Issuu

1America -

" WE SIMPLY NEED TO ERASE THE S U T E

j contract on Resource Directory - 9 Events Calendar - 11

a Volume 6, Number 1

AlVD START OVER AGAIN" -Newt Gingrich

Page 6

Access Press

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-jonuary

RESOURCES

10,1995

ADA THREATENED - NATIONAL ADVOCATE SOUNDS AN ALARM LOCAL GROUPS MOBILIZE QUICKLY by Charlie Smith

Justin Dart, a nationally known advocate for people with disabilities called Margo Imdieke of the Minnesota State Council on Disability to explain what he has found to be a looming crisis concerning r vital ct the

of the new coalition and Mr. and Mrs. Dart met with Senator Wellstone for a two-hour luncheon session. Senator Wellstoneagreed that the "Contract for America" could have a destructive effect on present legislation

ship on any entities. Senator Grams appeared unconvinced. but his examples were anecdotal and not a result of actual renovations. He did say that he had no intention of taking away one's civil rights. On December 22nd, the new

no repeal of the expanded resulted in a favorable article in the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

which we were outcasts. According to media reports, they are seriously considering amending the ADA to make enforcement a local option.

rn Justin Dart -national advocate comes to Minnesota

I CANNOT BELIEVE that the leaders ofour nation.

and I remember history. I an

far an iraitiaa session held ar-.' v&ation of the ~ e ~ u b l i c a nof Mr. D&S statement, and with deeply rooted negativc ffie fkl%@ @&~-c$WJL, contract which would ask on page 6, a list of statements attitudes and massivc

w i t h o v e r 6 0 ~ h a & a w, of the senate 60 d.articles suppotting his dance representing approxi- p l e @ $ % ~ cxs%xmS. ~ ~ *** mately 50 organizations. The no action which neg&My result was the formation ofyet affected children, poor peo- wr WWO HAVE DISanot6erdition"Americans ple and those with disabili- ABILITIES ARE IN for Disability Rights Minne- ties. He also said he would GRAVE DANGER of Iossota". Members of the new work closely with Justin Dart ing our fragile, hard won coalition met with Senator andthathewouldstay in touch beachhead on the mainland of Paul Wellstone the next day, with the coalition members. American life. Governors, with Senator Rod Grams on Mayors, and media personal. Wednesday, and met to for- On Decern r r I st, the repre- ities are launching an escalatt n w a position p a p and sentativesofthecoalitionwere ing chorus of assaults on the press conference on 'l%urs- promised a half hour audi- Americans with Disabilities ence with Senator Grams at Act (ADA), calling it a costly day. his Anoka o&. Having h d e d m t e , and worse. Mr. Dart made clear that he made the trek and assembled The IndividualDisabilityEdWour localgroupswouldbe at his ofice, they were in- ucation Act (IDEA) andMedstop in his na- formed that he had a conflict icaid are under attack, as are a lagical tionwide camp&g to coun- and would nut be available. A SSI supportsforchildrenwith teract what he senseswill Be a staff member agreed to hear disabilities. There is increaspotenWy disastrous attack Mr. Dart's presentation and ing public focus on the cost of o n ~ l a w s p r o our ~ g relay it to SenatmGrams. Part keeping people with severe civil righfi. The reason he se- way into this procedure, Sen- disabilities alive, and on their lected Minnesota was that he ator Grams appeared and "right" to die. The new leadb W p a s t e x p e a i e n c e ( l 5 agreed to sit with the group ers of Congress have anofnationalsenriceinthe for five minutes. He volun- nounced their agenda, aaConfie1ct)thatMinnewta is a lead- teered some examples of ex- tract with America" that, imer in fighting for equity and cessive costs which were implemented literally, could independencefor people with posed on thelocal school dis- cfrasticallycutvirhlallya l l p disabilities. He also hoped he trict and the City of Anoka as gramsthatempowerus. They could came away fim the examples of b u r h s which speak of "erasing" key eooMinnesota experience with a are a result of ADA regula- n m i c and social prograntsof madel.to be usednationwide. tion. Ms. Imd@m wd Mr. the last three decades, and a He wasn't disappointed. Dart explained that the law "reasserting American Cul. as it has existed for thc doesnotrequire expenditures On December 20th members which will cause undue h d - last 300 years'' a culture in *-'-.

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misinformation from specia inter&& could result in su unthirdrin'gpulling ofthe plui on our progress, our rights the programs that empower us, and, in some W s , on very lives. Back to hopeles: dependency, hapebss isola tion, hopeless poverty. Bacl to sub-human status.

CHECKS IN THE MAIL

1 O n December 19th, U.S. non-economic losses will he

based on the number ofrick reservations each rider &a& triiution*mfUnd between October 1993 and created in %eM& ~ d i t ym h 1994, the period dur&whichMetro Mobiliiserelass action lawsuit. WE MUST MOBILIZE rice was mod severely imWE MUST EDUCATE Metro Mobility riders who paired. NOW. The new Congres filed claims share approxjconvenes on January 4th mately $680,000 in cash and Republican leaden have an 6155,000 worth of free ride The lawsuit was filed in Nonounced a blitz to pass thei coupons. An additional vember 1993, in theaftermat11 ''Contra& agenda during th~ $45,000 worth of free ride of disruptions in Metro Mofirst one hundred days. WI couponsalready has beendis- bility services that prampted must acttoday,beforethehol tributed toMetroMobilityrid- Gov. Arne Carlson to call out idays, during the holidays ers. Claimants should have the National Guard to help while basic positions are stil receivedtheirchecksandcou- opemitethe public transportabeing formed. pons in late Decemberor ear- tion system for persons with 1y January. disabilities. ADA on p. 6 . -- cont. --:z--E EAa$istrate Judge Jonathan Le&edoBapproved fmal dis-

Riders who filed claims will Charles Nauen, one of the atbe reimbursed for their out- torneys fortheclass, said payof-pocket expenses related to ment to class members "will disruption of Metro Mobility compensate riders, in some cmmitted P ~ O P service, ~ including lost wages part, for the tqhg times that can change t h and reimbursement for alter- theywent tluough. The greatnative transportation. In ad- est benefit, however, isapubf ndeed, i is the thim dition,rihwillbe wanpn- ' lic transportation system that sated for "non-economic" is more sensitiveto the needs that euer has." losses disruption of their and h a n d s of its ridership." Mead lives. The reimbursement of

ta srnall group o &g&g

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nicabe with the elected ofi- bers of Voices for Disability cials who represent us in the Rights (83 1-1932) would be January 31 -Pamela Armstrong & Melody Martin House and in the Senate about glad to assist you Become how the breakdown of that yow own best advocate, don't system affects US (their con- give that power to someone stituents, the people who vote else, they might not have t b m into and OUT OF their YOUR best interests on offices), then we aren't hold- THEIR agenda. Venture into ing up our end of the bargain. the rituals of the Legislative No one can know what you Season (Session), beghhg need or how a decision they with that first phone call. I are about to make will impact think you'll be pleasantly suron 9.' you unless YOU TELL prised at how easy it is to get THEM!! into tbn spirit. I

It's truly that simple. Nn elo-

Putting Theology Into Action: The Role That The Religious Community Has In Furthering Justice For February 3 People With Disabilities

I 1C.a.m. ,- to 1

Minneapolis 11 am.to 1 p.m. -1.

February 7 -Open

Sign language interptm will be available. For additional1 information, call Jane Fitz at the Metropolitan Council at 29 1-6511 or 229-27 15 TTY.

PCA TASK FORMING I CONSUMERS INVITED

T h e Minnesota Department providers. MApersonal care servicesand of Human Services @HS)is representatives of consumers forming an advis~rytaskforce The legislature mandated the to participateon the task force. to aid in the development of a Department ofHuman Servic- Advocacy groups, providers, rulegowerningthelicensureof es to license MA providers of and professional associations MedicalAssistance (MA)Per- personal care services. The will also be invited to particisonal Care Attendant WA) advisory task force will study pate. If you are interested in the issue and form guidelines participating on this task force for the Department. The task please contact Carol Grant at Wm. A. Smith, Jr. force may take up to eighteen (612) 297- 1217. For TDD, Charles FSmith months to complete its work. contact Minnesota Relay SerSeott Adams vice at (612) 297-5353 or 1Presentation Images, Ellen Oestrekher Dawn R Doering DHS is seeking consumers of 800-627-3529.

ACCESS .....,... ...................... .,.. ...................PRESS ................................ I ....................................... ................................ ........................................ .................... ................, ............................. ........................................

Publisher Editor Cartoonist Production Staff Writer & Etliorial Assistant

Febmar3' 2

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ACCESSPRESSis amonthlytabloid newspaper ublished for persons withdisabilitiesby Polychme, Ltd., W.A. Smith, Jr., President. Circulation is 1{OOO, distributedthe 10.of each month through more than 120 locations statewide. A ximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic leaders. ~u!riptions are available f a $l2/yr.

Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest to persons with disabilities, or persons serving those with disabilities, are welcomed.

Paid advertising is available at-rateswn ing from $7 to $141column inch, depedding on size and frequency. Classified ads are $7.00, p h u %centdword ~ over 35 words.

Advertising and editorial deadlines are the 30th of the month preceding publication; special scheduling available for camera-ready art. Inquiries should be directed to: ACCESS PRESS 3349 University Ave. S.E. Minneapolis, Mlmesota 55414 (612) 379-0989 Fax (612) 379-2730

I I

BEmm

I I To Reach 10,000 Active and Interested Readers, Call 379-0989

SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION

529-5019

483-9143

C A ~ YWWL ~ ASSISTANCE PROVIDER &INES

INC.

y Dr. Margaret Pfanstiehl roposed legislation would on or off, at tht ntrel of muniGatim Act of 1995 r e provide captioning for deaf the visually i m p a m persan, quire phased-in description h-dnot description for blind accessibiiity &rmtaindeled low vision ~ m l e . ~ Thetechnique and produdon vised prociwtim *6nhy, of video description for TV are transmitted by sateflit%, As closed c a p t i a a ~ m l a t e s has been available since Janu- cable, phone lines and dire& unheard spoken words into ary of 1990 on the Public broadcast. visible words for people who Broadcasting Service (PBS) are deaf, so audio description but today only four series are For more information cmt= translates unseen sights into described.

adds audio desm@ion of key visual elements of a p r o p a y -body Iangwge, ~0n.teaM,Qoa,000mov- Dr. Margaret P$mtiehl, with settings, getioas, eta. - b &r it is fidW T$aE is k r husband Cody, is coafter the production is . ~ l ~ ~ ~ t f i x p o s t - ~ - - ~ & 4 o & s c r i p l i 0 1 1 . Descriptions are delivered a half-hour TV &ow, - ,via the SAP channel of

FREE NOON HOUR GARDEN TALKS AT THE MINNEAPOLIS.LIBRARY Room31O,theJanuarythro~~Marcht0pic contact Mary Maguire Lerman at 348-4448. Jaaua

Winter Identification of T m s

February 1

New Plant Introductions

starting seedlings ~nciom

February 22

Vining Interior Plants

March

Planting the Early Garden

.a URBAN LANDS PROGRAM WINTER WORKSHOPS -

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Kick offthe new year with gardening classessponsoredby the MINESOQ'S nat plan tmlored to their home. Lecture, discusSustainable ~ w k c center's e U& Lands U r ~ g r a mhe . beautifid & hardynati~e~1ant.s intoyourhome landscape.Free. sion, hands-on-Avities, and class critiques round out the Urban Lands Program promotes sus-, non:&emical course. Registration is limited to 10 participants on a firstgardening and lawn care methods throughout the Twin Cities. Thur. 1/26 7:OO-8:30pm Starting Seeds Indoors come, first-served basi ron't miss it! Series fee: $10. Classes are fiee orrequireanominal fee to cover materials, and Hillcrest CommynityRecreation Center, 1978 Ford Parkway, are open to anyone in the metro area St. Par1 M~U?% 7:OO-8:30pm Start& Seeds Indoors Learn simple methods to raise your own bedding plants from Bottineau Park Center, 2000 2nd St. N. E. Fseeds. Save money and grow exactly what you want this Minneapolis .I-- . summer. Wffi seed guru Betsy Wheeler. Cosponsored by the (Repeat of January 26) With Master Gardener Betsy Wheeler. Wed. 1/18 6:3 Sound Land- City of St. Paul Division of Parks & Recreation. Free. Free. seape Maintenance Nokomis Park Cenreu, 2401' East Minnehaha Pkwy8 Tue. 1/31 6:30-8:30pm Gardening for Wildlife Mon. 2/13 6:30-8:3Opm Gardening for Wildlife . - Powderhorn Park Center, 3400 15th Ave. S. MiJlneMir Limvood Park Center, 8860 St. Clair Am, :+, 7 - . r r w v Maintain a beautiful and healthy yard and garden while saving Minneapolis St. Paul ., nt. With landscape architect Urban Lands Horticultural Specialist Elizabeth Foerg discuss- (Repeat' of January 31) With Elizabeth Foerg. ~ & e . es the birds and the bees, and how to attract and suppost them with specialty gardens 1$ habitats. It works! Free. Tue. 2/28 6:30-8:30pm Cooking Class: African & Caribbean Specialties Organic Gardening . -- *?=: Mtthews Park Center, 23 18 28th Ave. S. FEBRUARY Whittier Park Center, 22600 Grand Ave. S. Minneapolis MinMis Master Gardener Betsy Wheeler guides you fiom planning-to 2/1,2/8,2/15,2/22 6:30-8:30pm EnvironmentalRr Sensi- Join Stephen Fanner for an evening creating and enjoying plating-to harvest! Bring along your questions and seed tire Landscape Design Workshops globally-inspired dishes using Minnewta-gmwn garden procatalogs. Free. Kenwood Park Center, 2101 W. Frankiin duce. Easy, inexpensive, and delicious! Free. Minneapolis Wed. 1/25 6:30-8:30pm Native Plants in Home Landscapes Consecutive Wednesdays Fred Ronunalski leads a fourPHONE 872-3288 TO REGISTER! Van Cleve Park Center, 901 15th Ave. S.E., session workshop in which participants will design their own Mmpdh environmentally-sensitive home landscapes. Participants will Child care and reasonable a c c o m m ~ n for s people with Join landscape architect, naturalist, and restoration specialist leave the series with an understanding of urban ecology; the disabilitiesare availableuponrequest Pleasephone 872-3288 d RommaIski fix an d colorful overview of uses of native and exotic shrubs, trees, and giasses; and a at k t me week in advanm of event. -.-7

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Access Pr

RELIGION & DISABILITY LIFE GOES ON by LeAnne Dahl

by Maureen Pranghofer really what they say - not blind and also becoming a wheelchairuserinthespaceof much of a person." less than a year I have found "Being a person who is not myself thinking the above of much worth there isn't thoughts 6om time to time. I too much that I am capable have a deep desire to serve God but wonder what it is that of doing." I could do. How can I let "Not being able to do much people know about my faith? also includes serving God." Last June I graduated fiom a "And sinceI can't serve God rehabilitation program. While very well this explains why I was there I did many things I have this continuing con- work on braille, learning to flict in my spirit of wanting use a white cane, learning to to serve God but not being cook without looking, etc. It was not a setting in which it able to do so." was appropriate to discuss And on it can go -piling on issues of faith. Yet when I crap deeper and deeper. The graduated and the staff and fact is, though,that the One we students were asked by the desire to serve sees us in a executive director to each whole different light and even say something they liked when we think that we are not about me, the things they said being the servants we want to all had to do with qualities of be God is bigger than us. In having and exhibiting faith. being bigger than us we fnd They werethingsabout peace, ourselves sometimes being joy, beingunafrilid,andsomesurprised at the ways in which how seeing things in a differwe serve. ent light than everyone else. And isn't that what serving is So what's the point anyway? all about. Maybe leaving the Wel1,thepointofallthiscame worries about how we can home to me personally last serve up tothe One we serve is "I guesi%ey7re right. I'm June. Since becoming totally the answer we need most.

A s people withdisabilitieswe receive a lot of mixed messages. While on one hand we are sometimesthought ofas being extra special, we are at the same time told we are not adequate enough to meet society's standards. We are Children of God but many of us have also been told by people that they would "just die" if they were like us. We've been told that we are wonderful at accepting the bitter pill which has come our way while at the same time otherstryto heal us. What this all boils down to is that if we listen to these messages we can get pretty confused. If I can go along my way and ignore all thisjumble of conflicting thoughts I'm fme. If1 can just keep reminding myself of who I am in God's eyes my world looks great. But, it's this remembering that is the internal conflict we all struggle with at times. And when I fmdmyselfburied deep within the PLUMS (Poor Little Unloved Me Syndrome) I can tell myself some pretty unhealthy things like:

, '

By the time you're reading this, we will have entered a New Year and 1994 will just be a memory. If you're like I am, you a h special dat 1995 cale maybed erperso 1995 is sure to be a year for settin be p

3M has been selected from a cludedthe National hdustries . donates field of 1,300defensecontrac- for the Severely Handicapped cilities. tors to receive the U.S. De- andtheNationa1Industriesfor "3M has made a substantial partment of Defense Logistics the Blind. cammitment to the severely Agency's annual Award for Excellence for the company's In making the award, a repre- handicapped," says Lloyd Aluse of sheltered workshops. sentativefiom the Department derman, director of programs The agency provides purchas- of Defense noted that 3M's for small and disadvantaged ing and logistics services for involvementgoes beyond pur- businesses for the defense all branches ofthe armed forc- chasing services: Company agency. "This company sets a employeesfrequently serve as splendid example of corpoboard members of the various rate citizenship." 3M issued more than a thou- workshops around the counsand purchase orders worth try. 3M alsoprovidesengineer- The award was presented to over $5.6 million to sheltered ing assistance and training for 3M in late 1994. workshops in 1993. These in- work center employees and

At just about the time that the Legislature is winding up it's business for the session, it nill be timetoheadfortheconfer-

sible, it would be worthwhile will be held at Holiday Inn, numbers.

With the recent November electionresults,we must all be concemedaboutissuesthatare importanttothedisabledcommunity. When it comes right down battle just grams that such as: PCA's Health Care, and Metro Mobility. Each of the advocacy groups will have their own set of priorities that they will share with us, and many of them were listed in the last issue of ACCESS PRESS. Be sure to read the following issues for the latest coverage of all the Capitol happenings. At this point in time, let me emphasize the importance of supporting one

3M RECOGNIZED FOR t HELP WITH SHELTERED WORKSHOPS

another and displaying a united fiont before elected officials. It's equally important to study the issue first so that we

es to be an exciting day. Yo11 Undoubtedly, there will be will be hearing more about muchcontroversialdiscussion this in the months to come in of taxes as there usually is on this column. both the Federal and State lev-

taxes, which will in turn lead to cutting programs, I get very angry. It appears that people want the benefits that their government provides, but aren't willing to pay for them. I think that people with disabilitiesknow betterthanmost that increased taxes can provide more and hopefully better services. We need to keep this in mind as we watch the news.

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whiz by. It'sonethingto have special personal occasions planned, but it's quite another to set aside time to get involved in civic duties. Each o f us needs to look ahead to the coming molrths anticipating our ability to react quickly when called upon. And so, LIFE GOES ON!

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WrORKSHov 4 >'

FvriAT IS A PLAN TO ACHIEVE SELF SUPPORT?

LEARN ABOUT THE SOCIAL SECURITY REGULATIiONS AND TALK ABOUT THE PROCESS!

:;T;$.

~nstructoris Toni Watt, Director of Propose Ability, Inc. -

Hosted by United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota, Inc., J o b Erbes, Director Thursday, January 26,1995,ll:O~am-1:OOpm Griggs Midway Building, 1821 University Ave., Suite 127 South, St. Paul

-+*-I.

Bring your own lunch Beverages provided Handicapped parking lot Cfree), and Griggs parking lot (2-3hrs is $1.50) are on Fairview Ave.

Propose Ability, Inc. was started by Toni Watt in 1991 to meet the demands of the Disabled Community. Using the underadvertised Social Security ?);, , Work Incentives it is possible for you to work! '\ '

If you have Social Security Disability Insurance (S.S.D.I.) benefits, P.A.S.S is a must! Don't go to work without it! If you receive Supplemental Security Income (S.S.I.) due to a disability and have a job or other income, or plan to be working, P.A.S.S. can help! - -.

Workshop is free to S.S.D.I. and S.S.I. recipients and family mi?mbers. Professionals' fee is $20. Registrations due by and ConsumerSector, recognizes 3M's leadership in assistiiig sheIlered workshop. On Mon., January 23. To register or for more information lefl Is Lloyd Aldermanfrom the Defense Logistics Agemy; at right Is Captain w h e n Brooks, U.S. Navy, please call 788-9397. . . --;-:.;-7 , .;:-::;-- w q p + k - r- w G - L -G- -J- -: -. ::RT --? -- 5 - - .. . . '

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Access ~

January IU, 1995

S--

; THREATS TO ADA, IDEA AKD A-

v T - -

; EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS ECTIONS '94. THE ~ e m b e r1 1, future Speaker of the HouseNewt Gingrich said, "It is impossible to take the Great Society" systems for , and conceivably its dealing with the poor, and "have any hope of fixing things ... We simply need to erase the slate and start over lections of the New again." He called for methodically reasserting "American civilization as it has existed for the last 300 years" - a civilization in which we were haracterized their goal as outcasts. He has asked the routing contemporary liber- Heritage Foundation to draw lism and advancing an ag- up aplan of action. Two years ssive conservative agen- ago Heritage President Ed Feulner called ADA and the Civil Rights Act of 1991 "economic and social nannyism." ced federal budget, tax In their initial recommendarmiddleclassand well- tions to the Speaker, Heritage recommended the repeal of the IDEA law that gives us equaledible observers agree that ity in education. Congressis plan, implemented liter- man Tom Delay, identified by ly, without refinement, the Washington Post as a leadould result drastic cuts in er in setting criteria for the ograrns that empower peo- Contract, opposed the ADA on all nine votes. The Post also mentioned staunch ADA WE NEED TO ERASE opponent National Federation HE SLATE." Explaining ofhdependent Businesses was he Contract agenda on No- as having key input into the

heroes Ted Kennedy and Tom Harkin as Committee chairs, and we lose ADA author Bob Silverstein as Director of the Senate Subcommittee on Disability Policy.

content of the Contract.

ties Act. November23, "The new Republican leaders of Congresstoday promisedRepublican governors greater power and freedom to solve I problems without inter- I ference from Washington .... 1 ATTACKS ON OUR GINGRICH: AMENDTHE Dole and Gingrich pledged RIGHTS. This massive shift ADA TO TAKE AWAY .... to move quickly on legis- i ofpower and agenda occurs in OUR FEDERAL RIGHTS. lativerelieffrom federal man- ;' the context of increasing pub- November 13 on "This Week dates on the states. Unfundlic attacks - by members of with DavidBrinkley,"George ed mandates are the pass- I both parties and the major WillaskedSpeaker-electNewt along, costs of federal regu- 1. media - on the ADA, the Gingrich, "Will the Republi- lations attached to primarily mainstreamingofchildrenand can majorities prune that leg- environmental and social adults with disabilities, the islation (the ADA)?". legislation .... such as the rights of persons with cogni- Gingrich said, "I believe that Clean Water and Clean Air tive and psychiatric disabili- localcommunitiesshouldhave Acts, legislation requiring ties, and other foundational the opportunity to apply local easy access to public places components of our empower- common sense without a by disabled persons and 0th- ' i ment agenda. Teacher's union Washington bureaucracy. You er federal laws..." President Albert Shanker and want to maximize every AmerAM Landers haveattacked the ican's right to participate fully NBCCABLE NEWS NETintegration of children with .... I don't think that ought to WORK DECEMBER 9. severe disabilitiesin the class- be done by a Washington bu- "ADA will be amended, but ., room. Many Mayors and Gov- reaucracy drawing Washing- how?" emors have attacked the ADA ton lines to then be enforced as an unfunded mandate. Rick across the board everywhere REP. TOM DELAY PRESS Santorum, Senator-elect from in America." CONFERENCE DECEMPennsylvania was quoted reBER 14. - "Congressman '" ' cently in the Harrisburg Patri- WASHINGTON POST, Delay, is ADAgoingtobeon :. ot as referring to ADA regula- NOVEMBER 22. House the Republican agenda for ' tions as "fanatical." "The ADA Republicans are "reexamining change?" Absolutely, A is bankrupting municipalities. the Americans with Disabili- Clean Air, all of them."

THE NEW CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP. Speaker Gingrich voted against our positions on ADA five votes out of nine, but he did reportedly help behind the scenes to get the landmark bill passed. New Majority Leader Richard h e y voted against the passage of the ADA on all nine votes, as did Congressman Bill Archer, the new Chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, and Congressman Bud Shuster, new Chairman of the Public Works and Transportation Committee. We lose empowerment crusader Major Owens as chair of the House Subcommittee on Select Education and Civil Rights. We do better in the Senate where ADA supporters Dole, Hatfield, Domenici, Chafee, Packwood, Hatch and Kassebaum are in key positions. However, Senator Trent Lott, now number two Republican in the Senate, has recently stated that ADA should be amended. And we lose ADA

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b a o k ~ t ~ t o b e b i g F o ~ t b e b s s txmba t~& grass roots leadership ~ t ~ v m h w e a w a % y ~ ~ o in~every ~ community. h -

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W e l a m a i a ~ g t i m e a g o t t w t p u r ~ i s ~ ~ ~ g m i a s y o u REACH r OUT TO YOUR h k p r That prmishgf"rlsndiy service isn't anougk Riverside.$er+ . ALL vice k d w with a w e f l u highly-motivated thatl list& tpa STATE'S MEM@ - ~ ~ ' $ ~ a n d w ~ t P m e # ~ ' & , BERS OF THE NEW .-."$&;.&?+ - -., b I CONGRESS beginning today, while you * Y " V

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bate on the ADA in 1990. In too many cases their of the ADA and disability programs come largely from the reeent avalanche of negative propagamh Manyhillveterans including old fii&inbothpartieshave been influencedby the same negative mes-

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ple of profound conscieice, family. w e who have disabii- and for the people - all the who share our passionate de- iti:5f$p&o,nee fi3ofthepop-, people yes! Contract on termination to emmcipktdi~l"liillati~n 49 million Ameri- Americans with disabilities prisoners of dependency, and cans, plus millions more, our no! Of course social and ecoempower the& in the main- families and service &vid- nomic programs need to be stream of f?ee enterprise de- _em.We vote. improved. No group is more *, mge?y: . - + aware of the cancerous o p MESSAGE: ADA IS GOOD pression of paternalistic buDELIVER OUR M E S FOR AMERICA. ADA is reaucracythanpeoplewithdisSAGE. Directly to the Con- notanunfbndedmandate. It is abilities. But let us take care gress, but also to the state a civil rights law that simply that in our haste to change, we house, the White House and extendstoAmmicanswithdis- do not create more welfare. government at all levels, to abilitiesthe sameConstiMion- more paternalism, more costs, business, to labor, to groups alprotectionsthatotherAmer- more misery. Let us ensure representing minorities, wom- icans aIreadyenjoy. ADA will that Ghanges protect and enen and older Americans and to- not banlaupt anyone. It spe- hance rehabilitation, DD, perall other potential allies. De- cificallyprovidesthatno busi- sonal assistanceand legal sewliver our message face to face? ness or public entity can be ices, IDEA, independent livby telepholle, f 6 cmputer, ,ywuired to do anyth:mg which ing, Medicaid, Medicare, hit the mail, in the streets. U* will mult in d u e hardship. housingandallotherprograms every Christmas card. Use the ADA will open the doors of and protections that empower media. Be h n t row visible at oppommity for people with people with disabilities to be public event~withsigns~ ques- disabilities, enabling us to get productive participants in the tions and shouts. Flood talk offof welfareand into the pro- mainsream. Let us ensurethat shows, TV and newspapers ductive mainstream of our changesempowerpersonswith with truth. Use newsletters, communities, ADA will pay v q severe disabilities to be faxes, computers and tele- for its tiny mst a hundredtimes - free fiom the fear of rationed phone trees to activate our in terms of reduced welfare life, to be emancipated from community. Collect andcom- and increased productivity. expensive, prison-like institumunicate personal stories iltions, and to live with dignity lustrating the necessity of MESSAGE: ADA. COOP- in their communities. ADA, including the positive ERATION YES! AMENDeffects of ADA on real lives. MENT NO! We are ready to MESSAGE: THE AMERISendcopies toCmcernet$Cit- cooperolte 10Weto ensure irn- CAN HERITAGE at its best, izenswia Diilities(addrew plementation ofthe ADA that the magical power of Ameribelow). is sensitive to the nee& of 03's explasive success, from individuals, businewes and 1776 to 1994, has been the MESSAGE: DISABILITY .communities. But wewillfight aggressive empowerment of IMPACTS ALL OF US. any mmdment. Wewill fight traditionally appressed peoWith the advance of mcuiem for ow right to be hlly equal ples to be fully equal particimedicine disability has be- citizens ofthe USA. Ms. Con- pants in the mainstream o f k e come a n o d characteristic gmsswoman, we want your e n t q r h e democracy. Nothof human being. Sooner or commitment that you will be ing could more Republilater every family your fam- with us. can, nothing could be more ily, Mr. Congressman is goADA cont. on D. 7

THECOMMUN~Y

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RICAN DREAM E TA BLI S H TRUTH TEAMS in every Congressional district, starting with at least onszfiember today you - and growing Xo 'ten members or more in the next few weeks. If our movement is to survive and to achieve its [goals in the new politics of the nineties, we must establish a permanent core of activist

They're forced to cut curbs. I'm not against that, but why tomorrow?" In November Rush Limbaugh blasted the ADA (again)and called on the new Congress to "fix" it.

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Access Press

IS YOUR HOUSE A

January 10,1995

HOMEITHE KEYS ARE MINE 4d

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by Kevin Otley

r~ a recent meeting of selfage the '"residents" care and own home. In Michigan, a ' When I lived at the Lake ldvocates in Minnesota, a comply with a slew of well- communitylivingservicespm Owasso state institution in goup thought of words that intentiod government regu- gram enables people with dis- Minnesota,you had to ask fm iescribe a home. The group lations. The power also be- abilities to either buy or lease everything: "can you let me lsed words like freedom, longs to the individuals, cor- theirownhomeand&their out?," "can I have a can of ;hoices,pride,commuuityyand gorations, or government own deksiolls about the sup pop'2,""can I stay up a littlebit wxurity. Theseare words that agencies that own d @t ports they n d And an unorga- longer? . ople might use to de- from the bilities. nization called A Home Of mibe what a home means. Your Own Alliance is work- When 1 moved into a group qowever, one word stood out While the movement firom in- ing on the national level to home, I had to follow all of the hat probably wouldn't com- stitutions to the community fund projects that result in rules. I had to go to bed at a mody make the list of words continues, the opportunity to ownership, choice, .nd con- I artahtime, andwhen Iwarin 1to describeahome:pow- ownorcontrolone'sownh~ trol of homes by people with be$ I had to be asleep: that is still quite rare for persons developmental disabilities. wasthat. Ilivedwithtwoother with developmental disabiliguys. We were beingwatched Ihe p h whae people in ties. There are approximately By un-ding the issues all the time, 24 horn a day, hisgroup have or arecumat- 70,000 people with develop- and speaking out, self-&oseven days a we&. living are s e g q p t d , con- mtal disabWes still living cates can help themselves and ggated,highlymgukd,and in state institutions in our coun- others with disabilitiesto have Two years ago I got mmied. structured. They are stdkdin ty. Ooly 38% of all people more control over where and My wife and I moved into our shifts and owned by anofher with devekpmtd disabili- how they live. Together, self- own apartment. Now that I mxm, a corporation, or tho ties live Qlace5 with six rn advocates can demand the havemy own place, Imakethe government The places are fewer pee&. People with closingofstateinstitutions and decisions. I have my ownkeys. tircilities,smehesdescribed developmental dhbilitiesare other large facilities,and work I can let myself out, and let as "home-l?ilre," but not very still living in facilities, not toward having mare power in myself back in. :h like %om?' if your def- homes. the place we call %me!' Kevin Otley mutmnofhomeincludeschicNow I can come and go when 3,fi.eedom,and power. But t h i i are changing. In 1;Ydtwk the Commurlity Or- Iwant. Icanmakemyown several states aroundthecoua- gadzer for Advocating food, d I decide whether I when s w comes ovgl: h i n a *@*ate w a n t t o h a ~ . e m t a I a'I'heyhelpuswibr~otneWngs~member of Advocating. or when I'm ready f~ a m k . but we make o w k i - Change wiw& We can invite f5ends to stay s i m . j h m Voiceprint, Fall 1984. '

~uugressman,we will work inordertogaintenpmyposi- electiam. Wesolicityourguid-

mentary mi&- -differovercome. ~ ~ ~ t l y c o n LUTELY!We will lose some flictingroles,in total harmony Justin and Yoshih Dart M e s . But we have the alti- for the same goals: equality, mate weapons to win the war independence and empower- (Justin Dart war one of the authors of the ADA and also br ajust society: people, tmth, ment in the mainstream. war appointed by President loveofhumanity. We have the moral and the economic argu- THIS IS THE MOMENT Reagan, and reappointed by rnents. We have people who OF TRUTH for each 6ne of Pred&nt Bush, to Chair the have created miracles of us. America is watching. The President's Committee to independenceandjustice. We world is watching. Will our Employ People with Disabilmovementuniteinadion?Will ities. &. Dart Ir now a nuhave you. we increase our advocacy tional advocate for p s a n s IF WE CAN MULTIPLY enough to keep the Dream withdisabilities) OUR TINY ARMY OF PA- alive? We can do it, if 6 are TRIOTS, ifwe can utilize the - willing to pay the price. If we Nde: We urgently need recoming historic policy debate are no^ if we fail or are per- ports of your activities, of to establish the principles of ceived to lkil, God help our d e v e l q m e n t s i n y o u r ~ u N WE WIN? ABS0-

new politidclout, if we can peop

LbDARlTY! We must set acausewotf'

le b~lainess,personality d y i k - l i

G-

January 10,1995

Access Press

The Power Of To by Gordon Gillesby The Power of To: Whatever its booms or busts, last year is in the record books. The consequences of it's decisions are now seeds for a new year's battles for all creatures great and small. Winter returns with iiigid vengeance not unlike politicians returning to their various seats of power. Forces are positioning themselves by the socalled "Contract with America". Everyone is swinging apolitical budget-cutting ax hell bent on out-hacking everybody else in an unrelenting drive that lays waste anything defmed as "unnecessary" in daily media skirmishes as ugly as they are unenlightened.

Supposedly this fiscal bloodshed is justified if you buy into all this contract rhetoric. Maybe it has less to do with promises thanpunishmeni. One form of revenge is giving your opponent everything he asks for but in such quantities he becomes buried by it. Politicians will choke us on "fiscal responsibility" until we cry uncle. Are they a h i d of change and upset because the American electorate isn't good little sheepiesre-electing them year after year? Ultimately, they seem more interested in job securitythanwhat's best forthe country -even if that means mortgaging q~ 1 future.

with more being created every day. become involved. van-t wait any longer. Whether your battle ground DIRECT ACCESS TO PEOPLE; is political programs, legal issues, in the old-fashioned paper chase, corporate law, disability ethics, or there are too many gate-keepers (as- whatever-there's aplaceforyou in sistants,under-secretaries, vice pres- cyberspace. Those who would influidentsandvariousmuddle-levelman- ence the policies of tomorrow agers) interfering with information should get online today! flow. The real power of all this internetworking, interactive computer ****** communication is that it gets you directly to the people making deci- Thanks to the Timberwolves for the sions and influencing policy. From additional tickets!. If you are disthe Capitol to the Captains of Indus- abled, have a disabled family memIt doesn't have to be that way. try, the ability to directly exchange ber or are a non-profit organization ideas and opinions without being and need a computer, please call People are people howeverthey chose hampered by gate-keepers is not only DRAGnet-the Disability Resourcto communicate and Cyberspace revery real, its coverage is broadening es, Affiliates and Groups network flects this. The same mandates, all daily. Want to sendmessages direct- office at 6 12.338.2535 -thanks! the samehuman bias, bigotry, behavly to the White House? Get the ior and ideas fiom grandioseto grand opinion of Corporate CEO's? Want The Power of To: is about computare all on display. People are no more to interactwith medical researchers? ers, cyberspace and communication noble, unselfish, wise or kind just Get in touch with various "think- for all people. Please share your because they network using comput- READILY ACCESSIBLE TECH- tanks" to express your ideas? It's all thoughts, comments and ideas about ers. People are people; ideas are NOLOGY: personal computers are possible and more, besides. this column with Access Press or log ideas. Each should be evaluated on accessible on nearly all levels. Money on to DRAGnet Information Service individual merits. If we are to get off Tight? Costs are plurnmetingasnew- The beauty here is in that ideas are with your computer and modem our collective duffs and participate er technology becomes available. evaluated upon their own merit rath- (6 12.753.1943; 84-1 ;ANSI emula- it's vital to understand exactly - RE+PC has rehbished computers er than trapped by raciallgenderlspe- tion). WHY-all this computertechno-wiz- for a fraction ofthe cost of new ones. cia1 interest issues. If you want the ardry is essential to all future politi- Technology Need Adapting? Lots ability to make a difference in the cal (medical, religious, philosoph- of places provide computer adaptive world -get online. Like it or not, it Patronize your ical, social, economic, etc., etc. at technology -checkout STAR, Tam- is the way informationis bemg moved Access Press infinitum, ad nausea) debates. It all arack, Pacer, Closing the Gap or one around and it's the way we're comof the dozens of rehabilitation facil- municating. That's both a promise boils down to three things. Advertisers & let ities in the Twin Cities. Adaptive and a warning. If you tread upon the them know where INTERACTIVE IDEA EX- products, while still expensive, are cyberspace communication waters, CRANGES: online, networked dropping as aresult ofincreasedcom- you'll find people who will take your you heard about communication interactive - petition among vendors. Lack of ideas seriously. Good ideas survive meaning it is not one-way communi- Access Points? Many public librar- and grow. Bad ones fall by the waythefnrr:They bring

serveduntouched. When threatened, we (whoeverthe "we" happensto be) raise the unholy specter of racial, sexual, minority-based attacks upon the under-privilege by rich, powermongering pale mono-skin-colored gender-defective (and probably alien) life-forms. We caterwaul, protest and calculate grand media ploys for getting on the next Geraldo, Donahue, or Sally-Jesse whichever pays more. In short, they play a game, we play a game and in the end, everyone loses.

ing, in its second decade, is available nearly everywhere. While it isn't the same as talking with someone in the same room, it's a fast and reliable method of sending your own ideas instantly (a.k.a. "chatting") or broadcasting through conferences spanning large geographic areas (states, regions, planets). One to one or among a much larger forum of people. You maintain an independent record of all messages. You can receive tens of thousands of messages each day and scan them to fmd only those you want. You can interlink messages with outside reference sourcesand electronically pass along supporting documentation for you ideas, products or services to all interested parties. You work at your own speed, in your own time, at your own convenience.

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t m h g to your d o m reading a $ee for public use. Caznputer netwants all their own programs p book. Interactivecomputermessag- works, once fare, are now plentiful The &cal

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