June 2016 Edition - Access Press

Transit access, Pg 13

Volume 27, Number 6

www.accesspress.org

Claim upheld in Oakdale

Many bills stalled

The City of Oakdale has paid $30,000 to resolve a probable cause finding of disability discrimination. The finding was made by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, for failure to provide effective communication and meaningful access to police services to a deaf citizen. The complaint involved 58-year-old Alan Read and an incident that occurred at his Oakdale home in August 2013.

“Ultimately, it is important for cities, police departments and government entities to examine their policies and training to ensure an inclusive environment for people with disabilities,” said Minnesota Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey. “Cases involving Miranda Rights and the rights of individuals to be read their Fifth Amendment rights are central to America’s justice system. As a society, we need to be vigilant to protect a person’s basic rights and provide reasonable accommodations as required by law.”

The Read versus Oakdale Claim upheld - p. 9

by Jane McClure

Legislative session’s outcome is disappointing to community The 2016 Minnesota Legislature is likely to head back to the capitol this summer. Although the regular session ended May 23, Gov. Mark Dayton’s pocket veto of the tax bill means state lawmakers will need to come back for a special session.

But whether the House, Senate and governor can agree One sign at a legislative session rally was a reminder to state lawmakers. on the terms of a speFile photo cial session wasn’t clear as Access Press went to press. that he wasn’t going to sign a tax bill with such Dayton declined to sign the tax bill prior to a a huge and costly error, and that the error June 6 deadline. An error in the bill would cost couldn’t be changed administratively. the state treasury $101 million over the next The sidelined major bills are important to three years. Dayton said he supported many Minnesotans with disabilities. The bonding bill provisions in the bill, which provides $260 milincluded funding for improvements to the Minlion in various tax cuts as well as a tax exnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter. Advoemption for a planned Major League Soccer cates for the state academies for the blind and stadium in St. Paul. But the governor found deaf in Faribault had also hoped for help with the error, which affects revenue for the new capital improvement projects at the two camVikings stadium, unacceptable. puses. The lack of a transportation bill not only House Republicans charged Dayton with affects transit and roads, it also affects the using the tax bill veto as leverage for a special paratransit services Minnesotans with disabilisession, and force issues including a bonding ties rely on. bill and transportation. Bonding and transporThe regular session, which began March 8, tation bills failed to pass before the regular held promise because of a $900 million state session ended and were two of the most consurplus. But things quickly devolved into partiMany bills stalled - p. 3 tentious issues this spring. Dayton countered

A fun tradition

Silent auction, raffle donations are needed

Gift baskets are a silent auction and raffle highlight File photo

One highlight of the annual Access Press Charlie Smith Award Banquet is the silent auction and pick-a-prize raffle. This year’s banquet is Friday, November 4 in Bloomington. Save the date for an evening of celebration with Minnesota’s disability community. The highlight is the presentation of the award named for Charlie Smith, founding editor of Access Press.

Banquet attendees look forward to the silent auction and raffle, with bidding and ticket purchases during the banquet’s social time. Proceeds are used to support operations of Access Press, Minnesota’s disability community newspaper.

Many donations are needed to make the silent auction and raffle a success. Past items have included tickets to sports and theater events, gift certificates to shops and restaurants, electronics, lovely handmade items, specially designed gift baskets, framed art and photos, and much more. Past auctions have featured stays at an accessible cabin, handmade jewelry, Mall of America packages and even an access ramp.

Everyone likes to win a prize, but silent auction bidding can be financially out of reach for some people. That is why the pick-a-prize raffle was developed. It allows banquet guests to spend a little money and possibly take home a nice prize. Attendees buy raffle tickets, place them in jars and wait for the winning tickets to be drawn.

Donating to the silent auction and raffle is not only a good way to support Access Press, it can also be a way to spotlight a business, Donations needed - p. 16

June 10, 2016 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities. MN Permit No. 4766 Address Service Requested

“Whatever the price, identify it now. What will you have to go through to get where you want to be?

There is a price you can pay to be free of the situation once and for all.

It may be a fantastic price or a tiny one - but there is a price.”

— Harry Browne

NEWS DIGEST

Partners in Policymaking honors its graduates, seeks 2016-2017 participants.

Page 15 Our system of caregiving is broken and harm is being done.

Page 2 Our From the Capitol series starts with MA reform, spousal impoverishment Page 4 More capitol commentary outlines mental health, developmental disabilities, caregiver compensation and more.

Pages 7-9 Educator and advocate Carol Ely is remembered.

Page 19

INSIDE Accessible Movies, pg 17 Enjoy!, pg 12 Events, pg 14 People & Places, pg 13 Radio Talking Book, pg 18 Regional News, pg 6

Pg 2 June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6

EDITOR’S DESK

Tim Benjamin The 2016 Minnesota legislative session was a disappointment. It does not seem like anything was voted into law that will be helpful to Minnesota’s senior population, disability community, working poor or other disenfranchised groups. Oh, there was a little funding for staffing at the state hospital and a few other mental health provisions that were needed and positive, but our legislators could have done much more.

Best Life Alliance didn’t get its requested five percent reimbursement rate increase for home care workers, although not from a lack of hard work or commitment to their proposal. No funding at all was allotted to relieve the critical staffing shortage in home- and community-based living programs.

I agree with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP.org) that the staffing shortage is caused by the poverty level reimbursement rates paid by the state for home care workers.

Even with many legislators agreeing that there is a crisis that desperately needs funding increases for staffing, we didn’t get action. The longer we wait, the more it will cost to resolve this problem. The risk is that the cost will be highest in peoples’ lives, as vulnerable individuals will lose their ability to live and work in the community. Eventually the cost will be measured in increased hospitalizations and

Those who are responsible for our meals are paid more than for those who are responsible for our vulnerable citizens.

Volume 27, Number 6 Co-Founder/Publisher Wm. A. Smith, Jr. (1990-1996) Co-Founder/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Charles F. Smith (1990-2001)

Advertising Sales Michelle Hegarty 612-807-1078 Executive Director Tim Benjamin

Photos courtesy of Fatuma Fofana

institutionalizations, resulting from a lack of community care and the inability of policymakers to accept responsibility to their promises to vulnerable American citizens.

This is not, by the way, just a Minnesota problem. It is happening all over the country with legislators and policymakers turning a blind eye. NADSP is having its second annual conference in Atlanta, GA this weekend. This national organization has recognized the critical issue and the need for serious funding to solve the problem. They sum it up well: The United States is at a critical juncture where workforce development, education, and disability service systems must implement strategies to increase the capacity and quality of the direct support workforce. Action is necessary if we are to provide the support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities [IDD] need to live and participate in their communities. Self-advocates and family-advocates have fought hard for decades to ensure that supports provided are person-centered, increase inclusion, and lead to valued lives for people with IDD. Researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers have recommended recruitment, retention, and education strategies to address this critical workforce need, however, they have yet to be sufficiently funded or brought to scale. If the charge to address the workforce crisis is not acted upon, the entire disability service system is at risk of going back to days of institutionalization, segregation, and stigmatization, turning the clock back on decades of advocacy and disregarding the voice of people with developmental disabilities across the country.

From The National Alliance of Direct Support Providers. https://Nadsp.Org/

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I just got a call from a person who worked in the Courage Center residence in the 1980s. She was wondering if I knew that a member of our community had died recently and whether or not he died from lack of home care staffing. She told me he had been staying up several nights a week, unable to sleep, not knowing if a morning staffer would be coming to help him out of bed. All of this is unnecessary and sad, and the anxiety that these situations cause an individual is totally unacceptable. I know first-hand how desperate and helpless so many feel in what seems to be a losing battle.

The lack of support communicates one thing clearly: people who care for our most vulnerable must do it at poverty-level wages. And those who need that care, who must depend on social services, should accept being in dire poverty, too. The Medical Assistance income and asset rule requires a person with a disability to spend-down their income to $792 a month, and to hold assets no greater than $3,000. Incidentally, a person without a disability is eligible for the same program with a spend-down of $1,317 a month, and no asset limits. However, for some odd reason, a person with disabilities is required to spend-down $525 more a month than their able-bodied peers. It sure does sound like grounds for a discrimination suit to me.

Why is there a difference?

If you are not familiar with a spend-down, let me explain. Any money a person with a disability earns, over the limit of $792 (or if you are someone without a disability, $1,317) has to be spent on medical bills before MA starts paying the medical bills. It’s similar to a deductible on your car insurance, except that it means you have $792 a month for all other costs of living.

Some days, it feels like the label “people with disabilities” is used to make it easier for the general public to accept the blatant discrimination—as though we are a class of people who are just different in a way that justifies discrimination. No one wants to think that people with disabilities are discriminated against, but health care and social services law is forcing us into poverty and dependence in a discriminatory way.

It is a sad truth, and few want to recognize it or do anything about it. It is hard to hear grand statements and rhetoric about how “inspiring” we are. We are supposed to be so uplifting to legislators and politicians when they make promises, but behind the curtain, it just feels like a con-job.

Right now, in mid-June, while the Minnesota Legislature fights with the governor about finishing their work, I think about the soccer stadium funding and the transportation and university budgets that are in the headlines. But for me and so many seniors and people with disabilities, the government, its bureaucracies and policy analysts continue to cloak decisions about spending in statistics that distance them all from the reality of what’s actually happening. Their decisions are really affecting people who are already living on the edge, people who soon will be forced to live in nursing homes or the state hospitals of the pre1960s. ■

June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6

Many bills stalled - from p. 1 san bickering and very little got done. The passage of major bills waited until the final days and hours of the session.

The possibility of a special session is being followed closely by the many disability advocacy groups and self-advocates around Minnesota. Although state leaders will dictate what will and won’t be dealt with when lawmakers return, some groups are holding out hope that issues left unfinished during the regular session could be brought back.

But for the most part, the sentiment is “wait until next year.” Supporters of a caregiver wage increase, Medical Assistance (MA) reform, spousal anti-impoverishment changes and a slew of other issues reviewed the session at a June 2 meeting of the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD).

“We didn’t get everything that we hoped for,” said Susie Schatz, co-chair of the MN-CCD public policy committee. “But there were some strides made.”

Schatz and others said people need to stay involved.

“MN-CCD’s legislative agenda is only as good as those who show up,” she said.

Other advocates said 2016 should be looked at as a session where people with disabilities raised awareness about the challenges they face and the issues that need attention. That is seen as laying groundwork for the 2017 session. But with an election this fall and many legislators retiring, the education process will have to start over in some legislative districts. MNCCD members have also done much soul-searching, asking themselves how they can make meaningful changes for Minnesotans with disabilities after year after year of disappointment.

Having a short session this year was an obstacle to work on disability issues, said Dan Endreson, policy committee co-chair. 2016 is the second year of the biennium so the focus was on bonding and a supplemental budget bill. “The timeline we had to work in really complicated things.”

MN-CCD’s main focus was on the MA spenddown issue, to help people with disabilities have more income to spend on basic needs such as food and shelter. The current limits are criticized as forcing people into poverty. A change approved in 2015 will allow people to keep more of their income effective July 1. But people with disabilities face more restrictions than do others receiving state assistance.

The Best Life Alliance’s high-profile effort to gain a five percent compensation increase for caregivers also fell short, for the second straight year. Supporters said they are already at work seeing how to make changes and bring forward the compensation issue in 2017. The caregiver shortage situation is at a crisis point, with almost 9,000 caregiver jobs open in Minnesota.

What frustrated many proponents of the wage increase is that 116 state lawmakers signed on to the bill raising wages. The measure got through the House but failed to get through the Senate.

Other gains and losses A number of other issues were sidelined, ranging from making the state website and materials more easily accessible and searchable to controversial legislation that would have given people more control over end-of-life options. A move toward self-driving cars stalled, although proponents were pleased that they did receive a positive reception.

Other efforts found success. Mental health initiatives, including those dealing with bed shortages and crisis care, were cheered. About $48 million in mental health spending won approval. Increased staff at the state’s 16-bed behavioral health hospitals and assistance to other programs was celebrated.

But Dayton and advocates’ quest for $90 million for the St. Peter state hospital fell short. The funds are needed not only for facility improvements but for more than 300 additional staff members. Human Services Commissioner Emily Johnson Piper called the lack of new funding for the hospital “extremely disappointing” in a statement after the session ended.

One gain for family caregivers is a measure to allow small temporary health care dwellings for families

caring for a family member who is elderly or disabled.

The new law regulates zoning and requirements for temporary dwellings and sets up a permitting system.

The small dwellings would be no more than 300 square feet in size and would be under the guidance of a caregiver over the age of 18 who is a relative, legal guardian or health care agent. The structures would have to meet the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as local property code regulations.

Another success is the extension of benefits for certain individuals with disabilities who have recently graduated and wish to seek employment A 2012 law allowed the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to amend the home and communitybased services waiver to calculate benefits differently. Individuals with disabilities who are at least 21 years old and graduated from high school between 2013 and 2015 received a 20 percent increase in their funding. However, the exception is limited to individuals who would be forced to move onto other waiver services if they want to work because the current calculation of benefits is insufficient. The rule is set to sunset on June 30, 2017. The new changes will extend the benefits to whenever the federal government approves a similar, broader exception included in last year’s health and human services law. It is unknown when the federal government will approve the change, so the measure must be tracked closely.

Yet another gain is that the departments of human services, education, employment and economic development and information technology are required to collaborate and develop an action plan to increase community integration of people with disabilities. The recommendations would be presented to the legislature by January 1, 2017. The plan would be part of the state’s ongoing work on its Olmstead Plan. The plan is continuing to undergo community review. The latest set of plan revisions were reviewed at a community meeting in May and sent to the courts to meet a June 1 deadline.

Pg 3

A small win for residential group homes in border towns is that staff who don’t live in Minnesota will be able to legally drive residents with their home state’s driver’s licenses. State law has required the workers to get Minnesota licenses Access lawsuits affected One issues that brought accessibility advocates and business groups together during the legislative session is that of lawsuits based on the ADA. A handful of people have filed hundreds of lawsuits around the state, alleging accessibility and handicapped parking rule violations. The lawsuits have been very costly for small businesses, with some business owners claiming that they would be forced to close.

Business groups, chambers of commerce and the Minnesota State Council on Disability have worked together to find lower-cost ways to promote access, outside of litigation. A bill signed into law by Dayton made amendments to the state’s human right act, to counter the slew of legal claims.

People suing for accessibility under the state human rights act will have to describe each specific violation in detail, rather than making the blanket complaints seen recently. Nor can the plaintiffs demand money as the complaints are filed. Instead, businesses and other places that are the focus of complaints have 30 days to respond.

During hearings this sessions state lawmakers were told that the accessibility lawsuits are a trend nationwide. Some people file the lawsuits as individuals.

Others form nonprofit groups and file on behalf of the groups. Proponents contend they need to file the legal claims because 26 years after the ADA was signed into law, many places still lack access. But opponents said the lawsuits are less about providing access than they are about getting money from businesses. ■

Pg 4 June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6

FROM THE CAPITOL

Married couples get some assistance

MA reform: We’ll be back

by Dan Endreson

by Sheryl Grassie

Spousal anti-impoverishment measures were a key focus during the legislative session. As the regular session wound down, the Minnesota Senate and House passed the supplemental budget bill which included two provisions that will provide extra protections to married Minnesotans who use home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers. The changes will help Minnesotans with disabilities who are affected by recent changes at the federal level.

These provisions are needed as a result of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recent notification to all states to apply spousal anti-impoverishment rules to all home and community based services (waiver participants under a provision in the Affordable Care Act. These changes will negatively impact those participants who are married because they will now need to include the assets of their spouse in determining eligibility.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) estimates that about 450 to 500 families will be affected by these rules. These families were facing the loss of tens of thousands of dollars in assets or having going through an unwanted divorce in order to maintain eligibility.

Providing relief from this negative impact has been one of the top issues for the Minnesota Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) and several of its member organizations this session. MN-CCD worked with members in the Senate and House on two separate proposals to mitigate the harm cause by the new federal rule and both proposals were accepted by the supplemental budget conference committee during the final days of the session. They include: 1. Raising the community spouse asset allowance to $119,220.

By raising the allowance from $33,000 to $119,220, the maximum allowed under federal law, all families affected by the spousal anti-impoverishment rule change will be allowed to keep more of their assets.

2. Undue hardship exclusion for retirement and college savings accounts.

An undue hardship exemption will provide asset protection for family retirement and college savings accounts if the person would lose eligibility for HCBS waivers due to excess assets. Those who have to comply with the new rules can protect the unassisted spouse's retirement savings in certain retirement account that cannot be accessed without penalty, typically when the unassisted spouse is under the age of 59 1/2 years of age. The family can also protect college savings plans under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code on behalf of a child under age 25 years old.

Although this is positive step forward, it does not entirely mitigate the impact of this rule change. Families will still have an asset limit to meet for eligibility and the hardship provision will protect some assets although not all for families who are over the asset limit. As we wait for Gov. Mark Dayton to sign the bill into law, MN-CCD and its partners will continue to push Congress to allow Minnesota to maintain our more generous anti-spousal impoverishment rules so families can take care of their loved one without fear of financial hardship or divorce. We still have a long way to go, but this is a significant victory and a very important step Minnesota lawmakers have taken as we continue to push for federal action. ■ Dan Endreson is co-chair of Minnesota Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities public policy committee and works for MS Society of Minnesota.

The 2016 legislative session was my first as director of the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD). Early on my expectations were tempered by numerous admonitions from colleagues and co-workers that this might not be a “big win” year for Medical Assistance (MA) reform. Still we approached it with all the gusto necessary for a reform of this magnitude. We planned and strategized, got others on board and prepared our reserve of collateral materials. We profiled individuals for our Faces of Disability project, printed posters and crossed our fingers. The campaign was launched.

Even in a year with tempered expectations and repeated reminders that there would be no funding for health and human services, we kept a positive focus. We planned an upgraded version of Tuesdays at the Capitol, scheduled lobbyist meetings and started to campaign various legislators. We got many legislators’ signatures on the bills, sent literally hundreds of advocates to speak with their respective representatives, created stellar arguments, gave educational presentations, wrote articles and updates, and hung in throughout the rollercoaster ride that session can be.

On the hopeful side, we kept telling ourselves, “They can’t just ignore the problem, let alone all our advocacy!” And, many agreed. Everyone we talked to seemed to understand the plight that people on the MA spend-downs and asset limits are experiencing. Expecting people to live on $736 per month, $792 as of July is outrageous!

You can barely rent a decent apartment for that amount, let alone buy groceries and other necessities. What can state government be thinking?

The fact that individuals without disabilities live well above the poverty line and can still keep their MA makes our heads spin about the way we treat those with disabilities in this state.

Still, we at MN-CCD persevered. There were hopeful moments when hearings went well when legislators supported inclusion when spirits ran high with balloons tied to creative ideas and disseminated to leadership. Unfortunately, all our hard work and positive perspective did not net the desired results. An increase in the spenddown and asset limits did not pass, and for another year at least, people with disabilities on MA will have to live way below the poverty level.

As reprehensible as this fact is, the fight is not over. The battle is lost, but not the war, to use a rather tired adage. How do we in the community lick our wounds, retrench and plan for the future?

I would say we start by looking at the successes File photo we did have this season, including the 859 advocates who came to Tuesdays at the Capitol and made posters advocating for reform, or the real faces of the individuals who told us what it meant just to have people care.

Our ultimate goal may be to pass the bills and put more money in people’s pockets, but the bolstering of people’s emotional and mental well-being is important too.

Success exists on both intrinsic and extrinsic levels, and that is important to remember. I know this session we at MN-CCD directly touched a lot of lives and they ours, and we are all much richer for it. This year we will have to take our wins and begin to plan for next year, Even though the feel-good intangibles do not pay the rent advocating for reform must continue.

What will we do for next year? I do not have the answer to that question right now. However what I can assure you, is that there is a highly dedicated group of people working through MN-CCD to find an answer that will ultimately pay the rent. Planning will start in earnest this summer, and the future holds, as it always does, the hope of needed success. ■ Sheryl Grassie is executive director of MN-CCD.

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June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6

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HISTORY NOTE

Gov. Wendell Anderson a leader in council’s start The following is excerpted from The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities series, Forty-Five Years of History 1971-2016. This month looks at the start of Minnesota’s council.

The state councils on developmental disabilities are self-governing organizations charged with identifying the most pressing needs of people with developmental disabilities in a specific state or territory. The Minnesota Council is one of 56 councils across the United States and in the nation’s territories.

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1963 and the 1970 Public Law 91-517, the Developmental Disabilities Services and Facilities Construction Act, shaped the councils. The 1970 legislation was to assist and fund states “in developing a plan for the provision of comprehensive services to persons affected by…developmental disabilities” with a focus on deinstitutionalization and developing alternative housing in communities as a priority. Federal money was available to implement state plans.

Guidelines were given for states to establish planning councils to develop strategies and advise governors on services to improve the quality of life for persons with developmental disabilities. Throughout the process, the importance of individual rights and dignity was emphasized.

Councils were to organize and coordinate the services offered by existing agencies and other sources and provide grant monies to secure services and fund new initiatives and construction of facilities. Evaluation of all the activities and projects undertaken by each council is an essential part of federal law putting councils in place.

In Minnesota Gov. Wendell Anderson began the work that ultimately led to establishing the Governor’s Planning and Advisory Council on Developmental Disabilities. He appointed W. Dennis Pederson to serve as project director and handle the implementation of the requirements of the law. An Ad Hoc Committee on Developmental Disabilities was formed to work on the state plan submitted to the federal government by the April 15, 1971 deadline.

Once the plan was approved, a permanent council formed in October 1971 with Jane Belau of Rochester as its first leader.

Letters wanted

Access Press welcomes letters to the editor and commentary pieces from readers, on topics of interest to Minnesota’s disability community. Letters should be no more than 500 words, with 750 words per commentary. Ask the editors if more space is needed.

Letters and guest commentaries must be signed by the authors or authors. With letters, a writer’s hometown is published but not a street address. Please send contact information in case the editors have questions about a letter or commentary. Contact information isn’t published unless the writer specifically requests that the newspaper do so.

Pictures of the author can be published with a guest commentary but aren’t required.

Access Press asks that letters and guest commentaries be specifically written for the newspaper. Letters must have a focus on disability issues and ideally, a focus on those issues as they affect Minnesotans.

Form letters will not be published.

Because Access Press is a non-profit publication and must follow regulations on political partisanship, political endorsement letters are not published. That is true for candidates’ endorsements as well as for ballot questions.

Before making a submission writers are always encouraged to contact the newspaper to discuss ideas or to ask questions about From Our Community submissions, at 651-644-2133 or access@accesspress.org Let the newspaper staff know if accommodations are needed to submit a letter or commentary.

Letters and commentaries reflect the view of the authors and not the views of the staff and board of directors of Access Press.

Deadline for the print edition of the newspaper is the 25th of each month, with publication the following month.

Developing Minnesota’s state plan required an understanding of what was needed to accomplish the council’s goals, examining the present status and availability of services and supports, and recognizing the network of council partners and initiatives being proposed. Council members also had to learn and understand the history of everything that had happened to Minnesotans with developmental disabilities. An overview of legislation enacted and programs recommended in Minnesota since 1851 is contained in the January 1969 publication, MN MH-MR Program in Perspective - http://mn.gov/mnddc/past/pdf/60s/ 69/69-DPW-MRP.pdf.

The new Minnesota council was given $184,000 in federal funds for its work. Anderson and the council began looking at closing institutions as well as the way to provide grants, services, programs, and facilities.

Anderson’s correspondence in the state archives

shows how deeply involved he and his staff were with the planning and operations of the Developmental Disabilities Council in its formative years. Letters were sent out under his signature to reply to the concerns and questions of not only the interested groups that were participating in the Gov. Wendell work but also to the relatives and Anderson friends of individuals with developmental disabilities who were being impacted by the council’s work. ■ The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.mnddc.org or www. mncdd.org and www.partnersinpolicymaking.com.

Pg 6 June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6

ABLE investment accounts coming soon

REGIONAL NEWS Red Wing couple helping children A $10,000 donation will help a newly formed nonprofit organization take the effort of helping children with disabilities abroad. Disability Support International started in January to “advocate, support and empower” children with disabilities and those working to help those children in developing countries.

Founders Jennie and Mick Wendland of Red Wing have dedicated their lives to improving the lives of children with disabilities through their work as special education teachers.

Jennie Wendland became interested in disability issues when she lived in Cambodia. She also grew up with a sibling with disabilities. “I saw some people that were trying to help children with disabilities and just saw the inequality between what children have in countries like that and what they have here.”

The $10,000 donated will go partly to the travel expenses of volunteers going to Cambodia this summer and to business development efforts, such as developing a website, expanding the board of directors and hiring staff to handle communications, marketing and finance for the organization.

In order to cater to specific countries and the issues that citizens in those countries face, nonprofit volunteers will do specific research on the culture and exact needs of the country when it comes to children with disabilities, in order to bring sustainable support and results.

“We’re not pretending that we have all of the answers because these problems are so intertwined in so many things,” she said. “Stigmas behind disabilities and the situation of poverty are so embedded in a lot of what happens.”

Recognizing that each developing country has a unique culture and therefore unique needs, the nonprofit is working to create a culture liaison committee that studies the different aspects of the country before volunteers of the organization travel to that specific country. It will start working in Cambodia this summer, working with a network of organizations that serve children with autism and cognitive disabilities.

Volunteers will also work with an orphanage to plan for its future needs. That work will help build a foundation for future trips to other countries.

After moving to Red Wing in the summer of 2015, the Wendlands became acquainted with Judy Hammes, a recently retired special education paraprofessional at Red Wing High School. Hammes said she was encouraged by the couple’s enthusiasm and donated the startup funds.

To learn more, visit the group’s website at dsinternational.org ■ (Source: Rochester Post-Bulletin)

Minnesotans with disabilities and their families will benefit from the investment power of an eight-state consortium in saving for disability-related expenses.

Minnesota is among 40 states whose lawmakers approved tax-free savings accounts under the federal achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014. The legislation promotes employment and quality of life for people with disabilities by ensuring that earnings and other funds saved in ABLE accounts don’t count against eligibility for public programs, including Medical Assistance and Social Security Supplemental Income. The accounts will be available this fall.

“The ABLE Act allows people with disabilities and their families to save funds for education, assistive technology, housing, transportation and other goods and services not included in public benefits,” said Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper. “Many people living with disabilities want to work and build earnings and families also want to contribute funds

that can be used to maintain health, independence and quality of life.”

Currently people with disabilities can lose eligibility for public benefits once they reach $2,000 in savings.

Contributions to ABLE accounts of up to $14,000 per year are allowed under current rules. The account could grow to as much as $100,000 before some public benefits would be suspended.

Minnesota joins Alaska, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada and Pennsylvania in the consortium, which will manage an investment portfolio similar to tax-advantaged accounts for college savings. Unlike college savings plans that draw hundreds of thousands of participants, ABLE account participation is too limited for each state to have a viable program. By pooling resources, states can attract quality investment products and lower costs. The consortium’s next step is to seek public bids for investment services, record keeping and marketing services. ■ (Source: Minnesota DHS)

Old hospital may be transformed Estimates to transform part of the old Anoka State Hospital into 33 modern apartments for veterans would cost $11.5 million in construction costs, or more than $330,000 per apartment. That amount, which would buy a large home nearby, has raised the eyebrows of some commissioners in Anoka County, which owns the site.

But officials with CommonBond Communities, the nonprofit group that transformed Fort Snelling’s Upper Post stables and warehouses into comfortable veterans’ homes, said they can do the same with three boarded-up state hospital buildings near the banks of the Rum River. And it won’t cost Anoka County a dime.

In 2014 county officials sought a permit from the city of Anoka to tear down the century-old complex in 2014. The county covers the annual cost of keeping the buildings secured. But city officials didn’t want to see the historic properties leveled. A new use had to be sought. “If the buildings can be salvaged and they can be used for good, I am supportive as long as it’s not borne by the taxpayers of Anoka County,” County

Commissioner Scott Schulte told the Star Tribune.

The linchpin for the renovation is state and federal historic and low-income tax credits that could help secure nearly $8.5 million, according to CommonBond’s projections.

CommonBond Senior Project Manager Andrew Michaelson said the buildings, built in the first decade of the 1900s, can be saved and restored. “To me, it’s a compelling project,” he said. “The city and county wanted a veterans’ use. We are taking buildings sitting vacant. We will take over the upkeep cost and bring them back on the tax rolls.”

CommonBond already has spent nearly $25,000 on preliminary work with a general contractor, architects and historical consultants. They’ve gone into the renovation with a full understanding of the many challenges that add zeros to the project, such as complicated roof pitches, and lead and asbestos abatement.

The hospital, which is more than a century old, housed people who were mentally ill. ■ (Source: Star Tribune)

Detroit Lakes facility is faulted A state investigation into the death of a vulnerable adult at Lakes Homes and Program Development Inc. in Detroit Lakes determined the facility failed to perform CPR when staff found the resident unresponsive with glazed over cloudy pupils, no pulse, a blue mouth and airways containing vomit. THE Minnesota Department of human Services investigated the incident and issued its findings last month.

The resident was developmental disabled, had health issues and was in a weakened condition. At one point the resident curled up in a ball on the floor, complaining of stomach pain. A second staff person found the resident unresponsive one hour later, according to the state report. The resident was taken to the hospital but later died.

State officials found that facility staff failed to perform CPR and found evidence of neglect. A facility spokesperson told Minnesota Public Radio that two staff members involved in the incident are no longer employed by the provider. Lakes Homes and Program Development has several locations in Fergus Falls, Mahnomen and Detroit Lakes. In another facility last year, state officials issued another investigative memorandum finding neglect and maltreatment in response to another death in a separate group home operated by the same provider. ■ (Source: Minnesota Public Radio)

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June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6

Pg 7

FROM THE CAPITOL

Acute care needs, state programs were 2016 focus for mental health advocates

by Sue Abderholden

The 2016 Minnesota Legislature again invested in our state’s mental health system. While last year the new funding focused on community-based services and supports, this year’s increases largely focused on acute care needs and state-operated programs.

Funding was provided for Minnesota to move forward and be one of eight states to be a demonstration site for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). Without the language and funding, Minnesota would have lost its opportunity to develop “one-stop” shops for children and adults with mental illnesses and their families. The CCBHCs hold out great hope for a seamless system where the mental health, substance use, and health care needs are addressed all in one place.

Deaf, deafblind issues met a mixed fate

by Beth Fraser and John Wodele

When the Minnesota Legislature concluded its 2016 session at midnight on May 23, three measures addressing issues of concern to deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing Minnesotans were passed into law. Two other bills advanced but came up just short.

The first bill addresses a significant concern of parents of deaf, deafblind or hard of hearing children who were limited in their ability to choose the best Pre-K school for their children’s educational development. New legislation was passed giving families the right to choose the best school for their children’s educational needs. Parents who wished to send their children to the Metro Deaf School, a public charter school with the only Pre-K program in the metro area offering immersion in American Sign Language (ASL), were refused the option by some school districts. The new law recognizes several important factors. One is that critical language development takes place between birth and age 5. Another is that for many children who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing, the language they need to be exposed to and to learn during this vital period is ASL. A second bill that passed will provide greater access to deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing people by guaranteeing that closed captioning will be kept on televisions under certain circumstances. Activating closed captioning is an easy, no-cost way to make an environment more welcoming and to provide critical information to those who would otherwise not have access to it. Jan McCready-Johnson testified to legislators about her frightening experience during the Boston Marathon bombing. She knew something terrible had happened, but without closed captioning, had no way to find out exactly what it was.

The new law, which goes into effect on August 1, will require the closed captioning on TVs in hospital waiting rooms and surgical centers to be kept on at all times. After that date, if someone has turned the closed captioning off, the staff will have to turn it back on as soon as they reasonably can. The Commission on Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans had originally hoped that the law would cover more facilities, but are happy with this small step and will build from there.

The third bill that passed provides additional funding to three Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs, including the one offered by Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD). They offer classes to learn English and starting in 2017, will offer an alternative pathway to obtaining a secondary (high school) credential and intensive programming for citizenship tests that are accessible to adults who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing. CSD offers the only ABE program in ASL and English for deaf adults. Aaron Gutzke, CSD’s state program director, said “Tremendous

The criteria for eligibility for the crisis housing fund was changed so that people who have a serious mental illness, not just a serious and persistent mental illness, can have their rent paid for while they are in residential treatment for up to 90 days. Funding was included to continue the Zumbro Valley Mental Health Center’s integrated care project.

The legislature also increased funding for the very effective School-Linked Mental Health program by $33,000 in the fiscal year 2017 and $1.45 million per year in the next biennium. The foster care and adoption and relative care rates were increased by 15 percent in the next biennium. Additional funds were made available for both the Homeless Youth Act and Safe Harbor for sexually exploited youth.

The bulk of the new funding will go to state-oper-

ated programs. Funds were increased to provide a competency restoration program at St. Peter (12 beds) which will open up beds at Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center, increase staffing at the Community Behavioral Health Hospitals so that all the beds are used, keep the Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Hospital open, and to increase clinical oversight and fund a nursing pool at Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center (AMRTC). A direct appropriation to increase staffing at the Security Hospital in St Peter (MSH) was not made, but language was added at the last possible moment to allow the commissioner may move these appropriations to ensure a safe environment at the Minnesota Security Hospital and other hospitals in direct care and treatment stateoperated services. Any reallocation of the appropriations under this subdivision must be reported in the new report that will be required.

Due to the questions about how funds are used the Department of Human Services is required to submit a quarterly report to the legislature on AMRTC, MSH, and CBHH. The report shall contain information on the number of licensed beds, budgeted capacity, occupancy rate, number of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordable injuries and the number of OSHA recordable injuries due to patient aggression or restraint, number of clinical positions budgeted, the percentage of those positions that are filled, the number of direct care positions budgeted, and the percentage of those positions that are filled.

Three important provisions were included in the Education Section. They are to increase funding to expand the number of schools using Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, provide funding for staff development grants for Intermediate School Districts and Cooperatives to reduce the use of seclusions and restraints and provide File photo matching funds to Some important provisions did not pass such as a rate increase for community mental health providers thanks go to our teaching staff and students and withand requiring four hours of training for police on menout the support of the American Indian OIC, the Instital health and de-escalation. Minnesota continues to tute for New Americans, and the commission, this be a leader across the country in its commitment to would not have been possible.” investing funding to build a mental health system. ■ Legislation considered but coming up just short of Sue Abderholden, MPH, is executive director of passing included a requirement that state-funded new NAMI Minnesota. construction or renovation must consider the acoustical ramifications for deaf and hard of hearing Minnesotans in rooms that accommodate large gatherings such as conferences, meeting rooms and theaters.

The bill would have required that these spaces include hearing loops, a preferred assistive listening system that can send sound directly to most hearing aids without the person having to request or use additional equipment. The bill would have allowed these requirements to be waived if it was cost-prohibitive.

The commission’s goal was for this policy to be included in the overall bonding bill that failed to pass.

Should the governor call a special session, there is still a chance that it could be passed this year. Otherwise, it will be a priority in 2017.

Finally, a bill that would have required the state to examine how to prevent and ameliorate the effects of age-related hearing loss was presented to a House committee which held a hearing and watched a video, Age-Related Hearing Loss – A Growing Public Health Issue. The film, produced by the commission in cooperation with Twin Cities Public Television, presented recent research linking age-related hearing loss to other health issues such as dementia and hospitalizations. It also explores how treating age-related hearing loss could save money for families as well as government at all levels. To view the video, go to www.hearinglossmatters.org ■ Beth Fraser is government relations director for the Commission on Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans. John Wodele is a commission member.

Pg 8 June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6

FROM THE CAPITOL

Building a foundation for a caregiver rate increase by the Best Life Alliance

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” — Maya Angelou After just 10 short weeks, the 2016 legislative session came to an end. Unfortunately, a rate increase for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) was not included in the final budget agreement between legislators and Gov. Mark Dayton. You should be proud of your hard work this session and know that together we did everything we could to help pass a rate increase this year.

So what happened? In the second year of the biennium, the bonding year, supplemental spending was very limited. There were many competing priorities for legislators in 2016, and with little opportunity for spending, the significant costs of a five percent rate increase for HCBS (both this year and in future years) increased our challenge.

While we are disappointed with this session’s result, we know that progress at the capitol often takes years of persistent work as a community. We passed a five percent rate increase in 2014 and will not let the bad news this year stop us from future success.

It is appropriate to contact your legislators to express your disappointment in the lack of a rate increase this year. This is an opportunity to begin building support for the 2017 legislative session.

We are so grateful for everyone’s strong advocacy and ongoing support. This year you helped to increase awareness of the workforce shortage and helped position HCBS for an increase next year.

Together we accomplished some amazing things over the past year. We transitioned from The 5% Campaign to the Best Life Alliance. Our legislation for a five percent rate increase was co-authored by 116 legislators. We rallied loudly to support people with disabilities, older adults and caregivers across Minnesota, met with policymakers at the capitol, hosted town halls and site visits, and attracted media to shine a bright light on the critical need for funding.

More than 140 organizations were involved in this effort.

Professional caregivers make an average of just $11.97 per hour for skilled work in community-based settings. Advocates for an increase argued the funding would help address more than 8,700 unfilled caregivers and staff jobs statewide.

“We aren’t providing people with disabilities and older adults the quality care they need because we’re short on staff. We are constantly in training and hiring mode,” says Best Life Alliance co-chair Steve Larson. “The problem is this: state reimbursement rates have not kept up with rising costs over the past ten years.”

Supporters argue that state investments in their workforce are critical to promote independence, meet health and safety needs, and allow people to work in their communities. Their call for an ongoing rate increase for HCBS went unanswered this session despite $90 million of proposed funding by the Minnesota House.

Providers are already working with people they support, state agencies and community partners to find new ways to address the workforce shortage. This includes the use of technology and increased use of unpaid supports. But these efforts are only part of the solution, and caregiver compensation is the most immediate concern.

So what’s next? Leaders within the Best Life Alliance will begin meeting right away in June to develop new strategies and legislation for next session. “Fair pay for caregivers working in community-based settings must be a top budget priority next session,” said Bruce Nelson, CEO of the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota. “This is a serious infrastructure issue. If we don’t keep a stable foundation of

File photo

skilled staff, the system for people with disabilities and older adults will crumble.”

With an election in both Senate and House this November, we know there will be many new legislators next year. When you talk to candidates this summer, always talk to them about the Best Life Alliance and tell them how they can fight for people with disabilities, older adults, and caregivers when they are elected. It will nont be easy, but we can do it together.

Thank you for your advocacy, time and commitment. ■ Pam Gonnella, Co-Chair, and parent; Steve Larson, Co-Chair and Senior Policy Director of The Arc Minnesota contributed to this article.

Children with autism need access to treatment

by Randall W. Bachmann

The 2016 legislative session began with high hopes that progress could be made to assure that children with a diagnosis of autism would access early intervention and. Another goal was expanded insurance coverage for treatment. As the session ended, the deadlocked legislature left this work unfinished. If a special session is called, we are asking Gov. Mark Dayton and legislative leaders to add these bills as an autism package.

Senate File 2893 includes an “autism spectrum disorder treatment essential health benefit definition addition.” It would add autism treatment to the list of essential health benefit set under the Affordable Care Act. As such, the bill clarifies that autism treatments are habilitative services that improve the functioning of the child and family and are included in essential health benefits in Minnesota. This clarification ensures that more Minnesota children and families can get the coverage that they pay for and that their children can get access to the critical medically necessary treatment that they need and deserve. The bill passed the Senate with the governor’s support and the assistance of staff at the Department of Commerce.

In other states that have enacted similar provisions, the impact on premiums has been very minimal, but it made a huge difference for parents with children with

autism who needed access to treatment. Parents, many distinguished by their red shirts at the capitol, worked hard to advocate for the bill by showing up day after day and into the night at committee hearings, and by contacting individual legislators.

Senate File 2751 and its autism early intensive intervention benefit provisions modifications was offered to simplify the governor’s Medical Assistance benefit for autism early intervention. This bill would streamline a large number of regulations that are currently preventing families from accessing timely treatment.

To date, no provider has been able to clear enough of the hurdles in the existing benefit to offer intensive treatment under the benefit. A group of providers and advocates led by the Autism Treatment Association of Minnesota has been meeting with representatives from the Department of Human Services to refine the existing benefit. A key provision would also give the commissioner latitude to make regulatory exceptions to alleviate the workforce shortage in this area. The good news, is through a lot of hard work and negotiations we’ve achieved a consensus on the bill.

In any event, we are not going away. The incidence of autism is growing rapidly so that now one in 68 children nationally is being diagnosed with the disorder. Without early intervention, which has proven to help these children improve their functioning, some to the degree that they can be mainstreamed with their peers, children and families will languish. Schools and social services systems will be overwhelmed and we’ll all end up paying a much higher price in the long run.

Finally, the state recognizes that it has a legal obligation to provide timely access to treatment to any child who qualifies for federal funding under the Early and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment law.

But beyond the legal obligation, more importantly, we all have a moral obligation to see that children with autism and their families get the treatment and support they need. We are not giving up. We will persevere. ■ Randall W. Bachman is the chairperson of the Autism Recovery Foundation, managing director of the Autism Treatment Association of Minnesota, and chair of the Board of the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities.

June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6

Pg 9

FROM THE CAPITOL

Laying the groundwork for the 2017 session for developmental, intellectual disabilities

by Steve Larson

Tremendous efforts by advocates during the 2016 legislative session laid the foundation for our work moving forward. There are few legislative victories for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities this session, but we can celebrate advocates’ efforts to inform and educate legislators.

Thank you for all your work.

Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) – Legislation passed this session to continue the 20 percent CDCS budget increase for graduating students. This option to increase the budgets of high school students on CDCS by 20 percent upon graduation has existed for several years.

Passing this legislation will enable individuals to receive employment or day services support while staying on CDCS. Legislation extending this option and making other improvements in CDCS passed in 2015, but its implementation depended upon approval by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Since approval was delayed, this legislation was necessary. This proposal had no fiscal note because the funding is already in the state budget. This option costs less than if individuals had to switch to more formal day programs.

Parental Fees – After three years of success in lowering the fees that parents pay for services to keep their children with disabilities at home and in the community, we did not see legislators pass anything to lower fees further in 2016. A strong group of parents have organized on this issue and formed a Facebook group. I urge you to join them.

We will finalize our 2017 legislative proposal this summer to lower parental fees so we can advocate throughout the election cycle.

Employment Services – The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) had developed three new employment support services – Employment Exploration Services, Employment Development Services and Employment Support Services – which they thought would be included in the governor’s 2016 supplemental budget.

These services would have supported the employment goals in the Olmstead Plan, but the governor’s budget didn’t include them. The Arc Minnesota, with technical assistance from DHS, had legislation drafted to try and pass them. During a short session this process took too long and no hearing was scheduled.

For the 2017 session, The Arc Minnesota’s priorities will include the items listed below, the legislation on parental fees and the new employment supports listed above. The Arc Minnesota will continue to support the agendas of the Best Life Claim upheld - from p. 1 Police Department settlement agreement describes how the police department will update its policies, procedures and services, designate a deaf and hard-of-hearing coordinator, and provide training to staff to ensure individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing have full and equal enjoyment of public services. Read was paid $15,000, Gilbert Law, PLLC, $10,000 and Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid $5,000.

Police were called to Read’s home on a domestic dispute. During an after-arrest interview, Read asked for an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter or a family member to communicate with Oakdale officers. Three days before his arrest, Oakdale Police provided Read an interpreter to allow him to file a complaint in a theft case.

But during the subsequent incident and arrest, police used written notes to communicate and gave Read a copy of the Miranda warning. Police contacted an interpreter but didn’t use that service. Nor did they ask Read’s sister about her willingness or ability to interpret.

Read spent 48 hours in the Washington County Jail without interpretation services.

State officials determined that the police repeatedly disregarded Read’s request to work with his sister, his preferred accommodation, and based that disregard on unfounded concerns about timeliness.

Police reports indicated that Read had difficulty with understanding written language and that officers were aware of his struggles understanding written communication. An officer’s comments indicated police had concerns that Read didn’t understand its communications with him.

Oakdale Police didn’t have a policy and its officers didn’t have training on how to interact with deaf suspects. Another finding is that police relied upon Read for direction and solutions related to acquiring the preferred accommodation.

The case is similar to the 2008 arrest in St. Paul of deaf community activist Douglas Bahl. Bahl, who has since passed away, sued and won a case centering on a lack of accommodations for ASL. The Minnesota Human Rights Act protects people with disabilities from entities refusing to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability and from refusing or limiting access to public services. Disability discrimination and retaliation are two of the most common claims that the state investigates. Between July and December of 2015, 35 percent of the complaints involved claims of disability discrimination, without regard to the subject area, and five percent of the complaints were in the area of public services.

Anyone who wants further information about disability discrimination may visit: www.mn.gov/mdhr Information from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights was used for this article. ■

Alliance and the Medical Assistance income and assets reform campaign described in this issue of Access Press.

CDCS — A self-organized work group has been meeting and will work this summer on proposals to revise the CDCS budget methodology, make CDCS work more effectively for individuals wanting to work and organize a summit to learn best practices and to build momentum for 2017.

Case Management Reform – DHS has a work group already reviewing past Case Management Task Force reports. We need to ensure that any changes in case management include a support planner/navigator for each person receiving services which is paid for through his/her waiver budget and is hired and directed by the person with disabilities.

Self-Advocacy Agenda – We will work with selfadvocates this summer and fall to craft a comprehensive agenda to enhance the capacity of self-advocacy groups and to promote peer mentoring, leadership development, and outreach. We will also look at implementing a model of instruction in schools that teaches students to engage in self-regulated and self-directed learning.

State Quality Council – The council has ongoing funding of $600,000 a year. This will fund the state File photo council and three Regional Quality Councils. But it is not enough to create regional councils statewide. The state council will develop a proposal for funding regional councils throughout Minnesota.

Housing Supports – Over the past six years, Housing Access Services, a partnership between Minnesota DHS and The Arc in Minnesota, has helped 1,670 individuals with disabilities find homes of their own. Despite this success, barriers still exist for individuals with disabilities in finding sufficient funding to live independently. A self-organized work group will prepare legislation for 2017 to make changes in the Group Residential Housing and Minnesota Supplemental Aid programs to reduce the barriers.

The Arc’s public policy agenda will evolve and expand, including items to support students with disabilities. Our position statements, member feedback, and the requirements to implement the Olmstead Plan will guide that agenda. If you want to work on any of these topics, contact me (651-604-8077 or stevel@arcmn.org). ■ Steve Larson is The Arc Minnesota Senior Policy Director.

Sheryl Grassie is executive director of MN-CCD.

Pg 10 June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6

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June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6 Pg 11

Pg 12 June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6

ENJOY! ADA Celebration Minnesota will celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 3-5 p.m. Tue, July 26 at the Minnesota History Center, St. Paul. Theme of the ADA Celebration is Celebrate Diversity in the Disability Community. Keynote speaker is Ken Rodgers. Enjoy a panel discussion, refreshments, dance instruction by Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota 2015 Angelique Lele, Young Dance company’s All Abilities Program, and classic rock and roll by the band Tamarak. Band leader, Curt Jones, who is blind, is a past KARE 11 “Eleven Who Care” honoree. Free.

AuSM Golf Classic The Autism Society of Minnesota Golf Classic is Mon, Aug. 1 at Troy Burne Golf Club, Hudson, WI Play in the AuSM Golf Classic and support programs and services AuSM provides to individuals and their families affected by autism in Minnesota. Golfers enjoy a cart, lunch, awards banquet, and contests and opportunities to win great prizes. Save $100 per foursome when registering by June 30. Or get a company or organization’s message in front of the Minnesota autism community by becoming an AuSM Golf Classic 2016 sponsor. FFI: www.ausm.org

The 60’s Alive & Kickin’ presents a psychedelic trip back in time to a decade when groovy, far-out music filled the air, at Bloomington Center for the Arts, Schneider Theater, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington. Performers are people with disabilities. Shows are June 10-18. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Sat, June 18. Notify the box office to request best seating for the service. Tickets $29, senior/student $26; FFI: 952-563-8575, http:// aliveandkickinmn.org/

Two Boys Kissing Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus presents a world premiere concert based on the Lambda Literary Award Winning work by David Levithan, about the stories of two gay teenagers who decide to break the world record for the longest kiss, at Ted Mann Concert Hall, 2128 4th St. S., Mpls. ASL offered 8 p.m. Sat, June 18.

Listening devices, large-print and Braille programs available on request. Tickets reduced to half-price for ASL patrons (regular $25-48, includes all fees). FFI: 612-624-2345 www.tcgmc.org

The Bridges of Madison County.

A touring company presents the Robert James Waller romance, at Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls. Open captioning offered 7:30 p.m. Thu, June 23. ASL offered 1 p.m. Sun, June 26. AD offered 6:30 p.m. Sun, June 26. Limited seats are available at the lowest price level to patrons using ASL interpreting or cap-tioning services on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices apply for up to two tickets for each patron

Walk and Roll 3K Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare hosts its first-ever Walk and Roll 3K Family Fun Walk event at 8:30 a.m. Sat, June 18 at Como Park. The group gets on the move at 10 a.m. Walk or roll the paths with wheelchairs, scooters, walkers or strollers. Cost is $10 for participants age 13 and younger, or $25 for those 14 years old and older. No charge for Gillette patients. Family rate for up to two adults and their dependents is $75. Form a team, take pledges or just participate as an individual. Those unable to participate can make a donation for children’s programs at Gillette. FFI: gillettechildrens.org/WalkRoll ■

requiring ASL interpretation or captioning. Additional seats may be sold separately and at regular price. Audio description receivers may be used in any price level in the theatres. To order, email accessible@broadway acrossamerica.com Tickets $39 to $134. FFI: 612339-7007, www.hennepintheatretrust.org/accessible

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Northfield Arts Guild presents a comedy about warring siblings, at Central Park, 421 Fourth St. E., Northfield. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, June 24, with reservation by June 16. Tickets $17, $13 student/senior. FFI: 507-645-8877, www.northfieldartsguild.org

tot: The Untold, Yet Spectacular Story of (a Filipino) Hulk Hogan Mu Performing Arts presents an immigrant boy’s life of fantasy, at Park Square Theatre, Andy Boss Thrust Stage, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul. AD and ASL offered 2 p.m. Sat, June 25. Assistive listening devices available. ASL/AD single ticket discount is half-price for patron and one guest with code ACC (regular $40-60); age 30 and under $21; seniors age 62 and older $5 off.

FFI: 651-291-7005, www.parksquaretheatre.org

Sense and Sensibility Theatre in the Round Players presents Jane Austen’s tale, at Theatre in the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. AD offered 2 p.m. Sun, June 26. Tickets $22. Discounts available Fri and Sun for students with ID and seniors age 62 and older. FFI: 612-333-3010, www.theatreintheround.org

Le Switch Jungle Theater presents a story of romance and commitment, at Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Thu, June 30. Assistive listening devices available. Contact the theater about a possible ASL-interpreted show. Tickets reduced to $14 (regular $28-48; AD season tickets $70). FFI: 612822-7063, www.jungletheater.com

South Pacific Guthrie Theater presents the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical classic, at Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. AD offered 1 p.m. Sat, July 2, 7:30 p.m. Fri, July 15 and 1 p.m. Sat, July 23. Open captioning offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, July 15, 1 p.m. Sat, July 16 and Wed, July 20. ASL offered 7:30 p.m. Fri. July 22, 1 p.m. Sat. July 23 with a sensory tour at 10:30 a.m.

Tickets reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for captioning (regular $34-85). FFI: 612-377-2224, www.guthrietheater.org/visit/access_services

Tour for People with Memory Loss James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul, hosts a free tour each month for people with memory loss and their caregivers. Preregistration required.

Each themed tour, usually an hour or less, highlights three rooms in the mansion and is followed by an optional social time with pastries and coffee. Tours are offered the first Tue of every month, next at 10 a.m.

Tue, July 5. Private group tours are available for care facilities. FFI: 651-259-3015, http://sites.mnhs.org/historic-sites/james-j-hill-house

Night Watch

Calendar Girls

Rochester Civic Theatre presents a thriller, at 20 Civic Center Dr. SE, Rochester. ASL offered 2 p.m.

Sun, June 26. Please indicate ASL seating when booking tickets. Tickets $24, seniors $19, students $17. FFI: 507-282-8481, www.rochestercivictheatre.org

Park Square Theatre presents the story of a novel fundraiser, at Park Square Theatre, Proscenium Stage, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul. AD offered 7:30 p.m. Fri, July 8. ASL offered 2 p.m. Sun, July 17. Open captioning offered 7:30 p.m. Thu-Fri-Sat, July 21-2223; and 2 p.m. Sun, July 24. Assistive listening devices available. Tickets ASL/AD/OC single ticket discount is half-price for patron and one guest with code ACC (regular $40-60); age 30 and under $21; seniors age 62 and older $5 off. FFI: 651-291-7005, www.parksquaretheatre.org

Monkey Mind Pirates on the road

The Beauty of It All Puppets Rosenschnoz will bring the award-winning Monkey Mind Pirates performances and workshops to four Minnesota libraries this summer, with an emphasis on welcoming youth of all abilities into the “Quest for Calm”. The free events take place at three Dakota County Libraries - Pleasant Hill in Hastings, Burnhaven in Burnsville and Wentworth in West St. Paul - and Rice County’s Buckham Memorial Library in Faribault from June to August.

Monkey Mind Pirates has been sailing the waters of Minnesota, mixing playfulness with mindfulness since July 2010. This musical tale of a sea captain searching for the Island of Calm has won praise from national magazines such as Creative Play and Creative Child. Fox News declared it a “swashbuckling good time” and author of best-selling memoir Monkey Mind: A Memoir Anxiety as “ingenious and irresistible way” to approach stress relief.

Playful mindfulness workshops and Monkey Mind Pirates Family Yoga Party performances are FREE to the public and are fully handicap accessible. ASL interpretation is available upon request by contacting Kathleen at kathleen@zpuppets.org or 612-724-1435 x 6.

Registration for Dakota County library locations is required, visit www.co.dakota.mn.us/libraries/Programs/Calendar/Pages/default.aspx to register.

For the Faribault library dates and times, visit www.faribault.org/248/Library Epic Enterprise is involved with the tour. For more than 38 years, Epic Enterprise has provided support to adults with disabilities throughout Rice County and the surrounding area. Epic integrates the arts into its daily programs to serve clients’ occupational, educational, social and recreational needs. FFI: www.epicenterpriseinc.org ■

Spectrum ArtWorks and the Family Partnership present an exhibition exploring beauty through art.

Open through June 29 at Family Partnership, 4123 E. Lake St., Mpls. Free. Call for hours. Almost 70 works of art come from ArtWorks’ Core Group of artists, the largest amount of art they have displayed in one show.

Artists include VSA Emerging Artist Grantees Christi Furnas, Peter Hinze and Samuel Lynn. The mission of Spectrum ArtWorks, a program of RESOURCE, is to support artists living with mental illness by offering community and studio space. FFI: 612-752-8242, www.artworksatspectrum.org/

More events information VSA Minnesota VSA Minnesota is a statewide nonprofit organization that works to create a community where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in and access the arts, at http://vsamn.org The website has a comprehensive calendar at 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 800-801-3883 (voice/TTY). To hear a weekly listing of accessible performances, call 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883.

Access Press only publishes performance dates when accommodations are offered. Contact the venue to find out the entire run of a particular production.

Additional resources 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://

Accessible Fun - p. 16

June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6 Pg 13

Group honored for transit work

PEOPLE & PLACES Our Dance Place gets everyone moving

Our Dance Place offers nights out in three locations.

Courtesy photo

Our Dance Place is offered in three Twin Cities locations, to give people with disabilities a safe and welcoming place to go. Founders John Thorpe and Michael Wines founded the nonprofit organization so that people with disabilities come have a place to socialize, dance and have fun with their peers in a safe and hassle-free environment.

Admission for Our Dance Place is $5. Our Dance Place is open 5-9 p.m. Monday nights at Banquets of Minnesota, 6310 Hwy. 65, Fridley, with $1 concessions and dinner $5-$7. It operates 5-9 p.m. Tuesday nights at Banquets of Blaine/BeBops, 1009 109th Ave., Blaine.

Pizza by the slice is $2, with $1 soft drink refills and $1 concessions. It is also open 5-9 p.m. Wednesday nights at Forest Lake VFW, 556 12th St. SW, Forest Lake. Dinner baskets are $5-$7, $2 soft drinks and $1 concessions. Our Dance Place serves 150 to 200 people every week. Its motto is that “everyone belongs.”

Thorpe retired after more than 50 years in the music business and still operates a DJ business. Wines has 16 years’ experience in work with a transition program for young people, working in the AnokaHennepin School District.

Parents and guardians are welcome to attend the events. For more details, visit www.ourdanceplace.org ■

Brain injury story wins award Author and St. Paul resident Amy Zellmer’s book, Life With a Traumatic Brain Injury: Finding the Road Back to Normal, won a silver foil award at the Midwest book Awards this spring. The book was entered in the health books category.

Zellmer sustained a traumatic brain injury as a result of a fall. She challenged her experiences into the book and founded Faces of TBI. She has become an advocate for treatment and care of persons with brain injuries and has gone nationwide to speak to others about her experience.

Learn more about the book and Faces of TBI at www.facesoftbi.com/my-book ■

Photo courtesy of District Councils Collaborative

Self-advocates were honored June 6 for their efforts to improve transit accessibility all along Green Line light rail. The Leading in Transportation Access training was offered by the District Councils Collaborative, Olmstead Implementation Office and Rick Cardenas of Access Associates. The group capped its final session with a celebratory lunch. The group celebrated a recent victory in making many St. Paul sidewalk ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Al Czaia, who oversees sidewalks for the St Paul Department of Public Works, presented information on upcoming repair work The group also reflected on what they had learned

Fraser obtains major grant for clinic Autism services provider Fraser received a $500,000 matching challenge grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation to support a new Fraser clinic in the Twin Cities east metro. Fraser will receive the $500,000 when an additional $500,000 is raised to meet the match by June 1, 2017.

“We’re so grateful for this visionary gift from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, said Joel Barker, Fraser vice president of development. “This gift will positively impact nearly 6,500 children and families in the east metro in the next 10 years.”

There is a great demand for autism and mental health services throughout the Twin Cities and especially in the east metro where there are few service providers. Fraser recently purchased a parcel of land to build a state-of-the-art clinic to serve more children and adults with special needs.

Fraser provides services for mental health and other developmental disabilities for children and adults with special needs through healthcare, education, and housing. For more information, call 612-861-1688 or visit www.fraser.org ■

Bowling tournament champs crowned The Minnesota State High School League’s prep bowling tournament featured a new division in 2016, with an ASD division for athletes on the autism spectrum. This year’s tournament was held May 20 at Brunswick Zone, Brooklyn Park. Hundreds of young athletes, their coaches and supporters were on hand.

The tournament also was noteworthy because there were no repeat team, doubles or singles champions in the PI and CI divisions. Athletes with physical disabilities competed in the PI division. Athletes with cognitive disabilities competed in the CI division.

Two senior bowlers, both competing for the St. Paul Highland Park High School Scots, finished their prep careers with state crowds. Conor O’Meara won the boys’ PI singles title, with Matthew Erath of Austin High School finishing second and Brandon Ainali of Albany High School finishing third. O’Meara had a score of 468.

Kyra Kracht, a Highland Park senior, won the girls’ CI singles title with a score of 474. Courtney Karnes of Austin High School finished second and Abby Zmuda of Anoka-Hennepin finished third.

Maeve Mc Devitt of St. Paul Humboldt High School won the girls’ singles PI title, with a score of 525. Keirsten Stierlen of St. Peter High School placed second and Heather Kelly of Albany High School placed third.

Emily Forester of Moorhead High School won the girls’ ASD singles title with a score of 385. Kaitlin Tykarskie of Monticello High School finished second, just one point behind Forester. Caitlin Schultz of Princeton High School finished third.

In the boys’ ASD singles division, Hayden VanZuilen of the Goodhue County Gophers won first place, with a score of 448. Lucas Stulc of Mahtomedi High School finished second, at 447. Minh Dang of St. Paul Highland Park finished third. VanZuyllen is a seventh grader and was the tournament’s youngest title winner.

Alexandria Area High School’s Elton Gruber won the boys’ CI singles title with a score of 451. Peter Bassett of Anoka-Hennepin finished second and Blake Fredrick of Lake City High School finished third.

Bowling tournament champs crowned - p. 16

and received certificates of recognition. About 9,050 people with disabilities live within a few blocks of the Green Line, which extends from downtown St. Paul to downtown Minneapolis. Studies from September 2014 showed that more than 1,000 people with disabilities use five of the stations, with 2,000 using Central Station in downtown St. Paul. But many areas have accessibility problems, due to sidewalks in poor condition, blocked sidewalks, poor sight lines and other issues. Attention was drawn to these issues with a report and in a video, The First: Last Mile. The video, which is available for showings to community groups, shows the difficulty of accessing some rail stations.

Cardenas and Thabiso Rowan use wheelchairs and took part in the video production. They were filmed in areas where access and sight lines were problems.

The DCC, which is made up of St. Paul district councils and Minneapolis neighborhood organizations along the rail line, initially studied Green Line walkability in 2011-2012. The walkability studies covered north-south streets several blocks north and south of rail stations. Reports were done for each station area. DCC Executive Director Carol Swenson said that evolved into a more in-depth study focused on access for people with disabilities. Additional attention was focused on the Dale and Snelling areas.

The federally mandated Olmstead Plan calls for full integration of people with disabilities into the community, on the statewide level. Olmstead office staff helped with the studies. ■

Pg 14 June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6 Gloria Steinbring memorial is June 14

UPCOMING EVENTS Youth and families Tony Attwood to present Autism Society of Minnesota hosts Tony Attwood and his presentation An Aspie’s Guide to Life’s Challenges Fri, October 19 at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, 1000 Lasalle Ave., Mpls. This is Attwood’s first presentation in Minnesota in several years. He will speak on topics including teens with Asperger’s Syndrome, affective-cognitive training and managing feelings. Tickets are $85 for Autism Society of Minnesota members, $115 for non-members, $75 for students and $65 for individuals with ASD. Ask about group rates.

The talk will sell out quickly so call soon. Sponsorships available FFI: 651-647-1084, www.ausm.org Disability awareness service Centennial United Methodist Church, 1524 County Rd C2 W, Roseville, hosts a disability awareness service Sun, July 24. A disability awareness service at 9:30 a.m. is followed by an 11 a.m. panel discussion with nationally recognized clergy and laypeople and lunch. Workshops will also be offered. Learn ways to make a church more accessible, how music and bands can be more inclusive and other ways to make a facility and programs more accessible. The service is in conjunction with the United Methodist DisAbility Ministries Committee Annual Meeting. RSVP for lunch. All churches interested in being more welcoming, or serving people with disabilities, are welcome. Check the church website for schedule updates. FFI: Debby Newman, 651-491-2121, www.CentennialUMC.org, DebbyAndEve@Gmail.com Mental health and learning disabilities PACER’s Symposium on Children and Young Adults with Mental Health and Learning Disabilities is 8 a.m.4 p.m. Tue, Aug. 9 at Mpls Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave. S. Cost is $30 and registration is open. Keystone speakers include singer, social activist and educator Adam Levy, child and adolescent psychiatrist L. Read Sulik and mental health and diversity expert BraVada Garrett-Akinsanya. FFI: 952)-838-9000, www.PACER.org PACER offers workshops PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with any 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. The Bridge to Work: Supplemental Security Income and Employment Planning is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tue, June 21 at Best Western Premier Nicollet Inn, 14201 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville. Learn how parents of youth with disabilities can apply for Supplemental Security Income and Vocational Rehabilitation Service benefits for young adults at age 18. Par-

Disability rights advocate Gloria Steinbring will be remembered at an informal memorial gathering 5-7 p.m. Tue, June 14 at the Education Sciences Building, University of Minnesota, 56 E. River Road, Mpls.

A charismatic and fiery leader of Minnesota’s disability rights movement for four decades, Steinbring died January 11, in Minneapolis at age 71. Her brash wit, youthful spirit and clarion voice became familiar to many in Minnesota’s disability rights movement. She co-founded Advocating Change Together and served as a regional representative of the national organization Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered. To locate the service, go to http://campusmaps.umn.edu/education-sciences-building Metered parking is available on East River Road across from the Education Sciences Building. Anyone with photos of Gloria to share for the service may send electronic copies to Jerry Smith at smith495@umn.edu ■ ents will learn how Social Security, the Ticket to Work program and vocational rehabilitation can help young people meet goals for postsecondary education, training, employment, and independent living.

See a screening of Who Cares About Kelsey? 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mon, June 27 at PACER Center. The film is by Dan Habib. Kelsey Carroll was a likely high school dropout until she encountered an education revolution that’s about empowering teens with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Q & A with a PACER advocate will follow the film.

FFI: PACER, 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org

Information and assistance 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. Parent resource groups are facilitated by a parent who has a child with a mental illness and who has been trained to lead support groups. A group meets 6:30-8 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday at Eagle Brook Church, 2401 East Buffalo St., White Bear Lake. FFI: Jody Lyons 651-645-2948 x109.

Family support groups help families who have a relative with a mental illness. A group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wed at Centennial United Methodist Church, 1524 Co. Rd. C-2 West, Roseville. FFI: Anne Mae. 651-484-0599.

Open Door Anxiety and Panic support groups help people cope with anxiety disorders. One group meets 6:30 to 8 p.m. the second and fourth Thu in Room 104, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 700 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul. The group used to meet at Goodwill/Easter Seals.

Another group meets 6:30-8 p.m. the first and third Thu at Woodland Hills Church, 1740 Van Dyke St., St. Paul.

Young Adult NAMI Connection is a free support group for persons ages 16-20. A group meets 7-8:30 p.m. the first and third Thu at Friends Meeting House, 1725 Grand Ave., St. Paul. The group is facilitated by young adults who live with mental illnesses and are doing well in recovery. A full calendar of all events is offered online. FFI: 651-645-2948, www.namihelps.org

Vision loss group offers activities Vision Loss Resources provides free and low-cost activities in the Twin Cities for people who are blind or visually impaired. Life skills classes for those with low vision; card games, craft classes, book clubs, walking groups, dinners out, special outings and technology classes are among the offerings. Participants need to RVSP to participate. FFI: RSVP hotline 612-843-3439; activity phone 612-253-5155, www.visionlossresources.org MCIL offers classes and activities The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living provides many life skills classes as well as fun outings and events 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, www.mcil-mn.org Click on “Classes Groups and Sessions” for updated information or to print their calendar. Please give two weeks’ notice if the alternative format or other accommodations are needed.

Events are free, accessible and mostly scent-free.

FFI: 651-603-2030 Adult support groups offered 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 website for upcoming groups. Groups meet at the AuSM offices at 2380 Wycliff St. FFI: 651-647-1083 ext. 10, www.ausm.org UCare meetings UCare hosts informational meetings about its UCare for Seniors Medicare Advantage plan, as well as informational meetings about the UCare’s new UCare Choices and Fairview UCare Choices health plans available on MNSure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace. Learn about the various programs, 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 joined 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

Volunteer 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@mn literacy.org, http://tinyurl.com/adult-opportunities Volunteer with Ramsey County Ramsey County offers many volunteer opportunities, and can find accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. One new opportunity allows volunteers to assist Ramsey County Detoxification Center clients through peer support and informational services to help recovery efforts. FFI: Ramsey County Community Human Services—Volunteer Services, 651-266-4090, HumanServicesVolunteer@co.ramsey.mn.us Share a smile Brighten the day of a senior citizen and have some fun.

Spend time with an elder individual on an ongoing basis and do fun things in Minneapolis and suburban Hennepin County. Small groups and families welcome. Youth volunteers must be age 12 or older and supervised by an adult. This volunteer program through Senior Community Services now includes the seniors program formerly served by the Neighborhood Involvement Program. Many volunteer options available. FFI: Jeanne, 952-767-7894, scsvolunteer@seniorcommunity.org ■

June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6 Pg 15

Groundbreaking program

Partners in Policymaking seeks participants for 2016-17

Terri Boettcher

Marian Ahmed and Rocky

Sen. John Hoffman and Jason Blomquist

The graduating class

Hoffman and Marian Ahmed

Scott Quelle, Abigail Hansen and John Clark

Hoffman and Melissa Davis

Graciela Ibarra, center

Hoffman and Amy Smith

Partners in Policymaking, a groundbreaking program for disability advocacy, is accepting applications for its 2016-2017 program year. Requests for the leadership training program are due July 11. Mid-August is when notifactions will be sent.

Through the program individuals with disabilities and parents of young children with disabilities are trained at monthly sessions. They hear from many speakers and do homework between sessions to further the learning experience. Over the course of eight sessions, participants will become knowledgeable, confident and efficient advocates for themselves, their children, and others with disabilities.

Classes cover topics including disability history, inclusion, state and federal government processes, supportive living and community organizing.

“Graduates report that they gained a greater understanding of disability law and policies and increased their self-confidence in advocating for their needs,” said Colleen Wieck, executive director of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. “Many have become leaders in their own communities as they speak up for people with disabilities.”

Program graduates recently celebrated their accomplishments. They said they gained much from the program.

After four years of deployment in the Army and completing several education programs, Randy Kastberg said he needed to gain a better understanding of how to be a good parent and advocate for his son who has disabilities. While away, his wife was the full-time caretaker and he now wants to share in those responsibilities. “The best part of the class is learning from the classmates and the stories they tell about their challenges,” said Kastberg. “You don’t know what you don’t know.” He said that anyone wanting to advocate for their son or daughter should take the class.

Amy Smith has a son with a congenital heart defect and developmental delays as a result. She said the program’s powerful impact is due to the relationships she has developed with her classmates. Smith gained from learning of their experiences in finding services and other resources for their children with disabilities and how they navigated through government agencies. She recommends the program to other parents so they can become more aware of the possibilities for their child.

“When you don’t even know the questions to ask, you do not realize that you have options,” said Smith. “If you don’t advocate, no one will do it for you.”

Graciela Ibarra, who has spina bifida, said that as a result of the class she has more hope for the future, that “I can do anything, even with a disability.” The class has provided her the opportunity to develop a community, to connect with people with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities. She wants to increase transportation for persons with disabilities to help them get into the community, and to have jobs and be reliable employees.

In 1987, the program was created by the council. More than 900 individuals

from throughout Minnesota have graduated from the program. It is offered nationwide and in many countries.

Partners in Policymaking is about systems change — creating, working toward and achieving a vision of shared values about people with disabilities. It is based on the belief that the most effective and enduring public policy decisions are made by the people who need and use services in partnership with elected officials and other policymakers.

Randy Kastberg Participants have praised the program, saying that it helps them become more con- Photos courtesy of Partners in Policymaking fident, work from a solid base of skills and knowledge, and develop comfort in sharing their life experiences and expertise. Many program graduates are active in Minnesota disability advocacy groups and at the local, state and national levels.

One participant said, “Partners has given me the boost to believe my daughter has a better future, can go to college, have a job she likes, and a home of her Partners in Policymaking - p. 17

Pg 16 June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6

Adapted softball athletes shine

PEOPLE & PLACES

Continued from p. 13

Bowling tournament champs crowned -from p. 13 In doubles, Kevin Seekon and Logan Ricard of North Branch High School won the ASD title with a score of 865. Tartan High School’s Antione Tuck and Colin Urbanski won the CI doubles crown with a score of 926. Simley High School’s James Wells and Nick Reich won the PI title with a score of 985.

Team titles were also awarded. Albany won the team title in the PI division, with a score of 1,175. Defending champion Simley l took second and Goodhue County took third. Ten teams competed for the title.

Tartan won the CI title, with a score of 1,751. Albany finished second and two other Tartan teams tied for third place. Twenty-seven teams competed for the title. Mankato West High School won the team title in 2015.

Mankato East High School won the first-ever ASD team title with a score of 1,613, and Mankato West finished second. The two schools fielded the only ASD division teams.

Doubles and team rosters are not split up by gender. ■

PACER Center wins major grant PACER Center has won its largest grant ever, a $1 million award from the Otto Bremer Trust. The grant was presented at PACER’s annual benefit in May. PACER has “a long history of providing services based on a model of education, advocacy and empowerment,” said Dan Reardon, Otto Bremer Trust’s co-CEO and trustee. “We are thrilled that PACER is using these funds to provide services to underserved families.”

Paula Goldberg, PACER’s co-founder and executive director, said the money will be used to create a technology and innovation center. “We hope to do very creative and innovative projects that’ll make a difference in the lives of children and young adults,” she said.

Plans include are creating coding classes for young people and developing workshops for families on topics such as mental health and bullying prevention.

PACER already offers a wide array of software, apps and other adaptive devices, has been key in his education. In May, he graduated with honors from Augsburg College in Minneapolis with a degree in psychology, and later in the day he was to receive an Otto Bremer youth leadership award.

“Without technology, I wouldn’t be able to be independent,” Graves said.

About one in five U.S. families has a child with a disability or special health care need, and about one of every four American students is bullied each year, according to data collected by PACER. While initiatives like bullying prevention have helped reduce the stigma around young people with mental health problems and special needs, “there’s still tremendous need in this state and in this country,” Goldberg said. ■

North Suburban and Dakota United are the 2016 Minnesota State High School Athletic League champions in adapted softball. Dakota United won the PI title, for athletes with physical disabilities. North Suburban won the CI title, for athletes with cognitive disabilities. The tournament was June 3-4 at Coon Rapids High School and featured two of the state’s best adapted sports athletes, Grayson Nicolay of Dakota United and Anthony Bengston of North Suburban.

Both shortstops have been fan favorites. Grayson is done competing as a prep athlete. Bengston will play his senior season in 2016-2017.

Both teams won their divisions earlier this year in the floor hockey state tournament. But neither team was favored to win its softball division, so success was all the sweeter.

The Dakota United Hawks defeated Rochester 137 in the PI championship game. Nicholson capped a successful high school career as he helped his team to the win, hitting a grand slam home run, tallying four RBIs and three runs. Teammate Nick Kuefler was three for four with four RBIs, including a bases-clearing double in the fourth inning that gave the Hawks an 11-4 lead.

It was Dakota United’s third softball championship in the PI Division and first since 2008. The other crown came in 2006. Dakota United is made up of athletes from South St. Paul, Simley, Henry Sibley, Hastings, Eagan, Eastview Rosemount and Apple Valley.

Nicholson graduated from Rosemount High School as the state’s all-time leading scorer and assist-maker in adaptive hockey.

Nicholson looked back on a successful career. “I didn’t join adapted sports to be the best I could be,” he said. “I just wanted to prove to people that people with physical disabilities can overcome the disabilities they were born with or they got later on in life. I just think of it as a challenge, not something people should stare at. They should conquer it.”

The Hawks defeated Robbinsdale/Hopkins/MoundWestonka and defending champion Anoka-Hennepin to reach the title game. The Rochester Raiders topped Mounds View/Irondale/Roseville and Wayzata/ Minnetonka to get there.

Anoka-Hennepin took the third place title over Wayzata-Minnetonka. Robbinsdale/Hopkins/MoundWestonka defeated St. Paul Humboldt for the consolation crown. Osseo was the eighth team in the tournament.

Donations needed - from p. 1 group or upcoming event. Donations are tax-deductible. Deadline to donate is September 30. Contact Office Manager Dawn Frederick at 651-644-2133 or dawn@accesspress.org The Access Press Board of Directors reminds everyone that nominations are due Wednesday, August 15 for the award given for service to Minnesota’s disability community. Visit www.accesspress.org to get an award form or call 651-644-2133 with questions. ■

Nicholson was on the PI all-tournament team, along with Hawk teammates Kuefler and Charles Schultz.

Rochester athletes Sean Healy, Joshua Befort and Phillip Del Vecchio joined them. Rounding out the team are Ana Younkers-Zimmerman of St. Paul Humboldt, Jordan Klein of Robbinsdale/Hopkins/ Mound Westonka, Kai France and Tyler Ezell of Anoka-Hennepin, and Benjamin Carlson and Holden Kowalke of Wayzata/Minnetonka.

Bengston led the North Suburban Cougars to its first-ever CI title, with a 17-15 win over Osseo. He racked up a home run, four RBIs and three runs.

North Suburban defeated South Washington County and Anoka-Hennepin to reach the softball title game.

Osseo topped Chaska/Chanhassen/Prior Lake/ Shakopee and Burnsville/Farmington/Lakeville.

Burnsville/Farmington/Lakeville downed AnokaHennepin for third place. South Washington County beat Chaska/Chanhassen/Prior Lake/Shakopee for the con solution title. White Bear Lake and Minneapolis Roosevelt were the other teams in the tournament.

North Suburban athletes come from Centennial and Spring Lake Park high schools. “We were the underdog in every game,” Centennial assistant coach Erik Aus said. “We’ve played in three state championships (this year) with these kids. . . . I would never have guessed we would have gotten here today.”

Bengston was five or five with five runs batted in for the Cougars. He hit a two-run homer in the first inning while the Cougars were building a 10-2 lead after three innings. The Cougars, however, couldn’t breathe easy and celebrate until finally securing the final out. Osseo scored 13 runs over the final four innings, including four in the bottom of the seventh, to make a run at the Cougars. Kevin Beaupre was also 5 for 5 for the Cougars with four RBIs. Osseo’s Paige Faber was 4 for 5 with five RBIs. Bengston made the all-tournament team, as did teammates Jonathan Caliendo and Nick Reichenbacher. They were joined by Osseo’s Faber, Jason Robins and Cole Brambilla. Other honorees are Justin Neff, South Washington County; Dylan Theroux and Cole Denny of Anoka-Hennepin and Kombe Khawi and Lucas Petrich of Burnsville/Farmington/Lakeville.

■

ENJOY! Continued from p. 12 tinyurl.com/d34dzo2. Connect with ASL interpreted and captioned performances across Minnesota on Facebook http://tinyurl.com/FBcaption. Another resource is Minnesota Playlist, with a recently updated website calendar with all the ASL-interpreted, audio-described, captioned, pay-what-you-can shows and other features. Go to http://minnesotaplaylist.com/calendar Arts festivals are held throughout the state. Check www.exploreminnesota.com/index.aspx, http:// festivalnet.com/state/minnesota/mn.html, www.fairsandfestivals.net/states/MN/ ■

ProAct hosts golf tournament The annual ProAct Golf Classic is Mon, Aug. 15 at Southview Country Club in West St. Paul. The 18hole event brings players to a course known for its excellent rolling greens and raises funds for ProAct’s programs for people with disabilities. The foursome scramble start tournament features skill contests, team prizes and group photos. It begins with registration from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m., with an early lunch starting at 11 a.m. and a shotgun start at 12 p.m. A live auction, raffle and gourmet dinner will follow the game. Cost is $150 per golfer, which includes lunch and dinner, a golf cart, use of the clubhouse and practice facilities. A portion of the tournament golf cost is tax-deductible. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available. The price for the dinner alone is $35. FFI: Sheena Henry, 651289-3149, proactinc.org ■

June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6 Pg 17

ACCESSIBLE MOVIES Going to the movies is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. VSA Minnesota has compiled a list of movie theater accommodations throughout the state. Several assistive technologies are available to make movies accessible for people with vision or hearing loss. Many shows provide spaces for moviegoers who use wheelchairs or scooters, and companion seating. Because theater operations and space configurations change over time, always call ahead before planning to see a movie.

One way to save time and find out if a particular theater and move have accommodations is to use www.fandango.com/. The website allows theater patrons to see accessibility options and purchase tickets in advance. Many theater company websites also offer the option to sign up and get alerts when accessible movies are playing.

Here is an overview of theater assistive technology.

CaptiView closed caption viewing systems allow people with hearing loss to read movie dialogue from the comfort of their seat anywhere in the auditorium.

Fidelio is a wireless audio system that delivers descriptive narration for people with vision loss and amplified sound for individuals with hearing loss. Patrons can get a compact audio receiver with a plug-in headset at the box office or bring a personal headset.

Rear Window Captioning displays reversed captions on a light-emitting diode text display which is mounted in the rear of a theater. Patrons who are deaf or hardof-hearing use transparent acrylic panels attached to their seats to reflect the captions, so they appear superimposed on the movie screen. The reflective panels are portable and adjustable, enabling the caption user

Partners in Policymaking - from p. 15 choosing. Partners has given me the boost to believe I can do advocacy work.”

“People with disabilities need to work together,” another participant said. “Discrimination is discrimination and working together, we can accomplish more.

Learning how much common ground we have with one another has given me a better sense of belonging and a feeling that I’m not alone.”

The program is free, and some expenses are paid.

Lodging is provided for people who have to travel a distance to participate. The cost for individuals selected to participate is covered in part by a grant from the US Department of Health & Human Services, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities.

The 2016-2017 classes will be held at the Minneapolis Airport Marriott, 2020 American Blvd. E., Bloomington. 2016 dates are September 9-10, October 21-22 and November 18-19. No classes are offered in December. The 2017 class schedule is January 6-7, February 17-18, March 5-6, April 7-8 and May 12-13.

Brochures and applications are available online.

Visit: www.mngts.org/partnersinpolicymaking or contact Dolly Parker with questions, at dparker@mngts.org ■

to sit anywhere in the theater without bothering patrons in surrounding seats.

DVS Theatrical presents concise, the descriptive narration of visual cues, including actions, settings, scene changes, facial expressions and silent movement, through an FM or infrared system, making movies more meaningful to people with vision loss. The moviegoer hears the narration on a headset without disturbing other audience members and at no extra cost.

The Media Access Group at WGBH in Boston developed Rear Window Captioning and DVS Theatrical.

Page 18 Movies Films equipped with this technology are listed at http://ncam.wgbh.org/mopix/nowshowing.html#mn. FFI: 617-300-3400, TTY 617-300-2489, access@wgbh.org Some movie theaters use variations of open captioning, which is a text display of words and sounds heard during a performance, film, video, speech or dialogue. The display is “open” for anyone to see in a particular seating area. The website www.captionfish.com lists cinemas with the access features. Use a zip code to find current listings of nearby movies with open or closed captioning, an audio description track, or English subtitles in foreign films.

The following movie theaters in Minnesota offer accessibility services: Science Museum of Minnesota William L. McKnight-3M Omnitheater, 120 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul. Mummies: New Secrets from the Tombs is an exhibit from the vault of the Field Museum in Chicago. The world-class collection of Peruvian and Egyptian mummies will capture the imagination. A related film can be seen until Labor Day. National Parks Adventure is playing through Oct. 13, showcasing some of the most majestic and wild landscapes in America – from the steaming geysers of Yellowstone to the diverse wetlands of the Everglades. Open Sun, Tues, Wed 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thu-Fri-Sat 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., closed Mon. Admission for films $8 adults, $7 senior/children ages 4-12, the additional cost to tour museum; members free. If ordering online, add $3 service fee. To request accommodations, call 651-2219406 at least 72 hours in advance. FFI: 651-221-9444 or 800-221-9444, option 2 for Omnitheater film times, reservations or questions; TTY 651-221-4585; www.smm.org/accessibility Theatres at Mall of America, 401 South Ave., Bloomington. Fidelio and CaptiView are available for films encoded with the features. Call to inquire about which films have either capability. To use services, provide an ID that will be held at Guest Services until the device is returned after the show. Also available are assisted listening devices, wheelchair access in each auditorium, D-BOX Motion Code experience (seats that bring a full range of motion to life) and surround sound. FFI: 952-883-8901 or 952-883-8900, http://theatresmoa.com AMC offers open captioned films and other access options. AMC Showplace Inver Grove 16, 5567 Bishop Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Open captioned films WedThu. FFI: 651-453-1916. AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18 Theatres, Eden Prairie Shopping Center, 8251 Flying Cloud Dr., Suite 4000, Eden Prairie. Park in the upperlevel lot between Sears and Kohls. Accessible films in Auditorium 7; may need to sit in the certain area for description headsets to work. FFI: 952-656-0010. AMC

Rosedale 14 Theatres, Rosedale Center, 850 Rosedale Center, Roseville. Accessible films are in Auditorium 14. FFI: 651-604-9347 or 651-604-9344, 1-888-262-4386 (show times), www.amcentertainment.com The Film Society of Mpls/St. Paul sometimes shows foreign films with English captions at St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 SE Main St., Mpls. FFI: 612331-7563, www.mspfilmsociety.org Landmark Theatres offer CaptiView and Fidelio.

Patrons can get a compact audio receiver with a plugin headset at the box office or bring a personal headset. Descriptive narration and closed captioning availability are subject to the content made available from distributors. All films are available with amplified sound through assisted listening devices. Theaters are Edina Cinema, 3911 W. 50th St., Edina; Lagoon Cinema, 1320 Lagoon Ave. and Uptown Theatre, 2906 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. FFI: Edina 952-920-8796, Mpls Lagoon 612-823-3020 and Mpls Uptown 612-823-3005, www.landmarktheatres.com/minneapolis/accessibilityequipment.

Marcus Theatres offer CaptiView technology and assistive listening devices for guests. Marcus Theatres in Minnesota are Duluth’s Canal Park, 300 Harbor Drive, FFI; 218-729-0335; Elk River Mall, 570 Freeport Ave., FFI: 763-441-1234; Hastings Cinema, 1325 S. Frontage Rd., FFI: 651-438-9700; Lakes Cinema – Hermantown, 4351 Stebner Rd., FFI: 218-729-0335; Oakdale Cinema, 5677 Hadley Ave. N., FFI: 651-7704992; Parkwood Cinema – Waite Park, 1533 Frontage Road N., FFI: 320-253-4328; Rosemount Cinema, 15280 Carrousel Way, FFI: 651-322-4600; Safari Cinema – Moorhead, 925 30th Ave. S., FFI: 701-4618902; and Shakopee Cinema, 1116 Shakopee Town Square, FFI: 952-445-5300; http://marcustheatres. com/Theatre/TheatreTechnologies Regal Entertainment offers online film listings indicate if a movie has accessibility devices available (such as open captioning or descriptive video). Regal Brooklyn Center Stadium 20: 6420 Camden Ave. N., FFI: 763-560-6300. Regal Eagan 16, 2055 Cliff Rd., FFI: 651-452-8329, www.regmovies.com/Theatres ShowPlace ICON at West End offers descriptive video, closed captioning and assistive listening devices for all auditoriums available at Guest Services desk in the lobby. Availability of services is title-specific and is displayed for each show time at the box office, on the website, on iPhone and Android apps and in weekly e-newsletters. All seats, including wheelchair spaces and companion seats, may be reserved and purchased. ShowPlace Icon is at 1625 West End Blvd., St. Louis Park, FFI: Showtime, 763-515-1177, Office, 612-568-0375; www.showplaceicon.com ■

Did you know that Access Press is a nonprofit organization? One of the reasons we’re able to continue to bring disability related news to our readers is thanks to our advertisers.

We ask that you take the time to support them with your dollars—and to thank them for their support!

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Pg 18 June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6

Radio Talking Book

June Sampling

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 1800-722-0550, 9 a.m. to 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 our books via an 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 last 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/ facebookMTBN Audio information about the daily book listings is also on the National Federation for the Blind (NFB) Newline.

Register for the NFB Newline by calling 651-539-1424.

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

Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m.

Monkeys, Myths, and Molecules, Nonfiction by Dr. Joe Schwarcz, 2015. 12 broadcasts. Begins June 24.

With the dawning of the internet, answers to scientific questions are easily available, but how do we know what’s reliable? Dr. Joe Schwarcz advocates for a scientific approach to life. Read by Yelva Lynfield Past is Prologue • Monday – Friday 9 a.m.

One Nation, Under Gods, Nonfiction by Peter Manseau, 2015. 24 broadcasts. Begins June 22. The flip side of the traditional view of our history contains every kind of person, of every color and belief.

Manseau offers a truer view of the people who forged a nation. Read by Nancy Bader.

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

Finding Fontainebleau, Nonfiction by Thad Carhart, 2016. 12 broadcasts. Begins June 27. In the 1950s, Fontainebleau was both strange and majestic for Carhart. 30 years later, he and his wife returned to raise their children. Read by Arlan Dohrenburg.

Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

No Happier State, Fiction by Will Tinkham, 2015. 11 broadcasts. Begins June 20. While the men carve Mount Rushmore, Pêche Appleton sells tiny sculptures of the presidents to the onlookers below. Some don’t appreciate her designs. Read by Bill Studer.

PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

Let There Be Water, Nonfiction by Seth M. Siegel, 2015. 11 broadcasts. Begins June 22. Offbeat inventors have enabled Israel to lead the world in cuttingedge water technology. Even with 60 percent of its country made of desert, Israel has not only solved its water problem; it also has an abundance of water.

Read by Patricia Muir.

Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

His Right Hand, Fiction by Mettie Ivie Harrison, 2015. 10 broadcasts. Begins June 21. Devout Mormon Carl Ashby was killed in a staged murder on church property. But what upset the community more than his death is the autopsy reporting that Carl was biologically female. L - Read by Isla Hejny.

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

If I Could Turn Back Time, Fiction by Beth Harbison, 2015. Nine broadcasts. Begins June 14.

Ramie Phillips is rich and successful, and everyone thinks she is happy. When she dives into the ocean, hitting her head, she wakes up as a teen, hearing her mother calling. L - Read by Nancy Felknor.

The Story of My Teeth, Fiction by Valeria Luiselli, 2015. Five broadcasts. Begins June 27. Gustavo Sánchez is a late-in-life world traveler, yarn spinner, collector, and legendary auctioneer. His most precious possessions are the teeth of the “notorious infamous.”

L - Read by John Mandeville.

Potpourri • Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

The Narrow Door, Nonfiction by Paul Lisicky, 2016.

Nine broadcasts. Begins June 28. Paul Lisicky draws

the contours of two constantly shifting long-term relationships. The world around them is frail. His survival, as friendships end, proves that in turning towards loss, we embrace life. Read by Mike Piscitelli.

Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight Mademoiselle Chanel, Fiction by C.W. Gortner, 2015. 17 broadcasts. Begins June 30. Born into rural poverty, Gabrielle Chanel was sent to a convent orphanage after her mother’s death. The nuns there nurtured her exceptional sewing skills, which would propel Gabrielle far from the drudgery of her childhood. L, S - Read by Julie Bolton.

After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m.

Zero World, Fiction by Jason M. Hough, 2015. 16 Br. Begins June 14. A spaceship that vanished years ago has been found, along with the bodies of its murdered crew – save one. Peter’s mission is to find the missing crew member who fled through what appears to be a tear in the fabric of space. V, L - Read by Peter Danbury.

Weekend Program Books Your Personal World (Saturday at 1 p.m.) is airing The Fear Cure by Lissa Rankin, M.D. For the Younger Set (Sunday at 11 a.m.) is airing Ghoulish Song by William Alexander and Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown. Poetic Reflections (Sunday at noon) is airing The Darkening Trapeze by Larry Levis and Turning into Dwelling by Christopher Gilbert. The Great North (Sunday at 4 p.m.) is airing Tony Oliva by Thom Henninger and Portage by Sue Leaf. ■

Abbreviations: V – violence, L – offensive language, S - sexual situations, RE – racial epithets

Around the Dial

Disability Viewpoints

Disabled and Proud Disabled and Proud is aired on KFAI Radio, 6:30-7 p.m.

Thursday. Host Sam Jasmine and her guests explore a wide range of topics that are important to people with disabilities. KFAI is at 90.3 FM in Minneapolis and 106.7FM in St. Paul. Listeners outside of the Twin Cities, or those looking for a past show, will find the show’s archives online at www.kfai.org/ disabledandproud To be added to the show’s email list, contact disabledandproud@tcq.net.

Disability Viewpoints is a public access television show by and for people with disabilities. Mark Hughes and his team of co-hosts feature current news, interesting people and groups, and events in Minnesota’s disability community. The show is produced by volunteers at CTV North Suburbs in the Twin Cities. The show has a Facebook page, and a web page at www.ctv15.org/programs/local/dv ■ Access Press would be interested in listing other regularly scheduled broadcast, cablecast or podcast programs by and for people with disabilities. Anyone with questions can contact jane@accesspress.org

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June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6 Pg 19

Special Needs BasicCare changes are coming Special Needs BasicCare (SNBC) is a voluntary managed care program for people with disabilities ages 18 through 64 who have Medical Assistance (MA).

Changes are coming for about 8,000 Minnesotans in 31 counties who receive coverage through SNBC. Approximately 50,000 members are enrolled in the SNBC program statewide. Most of the affected 8,000 members will switch to new plans July 1. The balance of the affected membership in the Twin Cities metro area will shift January 1, 2017. The group is comprised primarily of people with physical disabilities and secondarily by people with mental illness.

SNBC coverage changes were necessary because Medica notified DHS early this year that it would end its Medicaid-only AccessAbility Solutions SNBC service July 1 in 31 counties. SNBC members affected

by Medica’s exit live in Aitkin, Becker, Benton, Carlton, Cass, Chisago, Clay, Cook, Crow Wing, Isanti, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, St. Louis, Stearns, Todd, Wadena and Wilkin counties.

To fill the coverage void, DHS conducted a sixweek Request for Proposal (RFP) process early in 2016 to select health plans to provide SNBC coverage in the affected counties. The process also invited health plans to participate in SNBC in southern Minnesota and the metro area in 2017.

Four health plans responded to the RFP seeking coverage opportunities: UCare, a longtime SNBC plan provider; HealthPartners, which applied for the first time;

Metropolitan Health Plan (MHP), which responded for Hennepin County only; and Medica, which sought to retain metro area coverage. Counties already served by South Country Health Alliance and PrimeWest countybased purchasing plans weren’t included in the RFP, but are expected to be procured again by 2018.

DHS announced the results in May. It split the health plan changes into two phases, with effective dates of July 1, 2016, and January 1, 2017.

For July 1, 2016, UCare was awarded 20 new counties: Aitkin, Becker, Cass, Clay, Cook, Crow Wing, Itasca, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, and Wilkin.

UCare currently serves 42 counties with its UCare Connect Medicaid-only SNBC plan primarily in the southern half of the state (exceptions are Pine, Carlton, Mille Lacs and St. Louis counties to the northeast).

HealthPartners was awarded 27 counties: Aitkin, Becker, Benton, Carlton, Cass, Chisago, Clay, Cook, Crow Wing, Kittson, Koochiching, Lake, Mahnomen, Marshall, Mille Lacs, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, Sherburne, St. Louis, Stearns, Wilkin and Wright counties. HealthPartners’s new Medicaid-only SNBC plan is called Inspire.

MHP will continue providing Medicaid-only SNBC service in Hennepin. Medica will continue to provide Medicaid-only SNBC in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Kandiyohi Ramsey, Rice, Scott, Sherburne, Wright, and Washington counties.

As of January 1, 2017 HealthPartners will provide

————— In Memoriam —————

Ely remembered for kindness

Carol Lynn Ely is remembered as an effective community advocate, who used a combination of kindness and tenacity to achieve her goals. Friends said she will be also missed for her beautiful smile, her ready laugh and her strong opinions on an array of topics ranging from disability rights to movie stars. Ely will also be missed for her flair for fashion, with a great love for the color purple in clothing, accessories or lipstick.

Ely, 59, died May 12. She was a resident of Minneapolis.

Friends and professional colleagues weighed in after Ely’s death. “In every day, in very part of her life, Carol practiced and proclaimed what is possible,” said Sharon Mule.

“Carol easily disarmed people with her genuine warm and friendless – such great tools for life, but especially effective for her advocacy work,” said Kristin Dean.

Ely was born September 6, 1956 in Chicago to Doris (Telfair) and Curtis Ely. She was born with cerebral palsy, but Ely and her family never let her disability stop her from leading a full life. She graduated from Chicago’s Spaulding High School and earned a bachelor’s degree and certificate in disability policy and services from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

Ely worked for several years for United Cerebral Palsy Minnesota, focusing on information and referral work. She later became a community program specialist at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration, working there for more than a decade. She was a core faculty member on the Minnesota Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program and a content contributor for the Self-Advocacy Online website.

She was also a curator of resources on grief, loss and end-of-life, women’s issues, and parents with disabilities for the Quality Mall website. She was an actor in videos used for the College of Direct Support curriculum. Many of the videos are on YouTube.

Ely was adjunct faculty in the U of M’s Occupational Therapy Program and a leader and advocate of open conversations about people with disabilities and sexuality. She frequently was a lecturer in U of M courses and presented at conferences.

She was active in the U of M Black Faculty and Staff Association. Most recently she was working on writing a grant to help metro area high schoolers of color learn about healthcare and human service ca-

reers. She was effective at bringing the perspectives of women of color to discussions of a wide range of issues.

Carol is survived by her mother Doris Ely, Minneapolis and many other family members and friends. A GoFundMe account has Carol Lynn Ely been set up to help with final expenses, at www.gofundme.com/23zsbrt7 To see a tribute to Ely, go to http://tinyurl.com/ CarolLynnEly ■

Medicaid-only service to SNBC members in an additional seven metro counties: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington.

Members can choose to enroll in a different SNBC plan, or opt out of SNBC altogether. Members who neither choose a plan nor opt out of enrollment will be assigned to a plan in their hoe county. SNBC members changing health plans by default or choice can expect their provider networks to remain generally the same as their previous plan.

SNBC enrollees may have a care coordinator or navigator to help them get health care and support services. Some SNBC health plans coordinate with other payers, including Medicare Parts A, B and D for enrollees who have that coverage. Some plans are contracted with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to integrate Medicare and Medicaid benefit sets.

People with disabilities who meet the age criteria and have MA fee-for-service coverage receive a letter from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) asking them to enroll in an SNBC health plan.

Some people may not get a letter because they are excluded from enrolling in a health plan and will continue to get their coverage through fee-for-service.

Anyone can choose to not enroll and to stay in feefor-service. If DHS does not receive the SNBC Choice Form by the deadline, the person will automatically be enrolled in SNBC. People can choose to change their health plan (if more than one health plan is available in their county) or disenroll for the next available month. The health plans that are under contract with DHS administer SNBC. It is available in all 87 counties.

More information is at: http://tinyurl.com/jpjyxob or in accessible formats by calling 651-431-2670, 800657-3739 toll free, or by using your preferred relay service. A service coverage map can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/zqe7gqo ■

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

Grants Manager/Advocate Minnesota Disability Law Center. For details go to www.mylegalaid.org/jobs

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

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

FOR RENT Lewis Park Apartments: Barrier-free housing with wheelchair users in mind. Section 8 subsidized.

One- and two-bedroom units. For more information on availability call 651-488-9923. St. Paul, MN. Equal Opportunity Housing.

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

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

Find your new home with At Home Apartments. Call 651-224-1234 or visit AtHomeApartments.com for an apartment or town home. Equal Opportunity Housing.

FOR SALE Folding ramp: 5' EZ Access folding ramp, like new.

Paid $300; asking $150. Smaller size adult wheel chair; asking $25. Call Shawn: (952) 897-1128 if interested.

Pg 20 June 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 6