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44Alwaysdo right this will gratii some and astonish the rest" -Mark Wain

Chemical Sensitivity Page 7

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ounse~ingmrvice5: de-

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of the d. ered by a health plan wiil b

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Access Press Charlie

disabilitiesin thecountry. Our improvingourqualityoflife we disability,either by accident or Center down. After consid-

Health Care: Continuation I ILetters To The Editor. . . . And Conversion Rights either kind usually takes more strength and courage than I Maybe it just caught me in a can muster. It is as if I'm bad mood (a fairly large target trying to walkthroughavatof for someone with severe concrete. I know I have to keep chronic depression), but I struggling. It's a matter of life didn't much appreciatethe ar- or death. But it is so very ticle by Suzy Sunshine (AKA difficult to lift one foot and put Katie O'Brien) in the Nov. 10 it down in front of the other. issue of Access Press. There is nothing in this article indi- Avoid alcohol, O'Brien says. cating that O'Brien has a clue Well, duh! I have an addiction as to what it is like to live with to prescription drugs (in susa suffocating,life-sapping ill- tained remission). In the past ness that makes getting up in I have chosen oblivion rather the morning an insurmount- than dealing with each day's travails, and sometimes alcoable challenge. hol looms as an attractive o p Taking her information from a tion. But1 live with the wreckpamphlet - a pamphlet ?!?!, age addiction (and depression) she tells us that regular exer- have left my husband and chilcise helps to control depres- dren. Although he is in his late sion. Right. Let's all lace up our cross-trainers and hop on down to the gym for a brisk hour of aerobicexercise. These icons of fitness, who probably failed to pick him up from run four or five miles a day as school because I'd been hoswell,are nomore real tome than pitalized. Andheonly learned areRocky andBullwinkle. And about it when his father came I am every bit as likely to join home in the evening. their ranks as I am to merge my being with a televisioncartoon 'Take care of yourself. Emfeature. phasize a healthy diet." These are goals I would like to reach "Even walking ... may be ... someday. In themeantime the beneficial," O'Brien tells us. I only food that isn't repulsive know that. I try to do that to me is, oddly, doughnuts. sometimes. But I am sur- Now that I have ulcers, I get rounded by steephills-some sick from doughnuts, too. are geographical and some exist only in my mind. To climb O'Brien's well-intentioned Dear Editor:

by Tom Brick

4.&

everal years ago, the State. vidual plan must not exceed of Minnesota enacted a 90% of comparable coverage law whichallows an employee, by the MN Comprehensive atthe time ofaqualifyingevent. Health Association (MCHA). such as being laid off, an opportunity topwitch from th,e The alternative for persons group healih plan to an indi- losing their employment has vidual plan; the individual plan been continuation coverage of must be issued without any 18months, or29months (ifthe preexisting condition limita- person has been determined to tions, if the individual has had be disabled by the Social Secucontinuous qualifying cover- rity administration). This areage under the employers plan. quirement of a federal law The premium for the conver- known as COBRA. Continuasion plan, from the employers tion coverage under the COgroup health plan to an indi- BRA law isusually moreexpen-

I MINNESOTA STATE COUNCIL ON DISABILITY The Council on Disability has established aList Server for e-mail information and discussion of disability related issues.

sive than the conversion coverage under the Minnesotalaw and the guaranteed coverage is time limited under the continuation under COBRA.

Since its enactment, health plans have had various interpretations of the requirementsoftheMinnesotalaw. In October of 1997,The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) issued a directive that an enrollee of a fully insured plan (selfinsured,ERISA,plans are not subject to state, law) must be offered the choice of continuation or conversion coverage. An individual who initially elects continuation coverage has the right to subsequently choose conversion coverage without underwriting before the 18 month continuation coverage period has expired (thedirectivedidn't address the situation for those who are eligible for additional continuation for up to29mths).

suggestionsare useful for mild depression,.even clinical depression. She'sright. Depression is almost always treatable. usually with the right antidepressant. But in its severe,recurrentform, when (having tried them all) the most antidepressants can do is to provide something of a safety net, it may be a life sentence. Concentrating on what someone is saying or trying to read a book are difficult .and can become impossible in the depths of depression. Doing something as simple as heating a bowl of soup can be overwhelming, especially if the pantry permits a choice

To subscribe to the list all you have to do is:

week or so ago. Although doctors deny it, I think the electro-shock therapy I've had has contributed to memory problems. In any case, I have a bad case of CRS (can'tremembershit).

Ifyou want to know something Now that the right of aconverabout depression, read somesion policy has been finally thing thicker than a pamphlet. established, already, a bill is And talk to someone who's expected to be introduced by a been th health plan or plans to require You will receiveamessage back; entertheauthentication that the continuation rights Carol Knapp Mahnke must be exhausted prior to eliinformation in the e mail you receive and return it to the gibility for conversion covermajordomo server to confirm your desire to be on the email list. age. This would usually result in a higher premium payment under the continuation policy If you have Lny question on this call Tom Brick at the .. Council on Disability,296-3478,l-800-945-8913 (V/ITY), and less awareness by the connother time sensitivelaw first enroll for benefits under due to disability status, is eli_ is the right to a ~ e d i c a r e Medicare Part B. gible for another six-month - -& 296-6785 (VKIY). sumer of the eventual right to 4 the conversion ~olicv. . . enrollment period beginning SupplementPolicy without underwriting,or on a guaranteed Three years ago, a second pro- the first day of the month in issue basis. You have the right vision was added to this Min- which the person; has attained Co-FounderIPublisher (1990-1995) Wm. A. Smith, Jr. . .! to a Medicare Supplement nesota Statute, upon the urg- the age of 65 years and either EditorlPublisherlCo-Founder Charles P. Smith Scott Adams policy, on a guaranteed issue ing of disability advocates. maintains enrollment in, orenCartoonist Presentation Images, Ellen Houghton basis during the six month pe- This provision entitles a per- rolls again in, Medicare Part B. Production Editorial Assistant Cindy Bordeaux riod beginning with the first son who is or was previously (Minnesota Statute 62A.3 1, PRESS is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access day of the month in which you enrolled in Medicare Part B Subdivision I h) c..-m9 ACCESS Press, Ltd. Circulatibn is 10,000,distributed the l ( r of each month through more than 130 locations I r l statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $15/yr. .. --+ SPECIALIZEDTRANSPORTATION I Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest lo persons with disabilities, or persons serving those with disabilities, are welcomed.

To: "Majordomo9mail.state.mn.us" Do not enter anything in the subject line In the text box enter: Subscribe mndisability

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Board 'RestoresFunding To DisabiLi.1 Programs by Commissioner Peter McLaughlin

his year's budget process at Hennepin County was particularly difficult. County staff proposed budget cuts with skewed priorities that would have adversely affected many people, including those with disabilities. In the end, however, the County Board passed a fiscally responsible budget that preserved and strengthened our recent emphasison prevention,early intervention, community buildings, and assisting people to work to support themselves and theirfamilies.

which provides long-term employmentservices toclients, such as counseling, . vocational evaluation, training and supervision $35,000 to Accessible Space,Inc.whichprovides, through its Service Plus program, intensive case management, transitional livingandsupportivehousing services to client with s ecial needs

I IN BRIE Parks Guidebook Available On Web I Wilderness Inquiry has pro- the information is available at duced theMinnesota Guide website: www.wildernessinto Universal Access in the ' quiry.org/mnparks. Outdoors, the world's first internet guide touniversal ac- The Guidebook has been decess in parks thoughout astate. signed to provide the informaAfter inspecting hundreds of tion necessary for folks of all facilities and trails at parks abilities to make informed throughout Minnesota, all of choices on where to go 'in

Celebrate The Dream ! -

Em ! m reachout toh

guest speaker is Rev. Bernice A. King. Berniceis fastbecoming a leader of tomorrow^ She challenges each of us to look beyond our own concerns and

their dreams. The event is at 7:00pm, Basilica of Saint Mary, free and open t public.

New Thrift Store Arc of Hennepin County will open a new, expanded Value VillageThrift Store at the Midland Shopping Center (Medicine Lake Road & Winnetka

million fewer dollars. The re- poned non-crucial capital ex~ i i ~less &an e the, penditures, increased federal afion, was used to government funding of MediI County priorities. cal Assistance to the county, $265,000 to RISE, Inc. which kounty was able to

hard to ensure that

support necessary to. enable clients tobe employed within t b i r ;facilitybroutid thecommunitv

with a skewed priorities inherent in process,~-\6(k@pi~bed those recommendations by budget &at responds to fiscal adoptingover50amendments realities and demonstrates a that re-priaritized the county commitment to help people in administrator's recvmenda- need, including our friends in $150,900 to AccessAbility tions into a budget tbat wecan thedisability community. L

Avenue) in New Hope. Pro- zation Arc o ceeds from the store benefit County. For information and people withdevelopmentaldis- store hour~call535~7972. (.I* -c1, abilities and thpir families ., 'a, , ;. thfhugh the nonpro"fit 6kgan'i'

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Minneapolis Community and TechnicalCollegepresents the 8th Annual birthday tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 15, 1998. Featured

~~McLaughlin $158,000 to Borderline SILS (Semi-Independent Living Situations) which provides take pride in. We did so in a I am pleased to report that the community independent living fiscally responsible manner final budget adopted by the services for people with bor- anddidn'trely onanyaccountCounty Board restored full derlin,e mental retardation ing gimmicks. Our budget did funding to several important not compromise either our fuprograms which assist about In passing this year's budget ture or the County's AAA 250 people in the disability the Board of Commissioners creditrating. . community: RISE, Inc.,Bor- responded to difficult fiscal derlineSILS,AccessibleSpace pressures brought about by a I am especially proud of the Inc., and two long-term shel- combination of a reduced tax amendments I brought foretered employment programs, based and rapidly increasing word: they helped the county Opportunity Partners and costs for out-of home place- save money and maintained AccessAbility. I was im- ments. Hennepin County crucialpublicservicesandour pressed by the superb lobby- started the budget process $9 commitmenttopeople. ingeffortthatwasrnounted by million,in the hole because of manyinthedisabilitycommn- actions by the state. Despite I led the effort to re-prioritize nity on behalf of these critical robust growth in the value of county actions and simultane-

Minnesota's impressive outdoor environment. In so doing, we haveincreased the likelihood and ease with which people (especially those with disabilities)visit themany and varied parks within the state.

he Minneapolis Commis sion on Civil Rights will present the annual Award for Outstanding Achievement to Frances Fairbanks, Executive

award will be presented at the 12thAnnualCity ofMinneapoTis King Holiday Celebration on Friday, January 16, from noon to 1:00 P.M. ar the Hennepin County Government Center on the Public Service Level. -

Honeywell Heals Anti-Violence Campaign, Fairbanks The CP worked with corporations award' based in south Minneapolis tion cx individual who makes including Allina Health Sys- significant contributjons in [ems, ~ b b o t tNorthwestern civil or human rights. FollotyHospital and Honeywell to ifi2lhe-program, the Minnkdeyplopaitralegic plan to pre- apolis Commission ctn Civil jept violence and crime in the Rights will host a reception in d . theRev. Dr. MartinLuther King j i Fairbanks became th; ~ i ~ m l S p r P e w ~ hAs~part live Director of the American &&mnt&%initjative, Jr. c o n f e r e n a ~ o o d . 2 3 9 ~ i ~ Indian Centerin 1994. Under ~airbanffs;2' her leadership, the American munity eld Indian Center continues to ef- finding inves fectively address the needs of ing a criminal incident & the American Indian commu- helps thecommunity take steps sign also be present. Far mere innity. In additign tolizwlingthe toward healing. . Center, Fairbanks hU k e n a fomation,p3easecal1673-2339, ''rireless supporn" of dkr C3tyCouncjlViceh.esidentJoe 673-2044W3. organizatiw such a s %B &mat and poet&o~ytq&r~' " ~ ~ ~ l~ ~1 IJ(I jl ~ ~ . h*an Indim OIC, rhe In- h e h d c ~ e ewill piesent re, -

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dian Family Services, and the flections on the continuing IndianChildWelfare~aw~in- significance of Dr. King's ter. AmemberoftheRed Lake life and work. Yoptg from Band of Ojibwa, she acti"e.1~ Park~venue~etho&s&%&m works to uphold weaty rights. Corps ar\d Ramsey ~nterni- , _

Computer Company Offers. Service & Low Rates tion helping you &ciii what offered at the rateof$25.00an typeofcomputerwiUnaes&~hour. needs, whatprogramsyoumy want on or nesd o n ) ~ a w r e m5d u l l wamanty and puter, and train you on basic ichkb &miceon the eomcomputer functions when you puters they bui.ld as no ex purchase a computer through charge. T~rijaalso has a disMAXimum P.C. at no extra ability and at times uses a expense. . wheelchair, she knows haw hard it is to get out and about The senices don't stop t h e , when row have shyid FimiAs parents of an autis@iz.&dd,. Tonja andWm abo &ez dis- tations. Herhsbindkasbeen they knowjusthow hardit isto. counted in home repair ser- ahuge help@her and she feels shop for, and make an k d l i - vices forexisting~omputers to the need to reach aut to those p n t decision on an item aa elderly or disabled indiviclids who do not haw such won&r; expensive as acomputer while and parents of disabled' chib &I support. you are trying to keep your dren. The normal f& for Ms .,-.I - 4 child incheck at thesame time. home serviting is $50 to $100 ~ .-- % ..-. ~ M- ~ uaalt~ an hour. 'IAeseserviceswiilbe 'F612J331-799@.

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Civil Rights Award Recipient: Frances Fairbanks

AXimum P.C. Inc: opened its doors in October 1997 with the goal of providing high qualiky, low costcomputers.Tonjaand Ron Glass, owners of the store are now offg;rjsg discount rates and low p r i e s to the elderly, disabled, and parents of children with disabilities.

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On Mental Illness

ultural Or Ignorance? by LeAnne Dahl firstcentury,I was begin-

in the community. It became clear that it evidently never a land of freedom where people with disabilities can

onvenience and ease, ried her?"

ere bothcaught offguard the derk began asking some r8t$;ii?~rsonal 2nd pointed cpehons of my husband. They were as follows:

If this is the case, then she

was hurt and upset. A range of emotions struck me all at once from anger to pjty for Larry and myself.

magine you are told to forget your hopes and dreams because you can never be expected toreach them. Imagine you are told to lower your expectations and goals for life because you will never be able to liveaproductive life. Imagine you see your disability mocked on television, in movies, and on the radioon adaily basis. When you have all of these firmly in you imagination, imagine trying to find peace, self-worth,dignity, and hope in your daily life; when you not only have to deal with all of these, but are also shunned, misunderstood, and feared by the society into which youaredesperately try-

ness establishment that needs our assistance in educating theiremployeesonhowtotreat individuals who haveadisability. However, until this takes When you have that all firmly Yet, when I final had a chance place, it's up to us to be the tucked into your imagination, to calmdown and rationalized teachers in our own commuyou have a slight glimpse of daily life experienced by myself and many others like me who have a mental illness. to this whole incident.

respected for who we are.

We'veall heard thetermssuch as "crazy", "nuts", "de-

come than the illness itself. A brochure I read afew years ago said it well by stating, "It's been a year since I came home fromthehospitalaftermybreakdown. Myfriendsstillhaven't recovered."

the benefits we have the potential to bring you.

Consider this: What would classical music be like if Ludwig Von Beethoven, Wolfgang Amdeus Mozart, and Robert Schumann had Nowthinkforamoment:Men- each never been allowed to tal illness is twice as prevalent compose, because they each asalzheimerdisease,six times had a mental illness? as prevalent as diabetes, and five times as prevalent as mul- What would the SistineChapel tiple sclerosis. Consider the belikeifMichelangelohadnot fact that more hospital beds in been allowed to paint because this country are occupied by of his mental illness? Who people who have a mental ill- would have come up with any ness than by those who have of the inventions of Thomas cancer, heartdisease,andlung Edison, if his mental illness disease combined. One out of had kept him from accomplishevery four families in this ingall thathedid? Whatwould country alone is affected by thiscountry belike ifAbraham mental illness. Lincoln had never been allowed to become President because Basic truths need to be ac- of his mental illness? knowledged: People with a mental illness are human be- Human potential is limitless, ings,not animals, imbeciles,or whenallowed full expression. sub-human. Weare notadiag- Toattempt torestrict someone nosis, we are people with the on the basis of a disease is same hopes, dreams, desires, therefore one of the greatest and goals as the rest of the wounds you can intlict upon

ential toachieve these ccpmcny

Guthriekb, M~pls

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who are blind. Access to The-

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viduals who are Deaf or Blind 214. Wed 7:3& "Playby ofthe .for selected performances by west& *orld" QuthrieThe- selected theater companies in Hennepin,Ramsey,and Anoka cdunties. For reduced prices

VSAM (332-3888) for further

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- Reliaion & Disability

J m w i q 19-, 1998

Access Press

Parishes Made More Inclusive

Hello Nicole:

L+

by Mary Jane Steinhagen ithintheCathollccom- stituencies, varieties of Educatisnaleffortswerecomrnunity I work an disabilities and how the ADA mon among all parishes. Most advocate fortwith people with (Americans with Disabilities ran br~efitemsundera heading disabilities to insure their hav- Act) impacts churches. Com- Disability Awaren-Comer ing parish access. Assistance mittee members received SUP- in the weekly bulletin. Articles with pictures ran in parish given ranges from solving porting resource ~ c k e & . newsletters. A series of Sunphysical access issues to day mwoing adult education N ~ l ~ k s t ~ p p afaczim l a n was implementinginclusion Strategies. Since no overall pla" mandated. D @ @ c m ~ W h d i dforums featured videos and exists for making our parishes an initid cawrehenshe self- speakers on disability issues. inclusive,my work hasalways study; the others tackled obvi- One parish had an in-service been done on an as requested ous problems. (The video pre- for staff and the parish council. basis. The randomness ofser- sentation on the ADA was the Awareness about disabilities adeci- catalyst for pointing out areas increased in each parish. vice requests sion to be more intentional in needing correction.) Initial making our parishes more in- projects focused on physical Makingchange isalwaysdiffichanges needed. cult. Creating inclusive and clusive. welcming@shx:mrnunities In the summerof '94,five par- Committee members now no- has its challenges because of ishes were recruited to pilot an ticed the lack of handicapped the historically low parish prointensive approach to full in- parking,materialsoutof~each fileofpeoplewithdis&lities. elusion. Thesites wemamixof for people in wheelchairs, the The old attitude of service to suburban, core city and city lack of assistive listening de- rather than invslhernent of parishes. The suburban par- vicd, and the shortage of ac- people with disabilities is anisha have day schools with cessible seating in the assem- other resistance to ovsrcome. the growing numbers of fami- bly. Doorwidthsandcurbcuts Building a welcoming faith lies; the city is adult took on signifiCaac;restrooms community isalong-term cornfocusedan$w i n w c i t y par- previously deemed accessible mitment with no quick fixes. ishes have d& po@ations. were re-examinedwithincor- Still, establishing advocacy rect signageremoved,Benches committees within parishes is Each established a dis- were added forpeople waiting adkalfir~rstepinthechange ability advocacy committee to be picked UP. process. composed primarily of people

ine rime you want I e e k i n ~anvthine out.

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Please patronize your Access Press Advertisers and tell them where you heard about them. They bring you your paper.

The theme of these Leadeaehip m s is "N

b 1 u l ~ i ~uach n ~ is $2SbtJbn@w& other apuimtiom to qwmso~d

but also kow we can

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$s~~uary 10, 1998

Access Press

LEGISLATIVE cant. +om p. I Work towards establishing stand-alone areas in prisons forpeople withspecial needs, including mental iMness,'developmental disabilities, and traumaticbraininjury. Rewrite the health care power of attorney law to treat mental illness on a par with other medical conditions. Worktowardsthe licensing ofday treatment proV S .

Transportation- UCPM will advocate for improved management of khe para-transit system in the of e a ciency and sensitivity training. Monitor legislation pertaining to the creation of a citizencommissionto runthesystem and any legislation introduced to change the current statue to allow for the use of additional funding sources other than the General Fund.

sonswithdisabilities.lhegoal viceintroducedlegislationproof such programs is to.reduce viding for the downsizing of barriers to employment of Vasafrom50toabout28beds. peoplewithdisabilitiesthatare LSS will continue to exercise cmtedbyexistinggovernment leadershiptoencourageadophealth care policies. Should tion of this legislation, while federal authority be granted, monitoringDHS development MNCCDfurtherurgestheState of the systemic approach to of Minnesota to develop a downsizing. MedicaidBuy-inprogram. '

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Transit- The Metropolitan Health Care UCPM supports The National Federation of the Center forIndependentLiving the passage of any legislation Blind Minnesota will focus its (MCIL)will work in collaboraEducation-UCPM will workto that would allow for the pay- concern on the increased diffi- tion with the Consortium for insure that any proposed ment or coverage by insurers cu]ty in usingmodem techno]- Citizens with Disabilities to changes do not negatively for products or services pro- ogy for blind persons. Tech- forward a legislative agenda . impact special educationfund- vided to the insured including, nology is becomingdependent which will increase consumer .. ating feasibility of pursuing :. :. - YJ ..'. ;a,, i... special licensure for Courage ing for students with disabili- butnotlimitedto: durablemedi- onpicturesorgraphsand~uch involvement in the planning ties.Monitorall1egislativepro- cal equipment, communication of the software is not cornpat- for current and future transit -n-Wo*ingwith Residenceand increased fund.posals establishing an educa- assistive devices, personal ible with thespeech synthesiz- options in the metropolitan other organizationstodevelop ing. ' ; ' .. tion voucher system to deter- care attendant services; and ers that is normally used by area. Work towards the im- legislation promoting greater :-. - _. . mine impact/effectonservices. transportation costs for indi- people who are blind. The provementofthereliabilityand consumerrole in oversightancW7 . . . P. Work for protection of chil- vidualswithdisabilities.Moni- NFBM will seek support for efficiencyoftransitforpeop1e dimtion of Metro Mobility.;'.' ~, *.. ': .I .~, ,dren and young adults with tor any proposals for adminis- legislation that will ensure all withdisabilities. Monitoring proposals to de-: . .. Signage- To ask the legisladisabilities in the education trative or legislative changes technology funded with state velop other transit options. p r ~ c e s q h ~ ~ e x a mall ~ iplon g to the Personal Cwe Atten- money can be used with non- IndependentLiving-Worktoture for prominant notification posals f m language changes dant W A ) program . visual techniques. wards educating legislators Wo&Disincentive-Courage in all public access buildings that migbt negqti~elyimpact about the Independent Living Center staff will work closely to accomodate persons with on students with disabilities. MJuar&C . w' r d!k movement and its philosophy. with the Consortium for Citi- environmental illness by reMonitor;~adi;analyzdEeny , ,;To increase and solidify the zens with Disabilities(CCD)m fraining from the wearing of . amendments8scurrentspecial ' . - . availabilityof independentliv- promote the Medicaid Buy-in scented products. Notification ., . ~ ~ e & l ~ & ~ o r t a t i o n ~ ing e r - services throughout the proposals. Also working with of the application or use of education statues granting additional authority to hearing The members of the Minne- vices-working towards in- state of Minnesota. T&ensure state legislators and DHS offi- pesticides in public buildings. officersallowingthemtocarry sota Consortium for Citizens creased fundingformedically adequate resources are avail- cials on further development out hearings more effectively with Disabilities are urging related transportation. able to promote the continua- of earned income disregard Research- Requesting more . funding and resources bemade to pursue research ofthisgrowCoumge Residence- Staff of ing medical concern and huResidential Services is evalu- man health crisis. m ,

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Mobility PraductsNehicleMaintenance 612-232-1700 6 12-232-1720 1-800-887-6221

January 10, 1998

Access Press

NEW MEANING FOR ACCESS? Awareness That Chemicals Cause Environmental Sickness & Suffering 1It.f.

by Toni Temple

ccess is not just a problem for those in wheelchairs. Those with MCS (Multiplechemical Sensitivity)are alsocovered under the Americans withDisabilities Act but are denied access daily due to numerouschemical barriersin our everyday world. Forthose of you unfamiliar with MCS, thisdiseasecauseshypersensitivity to most chemicals and makes it virtually impossibleto beexposed withoutexperiencing severe pain and distress. Someexperienceasthma, irritability, memory loss, confusion, depression, arthritis, chills, headaches, convulsions, seizures, swelling and other physical symptoms as immediate reactions to exposure. Long-termsymptomscan involveanemiaand bloodclotting problems and even nutritionaldeficienciesandhair loss (similar to the effects caused by chemotherapy). SOit is not just a matter of mere discomfort - exposures for some can become life-threatening and therefore, MCS victims must be properly accommodated. MCS can be caused by either

)5"$-* Prejudice will again take the front seat - if we let it. But hopefully, by education, we can slop it. This disease does nottakemuch, ifany, money to help "fix" what is wrong. Substitutions and avoidance usually will do the trick and permit the disabled person to gain access to places they could not otherwise go. Very recently, the Institute of Medicine published a report entitled "EnvironmentalMedicine and the Medical School Curriculum". This report addressed the much-needed competency based education of our physicians concerning the seriousness of the effects of the environment on human health. Implementation recommdndationsareexpectedto follow shortly. Doctors will be expected to take appropriate detailed environmental exposure histories, including work histories, of all patients and will learn to recognize symptoms of chemical poisoning. But the public needs tobe educated too. A good point to remember is that "there, but for

which may make aroom or of- products and then using safer miraculouslydisappear! il*i'3~daccess issues for those with fice attractive but which are alternatives " ' H ~would ~ be ~ greatly appreloaded with pesticides, fungi4. Treat others as you would ciated. I would like to provide cides and insecticides. 5. Providing flexible working like tobetreated. Imaginethat educational information to hours to reduce exposures you have this disease. What apartment buildings, hotels, 5. Construction chemicals during peak rush hours and considerations would you restaurants,movietheaters,liwhich have not yet "gassed lunch hours, etc. want from others? What would braries, retail stores and other out*'. Newpanels.desks,shelvyou want others to do to help public facilities on how they ing and furniture containing 6. Providesaferworkareas(i.e., you? Then do it! can help accommodate those fonnaldehydecanalsobeabig without carpeting, etc.) with chemical ~~nsitivities.. problem. Tips From MCS Sufferers 7. Educating themselves con- 1. Ask for the considerations ToniTemple, Chair, OhioNet6. New carpeting and the foam cerning their legal responsi- you need in a straightforward work for the Chemically rubber padding andglues used bilities and educating other manner. Injuried, Box 29290. Parmu, to install it can be highly toxic. employees OH 44129. ' In addition, carpeting retains 2 Do not apologize for your toxic dust from perfumes, dry FemiliesandIndivid~Caa illness-it is not your fault. [In Minnesota, persons with MCS are represented by the cleaning, and other chemical Mep 1. Do not question, disbelieve 3. Do not expect everyone to ChemicalInjury Resource Asagents. or criticize anyone who indi- understand immediately (in- sociation (CIRA) of MN. 7. Fragranceemissiondevices ca&thatcertainodorsorprod- eluding your family or your CIRA,origindly incorporated (room airdeodorizers,etc.)es- ucts are making them ill. best friend) as Twin Cities H.E.A.L., is a pecially those thatrun through non-proffklorgadbation with heating, ventilating and air 2 Educate yourself concern- 4. Try aot totake any negative about 209mmtYets, and proconditioning systems. I read ing the effects ofchemicals on comments personally. vides l ~ u p p &vices ~ ~ k and in a U.S. Air Magazine article the body-y ou may be educatibdo tho& affected by that the "cookie smell" in the shocked by what you learn. 5. You do not ever have to Me$; CIRA,servesas a vital malls and the "popcorn smell" Many publications concern- defend yourselforyourillness. link in the r e c o w of people in movie shows come from a ingpesticidesandtoxicagents Make calm statements such who have been chemically inchemical! The cookies and areavailablefreefromthegov- as, "You have obviously not jured and in the building of a popcorn are m.ade elsewhere ernment. been educated about this dis- healthy community through but the"chemical smell" isused ease. May I suggest some networking and education. For to'lure" us in. 3. Limit your use of perfumed reading materials which will info. on CIRA, call Deah Cain products and strong chemi- familiarize you withMCS?" at (6 12)643-4220.1

were to strike you tomorrow.

be visually perceived (wheelchairs, crutches and other tangibleevidence),MCS is sometimes not quite so obvious except in extreme cases when those afflicted must wear masks or respirators. More often than notMCS victims are ridiculed rather than accommodated and spend precious time and energy "defending" their illness. As you may recall, even the national news mediamadejokes about Marin County in California where a

1. Maintenance chemicals and laundry soaps, fabric softwhich includestrong cleaning eners and dry cleaning. disinfectants, carpet shampoos, waxes and polishes, etc. EmploywsCanHelp Somemaycontainbannedpes- 1. Providing extra ventilatio ticidesasinertingredients.(In- withfreshair ert ingredients are not required to be listed on the label.) 2 Cutting way back on the use

2 Cigarettesmoke 3. Remodeling chemicals room withsomeonewithMCS. (paints, wallpapers, solvents, glues, varnishes, etc.) 3. Completely banning any and

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January 10, 1998

Chatting On The Internet

Access Press

by Carla Maclnnis Rockwell

nternet Relay Chat (IRC) what is it, and how might it help persons with disabilities? First of all, IRC is a means of Internet communication. Unlikeelectronicmail (e-mail),IRC is immediate "conversation" in a group, or with one individual in private chat. To download a popular IRC program, go to http://www .micr.co.uk for the latest version mIRC and choose the one that is compatible with your computer system and you're half way there. It's very easy to do, and once you're connected you'll experienceawhole new dimension to your computer and Internet use. Once you've downloaded the program, set itup(mirc.exe). Thatdone,just follow the rest of the instructions - you'll be asked to provideabit of information - your name, your e-mail address,and a nick (nickname). The nick is what you call yourself when you're on a channel, and a channel is where you will be "chatting" with people. A list of servers that provide the n your screen. Choose the

Sometimes, I lurk on other channels to gather opinions as to what the able-bodied population thinks about the various technologies and how they benefit persons with limitations. Many have been most generous with their time in answering a few questions. The general consensus is that Internet Relay Chat can be a valuable tool for persons with disabilities. I was especially pleased to see how aware and interested young people (1 218) are about the needs of persons with disabilities. I stumbled into some juvenile channels where there was very little stimulatingconversation -just a lot of logging on and logging off - to see what the channel was about. I threw out the question and was surprised at the response. One has to be careful, though, not to allowIRC to take tlkplace of humanconhct. Used wisely, it can be a tool that will broaden the scope of daily life for persons who are not able to regularly interactin the mainstream, providing readily accessible interaction with human connections.

to the benefit of being able to discuss an immediate emotionalcrisis.Being able toshare in a non-threatening environment makes it easy to be open about feelings. And some com-

by Karen G. Stone

ot off the press from the A bit about the survey. Be- advocate for themselves in

done "in the spirit of (what At the end of the survey, BPA they call) Participatory Ac- asked for ideas regarding the best disseminationmethodsfor service providers,policy mak-

was combed, e t ~ .

ion, but opinions can be rather , BPA reports, "Many women

wrote in ideas about national

is their primary caretaker. Jill

the value of IRC. It can be:

#littleengland is a great channel for clean, friendly conversation. A fellow by the nameofWilliamRendell, from the UK, has been very helpful,

tion.

welcome on the channel. He shared some of his popups with me - little phrases and such that can be utilized, for a bit of colour, while chatting. Another regular, "beehunney'" also shared some of her pop-ups. In the mIRC manual are instructions on lmw to create your own.

A stepping stone for prac-

ing more about the disease and how to cope with it. A woman with the nick "motie" is often there, and I pop in to say hello, and the immediacy of the responses with IRC communication is very helpful. "motie", along with some of her friends, have exchanged recipes with Anothet channel3 visited to me, and I with them. It's great learn how people benefit from fun!Also, given my interest in IRC was the #depression1 dogs, particularly Cairn terri- channel on Updernet. There, I ers, I hang out on #dog-cairns chatted withanumber,ofpeople on STARLINK.There,Ilearned who &wed !heir thoughts on a lot about a new medical con- how this Internet communicadition that has stricken one of tion qysbern has helped t h e p . my furry friends. Typically, the response was ooe of unanimity with regard

Meeting The Needs Of Women With Disabilities

That abuseand violenceranked est Datelineor 20120 in doing a so high in themindsof somany story..." For women withdisabilities,it women with disabilities does course" thing. For women in prisesme is the low number of findings,BPAisnow develop general, it was a "so-what- responses. It should read more ing a booklet about domestic

sexual beings. So what else is experience, yours truly in- women with disabilities (or if you wo_uuldlike furtherinforrnation about the study), please An opportunity to network The painful thing about the contact Susan Haight-Liotta and meet friends/professionabuse/violence specter of at 1-800-897-0272(voice/TIY) als, and learn about possible ill goes into the office only womenwithdisabilitiesisthat or at her e-mail address: career paths. one or two afternoons each we are often abused or vio- "susan@bpacal.com"Youcan ~~~~~~~~~i~~~~~~~~~~ week. 'merehave been weeks lated by the very person on visit BPA's web site at:."http:/ We are dependent/www.bpacal.com" about the Internet and com- that 1have not been able to go puters in general. in at all, yet the computer1 inkrnet/faxmachinekeepsme The highest-ratedobjective Karen Stone is a freelance A possible tool for employ- workingveryeffectively.%ike according to the survey wrirerand a columnistfor the for ill, I spend a lot of time at the was: "To disseminate infor- Albuquerque Journal. Karen merit those who are 'home- computer, researching and mation to women with dis- hor MSIYldwelcomes letters. bound' or have a need to writing. The Intemet, and now abilities about how they can telecommute. IRC have been valuable assets with regard to developing my . craft. Now, if I can find a HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES children's literature, authors channel, I'll be in heaven! PerAccessible Space, Inc. .(AS11 offers subsidized one and two bedroom haps I should start my own apartments for individuals with physica-bfli*~. We have housing in channel ! in that arena.

the Twin Cities metropolitan area, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Austin, Marshall, Willmar, and Duluth. The apartments are fully wheelchair accessible and each building has a central laundry room, large community room, securedentry and an on-site caretaker. AS1 also offers shared personal care services 24 hours a day, at most locations, for adults with a physical disability and/or traumatic brain injury who qualify for Medical Assistance. For more information call (6 12)645-727 1 or (800) 466-7722. For services or housing call Leigh, for employment as a personal care attendant call Sean or Courtney.

So, if you're interested in participating in an innovative communication system on the Internet, check out IRC. Once you're connected, come looking for me. I'm known as "terriermom" on most channels. Or, if I'm feeling really quirky,Icallmyself"lopsided". Lop is a nickname auniversity friend gave me over 20 years ago. It suits because I do walk rather lop-sided! W

933-1 126 ST PAUL 641-1017 ~~W ~rrmMILvDmMONs

Accessible Space, Inc.

mmm January 10, 1998

Access Press

Housing For The Lifespan Of All People The Center For Universal Design ,School of Design, Raleigh *

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by'-making use by one"average'"hysic%l~-bisi ble Sol utioni . .. , . for some can be an added con- routines difficult to mana8e. T h e Center's miss improvetbbuillenviron-wore Kdusing usable by more type - young, fit, male, and venience for others. Universal design is a concepi that will enable older people to -merit and related products for people at little or no extra adult.Thefactisth&oqlysome A walk firmugh a house with m?zi$ksers by impacting polisy cost. univerual design is an of us fit that description, and universally designed features Theuniversa~lydesignedbath- remain in their homes ai long room is slightly larger than a as they would wish". Cyril F.,, and procedural change1- dpproach to design that incor- none of us can be described shows that theyare simpl;and conventional bathroom to ac- Brickfield, Former Executive xkrough research, information, porates products as well as that way fora lifetime. As chil- often almost hvishie. " -.training, and design as- buildingfeaturesandelements &en,. as older adults, or as . commodate wheelchair usas. Director of AARP Sisbnce. Thismission is based which, to the greatest extent physically disabled people, The front door to the house is The extra space allows more to o c c u the ~ T H E KITCHEN:~nvisible. on the belief that the buik en- possible, can be used by ev- millions are never average. made easier for everyone to -than one -.at the same time so Solutions . . -+ . vironment and products eiyone.'while accessible or Many millions more, Because 'open by 0 n e s i 6 ~ t ~ c h a n ~ e bathroom . %4$ 'sh-duld he usable, to the great- adaptabledesignrequiredents of a broke? limb, serious ill- a lever handle in place of the that, forexample,aparentcan -esfcextht possible, by every- are specified by codes or stah- -ness,crrpregnancy,know how' traditional knob.Thisisappre- help achild brush his teeth, or The cabinets also look and o n 4 ' r G ~ r d l t of ~ stheir age or d a d s foionly some buildings unsettling 'it is to try to func- ciated by anyone returning provides space for furnitureor functionlikeconventionalcabi. nets. The difference is that the .ability. TheCenteris goals are and are aimed at benefiting tion in an environmentthat do home with handsad m s full additional storage. counters 'can be adjusted ta of parcels, a briefcase. grocery :&I:Increase adoption of uni- only some people (those with longer meets their needs. vr&d&sign by the building ,mobili.~limitations), the unibags, a baby and a diaper bag, The offset tubcontrol requires any level to suit users ofdiffer-' Phidustry; Increase adoption of 've&l &sign concept &rgets The point is, no "average" ac- or a cane, Small children can only about six inches of addi- ent heights. . y' ' - -- 7 x $ universal design by product all peopleofall ages,sizes, ar&i tually represents the majority manipulates levermo~easily tional supply pipe. Since the manufacturer,Improveeduca- abilities and is applied to all because toomany people have than a knob, as csln those with additionalcostofmateri~sand The kitchen has tht: lusual ap-:r vastly differing requirements. arthritis or other physical dis- labor should not ?any more pii.ncs,>I;.;oveR;gove, and ' buildings. tti'r"fcia w x . -.. ,in universal design. The compositionof our popu- abllitiesthallimitafullrangeof thaq $5 to $20 per tub,,pffset , refrigeratar: .L *A. ,JL. B q e y e r , f b retub controls co,uld easily be- bf~&watw.p a ~ 6 a r sided The Center develops publica- What is a universal feature? lation is changing. Many movement. tions and instructionalmateri- Any component ~f a house people are surviving perma"mi sp~,$pd features .,. in all - by;s]$c rkefi&+tor/ freezgFX . tjnd the stovkhts front or side, &)&and provides information, that can be used by everyone - nently disablingaccidentsand While commonly available in housing. m o u n d controls~bothcanbe refend& 4technical assis- regardlessoftheif level of abil- illness and even more ate liv- Europe, lever handles were tarice to individuals with dis- ity ordisability. Universal fea- ing longer-Itwould seem logi- once used in this country as Theextraspace inalarger bath- used by a grkater number of cal that the spaces built to ac- expensive hospital hardware room need not increase the people. The advantage of the commodatc .this population to benefit busy people overall squam footage of the side-by-side refrigerator/: differ- must, 4by necessity, change moving 'quickly from room to house. The required irrchescan . freezer is that it places b$h the also. room with trays and medicines. usually be "harrowed" from a freezer and +f&@at~r'co. . . Today, levers are popular and closet or utility space. dl- partmcnts within resfitof evg f design solutions and mar- elytrjcal receptacles can be The build@ and &sigain- stylish. Avahble fJowl though it b not altvays pos- eryone, eveqship r o dustries have responded io hardware stor& a d bidding .sible to increase the bathroom keling strategies. '-

Center was established as t& . Cent&=fdirAccessible Ha@- gripping or twisting k oper- the needs of& than a frac- ity. 1nfaaU i v e n o n - , 'The ngpreference a inedium priced over-under ing in 1989. In.JanuaqJi996, ate-such as louver or loop. tian of those tbey were meant lockingbvm hdwarsset for of ol ig to age in refrigerator/frwzer*. Forthose thecenterchangcdits n % m e l ~ h i n d l e sliving ; space on one to help and often seem to stig- a pasoage door majr - cost as plwe;Wis, td@t@Inin their wbo can afford it, the side-byhomes asthey grow older. It is side expands the universaity'. The Center for Universal De- floor or stair landings big matize agd separate them fur- little as,$lJ. sign lo Gtter reflect its overall enough to acacptlifts;audiblq thqr from other people. . essential that ~ s i d e n be ~ s of a home which THE BATHROOM: Invis- designad to ke &~?,gomfort: other universal mis'sion andits involvement in amd visual alarm systet&sroraccessible and universal de- age space within reach of 60th Universal desigrl succ&ds, iblg $Golrriions ' able, accocO&&&ti~~to -are no-cost or lo sign projects in housing, the short and tallpople. persons of all ages but pardeubecause it goes beyond spebuilt environment, and prodcialization. The c(*u;epegea-_ The bathroom wall above the larly to ?hose who are faced Adjustqble height- coun ucfs; Some prsducts and design el- mote's designing e v m & tub appears conventional, but withdiminishmgphysicalabili- could b&ome a ements are already universal. ucl and buildisg so that it is actually reinforced with tieswhichmakedailydomestic cant. on p. .W~RSAC Others can he made so. Manu- everyone can use them to the blmldng. Built into the wall facturersand builders who use greatest extent possible ev- iuelf,blockingallobsthewall // . "Too offen older of disabled the universal design concept ery f w e t , lightfixtur4shower , KOaccept grab bars when, and ,ppp&live limited lives brgive will design their products and stall, public telephone, or en- i'f, they are needed by the mi-. ./ , up theh homes and neighbor- buildings to be as usable as trance, Universal design is a dents. CARE SERVICE ----. hbods prematurely because possible by a larger popula- revolutionary butpractical leap . -standard housing of the past' tion including children, older forward-in the evoluti~nof The balhtub faucet is located 24 a C+LL:~R~CE cannot meet their needs. While people, and people with dis- . bujlking and design proce- cl6se.to the outside rim of the. a truly uriiversally usable abilities.' duresi' When designers and tub making it easy for every.house is a goal for ihe future, manufacturers seize this con- one to reach. &I-chai USspeCialjzing in ~ ~ H~~~ 1 1 Care Service many features in houses today "The universal design con'cept cept, universal design will be- ers and othermobility impaired Personal Care Assistants already are or easily can be considers those changes that comecommon,convenient,and people need eo have the conmade universally usable. The are experienced by e v h o n e profitable. trols in this offset positiun. Hommakm H~~~ ~ ~ id^^ d & universal design concept in- a s they grow from infabcy to Non-disabled people wilt &sLive-in Caretakers SkilledNursing . creases the supply of usable old age. - Problems related to THE FRONT DOOR: In- cover that what is a necessity housing ky including univer- temporary or permanent disRehabilitative Services sal feGuresin as many houses abilities are incorporated into BUILDING BRIDGES as possible, and allows people the.concept as well. Because Physical / Occupational / Speech ~ h e r a ~ i e s to remain in their homes as all groups are placed within the Helpfng people with cerebral palsy and otkrdisabili- long as they like." Ronald L, context of normal expectations ties achieve independence. PCA Provider Organization Mace. FAIA, Architect and ofthe human condition, trying Medicare Certified 1 Medical Assistance UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY "Plladuct Designer to justify the importance of Waivered Services / Private (el2) 646-7588 each vulnerable population lJNlVERSALDESIGN:ADefi- group becomes unnecessary." nition of universal: applicable Leon A. Pastalan, Ph.D., Geror c~mm'oi'io all purposes, ontologist and Urban Planner. conditions. and situations. . 2010 East Hennepin Avenue, Bldg, #5 I . UNIVERSAL. DF8IGN: Minneapolis, MN 554 13 The intent of the universal. ~ i i$a~ianale e Liyigg spaces design concept is to simalifv have long been &signed for

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HOUSING cont.from p.9

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ture. While in most states they to be ,ithi,, their reach. are only requlred in accessible

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dinating numerous door sizes building owners, the benefits are rentable units that are atfor every job. tractive toeveryone. Finally, a &~~~k$YorkandCaliforniahave tail may cost the price of two UNIVERSAL DESIGN: the advantage to the consumer is comfortable surr.-Mcorporated them as adapt- pieces of 1 A Low-Gost S a l u tian 4" and the time . -- -- L- - ' roundings-thatsuit a lifetime able features in multi-family it would takeacarpentertocut in each. 1f indi- Many 'yniversal features are of changing needs. housing.Althoughinnovative, the • h g e inventory of durable medical low-technology approaches vidually custom made by a no-cost options. Others are exist for providing adjustable competent carpenter, they low-cost solutions that can Statistics derived from such f equipment available by appointment 9 height counters, no manufac- should cosr no more than $20 become no-cost with wide- benefit programs associal se' turer has yet mass produced to $ 3 0 pair, ~ muchless ifmass spread use. In oursociety, mass curity, disability payments, CALL US WITH YOUR NEEDS them. The manufacturer who Manufanured and production is used to keep and Medicaid suggest a dischooses to do SO could reduce Sold thmugh building suppli- costs low and toproducepmd- abled population of 46 mil- a Consignment the cost of the counters, and ers these brackets and rods U C ~ Sthat are widely market- lion. Since most affluent disPick up and delivery a , . . 2 ~ ~a ggrowing and profitable would cost no more than fixed able. Because universally de- abled people are not listed on • Rentd~ • -. . . m&et for this product. hardware and could be a prof- signed products make as little the rolls of government proa bting of v ~ n f sor sale • itableitemtohmanufztumr. as possible "special", make as grams,many industry people Compact chargers .' ." Ohices will vary regionally. Clearly,this universal feature much as possible "standard'*, place this number much • • ' "The price quoted here is valid could be made standard in all mass producing design that is higher.Forexample,themanuCheck our our web page - only in the southeasternUnited housing. both usable and attractive to. facturers of support devices --. " g s@@s. everyone can become a practi- and medical equipment estiwrrrw.equipind.com m mate that there are 80 million &-9 A wider passageway door lead- cal reality. 61 2-631-9648 or disabled people. Researchers a +. .*. '-$.' THE BEDROOM: Invising from the hallway to the >=Q,' Universal design benefits the in thedisability field include 888-337-7713 v/tty c 7 d ~_ ~ b ~' ~-*, S o.l u t i o n s bedroom is another universal a $-4 d-. feature that is invisible until public and the entire building the families and friends of y, ,imp buy new if we do not haw h a t you need. --The bedroom clothes closet fumitunmovers awhepJchair industry.Forbuilders,theben- disabled and elderly people rods appear to be standard. users discover its advantage. efitsareleSSconst~ctioncoor- among those who benefit , ,. The difference isiin the way wide; doors do not iwrease dination, lower costs, and from accessibility (and there- housing and an increasing "Today's architects address are mounted. Notched ~ c o ~ s t ~ c tcask i o n because the manufactured rather than CUS- fore universal design) and ar- body of how-to-do-it informa- the life cycle of buildings. 11is +-* mounting~~oksoneitherwdlextra cost ofthe wider door is tom-builtfeatures; fordesign- rive at a figure just over 100 tion.Thcsimplicity ofthecon- time that t h y began to adallow the rods to be lowered ori offset by the hi&y-costof the ers, less design time, fewer million people involved in, or cept, the subtle, non-obtrusive, dress the lifecycle of people as - . raised toaccwmodate people wall area itreplaces. Introduc- compliance and liability prob- directly affected by, disability almost invisible features re- well. Universal design is con-of all heights and ages. ingtheone-sizedoorby mak- lems, and features that can issues. quired, and the potential prof- siderate of the human lifespan Children's closets can ing 34- wide passage doors become standardized. For its are generating opportuni- and the continuum of abilities "grow" with them. People standard also eliminates the manufacturers qnd suppliers, ~omatterwhichfigureisusd, ties for creative innovation of all individuals," Ruth Hall temporarily restricted to additional costs of planning, the advantages are larger vol- it is clear there is a growing amongthosewhoproduceand Lusher, Doctorate Architec- . . ., wheelchairs can lower rods ordering, stocking, and coor- umes of fewer products. For market for universal design in market housing. tural Candidate.

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