technology, test drive a robot, ride adaptive bikes, visit the do-it-yourself technology station and more. FFI: 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.PACER.org

Vinland Center celebration Vinland Center celebrates 25 years of its chemical health program, 11 a.m.-2 P.M. Wed, Oct. 7 at Vinland, 3675 Ihduhapi Road, Loretto. FFI: www.vinland.org

NAMIWalks NAMIWalks is a 5K walk to increase public awareness of mental illnesses, fight stigma, and raise funds for NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness). NAMIWalks is 1 p.m. Sat., Sept. 26 at Minnehaha Park, Mpls and the Community & Technical College, Rochester. More than 200 walk teams and more than 4,000 people from across the state are expected to participate. NAMI provides educational classes and support groups, and advocates for better mental health services. Lead a team, volunteer or donate. FFI 651645-2948, 1-888-NAMI-Helps, www.namihelps.org

Can Do Woofer The Can Do Canines Can Do Woofer is 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sat, Sept, 19 at Can Do Canines, 9440 Science Center Drive, New Hope. The one-mile walk starts at 11 a.m. Dogs welcome at the walk and festival celebrating the amazing partnership between assistance dogs and the people who need them. Tours of Can Do Canines’ facility, live music, food, games for people and pets, and pet-centric exhibit booths are featured. FFI: http://candowoofaroo.org/

Finding the Light Finding the Light aims to erase the stigma of mental illness through shared stories and art. Learn more 2-5 p.m.

Sun, Sept. 27 at Neighborhood House, 179 E. Robie St., St. Paul. The grassroots community initiative, Finding the Light, is hosting the event to help erase the stigma of mental illness and to encourage those with mental illness to share their stories. Storytellers will be joined by photographers, videographers, painters, musicians, writers and other artists to express their stories. Artists will be exhibiting their collections for the public to view. Free.

FFI: Louis Garcia, 651-338-6010, http://www.findingthelight.net

Run, Walk, Roll against Bullying Registration is now open for the Sat, Oct 3, PACER Run, Walk, Roll Against Bullying. One out of every four

For the first time since 1992, the Minnesota arts community will come together to explore how accessibility to the arts for people with disabilities has evolved since passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. The Arts Access Chautauqua is presented by VSA Minnesota Sept. 25-26 at the Cowles Center for Dance & Performing Arts, Mpls. The event is for musicians, actors, writers, storytellers, dancers, visual artists, audience members, and administrators for arts, disability and public agencies. It includes three general sessions, 14 panel presentations, seven networking groups, a Friday evening public performance by artists with disabilities, and an art exhibit, The event will acknowledge successes in the Minnesota arts community that have taken place since passage of the ADA; recognize and show artistically the emergence of people with disabilities as active members of the Minnesota arts community; identify challenges that continue to serve as barriers to full inclusion of people with disabilities in the state arts environment; clarify best practices for arts organizations to serve people with disabilities more effectively; and explore new opportunities to more fully engage people with disabilities with the arts.

Speakers include individuals and representatives for the State Arts Board, Interact Center (St. Paul), Mixed Blood Theatre, Children’s Theatre, Fringe Festival, University Disability Studies, Department of Transportation, Vision Loss Resources, Giving Voice Choir, History Theatre, Kairos Alive, Accessible Web Design, Radio Talking Book, Metro Deaf School, DeafBlind Services and VSA Minnesota.

The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Cowles Center’s Goodale Theater. Artistic Coordinator Leslye Orr will introduce performers including Interact Theatre, CHOICE, unlimited’s Arts Program (Duluth), poets Raymond Luczak and Joyce Sutphen, storyteller Amy Salloway, music groups Treading North and Carei Thomas and Friends, and Mike Cohn and Friends in allability dance. Additional performers will entertain at the Friday and Saturday morning general sessions and the closing session Saturday afternoon.

More than 40 visual artists participating in the

Chautauqua art show/sale responded artistically to the theme “Here I Am” in offering reflections on where they are today as artists and as persons with disabilities. Among the artists are Ken Benson, Simon Carvalho, cynTHIA Kimman, Lisa Dietz, Janelle Doyle, Diego Dunji, Mark East, Janice Essick, Stephanie Griener, Robin Hoy, Tara Innmon, Lucy Johnson, Angela Johnson, Pamela Kirton, Kandace Krause, Ruth Lais, Cecilia Lieder, Brad Marjesky, Lynne Ness, TJ Neumiller, Rosemary Perronteau, Christine Peterson, Jennifer Platter, Bridget Riversmith, Jonelle Salemi, Anne Sawyer-Aitch, Julia Spencer, David Spohns, Anne Spooner, Celie Taatjes, Tim Traver and Bob Williams.

Open captioning, ASL interpreting and audio description will be available, and a fragrance-friendly setting observed.

Chautauqua (pronounced sha-tawk-wa), an Iroquois word, meaning “two moccasins tied together” or “jumping fish,” refers to an adult education movement that originated in 1874 in Chautauqua, New York. Chautauquas feature lectures, plays, and musical performances.

Cost for the entire two-day event is $50 for early registration; $60 for registration after Sept, 15. Friday tickets with the evening show are $35. Show-only tickets are $15 general admission and $8 for students Attending the entire two-day Chautauqua is $50 ($60 after Sept. 15 and $70 same-day registration). Attending the show and post-reception only are $15 general admission and $8 for students. Participants can also register for only Friday or only Saturday. Those who attend for one or both days have continental breakfast and lunch included.

For more information or to register for the conference or attend the Sept. 25 show, go to http://vsamn.org/joinus-for-the-minnesota-arts-access-chautauqua/, call 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883, or email Shelia Bland, shelia@vsamn.org ■

students report being bullied during the school year.

Participate as an individual or team, raise money and have fun. The event is at Norman dale Lake Park, Normandale Blvd & 84th St, Bloomington. Check-in and T-shirt pickup is at 9 a.m. with the two and four-mile events at 10 a.m. Activities and program at 11 a.m.

Costs are $10 for youth and $20 for adults. FFI: 952-838-9000, www.PACER.org

Jungle Theater presents the story of an emotional reunion, at Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls.

AD show is 7:30 p.m. Thu, Sept. 17. Assistive Listening Devices available. Contact the theatre about a possible ASL-interpreted show. Tickets reduced to $14 (regular $28-48). FFI: 612-822-7063; www.jungletheater.com

Annapurna

All My Sons Celebrate Rise Gala Rise’s fourth annual Celebrate Rise Fundraising Gala is 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thu, Oct. 8 at the Mpls Marriott Northwest, Brooklyn Park. The evening includes a social hour with special games and events; a delicious dinner, a live auction and fundraising ask. Rise’ing stars will also be honored, Table hosts and corporate sponsors are still need. RSVP by Sept. 24. Ticket prices and other information online. FFI: Noel McCormick at 763-7832832, www.rise.org

Artistry presents Arthur Miller’s story of human and social conflict, at Bloomington Center for the Arts, Black Box Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington.

ASL show is 7:30 p.m. Sat, Sept. 26. AD show is 2 p.m.

Sun, Sept. 27. Tickets reduced to $19 for AD/ASL (regular $27, senior $23, age 25 & under $19, Wed. $2 less). FFI: 952-563-8575; www.artistrymn.org/

The Farnsworth Invention Theatre in the Round Players presents Aaron Sorkin’s tale of two competing inventors, at Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Avenue, Mpls. AD show is 2 p.m.

Sun, Oct. 4. Tickets $22. Discounts available Fri. & Sun. for students (with ID) and seniors (62+). FFI: 612-333-3010, www.theatreintheround.org

Underland III: Beyond the Rift Highland Friendship Club and KoolAbilities present the third and final installment of the Underland film trilogy, 2:30-4 p.m. at Ordway Center - Concert Hall, 345 Washington, St. Paul. The cast and many crew members are people with dsabilities. It is about what would happen if the marginalized people of the world came face to face with their idealized selves. Captioning offered. Arrive at 1:30 p.m. for the red carpet arrival, then attend an award ceremony at 4:15 p.m. Tickets $12.50. FFI: 651-224-4222, www.ordway.org/accessibility/ or www.koolabilities.org

Open Flow Forum At 7-9 p.m. every first Thu artists with disabilities and supporters have this no-cost opportunity to share visual art, writing, music, theatre and other artistic efforts with each other in an informal, fragrance-free setting with refreshments, at Carleton Artists’ Lofts community room, 2285 University Ave. W., St. Paul. The Artists with Disabilities Alliance is host.

Next dates Oct. 1, Nov. 5, Dec. 3. Enter on the north side of the building (not the light rail side). The meeting room is directly opposite the security entrance. Anyone needing accommodations, contact Jon at VSA Minnesota, 612-3323888 or jon@vsamn.org FFI: www.carletonartistlofts.com/ or http://vsamn.org/artists-disabilities/

Art Show: Simon Carvalho Park State Bank, 1108 Nicollet Mall, Suite 210, Mpls. hosts a free exhibit of photography of beautiful flowers

Accessible fun- p. 14

September 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 9 Pg 11

UPCOMING EVENTS Advocacy 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 in St. Paul for Autism in Business, a forum focused on providing positive strategies for employing and retaining individuals with autism. 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 wishing to employ individuals with autism. FFI: www.ausm.org Plan for training conference As part of the ongoing commemoration of the 25th anniversary of passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Minnesota State Council on Disability hosts an ADA Celebration/Training Conference Wed, Oct. 28 at Mpls Convention Center. The conference focuses on employment, technology, advocacy, and community living and includes a career fair for people with disabilities, in partnership with the Minnesota Business Leadership Network. It will also feature speakers and informative breakout sessions. The noon hour keynote program will be broadcast live statewide on tpt with participation from communities across Minnesota.

The council is examining how employment has been impacted by the ADA as part of an overall effort to describe its role in Minnesota.

Take a short survey on employment: http://tinyurl.com/ADA25em ploymentMN FFI: 651-361-7803, www.disability.state.mn.us/ada/

Youth and families Healthy Relationships project East metro families of children who have fetal alcohol spectrum disorder can connect and learn about safe social connections at the Healthy Relationship Project, a three-part event for the whole family at the Woodbury YMCA, 2175 Radio Drive, Woodbury.

Sessions are Saturdays, Sept.

25, Oct. 24 and Nov. 21. Families are encouraged to attend all three sessions, but it is not required. Children ages 2 - 7 participate in structured play, youth ages 8 - 15 engage in activities while learning about friendships, safety and bullying. Parents get resources, tools and tips for keeping their children safe in the community. All sessions are free, but pre-registration is required by Sept. 21. 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 on Adoptable Children (NACAC), Special Olympics Minnesota and the YMCA. FFI: 952-920-0855, parisgatlin@arcgreatertwincities.org

2015-2016 Skillshop Schedule The Autism Society of Minnesota announces upcoming AuSM Skillshops, mini-workshops designed for individuals with autism and their parents, family members, caregivers, and support staff. AuSM Skillshops are also a valuable professional development resource for educators and therapists who work with individuals affected by autism. The first session is 7-9 p.m. Tue, Oct. 6 at Lionsgate Academy, on Executive Function: Honing Your Skills.

Other sessions focus on behavior therapies, getting involved in life, understanding autism spectrum disorder in adults, guardianship and dealing with law enforcement, Workshop costs $25 AuSM members; $40 non-members; $10 AuSM members with ASD; $10 students. FFI: 651-647-1083, www.ausm.org/ PACER offers workshops PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with any kind of disabilities. Workshops are at PACER Center, 8161 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, unless specified. Advance registration is required for all workshops. Check out PACER’s website and link to the newsletter of statewide workshops that allows participants to pick and choose sessions catered to their needs. FFI: PACER at 952-838-9000. In Greater Minnesota, call 800-537-2237 (toll free), www.pacer.org

Info/assistance Think safety in September Throughout September, National Preparedness Month highlights hazard-focused themes leading up to the September 30 National PrepareAthon! Day. Minnesota State Council on Disability has information available to keep people safe from natural disasters. To obtain a copy of an Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities or the Emergency Plan for People with Disabilities, visit the council’s website. FFI: www.dis ability.state.mn.us/emergencypreparedness/publications/ Vision loss grp 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/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 is at 530 N. Robert Street, St Paul and most activities are there or start there. Classes and events are listed on the website,

A Working Life is theme A Working Life, The Arc Minnesota’s 2015 Statewide Conference, will be held Oct. 24 at the Shoreview Community Center in Shoreview. The all-day event will include workshops on best practices, success stories, and one-on-one assistance and advice to help more people with disabilities gain competitive employment. Keynote speaker is Nancy Brooks-Lane, a national leader and cutting-edge thinker on securing jobs for people with disabilities in the workforce.

A Working Life will help counter misconceptions about employment and people with disabilities; expand one’s vision of what employment opportunities are possible; and help self-advocates, parents, and direct support staff learn best prac-

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: 651-6471083 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 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

tices for finding jobs that match unique interests and skills, one person at a time.

The conference will benefit adults with disabilities; parents of children who are still in school or have graduated from high school; high school students with disabilities who Nancy Brooks-Lane are approaching graduation, and direct support staff who support people with disabilities. Go to www.arcmn.org to see the full conference agenda and register online. ■

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

each month at 6:30 p.m., at Falcon Heights United Church of Christ, 1795 Holton Street (Holton & Garden). For more information, call Melissa at 651-354-0825.A full calendar of all events is offered online. FFI: 651-645-2948, www.namihelps.org

Mental health support offered NAMI of Minnesota offers more than 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. A NAMI Connection peer support group for adults recovering from mental illness meets 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wed, at Centennial Methodist Church, 1524 Co. Rd. C-2 West (Snelling at Co. Rd. C2), Roseville. 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. The partners and spouses support group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of

Share a smile Brighten the day of a senior citizen in north or southwest Minneapolis and have fun. Visit an elder and do things together: movies, games, crafts or just friendly conversation. Hang out with a senior on a regular basis and do things that you both enjoy, like watching a movie, playing games or friendly conversation. One-time or ongoing opportunities through the NIP Senior Program. FFI: Jeanne, 612-746-8549, www.neighborhoodinvolve.org

Volunteer, Donate

Open the Door to Education Help adults reach their educational goals and earn their GED. Tutor, teach or assist in a classroom with the Minnesota Literacy Council. Give just 2-3 hours a week and help people expand their opportunities and change their lives through education. The literacy council provides training and support and accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, volunteer@mnliteracy.org, www.mnliteracy.org/volunteers/ opportunities/adults ■

Pg 12 September 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 9

PEOPLE & PLACES

New electronics recycling offered by ProAct

Got an old computer or non-working television set gathering dust? ProAct Inc. and its workers offer an option for people disposing of electronics or e-waste. ProAct eRecycling Services, a new service unit of ProAct, is receiving materials for disassembly, recycling and eventual use in new products. This service provides a way to safely and responsibly dispose of electronics while providing jobs for people with disabilities.

“We will take almost anything with a cord,” said project leader Tim Hovey. Computers, televisions, CRT monitors and even toasters are collected at ProAct’s facility in Red Wing. A fee is charged for disposal of some items.

The overall focus is on green jobs for people with and without disabilities and environmental responsibility, said Jim Bohmbach, manager of production at ProAct eRecycling Services in Red Wing. Electronics recycling provides jobs.

As a member of CyclePoint from SourceAmerica, ProAct eRecycling Services joins a national network of electronics recycling providers provider, which means it collects and disassembles electronics. Those are that employ people with disabilities. Connected to more than 1,000 nonprofits that employ more than 125,000 people with disabilities, CyclePoint is a $155 milthen shipped to Tier 3 companies, which do the final prep before recovered matelion nonprofit network based in Virginia. It helps ProAct with the systems, certiMaterials are carefully sorted. fications, training and commodity sales involved in e-recycling. rials are sold on commodity markets.

Photos courtesy of ProAct The recycling work is performed in an environmentally responsible manner as Data security is an integral part of the verified by third parties, Hovey said. The nonprofit is currently receiving e-waste new e-recycling operation, with standards which assure that computer hard drives are under lock and key until they’re items from the City of Red Wing and helps consumers during limited hours on weekdays. Service in the metro area is planned for the fall. Businesses are endestroyed with a portable shredding machine, said Chris Hartley, who trains couraged to contact ProAct to make arrangements for larger collections.

ProAct workers. Written proof of destruction is offered, and employees undergo background checks as an added precaution.

ProAct charges a fee to receive screens with tubes, but most other electronics are taken without charge.

ProAct eRecycling Services is a registered recycler with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and an affiliate of the Keep America Beautiful organization. The Leaders of the new operation said there’s an enthusiasm among ProAct’s participants and a rising level of professionalism that has resulted. ProAct is a Tier 2 nonprofit is working to achieve more stringent certification levels by early 2016. ■ Writing about brain injuries - from p. 8

DHS programs win government innovation award - from p. 9

Zellmer has been interviewed on several radio shows across the country, and frequently contributes stories to the Huffington Post about TBI. Survivors are continually trying to find their way back to normal, and it may take them months or years before they fully understand and accept that the “normal” they once knew no longer exists, Zellmer said.

If they aren’t surrounded by loving and supportive family and friends, it can make the process all the more challenging. Dealing with a TBI can feel absolutely isolating, triggering depression and anxiety.

“I am passionate about bringing TBI awareness to the public. I have found that even medical professionals are perplexed about TBI, and often don’t know how to diagnose or treat it properly. My mission is to get the information in this book into the hands of as many people as possible to spread awareness,” she said. ■ For more information, or to connect with Zellmer, visit: www.facesoftbi.com

“Today in Minnesota, thousands of elderly and vulnerable adults rely on a conservator to responsibly manage their financial affairs,” said Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie S. Gildea. “While we know the vast majority of conservators strive to always work in the best interests of those they serve, we also know that conservators acting unethically, illegally, or negligently can severely harm the quality of life and financial security of a vulnerable individual and his or her family. Through the Conservator Account Auditing Program, Minnesota has put in place one of the strongest safeguards in the nation to protect vulnerable individuals from fraud and mismanagement by conservators.”

Through the program, the Minnesota Judicial Branch has modernized and improved the way the state oversees the work of conservators. Conservator records were submitted to the court on paper, frequently accompanied by boxes of receipts and other documentation. This unwieldy process put a heavy burden on local district court staff responsible for overseeing the work of conservators.

Conservators now submit transactions through an online reporting system that has the look and feel of many popular financial applications. This system, called MyMNConservator, is the first and only online mandatory reporting tool for conservators in the country. It provides text and video support for conservators, automatically performs calculations, and provides ready access to expense and receipt details.

Most importantly, the system contains built-in “red flag” logic that automatically reviews filed accounts and alerts auditors to possible errors, inconsistencies, or transactions that require further review.

The program also established a centralized conservator account auditing center, staffed by a team of trained experts who conduct compliance audits on conservator accounts from across the state. By centralizing this important auditing work, the program has led to stronger oversight of conservatorship accounts, while freeing up significant staff resources at the district court level.

Today, the program is monitoring the assets of 4,600 vulnerable individuals in Minnesota, with assets totaling more than $720 million. ■ Passion for puppets - from p. 2 Animal” was a favorite talk Moses gave. It was an informal, idiosyncratic personal journey through his experiences with animal cultures and society. Part of the talk focused on autism and evolution. Moses’ self-written obituary wryly noted that he died of “complications from autism.” His autism wasn’t detected until 2007, and he wrote about being a “lifelong misfit.” He was closest to good friends and his cats George (deceased) and Ozzie.

Moses worked as a personal care attendant, and worked for several years for the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) overseeing the PCA program there. Years before Moses wrote the rules for the New Jersey Personal Assistance Services Program.

He worked tirelessly on civil right issues, serving on the Stillwater Human Rights Commission for several years. Moses was the first-ever Stillwater Human Rights Award in 2006. He focused on many issues including accessibility in the community. He loved offering tours, especially for people with disabilities, and often used tours as an excuse to find out how accessible theatres, art galleries, parks, museums, libraries, grocery stories and other places really were.

Moses distributed email news and helped organize programs for Out in the Valley, a GLBT organization.

A cabaret service is pending with Bradshaw Funeral Homes.

The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.mnddc.org, www.mncdd.org or www.partnersinpolicymaking.com ■

September 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 9 Pg 13

Sweeping changes ahead - from p. 1 will lose all but one of its 11 member counties as a result of competitive bidding. That could mean shutting down, putting more than 30 people out of work and forcing changes for about 37,000 clients. Some counties involved in SCHA are considering their legal options.

Founded in 2001, the county-owned SCHA serves counties in east and south central Minnesota. Leota Lind, CEO of the alliance, told Minnesota Public Radio that her organization will lose 85 percent of its membership.

Officials from UCare and SCHA took their case to a Senate committee hearing August 19. Senators seemed sympathetic to the plight of the two organizations, with Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, asking “Why can’t we put this off a year?”

Other legislators wondered if the changes could cause too great a disruption for companies and for clients. UCare was singled out by some legislators for its service to diverse communities.

UCare sued the state last month to block the September 4 start of new enrollments, alleging that the Minneapolis-based company was arbitrarily cut out of the recent contract bidding process. “We were surprised and disappointed by [the state’s] decision to exclude UCare, a 30-year partner in this work,” Jim Eppel, the UCare chief executive, said in a prepared statement. “This action is a last resort for us after we made every effort to seek reconsideration.”

UCare also has contended that competitors received key financial data that tainted the bidding. Yet another point is that many Minnesota county officials want to continue to work with UCare. UCare’s request for an injunction was heard August 29.

Ramsey County District Court Judge Robert Awsumb September 4 declined to grant UCare’s request for an injunction against changes in insurance for its clients. While admitting that it could be “significant and quite possibly devastating” for UCare to lose its clients through state public programs, Awsumb stated that other providers lost public programs in the past but survived.

UCare spokesman Dan Ness said an appeal is being considered. The judge has scheduled an expedited trial for November 2, so both sides can continue to make their cases. But that will not stop the enrollment process through the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).

Other health care companies objected to UCare’s claims. They asked Awsumb to deny the injunction request. Blue Plus, Medica and HealthPartners all filed papers with the court saying that the injunction if granted would threaten the orderly transition for those who need to enroll in new plans. All of the companies stated in court documents that they have begun making plans for the transition and that granting the injunction would only cause confusion.

In its filing, HealthPartners stated that “Stopping the transition envisioned and established by the DHS at this late stage will affect the ability of plan members to obtain health care services in the coming year.” Blue Plus, which is a division of Blue Cross

Blue Shield, stated it would be “fundamentally unfair” to change the rules of the process now and force DHS to work with UCare.

In July Gov. Mark Dayton and DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson announced results of a competitive bidding process for state health care contracts for Medicaid and MinnesotaCare. They announced that the new contracts could save the state $450 million starting in 2016. They also announced that health care companies would refund the state $200 million.

That’s a savings because fewer people than anticipated needed services.

The state would keep about one-third of the $650 million, with the rest going back to the federal government.

The July bid process is a continuation of a process Dayton began in 2011. In 2013 bids were accepted for contracts in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Twenty-seven counties were the focus of a bid process in 2014. All 87 Minnesota counties’ programs were competitively bid this year.

The bidding has had the results state officials desired. Costs for contracts in the current bid process are down 15 percent from last year, resulting in cost savings. The three biggest HMOs that did well as a result of the bids are Blue Plus, HealthPartners and Medica.

But UCare filed suit after state officials announced that the three other managed care providers won the bidding process. The bidding scores haven’t been released as the new providers need to sign their state contracts before the data can be made public.

State officials have objected to claims that the bids were unfair and have stated that the other bids were better.

“Perhaps when the bidding results and scoring data is available for review, UCare will make a stronger showing,” Awsumb wrote.

In his ruling Awsumb stated that UCare didn’t provide enough evidence to support its claims. Awsumb also said the process of new enrollments should proceed.

But how enrollment proceed may still be a question mark as counties may choose to appeal the plans the state offers to their residents.

The changes are prompting objections from some of UCare’s partners. Not only do UCare, SCHA and other managed care organizations work with clients, they also work with durable goods providers, home health care providers and others.

St. Paul-based Handi Medical Supply has worked with UCare for many years to provide home medical equipment and supplies, but doesn’t have contracts with the other companies chosen by the state. Customers could be forced to work with a new home medical equipment and supply provider.

Laurie Tomaszewski of Handi noted that the change has a direct impact on clients. ‘People assume they can stay in their home, get the supplies and equipment that is needed to be safe and healthy, provided by a company of their choice,” she said. “Handi Medical Supply has thousands of UCare customers

who have received complex rehab; we maintain and repair their equipment. They count on us to keep them safe and independent.”

“Not being able to provide, like we have for the last 27 years, to our customers is a disservice to this community,” she said. “Handi Medical Supply has 100 employees, we provide supplies and equipment for people who need wound care, urological supplies, have respiratory needs, or complex mobility and rehab needs and more. Our customers and their families, along with the medical community have become part of our team, we are like family. It is important that our customers are being properly cared for and that their needs are met.”

United Home Health Care Inc., a St. Paul-based company that works with diverse populations, said UCare has always worked well in providing services for its clients. That company’s leadership argues that it and other minority-owned companies have had trouble getting service contracts with other health care providers, but that UCare has always been willing to work with diverse communities and their care providers.

“When a UCare member calls UCare for initial core services, a UCare staff member who is either from the culture or has good understanding of the culture of the patient can return a phone calls within five to 10 minutes and be of assistance right away,” United officials said in a statement. In contrast, clients have had to wait several days to get help from county officials.

One argument Handi, United and other UCare partners raise is that there are many negative impacts for those who must switch plans. Benefits must be coordinated and HIPAA rules followed. Paperwork and transfer of records can be complex. United argued that the costs of training people to work with diverse communities will be much more than state officials imagined.

Another issue critics raise is whether DHS can facilities such as larger number of plan changes, despite moving the transition period from October to September to accommodate those who need to make changes. Last year’s switch to use of a MnSure system to determine public benefits eligibility resulted in a backlog that peaked at 180,000 cases. Many were frustrated when eligibility for renewal for Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare plans wasn’t determined as quickly as desired. DHS officials argue that the transition will go smoothly and that the state and new providers are prepared to handle the changes.

UCare began in the 190s, started by the University of Minnesota Department of Family Practice and Community Health as a safety-net for people who had little or no access to health care. UCare is now independent from the U of M. ■

Pg 14 September 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 9

Radio Talking Book September Sampling BARD mobile app for Android phones BARD, which stands for Braille and Audio Reading Download, now can be loaded onto your Android device with an application available at the Google Play store.

Those wanting the service must have a BARD account and be running Android OS 4.1 or later. The user guide is available from the bookshelf of the app. Find help screens in the app by using either the Context menu or the More Options button and then selecting Help. Howto series videos are also available from the Library of Congress channel on YouTube. BARD has many books available that have been recorded by the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network.

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 National Federation for the Blind (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.

Books Available Through Faribault Past is Prologue • Monday – Friday 9 a.m.

50 Children, Nonfiction by Steven Pressman, 2014.

Eight broadcasts. Begins Sept. 21. In early 1939, bucking America’s rigid immigration laws and risking their

Accessible fun - from p. 10

by St. Paul photographer Simon Carvalho. Lobby open 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. It is part of a rotating series of exhibits coordinated by VSA Minnesota and runs through Sept. Photos are for sale. FFI: Park State Bank: 612-238-0430; VSA Minnesota: 612-332-3888. http:// tinyurl.com/vsa-dis-art

own safety, Gilbert Kraus and his wife, Eleanor, traveled to Nazi-controlled Vienna and Berlin to save 50 Jewish children. Read by June Prange.

Bookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m.

Gwendolen, Fiction by Diana Souhami, 2015. 10 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 28. Gwendolen, an exceptionally beautiful, young, upper-class Englishwoman, is gambling boldly at a German resort when she learns from her mother that her family’s fortune has been lost.

When a wealthy aristocrat proposes marriage, she accepts, despite an alarming secret in his past. Read by Joan Sanaker.

Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

Galápagos Regained, Fiction by James Morrow, 2015. 23 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 21. Chloe Bathurst uses her connection to Charles Darwin to enter a contest disproving God’s existence. Before she knows it, her ambitions send her off on a wild adventure bound for the Galápagos Archipelago. Read by Arlan Dohrenburg.

PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

Too Big to Jail, Nonfiction by Brandon L. Garrett, 2015. 15 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 14. Federal prosecutors benefit from statutes that allow entire firms to be held liable for a crime by a single employee. But when prosecutors target the Goliaths of the corporate world, they find themselves at a huge disadvantage. Read by Dan Kuechenmeister.

Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

The Rest Is Silence, Fiction by James R. Benn, 2014.

13 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 14. When a corpse washes up on England’s southern coast, Billy Boyle is assigned to investigate. And then a military tragedy occurs with not one corpse, but hundreds. V, L - Read by Tom Price.

Potpourri • Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

Skull in the Ashes, Nonfiction by Peter Kaufman, 2013. 10 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 28. In February, 1897, a general store in Walford, Iowa, burned down.

The next morning, a charred corpse was discovered.

Shop owner Frank Novak was seeking to cash in on life insurance policies, but instead, sparked a change in detective work that changed his and the lives of two others. Read by Yelva Lynfield.

Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair, Fiction by Joel Dicker, 2014. 23 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 23. In 1975, 15-year-old Nora Kellergan disappeared. Thirty three years later, young novelist Marcus Goldman is visiting his mentor, Harry Quebert, just in time to see him implicated in the cold-case murder of Nora. As national media convicts Harry, Marcus launches his own investigation. L - Read by Jack Rossmann.

After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m.

The Wonders, Fiction by Paddy O’Reilly, 2015. Eight broadcasts. Begins Sept. 23. Leon, Kathryn, and Christos are the Wonders, three extraordinary people whose medical treatments have tested the limits of the human body. When they are brought together by a canny entrepreneur, their glamorous, genre-defying circus act becomes a global sensation. But what makes them objects of fascination also places them in danger.

L - Read by Greg Olson.

Weekend Program Books

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

Flying Shoes, Fiction by Sarah Waters, 2014.

Your Personal World (Saturday at 1 p.m.) is airing Goddesses Never Age, by Christiane Northrup, M.D.; 12 broadcasts. Begins Sept. 14. Mary Byrd Thornton For the Younger Set (Sunday at 11 a.m.) is airing is called back to Virginia because of a reporter’s call, Dodger, by Terry Pratchett; Poetic Reflections (Sunday at noon) is airing Blood Lyrics, by Katie Ford, and Load 30 years after the crime. But she’s not surprised a rePoems Like Guns, translated by Farzana Marie; The porter couldn’t resist the story; it was so lurid. L U.S. and Us (Sunday at 4 p.m.) is airing Northern Slave, Read by John Marsicano.

Black Dakota, by Walt Bachman.

Abbreviations: V – violence; L – offensive language; S – sexual situations show focuses on artwork that celebrates intricacies within the scope of an artist’s habitat, network or ecosystem — elements that artists are exploring through their art that are necessary to thrive. Hours: Wed.Thurs.-Fri. 11 a.m. -6 p.m. (First Friday until 9 p.m.), Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Ecosystem, Show Us Your World exhibit is up through October.

Free. FFI: 651-419–8022, www.theshowartgallery.org

Ecosystem, Show Us Your World The Show Art Gallery, 253 E. 4th St., #100, St. Paul displays works by artists from all walks of life, including artists with disabilities, in a cooperatively run gallery, retail store and community space in Lowertown. This art

The Search for Heinrich Schlögel, Fiction by Naomi Klein, 2014. Nine broadcasts. Begins Sept. 30. Heinrich Schlögel sets out on a two-week hike into the isolated interior of Baffin Island. When he returns from his hike, he discovers that, though he has not aged, 30 years have passed. Read by Julie Bolton.

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 at access@vsamn.org or call VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or statewide 800-8013883 (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 ■

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September 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 9 Pg 15

Mishandled program - from p. 1 25, is on a waiting list and wants to move out of her parents’ home into a setting where she could live with support. “No one has ever told us when our daughter would get off the list, or be provided the services for which she has been eligible.”

“Our son would be much more independent if he received the services he qualified for over five years ago,” said Keith Guggenberg, father of Kyle. “We are hopeful that DHS will recognize its commitment to our son and others on the wait list and act to help them.”

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs and services for people with disabilities and others with limited income. The benefits at issue, called waivers, fund a wide range of community-based services for people with disabilities and are the largest single source of social services for people with disabilities in Minnesota. Qualifying for waivers can be one thing. Waiting for waiver services can be another.

More than 5,000 people with disabilities have placed on waiting lists, deprived of the waiver services for which they are eligible, and not told that money was available for them.

One goal of the lawsuit is to seek a class action certification on behalf of all who never received services.

Waivers have long been a source of frustration for people with disabilities

and their advocacy groups. Some point fingers at DHS and call for better program management as well as action against counties that only spend a small portion of their waiver dollars. Spending varies widely by county. But counties that overspend must reimburse the funds, so that often leads to caution.

“Our state government has mismanaged a critical federal program directly violating the civil rights of people with disabilities, forcing them onto waiting lists for years and never bothering to tell them that millions of dollars had been available for their needs,” said Shamus O’Meara, lead counsel for the families and managing shareholder with the Minneapolis law firm of O’Meara Leer Wagner & Kohl. “We absolutely cannot treat people like this. Justice requires that DHS be ordered to immediately address this important issue and provide these services without further delay.”

The plaintiffs contend that DHS has reports showing unspent funds dating back to 1995 through 2011 for the development disability, brain injury, Community Alternative Care and Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals or CADI waivers.

“By letting millions of dollars that were intended to fund the waiver programs go unspent year after year, DHS unnecessarily placed eligible individuals with disabilities on waiting lists that blocked them from gaining access to the services and supports they need to

2015 award winner - from p. 1 of her goals is to start a nonprofit organization to support the deaf LGTBQI community, to provide resources, a space and information to help people who may be struggling.

Another aspect of Akerman-Frank’s work is with deaf and hard of hearing immigrant communities, to help people get the services they need.

As a deaf lesbian and community leader, Akerman-Frank noted she made a very conscious decision “to be out and authentic in everything that I am.”

While saying that she is just one example of the many different communities within the disability community, everyone shares the same needs of access, equality, education, awareness and an enhanced quality of life. “We deserve this just like everyone else.”

Akerman-Frank brings a lifelong passion for volunteerism to her work and everyday life. She is persistent and tireless in working toward her goals.

“As a deaf person, I face daily barriers,” she said. “I learned to turn ‘no’ into ‘yes.’ I wanted an equal life, I wanted access to services. I want to be able to contribute as a citizen in my community, my career, and my life. I learned along my path how to do that. I overcame adversity, I faced fears, rejection, frustrations in the eyes, I turned every moment I could into a teaching moment.” She has developed a reputation for getting things done and sees herself as being someone who is willing to work with everyone to achieve success.

“These successes were not only for me, but my community. Each success opened a door. When I see people from my community finally have access to services, feel equal in what they are doing, find jobs, get the help they need, find information in their language — I see enhanced quality of life. All of

these results motivate me,” she said.

She emphasizes the need to get involved in community service, as the foundation to building community and personal growth. “Every individual needs to know that they have the ability to contribute to change, influence decisions that are made about them and their lives, and make a difference,” she said.

After moving to Minnesota in 2001, Akerman-Frank became involved in as many programs and groups as she could, to learn more and to see how she could contribute. She ran a nonprofit and currently does contract work. She is developing ASL Level 2 at North High School. She also works part-time as a consultant with Minnesota Commission for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing. Her work includes helping to support the commission’s legislative agendas.

Her upcoming projects include the Minnesota Deaf Self-Empowerment Project, to give information in the community’s language and help everyone use social media to share life experiences and resources. She’d like to expand on anti-domestic violence efforts, by encouraging others to share stories and set up programs to help survivors.

She is also working with a group to launch a statewide deaf co-op concept to fill service gaps and help people who need to find jobs and other resources.

Akerman-Frank was one of six children. “My parents never made my deafness a disability. They treated me 100 percent the same as all my hearing siblings. There was nothing different about me,” she said.

She benefitted from having good elementary school teachers who signed.

“They empowered me as well to see that my difference is just one of the unique parts of the fabric of this life. I lived and thrived on that. I was born this way because and this is my life to live.”

CAC, CADI, BI Waivers Reported Amounts Unspent (2005 - 2011)

Year Unspent DHS Rpt FY 2005 $42,529,000 Feb-08

Developmental Disabilities Waiver Reported Amounts Unspent (1995 – 2010)

Year FY 1995

Unspent DHS Report $10,685,272 Apr-98 $16,458,380 Oct-99

FY 1996

$12,284,815 Apr-98 $16,891,098 Oct-99 $16,501,269 Dec-00; Jan-04

FY 1997

$15,922,004 Apr-98 $20,149,574 Oct-99 $20,044,689 Dec-00; Jan-04

FY 1998

$16,820,441 Oct-99 $16,864,065 Dec-0 $483,5090 Jan-04; Jan-05

FY 1999

$18,329,501 Oct-99 $16,518,510 Dec-00

FY 2000

$25,406,881 Dec-00 $24,059,120 Jan-04; Jan-05

FY 2001

$76,984,742 Jan-04; Jan-05

FY 2006 $45,098,000 Feb-08 & 09 FY 2007 $36,855,000 Feb-08 & 09 $37,748,000 Jan-10 FY 2008 $43,983,000 Feb-09 $39,929,000 Jan-10 FY 2009 $52,068,000 Jan-10 $55,028,000 Jan-12 FY 2010 $69,866,000 Jan-12 FY 2011 $83,433,000 Jan-12

live and work in their communities,” said Pamela Hoopes, Legal Director of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid’s Minnesota Disability Law Center. Hoopes is cocounsel in the lawsuit. “Our clients want DHS and the state to manage the waiver programs in compliance with the law, so that eligible people with disabilities get the services they need.”

Jesson stated that reducing and ultimately eliminating the waiting lists is a goal of the state’s Olmstead Plan. The plan calls for eliminating waivers, with the CADI waiver list gone by October 2016.

As of Access Press deadline, DHS hadn’t filed a formal response to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit asks that the court order that waiver services be provided to the plaintiffs and also protect existing monies appropriated for those who are eligible for the program and placed on waiting lists. Specifically, the lawsuit requests that the court declare that Communication was a challenge but when Akerman-Frank once came home from a break at Gallaudet University, her entire family including aunts, uncles and cousins had learned American Sign Language to support her as a deaf person.

Akerman-Frank is married to her wife Lys Akerman-Frank, a puppet designer and owner of Art N Frames LLC. They are raising three boys, Sam, Ben and Anthony. The family also includes dogs Zulu and Pluto. AkermanFrank traches yoga as a hobby and is the only deaf yoga teacher in Minnesota. Learning to teach yoga as another challenge she was able to overcome.

Akerman-Frank will speak at the award banquet. Tickets are available, as are sponsorship opportunities, the ability to be a table host and the ability to donate to the silent auction and pickyour-prize raffle. Go to www.access press.org to learn more about this year’s banquet, to order tickets or to find other ways to get involved. Or call the newspaper office at 651-644-2133. ■

EMPLOYMENT Employment ads are $22-$25 per col. inch. Mail to: Access Press, 1821 University Ave. #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 FAX 651-644-2136 Email: access@accesspress.org

STAFF ATTORNEY Central Minnesota Legal Services seeks full-time attorney for its Minneapolis office. Fam. Law including representation of non-custodial parents; some work in other poverty law. Licensed in MN pref’d. Post-law school pov. law exper., fam. law or clinical exper. pref’d. Spanish or Somali language a plus. Salary $45,000+D.O.E. Excellent benes. Resume with references and writing sample to Lynelle Wells, CMLS, 430 First Ave. No., #359, Minneapolis, MN 55401. Appl. deadline: 9/28/15 or until filled. EOE.

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DHS has violated the plaintiffs’ rights under the Medicaid Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, The Rehabilitation Act, and the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. This is due to failure to provide waiver services, failure to provide waiver services in the most integrated setting appropriate to individual needs and preferences, failure to provide plaintiffs with proper notice of initial and ongoing decisions and not to provide waiver services or an opportunity to challenge those decisions in a hearing on the merits; and failure to provide waiver services in the most integrated setting appropriate to individual needs and preferences. It also seeks to require that defendants provide plaintiffs and others with services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their individual needs and preferences consistent with applicable law. ■

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Pg 16 September 10, 2015 Volume 26, Number 9

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