June 1997 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

dNTH ANNIVERSARY EDIT1 -

-I@8,

SOURCES

Number 06

Directory of Organizations - p. 1

RESOURCES

C A P I T O L SUCCESS A Legislative Session Review by Charlie Smith, Editor

he 1997 Legislative sessionwasaproductiveone for people with disabilities. Two of the major successes were the Cost of Living Adjustment and the Patient Protection Act. Here is a brief overview of some of the issues thedisability community lobbied for.

Years

The legislature appropriated a five percent cost of living adjustment to community support workers (personal care attendants, group home worker, etc.). This group of workers had not received a raise for some time and makes thejob ofattracting and retaining good employeesdifticult. They are paid much less than state employees performing similar activities.

"' I"A='AU -1s DRA Gnet

Overlooked? . Out-of-State CornputerRecyclerGetsContract

by Jane Wheeler

ordon Gillesby takes issue with thc K- 12 Omnibus Education Approprintion Bill, but not for the reason you might expect. He is not <& angry about the educational tax credits that the Governor is pushing and so many others oppose, but with a subsection ; that deals with recycling donated computers into Minnesota schools. Gillesby is the president, CEO and founder of a non-profit computer recycling organization named Disability Resources Affiliates andcroups network(DRAGnet). Gillesby says that for years DRAGnet has submitted various proposals to state agencies like the

one that the K-12 omnibus bill will fund. Now that the government is funding alarge scale recycling program, Gillesby does not understand why the planning does not include DRAGnet. If the K- 12 omnibus bill is approved it will only allocate the funding. It does not include specifics of the design, but the governor's office released information detailing the plan that will recycle 18,250 computers into Minnesota schools by July 1 , 2000. It is intended that national and local companies will donate the computers, andinmates of two state corrections facilities will do

Metro Mobility

the technical refurbishing. Instead of using the local organization DRAGnet, the governor's office named the Detwiler Foundation as the group that will head up the national donation drive. Gillesby is particularly angry about this announcement, because Detwiler is a non-profit foundation based out of California that will receive Minnesota tax dollars. "Why are Minnesota resources going to California instead of being spent within the state; when we are, without a doubt, at least asqualified as Detwiler, and I would guess more so?" Gillesby asked.

Computer - cont. on p.8

dations to the commissioners of commerce and health and to the MinnesotaLegislaturc. Emergency care is addressed and specifies that it must be available 24 hours per day, seven days a week and be covered outside of the insurer's network when necessary. There are some safeguards for continuity of care

provider due to a change in the plan's network. The law requires that a procedure, whereby an individual may apply for a standing referral to a specialist, be established for individuals requiring that level of care. The primary care provider remains responsible for coordinating that individual'scare between providers. Disclosure of financial incentives to providers are required by the legislation as well as the salaries of all employees . of the health plan in excess of $50,000.

Mentally Ill Deaf Grants People Incorporated received a $150,000 grant to be used for programs affecting deaf mentally i l l adults.

Adult Mental Health Pilot Project; Phase I1 n o r : ~proila'difioa $2.7 million on county or regional programs for persons with mental illness. The pi lots have considerable flex ibility in the use of the grant the intent being that countie provide services that enable individuals to remain in the community.

Children's Mental Health Children's Mental Health received a $3.4 million dollar program increase, $2.0 million from the governor's proposal for children's mental health collaborative and $1.4 million from the state Mental Health Advisory Committee's recommendation.

The legislature appropriated .. . $36.4 million dollars for Metro Mobility for the biennium. This i s a l s o t h e a m ~ o u t the Governor requested. The Supported Employment Metropolitan .Council has stated that dueto thenew con- Employment projects were MinnesotaCare tracts with theproviders, they funded at $500,000. This will be able to re-instate the funding will enable projects The MinnesotaCare Bill exhours of service cut in 1995. to continue in their efforts to panded eligibility to adults get mentally i l l persons work- without children to 175 perManaged Care For People ing in an area that is appro- cent of the federal poverty With Disabilities priate for them. The funding guideline. The bill also reis appropriated through the duced the provider tax rate Two counties (Olmstead and Economic Development Om- from 2 percent to 1.5percent. The legislation increased the Blue Earth area) were chosen nibus Bill. reimbursement rate for denfor demonstration projects. They will start enrolling Remembering With Dignity tists and reduced the number of medical assistance patients people with disabilities on Medical Assistance into a Numbered grave markers at a dentist must see under Rule managed care program later state Regional Treatment 101 ( the rule provides that a this year. The Department of Centers will be replaced with provider must serve medical Human Services will be moni- markers with names of indi- assistance patients in order to toring and evaluating their viduals. This will be accom- participate in the contract for progress. plished over a 5-year period state employees). with an appropriation of Patient Protection $200,000. Advocating (Information for this article Change Together (ACT) also was provided by Tom Brick, Aconsumeradvisory board is recieved $5,000 to bring State Council on Disabilities established with the ability to awareness and fundraising for and Tom Johnson, Allianc review and make recommen- the markers. for the Mentally 111.)-

,s:<

June 10,1997

Access Press

-: 1

Seven years...it is hard ta be ers.Thegovetnment just made n e x a ~ a u ~ I h e l i e v ~ w i sE u~ et m r @ r o F b i C : ~ ~ ~

Deaf Quilting Class In ma Stitches

eaf Community Enrich ment (DCE), one of the Deafness Education and Advocacy Foundation's (D.E.A.F) programs spansored the highly successful Deaf quilting class at two community centers; West St. Paul and Roseville. The Deaf

Metro Mobilitv Wdate

Improvements To Be 1 Effective Soon

metro area. That will mean able to schedule trips the same some changes in who custom- day they need a ride - deers call for a ride beginning pending on the availability of Tuesday, June 24. The Metro- service (openings that result politan Council approved the from trip cancellations). Also, changes earlier this year and a change in federal law last awarded contracts to year allowed the Council to Handicabs, Inc., and Laidlaw reduce the advance reservaTransit Services, Inc., to pro- tion period for Metro MobilF i t , b e & n Metro ~ ~ ~vide service in two designated ity qusbmpcsfrom 14 days to Mobility tram& service for zones. p q x b .&$1 &&abilities will b r o f tri denials tocustomers. . two,instead of There will also &A L g e s to -, providers (trans- thebe&- f t k k ~ r l known y as finally, the exis* $kit ef hanges will occur regard 'ng Metro Mobility (a paratransit servicein the Twin Cities metropolitan area) at the end of June in the following three areas: service providers, schedulingse~ices,and types of vehicles.

ins&wom, Peggy Camp and 1998 school yew. hfarmaBrenda Holte, provided guib tion and brochures will he a n c e ~ ~ w o u m g m e n t t o 1 availabkattheD.E.A.F.adult 6 students wlro participated in education booth at Thompthe Fall '96, PCl-r '97, and son Hall sometimeduringthe Spring '97 sessi~m, summer. TheFairviewCommunity Education Center in More quilting classes wilt Roseville will be the permaprovided during the 1997- nent sitefor the Deaf quilting classes.

MCIL RECRUITS BOARD ME--

DCE provides fun commusily-&yation classes on @ W b s i s . This program &

. Metr~palitan-Center for Independent Living

nity . Instructors are paid by the community education centers and class fces.

independent living and.who supports and believes in the ind living philosophy is encouraged ta apply. Application deadline is

and a collab of community a h i c & h . m . If you have q h a would like mrei&-e@ing D m pl& d l ' k g g y Camp: 612-297-67OB 'ITS7 QI

603-2001(TTY).

on your

Keep organizing and clog the halls of the Capitol.

I11 I

see you later. Love, Me1 & Georgia Duncan

- -- -

@ . will serve c~mm* "Zone Two" in the east d north metro. Each will prowho use wheelvide transportation forcustomers who live in the provider's chairs and five ambulatory m, including intemne trips passengers. Thecouncil wants that @anBport customers from to expfare the use of sedans to I W o n s in one zone to desti- determine whether it can help increase productivity. r&ms in the other.

~ s e d ycustomers , will be MetmMobility r i d m hadsignificant input in lhe selection I of vehicles. The Council took into account a survey of 1,800 riders who commented on feah tures they most and least valued in a vehicle. Riders said they value safety, reliability, and comfort. I

ICon~atdatPsmI

111

Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action

ACCESS PRESS I ............................ . .......... ..................Wm. A. Smith, Jr. ......................................................... . . .......Charles F. Smith I .....,....,.........,...................................... .......................-..................SeottAda..................................................................... Presentation Images, Ellen Hougbton

Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1995) Editor/PuWsher/Co-Founder Cartoonist Production Stafi Writers & Editorial Assistants

A-as

.....................Cindy Vogel, Dawn Doering & Jeff Nygaard

statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic leaders, Subscriptions are available for S151yr.

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 rates ranging from $14 to $18/column inch, depending on size and frequency. Classified ads are $8.00, plus 35 centslword over 20 words.

II I

Advertising and editorial deadlines are the 30th of the month pre~edingpublication;special scheduling available for caws-ready an. . . . . . .. Access Press is available on tape. Call MN State Services for the Blind, 642-0500 or 800-652-9000. Inquiries should be directed to: ACCESS PRESS 1821 University Ave. W. Suite 185N = St. Paul, Minnesota 55 104 (612) 644-2 133 Fax (612) 644-2 136

Thank you for your continuing efforts to increask awareness and influence c h a n g e . Keep up the good work, you are an important part of our community. 11 The residents and staff of Accessible 1)

ACCESS PRESS is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities b Access Press. Ltd. Circulation is 10,000. distributed the iO* of each month through more than 120 kstions

7th Annhrersaty Issue -- -

Together we will build the beloved, accessible community.

I I

D.E.A.F. west metro area and Laidlaw feet long and a foot lowerthan

C ~ ~ W me S

For further information,Metro Mobility riders should keep an eye out for the June edition ofMetmR4obilityNews. They should also check the mail for their new ADAeligibilitycard and information about their provider's new telephone number. Riders can also direct questions to Metro Mobility Customer Services at 221-0015.

SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION

C/ARE

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER

&INESINC. m

-Access Press

Behind The Scenes

IN BRIEF. . . .

ICivil Commitment Forum

by Charlie Smith, Editor

June 10,1997

nother year has gone by vide new perspectivesthrough around the longest, and to be A public forum on the impli- on Thursday, June 26, from 4- and mean& of the new legs-

and ACCESS PRESS his cartoons. He's been with couldn't have survived with- us since the beginning. The out the talents and contribu- Wizard of Spatial Relations, tions of the many people who Ellen, manages to take our layworkbehind the scenes. Mak- out ideas and turn them into ing time in their busy lives to a newspaper with the help print their ideas about disabil- of our printer, Finance and ity issues. The columnists are: Commerce, Inc. On the day of Nicole and LeAnne on per- publication, Bob and his staff sonal issues, Gordon (who is deliver the paper to over 130 on sabbatical) on computers, sites around the metro area. Sandy (now in Canada studying) and CeCe on mental ill- Taking over the office magic nesses, and Mary Jane, the co- is Cindy Vogel: writer, editor, ordinator of the Religion col- gardener, photojournalist, and umn. Scott continues to pro- organizer extraordinaire. The two people who have been

cations of the 1997 Legislahonest I'm not sure the paper tive change in the civil comwould stin be here without m i t m e ~system will be held them, are Dawn Doering and Jeff Nygaard. They stil<wrk ,tmu o I an* when the deadline comes too Minncapslis Park and Recrefast. Our newc-r is JWheeler from Madison, WI. ation Board, along with Wilshe has only been volunteer- derness Inquiry,Vinland Cening for two months, but has ter. and the Minnesota Dept. proven to be a great reporter of Natural Resources are offering a summer canoe and and a huge help.

6prn at Jehovah Evangelical tationandtheramificationsfor Lutheran Church,St. Paul. The co~sumers,professionals and forum will address the history the courts.

And Kayak Program -

kayak program for people with disabilities. Professional instruction will be provided on canoe and kayak safety, paddling skills, and the use of equipment. Adaptive equip

1poetry Contests

Last but not least, I'd Iflre to thank everyone in the disability community who provide SASE: The Write Place has me with articles, support and teamed up with Borders Book contributions. Without you Shop Minnetonka andMagthe paper couldn't continue. netic Poetry Kit for its S e c o n d Annual Poetry contest. Submission deadline is 4:30pm Tuesday, July 15. For contest guidelines, please GOritarA SASE: The

Write Place at 822-2500.

The National Library of Poetry announces its North American Open Poetry Contest. To enter, send one original Poem, any subject any style, not more than 20 lines, and poet's name and address

Bob Christensen

ment and assistance transferring in and out of canoes will be provided. Call Mary Barrick,MinneapolisParkand RecreationBoard at661-4827 for schedule and locations.

should appear on the topofthe page. Enh-ies postmarked by July 15,1997 to: The National Library of Poetry, Suite 1992.1 Poetry Plaza, Qwings Mills, MD 21 177-6282 or www.poehy.com.

-,-'&,

l~irthdayBash At ThBBell located at 17th & information call 624-9050. The Bell Museum of Natural ?Oat&+, History is celebrdngits 12% cniversity (U of M). Fun for birthday on June 2Ist from the entire family! For public

--m

Fishing Trips Dawn Doering

Happy Birthday Access Press!

.I/ I

It's time for you and your readers to take a trip with us.

Gordon Gillesby

EUen Houghton

1) h b & Rdam

Mary Jane Steinhagen

Thamkgq~1,-Access for providing seven years of committed senke and advocacy to the disability community!

3 - Y q

Commited to full lives for people with disabilities.

Vinland Center

Lake Independence

Give ns a call anflime (612) 379-3858 (IVlI'DD)

Cindv V o ~ e l

Jane Wheeler

P.O. Box 308 Loretto, hW 55357 VOIIATTY: 61214793555 Fax. 612 / 4 -

HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroom

You've been keeping your readers informed about important issues, letting us know when to take action. Access Press is a valuable resource to accessible social, cultural, and entertainment events. We wish you many more years of success!

apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. We have housing in 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, secured entry 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 (612) 645-7271 or (800) 466-7722. For services or housing call Leigh, for employment as a personal care attendant call Sean or Courtney.

June 10,1997

Access Press

Summertime 1997 .--'Tkaf&-

1bsat-d y 1 l-Aqpst

~~tke c@

-2

La: Ri. -

bn Vqiorrs dater$ at S&&. Prp?-pgiprttian.ricz-: .~~rrpnam&

Siw gmups 4 q e c

i"ngl - h -ymmer. .-&F cws OR displag, p!u-w$&13' r&b- thelm&,@y .& r & ; $--weam,

than5,--f&g

:Hfamdoritd~and* w eq-at, will be proriw. a l l w at 379-3833

M. %6-&9rn*

- 33&W*

L&& a 4pm. Prse, g Star I Seventh Haw.

-*.

by Lolly Lijewski

ostpeopleareprobably familiar with the right of dog guides to access public -places. This right was established well over 60 years ago. -

Hats OH! To Access Press

Committed to V&atitym service, not "Quantityw

from Ethical, Honest, Professional

Community Home Program

24 hour Emergency Contact Person

a#.

We will be providing housing 1 and personal care attendents to our residents. Our first house will be completed in August with thirty-one more to follow

wes

, College students studying

11 in the Health Care field 1 Energetic, Dependable, Honest Individuals.

Gmgg 8aunders (President) receives cenetant input from his sister, Gayle

Saunders (Public Relatioms Mrsdor Client since 1987). abeut witat pcopl

Willing to learn and adapt to each client's needs and better ways to eerve clients.

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I Student Experience Home Care 1 Equal Opportunity Employer

In February, a dog guide handler tried to get tickets for the Rosie O'Donnell show. An O'Donnell staffer refused her access because of her dog. At this same time, Desiree Stan, a blind woman who was a new dog guide handler who had been profiled on "Dateline NBC" was invited to beaguest on O'Donnell's show. After pursuing- the issue and offering proof of the dog's legal right to be in the studio, the situation was rectified and the woman was allowed to be in the audience.

I 1 We look forward to many 1I

If you need "Quality" staffing designed to fit your needs,

I(nepse call:

would seem that access isn't an issue any longer for dog guide handlers. However, this is not thecase. Themostcommon places for dog han- guide 1 dlers to encounter resistance is in restaurants and taxi cabs. In the past 4 months, there have been several very public incidents where the right to access for dog guide handlers has been challenged.

It has become commonplace to see them and their blind handlers on public transportstion, in restaurants, theaters, stores and in schools. So it

successful years serving people with disabilities along with Access Press. The Comrrumhy Home -ram (612) 339-7873

On the floor of the United States Senate, aSenator9saide was denied access to the floor of the Senate with her dog guide. Here again is another example where our Congres- sional representatives are not, or believe they should not be, held to the same standards as

Dog- cont. on p. 5

June 10,1997

Access Press

Fun-In-The-Sun Events ies. Ly ndale Ave. at Lake July 26 "MN Splash" Festi- rade on July 30th. 298-6750, Street, Minneapolis. Noon - val, Edina. A free-admission ask for John Bennett. IOpm. 824-8198. event, this celebration of Minnesota pride will showcase AUGUST July 19 Women of Nations local and regional performers Pow-Wow. A free event on on two stages. Exhibitors will August 1-3The 34th Annual Harriet Island. Ipm and 7pm. be on hand both days offering Uptown Art Fair. The Upper 222-5830. refreshments, a sale of arts and Midwest's largest outdoor art crafts, and information on fair, this juried show of work July 23-27 The sixth annual products and services by and by 525 artists is a populardesTwin Cities Riiest, Mpls. A for Minnesotans. Centennial tination point for tourists and dozen of the country's best Lakes Park, Edina. 1Oam-7pm residents alike. They've asbarbecued-rib chefs gather to 893-9890. sembled nearly three dozen offer up samplings of their finfood and drink vendors to see est. Free concerts, and those July 27 Country Festival, to your needs, along with cute little Robinson's Racing Gibbs Farm.This annual cel- evening entertainment and a Pigs. On Nicollet Mall, b e ebration of summer features "Kid's Art Tent" of activities tween 3"' and 41h Streets, homemadeice cream andlem- for the little ones. Hennepin onade for sale, music, an old- Avenue and Lake Street area, starting at 1 lam each day. fashioned baseball game, craft Minneapolis. 823-458 1. July 25-27 6th Annual demonstrdoas, and historic Grand Celebration Pow- fashianshow.located nearthe August 2-3 Seventh Annual wow and Indian Rodeo. A University of Minnesota's St. Powderhorn Festival of the Native American dance cel- Paul campus. $3 adult admis- Arts. This Uptown Art Fair alternativeofferswork by more ebration, and then some. sion fee. 646-8629. Grand Casino Hinckley. 449than 170 artisans and 7 190 or (800)626-LUCK. July 28 Aug. 3 Rice Street craftspeople, along with daily Festival, St. Pad. Boasting musical performances, a chilJuly 25-27 St. Paul one of the longest parades in dren's activities area, AmeriRiverfeast. Enjoy free music theTwin Cities,this neighbor- can and ethnic food and drink and food on the riverfront at hood celebration includes a vendors, and fabulous people Kellog Mall Park in down- kiddie parade, arts and crafts, waaching. 10 am to 6 pm Sattown St. Paul. 292-4323. live music, fireworks, and a u d q ; 11 am to 5 pm Sunday. softball tommwnt. Big pa- Pov&rhorn Park. Mpls.

August 10 Minnesota Folk '97. A free festival celebrating Minnesota's traditional arts including dancing, music, and crafts. Starts at I 1am. MinnesotaHistory Center. Free. 296August 8-10 The 14th An- 6 126. nual Highland Fest. Ajuried art fair is the centerpiece for August 17 Cedarfest Celthis community celebration, ebration. From noon to sunwhich also includes sporting down the West Bank rocks events, a children's carnival, with hundreds of artists and more than 20 food and drink crafkpeople sellingtheir work, vendors and free musical en- dozens of food and drink ventertainment each day of the dors on hand, eight stages of event. Highland Village, St. live music and entertainment andmany eventsespecially for Paul. 699-9042. children. On Cedar Avenue in AugusS 8.10 The N i i An- Minneapolis, from 7 Comers mual Bayfront Blues Festi- to the Cabooze Bar. val. In addition to the lineup of regional and national per- August21-September 1 M N formers at Duluth's Bayfront State Fair. The expected Patk, they 've added moonlight lineup of top national enter"Blues Cruises" on Lake Superior. Lineup still to be announced, try 1-800-438-5884 by end of June. For ticketp, call (715) 392-1857. The three-day pass goes for about $20. For camping, try (2 18) 624-5637 Indian Point Campground, er Spirit Mtn. at 1 800-642-6377, ext.244.

August 2 Norwest River Rendezvous. An event for the whole family at St. Paul's Harriet Island. noon- l Opm. Free admission. 266-636 1.

tainment at thegrandstand,this year's specialty - Super Dogs, doing funny and excitingstunts and more, plus the return of thee new Mighty Midway of rides. It all happens at the State Fairgrounds in St. Paul. Children's Day, Senior's Day, and Elvis Day! 642-2200.

August 2PSeptember1 Mill City Music Festival. This new festival in the Minneapolis Warehouse District will host such names as B.B. King, Etta James, Ray Charles, Arlo Guthrie, Weird Al Yankovic, Del Amitri, and the Violent Femmes. This year they've gone to a "gated" festival, meaning you have to pay to hear anybody. Ticket prices am looking like $12/day or $30 for three days. 946-0655.

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY ACCESS PRESS 4

--_ .,,-. the rest Mus. 7i'b this the Department of situation, a resolution was J u s t i c e h a s e n ~ t h e passed to allow the woman case, thingsare lookstone was one of the sponsors of the resolution. This writer would like to express appreciation for his roll in ameliorating this incident.

Thebiggest on going challenge

for succes to cqtpletely e b n k a k Ehe q~~~ aceonthg to the attorney represeiiting the organization. Und e r h e mhictions, people who are blind living in Hawaii and wishing to acquire a dog guide have to travel to Australia to get their dog. The fight continues..

9kic Minnesota

of people with disabilities.

dog guide handlers face is the right to travel to the 50th state in the union, Hawaii. Hawaii has a 120-day quarantine currently in place for any dog, 5500 Opportunity Coum guide dogs included. This Minnctonka, Minnesota 55343 amount of time away from -work would cause the dog to become useless. Handi Medical Supply It would break thedog's 2505 University Avenue West training. The blind St. Paul, Minnesota 55114 person's mobility is seAt Hwy. 280 & University Avenue verely limited as a result of this practice. -1 MPD AL S U P ~ Y This is also a violation of the American's With Visit Our Lrge, Fully-stocked showmom open to the public. Disabilities Act. The American Council Of The Blind's interest group, Guide Dog UsWheelchairahnrith complete Commode &shower chairs ers Incorporated, has repair sewice Ostomyland wound care been challenging this WakersJcanes, crutches Blood pressure equipmml quarantine in thecourts Diabetic supplies Bathroom safety aids for the past 6 years. ReIncontinerPt/umtogical%upplies cently, a piece of legislation was introduced in the Hawaii legislature which would reWe offer 24 hr. Emergency Service exclusivek to our regular duce the quarantine to C U O ~ D ~ S~ .r e UPS e ikd deliveries to M~IS.,St. Paul & suburbs. 3Odays. This is still not acceptable. The case is moving- through - the a p We bill M.A.. Medicam, Blue Crosr/Bluc Shield, Medica and m y other insurances peals process. NOWthat

mil

people with disabilities. Keep up the good

on your anniversary

SMALL BUSINESS

We're pleased to say ACCESS PRESS chose us to handle their business back in the spring of '90 and we're still working together.

(612) 644-9770

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ACCESS PRESS !

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~ W 6 ~ aMinnemta Center Riverside 111 I801Cedar RiversideAwmm 800-LaSalleAverme -T;FmFranee

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June10,1997

Access Press

Reliaion & Disabilitv

1 Life Goes On

Natural Involvement Of Everyone

New Challenges Everyday

by LeAnne Dahl

ow do you meet new prevent or help them. methods to physical therapy challenges along the or, at best, someone who has road of life when you are aging How can we keep a positive thoughts about ways to mainLsst month's writer de- that they can bc braadcast and scribe. I've also seen COmmu- ad have crcem n. out lmk about hfutUn? h u i n continuum of physical scribed how her church implemented elsewhere. where people with deolder I get. the more fright- there anything we might do to strengthandability. Ofcourse, accepts people with disabilivelopmenhl disabilities are e n d I get. Every pain and prevent or delay these ua- thereiralwaysswimming, but ties without fanfan. She de- Let me share a few examples, greeters or ushersorcommun- change in my bdy and m&ilchanger? I,m dnid I$mdeathly of water, so her largely gleaned my trav- ion ministers. cduca- ity cwsesmeto wonder what's we'rr all in the same ciTCUm- that wouldn't benefitme. And mu nit^ accOmmo- 'Is within the 'Omwhere nrying coming next- As 1 look &k stances, unless you happw to who a n aff0d amembuship dationsb o h ~ m v m a t i c a n d mu nit^. rveseen benches mingle together can 1 believe in all thenew methods to a health club? Besides, 1 over the last twelve y-, physical '0 that everyone can (with and without pdding) in wfihoughtfd~lwning. rnogniZd that these changes that seem to popping up in know 1wouldn't feel like gojoin in. We need to hear more entryways for folks to use Social festivals, volunteer outwere a hint of what is to come. the market these days. ing three or four times a week, about these successes both to while waitingfortheirride. A reach activities can be deespecially in Minnesota wincelebrate them as well as to bench in the coatroom eases signed to draw on a variety of I attended a two-hour seminar Two yem ago, I wrote a coI- ters. present ideas transferable to puttingon boots. Bulletin hold- gifts. on cerebral palsy and aging umn about a new exercise saother faith community. ers and bulletin boards last year. Some of the speak- Ion I had tried, but obviously, However, I did call Courage mountedat heights I hope that you get the idea' ers were medical doctors who it wasn't right for me. Since Center and Sister Kenny InstiSo this month I'm asking for insun use. The Writeu~~ourobsvvation=nd acknowledg h a , y e , t h e then, 1have cheeked with our tute. Both provide swimming your I want hear of large print bulto me at Catholic are changes hat can h g i n oc- dostor, who authorired me to activities. Sister Kenny Instiabout the accommodations letinsand/orlargeprintcopies Charities, 1200 2nd Ave. S. earlier in people with go forphysical therapy evalu- tuteCommunityExercisepr~ you've seen within faith corn- of the music increases par- Minneapolis. MN 55403. If than others, but [hey don? ation, which I did. nethera- gram is designsd for pMns munities which allow for the ticipation. easier*youcan'eavemeavoice have any answers on how to pi,t wanted me to come for a with physical disabilities who natural involvement of everymail at 664-8597 and I'll get seriesofappointmentstoteach can work out with accessible one. In a way I'm asking for Theseexamplesrelatetophysi- back to you. The results of e various exercises. How- equipment. There is a certi-

by Mary Jane Steinhagen

mented elsewhere.

onfusion in the billing pro- visit. Besides a lot of wheeless, which was later straight- chair sport achv~t~es, Courage

could provide some help to begin with. Either of these s is when I began wonder- programs mightbe worth atry. if there are alternative

valuable information to the Disability Community. -- -

have. Thereby, enabling us to maintain active lives longer. Thus, LIFE would continue to

I want to extend my very Best Wishes to our editor, Charlie Smith,for giving the disabled community seven years ofhonest reporting. May you and ACCESS PRESS enjoy a long

Happy 7th A n n i e

Charlie and ACCESS PRESS

ments takes an a b l e loan- and -wbearitt%_helphoqr.jgolrrfdmb. M s why the Mirmesota Housing h c e Agency (MHFA) is offexkg lowinterest home im-t loans to

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Mark Manning of the Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning said that Detwiler was chosen because of the organization's previous experience in recycling computers for schools. The plan that would be implemented in Minnesota is modeledon California'ssystem in which Detwiler was instrumental. He stressed that this is a Minnesota-based project. He explained that all the refurbishingandtechnical work will be done within the state, and many local businesses are already involved with donationsand input. "The Detwiler Foundation is to serve primarily as a nationally-based network," Manning said about the role of the out-of-state organization as only anational solicitor of donations for the

RADIO SHOW Disabled & Proud, It's Not An Oxymoron June 10 Computer Resource Center at Pacer Janet Peters

June 17 Social Security (Call with questions) Ron Austan, Social Security Administration June 24 Computer Training: programing. flexwork, drafting Kim Feller & John Wagner, Mpls. Rehabilitation Center

Minnesota program. Despite the Detwiler Foundation's previous experience, GillesbyarguedthatDRAGnet should have been included because, "there is a mix here that gives us some expertise on how to make this a selfsustainingprogram." Gillesby explained that DRAGnet's special quality stems from the unique mix of services they offer which is an integration of social service and high tech education. They sell donated recycled computer equipment at a reduced price to populations that might otherwise not have the resources to enter the internet age. They serve individuals with disabilities, caregivers, senior citizens, anyone on public assistance and educators.

Gillesby explains that this alone is not innovative, but DRAGnet is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to recycle computer equipment. Parts of computersare considered hazardous waste and must be disposed of in a structured manner. Not all computer recycling non-profit organizations are licensed to cany out this disposal. This is an advantage for DRAGnet as Gillesby explained, "We quite possibly are the largest non-profitcomputer recycling company that is actually EPA licensed."

even claims to recognize som of the very phrasing that h proposals used in the p within the information that t governor's office released. " our ideas are so good that state is going tocopy them an use language from our actu proposal to highlight theirpr gram, why are we not partner in this thing?" Gillesby asked. Manning's office is presently focusing on whether the K-12 omnibus bill passes, and looking for a manager to oversee the plan. He still considers the project to be in the preliminary stages until the funding is approved. Manning says, " I could conceivably see that there will be a role for DRAGnet in this program. We are not far enough into the program yet to see what the roles are."

DRAGnet is already involved with Minnesota schools through their Student Computer Reward Achievement KFAI jr Every Tuesday *7:30 p.m. Program (SCRAP). It allows 106.7 FM St. Paul jr 90.3 FM Mpls at-risk students from metro areaschools to trade time spent working at DRAGnet for a Both Manning and Gillesby computeroftheir mentioned the area where own. DRAGnet DRAGnet may be most helphas had great ful which is in the disposal of success with this donated equipment that is not t r a n s i t i o n a l salvageable. DRAGnet's EPA school-to-work license and locality make them educational ex- a good resource for this task. perience. "Most of these k ~ d s Yet it may be, that when the have much more role for DRAGnet does finally ssoclated Handicapable V m teams up with Ford mental capacity emerge, Gillesby will be too to bring you the Rollx Windstar. The Rollx has a than they are discouraged to participate. He dropped floor that will accommodate most wheeltypically given has some serious questions ardit-tbr. -+hey about the LoglsUss oE-Wpa-chairv and three wheel users. With a touch of a buwn the Tust need to find ' gram. Hedoes not believe it is door opens, the ramp deploys, and the van lowers itself. a way to partici- logical that companies from The incline of the ramp is minimal, allowing accessibility pate, communi- outside the state will be willfor all power wheelchair and most manual wheelchair cate." Gillesby ing to donate computers to users. has found that Minnesota, which is the this program of- Detwiler Foundations main Controls for the power door, ramp, and kneeling system are fers at-risk teens role in the project. located inside and out. Once inside, the wheelchair user is aparticularly acable to lock down, grab the steering wheel, and go. tive learning en- Also in the current plan, the vironmentthatis companies donating equip98'9 often more ap- ment must underwrite the adpropriate for ministrative costs for each Brand New 1997 WUUlStar R o k 500.00 LeaP Fonl MobUily Rehte! their personali- computer at about $30 per ties. These stu- computer. After years of so38L Engine H 4 Speed Automatic O/D m AM/FM Stereo Casette rn Power Windows and Locks H AntbLock Brakes rn Cruise dents get hands- liciting computer donations H Tilt Column H Air Conditioning H Rear Window Defrost rn Dropped floor From Rear Axle to F i ~ a l l Power Door Opener H Power Ramp W h Swing Feature rn Quick Release Front Seat Custom Finished Tire Cover Electronic Kneeling Suspension w/Backup on technical from corporations, Gillesby training that has found that a $30 charge is H Tech Foam for InsWon and Soond Deadening rn Complete Rubberized Rustproofing Wheelchair Tiedowns All Ford Windstar Modeb Available Huge Selection of Used Rollx Minivans Available Call for Details would be tooex- not a great incentive plan. pensive to offer DRAGnet only charges if there in an average is specialdisposal required for high school cur- some equipment or if there is Full Size Vans riculum. added transportation costs. &ated and the full-size van have gone hand and hand

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This standing commitment to Minnesota public schools is a large reason why Gillesby feels the state should involve DRAGnet in the refurbishing program. He also contends that DRAGnet and the proposals they submitted in the past helped form the current plan. He

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Gillesby also questions why the technical work is to be done within the prison system. He feels jobs and technical training are being denied to the general public. "We need jobs out here that are technology related to keep people hom going to jail, far more than w need to keep the prisoners occupied," he said. He believes that most of this work can be done by expanding their SCRAP work and creating more welfare-to-work training programs. W

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I":

ANNIVERSARY EDITION I

S s d ~ TWO n

Commentary

Social Security: A System In Crisis? I

Things You Need To Know by Jeff Nygaard

' *-I *

attack on Social Sew- What is Sieclol Security? rity has begun. Itactually began in earnest in the e* One of the p~0blemSwith $G

in America would fall k h the poverty line. (Bg,f8fe social Security, k c had

Tk?%l-ki?kv9 in &3@ralSecurity

W.it is is i i s b t.u wry . e&ct.i%e right-wisg pmpaThere are two main m--Eoganda.

cority is unsustainable.

National Review likewisep

scheme breaks down the mo-

Ijkea walk in find employment." Today 3 provlae oenerlrs nor only 1

ifiic'es. Git aiO%

widow?

meaningfully in this debate by ited by disability. More pertinent to t k b o % . a t summarizing and critiquing in with their children after e w m they retire. some of rhe main arg.rrpnents Even though few p againstsocialSecuritythatyou derstand exactly how the prowill be hearing and reading @-@mmmk%it is nonetheless * Women whohavespenttheir of trying to "save" the pro- THE FEDERAL DEFICIT. betdick&s). S ~ , - ~ i m @ + about in the coming months anextremdy~raopularprogram, lives working in the home, gram which, as they present Vsaseparate trust fund (actu- ment goes, w h e ~ t and years. Future installments because it makes a d differ: withoutpay, receivecashso- it, is "in crisis", "going ally more than one). Social "baby boomers" begin to rewill identify someof themain ence in many peapie% lives. chi Security benefits if they bankrupt", "fatally flawed", Security taxes have raised $5 tire en masse in a few years, than their hus- or simply "a mess." Perhaps trillion sin= l W W l i e n wl- &re won't be enough workclitics of the sysbimmd what Most people take the followlections began, and the pro- ers paying taxes at that time to they want to do, and we'll also ing examplea forgxaptd . . gram haspaid outS4.5 trillion, support the retirees. This imlook at the specificchallenges thattheirproposalsmightmean Without Social Security, a p Sodat Security. leaving $500billion in reserve. bdance in the ratio of workers for people with disabilities. proximately half the elderly This should be well-known to to b e m e f ~ e s w i lthen i lead .

We are proud to be associated with ACCESS PRESS.

Congratulations on seven years of valued service.to people with disabilities; -w Bumm

ttAJE. m

Keep Up The Good Work! P

University of Minnesota

accessWe Coyratthte andGialkeYoufor p u r .:

sewkt to

SECURITY

June 10,1997 -5* -4

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cont trom p. 9

to a Ponzi-like collapse of the This change alone would bal- starting with the very fmtdol- Grandpa because, well, they Security system at its current an attack on Social Security's system. ance the system for at least the lar you earn emh year, but no just cost too much. Them level. And there are a variety basic philosophy: the philosonext 75 years. As far as the tax is paid on any wages over groups are out to of lesser measures that we phy ofsocialinsurance. Rather This sounds like a real prob- internal balance ofthe system $62,700. So, if wc)rkmwali- rtRd w+ people in rbeir couM take that would make than "We're all in this tolem until you remember that itself, it has been modified a ing rn- than $62,700 a year age group to fight fiercely any needed tax increase even gether," the privatizers want retired people are not the only number of times over the past were wed6.2percenton wage against, as heat he^ Lamm of a smaller,such as extendingcov- weryone to take care of themdependents in the picture. 62 years, and we could quite income up to $100,000, an groupcalltd~irdMillenniwn erage to currently uncovered selves, There could not be a ' When you look w i l y do if again. c k a m illustration of what is addM& $20 billion in rev- puts it, Y u ~ ~ n a b l e e m i t l e - a d lacd ermployees. at the overall "dependency raeaw would be raised annu- mplt:--a skyrocket.m y @ Y ~ t h s : , m ~ & V ~ ~ ~ 4 " tioR35 years from now that Secondly, thepmWedsW ang.jIhis s i m p b h~ag &tiad debt, [and] the False CkHs, False Solution4&: --I,, -32:d,; 2. '.i s , t h e o d l burden thatwork- falti~SocisdSeaWty Won i s m e m an*f9reoffi- potential fsr xmbbrdh thx En Pan TWOof this three-part ers will carry in supporting is b a d mcial & (hii point. rates." 'bcritics d Social SecutiIry s@&saS&iSec~riPp, we non-workers, including chil- tive est&rtiatesoFaeco,,, , . propose to'(soIve"the"crisis" h k a what pridta&n is ' dren - it will actually be bwer nomic@m&next75 t, . Michael Tanner of the right- We've already talked about by privatizing the system; a ~ f a h wdidenrijjtsomeof at that time than it was during years (about &--half 8f the wing libertarian CatoInstiarte the myth of unsustainability Under privatization, the So- the key peopk rmd groups most of the 1960s. Why? m g e of tkt pmt 75 years). recently stated, in speaking of and the fd& alarm &mut the cia1 Security trust fund would advocating it. We'llalsopubBecause, while we will have If theeconomy were togrow at th deficit. Weli, them, h o t b o u t be drastically shrunk to "the fish the names of some indilots of retired baby boomers to a r e even 1percent annually cia &we =rates? point where the basic benefit viduals and organizations , ,=- , support in the year 2030, the more than theamount assumed ~rp would fall far below the pov- where you can go to get mcanumber ofdependent children in the conservative scenario, i s s ~ h a a M M f i * ~ As mentioned above, to bring erty level. Workers would be rate d B i r information on at that time will be fewer than the Social Security system's And there you have another theSocial Securitysystem into required to invest a portion of the subject in earlier years. So there a m - projected deficit, along with a powerful myth: the myth of a balance over the next 75 years their Social Security taxes in ally will be fewertotal depen- good chunk of the (unrelated) Generarioml Civil War. solely by means of a payroll the stock market, where they Part Three will look at hav dents for workers to support. nation@deficit, would disap tax increase, that increase would sink or swim depend- the upcomimg b a l e may imWhat this means is that, if we pear. Thsrees a small army of orga- wwld need to amount to about ing on rlieir individual deci- pact e m r e afpeopk with attempted to cover the 'in, s * & inclioding a 30% nizations &at have sprouted one percentage point each on sions (and luck). creased numbers of retirees One last point on sustain-abil- up m n t l y claiming to repre- workers and employers. Is cut in benefi% proposed ' solely through a tax increase, ity : The payroll tax as cut- gear yomg people, the so- that "unbearaMe'"? Wd,we The critics falsely frame the some-privatizationadvocate workers andemployerswould rently structured i s r e p s i v e , called "Cieneration X." They don't know, but some recent Social Security battle as P deeach have to have their taxes unlikeSocialSecuritybenefits, m a t & that %eii genera- pollsdoshowfhatmostpeople bateover raised by about one percent- which areprogressive. H m ' s m k m h g i m i n g l y would be willing to pay higher a fa&m agepoint (from6.2%to7.3%). how: taxes are paid on wages r e a e e I of &tIrdma and taxes to maintain the Social it's nM '

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Institution Or Solution? Proposed TBI Facilitv In Dakota County by Jane Wheeler .

. w 2

wenty beds may notseem licetrsed as a board d kxige tally dimbhl lobby h g b n Center warned about the dan- daily activities. This level of like a lot when consider- with special services, The service workers most like to in place for mu& longer, m it $er that an institution might hdqmdence is difficult to ing the size of hospitals and Bexhesda Lutheran Hoqitd find for their clients is a resj- receives m m The not remain "g3cas&imalal!&e- pmmmte in a hospital or nursnursing homes. But in an aga and Rehabilitation Center, a dentiJ livigg situation like a Traumatic Brain 1nj&1obby explained t h t m e a facility ing home setting. where .the word "instituEion" member of WthEmt, pro- foster home, but this isn't al- has not yet caught up, , i s ~ i , M s & t o b e createsmemoriesof warelmus- podthe plan which is to trans- ways a quick and estsy task. filled tokeep the funding, She The services provided will foing patientsand o w r c r o w d i ~ formfmernuns' quartersinto Develapmentally disabled is said that when this p t k m GH:- cus on the behavioral issues disability advocates can be a kcme h r brain injury pa- Currently,social m ~ i eworkdefined as anyone with a dis- ctws,.%indivir~ual becomes which m most d e d by rhe e wary ofafacility of tkztscapac- w ability d g during the the pawn in W i n g the insti- individual. &ode noted .W em hap f d that frqdint: =dQqiw-mqu.* .ity. This is why Healthkt tbete&i.caj. servicead a hos- appropriate living s4tuations development stages of life, Won." thisEhouldallow people to get has been so careful in their &d.BaR*w.a&yEO for the population with brain which is before age 2 1. Indibeyond the crisis point beEore hain injiury (31xxb and Qfficials fnmr.EEariagastructured9ettinglike vidnds whose injuries is very problerna9ic. It pl&ning ofa twenty-bed tranis a vastly growia scculFaed aSter h y u s e d 21 HealthEast h a v h t h stressed a8hspitd.Otherwiseit can be sitiand facility in south Saint ing. Paul for individuals with tmu. a* thatthey are aware of this ten- very darnaging for an WApproximately 4, mkic brain injuries (TBI). 4 Mike C Ok b ~ v h a l s wiIl be hospitalized ia dewy,& itshouldnotbe the viduai to have to return to a Cotsmty Superviw orf &Wt Mbmmmta each ye& far brain difficu&&@i~ &&mFaq&- - fate ofhis Wity.'IZre faeil- haspita1 after being in a small &&xtion of the old Divine Protection, put it, "We area% residentialenvimmment. equate place to live, This new &~&wdasoresponse R&iee&& Hospital is thesite wit$"as a more to . prwblems Bethegd~a facility will serve walking into this thing fd-the facility which will be aur eyes open." He explained than wait- Lu!@hsmnHmpibI and Reba- T h e m facility isr not the ulapprapriate WCXR e mhad in fmd- timate .answer for counties ing m a hospital bed fmthose bili&#&lt G who have Funding gBf&ultk. i ~~gi & C d - p 4 w m e m fw w b s e social services depart. .. r d w & & ~ M i . R j d mew are auwith reW vances that save Yvw t . quests for residential placewouw have biten lw.&e@+ ~ a i ~ b x mmen@ for individuals with y e m ago. 'mkrr rmd gpien the facility by cia&. Admhis&aWr at brain injuries. The count& Because traumatic h h h m t y late-fall. ~ Soon a b r B w kdxmn Hospital will still need to find smaller jury advocacy is a mletkwky elYs w n i n g , they will have and ~e~it&h&ntet, ex- homes for individuals to move to assure pi&nd tfm dkey hope most to w b n the Dakota facility is You Can't Take It With You mefq res-jrje* d the facili by George 5.Kaufrnan & Moss Hart -spimStdr &ys outs - a perfect summer play, zany comedy! . services for individuals that -.. .. . . Racing Demon might have otherwise re.. 1. by ~ a v i d Hare

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The transitional nature of the facility might be its greatest sdling point. However, it will be difficult to guarantee that it will, not k&mwh W n g bdeneck far those individuals with brain itijwies that do not have adbqaste b h g . Unfortumately, the resting can only be done if @e facility is a p p n m d ~ d h m to d op mm &xa Tewcpream.. rarronlze your nccess Press Advertisers. Let them know where you heard about them. They bring you your paper.

June 10,1997

Access Press

Letters . . . . Dear Readers:

Additionally, MCIL provides services in the areas of Transition, Personal ~ s s i s h n cSere vices (PAS), ADA Information and Resource, and the Ramg Project.

TO THE EDITOR:

ICuff ing E

Based on the content of recent I first want to thank you for h letters printed in Access Press running the eloquent letters -s3 it would appear that there conabout the MCIL. Contrary to tinues to-& a great deal of the belief of some peopid on by Barbara Hanna myth and misrepresentation the board and some peatie in .- circulating in the community The anly servicethat bas been the community, I cannot take hether you:find hertat AchieveSelf Support(PASS) p p l e can be attributed . about some of the changes at discontinuedistheherud credit for them. I would never the Rise, Inc. o@& towards finGcial self-s&- hcr own mental,Mth Metrapolitan Center for Inde- equipment referral program. hesitate to use my own name belping a client, @.presenting cierqy or &taining anplay- tory. Shedidn't dkwver pendent Living (MCIL). There are several other indi- in expressing my deep con- the Minnesota Mainstrelint ment. &n tEelps ar- -had a mental illness u Please allow me to replace the viduals and orgamzationsthat cern abGt wfht has and is program, Nancy Steams. is range fora nientor forthe c1i- middle ag'e while goi innuendoservedupinsomeof maintain a used equipment . going on over there. It's a truly amental healthconsu~er ent in thekchoseq field. What through a very painful those letters-to-theeditor with program, and we still maintain perfect example of how the on the cutting edge. She also Nancy says is thpt the career vorce. She lost factual informationaboutthese a list of referral sites that con- B a d has its head in the sand works for two other mental needs vary from person to per- Fromall this, shele perceivedchanges,and topro- sumers can receive by calling to think that I'm the only one health professionals, and at- son. For example, someone to be a good listener. vide reassurance about the role our o s c e . out here with the n e ~toe pub- tends the board meetings of may have a bachelors degree clients share their sympt the Mental Health Consumerl with a ten-year gap in their of mental illness, Nancy and responsibility of MCIL. licly question them. workhistory;anothermay have often share her own expen Survivor Network of MN. Additionally,MClL lendss u p a PhD with a wide range of a ences. First, let's discuss finances. port to the critical work of I was at the Center for 3 and a Simply put, MCIL operates other disability related advo- half years, I had to watt& rand Nancy works full-time as a work history. Using her crevith support from several eacy coalitions by acting as keep quiet as the Board began placement specialist for Min- ati~tyandpeopleskiUs,Nancy She now is near completio stable funding sources. These fiscal agentfortheGreatLakes its 2-Board system: The Ex- nesotaMainstream. She helps is often successful in helping ofhermastersdegree incou includecontractswithstateand Disability Technical Assis- ecutiveCommitteeonapower people with college degrees to land jobs for individuals. seling. She has worked MinnesotaMainstreamfor federal agencies, as well as, ' tance Center,the Lesbian Can- trip, and the rest of the Board and mental illness find emsome fee-for-servicerevenue. cer Support Network, Ameri- was denied information or ployment. This is a job she Allother important piece of past six years and claims Like most nonprofit organiza- cans for Disability Rightswere given it at the last minute finds very rewarding not for Nancy's job is having contact has found her "niche" th tions we need to keep a close MN, and ADA MN. We also and then askedfortheirrubber its monetary gain but for the with potential employers. If With all the gifts she has watchon incomeandexpenses, provide pro-bono, space to the stamp! It was very clear dur- joy she finds in helping others. needed, Nancy is not afraid to give, she is an inspiratio and make adjustments when MN Deaf Blind Association. ing all of the upheaval and On agiven day, shemightmeet step in to educate an employer many. She would eventu crisis that the Exec. C o r n . withclients, visit with perspec- and advocate for a client. This like to work with batte As you can now see we are still wasn't listening to anyone on tive employers, or facilitate a is very important since mental women ....orwho knows w ' d n d . let's look at services. a fully fvnctionirig Center. the Board, in the cammunity, support group. illness is such amisunderstood else? She'll definitely illness. If a client is planning working in human service h e r e seems to be amisunder- Currently, 78% af the mem- oron the staff that didn'tagee standing that MCIL has dis- bers of o u r ~ o a r dof Directors. with their agenda. They albn- Nancy says, "What we try to to apply for a job at a company on the cutting edge helping continued a significant num- are individuals with disabili- ated and eventually chased do at Mainstream is to meet Nancy is familiar with, Nancy improve the quality of life ber of services that it previ- ties, and 70% of the M C E away me of the only Board clients at the level they are at. might talk to the human re- many people. ously offered. That is not true. staff are people with dis-imembers that really under- . ." doing this by suggesting sources manager to give the It is true that some programs ties. Clearly we are truly a stood and cared abaut inde- that the client and she meet company an introduction to Barbara Hanna wrote th article as part of a class i have been restructured and consumer run organization. pe&ntliving just because she every weekat first. Next, they the client. women anddisabillities at the might ~ u together t a resume, questioned Beir ac ' s.

effort atrestoringastrongcore brogram ofmandated services. By that I mean those services we are req&"ed in lawtoprovide. The four core&a-vices are:IndependentLiving Skills, Advocacy, Information and Referral, and Peer Support.

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previous invitation to allre@- ~~&th;sGeetin~when J* ers to please feel free to call .Walsh submitted His hsigna- than'a 2-Boarefsyitem. I've what's going on, because 1 ter could be 10 pages long me directly at (6 12)603-2012, tion. ~ r o m theqn&tions &ked seenithappenbef6re$dflags CARED about the Cmmu- However. I will close by say nity and wasn't in it far the ing fa the Disability CommuI will be happy todiscass y6ur by many of the members, it are up 911 ov& the'place. power. They sit in their iso- nify:PUASE WAKEUPand concernsandansweranyques- was evident that they had intentionally kept him in the dark With few exceptions, I have lated little worlds and make see that the Baard is about to tions that I can. about all of the problems; &at never seen b a r d or decisions about services that, destroy everything that so David-Hancox,Interim Dir. had been going an for month! their inbrimDir;ect@atany af for many, are a matter of life many have sacrificed and How can a B a d m amillion the rallies at the Capitol,thp and death. Their isolation has worked to build! Question d o l l ~ o when b a~few misiags ot'=-ah* kepttbem from-understanding them publicly! Make them demigods control all of the ~t w l i issIB2Slatt h e m . & how powerful the concept of accountable for what they do! .information? How can they indepedemtliv@ Many will inkpmdent living can be. Let them know the dire conse.m b educated decisions or make the excuse that they They don't comprehend that quences of arbitrarily cutting even ask the right questions? work. Well, I've worked all of just knowing there is an orga- or severely reducing the 2most . Nothing can undermine an or- my adult life and I've always nization out there that is not critical servicesof housing and ganizations integrity faster been ableto keep in touch with tied up in bureaucratic balo- used equipment! Go to Board ney of Masters degrees and meetings, they're open to the counselors gives peopg the public! spark of hope that has changed Show them that you CARE! their lives. ,

Unfortunately,I havesomany For truth and justice, issues with MCIL that this let- Carolyn Emwson, Mpls

CeWnfhg Om 25 Y w n 01 RENTAL-SALES

900Ocum Street

1945 T~mkynAverme

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