August 2020 Edition - Access Press

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TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 4766

Volume 31, Number 8

August 1, 2020

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Will we see you in September?

Parent Rob McArdle

NEWS DIGEST

PAT KINNEY

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Kay Willshire, Board President Jane McClure, Managing Editor

"Students in their final year of school had their lives disrupted in a very tragic way."

Murals have popped up across the region, honoring George Floyd and calling for police reform.

Award winners are named Page 6-7

Law enforcement reforms are signed into law; changes eyed

Blind reflect on a century of change Page 2

by Jane McClure

Medical supplies face restrictions Page 4

The Minnesota Police Accountability Act was one of the key pieces of business passed during the state’s second 2020 special legislative session. The act, signed into law July 23 by Gov. Tim Walz, provides a number of measures demanded after George Floyd was killed

by Minneapolis Police.

The measures are hailed as bringing reforms long sought by advocates including those in the mental health and autism communities. The reform package calls

for mental health and crisis intervention training for law enforcement officers, bans so-called warrior training and chokeholds like the one used to kill Floyd, and requires more detailed reporting of use of force incidents. Officers are also called on to intervene when another officer uses force beyond what is reasonable. Changes are also made in arbitration rules involving police unions.

An advisory council will be formed for the board that licenses law enforcement officers.

Get Ready to Rev Up the vote Page 5 Radio Talking Book is off the shelf Page 10

REFORMS To page 3

Parents of special needs students brace for distance learning challenges Elberhoy. But her daughter needs physical proximity to teachers and staff to learn.

Special education students often have difficulty with the end of a school year and the change to summer routines. Some parents said that kind of struggle came months early this year, as schools shut down in March.

Aggression, mental health issues, withdrawal, isolation and loss of speech and interpersonal skills were among the problems cited. Some parents said they believe students with disabilities were forgotten in recent months.

Many special education students, especially those who need social cues to interact and learn, didn’t do well with virtual learning.

Students missed their routines, and their friends and teachers. Some were Education Minnesota President Denise Specht spoke at a recent press challenged by the technology conference, citing teachers' concerns about a safe return to classrooms this fall. of virtual learning. Lack of consistency within parents of children with disabilities. individual school districts frustrated Distance learning has been a challenge for students and their families, with teachers many Minnesota families. More than 200 using Zoom or Skype, or simply emailing people were on the July 22 call at one point. out assignments.

“We gave it a try,” said parent Gena EDUCATION MINNESOTA

Distance learning was a struggle for many Minnesota special education students during the last several months of the 2019-2020 school year. The start of classes for 2020-2021 is bringing out many hopes and fears.

Parents from across Minnesota expressed frustration with distance learning during a July 22 virtual forum.

Advocacy group representatives, legislators and officials from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) heard a long list of concerns.

MDE officials are working to answer the questions raised.

“There’s so many different issues that need to be addressed,” said Maren Christenson Hofer of the Arc Minnesota.

A statewide survey of more than 20,000 Minnesota educators split on fall plans, with almost half stating a preference for distance learning and almost the same number favoring a physical return with appropriate safety measures in classrooms. That is according to Education Minnesota, the state’s teachers union.

Forty-six percent of survey respondents want a physical return to classrooms, but less than 1 in 5 want to do that full-time.

In contrast, an MDE survey found that 64 percent of parents were comfortable with sending their children back to school this fall. More than 94 percent said the return should be full time But that may not be the case for many

Students with hearing disabilities had their own problems with distance learning and with trying to understand people wearing masks. Wearing masks or face shields is another potential obstacle parents raised.

Families worry that their students have regressed and will continue to do so if they are not in traditional classrooms this fall. It could take months to evaluate every student after school starts, meaning more learning time and help could be lost.

Students who were nearing the end of their special education days didn’t get the transitional skills needed to take the next steps with their lives. Parents have asked if they could repeat that last crucial term and the training that comes with it. Such training couldn’t be replicated in a home setting.

Yet contracting COVID-19 is a huge concern for families, especially those whose children and other household members have compromised immune systems. Some school districts lack adequate personal protective equipment for faculty and staff.

Melissa Fredin left a school district job she’d held for two decades so that she could stay home and help her children, all of whom have special needs. The children attend four different schools.

With one child, “we were just starting to transition to full-time high school and then the world just stopped,” Fredin said.

It was a tough several months for CHALLENGES To page 3

August 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 8

TIM’S DESK

Tim Benjamin I hope everyone is having a good summer and that you all were able to have some kind of celebration for the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). I had an anniversary of my own the same week: 46 years of being disabled. Obviously, I was disabled before the ADA and I can remember going to stores that I couldn’t get into in my wheelchair. I can remember not having disability parking or curb cuts to get into the stores that were accessible. There have been many architectural changes for the better over the years of the ADA. I wish there had been more changes to the infrastructure of caring for people disabilities.

We continue fighting for many of those social infrastructure changes. We continue the fight for home care supports but there always seems to be something more important on legislative desks. There always seem to be causes more financially worthy of taxpayer money. It’s true that

Pg 2

When we look at the statistics on people who are incarcerated or who lack healthcare, quality education, and jobs with a livable income, it's people of color who are on the top of every list. That must not continue.

there are very many and very expensive worthy causes for the improvement of society. We can hardly expect our legislators not to fund education and training, low-income housing or transportation. These are all causes that also benefit the disability community, but if you can't get out of bed or your house or your neighborhood every day, they aren't much good for the disabled.

We need to help lawmakers realize that providing services infrastructure is important not just to the disability community but to the society at large.

How many news pieces did you read or hear this month that went straight to curb cuts as something that everybody appreciates and uses? The same kind of improvements will be obvious when people with disabilities are working and going to school and taking part in the arts and community activities at the same rate as able-bodied people.

The political and social issues related

The political and social issues related to COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter movement are huge and deserve a good hard look by legislators an all of us.

to COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter movement are huge and deserve a good hard look by legislators and all of us.

The COVID-19 pandemic needs to be addressed and financed in so many areas.

It's been devastating to many lives and to our economy. And it seems clear that as soon as we start to loosen up some of the restrictions on social distancing we have increased numbers of cases and deaths. I’m grateful that our governor has responded to outbreaks in Minnesota with increased mask requirements. It’s not easy to wear a mask for those of us with respiratory challenges, but we also know what’s at risk if we were to get sick with COVID. I’m staying careful and hope you are too. I'm also praying that the vaccine will come before we lose too much.

The importance of the Black Lives Matter social justice movement is huge, and I join those who believe that it can’t continue to take generations to really address our society’s major issues around race. I am encouraged at the seriousness of many recent discussions about racial issues. They are a necessary big step toward a new future. We also need to take a hard look at our police problem and disparities in the area of criminal justice. When you look at the statistics on people who are incarcerated or who lack healthcare, quality education, and

jobs with a livable income, it's people of color who are on the top of every list. That must not continue. And we in the disability community need to also take a hard look at how we include and represent and serve the interests of disabled people of color.

Moving to another topic, but one that relates back to all of the above topics is our ability to vote. We all have that ability, and it is our responsibility, too.

By the time you read this it may be too late to request an absentee ballot from the Secretary of State for the August 11 primary. But if it's too late for vote-bymail, find a safe way to get to your local voting place. Then be sure to get a ballot for the November 3 election, and spend the time you need to identify the best candidates, people who will be able to lead us through the continuing problems to come. I do believe we are going to continue to see problems beyond anything most of us have ever seen. We need someone who will take us in the right direction, who is willing to admit mistakes and demonstrate wisdom in addressing our common problems. So vote.

And one last thing: Make sure that you carefully complete whatever ballot you do fill out. Our votes matter and our voices matter if we want to solve problems and create a better future.

HISTORY NOTE

Blind Minnesotans have been well-served for a century Great change took place in the Minnesota of the 1910s and 1920s. Many households marked firsts – a telephone, electricity, a motor vehicle, even a radio to listen to. But for people who lived with blindness and visual disabilities, isolation was all too common.

Denied basic opportunities for education, housing and participation in the community, they lived in poverty.

Braille was coming into its own as a means of communication but all too often people lacked resources to learn the language and have access to documents.

That began to change as of May 27th, 1920. The first convention of the Minnesota State Organization of the Blind was held. The organization dropped the word "State" from its name in 1954, and in 1972 became the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota.

Members have worked for a century to help Minnesotans with blindness and visual disabilities to lead their best lives.

In October 1929, to address the problems constituents were having being accepted into housing, the organization established the Home and Industrial Center for the Blind in St. Paul’s St. Anthony Park neighborhood. The building was for many years the organization’s heart. It provided housing, space for businesses and job training, and an organizational headquarters.

For many years, fundraising events and entertainment functions took place weekly. Its beautiful picnic grounds were extensively used. When people came to the Twin Cities to look for work, they could always find a place to stay at the Home, be it for one night or for one year.

Rent, which was as low as $5 per month, included meals and laundry service.

As society changed over the years, fewer people lived at the home.

Community inclusion and independent living became more important. The property was sold in the early 1980s.

Co-Founder/Publisher.................................................................................................................Wm. A. Smith, Jr. (1990-96) Co-Founder/Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief......................................................................... Charles F. Smith (1990-2001) Editor-in-Chief/Executive Director........................................................................................ Tim Benjamin (2001-2020) Board of Directors......................................................................................Mohamed Alfash, Brigid Alseth, John Clark, .....................................Jane Larson, Shannah Mulvihill, Walt Seibert, Joel Ulland, Kay Willshire, Mark Zangara Advertising Sales....................................651-644-2133 Managing Editor......................................Jane McClure Columnist/Staff Writer........................ Tim Benjamin

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Organization members have long been active in issues at the state and national levels. They began publishing the statewide newsletter Minnesota Bulletin, which is still produced today.

In the early years legislation was passed to help people obtain pensions, find training and meaningful work, freely use public transportation, and protect the rights and safety of those using white canes and guide dogs. Important human rights gains followed. Work in the areas of employment, education, and equal access to facilities continues today.

Younger members became active in an array of issues, through the Minnesota Association of Blind Students.

Among the many, many accomplishments of the federation is that of founding BLIND Incorporated, which has taught thousands of blind people to advocate for themselves, travel with a white cane, read Braille, use computers, and the other skills they need to live

independently and obtain successful employment.

Members have also worked hard over the years to support and protect State Services for the Blind from budget cuts and organizational changes.

The COVID-19 pandemic prevented the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota from hosting an anniversary event but the group is planning a centennial conference in the fall. Members have compiled a history, which is available on the organization’s website. Material from that history was excerpted for this article. An audio version of the celebration will be posted soon. Go to www.nfbmn.org The History Note is a monthly column sponsored by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, www.mnddc.org

August 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 8

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State officials weigh an array of plans for students, class in fall

by Jan Willms The uncertainty of what will happen with school-age children this fall is weighing heavily on families, teachers and school administrators. For parents who have children with special needs, the question is even more pressing.

Daren Korte, assistant commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), cited additional challenges for students with disabilities. One recommendation from MDE is to not have teachers or other staff go into students’ homes. “There are far too many variables to keep staff and others safe,” Korte said.

Well-being or well child checks have occurred with staff meeting with the family outside on the lawn or during a socially distant walk. “Actual services only take place in the school setting, where there are far fewer variables.”

Three options were planned for fall, with Walz announcing a decision the last week of July after this issue of Access Press went to press. MDE is working with the Department of Health on guidance for masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE). Information will be ready soon.

The first scenario is in-person learning for all students.

Schools would create as much space between students and teachers as feasible during the day, but won’t be held strictly to enforcing six feet of social distancing during primary instructional times in classrooms. This plan would be implemented if cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota stabilize and/or improve.

The second is a hybrid model with strict social distancing and capacity limits. Schools must limit the overall number of people in facilities and transportation vehicles to 50 percent maximum occupancy. Sufficient social distancing with at least six feet between people must occur at all times.

The third scenario is distance learning only, used if local, regional or statewide COVID-19 metrics worsen enough to require suspension of in-person learning.

“Considering the situation, the decision will be a public health decision, and not necessarily an educational one,” Korte said. “If it were up to just educators, we all want our kids back in school. But we just want to keep staff and students safe.”

Minnesota school districts planned for all three scenarios. “It is entirely possible a district could use all three

Governor Tim Walz plans in one year, depending on the situation in that school or community,” Korte said.

“We have been encouraging school administrations to have a dialogue with parents and families on what services would look like in each of those three scenarios. If this is not happening, we are asking parents to be in communication with teachers and administrators to be sure their voices are heard,” he said.

Korte recommended that families have their own plans for what could happen in each situation. “Is additional assistance needed in the home? You need to be ready to go when school starts, and that needs to be part of the conversation.”

Even if MDE were to allow schools to provide in-person instruction, Korte said it is still a requirement to provide distance learning to families who need it because of a

vulnerable child or adult at home. “There will be some percentage of families who don’t feel comfortable coming back into the school system yet.”

A recent state survey received 130,000 responses.

Families were asked how they felt about distance learning utilized since the pandemic began. Distance learning was rated good by 35.2 percent; bad by 42.percent, very good by 9.5 percent, very bad by 10 .3 percent and the same as in person by 3.8 percent.

Access to the Internet, access to technology and good communication from teachers and schools were cited as positive. Top challenges to distance learning were students not feeling empowered, and students experiencing mental health challenges due to COVID-19.

When asked in the survey if they would feel comfortable sending their students back to school in the fall, 64.3 percent of parents replied yes; 11.4 percent said no and 24.3 percent were unsure.

“We won’t know the actual outcomes of distance learning for at least a year,” Korte said.

Many results of distance learning have also been anecdotal. A series of 30 feedback sessions that were professionally facilitated were held.

“Generally, for some students distance learning worked really well,” Korte said, “mainly secondary and middle school students. Some who were at home plugged away. On the other hand, some students who have very high needs being served by the district, such as respite care, that just were not able to be provided, struggled.” The situation can vary from teacher to teacher, from school to school and on the students’ needs.

Regarding staff concerns, Korte said he is not sure MDE has a source of good qualitative service data. “Anecdotally, we have heard concerns from teachers and staff on the wellbeing of distance learning, and students getting what they need. And then there are some staff who are very concerned about going back, especially if they have underlying health conditions.”

“Our approach is to try and stay out of the political discussion around opening or not opening schools,” Korte said. “We are sticking to what the science says. We are educational professionals, not health professionals.

We need to rely on those folks who know that area and can give us recommendations."

measures are just a first step in terms of addressing racial equality issues.

The measures cleared the Republican-controlled Senate on a 60-to-7 vote early July 21 before adjourning the special session. The House approved the package 102-29.

The Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) celebrated on social media. “The Autism Society of Minnesota is grateful for the inclusion of mandatory four hours of autism training for all law enforcement officers in Minnesota as part of the four-year licensing cycle. The bill outlines training parameters that were created with guidance from AuSM's own advocacy committee, and require the inclusion of autistic adults, families, autism experts and law enforcement staff in developing training curriculum. This bill will help to create a safer Minnesota for all those affected by autism.”

AuSM was among the groups thanking the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus for their work on the legislation.

The special session, the second of the summer, was called, to give lawmakers a chance to rescind the

emergency powers Walz has used to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor must call another special session in mid-August if, as expected, he extends his emergency authority again.

The special sessions this summer have been seen as a chance to pass other needed legislation, including a bonding bill. The bonding bill, which would fund dozens of needed capital projects around the state, has failed to win enough votes for passage. It includes improvements for state academics and hospitals, as well as accessibility improvements in a variety of facilities.

Another disappointment this time around was the failure to again pass an emergency rate increase for the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program. The program is crucial to helping make sure that older adults and Minnesotans with disabilities stay healthy and in their homes during COVID-19.

Read the law enforcement reforms package and check the status of other pending bills at www.leg.state.mn.us

education centers on critically needed transitional learning and training. Yet McArdles’ son and many other young people lost that opportunity.

Fredin’s entire family. “At the end of the day they were For parents who lack basic resources, online learning just not learning,” she said. added to their struggles. Susan Montgomery’s family Rob McArdle’s 21-year-old son has multiple disabilities not only lacks transportation, they had to seek housing and needs 24/7 during the care. “Special pandemic. “Now education I am very scared students are that my son with entitled to a free get COVID,” she and appropriate said. education, in the Parents worry least restrictive that if something environment,” he happens to said. “But students them, entire in their final year families are at of school had their risk. “I want to lives disrupted in a keep my family very tragic way.” safe; I want to Typically the keep my other final semester children safe for students who … if something age out of special A teachers' vehicle caravan displayed signs stating concerns about the start of the happens to me, school year, at a recent Education Minnesota rally.

I am the foundation in this house,” said parent Fatima Molas. She has an eight-year-old child who needs help with tasks including washing hands.

Legislators agree that the problems are complex and need to be addressed through policy and possible law changes. “We’re all apprehensive about sending students back to school, “ said Rep. Jim Davnie (DFLMinneapolis). But we’re also apprehensive about additional distance learning.”

Rep. Brian Daniels (R-Faribault) is the parent of a child with hearing disabilities. “His life was turned around” by the changes during the school year, Daniels said.

REFORMS From page 1

“Every single person, every single Minnesotan deserves to feel safe and protected in their communities,” said Walz. “This bipartisan piece of legislation moves us toward criminal justice reform. These critical reforms are long overdue -- they are meant to strengthen transparency and community oversight.”

“George Floyd's death brought the need for meaningful police reform into sharp focus for Minnesotans across the state,” Walz said. “After decades of advocacy by communities of color and Indigenous communities, the bipartisan passage of these measures is a critical step toward justice.”

The bill was several weeks in the making, and failed to pass during the first legislative special session in June. Many groups, including disability advocacy groups, called for change. Floyd’s death prompted civil unrest across the nation.

Legislators, citing the need for transformational change in how Minnesotans of color are treated, said the new

CHALLENGES

EDUCATION MINNESOTA

From page 1

Resources for school The Minnesota Disability Law Center is hearing many questions from families about COVID-19 waivers, as well as changes to policies and procedures at schools. These issues are raising many red flags.

The center has prepared a fact sheet for many of the issues - https://www.lawhelpmn.org/self-help-library/ fact-sheet/covid-19-distance-learning-and-special-education-services-minnesota Other resources for families include:

• Resources for parents of children with disabilities: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/sped/MDE032505 • COVID-19 Resources for Parents of Students with Disabilities: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/ dse/sped/MDE032525 • Parent Guidance Related to Due Process During Distance Learning Period - https://disabilityhubmn.org/ - Minnesota Disability Hub

August 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 8

Pg 4

FROM OUR COMMUNITY

‘Savings’ would reduce choice, access to needed medical items

by Rose Schafhauser In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is championing a pair of proposals it made to a state panel charged with saving $100 million in DHS spending.

These proposals, if implemented, would reduce access to needed medical equipment and supplies for Minnesotans who rely on Medical Assistance, especially disabled Minnesotans.

A little background: A year ago, as part of the deal that resolved Minnesota’s budget impasse, legislative leaders and Gov. Tim Walz agreed to create a Blue Ribbon Commission on Health and Human Services.

Among other things, the panel was directed to identify “significant cost drivers” of state health spending in order to save $100 million over the next two years.

By last fall, the 17-member commission had been chosen and given the opportunity to pour over more than 250 strategies submitted by commission members and the public. Not surprisingly, none of these proposals targeted spending on medical equipment or supplies, because this spending constitutes no more than 3 percent of DHS health care spending.

DHS, working with a consultant the agency hired, rejected most of the panel’s proposals out of hand.

Among the 18 “strategies” identified in the commission’s draft final report were two that weren’t even in the original 250-plus strategies. Both of these proposals returned to a favorite target of DHS: the providers of home medical equipment and supplies and the disabled community they serve.

The proposals: • Implement volume purchasing of durable medical equipment, such as enteral nutrition, wound care supplies and standard wheelchairs and walkers.

• Lower Medicaid payment rates for certain categories of durable medical equipment to match Medicare rates.

Setting aside the fact that neither of these proposals target “significant cost drivers” of state health spending,

By the time you read this, the comment period on the commission's draft report will have ended. But it's not too early for you to contact your legislators. Explain how these dangerous and misguided proposals would threaten your ability to remain at home.

DHS is fuzzy on what it thinks it can save with these measures, suggesting a savings of between $1 million and $10 million for each. DHS has failed to provide any evidence to support these savings estimates or how it could reduce spending on these items without reducing access and choice for Minnesotans who rely on Medical Assistance for these items.

This was the case in 2017 when they proposed the Preferred Provider Incontinence program, which resulted in a lawsuit and injunction against DHS and the retraction of this program. DHS could not substantiate what savings this program would effect, but it would have a major impact on access to products/services for 40,000 Medicaid beneficiaries. So given the history you can expect that if these BRC proposals were implemented they would 1) save little if any money; and 2) would reduce choice and thereby access to these needed medical items.

While doing nothing to target real “cost drivers” of the health care budget, the consequences of these proposals would be devastating for Medical Assistance beneficiaries who need medical equipment and supplies as well as the Minnesota small businesses that provide these items to the beneficiaries.

The alleged savings by applying Medicare rates for medical equipment and supplies would be minimal because most items paid for by Medicaid already are reimbursed at Medicare rates. The few items that do

have different rates have different rates for good reason.

The federal government originally assigned Medicare and Medicaid rates differently for certain supplies because the populations these programs serve are different, and the costs of providing care also are different. For instance, Medicare may have one reimbursement rate for basic feeding tubes, but those rates do not come close to covering the cost of specialized feeding tubes that many disabled Medicaid beneficiaries require.

Any plan to reduce reimbursement to Medicare levels for these types of specialized items will reduce access and harm care for vulnerable Minnesotans. It also would harm the many small businesses around the state who provide these needed medical equipment and supplies.

By the time you read this, the comment period on the commission’s draft report will have ended. But it’s not too late to contact commission members you know, and it’s not too early for you to contact your legislators -- tell them about your reliance on home medical equipment and supplies. Explain how these dangerous and misguided proposals would threaten your ability to remain at home.

DHS must not be allowed to undermine access to needed medical equipment and supplies based on dubious claims of savings Rose Schafhauser wrote this on behalf of the Midwest Association for Medical Equipment Services and Supplies (MAMES).

Make comments on waiver amendments before August 24 deadline The Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking public comments on Summer 2020 federal waiver plan amendments before state officials submit the amendments to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for approval. The amendments apply to the following home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers: • Brain Injury (BI) • Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) • Community Alternative Care (CAC) • Developmental Disabilities (DD).

The amendments are Phase One of the Waiver Reimagine project. The are meant to make a number of modifications, to: • Change the current service menu to streamline duplicative services across the current service array.

• Address the intent of the HCBS settings standards more fully.

• Support community inclusion and expand services to create more options for people.

The changes will not result in a decrease to services and supports for people who currently use waiver services.

Members of the public can submit comments in different ways. Comments can be emailed to DSD. PublicComments@state.mn.us no later than 4 p.m.

Monday, August 24.

Comments can also be accepted by mail. Mail written comments to: ATTN: Waiver Amendments, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Disability Services Division, P.O. Box 64967, St. Paul, MN 55164-0967.

For information on how to access the full versions of Minnesota’s approved waiver plans, see CBSM – How to get a copy of a federally approved waiver plan. It can be accessed via the DHS web page. The link is https://www. dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_DYNAMIC_CONVERSION&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestRe-

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leased&dDocName=dhs-285945 Anyone who is unable to access the amendment document electronically may request a copy. Email the DSD Response Center at DSD.ResponseCenter@state.mn.us Or send a written request to: ATTN: Waiver Amendments, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Disability Services Division, P.O. Box 64967, St. Paul, MN 55164-0967 A third option for people who cannot email a request for the document is to call the DSD Response Center at 651-431-4300.

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August 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 8

Be ready to cast votes this November Once the August 11 primary election is in the books, all eyes turn to the November 3 general election. Voters will be electing a president, members of Congress, state legislators and in some cases, local city, county and school officials.

Minnesotans with disabilities already face obstacles when trying to vote, with polling places that aren’t easily accessible and lack of accommodations when voting. The COVID-19 pandemic raises additional issues of personal safety. That is why absentee voting via mail is important.

The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office has launched REV Up Minnesota, an effort to encourage more state residents with disabilities to vote. The effort is meant to encourage people to Register, Educate, Vote and Use your Power. Learn more at www.facebook.com/REVUPMN/ About 70 people attended a virtual town hall in July to hear from Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon and his staff. The Arc Minnesota and Autism Society of Minnesota facilitated the event.

Minnesota historically has a strong record of voter participation and often tops the nation in voter turnout, said Simon. Minnesota is one of just 16 states with same-day voter registration. “But we have room to grow and room to improve.”

State and federal laws require that polling places be accessible to people with disabilities. That means everyone should be able to enter and exit without barriers, and vote.

“The pandemic is having a major impact on elections,” Simon said. While no one can predict the extent of the pandemic and any needed safety measures come November, election officials are assuming the pandemic will need to be addressed with social distance and other safety measures.

Two requests are prompted by the pandemic. One is for people to consider requesting absentee ballots. “Please consider voting from home,” Simon said.

“Everyone who votes from home helps make the polling places safer for other voters and for poll workers.”

The second ask is for Minnesotans to consider becoming election judges, if they feel that their health won’t be compromised by doing so. Many election judges are elders, so a number of judges around the state will be sitting the 2020 elections out.

Judges are paid and get training before the election.

One question raised at the town hall is whether people with disabilities can be barred from voting. The answer is no, for the most part.

Minnesotans who are age 18 and older, have U.S. citizenship and have lived in the state for at least 20 days prior to Election Day can vote.

People with disabilities sometimes have their right to vote challenged.

Minnesotans can vote if they are under conservatorship or guardianship, gave power of attorney to another person, have a brain injury, have a cognitive disability or have memory loss. No one can take away voting rights under those circumstances. That includes a spouse, children, attorneys, caregivers, doctors or nurses.

Who cannot vote? Someone serving a felony sentence cannot vote until the

sentence and probation are completed.

Nor can some vote if a court has specifically restricted an individual’s voting rights. That has to be done through a court order, such an order that someone has been found to be legally incompetent.

The Minnesota Secretary of State’s website and Facebook pages offer lots of good information for votes. Check on voter registration status, learn what is needed to register to vote on Election Day, request an absentee ballot and read accessibility rules. Learn how to file a complaint against a polling place or elections officials.

Voters can bring a helper to the polls as long as that person is not the voter’s employer or from the voter’s union.

Polling places can also provide two helpers per voter, from different political parties.

Ask the head judge for assistance.

If a ballot is improperly marked or spoiled, ask for a new ballot. If accommodations are needed such as voting machines for people who have visually or hearing disabilities, those are provided, too.

Simon urged the group to learn more about their rights on Election Day and to report problems they see. Learn more at https://www.sos.state.mn.us/electionsvoting/

Pg 5

We welcome your letters and commentary Access Press welcomes letters to the editor and commentary pieces from readers, on topics of interest to Minnesota’s disability community.

Letters should be no more than 500 words, with 750 words per commentary.

Ask the editors if more space is needed.

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With letters, a writer’s hometown is published but not a street address. Please send contact information, in the form of a phone number or email, in case the editor has questions about a letter or commentary. Contact information isn’t published unless the writer specifically requests that the newspaper do so.

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

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

Deadline for the print edition of the newspaper is the 15th of each month, with publication the following month.

August 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 8

Pg 6

PEOPLE & PLACES MOHR Life Enrichment Awards are announced

Now, more than ever,

Access Press needs your support!

COVID-19 has hit everyone hard — but arguably, the disability community has been the hardesthit. We have people every day asking for help, for increased communication. It makes our role as a voice for those with disabilities of all kinds all the more important. But we’re doing it on a shoestring staff, working remotely, and with many of our usual methods hampered by the virus.

We need funding for increased reporting to one of the most vulnerable populations in Minnesota. Will you help us with that?

Even the smallest gift helps, and all donors over $30 receive a subscription to Access Press.

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Countless lives have been improved by disability service providers throughout Minnesota. Services providers help people with disabilities find meaningful work, enjoy fun activities and socialize with others.

The Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation (MOHR) has announced its 2020 Life Enrichment Award winners.

This is the third year for the awards program. MOHR members are encouraged to nominate their own programs. Nominations also come from individuals with disabilities, their families and partnering groups.

This year’s winners are: Achieve Services, Dance At Your Own Risk, is located in Blaine and serves the north Twin Cities metropolitan area. Its honored Dance At Your Own Risk group provides opportunity for expression through music that honors ability and choice.

Achieve Services supports the original tunes of the Dance At Your Own Risk group of participants.

Individual voices and high tech sounds ring out before public audiences and online.

Using iPads and the Garage Band application offers participants a chance at musical expression without the need to learn an instrument. The group is the brainchild of training specialist Joe Loskota – a band member of the Belfast Cowboys group. Achieve staff said the program is exceptional because their participants do it all - they write the

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August 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 8

Pg 7

PEOPLE & PLACES

CHOICE Unlimited

Norma County Developmental Activities Center

MSS

MOHR

From page 6 lyrics and music, record and sell their original tunes and perform for audiences.

Duluth-based CHOICE Unlimited was honored for its BOLD-choice Theatre Company. The outstanding outreach theatre program was recognized for cultivating inclusion, diversity and personal pride.

BOLD-choice is an outreach theater program created

by CHOICE, Unlimited. The theatre company features 24 actors with disabilities who create original productions and tour regionally.

Taking a multi-genre, fine arts approach, BOLDchoice has found therapeutic benefits to this entertaining offering. Theater creates learning experiences that shape how participants engage with the world around them.

BOLD-choice Theatre members become leaders and audiences look up to their work.

Merrick, Inc. was recognized for its adult day services program, Merrick ADS. The program provides life enrichment services that engage the community and volunteers. Interaction is the name of the game. Merrick’s Adult Day Services program bases itself in the small-town metro hometown of North St. Paul, on the main street where the action is.

Thirty-eight ADS participants engage with the local community, often walking to a nearby fire station, café, library and even a pool hall. They invite community members in for customized programming. In the summer yard sales have participants searching for bargains.

Participants enjoy music therapy, exercise at the YMCA, animal -assisted activities and a sewing program. Staff and volunteers pitch in for activities. Merrick operates the program on the basis that good things can happen when people stop and chat with neighbors on the sidewalk.

Merrick headquarters are located in Vadnais Heights.

MSS was honored for the Access to the Arts program, which provides adaptive, idea-based art facilitation with an individualized person-centered approach. St. Paulbased MSS is a major purveyor, provider and promoter of the arts for people with disabilities. With choice at the center, art projects are driven by participant artists as art facilitators promote independence.

At MSS, hand over hand is a thing of the past. Physical

and verbal limitations are not a problem for this group.

Group members use adaptive tools, samples, picture choices and technology to make every brush stroke count as an expression of each individual. Personal styles and artistic visions are realized at MSS. Norman County Developmental Activities Center (DAC) was recognized for its sensory room, which is located in the northern Minnesota community of Ada. The versatile space is an all-inclusive, sensory, relaxation and exploration room to improve persons' quality of life.

The space brings multiple benefits to the participants it serves with an all-inclusive, sensory, relaxation and exploration room to help people to process internal and external stimuli.

Whether they are struggling to stay focused and on task, or are in a time of transition before engaging in group activities or community events, individuals use the room to elicit the senses and bring the brain to life.

Anxiety is reduced and people return to their tasks and to the greater community.

The sensory room is a relaxing and safe place where a calm, centered frame of mind helps people through the overwhelming aspects of life. It gives a chance for people to explore the realms of cause and effect and engage their curiosity in a safe space.

Minnetonka-based Opportunity Partners used Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan to inspire its winning program, called Engage with My Community. Staff member Mary Moellenhoff, a community engagement specialist, supports a group of three people with disabilities.

With a 1-to-3 staff to client ratio, the idea is to bring service coordination closer to the people in the program.

Individuals with disabilities are its directors. People connect with others, wowing them with kindness bags and small deeds that touch their lives.

Engage with My Community efforts were featured in a recent organizational newsletter, which describe many ways clients help their communities. A class in Anoka decorates grocery bags for Open Arms of Minnesota, which provides food for people with life-threatening illnesses.

Random Acts of Kindness Bags, which began as a desire to improve sorting, counting and small muscle skills, provide smiles and thanks when they are given to police officers and store clerks.

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August 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 8

Pg 8

REGIONAL NEWS Beware of false mask claims, officials say The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can provide many protections. But it doesn’t exempt people from wearing face masks, shields or other protective facial coverings.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a warning regarding fake posters, flyers and carrying cards circulating on the internet that exempt individuals from wearing face masks in public because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The Department of Justice has been made aware of postings or flyers on the internet regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the use of face masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of which include the Department of Justice’s seal,” the DOJ said in a statement.

The “Face Mask Exempt Card” images began appearing on Twitter and other social media earlier this summer.

The card falsely states “I am exempt from any ordinance requiring face mask usage in public. Wearing a face mask poses a mental and/or physical risk to me. Under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), I am not required to disclose my condition to you.”

The card also states that any business found violating the made-up mandate could face serious consequences.

“Organizations and businesses can be fined up to $75,000 for your first violation and $150,000 for any subsequent violations. Denying access to your business/ organization will be also reported to FTBA for further actions.” This, too, is untrue.

Settlement reached with facility

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced a settlement agreement with a senior living facility, Edgewood Sartell, that violated Minnesota’s civil rights law.

The facility is accused of discriminating against Jameisha Cox, a personal care assistant, because of her race.

“Being belittled on a daily basis because of race is sad a reality for Black people,” said Jameisha Cox. “I was blatantly ignored when I raised concerns about being racially harassed. I was ignored again when I was fired because of my race. All I wanted was my job back and nobody cared at all. Now my former employer is being held responsible and has to change their policies so what happened to me doesn’t happen for the next Black person.”

“Jameisha Cox’s case lays bare yet another example of anti-Black racism,” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. “As Minnesota’s civil rights enforcement agency, we continue to work every day to build a state where communities of color and Indigenous communities can thrive by enforcing civil rights law, ending racist practices, and undoing systems that perpetuate racial disparities.”

Throughout her employment as a personal care assistant at Edgewood Sartell, the senior living facility assigned Jameisha Cox, a Black woman, to work with a resident who racially harassed her. The resident made racist and derogatory comments about Cox’s race, skin and hair. The resident shouted racial epithets at Cox and attempted to rip off Cox’s headscarf. When Cox and other employees reported the racial harassment to Cox’s supervisor, the supervisor did nothing. Cox’s supervisor also repeatedly denied Cox’s requests to work with a different resident.

In addition to permitting the racial harassment to occur,

and supervisors, and provide one hour of bias training to all of its employees.

The settlement agreement also requires Edgewood Sartell to pay Cox for lost wages and damages.

(Source: Minnesota Department of Human Rights)

Scooters return to cities

The FTBA appears to be an acronym for the “Freedom to Breathe Agency.” But a listed website couldn’t be found.

The DOJ warns that the card isn’t valid and that the ADA claims aren’t true. “The department urges the public not to rely on the information contained in these postings and to visit ADA.gov for ADA information issued by the Department,” the DOJ said.

The false ADA cards come at a time when many celebrities are joining the push for people to wear masks, face shields and other coverings, and to stay safe. Wearing of face protections has increasingly become politicized.

(Source: Associated Press, KARE-11) the senior living facility fired Cox because of her race.

Edgewood Sartell falsely claimed that Cox failed to report to work, when in fact she followed the company’s protocol. Cox requested and her supervisor approved time-off because she was waiting for her next paycheck in order to repair her car that she used to get to work.

Edgewood Sartell did not fire white employees who had significant attendance issues.

The senior living facility’s executive director never responded to Cox’s complaint in response to her termination. On November 18, 2018, Cox filed a charge of discrimination with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights alleging racial discrimination. Minnesota has one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country, the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which prohibits racial discrimination in employment.

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights determined that Edgewood Sartell violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act when the senior living facility discriminated against Cox when it failed to address the racial harassment by the resident and when it fired Cox because of her race.

To address and prevent future racial discrimination from occurring, the settlement requires Edgewood Sartell to: Amend discrimination and harassment policies to make clear the policies apply to harassing and discriminatory conduct by employees, residents, guests, visitors, vendors, and contractors; Inform all employees of the updated policies; and Provide one hour of anti-discrimination and antiharassment training to all non-supervisory and nonmanagerial employees, provide 1.5 hours of antidiscrimination and anti-harassment to all of its managers

Scooters have returned to city streets and disability rights activists are keeping an eye out, to make sure sidewalks aren’t improperly blocked.

Minneapolis officials are working with the scooter companies Lyft and Bird to provide up to 2,500 of the scooters. St. Paul is working with Lime and Bird for 1,000 scooters.

The electric scooters are praised as a convenient option for people who was use an app to grab a quick ride. But the scooters are all too often left in piles on sidewalks, blocking access for people with disabilities.

In Minneapolis, a requirement is that scooters be locked to bike racks so they won't clutter the sidewalks has caused debate between city officials and scooter company representatives. Bird and Lyft asked for more time. But Spin, a third company that didn’t win a city contract, said it could have locking scooters in place now.

Spin had one of the city’s scooter contracts in 2019 but wasn’t awarded a contract this year.

The amended proposal allows the city to add more vendors if Bird or Lyft can't supply enough scooters with the locking feature.

Last year Minneapolis city offices received 356 parking complaints related to scooters. Those complaints, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, forced changes in both twin cities as to have scooters are regulated. Minneapolis was also sued over the issue of scooters obstructing sidewalks, with that court case centered on access issues for people with disabilities.

(Source: Star Tribune)

Police officers file for disability

Almost 200 Minneapolis police officers have started the process of filing disability claims, with most stating they're suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Attorney Ron Meuser, Jr., of the firm Meuser, Yackley and Rowland, said that the disability claims have come in the last several weeks, following the killing of George Floyd and the ensuing nights of unrest. One of those nights included the Third Precinct police station being burned down.

“While law enforcement is a high-stress career, the last two months in Minneapolis have pushed many officers to their breaking point,” Meuser said, explaining that many officers feel exhausted from working long shifts.

“I’m seeing PTSD symptoms of officers with highly diminished capacity to live and socialize, extraordinary rates of divorce and alcohol dependency just to cope,” he said in a statement. “It is an emotional crisis that cannot and should not continue.” Meuser said the disability claims affect about 20 percent of officers in the Minneapolis Police Department.

"We know that our officers are exposed to dangerous situations and traumatic events in the line of duty. And we also know that COVID-19 and the civil unrest that followed the killing of George Floyd have tested community and our officers in profound ways. What’s most important is that we treat invisible wounds just as we do other injuries – with a clear focus on healing,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey in a statement. "We need state law to reflect that dedication to healing, and cities need the resources to reflect the realities we’re seeing on the ground. In the meantime, I am committed to supporting those officers committed to carrying out their oath to serve and protect the people of Minneapolis during a challenging time for our city."

(Source; KSTP-TV)

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August 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 8

Pg 9

PEOPLE & PLACES New provider group names leader

ProAct announces leadership change

Disability services provider ProAct has announced a leadership transition. Steve Ditschler, longtime ProAct leader, is working with Judie Foster-Lupkin. FosterLupkin is now incoming president of ProAct, while Ditschler serves as CEO during the transition period.

Foster-Lupkin is a 20-year veteran of the disability and nonprofit service community. With a strong background in finance, she has led both day service, employment and residential nonprofits, most recently in Albany, Oregon.

In Minnesota, she served as the executive director of Winona Occupational Rehabilitation Center from 2009 to 2014.

Foster-Lupkin is known for her skills at bringing stability back to organizations, building up staff, problem solving and organizational management. ProAct has been perhaps one of the most stable in our industry, and is now weathering the COVID-19 storm.

“Just as I do, our new president also recognizes the importance of families, and their trust in us to be an extension of care for their loved ones. We are thankful that so many people choose us for services, and for the variety of choices we’ve been able to offer,” Ditschler

∏∏f

said in a letter to community partners. “You can be confident that our approach will be both thoughtful and thorough. The change in leadership during the time of our adjustments for COVID-19 presents additional challenges. Together with ProAct staff, we will work through them together. We appreciate your patience. Our plans may require adjustments, but we are preparing, and we will be ready.”

Gaylord’s years of service saluted

Leaders in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities gathered virtually this month to pay tribute to Vicki Gaylord of the University of Minnesota Institute on Community Integration (ICI).

Gaylord retired this summer after more Vicki Gaylord than three decades’ service and advocacy for people with disabilities. A virtual farewell event was held to honor Gaylord. A farewell book was created.

Gaylord’s 32-year career in ICI’s publications department—including serving as managing editor of Impact magazine for nearly its entire history—intertwines seamlessly with the life of the organization itself.

As Impact managing editor, Gaylord worked with more than 1,000 authors in the United States and abroad to produce more than 70 issues of the magazine. She also edited and oversaw the publication of countless research briefs, training manuals, curricula and reports, in addition to hiring and managing staff.

At her farewell, Gaylord shared feedback she received over the years from Impact readers, including an email from a mother requesting copies of a recent issue that she wanted to use to persuade her school district’s board of education to provide the services her son is entitled to by law. Another was from a police chief calling to say that the issue on the justice system and people with disabilities was exactly the kind of information his officers were hungry for, and that he'd like to subscribe to receive future issues. Another letter, from the U.S. Air Force, sought to put the issue on violence against women with disabilities on all its air bases around the world.

“I’ve also had the privilege of partnering with people with disabilities to tell their life stories and share their experiences in their own words through putting their stories in Impact,” Gaylord said. “I have been honored that they trusted me and ICI to tell those stories.”

Many people paid tribute to Gaylord. “Just before Vicki was hired [in 1988], we achieved status as a federally funded University Affiliated Program in Developmental Disabilities through the University of Iowa,” said Robert Bruininks, the former University of Minnesota president.

Earlier in Bruininks’ academic career he helped found ICI, served as its first director, and hired Gaylord.

“Most other centers were in medical schools, with a biginstitution bias. We were focused on a deep set of values for providing opportunities for inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).”

Disseminating the latest interdisciplinary research and best practices was essential to ICI’s establishing itself as a one of the University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Gaylord’s role in shaping many of ICI’s publications was critical, Bruininks said during the virtual farewell event. “She worked with all of us to create a vision to be a leadership center for sharing research for the improvement of practices and the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The Minnesota First Provider Alliance (MNFPA) has announced two major steps in its efforts to bring change to the personal care assistance field. The alliance announced the formation of affiliated nonprofit Minnesota First Community Solutions (MNFCS).

Veteran nonprofits leader Vicki Gerrits will Vicki Gerrits lead the new affiliate.

The new organization will develop and administer educational program offerings for personal care assistance agencies intended to increase quality of care and improve program integrity.

Gerrits will lead MNFCS in the development of policies, best practices, and delivery reforms to improve care provided to Minnesotans currently receiving personal care services. She will also provide executive leadership services to MNFPA. "The Minnesota First Provider Alliance is thrilled to announce the formation of Minnesota First Community Solutions and its hiring of Vicki Gerrits as its new executive director,” said Dena Belisle, alliance president.

“Vicki will bring extensive knowledge and leadership, combined with a commitment to lead the MNFCS and the MNFPA. Vicki's role will be crucial to build the MNFCS's educational infrastructure and develop its programmatic offerings to increase quality of care and improve program integrity via furthering education.”

“I'm honored to take on this role with Minnesota First Community Solutions to support the board and the Minnesota First Provider Alliance,” said Gerrits.

She brings more than 20 years of non-profit leadership and board governance experience in home and communitybased services to her new role. In the past decade she served as vice president of programs at Accord/Community Involvement Programs, chief strategy officer at Accra and vice president of services at Lifeworks Services, Inc. All of those entities are all non-profit home and communitybased service providers. She provided governance support for the boards of Accra and Lifeworks.

While serving at Accra, Gerrits established a legislative advocacy program which increased visibility at the Minnesota Legislature.

In Memoriam f∏∏

Callaghan led special education group

Frances Callaghan was not only part of a pioneer Minnesota family; she was also a pioneer in special education. Callaghan died in July. She was 91 and was a longtime resident of the Orono area.

Callaghan returned to school after raising her four children. She graduated from St. Cloud State University, then taught special education in the Wayzata Public Schools for 20 years. Special education was a new degree program when she attended SCSU, which was launched by Professor Stanley Knox. With his mentorship she became a leader in the Minnesota Association for Children with Learning Disabilities (MACLD).

MACLD was founded as a group driven by parents of children with learning disabilities. Callaghan joined founders, including Gwen Martinson and DeeDee Slettehaugh, and under their tutelage became one of the core volunteer parents at the center of the organization.

MACLD had a longtime presence at the Minnesota Legislature. One of the laws members worked on is Minnesota Statute 120.17 Subdivision 3, which requires all Minnesota school districts "to insure that all children who are disabled and require specialized instruction to be provided the special education appropriate to their needs

according to an Individual Education Plan.”

MACLD members then turned their work to the federal level, including work on the Children with Specific Learning Disabilities Act of 1969. MACLD had a long history of involvement with special education at the federal level. On November 29, 1975, President Gerald Ford signed into law what is now known as the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)". Today IDEA governs how all states’ public agencies provide special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible children with learning disabilities.

Callaghan was the great-great-granddaughter of Lydia and William Ferguson, who were among the first to settle on Lake Minnetonka's south shore in 1854. Their homesteaded property stretched from Excelsior to Ferguson Point (today known as Gluek's Point). She was proud of her family heritage.

She is remembered for her gift of patience, compassion and strong desire to help children to realize their full potential, which was apparent to anyone with whom she came in contact with inside or outside her classroom.

Callaghan is survived by a son and daughter and their families, including eight great-grandchildren. Memorials preferred to Kindred Hospice, 8000 W 78th St #210, Edina, MN 55439.

Former ICI leaders David Johnson and Charlie Lakin also gave tributes. “It wasn’t just the themes that Impact explored, it was the model Vicki used to involve people so that each issue reflected not only the best thinking at ICI but nationally,” said Lakin.

Colleen Wieck, executive director of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, was among many other well-wishers from ICI partner organizations. “Of all the topics that could have been highlighted [in Impact], you were somehow able to determine and select those that were the most timely, and most relevant, that deserved attention and would be welcomed by many diverse audiences,” Wieck said.

Former ICI researcher Stuart Schleien, now a department chair at University of North Carolina Greensboro, called Gaylord’s work foundational to ICI’s knowledge translation efforts.

“With all of the work we accomplished to develop evidence-based practices and improve the quality of life for people with IDD, little of it would have been possible without having ways to creatively and effectively share this knowledge with the field,” he said. “Always behind the scenes, she was the creative voice that was responsible for influencing policies and practices to facilitate the social inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

Camancho leaves Opportunity Partners

It’s a changing of the guard at Opportunity Partners as Armando Camacho has stepped down as president and CEO. Camacho left in June to lead Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, which provides services to support mental health, housing stability, early childhood development, and healthy aging for thousands of people throughout the Greater Saint Paul community.

Camacho led Opportunity Partners since January 2104, coming to the disability services nonprofit from St. Paul’s social services agency Neighborhood House. Staff and board members praised him for his great energy and wisdom, as well as his work to provide opportunity Partners with a new organizational mission, vision and values as well as a person-centered, collaborative organization with mission at the core. He was also praised for demonstrating compassion and positivity throughout the challenges of the pandemic, leaving the Minnetonka-based disability services provider wellpositioned financially and with a strong leadership team to continue moving forward in the years ahead.

Camacho is a Puerto Rican immigrant and a former high school and college football star who claims St. Paul’s West Side as his childhood home. He became one of the youngest school principals in state history at age 26.

Bill Schultz, executive vice president, business development and operations, has been named interim Opportunity Partners president and CEO. Schultz joined Opportunity Partners in 2015, bringing more than 20 years of experience to the nonprofit.

Several appointments announced

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan have announced several appointments.

Ryan Odland of Elk River and Brenda Hommerding of Rice are new members of the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing. Odland is an at-large member replacing Jamie Taylor. Hommerding is west central representative replacing Rosanna Kath.

Steven Chies of Coon Rapids and Vanessa Allmon of Minneapolis were reappointed to the Board of Executives for Long Term Services and Supports.

Chies, who is a manager/owner of a nursing home representative. Allmon serves as a public member.

Natalie Morland of Chaska was appointed to a new seat on the board, as a registered nurse at an assisted living facility.

PEOPLE & PLACES To page 11

August 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 8

Pg 10

RADIO TALKING BOOK Radio Talking Book is back After several months’ absence, Radio Talking Book returns to the air Monday, August 10. Listeners will welcome back regular programming, made possible with the help of many talented volunteers. If a favorite program isn’t heard right away, stay tuned as it is taking time to get everything on the air again.

Books that were underway prior to the COVID-19 shutdown will be resumed from their first pages. That gives listeners a chance to get caught up or jump in at the beginning.

Special thanks go out to the University of Kansas Audio-Reader Network for providing their programming to State Services for the Blind/Radio Talking Book during the shutdown. Audio-Reader is a reading and information service for blind, visually impaired, and print-disabled individuals, and broadcasts daily newspapers, magazines, and books 24 hours a day. Thanks again, Kansas Audio-Reader!

Changes on the way Radio Talking Book is changing with the times. Beginning October 1, RTB will no longer be available via closed-circuit radio. Instead, listeners will have several options: use the Internet, the new RTB apps for iOS and Android, or a digital assistant like an Alexa-enabled smart speaker. The innovations will keep RTB available to Minnesotans for years to come. Find out more by calling toll-free at 1-800-652-9000, or email at ssb.info@state.mn.us There’s an app for that Access RTB anytime and anywhere on a hand-held mobile device, for either iOS or Android.

Just visit the Apple App Store for iOS, or Google Play for Android, and download the Minnesota Radio Talking Book app. It’s quick, it’s easy, and provides a convenient way to tune into RTB anytime and anyplace.

“Alexa, play Radio Talking Book” RTB’s live broadcast stream is now available on Amazon’s Echo, Echo Dot, and other Amazon Alexa-enabled smart speakers.

It’s easy to get started. First, tell the smart speaker to “Enable Radio Talking Book.”

Once confirmed, tell the smart speaker to “Play Radio Talking Book” to hear the current broadcast. Ask “What is playing now?” for a description of the current program, and “What is the Radio Talking Book schedule?” to hear what’s coming up.

Call RTB staff to learn more about Alexaenabled speakers, apps and other news to access programing.

Books available through library services Books broadcast on the Minnesota Radio

Talking Book Network are available for loan through the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library in Faribault. The catalog is online at www.mnbtbl.org, click on the link Search the Library Catalog. Call the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library at 800-722-0550, Monday-Friday, 9 am - 4 pm CST for details. Persons living outside of Minnesota may obtain copies of books via an inter-library loan by contacting their home state’s Network Library for the National Library Service.

Learn more To find more information about Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network events go to the Facebook site, Minnesota Radio Talking Book. Audio information about the daily book listings is also on the National Federation for the Blind (NFB) Newsline. Register for the NFB Newsline by calling 651-539-1424.

The NFB-NEWSLINE service provides access to more than 500 magazines and newspapers, plus information on COVID-19 in the “Breaking News” section. To learn more, visit www.nfb.org/programs-services/ nfb-newsline.

The sampling published monthly in Access Press doesn’t represent the full array of programming. Many more programs and books are available.

Donate to the State Services for the Blind at mn.gov/deed/ssbdonate You can listen to RTB’s live or archived programs online at www.mnssb.org/rtb Chautauqua* Monday – Friday 6 a.m.

Our Towns, nonfiction by James and Deborah Fallows, 2018. Two writers traveled across America in a small airplane, visiting towns and cities and meeting the people.

Read by Judy Woodward. 17 broadcasts; begins Mon, Aug. 10.

Past is Prologue* Monday – Friday 11 a.m.

Presidents of War, nonfiction by Michael Beschloss, 2018. A look at a procession of American leaders; each one mobilizing our nation through conflict and into victory.

Read by John Potts. 28 broadcasts; begins Mon, Aug. 10.

Bookworm* Monday – Friday noon The Beantown Girls, fiction by Jane Healey, 2019. Fiona, Dottie, and Viv volunteer as World War II Red Cross “Clubmobile Girls.”

They soon discover courage they didn’t know they had, and the importance of friendship. Read by Pat Muir. 14 broadcasts;

begins Mon, Aug. 10.

Late in the Day, fiction by Tessa Hadley, 2019.

A thirty-year bond between two couples comes apart when one of the friends dies unexpectedly. Read by Judy Woodward. 9 broadcasts; begins Mon, Aug. 31. (L).

The Writer’s Voice* Monday – Friday 1 p.m.

Edison, nonfiction by Edmund Morris, 2019.

One of history’s most prolific inventors receives his due from one of the world’s great biographers, the late Edmund Morris.

Read by Yelva Lynfield. 35 broadcasts; begins Mon, Aug. 10.

Choice Reading* Monday – Friday 2 p.m.

Sold on a Monday, fiction by Kristina McMorris, 2018. During the Great Depression a writer takes a photo of two children with a sign that says, “Two Children for Sale.” Read by Tom Speich. 11 broadcasts; begins Mon, Aug. 10.

The House of Brides, fiction by Jane Cockram, 2019. A woman returns to her family’s estate and poses as the new nanny, as she pieces together the family’s history.

Read by Carol McPherson. 13 broadcasts; begins Mon, Aug. 25.

Afternoon Report* Monday – Friday 4 p.m.

The World As It Is, nonfiction by Ben Rhodes, 2018. Presidential aide Ben Rhodes offers an account of life in the Obama White House.

Read by Scott Brush. 20 broadcasts; begins Mon, Aug. 10.

Night Journey* Monday – Friday 7 p.m.

The Current, fiction by Tim Johnston, 2019.

Two Iowa college friends set out for a trip to Minnesota on a winter night. After a dangerous encounter at a gas station, their car goes off the road and into a river. Read by Gary Rodgers. 15 broadcasts; begins Mon, Aug. 10. V When Father and Son Conspire, nonfiction

by Joseph Amoto, 1988. History professor Joseph Amoto examines in depth the murders of two southwestern Minnesota bankers, by a man and his 18-year-old son.

Read by Stevie Ray. 10 broadcasts; begins Mon, Aug. 31. V, L Off the Shelf* Monday – Friday 8 p.m.

The Right Way, fiction by Skyler Anderson, 2018. A man who grew up in the US sees his life change when it is discovered he’s not

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Jeff Bangsberg & Anita Boucher Bill & Alex Bartolic Dean R. Doering and Lisa Scribner Lawrence B. Dunham Sherry Gray Robert Paul Gregory Kim Keprios Steve Kuntz Richard Lesicko

Rick & Susie Macpherson Dorothy McCoy Andrea McKee Lisa & Jimmy Michaels Jean Larson Mineart Brandon Miller Manley & Ann Olson Anne Henry & Jerry Peterson David Sherwood-Gabrielson

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Robert Groven Martha Hage Marjorie Huebner Dale Janiszeski Gene Martinez Sue Norman Lori Schluttenhofer Virginia Schwartzbauer David Sherwood-Gabrielson Diane Sprague

RTB After Hours* Monday – Friday 11 p.m.

Milkman, fiction by Anna Burns, 2018.

During “The Troubles” a young Irish woman tries to retreat from the political conflict, until she attracts the romantic interest of a revolutionary leader. Read by Laura Young.

14 broadcasts; begins Mon, Aug. 10. V Small Secrets, fiction by Joan Jacobson, 2017.

A wayward Minnesota farm girl redeems her life through the kindness of strangers.

Read by Judith Johannessen. 10 broadcasts; begins Mon, Aug. 31. (L, S) Weekend Books Your Personal World, 1 p.m. Sat, presents Renia’s Diary: A Holocaust Journal by Renia Spiegel and Elizabeth Bellak, read by Beverly Burchett (L).

Rated R, 11 p.m. Sat, presents What We Did in Bed by Brian Fagan and Nadia Durrani, read by Scott McKinney (L, S).

For the Younger Set, 11 a.m. Sun, presents Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian, read

by Connie Jamison.

Poetic Reflections, noon Sun, presents Little Glass Planet by Dobby Gibson, read

by Cintra Godfrey; followed by Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver, read by Myrna Smith.

The Great North, 4. Sun, presents In Winter’s Kitchen by Beth Dooley, read by Michelle Juntunen.

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Good Night Owl* Monday – Friday 10 p.m.

Us Against You, fiction by Frederik Backman, 2018. A new coach revitalizes a Swedish town’s junior hockey team, while a sly politician manipulates the residents. Read

by Don Gerlach. 18 broadcasts; begins Mon, Aug. 10. L, S

Access Press*

GOLD ($500-$999) Mary Benhardus Michael Bjerkesett (in memory of) John Clark Steven Dahl Georgia and Mel Duncan Walt Seibert

Potpourri* Monday – Friday 9 p.m.

The War on Science, nonfiction by Shawn Otto, 2016. Minnesota author Shawn Otto reveals a decades-long attack on science, threatening societies around the world. Read

by Jack Rossmann. 23 broadcasts; begins Mon, Aug. 10.

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an American citizen. Read by Don Lee. 11 broadcasts; begins Mon, Aug. 10. L, R This Could Hurt, fiction by Jillian Medoff, 2018. Five coworkers in the corporate world support each other, while seeking to keep their jobs in a changing economy. Read by Carol McPherson. 15 broadcasts; begins Tue, Aug. 25.

Jon Skaalen Sharon & Paul van Winkel Dale and Janis Zeski Hennepin County Library

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August 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 8

Pg 11

OPPORTUNITIES Mental health peer groups offered NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) sponsors a variety of free online peer support groups for adults and young adults living with a mental illness, their families, friends, spouses/partners, as well as parents of children and teens. Led by trained peer facilitators the support groups help individuals and families learn coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. When joining an online group, please add only a first name. Also, the groups are specifically for those individuals suggested by the group’s title. For example, Family Support Group is only for family members and NAMI Connection is only for those who live with a mental illness and are more than 18 years old, etc.

Find a complete listing of group meetings and how to join in by going to namimn.org and clicking on “Support Groups” or go straight to https://namimn.org/support/ nami-minnesota-support-groups/.

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Minnesota staff are very concerned about the mental health of the people served and the greater community. Call the warm line at 651-288-0400 or text “Support” to 85511 or call 844-739-6369 Call the local crisis team at **CRISIS or check the NAMI

AROUND THE DIAL Disability Channel Minnesota Disability Channel Minnesota is preparing to launch its YouTube channel. Mark Knutson, Charlie Brose and their team hope to have their first show’s preview ready August 1, with an introduction to the channel. The goal is to post the first show this month.

They are looking for contributors to the channel. Contact them at disabilitychannelmn@ gmail.com Disability and Progress KFAI Radio, 6-7 p.m. Thu. Here’s something new: Shows are available on podcast. Just a few episodes are on podcast now but more will be there in the future.

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 106.7 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 Look for the link to archives and for Disability and Progress. Listeners need to have a Real Audio Player downloaded. A smartphone app is also available to hear archived programs. To make comments or make suggestions, call 612-341-3144, or email disabilityandprogress@tcq.net. Postal mail can be sent to KFAI, 1808 Riverside Ave. S., Disability and Progress, Box 116, Minneapolis MN 55454.

PEOPLE AND PLACES From page 9

The State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind has new members.

Reappointments are Gloria LaFriniere of Naytahwaush, Director of American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Program; Carolyn Cherry of St. Paul, Minnesota Department of Education Representative; and Jeffrey Thompson of Fridley, recipient of vocational rehabilitation services representative.

Deborah Leuchovius of St. Paul was appointed as parent training center representative, replacing Barb Ziemke.

Daniel Ashman of Minneapolis was appointed representative of community rehabilitation program service providers, replacing Brian Dulude.

Several appointments were announced to the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities. Jaclyn Ferrier of Redwood Falls is parent guardian member, replacing Hannah Barr. Krista Bahnsen of Waterville is parent guardian member, replacing Alan Wilensky. Amy Hewitt of Minneapolis is higher education representative, replacing David Johnson.

Dupree Edwards of Minneapolis is

website for the county numbers.

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800273-TALK (8255).

Use the Crisis Lifeline by texting MN to 741741.

Call the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800985-5990.

PACER Center workshops sampling PACER Center offers many useful free or low-cost workshops and other resources for families of children with any disabilities. Workshops are available online.

Advance registration is required for all workshops. At least 48 hours’ notice is needed for interpretation. Check out PACER’s website and link to the newsletter of statewide workshops that allows participants to pick and choose sessions designed for their needs. Workshops are free but advance registration required. FFI: PACER, 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237, www.pacer.org Succeed at Work: Tools that Support Executive Function and Focus on the Job offered 2-3 p.m. Tue, Aug. 11. The workshop will showcase technology to support executive function at work. Topics will include managing time, staying organized, completing tasks, and maintaining focus. Demonstrations will include timers, task managers,

Conor’s Corner St. Paul Highland Park resident Conor O’Meara can be heard at 10 a.m. Mondays, replayed 8 a.m. Saturdays, at 94.1 or WFNU.org Frogtown Community Radio. The show can also be found on Spotify and Mixcloud. Find the radio station at www.wfnu.org The on-air studio line, offered 10-11 a.m. Mondays, is 651-313-5125.

O’Meara conducts a wide range of interviews, talks about what is going on in his life and even sings a little Elvis Presley when the time is right. He is a past Minnesota State High School League adapted bowling champion. T-shirts from the show are for sale at the St. Paul Highland Park Lund’s & Byerly’s store.

Disability Viewpoints Disability Viewpoints is an award-winning 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 St. Paul Neighborhood Network. Some shows are archived on YouTube, so search for Disability Viewpoints on that web channel to find past shows. Visit the show’s Facebook page, and www.spnn.org

and smart pens.

Tech for Teens Club: LEGO Stop Motion Videos offered 10 a.m.-noon Sat, Aug. 15. Participants will learn to create stop-motion style videos with a camera and LEGO toys! Requirements: mobile device with camera, Stop Motion Studio app, participant’s choice of LEGO figure or other toys with moving parts.

Parent Leadership Summit on Children's Mental Health offered 9 a.m.-noon Fri, Aug. 21. The webinar is designed to provide information to educators to increase their effectiveness in working with culturally diverse students with mental health and behavioral needs. Training takes place Friday, Aug. 21 and Sat, Aug. 22. Certificates of attendance will be available.

Most of the groups that have listings in the Opportunities page have suspended activities, have gone to online services only or are offering limited services. Many offices are operating remotely, or with limited staff and hours.

Please check with disability service provider websites to see what is offered, as offerings are continuing to change.

ENJOY! Less to Enjoy!

Many of the groups that typically have listings in the Access Press Enjoy! pages have suspended activities, have gone to online services or are offering limited services.

Please check with a venue or organization before heading out. Contact theaters to see when shows will be rescheduled and if tickets will be honored. With museums, check to see when or if interpreted and sensory activities will continue. Some sensory activities are only offered during the school year.

Many theater companies and arts organizations are offering virtual activities only. Check to see what is available through the Minnesota Access Alliance calendar, at https://mnaccess.org/

NAMIWalks goes virtual

Plan to join NAMIWalks Minnesota’s DIT (Do It Together) Virtual Walk. The walk is 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat, Sept. 26. Learn how to take part in upcoming online meetings, including meetings at noon Aug. 4 por 5, and 2 p.m. Aug. 6. FFI: To register, “see classes” at namimn.org or, contact Julia at directorofdevelopment@namimn.org or 651645-2948 x104.

Other programming Access Press is interested in listing regularly scheduled broadcast, cablecast or podcast programs by and for people with disabilities. Programming needs to have a tie to Minnesota or the Upper Midwest.

Around the Dial is published on a space-available basis. Anyone with questions can contact jane@ accesspress.org

consumer member, replacing Ashley Bailey. Edwards is also the representative to the Ombudsman Committee for

mental health and developmental Disabilities, replacing Patricia Jensen.

CLASSIFIEDS For Rent

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.

Ridge Manor Apartments

Ridge Manor Apartments in Delano is accepting applications for our 1 and 2-bedroom units!

Please call (763) 274-2700 for your application today!

Classified rates: $15 (first 18 words) and 65¢ per word thereafter. Classified ads prepaid. Mail to: Access Press, Capitol Ridge Inn Offices; 161 St. Anthony Ave; #910; St. Paul, MN 55103; Phone: 651-644-2133; Fax 651-644-2136; Email: access@accesspress.org

August 1, 2020 Volume 31, Number 8

Pg 12

Helping People Live The Life of Their Choosing Regardless of Age or Ability

Data from the census impacts many programs and services that our communities receive including access to resources that support advocacy and civil rights protections. The 2020 Census is accessible for everyone, including individuals with a wide range of disabilities.

The following options are available to assist individuals in completing the form including: • Telephone devices for people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

• Video guides to the questionnaire in American Sign Language • Videos or webcasts with open or closed captioning • Census guides in braille or large print • The option to request census takers who are fluent in American Sign Language

651-247-7107 www.gtindependence.com Where experiences & adventures are open to individuals of all abilities True Friends provides life-changing experiences to children and adults with disabilities through a variety of programs at five Minnesota locations.

Camp

Programs

Complete the 2020 Census to ensure that everyone has access to the resources that are required to meet their needs. For more information visit the U.S. Census Bureau website at 2020Census.gov

Travel

Horse Therapy

Team Building

Respite

Retreat Centers

Locations

Camp Courage Maple Lake, MN

Camp Eden Wood Eden Prairie, MN

Camp Friendship Camp Courage North Annandale, MN

Lake George, MN

Plymouth Office Plymouth, MN

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We’re for the people living in group homes.

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People and service dogs lined up during for public testimony.

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UCare has health plans for everyone.

Get started at ucare.org Call 1-866-457-7144 | TTY 1-800-688-2534 No English 1-800-688-2534