April 1997 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

THINK F*. I7

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SPRING!

1 Success Sometimes

who. "Politics gets what, is thewhen, science andofwhy." how - Sidney Hillman

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Access Press Change Is Up To You by Charlie Smith, Editor. uho

bas e v e r

ith six weeks left in

high tripdenialg and gener-

at meaningful levels.

two years, and nearly a billion dollars in the bank this

due to low PCA wages and the low unemployment rate.

GovernorCarlso 130 Stab-Capitol

tance to fund these programs at levels that make sense.

pact IW legislato

learnsfrom this experience.

by Christopher Burns hen Sandra Karlins was younger, she'd visit her mother, Miriam, at the Capitol. Miriam, a longtimeadvocate for people with

with their local representatives, Rep. Betty Folliard, DFLHopkins, and State Sen. Steve Kelly, DFL-Hopkins. Senior Options program par-

under Governor W e d d l

bily

some cases is 40% of the family income), and health care

We need to let the Governor,

If you don't know who your legislator IS,you can call the Minnesota DFL at (6 12) 293-

bling mainline transit system and apara-transitsystem with

ers in theHouse and Senate know it is vital that these programs are funded

(6 12) 222-0022. They each have the ability to find your legislator by your addres

p m a created Senior O p tions, i@ rpecial service for seniors \ ~ i the ~ Opportun nity PartnersDayTminingand Habilitation progam.

Health Care Fraud Tips To Protect Yourself nsure thpt tbey ctservi&

*Never allow anyone to reedical records ription medihout your _ ,

toured the capitol, ebserved a

living longer than ever be-

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represented to you as being

eqaipllient for yam. Never

*ALWAYS review your ex-

statements designed to get Medicare to pay.

present themselves as being part of Medicare, the Health CareFinancing Administration, the Department' of Health and Human Services, or any branch of the Federal Government. Neitherthe federal government nor Medicare endorses the products m~ ~ f a idGldh$ d y -Beware of a provider who uses pressure or scare tactics tosell you high-pricedmedical services ' without giving you theopportunityforasecond opinion. Unless it is an emergency, there is always

- cant. on p."

Sister Kenny Institute's 34th Annual

April 10,1997

"Tools For

IN BRIEF. . . .

New Transit Service In Woodbury

l h a d no control over their living accommodations, education or job opportunities. A disability was perceived as an inability. This is no longer true. From the isolation of state institutions to a growing choru$ of people speaking up for themselves, a growing social movement called the self-advocacy movement is taking hold. And the organization Advocating Change Together (ACT) is fueling the momentum.

ew dial-a-ride service within the city of Woodbury is one of a number of changes in transit service that hit the streets Monday, March 24. The accessible local service will operate much

like taxi servicewithin thecity. Information about the restruc- be directed to the Transit Induring non-peak hours, from tured transit service, includ- formation Center at 373-3333. 8:OOa.m. to4:15 p.m. on week- ing route maps and schedules, Riders can make reservations days. Service is also available will be available at Woodbury by calling735-RIDE.Thecost to Sun Ray Shopping Center City Hall and the Transit Store is $1.50. . where customers can catch in downtown St Paul. Quesconnections to other routes. tionsaboutservicechangescan -

St. Paul Advisory Committee

he St. Paul Advisory tunities facing people with Committee advises the disabilities. The Committee -. Part of A ssion is to develop curriculum programs that Mayor and City Council on specifically focuses on issues educate people about the self-advocacy movement and pro- problems, issues, and appor- related to employment,public . mote personal empowerment. The curriculum concept was developed in response to the growing concern that individuals he Metro Paint-A-Thon people with disabilities living with disabilities were being isolated and excluded from deciis seeking homeownerap in the seven county metro area sions regarding their lives. plicationsforthe1997project. will be painted by 10,000volY S a Approximately 350 homes of unteers over the weekend of ACT meet rbm called FOR CHAEdGE, low-income seniors and August 9th. To qualify for the

mfil

education and accessibility. The Committee meets on the 3rdTuesdayof the month, from 6:OO-&:00 p.m., Room 42-A,

15W. Kellogg Boulevard. For more information, contact Alberto Quintela at 2668529.

Paint-A-Thon: the housemust be occupied by a person 60 years of age or older, or by persons of any age with permanent disabil@a. Persons

who are interested should call the Paist-A:Thon office at 721-86fi.~~~lication~eadline is May lS,lW?.

Metro Paint-A-Thon

is a participatory and accessibl forpsople of all abilities."Self-Advocacy. for All" is the first in this series. It looks at self-advocacy as a self-determination builder and as a growing social movement. Using archival footage of self-advocates, disability-rights activists, and civil and human rights struggles, this r video shows thegoals and beliefsaf self-advocacy while documenting its history as a social &mge movement. The second module, "Shaking OYT Stereotypes," allows participants to see and e x p e rience the value of high self-esteem.

MAMI Benefit Banquet

it1s4thannualbenefitbanquet per person and includes din- Perfect Host in Bandana 11b and silent auction on Friday, ner.Social hourandsilentauc- Square. For reservations call April 25,1997. Costis$2S.00 tion begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Alliance at 612-645-2948.

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' C 11: ( The Nation's Leader

TOOLS FORCHANGEp&p_ahigh valueon the participants' lifeexperiencesas&idmpomntsource of knowledge: It is a knowledge bawdtat is often overlooked by our society and consi&md mim-

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to hk down, grab the &dng wheel, and go.

88'9Now h m k other self-advocacy groups. For more 1-800-641-0059.

wdabdandthefull-sizevanhamgone.handandW fornmlytwentyyears.O u r p l u s h ~ ~ ~ e y e & h ' . 7 - 1 . -: ing exteriors coupled with state of the art equipment new program has beg& b Gncdurage a brOder particiption in live theatre by Deaf Ca" OW for bt.1mobility for driver or passenger. Our lowered individuals and by pea* who are blind. Ace- floors raked certified roafs give ample head room and to Theatre is a jaim prajd o w Spc@&Ax&, Minnesota (VSAMN), D.E.A.F., the ~ n h & ;

Project

Association for Community Theatres and the Guthrie Theatre. The project provides reduced price tickets for individuals who are Deaf or Blind 1997's at 132,900.00 for selected performances at participating the- w b w e r Windows Power Lod<s Cruise atres. Contact VSAMN at 332-3888. . Anti-Lod< Brakes Tilt Column AM/FM Casette Stereo w V-8 Engines Qmpped floors or R a i i . A-~*c W+ b= b r 9 ~ m GREENWAY HOUSIN$

I~OLMES

114 - SFHSTREET SOUTHEAST 1 &2*mRM.-. 'r.

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w Safa That Makes into a Bed Dodge o r C h & < ~

Section 8 Rental Apts. All :units fully accessible & quipped for.): . -,w6ss at physically handicapped persons. Occupants pay 30% of their income as rent. Now accept1995's at 3 .&g applications for the waiting list. .?* - 9199qs'at 3 ' 5:- ,

17 I

*.fin-= : .: .:, Fully Equipped Fad,

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$27,900 1991's & 123,900 at $ 2 0 , ~ 199Ws 1989s 4

$15,900 $13,900 $10,900

Call 378-0331 Many V ' PP6m S3,900 gD $9,900 W d d e G ,Monday - Thursday (5 . - w ~ ~ a . . . milesper'* , $ m between loam - l pm

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Adlable -Daily, Weekly and Manthly -Rentals - waadbAuagnapm-ry-. " -

April 10,1997

Access Press

Reliaion & Disabilitv

The Invitation Is The Key

1 Life Goes On

Cloning - Good Or Bad?

by Katie 0 ' ~ r k n

by LeAnne Dahl

t is a crisp, white Sunday ficult. There are no answers, Could we provide opportuni-

morning. I am sitting at my only living the questions. desk gazing out at my winter Many in our lives are uncomgarden. For the last few years, fortablewith ourreality. There I have been coping with a are some in the health care chronic illness that has drasti- professions who are at peace cally changed my life. This with the idea that we will not change has become a time of be cured. Our best health is deep learning. While my body living within our limitations. is not cooperating; my spirit is Some friends and family are still lively. My winter hiber- able to be comfortable with nation is the time to be still the day-to-day ups and downs and hear my new message. I of our new reality. Some volfeel like my winter garden bur- unteers are comfortable workied under piles afiihow. l I do ihg dthssmeone who will not have faith that buried beneath make progress, but can find that snow is my new garden. It joy in coping with their life. is resting quietly withtheprom- Some faiths have a tradition of ise of the buds of spring, the reaching out in welcoming felglories of summer and the au- lowship, but some do not. tumn harvest. Congregations vary in their My spiritual life has flour- view of outreach. Personswith ished. But at times like this I . chronic illness vary in their yearn for a welcoming com- ability to reach out for undermunity of worship. I want to standing. .Some thought proplant seeds for recognition of voking questions are: a growing community of people who must live with the *Could we have a service that uncertainty of chronic illness. tells the stow of veovle in faithcommunitieswhodo not ~ e a f i n gwith a chronic illness have the physical or emocan be adaily struggle. Living tional strength to come to withnunseendisabilities is difz worship?

he cloning of an adult imagine what might happen if sheep in Australia will be a couple had a child that was the topic of conversation in perfect in every way, accordmany circles for years tocome. ing to their standards, they It boggles my mind to think might want to duplicate i t If that such a thing has actually enough people chose to do this taken place. Yet I recall hear- in the future, eventually there ing the term "cloning" during would be only perfect people, *Could we find ways to edu- my youth and wondering if it allowing them to live longer cate people about the needs could ever really happen. The than ever. of many who do not seem to obvious question is, "Can a be ill? It would be mutually human being be cloned?" Where does disability fit into satisfying to know how to President Clinton has already all of this? With my limited help a person with a chmffir: put a stop to any federal fund- lcnowladgeaf the science a d illness'be a vital part of a ing related b cioding. bioiogy, f can't heIphtwmcommunity. der if future generations will I was glad to see the President choose to eliminate people It is an issue of inclusion. take this step so quickly. If he with disabilities altogether. How do people of faith reach hadn't, this. latest scientific Understandably, this process out to those of us not in the experiment could lead to all would take many years, and mainstream? A recently pub- kinds of experiments. While1 we may never see it in our lished letter by an Episcopa- won't pretend to understand lifetime. Yet this is a scary lian priest touched me deeply. how cloning can take place, I thought. : "If each church reached out to have a feeling that this could all the excluded in our corn- have disastrous effects for so- Can y-imagine a society of m ~ n i t ~ , 'and ~ a lesbians, ~s di- ciety in general, and for people .dl ~'jmrfecthuman beings?" vorced, singles, people of with.disabilities. . ,- P i e ~ 1 1 yI. think life would color, the disabled, the eccenbe pretty dull.. While it would trics our biggest problem In my way of thi*, 1can be peaceful, there would be would be where to seat evervone. IntherthinkJesus would prefer that God do thejudging and we do the inviting." ties for occasional smaller services that celebrate the positive? They would include physicaYemotiorial support and the music and words of shared worship.

nothing to really work for because everything would be done right the first time it was tried.

w'?m

Differences are good, imperfections are good. I maintain that despite all the problems the different cultures have in getting along, we do a pretty fair job of managing to live together. As for those of us with disabilities, I've always felt wedo have purpose. Each of us ad& a dimension to our comer of ttte world that no one else can fill. Whether it be banding together as a unified group to fight for the rights of the disabled, or striving to create better understanding of disabilities among our own family members, we serve a meaningful and useful function. Don't let anyone ever destroy your sense of being.

LIFE WILL GO ON until the end of time.

Katie OaBrienis afree lance

rlrase patronize your Access Press Advertisers -and tell them where you '.. - 1 heard about them. medically orfunctionallyequal ing SSI cash benefits will re- 1Odays of the termination no- . u+the limitationsof the listing of tain ~ e d i c a lAssistance or tice. A<. 1 They bring you your impairments. The new stan- be$omeeligible for Minnesota -*-=. .

struggles people face on a daily basis. It can be a useful training tool for organizations and people who want to learn self gdvocacy skills.

$.I

+ds are expected to elimi- Care, between three and four Anne Henry isanattomey with - -- -1 L-3 \ te children with mental . hundredchildrenareexpected the Disability Law Center. M~ to lose health coyerageas wen -4 PUBLIC NOTICE as SSI cash assistance. The Editor's note: You can help -* Minnesota Legislature will with phone calls or letters to This serve as notice that are now consider a safety net health your W a ~ h i ~ ~ t ~ ~ . r e p r e s e n t a being at 21O0 care program in the Depart- tives and the state leadership: for all qualified Section 8 appliicants. Eligibility merit of Human Services' GovernorCarlson,Sen.Roger based.on handicapped andlor disabled status plus OmnibusBudgetforthesechil- Moe, and Rep. Phil Carruthers.

The cost is $29.95 for organizations and $14.95 for individuals.

Call Brionna at 988-4177 Order your copy today!

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meeting Section 8 and selection criteria require- dren. menu. Applications accepted between 9:00 a.m.- The SocialSecurityAdminis4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday at 2 100 tration has begun reviewing Bloomington S. Minneapolis, MN 55404. children whose SSI eligibility

~ o n tfrom . p. 1. (

1 The St. Paul Civitan Club is a volunteer

1 organization dedicated to serving our

Accessible Space, Inc. (AS1)offers subsidized one and two bedroom apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. We have apartment buildings in a variety of locations in Twin Cities Metropolitan area plus Mankato, St Cloud, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Austin and Marshall. New apartment buildings are under construction in Willmar and Duluth.,

1 community with an emphasis on helping people with disabilities. Our three prin, ciple goals are Fellowship, Knowledge

and Service to others.

Wg invite you to join us the 2nd and 4th qgrsdays pf ,each month at Tracks restaurant in the Midway Motor Lodge (Prior & University). Meeting times are 6: 15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. You will be our dinner guest your first visit!

For further information, contact Patty Jo Weseloh @ 426- 1188 or A Pierson @ 649- 1406.

Partners. "Senior Options staff strive to create choices for seniors so they can look forwsrd to each day as a new bpportunity to learn and $grow." 4 i pati" of @e. dlscussion about services for senion developmental disabi~ ,ties, the Oppomnity Pa& aers group asked legislatou p u p - ph .cat-of-1ivi;ing w j a $&'the,sta&

Apartments are fully wheelchair accessible, and each has a central laundry room, large community room, secured entry, onsite caretaker.

AS1 also provides shared personal care services on a 24 hour basis at most locations for adults with a physical disability 'and/or traumatic brain injury who qualify fbr Medical Assistance. For m e idormation regarding services call Leigh or for apartment rental inform&ion call Dora at (612)645-727.1 or (800)466-7722.

I Accessible Space, Inc.

I .-

b u r s S ~ d t ~for m sewid

April 10, 1997

Access

3REi

Success Sometimes Forgotten The Movie "Shine" ISA Must Se

by Deborah Leuchovius

While change is hard to see on

"Shine" is b

ago, when my son was two- acknowledge, celebrate, a d

life and&mre. If you cousider that "Benny and Joon" The closestdiagnosisDavid's d on the true had some of these elements, doctorshave been able to make

With such a dearth of positive

24 HOUR ON CALL SERVICE

Deborah Leuchoviy is apare ac- ent a d kdvocate for people

Personal Care Assistants Home Health Aides

well-being of people with disabilities remain,as well as the need to continue working for

with disabilities is reflected. Seeing someone with a disability on the television at all was anovelty ten years ago. In

and the removal of workdisincentives, we must not loose sight of all that has been accomplished. As one of my

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April 10,1997

Dear Editor: What is a Center for Independent Living(CIL)? What purpose does it serve? How is it different from other service organizations? What connection does it have to the disability community? These are all important questions that need to beconsidered in light of the severe and potentially devastatingchangescurrently being implemented at the CIL in St. Paul. It recently came to the attention of several individuals in the disability community that theMetropolitan CIL was laying-off longtime disabled employees, while retaining newer, less experienced nondisabled employees; and cutting critical programs without any input from the disability community. The housing program -gone! Theusedequipmentreferralprogram-gone!

These programs were two of the most frequently used programs at the CIL. The loss of these programs will reduce the impact and contact the Center has within the community and negatively affect the lives of hundreds of individuals with disabilities. It is our understanding that these cuts were made under the cover of fiscal responsibility. Who will assumetheresponsibilityforproviding these services? Why were these changes implementedwithoutanypublicdiscussion or debate? Why didtheboardofdirectors approveof thesechangeswithout seeking input from the community or giving serious thought on how thesechanges would affect the community? It is our understanding that a CIL, is a grassroots organization that represents the issues and concerns of its constitu-

Access;Press

RADIO SHOW

ents. We believe that cur- ,questions. Ultimately each rently theconstituentsare be- board member is responsible ing misled with tales of finan- to the community that he or cia1 woe, misinformation, or she serves. Board members receiving noinformation at all. have an obligation not to be exclusive but to be inclusive It was the dream of Ed Rob- and not to abuse their power erts, founder of the indepen- but to use it wisely. Hugh Galager & Diane Coleman dent living movement, that a CIL should be a model for To beamemberofaCIL board how disability andnon-disabil- is to represent the heart and ity related organizations soul of the disability commushould treat people with dis- nity. I think we should start to 14129 Personal Story of Depression abilities in all aspects of life. question who is representing RoseTillemans,aSister at St.Joseph ofCarondelet The mission of the Metro- us and in whose best interest politan CIL is "To awaken are they serving? people to the possibilities"; community, staff, and board This letter is intended not to alike. But if these groups are damage the reputation of the not aware of what the possi- Metropolitan CIL. It is bebilities are, how can they re- cause of the importanceof the spond appropriately? The CIL to thedisability comm-uBoard has a responsibility to nity that these questions must represent its constituents, all be asked. of the board! Each individual board member had a responsi- Sincerely, Audio Described ASL Interpreted Performances Performances bility to question, to debate Mary Swanson and Frank Pascal the issues, and to demand full 41 13, Sat 2 pm, "All My Sons" 419, Wed 8:00 pm "The King and complete answers to their St. Paul, MN Theatre in the Round Players, and I" Orpheum Theatre,Mpls

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