August 2016 Edition - Access Press

New appointee, Page 10

Volume 27, Number 8

Waiver lawsuit to proceed

August 10, 2016

www.accesspress.org

Celebrating the ADA

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

by Jane McClure

A class action lawsuit centered on management of Minnesota’s Home and Community-Based Waiver Services Program can proceed, a U.S. District Court judge ruled July 28. The court rejected a request by state officials to dismiss the lawsuit, which centers on deprivation of more than $1 billion in services to people with disabilities.

The next step could be an immediate appeal to the federal Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. No appeal had been filed as of Access Press deadline. The court was expected to issue a subsequent order and conference to address next steps with all parties in early August.

The case moves forward with Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Emily Johnson Piper as defendant.

Judge Donovan Frank dismissed DHS as a second defendant, stating that it would be redundant to have both DHS and Johnson Piper as defendants. Frank also dismissed the State of Minnesota as a defendant, because the lawsuit’s focus is DHS practices.

The judge also stated that Minnesota’s counties are not Waiver lawsuit - p. 4

“The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.”

— Confucius

NEWS DIGEST

Angelique Lele, Miss Wheelchair Minnesota 2015, and members of Young Dance performed at the Minnesota ADA Celebration July 26 in St. Paul. More pictures are on page 9.

Photo by Jane McClure

Rights were violated in dispute

by Access Press staff

A Twin Cities-based disability services nonprofit likely violated a worker’s civil rights when a requested promotion was denied. Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsay issued the ruling July 5, in the case of Bradford C. Teslow versus Opportunity Partners.

Lindsay’s finding that there is probable cause in Teslow’s case is considered groundbreaking insofar as how Teslow was treated, because of the national spotlight on workplace inclusion. It’s not a final ruling but allows Teslow’s complaint to proceed.

The ruling sets into motion a conciliation process to resolve the discrimination allegations, which were filed in July 2015.

While indicating that it disagrees with the decision, Opportunity Partners has stated that it will change hiring practices. Recipients of support services will be considered for “regular” jobs.

The ruling raises tough issues for agencies that provide job training, jobs and supportive employment services. The workers who come through the agencies are considered to be clients or persons served. Many want to be treated like “regular” employees. The difference is financial as hiring workers has a higher cost.

Just 13 percent of Minnesotans with disabilities who received state services worked in integrated community settings, according to Hiring dispute violation - p. 3

Minnesota State Fair offers accommodations An accessible trolley and spacious new restrooms near the Kidway are among new Minnesota State Fair accessible accommodations for 2016.

Also available for 2016 is a list of accessible and affordable dining options.

This year’s fair is August 25 through September 5 in Falcon Heights.

Fair Communications Director Brienna Schuette said the dining list outlines sit-down eating establishments at the fair that are accessible via curb cuts, have hard and sturdy floor surfaces and have places where a fair-goer can pull a wheelchair up to a table. In some places, Schuette said a chair might have to be moved to make room for a wheelchair or scooter. Diners should always ask for accommodations. The list appears at the end of this article.

The fair offers an accessibility guide. Go to www.mnstatefair.org, click on the general information tab and then click on accessibility. Print out the guide. Accessibility questions can be sent to accessibility@mnstate fair.org, or call 651-288-4448. The fair’s main website offers information about admissions costs, special days and much more.

A new 2016 feature is a free, accessible trolley. The trolley will travel along Randall Avenue with a stop at Buford Avenue. It will run 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 9 p.m. daily. It will serve guests who enter at Buford or park at the Robin Lot. A third addition is a new restroom building south of the Kidway children’s Demonstrations were and are a state fair highlight. area, on the west side of Cooper Street. The new 6,540-square-foot restroom Photo courtesy of State Services for the Blind Plan for fun - p. 15

Last call for the 2016 Charlie Smith Award nominations; first call for banquet sponsors.

Page 3

Forums on PCA issues bring forth differing views.

Page 2

Debate continues over the Disability Waiver Rate System.

Page 4

It’s a dog’s life. Video festival announced.

Page 11

Take the PCA survey by August 27.

Page 12

INSIDE Around the Dial, pg 14 Enjoy!, pg 11 Events, pg 12 People & Places, pg 10 Radio Talking Book, pg 14 Regional News, pg 6

Pg 2 August 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 8

EDITOR’S DESK

Tim Benjamin After focusing pretty hard for the last few months on home-based care and PCA reimbursement rates, it’s probably no surprise that I have a couple related events to talk about this month. One of them is the Direct Care/Workforce Summit held by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) on July 26, the same day as the ADA anniversary. We’ve got photos on pages one and nine on the ADA celebration. Another thing I’d like to share a bit about is the July 28 National Council on Disability seminar at the Radisson Blu in downtown Minneapolis.

The workforce summit was a bit of a letdown for me. Loren Colman, assistant commissioner for Continuing Care for Older Adults at DHS, kicked off the day and introduced us to four speakers: two people with disabilities who spoke about the difficulties in finding reliable, quality home-care workers and two others who spoke about demographics and technologies. Susan Brower, the Minnesota state demographer, had some interesting numbers concerning Minnesota and the need for a larger direct-care workforce in the very near future. The state predicts that the current home-care workforce of 135,000 will need to increase by more than 40 percent by 2020. How will that happen in four years? However it does, it is necessary, because the state already has more than 800,000 residents over the age of 65, and 612,000 Minnesotans have a serious disability (many of them are also seniors). Currently 11.3 percent of the state’s 5.4 million people have disabilities that require direct care. She also shared some statistics on who is likely to be a personal care attendant, describing the current workforce by age, sex, and number of years they’ve worked as a direct support provider.

Another individual spoke about promising support technologies, but for me that didn’t seem relevant to really enabling independent living or to resolving the crisis. The technologies described seemed as though they might possibly help in a group home or nursing home or some kind of facility. But remember, the goal for most people is to stay out of institutional living. You can’t request physical help using remote technologies from someone who may be across town caring for someone else in their home. I don’t believe that a lifeline pendant will be of much use to a lot of people who have the need for PCAs. The summit made time for small group breakouts, and I heard from other attendees that their group interactions were productive, with good ideas and possible solutions that could be implemented pretty quickly and easily. My group seemed to sway off

Volume 27, Number 8 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

onto other topics related to independent living, and didn’t really seem to address any solutions for the worker shortage problem.

I think many of us are so anxious about the threat of losing independence that it can be difficult to think about this worker shortage as a public economic issue. It’s a very personal threat. While I don’t think we can use this as any kind of excuse, what psychologists call “learned helplessness” is a risk for many people with disabilities, myself included. It has to be considered in resolving the crisis. Many of us are afraid to speak out about poor and inconsistent care to our PCAs, to our case managers and to our provider agencies. We are not willing to lose what we have if we ask or expect “too much” of anyone.

When we don’t expect too much we don’t get too much. That’s a pretty sad statement, considering Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan requires the state to allow people with disabilities to live and enjoy life in the least restricted environment of their choice.

On July 28 the National Council on Disabilities had their annual conference here in Minnesota and I was asked to speak about the direct care workforce. I was

I think many of us are so anxious about the threat of losing independence that it can be difficult to think about this worker shortage as a public economic issue. It’s a very personal threat. extremely lucky to be on a panel with two fabulous speakers who presented ahead of me. Sheryl Larson from the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration, and Jessica Lehman from the San Francisco Senior Action Network, provided researchbased perspectives. Lehman spoke about the importance of mutual respect among clients, agencies and caregivers, and how the shortage of workforce is affecting the health and livelihoods of Californians with disabilities. It’s comforting and discouraging at the same time to know that Minnesota is not the only place where the home-care shortage is critical. Of course, it is happening all over the country.

Larson presented information from her research on finding, keeping and ensuring the competence of direct service workers. It was a very strong presentation and if you get an opportunity to view her research, you’ll find it interesting. (I’ll contact Larson and the Institute on Community Integration and see if we can post some of her work on the Access Press website).

She spoke very expertly about the demographics of the people involved with direct service workers and the workers themselves. According to her references, there will be a 25 percent increase in the demand for direct support workers by 2024. A staggering statistic is that 51 percent of direct service workers are also relying on public assistance and 24 percent are with-

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out any health insurance. Personal care attendants’ average hourly wage is just $10.09, and direct support workers in institutions are making only $14.77 an hour. In 2012, the average turnover rate ranged from 30 percent to 43 percent and the vacancy rate was 3.3 percent to 17.2 percent. These are terrible numbers. How can we expect continuity and competence in care providers when the turnover rate is this high? How can provider agencies stay afloat if they’re training new employees this frequently?

What’s worse is that these numbers are from 2012.

They are certainly higher today.

I’ve learned that Medicaid Home- and CommunityBased Services has its own internal rules. The rules from 2014, like Minnesota’s Olmstead Act, require that people with disabilities be integrated into the community at a level of independence of their choice; to have full access to the greater community and to engage in the community while being provided the services needed. Each individual, Medicaid says, should also be offered the opportunity to seek competitive employment in an integrated setting and control their personal resources. We can’t do this without qualified caregivers. We all seem to know what we need to get qualified caregivers: a livable, competitive, and professional wage.

Minnesota’s new Olmstead Plan reinforces these rights and requirements, so it seems like someone is not following the plan. Unfortunately, it’s our legislative leadership. They haven’t been funding enough for the state to be in compliance with these rules.

DHS is not completely innocent, either; just last year we found out that DHS had $1 billion of unspent money that should have gone to the home- and community-based service programs. Someone asked me, respectfully, why we need more money for this if DHS is sitting on $1 billion they were supposed to spend on services. Why can’t they use that billion on reimbursement rate increases now? What could I say to that question other than that the money was designated for a particular use? The person responded, there is a crisis in the community; reallocate the money to slow down the care-provider crisis throughout the state, now; approach the legislature next session to earmark appropriate funding. I wonder why the state’s attorney has not looked into this or why there hasn’t been a class-action suit filed concerning compliance with the Olmstead Plan.

I hope everybody has been thinking about your favorite local hero for this year’s Charlie Smith award.

We need you to send your nominations in for the 2016 award. There are plenty of people out there who are deserving for their work with the disability community. Send a nomination in by 5 p.m. Monday, August 15 telling of someone you know who consistently goes above and beyond what’s needed to advance the lives of individuals with disabilities. The board will be going through the nominees at its August meeting so that we can announce the winner in the September paper. Stay cool, and see you at the Minnesota State Fair! ■

August 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 8

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Access Press banquet sponsorships are offered Charlie Smith Award Banquet program. The sponsoring It’s the last call for nominations for the 2016 Access organization/company will be recognized in the NoPress Charlie Smith Award, due by 5 p.m. Monday, vember and December 2016 issues of Access Press August 15. The board and staff at Access Press, with a special ad. Sponsors will receive one free Minnesota’s disability community newspaper, await website ad during the month of choice, a value of $100. your nominations. Go to www.accesspress.org and Proofreaders Level: click the Charlie Awards tab for details and a nominaThe second level is the Proofreaders Level, at $400. tion form. Call us at 651-644-2133 or email Proofreaders make sure all of the copy is correct before CSAnominations@accesspress.org with questions. the newspaper goes to press. The sponsor logo will be The award is given to an individual or group, in recdisplayed on special table signs and the organization/ ognition of outstanding service to Minnesota’s disability community. The nominee and finalists are hon- Tim Benjamin and Steve Anderson gave the Charlie Smith company name will be listed in the 2016 Charlie Smith Award Banquet program. The sponsoring organization/ ored in the September issue of Access Press. The win- Award to 2013 winner Cal Appleby. ner is celebrated at the annual award banquet, which File photo company will be recognized in the November and December 2016 issues of Access Press. Sponsors will reis Friday, Nov. 4. Pictures and information about all ceive two free rotating website ads during the months of choice, a value of $200. nominees will be displayed at the banquet. That event includes a delicious meal, a Proofreader sponsors will be listed on a special banner displayed at the banquet. silent auction and raffle, speeches and social time at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Editor-in-Chief Level Bloomington. Interpretation is offered for guests. The venue offers ample parking The third level for sponsors is the Editor-in-Chief Level, at $500. This title reand plenty of space for banquet guests to enjoy themselves.

The Charlie Smith Award is named in honor of the late Charlie Smith, founding flects the highest position in a newsroom. The sponsor logo will be displayed on special table signs and the organization/company name will be listed in the 2016 editor of Access Press. He was a well-known Minnesota disability rights advoCharlie Smith Award Banquet program. The sponsoring organization/company cate. will be recognized in the November and December 2016 issues of Access Press.

Being a sponsor for the Access Press Charlie Smith Award Banquet is a great Sponsors will receive two free rotating website ads during the months of choice, a way for a business or nonprofit group to enhance its visibility in Minnesota’s disvalue of $200. Editor-in-chief sponsors will be listed on a special banner disability community, and to help Access Press. Sponsors are being sought for the played at the banquet. The sponsoring organization/company will be recognized 2016 banquet. Note that sponsorship levels have changed. by the emcee during the banquet. A table will be named in the sponsor’s honor the Sponsorship level names reflect past and present newsroom titles. AXIS, In evening of the event. This sponsoring level also include a free Access Press subHome Personal Care and NHHI are the 2016 event’s first sponsors, at the Editorscription, a value of $30 and one Directory of Organizations listing, good for one in-Chief level. AccraCare and True Friends are among Proofreader sponsors. year, a value of $60.

Keyliners Level: Anyone interested in being a sponsor or in donating to the banquet’s silent aucThe first level is the Keyliners Level, at $300. In the pre-desktop publishing tion and pick-your-prize raffle should contact Access Press Business Manager days, keyliners put the paper together. The sponsor logo will be displayed on speDawn Frederick at 651-644-2133 or dawn@accesspress.org ■ cial table signs and the organization/company name will be listed in the 2016 Hiring dispute violation - from p. 1 the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

That’s one of the lowest rates in the United States.

“This case is a poster child for why so many of these facilities are not a pathway to competitive, integrated employment but are instead a dead end,” Alison Barkoff, national disability rights advocate in Washington, D.C., for the Center for Public Representation, told the Star Tribune.

Teslow, 59, is a St. Paul resident. He has a cognitive disability and depression stemming from a brain injury. He works at Opportunity Partners’ NewSource Bloomington assembly plant, packaging parts. He receives state-funded job support services.

Teslow has received vocational services from Opportunity Partners since 2013.

In June 2015 he sought a site supervisor position at NewSource. He was soon told that his application wouldn’t be considered because he is a “person served.” a phrase used to refer to clients. Opportunity Partners indicated that hiring an applicant who is a “person served” would result in a violation of that person’s privacy rights under state and federal law.

His application was reviewed by staff, including the vice president for human resources. The person who initially received Teslow’s application believe he was a “temp to hire” and not a “person served.”

Teslow’s job coach, who doesn’t work for Opportunity Partners, asked about the decision to not consider the application for employment. In an email it was explained that in the records program used, there was no way to block access to certain records, including diagnoses. That was seen as a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

“There are a number of professions, particularly in the health care industry, where employees have access to confidential medical records,” the ruling stated.

In those jobs, employees are warned that they face discipline if they improperly access confidential records. “When asked if it would have been possible to implement this type of system if (Teslow) had been hired the human resources generalist stated, ‘I don’t know.’”

State officials said that evidence showed that Teslow was not considered for

employment because of his disability, and they hired him as a “person served” would not have been a HIPAA violation. If Opportunity Partners has a policy that prohibits hiring based on an erroneous interpretation of HIPAA, state officials said that also could be considered discriminatory and could give rise to another claim.

Opportunity Partners staff indicated that had Teslow’s application been considered, he may not have met minimum qualifications. One qualification for the job is valid automobile insurance, which he doesn’t have. But state officials said the initial decision to not consider the application was based on Teslow’s “person served” status and not on his qualification. The state also questioned why Teslow was contacted in August 2015 about the position two months after he had filed the discrimination complaint.

The ruling shines a light on a controversial aspect of employment for people with disabilities. Many disability service providers, including Opportunity Partners, hold special U.S. Department of Labor certificate that exempt them from the federal minimum wage. More than 100 companies in Minnesota hold the certificates.

The places of employment are sometimes referred to sheltered workshops.

Workers with disabilities are paid based on productivity, sometimes earning very little.

About 228,600 individuals across the nation are being paid sub-minimum wages under these certificates. Proponents contend that the workplaces allow people with disabilities to develop skills they wouldn’t be able to nurture elsewhere. Critics say it’s unfair to expect people to work for such low wages.

Opportunity Partners President and Chief Executive Officer Armando Camacho said in a statement that Opportunity Partners disagrees with the ruling and is weighing an appeal. But the nonprofit is also changing its hiring practices. ■

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FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Reform actions: Good intentions, or bad outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities

by Michael Kraines and Thomas Weaver

In the July issue of Access Press, Alexandra Bartolic with the Department of Human Services (DHS) wrote to remind people of the benefits of the new Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS) for people receiving Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). In her commentary, she briefly touched on Day Training and Habilitation (DT&H) services. Perhaps it was her focus on the benefits of DWRS that left unstated the significant harm that this program will bring to people receiving these important DT&H services. If the DWRS is not changed significantly before its full implementation in just a few short years, thousands of people with intellectual disabilities will see a significant reduction in the quality and the type of services they receive, and many could lose services altogether.

As board members of the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR) and leaders of DT&H service providers, we are writing to alert readers to the serious harm the DWRS is set to unleash. Bartolic notes that DHS “worked intensively with provider agencies since 2009 to document cost drivers that affect spending,” suggesting that this has been a collaborative effort. It is true that members of MOHR and other stakeholders have participated, but being at the table should not be equated with designing the system, or concurring with the outcome.

MOHR has raised many concerns regarding DWRS,

but this has yielded few of the necessary changes that MOHR believes are required if its members are to continue to provide the quality employment, training and education services people with intellectual disabilities need and expect.

Bartolic also notes that the intent of the DHS has been to keep services funded under the DWRS “cost neutral overall.” According to Bartolic, “Overall the rate changes must balance each other so that the net changes are financially cost neutral.” Early on, DHS assured MOHR members that “cost neutrality” meant that the same amount of funding would be available for DT&H services under DWRS as had historically been spent.

But this is not happening. Significant money will be cut from DT&H once DWRS is fully implemented. Bartolic puts forth that “33 percent of DT&H providers whose rates were low historically” have a projected rate increase. The other side of the coin, which Bartolic failed to mention, is that 67 percent of providers all across the state will receive funding cuts. Many MOHR members have calculated their new DWRS rates and have been alarmed to discover funding cuts for their services ranging from 10 to 30 percent or more. Some providers simply will not survive if DWRS is implemented in its current form.

MOHR members have been privileged to provide high-quality employment, training, and life enrichment services to people with developmental disabilities for

Waiver lawsuit - from p. 1 required parties to this action because the court could award the relief plaintiffs seek in the counties’ absence. One issue raised in the fight over waiver services is counties not acting to get people into needed services programs, and sitting on the funding.

Frank stated that the plaintiffs in the case have plausibly outlined viable claims against the commissioner under the federal Medicaid Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act and the due process clause of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Shamus O’Meara, lead counsel for the families, said the ruling is “great news for people with disabilities. It rejects the state’s contention that the families’ claims have no legal merit and are not worthy of their day in court. Their claims of DHS fiscal mismanagement of a critical federal program, placing people with disabilities on waiting lists for years and never bothering to tell them that millions of dollars had been available for their needs, will now move forward to justice.”

Families involved in the lawsuit contend that for more than two decades DHS mismanaged funds appropriated by the Minnesota Legislature for the Home and Community Based Waiver Services program. The program helps people with disabilities live independent, inclusive lives within their communi-

ties. The lawsuit alleges that more than 5,000 people with disabilities have been placed on waiting lists, many for years, deprived of waiver services for which they are eligible and never told that money was available for them. The large number of potential litigants prompted the drive for a class action lawsuit.

All four plaintiffs who are central to the lawsuit are Minnesotans with disabilities. Their claims focus largely on two type of waiver services, for developmental disabilities or DD service or Community Access for Disability Inclusion or CADI waivers.

All four receive some level of service to help with day-to-day living, but they have waited for years for waiver services. Kyle Guggenberger alleged that he was placed on a waiting list more than five years ago after being found eligible for DD Waiver Services.

Jay Hannon is in a similar situation. Abigail Pearson has waited for the same waiver services for more than 14 years.

Amber Brick was placed on a waiting list more than three years ago after being found eligible for CADI Waiver Services. The four plaintiffs are between the ages of 22 and 25 and reside at home with their parents. With additional waiver supports and services, all contend that they could be more fully integrated into their communities and not isolated in their parental homes.

One focus in Frank’s ruling is the federal Medicaid

Michael Kraines

Thomas Weaver

decades, and over 26,000 people with disabilities and their families depend on our services. Moreover, successful implementation of the state’s new Olmstead Plan —which requires that people with disabilities be given the same opportunities as people without disabilities —also depends on the continued availability of high-quality DT&H services. Despite Bartolic’s rosy projections and her best intentions, the reality is that the new DWRS system is poised to inflict serious harm on those it is intended to protect. And, it’s the outcomes, not the intentions that truly matter. ■ Michael Kraines and Thomas Weaver are board members of the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation. Kraines is the executive director of Choice, Inc., headquartered in Eden Prairie, and Weaver is the chief executive officer of Achieve Services, Inc., Blaine.

Act and some of its legal provisions. One provision he and the plaintiffs singled out calls for services to be delivered within a reasonable amount of time. Another provision is that those eligible for the services to have freedom of choice. His 104-page ruling cited case law from other states where similar issues were raised.

The plaintiffs contend that Johnson Piper doesn’t have an effective and comprehensive plan for ensuring that plaintiffs and other people with disabilities be provided with waiver services within the funding appropriated by the Minnesota Legislature each year, rather than placing them on wait lists, to enable them to live in the most integrated settings possible, consistent with their needs and preferences.” They also claim that the action of the defendants have caused them harm and have caused them to remain isolated from their communities in a discriminatory manner in violation of federal law.

The plaintiffs also took aim at counties, stating in court documents that DHS has made recommendations that counties reduce their reserves, spend additional funding and reduce their waiting lists. One report stated that many counties “had room in their budgets to provide additional services or add more participants to programs.”

Court documents state that DHS’s most recent waiver services review reported that 72 out of 81 Minnesota counties or lead agencies had unspent reserves of 4 percent or more in their DD Waiver budgets. Of these 72 lead agencies, 30 had reserves of 10 percent or more. It is further alleged that 75 out of 81 lead agencies had unspent reserves of 4 percent or more in their Community Alternative Care/CADI/ Brain Injury budgets. Of these, 48 had reserves of 10 percent or more.

Not spending money on services means that the dollars go back to the state’s general fund. The plaintiffs stated that the defendants could have provided them with the services they seek without fundamentally altering the state’s programs or unduly burdening the state, by spending the unspent program dollars. They also pointed out that people on waiting lists are routinely denied the opportunity to challenge their placement on a waiting list, through a hearing process.

The lawsuit was filed almost one year ago, Read more about the filing at http://www.accesspress.org/ blog/2015/09/10/mishandling-of-funds-alleged-inlawsuit/ ■

August 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 8

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Basilica Block Party views blocked by bad planning

by Carrie Salberg

Summer is music festival season in Minnesota. For live music lovers, being outdoors with a cold beverage in hand, singing along with thousands of fellow fans as your favorite band plays your favorite song, all add up to The Perfect Summer Day. Unfortunately, that perfect day can easily turn into a disappointing headache if you are a person with a disability. Recently, I experienced that headache for myself at the Basilica Block Party.

Started in 1995 to raise money for the restoration of

the Basilica of St. Mary, the Basilica Block Party is an annual fundraiser drawing tens of thousands of concert-goers to Minneapolis for two music-filled nights. I went to my first party in 2009 to see my favorite musician, choosing to ignore warnings of friends who described the chaos of the crowds. It’s nearly 20 years post-ADA, and they’ve been doing this for 15 years—surely it’s accessible, I reasoned.

As an avid live music lover who uses a wheelchair and a ventilator, I did my due diligence by contacting the event staff directly about accessibility. They assured me that there were wheelchair-accessible seating areas with excellent sight-lines at each of their three stages.

Upon arriving at the main stage, not one of the staff or volunteers I encountered knew where this seating area was. My sister, on a mission to find it, was turned away from the one ramped, raised platform seating area, told that it was only for those with VIP wristbands.

So, to make sure that I could see the show, we parked ourselves right in front of the stage—a big mistake.

Eventually, the crowd surged forward and what little space I had around me was gone. As I tried to enjoy the show, people kicked my chair, slammed into my ventilator, and spilled drinks on me. I knew I had to get out.

After a nightmare of pushing, shoving, and beer-cans-inthe-face, we were free. I spent the rest of the night safely behind the able-bodied crowd, unable to see anything but rear ends and elbows. I vowed never to return.

Cut to 2012 when I gave it another chance after winning free tickets from longtime event sponsor Cit-

ies 97. Once again, I emailed organizers about accessibility; again they said accessible seating was available at each stage. When I reached the ramped, raised platform that I was directed to, I was stopped and told again that I needed a VIP wristband to get in. Isn’t my wheelchair my ticket to the accessible seating? I argued. A walkie-talkie conversation with a higher-up convinced the volunteer to let me in. While the platform was small and could only fit two or three wheelchairs at most, I was thankful to be able to see the stage away from the crush of the crowd.

So when the same favorite musician was added to the main-stage line-up this year, I decided to go. With the help of said player’s fantastic tour manager, I secured VIP wristbands to avoid having to argue my way into the accessible area. Sadly, instead of the great sightline, I had in 2012, this year my $69 ticket provided a view of a private corporate party which was set up on a platform directly in front the accessible seating. While event staff offered their contact

information should I need anything during the show (likely due to my connection to the musician), there were no other workable seating options at that stage.

The event website states the organizers are committed to ensuring that the Basilica “continues to welcome generations to come to rock at the Block Party.”

My experiences have been far from welcoming. With the hundreds of thousands of dollars raised from this annual money-making event, Basilica Block Party organizers and sponsors have no excuse for not providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

It is clear that they have not included the voices of people with disabilities in their planning or design of the event. There are easy fixes should they decide that they truly want to be welcoming to all. Until they do, I refuse to support their organization. I will find my Perfect Summer Day elsewhere. ■ Carrie Salberg is an Access Press board of directors member with a long history of working on accessibility issues.

Pg 6 August 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 8

Therapy program trots to new home

REGIONAL NEWS Savings from Medicaid reform touted A nationally watched reform initiative in Minnesota’s Medicaid program resulted in savings of more than $150 million over its first three years, as providers across the state developed and implemented innovative approaches to improving health care for low-income people. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) announced that its Integrated Health Partnerships demonstration is driving improvements in the quality of care. It offers providers flexibility as they adapt to value-based payment arrangements, which are becoming more prevalent nationally.

“Our experience shows how much there is to gain from paying for value, as opposed to volume,” Human Services Commissioner Emily Johnson Piper said. “These changes don’t just save money — they are leading to much-needed improvements in health care for the low-income people we serve in the Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare programs.”

Minnesota was one of the first states to implement an accountable care organization to improve care in its Medicaid program. The demonstration program covers both managed care and traditional fee-for-service care, with a payment model that prioritizes coordinated care by creating incentives for providers. Providers that deliver care for less than the targeted cost are eligible to share the savings; some providers also share the downside risk if costs are higher than targeted. As providers progress into their second and third years in the program, a portion of their payment is tied to the quality of care they deliver.

Preliminary 2015 results showed net savings of $76.7 million. Twelve of 15 provider groups delivered care at a savings, compared to cost goals, and the savings for 10 groups were high enough to merit interim payments. Three other groups initially missed cost targets. The 2015 results won’t be final until next year, after all available data has been analyzed.

The preliminary 2015 savings come on top of savings of $65.3 million in 2014 and $14.8 million in 2013, when the demonstration program began.

On quality, results for the six original provider groups that joined in 2013 showed that they either outperformed statewide averages for quality measures such as depression remission and optimal diabetes care, or showed significant improvement. The program now covers more than 350,000 people in publicly funded health care programs and continues to expand, with 19 provider groups now involved. Due to its growth, DHS is on track to meet a goal to include about 500,000 Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare enrollees in the IHP or similar valuebased reforms by the end of 2018. ■ (Source: DHS)

Every Wednesday, 4-year-old Ellie Soderberg attends an occupational therapy session. She puts on a small purple helmet, swings her leg over the back of a 1,500-pound chestnut horse named Whisper and starts a 45-minute session of activities and exercises.

Whisper is part of Hold Your Horse, an equine-assisted therapy program, which recently moved to new quarters.

Janet Weisberg, an occupational therapist, started Hold Your Horse in 2006. The program has moved from one private facility to another but needed its own space.

“Horses are really my equipment and kind of like my co-workers,” Weisberg told the Star Tribune.

“They are the ones that make this program what it is.”

The program, which recently lost its lease in Maple Plain, is moving into its own facility near Greenfield.

Weisberg had just two months to find the program a new home. She looked at more than two dozen locations before being contacted by a property owner who wanted to make a donation of part of a site and sell

the rest. The new place has a heated indoor arena and plenty of space — enough to expand the program and add more horses to the team of six. The move will take place in mid-August. Weisberg indicated she would need to seek volunteer help to move animals and equipment.

Hold Your Horse offers occupational therapy and horse-assisted psychotherapy, and hopes to expand its therapy offerings. Proponents said the program and its offerings should be thought of as therapy and not in the same context as programs that allow people with disabilities to ride horses for recreation.

Both types of equine programs in the region have had challenges retaining adequate space as suburban communities have grown into what used to be farm land.

“Horses just give you that feeling of empowerment,” she said. “I just think that everyone with disabilities or mental illness should have that feeling.” ■ (Source: Star Tribune)

Mothers speak out about FASD Mothers who drank alcohol while pregnant are now speaking out against fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, sharing stories of their children’s disabilities with a wide range of audiences. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders or FASD is the term given to the cognitive and physical damage that can result when a woman exposes her fetus to alcohol. The effects can range from mild to severe and can cause developmental disabilities. Experts consider FASD to be a vastly under-recognized problem.

It’s also 100 percent preventable, but it’s not something most people feel comfortable talking about, said Ruth Richardson, program director at the Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS).

“Until we shed the shame and the stigma about this issue, there are going to be secrets. And that’s going to make it hard to understand its scope.”

Richardson, parents and others involved in the issue spoke to the Pioneer Press newspaper recently to

raise awareness of FASD. They noted that there are complex reasons as to why women may drink alcohol while pregnant.

But they want everyone to understand the many lifelong programs children with FASD can have and to understand that those problems are preventable.

MOFAS, which was formed in 1998 to support foster and adoptive parents of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, recently started helping mothers share their stories to raise public awareness.

Catie Triviski, who coordinates the organization’s chemical health programs, said, “It’s so hard to process that you could have caused harm to your child.

There’s so much shame that it can prevent women from even talking about it. And I know there are other women who contact her for support. She helps them know they aren’t alone.” ■ (Source: Pioneer Press)

Proposed rental restriction eyed A study on North Mankato’s property density recommends the city restrict rental property to 10 percent of a city block in some residential areas throughout Upper and Lower North Mankato. The study was commissioned by the North Mankato City Council in response to concerns about an increasing number of rental properties. Quality of life, increased police calls and property maintenance issues have been raised by city officials and some neighbors of rental properties.

The proposed policy is getting a mixed reaction.

One issue is that the policy could unfairly impact renters with disabilities. Parts of North Mankato have better access to transit and transportation options, so rentals are popular there for people who cannot drive or whose mobility is limited.

Limiting rentals could have an unfair impact on renters who need transportation access, the City Council was told.

“In some areas, we may be seeing concentrations of rentals in a higher area than had previously been observed,” City Administrator John Harrenstein said during a recent council meeting. One part of the city is seeing more requests for rental licenses, which has spurred the worries about rental overconcentration and negative impact on neighborhoods.

City officials said they will continue to study their options. City officials suspended rental licenses in fall 2015, according to the Mankato Free Press. ■ (Source: Mankato Free Press)

BDC Management Co. may be accepting applications for our accessible waiting lists at the following affordable communities Albright Townhomes Minneapolis (612) 824-6665 Buffalo Court Apartments Buffalo (763) 684-1907 Elliot Park Apartments Minneapolis (612) 338-3106 Evergreen Apartments Hutchinson 1-800-661-2501 Franklin Lane Apartments Anoka (763) 427-7650 Hanover Townhomes St. Paul (651) 292-8497 Lincoln Place Apartments Mahtomedi (651) 653-0640 Olson Towne Homes Minneapolis (612) 377-9015 Prairie Meadows Eden Prairie (952) 941-5544 Raspberry Ridge Hopkins (952) 933-3260 Slater Square Apartments Minneapolis (612) 340-1264 Talmage Green Minneapolis (612) 623-0247 Trinity Apartments Minneapolis (612) 721-2252 Unity Place Brooklyn Center (763) 560-7563 Vadnais Highlands Vadnais Heights (651) 653-0640 Willow Apartments Little Falls (320) 632-0980 Woodland Court Apartments Park Rapids 1-888-332-9312 We may be accepting applications for our large number of mobility impaired accessible units.

Please call us for more information.

1 BR 2 BR 2 BR 1 BR 1 & 2 BR 1 BR 2 BR 1 BR 2 & 3 BR 1 BR EFF & 1BR 2 BR 1 BR (sr) 2 BR 3 BR 1 & 2 BR 1 BR

August 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 8

Pg 7

Housing is focus of class action lawsuit A group of people with disabilities August 3 filed a class action lawsuit in federal district court in Minneapolis on behalf of people with disabilities who are being denied access to homes of their choice. The lawsuit states that Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) allows very few people to access individualized housing options and refuses to help hundreds of people currently forced to remain in corporately owned and operated group homes. The plaintiffs are asking for help to find and move into homes they choose with services they control, instead of experiencing the isolation, helplessness and lack of control over their lives they currently face.

“This suit is about the state telling our daughter where and how she has to live, instead of letting her choose,” said Marv Gordon, the parent and legal guardian of a 24-year-old woman with developmental disabilities. “After being placed in four different group homes in less than six years, we know her life, and those around her, would be so much better if she could just choose her own place.”

“I’m 43 years old and I want to have the freedom to make my own choices, basic stuff - like what time I go to bed,” said Dionne Swanson, a plaintiff in the lawsuit.

Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid’s Minnesota Disability Law Center is representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit with co-counsel Anthony Ostlund Baer & Louwagie P.A. Advocacy groups applauded the lawsuit. “ARRM has long advocated for ensuring people with disabilities’ rights to live independently in the setting of their choice, including leading the push to pass and implement legislation protecting these rights,” said ARRM CEO Bruce Nelson. He recalled the 1970s when group homes were the best choice for communitybased services for people with disabilities. But with changes in everything from technology to societal attitudes, Nelson said more needs to be done to help people make the best living choices possible.

“The system Minnesota has relied on has not evolved since the early 1980s. The state has promised

people with disabilities the chance to be integrated into their communities, but for many it only offers housing in group homes. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires more than that,” said Legal Aid attorney Sean Burke.

The ADA and a landmark 1999 U.S. Supreme Court case, Olmstead v. LC, require states to ensure people with disabilities receive services in integrated settings, consistent with their needs and choices. This means they have the right to choose to live and work in places where they can interact with people who aren’t disabled.

“Our clients just want to live where they want and with whom they want, just like people without disabilities” said Justin Perl, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid’s litigation director and lead counsel for the plaintiffs.

“Unfortunately, the system Minnesota has created for them has needlessly segregated them from the rest of society. It is simply unacceptable, and a violation of the ADA, to foreclose our clients from access to housing options that exist in the community.” ■

HISTORY NOTE

Partners program helps next-generation leaders Today’s disability community leadership has roots in the parent, self-advocacy and independent living movements that took shape starting in the 1940s. By 1971, when what is now the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities was created, many of those leaders were preparing to step down. New leadership was needed, but what was the best way to groom successors?

The closing minutes of a Congressional hearing on Medicaid on September 19, 1986, were ticking down.

After three hours of testimony before panels of experts, the final speaker was a young mother who was given lots of conflicting advice prior to her presentation. Even so, she proceeded and said, “Medicaid is incoherent. The state pays for a person’s care in an institution but not at home. It is heartless to force spenddowns to poverty level on people with disabilities.”

From those few moments, the concept of the Partners in Policymaking Program was born. Preparing people to testify before Congress, and teaching these

skills in a safe and supportive environment, were all within the realm of possibility.

After that hearing the council began to design a leadership training program. The participants would be self-advocates and parents of children with developmental disabilities. They would be provided with the communication skills and leadership tools to influence elected officials and other policymakers in their decision-making regarding changes to existing policies, and legislation and the development of new funding sources and programs.

In the spring of 1987, the council launched Partners in Policymaking, a competency-based and valuebased leadership training program. The first class of 35 participants – 15 self-advocates and 20 parents of young children with developmental disabilities – began a series of eight-weekend sessions designed to teach best practices in the field. They also learned the advocacy and leadership skills to work effectively with elected officials to change systems. Four faculty

Ed Roberts with his son Lee

members attended the first program. They were Ed Roberts, Gunnar Dybwad, Lotte Moise and Dolores Norley.

Weekend sessions were planned, to make participation easier. The focus was on participants with no previous experience in the disability rights movement. Applicants were to be identified and recruited through the existing network of organizations.

In turn, participants would make a strong commitment to the program. They would receive help with child care, personal assistances, and transportation.

Mentoring with an elected official would be one aspect of the program. Other focuses included the continuing move away from institutionalization and a focus on public policies promoting the development of programs In 2015, the publication Changing Lives, Changing Policies was released. It includes more than 200 stories. Parent Judy Olson said, “Through Partners, I learned more about advocacy. My son is 41 years old now, and he has gone on to learn advocacy [skills] and has become an advocate for others.”

“Partners taught me how to deal with housing for people with disabilities. I have been able to get out of the group homes, and I now live independently with support in the community,” said self-advocate Allie O’Muircheartaigh.

The Partners program is a critical part of the council’s work and has been consistently managed, supported and funded by the Council since its inception. The Partners program has grown and evolved over the years and has been replicated nationally and internationally. More than 27,000 self-advocates and parents are Partners graduates today.

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 ■

Call: (612) 807 1078 or email: Michelle@accesspress.org Pg 8 August 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 8

Advertising doesn’t cost. $$$$$ It pays! $$$$$ Reach Minnesotans with disabilities, their family members and advocacy groups in Access Press !

Call: (612) 807-1078 or email: Michelle@accesspress.org

August 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 8

Many celebrated ADA anniversary

Music by the band Tamarack, a guessing game and dancing were ADA celebration highlights.

Photos by Jane McClure

Pg 9

Pg 10 August 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 8

PEOPLE & PLACES Fraser opens behavioral health home Fraser, Minnesota’s largest provider of autism services, launched a new program, Fraser Behavioral Health Home. The Fraser Behavioral Health Home coordinates all medical and mental health care to support families in managing their child’s health and well-being.

Fraser is one of the initial organizations to be certified by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) for providing behavioral health home services.

The program integrates care for children 18 years old and younger, both within Fraser and outside of Fraser. Its staff team oversees all aspects of a child’s health - medical, mental, lifestyle and educational.

“At Fraser we understand the challenges of making appointments and managing communication with many different clinics, therapists, doctors and support services for a child with developmental and health concerns,” said Wendy Berghorst, director of integrated healthcare services. “Fraser Behavioral Health Home will allow parents to focus on their child, while we focus on accessing expert care.” Services similar to behavioral health home have been shown to dramatically increase healthy outcomes for families with complex needs. ■

New leader for mental health facilities Marshall Smith has been named health systems chief executive officer in direct care and treatment at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). He will oversee state-operated facilities and programs that provide mental health treatment to some of the most vulnerable people in Minnesota.

He will be responsible for leadership aimed at improving patient care and outcomes, enhancing and strengthening quality and compliance, and overseeing medical services.

“Marshall brings a wealth of experience and expertise as a leader in health care,” said Human Services Commissioner Emily Johnson Piper. “He truly understands and appreciates the unique nature of our hospital-based programs, the challenges we face and our dedication to providing the very best care to our patients.”

Smith will guide the work of state-operated mental health treatment programs across the Minnesota. This includes a network of 16-bed community behavioral health hospitals across as well as the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter and Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center, two of the state’s largest mental health care facilities. To-

gether, 1,800 employees work at these locations.

Smith has served as a top executive in a variety public, nonprofit and forprofit hospitals and health-care systems across the country.

Most recently he operated his own health-care consulting business. He holds a bachelor’s Marshall Smith degree in nursing and master’s degree in health care administration.

Smith’s dual combination of clinical and management skills is a real advantage for the agency, Johnson Piper said. “He’s an experienced health care practitioner and seasoned administrator and will be a great addition to our hospital-based programs.” ■

— In Memoriam —

‘Hello Nicole’ columnist dies

Former Access Press contributing writer Nicole Taras died August 2 at her Twin Cities home. She had been ill for several months. She was 45 years old.

Taras was known as Nicole Roberts when she wrote for Access Press. She wrote the “Hello Nicole” advice column for the newspaper from June 1991 until February 2002. She answered readers’ questions and shared advice on a wide range of issues centering on life with disabilities. She often wrote about the need for people with disabilities to be treated with kindness and dignity.

Another theme of the “Hello Nicole” column was that of encouraging readers to pursue their dreams. She also urged readers to be direct and open with others when discussing disability issues, as a means of promoting greater understanding.

Taras left the newspaper to pursue other writing opportunities. She was a pro-

lific writer. Her writing included an award-winning play about her life, which was staged offBroadway and at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. She also wrote news articles, prose and poetry, and blogged about her work.

She worked extensively as a psychic, animal communicator and healer, under the business name Relying on Joy. Taras did public speaking, giving talks throughout the region.

Taras was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy as a toddler. Her parents were told she wouldn’t live past the age of five years. She dis- Nicole Taras covered her ability to telepathically communicate with animals as a young child and after that began communicating with spirits. By age 10 she was doing psychic readings. She frequently spoke and wrote about her out-of-body experiences, encounters with angels, healing and psychic connections.

In a letter released after her death, Taras stated, “Please know that whatever happened to cause my death, I am certainly not suffering any longer. I have absolute trust in the afterlife and feel excitement at the prospect of attaining freedom from this body and spending some respite time in the spirit realm. I know that probably sounds strange to some people but we all will have our day and it is as natural as birth and a guaranteed ticket to freedom.”

She is survived by her husband, Tyler Frank, and many friends and family members. Services had not been scheduled when Access Press went to press. Taras asked that memorial contributions be given to humane societies. She also urged that people eat a vegan or vegetarian diet as a tribute, because of her lifelong love for animals. ■ Access Press encourages readers to contact the newspaper when members of Minnesota’s disability community pass away. Obituaries may be sent to access@ accesspress.org If an obituary is not available, newspaper staff appreciate a funeral home or family member contact. Pictures of the deceased are always welcomed, preferably in electronic format. Email or call 651-644-2133 if there are questions.

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August 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 8 Pg 11

Lights! Camera! Woof!

ENJOY!

Cats can’t have all of the video fun. Dogs get their day Sat, Sept. 17 at the Can Do Canines Can Do Woofaroo’s dog video festival.

Anyone with a dog video is urged to make a submission.

Chosen videos will be compiled into a feature presentation.

The master of ceremonies and grand marshal for the Can Do Woofaroo and Dog Video Festival is radio personality Moon from the Moon, Staci, and Crisco show on KS95. Deadline for submissions is midnight Sun, Aug. 14. Videos can be submitted at can-do-canines.org/video-submissions The video festival is part of a day-long fundraiser, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sept. 17. The event includes a walk, food, fun activities and the 1 p.m. video festival. FFI: 763-331-3000, www.can-do-canines.org ■

Moses memorial performance set A memorial celebration performance honoring Ken Moses is 7 p.m. Mon, Aug. 15 at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater.

Moses died at age 71 on Aug. 17, 2015. Moses wrote his story, using his words and musical selections from throughout musical theater history. He asked baritone Bradley Green-wald to lead a professional ensemble in performing the hour-long program. The event will be recorded on video and DVDs will be available upon request. He was a talented puppeteer, theater producer, audio describer and former staff member at Metropolitan Center for Independent Living. He was active in the Critical Thinkers, Art St. Croix (for east metro artists with disabilities), Bridge Theatre and Stillwater Human Rights Commission during his two decades in Stillwater.

Friends are invited to stay and visit after the service. In spring 2017 a portion of Moses’ remains will be sent into deep space on a Voyager mission. Accommodations are available upon request. FFI: Paul Brown, pbrowkblak@aol.com Bradshaw at 651-439-5511 or www.bradshawfuneral. com/obituary/Ken-Moses/ Stillwater/1537811

starts every 90 minutes. Performing groups come from Minnesota as well as from across the country. Several shows include artists with disabilities. Festival will be ticketed entirely in day passes - $16 on weekdays (granting access to up to four shows) and $22 on weekends (granting access to up to seven shows). Fringe box offices accept cash, checks and credit cards and open 30 minutes before each show time. Advance reservations guarantee a seat at a given performance. This reservation fee is waived for people using access services, with the code access5162. FFI: 612-872-1212, www.fringefestival.org

Visual Arts Experience and Sale

Disgraced

ZagZum hosts its second annual Visual Art Exhibition and Sale, and a conference presenting visual artists who have a lived experience with a mental or physical disability. The call for submission is 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Wed, Sept. 7th, Room 204, Mpls Convention Center, Seasons Venue, 1301 2nd Ave., Mpls. The event is Sun, Sept. 10 at the convention center, with the exhibit 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and the conference taking place 11 a.m.-4 p.m. View signature artwork and award-winning artists including Peter F. Hinze of Rockpike Art. Enjoy a conference including a presentation by art therapist and mental health practitioner Deb Costandine on Discovering Your Hero Journey. Hali Kolkind, development and communications associate for the Mental Health Association, will moderate a panel of visual artists as they converse on Storytelling through Visual Art. The mission of ZagZum is to exhibit visual art of artists who are differentlyabled, in spaces that embrace the concept of universal design, or accessible to persons regardless of their age, size, ability, or disability. FFI: 612-836-9303, www.zagzum.org

Guthrie Theater presents a story about ethnicity and ambition, at Guthrie Theater, McGuire Proscenium Stage, 818 2nd St. S., Mpls. ASL and AD offered 7:30 p.m.

Fri, Aug. 12 and 1 p.m. Sat, Aug. 20. Free sensory tour available at 10:30 a.m. Sat, Aug. 20. Open captioning 7:30 p.m. Fri. Aug. 12, 1 p.m. Sat, Aug. 13 and 1 p.m.

Wed, Aug. 17. Tickets reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for captioning (regular $34-85). FFI: 612-377-2224, www.guthrietheater.org/visit/access_services

Challenge Walk nears Challenge Walk MS Twin Cities 2016 is Sept. 23-25, starting and ending in St. Louis Park. Gather pledges, walk with friends and raise money for the Upper Midwest Chapter of the MS Society. Registration fee is $55, and fundraising minimums are $750 to $1,500. FFI: 855-372-1331, FundraisingSupport@nmss.org

PACER Run Walk Roll set PACER Center’s National Bullying Prevention Center hosts its Run Walk Roll Against Bullying Sat, Oct. 1 at Normandale Lake in Bloomington. Registration is $20 for people ages 16 and older, $10 for persons ages 715 and free for younger children. Form a team, gather pledges and raise money for anti-bullying efforts. FFI: www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/runwalkroll/

The On-Time Circus Puppets, clowning, live music and songs performed by puppeteer Margo McCreary, Paulino Brener, music by pianist Marya Hart and percussionist Bruce Wintervold come to two area parks. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on. ASL offered 6 p.m. Tue, Aug. 16 at Conway Park, 2090 Conway Ave. St. Paul. Free. FFI: mcc@earpop.com, www.margomccreary.com

Tour for People with Memory Loss A sensory-based tour designed for people with memory loss and their caregivers is offered monthly at James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul. Next tour is 10 a.m. Tue, Sept. 6. Each themed tour, usually an hour or less, highlights three rooms and is followed by an optional social time until 11:30 a.m. with pastries and coffee. Private group tours are available for care facilities. Tours are made possible through funding by the Bader Foundation. Free, but reservations are required.

FFI: 651-259-3015, www.sites.mnhs.org/historic-sites/ james-j-hill-house

2016 Minnesota Fringe Festival The 23rd annual Minnesota Fringe Festival Aug. 4-14) offers almost 900 performances of theater, dance, improv, storytelling and other theatrical entertainment by 170 companies at 20 accessible Minneapolis venues. Shows last up to 60 minutes, and a new show

Grease Northfield Arts Guild presents the popular ‘50s musical, at 411 W. 3rd St., Northfield. ASL offered 2 p.m.

Sun, Aug. 14. Reservation deadline has passed so contact the theater to see if interpretation is available.

Tickets $18, $14 student/senior. FFI: 507-645-8877; www.northfieldartsguild.org

The Three Musketeers Commonweal Theatre Company presents a tale of action, comedy and romance, at Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave. N., Lanesboro. AD offered 1:30 p.m.

Sun, Aug. 21, pre-show at 1:10 p.m. Please make AD reservations at least one week in advance, noting if you want a tactile tour at noon. Two-week notice requested for a Braille program. Five-week notice requested for ASL interpreting. Assistive listening devices available at the box office; special seating available for persons with mobility issues. Tickets reduced to $15 for AD/ASL patrons (regular $35; student $15). FFI: 507-467-2525 or 800-657-7025, www.commonwealtheatre.org

Art Show: Quilts by Halle O’Falvey Vision Loss Resources, 1936 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls. hosts a display of original quilts by St. Paul artist Halle O’Falvey in this exhibit, part of a rotating series of exhibits coordinated by VSA Minnesota. On display through September 2016. Lobby hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon-Fri. Free. FFI: 612-871-2222, 612-332-3888, www.vsamn.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://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/ ■

Pg 12 August 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 8

UPCOMING EVENTS Advocacy Take the PCA survey The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking information as a follow-up to the July 26 Workforce Summit, to help address and develop creative solutions to the current and growing shortage of direct care/support workers. Two surveys are available online, one for workers to weigh in on the work they’ve done and the other for people who receive services and need daily, hands-on care to continue living and working where they want. Input is needed from both groups.

The surveys are open until Sat, Aug. 27. Worker survey is at http://tinyurl.com/hunu7nh The survey for those receiving services is at http://tinyurl.com/gr43sy4

Assistance Help with hearing loss New devices that help people who are deaf and hard of hearing in their daily lives are now available to be tested at offices of the Minnesota Department of Human Services Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division.

DHS doesn’t sell the technology but can demonstrate it and allow individuals to test it on-site by appointment.

Ask if demonstrations of some technology can also be offered to groups off-site. The largest technology lab is at the Metro Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services office, 85 E. 7th Place, Suite 105, St. Paul. Equipment is also available at offices in Duluth, Mankato, Moorhead and St. Cloud. Ask about assistive listening devices for the television; flashing alarms for doorbells, smoke alarms and alarm clocks; amplified and captioned telephones and vibrating devices to alert people who are deafblind.

DHS loans at no cost a variety of telecommunications devices to people who meet eligibility guidelines through its Telephone Equipment Distribution program.

FFI: 651-431-5957, mary.bauer@state.mn.us (metro area), dhhs.duluth@state.mn.us, dhhs.mankato@state. mn.us, dhhs.moorhead@state.mn.us, dhhs.stcloud@ state.mn.us in Greater Minnesota. For technology for individuals who are deafblind or experience dual vision/ hearing loss, FFI: 612-284-3170, sara.kreiling@state.mn.us Senior Linkage Line help Non-English speaking Minnesotans now have a new resource to find the critical assistance they may need. A video “What is Senior LinkAge Line?” has been created in Hmong, Somali, Spanish and Russian in addition to English to inform Minnesota’s older non-English speaking residents and their families about the service. Videos were created in partnership with the Minnesota Board on Aging and ECHO, a non-profit organization that helps bridge the communications gap for Minnesota immigrants and refugees. Senior LinkAge Line offers free, objective guidance for older adults and their families to find community services and plan for their future.

By calling 1-800-333-2433, Minnesotans can get information on Medicare, insurance, housing choices and find out how to volunteer in their community, among other age-related topics. All versions of the video are available on ECHO Minnesota’s YouTube page. FFI: English, www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgvhfEzv6Lo; Hmong, www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1otxfBN-18; Somali, www.youtube.com/watch?v=boruEGuGJ3c; Spanish, www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqKdztIBz8o; Russian, www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-CoYGpaweg

Children and families Family to Family courses offered Anyone with a family member living with a mental illness is invited to NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) free educational courses that helps families gain a greater understanding of mental illness, discuss resources, build communication skills, reduce stress and find support. The 12-week series is taught by family members who have walked the walk. The Familyto-Family course will meet weekly for 12 weeks. One course starts 6:30 p.m. Tue, Sept. 13 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Ave. S. in Forest Lake. A second series starts 6:30 p.m. Wed, Sept. 14 at White Bear Lake High School, South Campus, 3551 McKnight Road N. Preregistration is required for both series. FFI: Lei 612-722-9309 or Nancy 612-724-5641 (Forest Lake); Jody 651-407-8616 or Lisa 651-402-7108 (White Bear Lake) Navigate food issues The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) will offer an AuSM Skillshop 7-9 p.m. Tue, Aug. 30 to help families address food issues in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The two-hour workshop, Food Fight! Nutritional Strategies for Children with ASD and Their Families, will be held at West Metro Learning Connections in Edina. Research has proven that children with ASD have numerous nutrient deficiencies and gastrointestinal disorders that contribute to poor health and behavioral symptoms. Sensory issues, food refusal, and peculiar cravings affect many children with ASD, making it difficult to introduce healthier foods. Presenter Anne Kelly will share information on the use of whole food powders to make nutrient-rich shakes that are affordable, dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free. She also will offer strategies for simplifying nutrition routines for the whole family. Preregister as space may fill quickly. FFI: www.ausm.org Make an advocacy binder Overwhelmed by the stacks of paperwork for your child with special needs? Can’t find the newest diagnostic assessment or IEP? NAMI Minnesota offers a free parent training class on How to Assemble an Advocacy Binder for Your Child 6-7:30 p.m. Mon, Aug. 29 at South St. Paul Library, 106 3rd Ave. Turn that stack of paperwork into purpose. Parent educators will help everyone assemble an advocacy binder to help organize loose papers into a resource. Participants can bring their paperwork to the class such as current Individualized Education Plan (IEP, IFSP), 504 Plan, behavior intervention plans, County, Legal, Medical or Support Plans. Partici-

‘Power of Community’ is conference theme The Arc Minnesota has announced that registration is open for its statewide conference and awards banquet, Sept, 23-24 in Shoreview. The Power of Community: Connections That Transform Lives is this year’s theme, carried forward in panel discussions, presentations and videos. Amy Hewitt, a nationally-recognized leader in research on innovaAmy Hewitt tive disability policy and services, will give the keynote address, “Making the Case for Community.” See how life in the community is possible in school, with friends, in finding employment and housing, and at the capitol. FFI: http://tinyurl.com/ 2016ConfFlyer, http://tinyurl.com/2016ConfRegis ■ pants will leave with a completed binder. Parents and caregivers will receive one free advocacy binder at the door. Preregister. FFI: 651-645-2948, www.namihelps.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. 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 8:00 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 the first

Events - p. 13

August 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 8 Pg 13

ENJOY! Continued from p. 11

Fun is ‘Made in the Shade’ Sept. 17 People with disabilities, family members and caregivers are reminded to save the date of Sat, Sept. 17 for the annual Made in the Shade Walk, Run, and Roll. The 24-year-old event is 9:30 am to noon at Thomas Beach, Lake Calhoun, Mpls. Several non-profit disability service agencies stage the fundraiser, which includes a fun run, walk/roll, art contest winners’ display, live bluegrass music, health and wellness vendors, lunch served by Lions clubs and more. Ally People Solutions, Choice, Inc., Episcopal Group Homes, Inc., Homeward Bound, Partnership Resources, Inc., The Phoenix Residence, Inc., TSE, Inc., and Wingspan Life Resources are event sponsors.

Junior Partners in 2016 are Reach for Resources, Inc. and Zenith Services.

The event raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organizations and their work. Donations and participants are needed. FFI: Janet Virnig, Partnership Resources, Inc., 952-925-1404, www.madeintheshade.org ■

Photos courtesy of Made in the Shade

UPCOMING EVENTS Continued from p. 12 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 Vision rehabilitation offered Vision Loss Resources is offering a full menu of vision rehabilitation services, available in clients’ home or onsite at VLR. An affordable individualized service plan will be offered to each participant. The rehabilitation services are geared to provide participants the practical skills they need to remain independent and at safe at home. Services are offered as part of an affordable ser-

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vice plan. Sliding fee scale options are available and a grant from United Way will help continue to serve those who cannot afford to pay for services. The support groups, peer counseling, and volunteer services will continue to be offered without charge. FFI: 612-843-3411 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 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

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

Diamond Hill Townhomes may be accepting applications for our large number of mobility impaired accessible units. Please contact us for more information.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Please call (612) 726-9341.

through education. The literacy council provides training and support and accommodations for volunteers with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, volunteer@ mnliteracy.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 is for a volunteer receptionist. Be the smiling face that provides a warm welcome, and general information to visitors of the Ramsey County Government Center East. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. 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 ■

Pg 14 August 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 8

Radio Talking Book August 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 1-800722-0550, 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 interlibrary 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.

The Art of the Con, Nonfiction by Anthony M. Amore, 2015. 10 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 23. Art scams are so common today that many experts are shying away from the business of authentication. The cons by unscrupulous art dealers are becoming more elaborate. Read by Myrna Smith.

Past is Prologue • Monday – Friday 9 a.m.

The Witches, Nonfiction by Stacy Schiff, 2015. 21 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 24. The Salem witch trials represent one of the few moments when women played the central role in American history. It began in the midst of a raw winter and ended less than a year later, but not before 20 people had been killed. Read by Rachael Freed.

Bookworm • Monday-Friday 1 p.m.

Maybe in Another Life, Fiction by Taylor Jenkins Reid, 2015. 10 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 25. After a breakup, Hannah moves to her hometown. To celebrate her first night back, her best friend, Gabby, takes her out to a bar where she sees her old boyfriend. Read by Joan Sanaker.

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

The Washingtons, Nonfiction by Flora Fraser, 2015.

17 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 18. The Washingtons’ long union began in calm, survived the hardships of war and the presidency, and ended in retirement at Mount Vernon. Read by John Holden.

Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

Mrs. Grant and Madame Jule, Fiction by Jennifer Chiaverini, 2015. 16 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 17. When Julia Dent met and married Ulysses S. Grant, she kept the slave woman who had been her companion. When Julia’s eyesight failed, Jule became her mistress’s eyes.

Read by Michele Potts.

PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

The Senator Next Door, Nonfiction by Amy Klobuchar, 2015. 12 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 15. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar has tackled every obstacle with honesty, humor, and pluck. She believes in forging alliances with unlikely partners to solve the nation’s problems. Read

by Diane Ladenson.

The Way of the Gun, Nonfiction by Iain Overton, 2016. 13 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 31. More than 4.5 million Americans became victims of gun crime between 2004 and 2013. With the highest global rate of gun ownership, imports, and exports, America is the focus of a growing gun debate. V, L - Read by Chris Colestock.

Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

A Death in the Family, Fiction by Michael Stanley, 2015. 10 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 29. Faced with the violent death of his father, Assistant Superintendent David “Kubu” Bengu, is baffled. Who would kill such a frail old man? V, L - Read by Joe Sadowski.

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

Under the Influence, Fiction by Joyce Maynard, 2016.

10 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 29. Recovering from addiction and the struggle of not having custody of her son, Helen falls under the influence of Ava and Swift Havilland, wealthy philanthropists. Then she meets Elliott, who is kind, quiet, and not impressed with Helen’s friends. Read by Holly Sylvester.

Potpourri • Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

Big Freedia, Nonfiction by Big Freedia and Nicole Balin, 2015. Seven broadcasts. Begins Aug. 25. Freedia

grew up in one of the worst neighborhoods in New Orleans, experiencing the loss of loved ones to street violence and jail, and the unimaginable days spent living on her roof after Hurricane Katrina. But Bounce music put her on the map. L, S, RE - Read by Peter Danbury.

Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnight All the Winters After, Fiction by Seré Prince Halverson, 2016. 11 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 15. After his parents and brother were killed in a plane crash, Kache fled Alaska for good. But now his aunt insists on his return.

Kache is sure his cabin has decayed into a pile of logs but finds smoke rising from the chimney, and a Russian woman hiding from her own past. Read by Anne Obst.

Tightrope, Fiction by Simon Mawer, 2015. 14 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 30. When special agent Marian Sutro is released from the Nazi concentration camp and returned to England, she struggles to find grounding for her life. Everything has changed. Then she finds a way to make amends for the past and find a new identity.

Read by Tom Speich After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m.

Station Eleven, Fiction by Emily St. John Mandel, 2014. 13 broadcasts. Begins Aug. 25. It all began when the actor Arthur Leander had a heart attack while playing Lear. When a subsequent group of actors tours the region, risking all for art and humanity, the actress Kirsten has tattooed on her arm “Because survival is insufficient.” L - Read by Nikki LaLiberte.

Weekend Program Books Your Personal World (Saturday at 1 p.m.) is airing Wake Up Happy by Michael Strahan; For the Younger Set (Sunday at 11 a.m.) is airing Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown; Poetic Reflections (Sunday at noon) is airing Turning into Dwelling by Christopher Gilbert, and May Day by Gretchen Marquette; The Great North (Sunday at 4 p.m.) is airing Portage by Sue Leaf. ■ Abbreviations: V – violence, L – offensive language, S - sexual situations, RE – racial epithets

Disability Viewpoints

Around the Dial 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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August 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 8 Pg 15

Plan for fun - from p. 1 is home to accessible men’s and women’s facilities and 14 family restrooms.

Transportation and parking Several options are available for fair visitors. The new A Line buses on Snelling Avenue are accessible, as are regular route buses 960, 84, 61 and 3. Metro Transit also offers State Fair Express Bus service, for a $5 round trip, with locations throughout the Twin Cities area. All express service is accessible. For regular route and fair express information call 612373-3333 or go to www.metrotransit.org A free park and ride lot with free wheelchair-accessible bus service is offered for people with disabilities and their companions. The lot is located on the north side of the Oscar Johnson Arena, 1039 De Courcy Circle, south of the fairgrounds. Exit from Snelling Avenue at Energy Park Drive; travel east to the first left past Snelling east of the Merrill Corporation office building and go to the north side (rear side) of Oscar Johnson Arena. Passengers travel nonstop to the fairgrounds and are dropped off at the Como Loop Gate #9.

Buses run continuously, from 8 a.m. to midnight daily.

Other park and ride lots have limited accessible bus availability. The majority of coaches at Roseville Area High School/Grace Church, St. Rose of Lima in Roseville, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul and University of Minnesota Minneapolis campus are wheelchair-accessible. Hours are limited to church parking on Sundays. Go to www.mnstatefair.org for details.

Also go to the fair website for information on accessible parking spaces, at Larpenteur Avenue at Underwood Street and Gate #2 off Snelling at Hoyt Avenue, and south of Como Avenue. Parking for

people with disabilities is available on a first come, first served basis. Cost is $13.

Vehicles with trailers are charged $26.

The Metro Mobility drop-off and pickup sites are at the Como Avenue Loop Gate 9 and Hoyt Avenue Gate at Snelling and Hoyt.

On the fairgrounds Anyone needing to rent a wheelchair or electric scooter can be dropped off at the Como and Hoyt gates and go to HomeTown Mobility. The company is now accepting rental reservations online at htmia. com or by calling 1-877-9285388 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday–Friday through Aug. 14, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the fair Aug. 25–Sept. 5. Reservations need to be made at least 24 hours in advance, and The Minnesota State Fair offers many accommodations. cancellations at least 48 hours in adPhoto courtesy of Minnesota State Fair vance. Reservations will only be accepted for full-day scooter and wheelchair rentals. have become lost or separated from their group. InRental fees are $20 per day for wheelchairs and $55 fant care facilities are also available. Hours are 8 a.m. per day for electric scooters. Reservations made via to 11 p.m. Free Assistive listening devices are availphone are subject to an additional $5 call-in reservaable for use during Grandstand events. Receivers and tion fee. A limited number of scooters and wheelheadsets are available from Guest Services in the chairs are held for walk-up customers on a first-come Visitors Plaza. A valid driver’s license or state ID and basis with no guarantee of availability. a credit card are required for deposit.

Wheelchair battery recharging is available at the During the fair, American Sign Language (ASL) interCare and Assistance Center at 1883 Dan Patch Ave. preters will be available to assist guests needing an inOutlets to plug in scooters are also available on the terpreter from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Check at the south wall of the Grandstand Building. The center Admin Too Building on Cosgrove Street. Shows with serves as headquarters for people of any age who ASL interpretation offered daily; West End Market’s Schell’s Stage History On-A-Schtick show at 9:30 a.m., All-Star Stunt Dog Splash at 11 a.m. at North Woods on Dining options Cooper Street between Randall and Lee avenues, perFood is a big part of the fair fun, but many people need a place to sit or be served when they dine. former Sean Emery at 12:30 p.m. on the Family Fair Mighty Midway visitors will find tented picnic tables beside food vendors there. Other sites include: Stage in Baldwin Park, and the parade at 2 p.m. on the • Andy’s Grille, on the south side of Carnes between Liggett and Nelson east side of the Family Fair Stage in Baldwin Park.

• Ball Park Café, on the east side of Underwood between Dan Patch and Carnes Roving ASL interpreters are available to interpret • Blue Barn (limited general seating picnic tables), at West End Market, south of the History & Heritage other shows and exhibits upon request every day beCenter tween 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• Blue Moon Dine-In Theater, on the northeast corner of Carnes and Chambers Keep in mind, that while entertainment venues have • Cafe Caribe, on the south side of Carnes between Liggett and Nelson accessible seating, it is available on a first-come ba• Chicago Dogs, in The Garden on the corner of Dan Patch and Underwood sis. Plan to arrive early for shows and events.

• Charcoal Hut, on the east side of Judson between Underwood and Cooper, next to the International Bazaar An Attraction Access Guide is available to assist • Coasters, on the southeast corner of Carnes and Liggett fairgoers in making choices about which rides are ap• Dino’s Gyros, on the north side of Carnes between Nelson and Underwood propriate for them, at all ticket outlets on the Mighty • Farmers Union Coffee Shop, on the north side of Dan Patch between Cooper and Cosgrove Midway and Kidway. ■ • French Creperie, on the north side of Carnes between Nelson and Underwood • French Meadow Bakery & Café, on the north side of Carnes between Nelson and Underwood • Frontier Bar, on the south side of Carnes between Liggett and Nelson • Giggles’ Campfire Grill, on the southeast corner of Lee and Cooper at the North Woods • Hamline Church Dining Hall, on the north side of Dan Patch between Underwood and Cooper • Italian Junction, on the south side of Dan Patch between Nelson and Underwood • LuLu’s Public House, with most accessible seating on the second story via elevator, at West End Market, south of the Schilling Amphitheater • Mancini’s Al Fresco, on the north side of Carnes between Nelson and Underwood • Minnesota Wine Country, on the west side of Underwood between Carnes and Judson • Mexican Hat, east of Chambers, south of the Grandstand • O’Gara’s at the Fair, on the southwest corner of Dan Patch and Cosgrove • RC’s BBQ, On the north side of Dan Patch between Liggett and Chambers • Ragin Cajun, in the Garden on the corner of Dan Patch and Underwood • Robbinsdale OES Dining Hall, on the west side of Underwood between Dan Patch and Carnes • Salem Lutheran Church, on the north side of Randall Ave. South of the Progress Center • Shanghaied Henri’s, at the International Bazaar, north wall • Tejas, in the Garden on the corner of Dan Patch and Underwood • Texas Steak Out, on the west side of Underwood between Lee and Randall • The Peg, on the extreme southeast side of the Agriculture Horticulture Building

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 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.

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STAFF ATTORNEY Central Minnesota Legal Services seeks full-time attorney for its St. Cloud office. Fam. Law including representation of non-custodial parents; some work in other poverty law. Licensed in MN pref’d. Post-law school pov. law exper., fam. law or clinical exper. pref’d. Spanish or Somali language a plus. Salary $47,000+D.O.E. Excellent benes. Resume with references and writing sample to CMLS, 110 6th Ave. S, #205, 56301. Email to smerriman@centralmnlegalstc.org Appl. deadline: 8/26/16 or until filled. EOE.

Pg 16 August 10, 2016 Volume 27, Number 8