November 1995 Edition - Access Press by Access Press

Sen. Paul Wetllstone

Directory of Organizations Page 9 I

"1 always voted at my party 's call...:. for And I never thought of thinking myself at all. " W. S. Gilbert in H.M.S. pinafore -

holumo 6. Number 11 ??- -J

Politicians Plav The Class Card 4 Protecting The Wealthy At

counties can &sorb the 1W s

came of the top 20% of our

ofmillionsofBoIlarstheywil1 people has increased at an

Facing A Real Fut ure For Public Transportation I

~ h .,&or .,st. P ~ U thinks I it's a "dumb idea" that a firm asking for financial help from the city should be reqvaired to pay a wage at least equal to that detqrminedto be the poverty level for a family of four.

.by BiU Smith .Now that the mainhe busses . can analysts suggesting that $,are running again and With the bps strike&en in progress Metm~obilitynmningap- shdthatthetimehadcome 'tial system, it's h e to face to"privatizenpublictramport. mdity. We have to mdke a It'spossible they didn'tknow long range plan far public that we did have a p r i m l y -.transpolration in ~ i e w t a . owned bus systein about 30 ; Weknw tbere aresomebasic years ago. The fidure of that : weds in evwy wmmun ity company to servethe an?a led ' imposed by geography, emto the formstiono f k p m e n t Fnomic realities and personal publicly owned system. It '@ysical limitationswhich can would also be interesting ,to ? see their examples of good , cd?y be served by publicly . W e d systems. We've cho- systems in other citie6 which ,ten to ignore meeting these are making money for stockneedsin my sensiMewayyear holders. Are there any?

atbet year.

Lr qx?entdiscussha on pub&kWs~ham, itwasquite

someone more than aQPmal. inconvenience. Debates tend to revolve around the fact that bus systems don't pay .fbi themselves. Do fkeyaysarid highway maintenance pay f a themselves?

Our governor went to washipgton to protest'the latest quirk in the Republican cuts in Medicare. He's a big supporter of these reduced payments in the form of block grants, but foundthat in building up allocations to their favorite states, they proposed cutting ~innesota'said by $524 million. His senatorial ally, Rod Grams, voted for this amendment,but later said he didn't understand it. (Just following the party line, no doubt. Why bother to read it?)

I remember when Curtis Johnson, the chairman of the Metropalitan Ceuntil, was still representing citizens and was an advocate of improved bus serviceinthe Twin Cities. I-k convinced me that good bus service was important in terms of energy con*& For some reason, we prefer to and economic d e v e m e n t , 'on fiom cri- that light rail was not cost Late in October the Mayors treat, affective because of the im- of both cities and the County s i s m z w i f i c p b Commissioners from H e m s 2'mmpmL-cam.eunp.5

doesn't seem like much. ~t isn't, either, until you m d out the bottom 20% of wage earners lost almost 1% per year for that same 20 years. Those in the middle didn't go up or down, but stayed at the same wage in general, while costs went up. Then there is this sobering fact about those Four people deserve to be at the very top. Our top 1% congratulated f ~ trying r to had average incomes in 1977 bring these issues to the peo- of $323,942. By 1989, they ple., From our Washington averaged $576,553. Those delegation, Senator Paul were big years forjunk bonds Wellstone and Representative and ruining the S&LYsbut the Bruce Vento, who have been very rich cameout way ahead. holding town meetings, explaining what Minnesota can The worst part of looklng at expect if the cuts go through. these bad events is seeing the Locatly, Senator Don lack of reaction by those who Samulsonand Representatiye are on the losingend. It seems Lee Greenfield for holding we really are turning into a committee hearings trying to two class society, rich versus figure how Minnesota can do poor. People who thought of with less. themselves as "middle class" should recognize that needIf all of this wasn't enough, I ing two jobs to make ends read a quote from the presi- mCet is not middle class. Savdent ofthe New York Federal C k s War a n t . on p. 4

ing taxes in 1996, but watch I 9 7 when the cuts become even more severe. There is no doubt taxes will goup. 1guess theirposition is theyqill bere-electedbythen, so who cares about it now, and it won't be their fault tax-' es are going up. O U ~in

Access Press

~ ~ i h i . ~1'9 1%0 ,

Make A DiIIerence

New Access At The Minneapolis Public Library

by Deborah Peterson, Voices for Disability Rights

A s citizen lobbyists, what should we be doing during the months that the legislatureis not in session? One very simple answer is: Call your legislators to discuss the issues. State Senators and Representatives need to know what issues their constituents are concerned about; they can only get that information through communication. That's where WE, as citizens, have a responsibility to inform our elected officials on disability issues.

You owe it to YOURself to that candidate's campaign make those phone calls. headquarters and volunteer to: pass out literature; answer the If precinct caucus training is phone; contribute your writbeing offered, attend! This is ing skills; be a presence at an opportunity to learn the press conferences, rallies, and basics. Take it! Use the expe- debates; help put up lawn signs. rience as a confidence-builder These activities are only asamso you will be able to attend ple of the ways you could beyour own precinct caucus, come a campaign volunteer. armed with the knowledge acquired at the training session. One final suggestion of outof-session activities: voter Another thing that citizen registration. Get a few friends lobbyists can do is to invite together and canvass your your Senator or Representa- building. Are your neighbors tives to speak to a group of registered to vote? Do they

T h e world of knowledge is as close as an open book. But for people with print disabilities, such as low vision, blindness, or dyslexia, that knowledge may be locked between the covers. Now, thanks in part to a federal grant, the Minneapolis Public Library can offer access to the millions of books and other printed materials in the library collection. This access is made possible through new adaptive equipment called fittingly "An Open Book."

floppy disk for later use.

for people who have low vision to use library materials.

Also now available, alongside the "Open Book" is an adaptive workstation to assist people with visual impairments in using the library's online catalog. This workstation provides both a visual magnification of the online catalog screens and a voice synthesizer that reads the information aloud.

Purchased with matching funds provided through the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA), the new equipment enhances access, andsupplements other disability services and materials provided by the libraqSsip.luding:

Both of these new tools are large print books a~ailabkqat~theCent@ -tiF. audio books brary, & f i s t floor n& W acritalosed-captioned vid--descriptive videos Information Desk. Also new

soms with disabilities could

~ . f % mThese , es, ally involved in the provision OR the receipt of such sew-' , ices. YOU can share that infinmation with them because you ~6know how it does (or doesn't) work. You can give your legislators S@tmls Qey need in orderto m-& informed decisions about PCA cwts, lbletro Mobility funding, etc.

good way to make contacts. Contributing your time is a great way ts, bring forth your talents as well as your issues. Find aut w b the candidates from your district stand on the issues that are important to you, decide which candidate represents YOUR beliefs y d i n k r t s , then call or stop in at

an starts with one person: diderentvohes. ,S~ZW&$-~ YOU. Dare ta make a differ- canalsob e e n l a x q p d o c ~ a h ~ ~ puter screen or stored .on a ence.

(I got these suggestioqs by callitg W st& representutive at the stale capitol, Andy Dawkim.)

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! 4th Annual Disability Rights ~enfcrenie. .Co - Sponsored by the Mbesota State Council on Disability United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota Saturday, December 9,1995 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sheraton Inn Midway St. Paul, Minnesota Speakers include: Becky O@k,'Chairp@son,Justice ~ o r ~ l l , Speed Davis, Executive Director , National Council on Disability, .Marilyn Golden, Policy Analyst, Disability Rights, Education & Defense Fwd Agenda Sndu.desr Washington Update, Call tb Action!, Congressional Line-Up I

For Registration ~nformation: Please contact the Minnesota State Council m Disability 6 12-296-6785 (VoicdMY) or toll-free 1-80b-945-8913 .(Voice/l'"IY)

magnifi- TTY 372453%-

, ,

I-

The Metropolitan Cbnter for I n d e p d e n t Living is"$&txd to MCIL Consumer Issue ~ d n e The . goal of the hathe is to inform ixmsbmers @t ~ 8 ~advocacy ' s mdcolgmyniry organizing rraivibies as well as pertinent iegb~@iorl d&z actions needed. CQwill alsobe able to lawe i;ammeats about adw$cYisa&th#&,. encountering in the community. The hatline will be activated Dec&nbq -1st d the n mr is (612) 60%2039. Watch for more information in the next issue of Access press. ' -*

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ACCESS ......... ....... .... ..- .... PRESS ......... ...,.. ......,.,. .................................. ......-. ..... .......-.....-. .....,..... ......,..-.. ......-... .............................................. .. ................................................... ....... ,....... ........

Publisher MU....... ".,...-w.. W m A,QIIPft$, &r,; Editor ,Ck.rbesP.$pi@ Cartoonist , Scett Adam Production P r e s e n t a t i o n Images, Elten Ck&ei*&~ Staff Writer L Editorial Assistant ,.i ,..uu*.. "..-..-.......2.... Jefffuygi~~id ACCESSPRESS isamonthlytabloidnewsptyer ubli~h$&~ersonswithdisab~tiesb~ ~olycbm& Ltd., W.A. Smith, Jr., President. Circulation IS 1&000, d m t r i i d the 1B"of each rnontbthrough rnw than 120 locations statewide. Ap roximately 650 copleb.@emailed &ctfy to political, busidinstitutional and civio leadus. !3u&Friptions available f a SlWyr. -

, . . , . . . . . . . L I . . .

Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of i-1 serving those with disabilities, are welcomed.

to persons with diibifities~w p-

I I(

Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $1 I .@ SlUcoluma inch, depending on size and fiquency. Classified ads are $7.00, plus 20 centdword over 20 wonls.

Advertising and editorial deadlinesarethe 3Wi ofthe monh preceding publication; special sched~lhg available for camera-ready art. . * Acaso Pms is available on tap.Call MN State S e w for ~ the blind, 642-0500 or 800-652~9Wb.

llnquiries should be directed m: ACCESS PRESS 3349 Univarig Avc S.E. Minnesota 55414 (6121 379-0989 Fax (6121 379-271t8

~inne&pIk~E

a Access Press Courage Center Gives Awards

IN BRIEF. . . . I Free Mental Illness Services T h e Northwest Community Support Program is a free service provided by Hennepin County for adults with a serious mental illness. The CSP has threemain functions which include, but are not limited to: outreach, a drop-in center, and community linkage. Outreach

provides supportive services in the community or in the individual's home. The dropin center provides support groups, social, recreational, andcommunityactivities. CSP linkage assists people with attaining case management, crisis services, benefits assis-

tance, vocational assistance and other services as needed. The program is designed to assist individuals in livingsuccessfully in the community. We are located at 55 10 W. Broadway, Suite 1 12A in Crystal. Please feel free to call 535-6069 with any questions.

MSAB Dedicates New Track T h e Minnesota State Academy for the Blind (MSAB) recently renovated it's track and field facilities at SeitzTsfield on the campus. A re-dedication ceremony was held during an October 7th home track meet.

(L to R) Front: Mark Mertens, Charlie Smith, Bob Bardwell, Jimmie Hanson. Back: Vicky Carlson, Diane Mankowski

November 10,1995

I n a ceremony on September Bob is founder and director 28, the Courage Center hon- of the Ironwood Springs ored six Minnesota residents Christian Ranch. for achievement in their careers. Five individuals were -Victoria Carlson of Brookpresented with the Phillips lyn Park. Victoria is a trust Awardandone individual with analyst with First Bank Systhe Judd Jacobson Memorial tem. Award. The Phillips Awards are presented each year to five - Jimmie Hanson of Minneapindividuals with physical dis- olis. Jimmie is asocial workabilities or sensory impair- erlteam coordinator with Sisments who have achieved suc- ter Kenny cess in their careers and com- ..

The original track was built in 1971 by the Telephone PioMark is a counselor with the nee= and now, with the new Division of Rehabilitation renovations, will provide the Services.

necessary adaptations to enable the blind and visually impaired student-?@ete to participate with & or her greatest degree o f independence. The track has six lanes for running, with each lane having a wire for the athlete to trail while running. The renovations include installation of new posts and guidewires, aresurfacing ofthe runn*gmck,andcom~letel~new

TheTenth annual"^^^ SUCCESS FAIR - EXPLORING YOUR OPTIONS" for Peapie with Disabilities held on Monday, November 20,1995, from'NOON to 4:00 Dm at the Marriott Hotel in Bloomington. The event is

T h e free Minneapolis calendars that were scheduled to be delivered to all Minneapolis households between Oct. 20 and Nov. 3 are also available in alternative formats, including large print, Braille, disk, and tape.

by U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone

T h e U.S. Senate is now in the final stages of the budget debate. Absent from the Republican budget plan is any significant effort to scale back or eliminate tax loopholes, or corporate welfare, which continues to expand the federal budget deficit. Not only are the Republicans refusing to eliminate signiticant numbers of special tax loopholes from their budget plan, they are creating more giveaways - and paying for them by raising taxes on millions of American families. Throughout the bud-

CORPORATE WELFARE ADDS TO THE BUDGET DEFICIT Recently, after days ofcloseddoor meetings, Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee announced their proposal for $245 billion in new tax breaks. The Republican plan cuts Medicare and Medicaid in order to pay for tax breaks and would add billions to the

learn about community resources and advocacy proThe JOB SUCCESS FAIR grams. Informational workprovides an excellent oppor- shops will be p r e ~ e n t & & ~ ~ , = ~ t ~ n i tfor ' all people with dis- rotate every hour throughout abilities to meet potential emplo~ers,distribute resumes, - obtain information about job NO pre-registration is neces--_ /

- -.

CN-U-e,-.*(

Minneapolis Calendars Available

Reduce The Federal Deficit: Close Special Tax Loopholes denc~r.IK showers many of its most expensivenew tax breaks on wealthy corporations, further worsening our budget crisis. Spending is spending, whether it comes in the form of a government check or in the form of a tax break for some special purpose, like a subsidy, a credit, a deduction, or accelerated depreciation for this type of investment or that.

will be available.

City. Diane is a rater coder -Charles Smith of Minneapolis. Charles is the editor of with St. Paul Companies. Sign Language interpreters vocational resOurce people Access Press. .w-. -Bob BardwellofStewartviIIe. -Mark M S ~ Eof Spicer.

get debate, I'll continue to push proposals to eliminate about $70 billion worth ofthese loopholes and use the savings to continue to reduce the federal budget deficit.

MSAB Parents, friends and staff provided a great deal of volunteer labor for the project. This enabled the extensive renovation and new construetion to be done without the use of educational funds Or taxpayer money.

1Oth Annual Job Success Fair

The Judd Jacobson Memorial Award is presented each year to a person with a disability or sensory impairment who has made significant achievements in the use of computers to enhance his or her entrepreneurial potential. The Judd Jacobson Memorial Award

Phillips Award recipients are:

October 26, 1995

jumping pits, shot-put and high-jump areas.

T h e calendars contain the 1995-96 Snow Emergency rules, a list of the City's TTY numbers, a list of programs

-7

and resources for seniors, in- an election judge to clearing formation about city services snow down to the pavement (such as street sweeping and and acioss the full width of the yard waste collection sched- sidewalk sothat people travelules), multicultural holi'da~s dng in wheelchairs can get by). and traditions (from Christmas to Kwanzaa), dates of If you or someone you know neighborhoodandcommunity would like to receive a calenfestivals (from the winter dar in an alternative format, Holidazzle paradestosummer please call 673-249 1 (TTY concerts at Lake Harriet), sug- 673-2 157). gested ways that citizens can lend a hand (from serving as

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111

November 10,1995

Access Press Religion & Disability

Hello Nicole:

Do It Again Daddy

by Mary Ostertag Paulson

d --* -

.* Acuriousattitudeis exhibited without question each of us '+

by some members of various has value meant to be discov- This perspective doesn't nec-

ncernstheir onsregardth disabilid the status of our faith. ical example of these assumptions is illustrated in the performance of the pious strangerwhoosnctimoniously pats you on the shoulder and comments, "If you believed in God, He would heal you".

ered, developed and applied. It is undeniably a difficult task to search for these values; one that requires repeated beginnings, always trying and not always succeeding. '

In my early teens, I began to perceivethatwithoutpolioand paralysis, my eyes might have b e g blinded and my heart closed to the little things that 1 t~nda the guise of Christiani- are so important. A; years ty a d b&d an physical ap- pass, that k g h t continues to ~emncealme,theyhavepre- gain in magnitude and has an

" a?!?&?% . I. k:conceived ideasaboutthecon'fm

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dition and amplitude of our faith. This depoment has tobecome indq*xi particularly exasperated and It is by me mgi*meered me through the vears. iewswithm& certainly resent being a p 'I with disabilitie'' pmached in such condescenddismayedby

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r*61Z-8a332966 PACER Jsentimental~orpity. This The Mirror.. Connle ha&j0$'lP ,-~ **,,*.. * $yiddo 0 o ~ - 5~: movie can be obtained Erom muscular dystrophy ancd is a su ject. . . . I$ ,*. , E l L at 612-646-8342, or "strongpolitical activist. Anne , .: --. P mger's .W K o?.smrt stl,rleS, -1hope . these &&y -ac, ordered Dy mwl (tor S54.93) -. -. ... ,. - . - .. . . $*Z'\~S,T rrom M ~ Q &n%igb;~ne:6 1 tlasic s k r ~ sweaves , Z I C ~ ~ Q tui. D I think the :Skeet, Rochester, and autobiography. Annahas into books and movies such as the more yr~ycwqlearn' <,

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Quik some time ago, I instincm g ~ ~ ~ tively rnplied to Me such pmpous Don't assume just became my body appears def1ormedAa6t have healeday.With the reon of my words an ding of a reality

essaily &e the difficulties or pains of living with a disability. However, with perseverance, it frees our energies formore constructiveapplications. It helps us to smile, to experience, to share feelings and perceptions, to enlighten and to be enlightened. It gives others an opportunityto broaden their understanding and acceptance of those with specia1&&. lt provides a sense of purpose. '

unmeasurableinfluenceonmy Acknowledging and respectmortal and spiritual direction. ing the individuality of those crossing my path is one of the Because ofmy actions,people most diffcult and demanding see what I can do and are pen- asoirations I've everassumed. emus in waking with me to ~ c l i e v eme, I've probably that end. I've learnedtodefine floundered more times than my needs and they've leamcd not. rmas vulnerPbleto rnto define their's. There is an sentmenf anger, loneliness,or interminglingof efforts; a sort being dispirited, as much as of partnership. We teach each the next person. I get tired of other. "f&tingthe btsle7'too. We're . all destined to frdf 'rW=$hme The intensified sense of hl- crevices occasionaliy. 3 I w fillment resulting from this al- only way l can pull myself out liance, the circle of influence and kee we havearaea~hoaer~qthe. tjgg my abilitytocolleorivelycefebdS4 w

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with whateminatesfromwith- limitationsperhaps those gifts on a grassy hill, amj in My soul and heart and would not have been mine. with their backs to the tzq~ is in fact healed! AwareA MW.sak st& at their

CLASS WAR ing for.college educations for children and saving for your own retirement while Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are beingthreatened isn't really possible. A good affordable, health care plan is a

conk from p.

benefit offered by governments and very large employers, but not available to millions employed elsewhere. The people on both ends ofthe economy know exactly what is happening and right now

who want keep the process going are winning. Andthosewhoshould ing these changes seem ineffectual.

There are obviOuslya lot of us in the lower of the nomic scale who muld vote to change the mean spirited, "us them"7 now God's miracles sometimes prevailing' The question is passbefore oureyes with hardwhether we will. ly a glimpse from us. They become gifts opened but not used. Though our wrappings are not always appreciated,

OSTOMY URINARY MANAGEMENT NURSING SUPPLY SPECIALISTS

quently, I've more energy to strive to forgive others' pompousness and to extend myself in all I do. This extension includes demonstrating, through example, that everyone deserves to be recognized and treated with humanity. Perhaps that ideal is the key to inspiring revision of distorted thinking! Itdoes indeedpresent us with a challenge to end all challenges.

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pendence involves dependence; the dependence of interaction. Society has a responsibility.to work with us in developing accessibility and to accept us 'not simply because we have disabilities, but because we are contributing and valuable members. However, we too have a responsibility to society; to educate them not only about our needs, but also about our capabilities. We must learn to acknowledge and respect the individuality of each person, whether or not they are likable. The issues mandate all of us to make changes. We must walk on the path together.

, Patronize your Access Press Advertisers. Let them know where you heard about them. They bring you your paper.

dy!" Well, I strive to gra child-like faith in God, my Father. He gives me the spirit to speak out about the needs of individuals with disabilitiks and to confront the pompous and bigoted with tactful ass?tion. He gives me the courage to risk sharing personal feelings, to open my heart to others, to give of myself. He gives me the fortitude to de-~ velop personal and spiritual maturity. He gives me the stamina to try again . . .and again, and again. Every time I've "stumbled" He has held me until I was "rested."

The days aren't alwaysvoid of pain or graced with beauty. Often times futility and resignation overpower me. I lose focus on my purpose. It is then that I whisper a prayer 3 3 and in some way God, my Father6'doesitagain". He 'heals' me and He helm me see His :?-

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November 10,1995

Access Press On Mental Illness

I Life Goes On

An Unquiet Mind A Book Review

IAn Unforgettable Reunion I by Leanne Dahl

by Christine M. Windorski K a y Redfield Jamison, a Professor of Psychiatry at John Hopkins University School of Medicine. is considered by niany to be a ii:o!.lcl authority on manic-deprc>sion. Nor only did Jarnison zo-author the standard test ~ i . 4 in diagnosis. but she also penned Tolrclrcd rvith Fire, citing that individuals such as Vi~izent Van Gogli and Isaac Newton also suffered from the illness. Her latest work, however, w itliers before reaching its full potential. An Unquiet Mind chronicles Jamison's lifelong struggle with manic-depressive illness. The daughter of a meteorologist and a teacher, she was mercurial in temperament as a child, suffering her first episode at the age of seventeen. Increasingly potent maniasand deepening depressions punctuated her college and gradu.ate school years, while just months after completini her Ph.D. in psychology, Jamison had her first .psychotic breakdown. The diagnosis: manic

dard treatment for the condition, but, like many other patients - and despite her professional training - stopped taking it when she was feeling better. Herresistance was due, in part. to the side effects (lithium blurred her vision) and denial, but her main reason for fighting the medication stemrned from the fact that she was addicted to her manic highs which, duringtheirmilder phases, enabled her to do extraordinary things. Gradually, however, Jamison learned to understand that she must take medication every day for the rest of her life in ordertor'emain well. Through psychotherapy, she came to terms with the toll manic-depressive illness had taken on her life, ranging from the manias that helped destroy her first marriage and send her on outrageous shopping sprees to the depression that drove her toattempt suicide. Drugs help, Jamison believes, but ultimately it is therapy that heals. Jamison's prose is fluid and elegant; her tone, cool and clear. Ironically, the latter is

ACCESS PRESS & COUR- How do you pack in forty four AGE CENTER were respon- years of catching up in three sible for one the most unfor- short hours? gettable days of my life. the book's greatest flaw. While I was seven when we first met Jamison weaves an interesting story, her inability to separate It all began a little over a year inMichigan. Shewasmypliysherself from the therapist and agowhen I receivedacall from ical therapist for two years academic roles creates a gulf Tony Labahn.the infonnation- before we moved back to Chibetween her and the reader. al officer at Coilrage. He ex- cago Nomia moved to Iowa Much like the mirror that re- plainzd that a lad) had just after she married and went to flects an image. Jamison fails called inquiring if he knew work fora doctor My parents to grip her readers emotional- anyoneby thenameofLeAnne kept in touch with her and, as ly. telling what she feels rather Nelson. Th~spersonexplained I grew older. I began to correthan drawing readers into it. that she had been my physical spond with her, too I was therapist back when 1 was in twelve when we last saw each It's not to say that the book grade school. He said "No, other. Shehadencouragedmy doesn't have its good points. but that he would do some folks to bring me to see Dr. Truly interesting to read are checking around." Upon ask- Diamond, for whom she the brief vignettes in which ingaround his office, he found worked. It was really neat to Jamison abandons her clini- that one person knew of me, have this special therapist take cian's cloak and talks about but didn't know how to reach such an interest in my progress her life and beliefs today ver- me. It was at this point that he throughout the years. sus then. Here, she is able to contacted ACCESS PRESS. connect with her readers and They, in turn, gave Tony my It wasn't until we were talking offer insight into a book which phone number - and that's over lunch that I discovered frequently remains clouded. when I received his call. Of how and mhy we really lost course 1 told him to have the touch. She had lost her first husband to a heart attack after Painhlly astute and occasion- lady call me. thirteen years of marriage. ally moving,Ati Unquiet Mind Within the next hour, Norma Eleven years later, she remaris a candid memoir of a womcalled and we started renewried. But she was reluctant to an who mastered her manicingourfriendship. Whatajoy. share her happiness with me depression. Even if Jamison cannot enthrall her readers, no We had lost touch nearly wen- because I hadjust lost myfjanone can deny that it takes arare ty years ago. As you can imag- cee in an auto accident. Until courage to be open about such ine, we had much totalkabout. a stigmatized illness. Perhaps but it was a whole year before this alone makes the book we actually saw each other. worth reading. Ourtearful reunion took place

Cont. from p. I

m ta1requit.cd.Wwe"U use the Rational Guard, ably the fmt step is to pass the building more parking lots etc. Anothgr surprise! The. five cents per gallon gas that downtown and around the public and city o ~ ~didn't l s "Nonew taxes" Carlson killed University of Minnesota was like this avproach. Other la- in the last legislaturewIfwedid it, we would be Leneouragingmore auto corn- bor uniotls ;acted with some, hpve to qutiryg, leading to more free- tough talk of their own, and paying about 1/3 of the $4.00 , way expansion, etc. Where hinted at widening the strike. per gallon gasolineprice paid ,are you now when we deed - SuddenlyMr. Carlsonbecame in most otherdevelopedcoun"YJ@$%@ the arbiter, criticized manage- tries, whoseeourgasolinepricment fortheir attitude and their es as heavily subsidized. We When the bus servicestopped, salaries and invited the parties would be able to do the highthe daily papers in both to settle. With the busses roll- way maintenance we need in rural areas and I don't think a -MinneapolisandSt.Paulhead- ing, he graciously took:redit lined it's lack of impact on the for removing himself as the nickel inc.rease would affect expectedtraficcongestionand stumblingblock and got some most people's driving habits. the fact that "most people" admiring headlines. He didn't The proposed 112 cent sales didn't seem to have trouble offer any longterm solution, tax increase for the Metro area getting around. They didn't however, or volunteer to lead would alsoprovidesteadykvdo much checking with bus an effort to assure stable enues. Ifpassed,itcouldhave of course. but mostjy longterm financing. Another given the bus combny the surveyed freeways and inter- temporary.fix, politically ex- budget that was necessary to t viewed people who carpooled pedient. maintain service as usual and the same for Metro Mobility, from suburban communities. After a week or two they instead of raising fares and seemed to be sensing some- So what is to be done? Prob- cutting service in both areas. thing about the everyday realities faced by those who were not stranded. Regular bus rid. ers (who tend to be city people, not freeway commuters) HOME HEALW CARE 'fold about losing sleep and jobs, delaying doctor visits, having a hard time getting to Available 24 hours per day the grocery, and they worried about the coming of winter. Specializing in the care ofchildren *Adults*Elderly Businesses pointed out thatia lot ofthose people need transWe provide Personal dare Assistants Home Health portation to be employees and Aids Homemakers Live-in Caregivers Nursing customers. Surprise! Our Rehabilitative Services include: PhysicaV OccupationaVSpeech/RespiratoryTherapies The governor was NIT. Tough Guy. We're going to hold out, PCA Provider Organization most people don't really care, MA/Waiver/Medicare Certified the drivers are unreasonable, we'll use cheaper drivers on .. rented vans and school busses, 842 1 Wayzata Boulevard, Golden Valley, MN 55426

came to oar home for lunch.

And, it would lower the burden on property tax payers.

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II1I I

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While I wasthrilledattheprospect ofseeing her again, 1 was alsoapprehensive. l wondered what Noniia'b expectations of me would be. Would she think I'd be in better physical shape than l am? She hadn't seen me during my prime when I walked without a walker. Would she be disappointed in me? The "old age" factor was overshadowing my thoughts. But it needn't have. Norma, who has retired from her physical therapy profession, looked beyond my physical limitations due to c.p. and aging. Instead. she, along with herhusbandandsister,set both Larry and 1 at ease. Isn't this what sincere friendship is all about? A look into your heart, not your outer casing. This Tltanksgiving I'm thankful for reunions with those who have reentered my life.

'+. -bu

NOV14 - Ellie Emanuel: International c o n f e e on Women in Beijing, China

the day 1 received her call Norma didn't know that I had married.

It's

~ r e k c i t i e(andevenjust s nice cities, like ours) offer citiiens Nov 21 and visitors convenience in getting around, with costs ,Nov 28 held k,a minimum. Wemust t r d good public transportation as a valuable necessity, Dec 5 not some costly subsidy for a rather "undeserving group" WEOcan't afford Cars Or tax- Dee 12 is.

- John Schatzlein: Sled Hock% - Peggy Mann Rinehart:National Council on Youth with Disabilities Cheri Register: Cheri's book'LivlngwithChronic Illness: Days of Patience and Passion."

reg and ~

o Tefiaar: b Architectural Design

106.7 FM -St. Ptiul 90.3 FM -Mpls Every Tuesday 7:30 p.m.

Get Involved in Politics As if Your Life Depends on It ~ecaukeIt Does. * Please! Please! Please!

...

Send us your name, address, and telephone number. You can choose to participate at your energy and ability level.

Americans For Disability Rights - MN "Justice For All" '

(ADR-MN) is a broad based coalition that provides education about and advocates for the development and protection o f legislation affecting the rights of persons withdisabilities (PWD). ADR is spendingthenext 12 months identifying and training PWD'S to participate in the political process(muItipartisan) until the election in November 1996.

The best way to do this is GET INVOLVED WITH.ADR-MN "JUSTICE FOR ALL" Please contact us at: ADR-MN, c/o MCIL, 1600 University Ave., Suite 16, St. Paul, MN 55 104 Telephdne: 612-646-8342 (Voice), 603-2001 (TTY), 603-2006 (Fax)

* Justin Dart - Lyashington, DC "Godfatherof the ADA"

I 11 11

November 10,1995

Access Press.

Together Outdoors Minnesota Together Outdoors Mimeso- By providing training, public ta (Project T.O.M.) is a t w o awareness events, conducting year collabarative project ' on-site accessibility surveys, sponsoredby Vinland Cehoer, and publishing a quarterly Wilderness Inquiry, and the newsletter, the Outdoor DiMinnesotaDementofNat- versity Specialists will assist ural Resources. This training outdoorrecreationserviceprois provided at no cost to the viders throughout Minnesota individual. Project T.O.M. is in improving the .quality of

. Mew $?

Quit My Sight,

Oh Crippledoom Given Liz Tay]orFswork for people with AIDS, it seems a little disingenuousto hear her declare q will not be a c+ pie." When she assures us, "1 will get overthis," she means, she will "fixw h a limp as she has gone t h g h diets, hair coloring, chin lifts, replace,

ment hips; divorces, ad infinitum in order to feel good hmlf- Dm she lieve people will think less of her if she uses crutches or a DOesshethhklessOf others who aren't covergirls? If that is the circle she lives in and caters to, perhaps she deBut people whose &Mities or illnesses can't be "fixed"still

sponse from Mulednet!

- 6; - -

As an member Minnesota Multiple Sclerosis : Achievement Center, I am ,

D w Edh: *.

Regarding the recent contro-

to belong to, either, Elizabeth cused by his apposition of not

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DEFICIT

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Through January 14.1996 V

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is barrier-free and accessible to visitors with special needs. Everyone can enjo art, and exhibitions and Institute are available to a l The Mlowing tours are aval able: at the For visitars with hearing impairments, a sign language intergreter mmpanies the public tour presented on the first Sunday of each month at 2:00P.M. Visitors with visual impairments can enjoy the museum's collection with the individual guidance of a specialfy trained docent. Small customized group tours may be scheduled for visitors requiring wheelchairs or other special accommodations. Small gmup tours may be scheduledSar visitors who are developmentally disabled or emotionally disturbed. To arrange a tour, please call 870-3141 at least 4 weeks in advance. All tours are free.

THE MINNEAPQLIS INSTITUTE OF ARTS

2 4 0 0 A~v e ~ W e th 612-870-3131 Thisexhibiikn issuppomd by aur membersand danoli. anlamt from the Waganal E m h m u forchehis. -

submit that he does have a .

van was delivered te me on the American Health Security December21,1994, which was Program, which would replace most of the benefits now pm-

participants who have an eth- 5-day integrated, outdoor ad- grams; 2) incmae the quality

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facilitiesandprogramsbyconducting on-site accessibility surveys; and 3) increase the diversity of people of people served in outdoor programs. A stipend will be available to participants depending on the amountoftrainingtheyreceive and their level of involvement

' a

cant fom p. 3

Minnesota families with two ormore children would be most affected,withover76,000taxpayers seeing an average annual increase of $444. About 45,000 single individuals in Minnesota, with adjusted incomesof$9500 or less, would no longer be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). And in progressive states like ours, where abased ElTC is pegged to the ~ e d e ktax l code, many working families would get a double whaplrny, throughan additional increase in their state taxes. A MINNESOTA STANDARD OF FAIRNESS It's a simple question of fairness. When this budget plan slashes funding for Medicare and Medicaid, it seems to me scandalous that we should not ask wealthy individuals and corporations to pay their fair share. As a result of the GOP budget plan, middle and lower income familieswill havetheir taxesraisedsubstantiallywhile themost affluent will have their taxes reduced. That's why we should close many of the narrowly-focused tax loopholes which allow the privileged few to escape paying their fair share, forcingeveryoneelse to pay higher taxes to make up the difference.

SOME PROPOSALS TO REDUCE DE F l C l T BY CLOSING TAX LOOPHOLES 1. RETAIN ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX (estimated savings: $9.2 billion): The changes made by the ~ e d l i c a budget n bill will relax substantially, and then effectively eliminate, the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) for some firms. This provision ensuresthat wealthy corporations andothertaxpayers with large numbers of deductions, credits, and exclusions pay at least some tax. The AMT, enacted i?to law in the Tax Reform Act of 1986, was designed to ensure that all taxpayers, includingprofitable companies who had escaped completely all taxes, pay their fair share. Changes made by the bill are estimated to cost the federal treasury $9.2 billion over the next seven years. The TreasuryDepartmentestimates that ifthe AMT is effectively repealed, by the year 2005 we could have more than 76,000 corporations not paying any taxes.

ment to "intangible dsinrjlk costs" incurred by the oil and gas industry. Since 1916, the oil and gas industry has bene fited richly from this special tax benefit. By allowing certain costs to be "expensed" (written off in m e year) rather than "capitalized" (written off over the life of the asset) as most other industries must do, taxes on certain income are effectivelyreducedtozem.It"s estimatedthateliminatingthis loophole will save U.S. taxpayers at least $5 billion. .-

3. ELIMINATE PUERTO RlCO TAX CREDIT (estimated savings: $35.5 bil- . lion): Though the Senate Fi: nance Committee has finally . acknowledged that this loophole, which has been used for years as a multi-billion dollar overseastaxshelter, should be repealed at some point, it does so over periods of 7-10 years with generoustransition benefits for corporations in the interim. I believe we should repeal it immediately. Eliminating this loophole would . save over $35 billion.

4. ELIMINATE EXCLU-

2. ELIMINATE SPECIAL RULES FOR OIL OR GAS (estimated savings: $5 billion): This provision ofthe tax code gives special tax treat-

SION FOR FOREIGNEARNED INCOME (estimated savings: $18.4 billion): This loophole, which Deficir - cont. on p.

* I

November 10,1995

Access Press

Senator k a u ~Wellstone Expla~nsThe Effect Of Proposed Medicare-Medicaid Cuts To Our Legislators care. Thoselosseswill have to be made up for by another source. Recent estimatesshow that close to $100 billion of the cuts 61federal spending will be shiftedto private burers. Families that are already struggling to pay for the high cost of medical insurancewill be f q d to pay even more or drop their coverage.

Medicaid to pay the stagger- midents in some s t a b were the rate ofgrowth of Medicare ingcostsofnursinghomecare. being unnecessarilytieddown, over the next seven years i ~ e g i o k treatment l centers, drugged and subjectedtodm- would extend the life of the grouphomes, respitecare, res- gerous living conditions. trust h d fiom 2002 through idential and home-based ser2906, Republicans have provices, personal care attendant In summary, these spendiig posed reductions of $270 bilservicesandrehabilitationser- reductions would change the lion. Much ofthe $270 billion vices stre all paid for by Med- face of health care in our state would be used to finance a tax kdd. As for the TEFM pro- forever. They would leiiveow cut which would dispmpol gram, which allows over3,OOO children, our elderly, our dis- tionately benefit the wealthy Minnesotan children with' se- abled and our health care sysvere disabilities to be eiigible tem, which has been the envy But let me get away from the These spending cuts come for Medicaid based on their of many other states for de- taxcutlhvstfhdargumentand duringaperiodwhenthe Medi- own income and thus receive cades, in gravejeoparcty. talk about 'the reality of the care popu.latition in Miesota in-home fami$ suppds d future of health eare in this is projected to i n b a s e from health care ...what is goingto No one has worked for ctmtry. n e number of unin637,000 do 671,000 and the . happentothese kids? Nobody m l cost conh-01 throughout d especially uninsured Mdicaid population from hasmy idea right now how all q r health care *.s Qan I children- mcreaseseveryyear. 426,000 to531,000. On top of these p r q p m s would be &- h e : But real cosf control The mulation is aging, with Thank.you for asking me to Minnesota is that we have al- thafassunaimgthatthe decline f W by the proposed cuts. would mean squeezing inetfi- the oum-85 population growjoin you today in your hearing ready-streamlined and cut thie in employer-based private in- But clearly, cuts wili be made ciencies from our health care ing& fiwat. Medical infladesigned.to assess the impact kt out of our system. That surance coverage continueson and protections will be elimi- system while being sensitive tion' FLS faster than general of &&ediccrremd Medicaid shddn't be a probleni our its GWWXIâ&#x201A;Źmjectory, only half nated. to existing regional inequities inflationand wag& every year. @ding re-as on the health caresystem is the envy ofthe populationunderage65. ' and in a manner that protects Why should we cut hospital ~&te, of o@r states and should be will be insured through work If Minnewta doesn't make up Low-income families and FU- paymentsjust to keep the trust rewarded for its efficiencies, by the year 2000. If it hadn't the Medicaid funding short- d, teaching mi publib bspi- f h d solvent but continue to ' i been for Medicaid picking up fall anywhere from $2.4 to tals. Real cost Wcontrolwauld a l l w costs - which we all In the last few wdm, Rqmb not cut more. M adready know that if payments the slack in recent years, 25 $3.4 billion over seven years mean Congmsgetting@work ultimately pay for one way or percent of the children in this credible estimates show that on serious health. care reform anorher throughout the rest cjfM e d i m and M country would have no health about 9,400 Minnesota mi- fm the lang haul. N~body the system,to continue spiralinsurance. Morethan 310,000 dents could lose their eligibil- knows better than the states h g upwards and insurance @& by between $7 and $8 children we covered by Med- ity for~caidlong-termcat and the care-givers that feder- coverageto continueqiraling %illion over seven years. The impact of these cuts would be n e m &.a&&& $ ~ i i g. icaid in the state. Among U.S. benefits a number W couM J health spending is pan of a downwards? I say it makes no &vasta#bg not only fix Min- prescription drug coverage, p,&jldmn c o d .by wit- m a r to Ibs%.&0~0 ?y @- bgaproblem that hrJktdes a saac to make cuts basedasedmly nesae's mod & & e r a 'mdproviders are already be- ai& mbie iha.half Sve> a LeG2OdO. Families would be r i h g number of uninsured onbudgetaryuacerns aid not zens - children, the d i i w - hg paid reduced amounts rel- working family. forced to pay for nursing home Americans, changing demo- based on good health policy,

rimeto get back to re 70,000 seniors in Minnesota live below the federal poverty line, and about half of all seniors in Minnesota have incomes of less than $20,000. .Average OM&-pocket Medicare casts currently total $2,5 19per year, not including the costs ofprescriptiondrugs or nursing homes. And just as Republicans have proposed to double seniors' out-of-pocket costs, they have also proposed to eliminate the program un! der Medicaid which guarantees protection against out-ofpocket expenses for seniors living under the federal poverty level. These changes fly in the fhce ofrational policy making.

from the-advmm nfroedical mmuch, we all b n M t &m "*being w e d by well-trained medical professionals, we all , . worry about the fact that there - :--A --.=,: h e already too many children z who are uninsured - 100,000 ,- iin Minnesota alone and we .. ::. are all aware that too many of --&-;,our parents andgrandparents , are already forced to choose z: befween food and prescription 2: drugs. Changes to our federal *:.' health programsbased only on :ie budgetary concerns and not r on real people could have : ? * drastic 'cdnsequences that ;%, would affect all of us.

revenue for most Minnesota hospitals.. 'fn 1@3,98 of our state's 140 community-based hospitals receivedatleasthalf of their revenue from Medicare and Medicaid. In mid Minnesota, mahy hospitals in small agricuituid communities caunt on Medicare for 60 to 70 percent of their annual revenue. inthe hfmine years, 22 community-bd hospitals have closed across the state and yhen ruralhospitalsclose, it affects me whole cohmunity. In addition, M k d i i is also the largest explicit pay& ofgraduatemedical educktion . *-. , - Mirinesota received about . :r>For Minnesotans, any Medi- $1 12million forgraduatemed;- .care proposal that does not ical education in 1993. - ,$:move toward rewarding pro-- , . viders and managed care ar- Currently, 43 percent of Min--::rangementi in regions which nesota hdspitals lose money 4.-.e .+ are low-cost and efficient on Medicare. If $270 billion wouldbeparticulariydevastat- in cuts are airproved, 67 pering. Our unique problem in cent will lose money on Medi-

*: ,

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Most Medicaid spending in Minnesota-about60 percent is for long term care. Over two-thirds of nursing home residents in Minnesota rely on

their parents? general inflation every year The foregoing &t&m by -.--A The Republican Medicaid pro- are the primary reasons why Scn Wellrerone war mo& to a ? posal also eliminates all w- the trust fund will be in bad jointcmmitteemeeti~of~ka' tections for rural he& cih- , shape in years to,come: Whfle Minnesota Legislatureon Oct. , . .. ics, children's hospitals, and the Health Care Financing 9, 1995. The meeting was not - '' otheressentialummunitypro~Administration has certified reported by the ~inneaPolir . viders. Stateswouldno longer that an $89 billion reduction in Star-Tribune. have to pay for services provided by rural health clinicsor rural hospitals at a rate that ,*.:- . covers the cost of providing Who knows better than YOU care. Children3 hospitals, the PCA services you need? community health cent&, publichospitals,andotherpro- ~t Allied Healm Ahernatives,.we work with viders that serve large num- you to create a health servic- partnership. bers of low-income patients Weln provide competent nursing will no longer be guaranteed supervision that supports your goals and payment for any ofthe servicobjectives, plus knowledgeable assistance es they deliver to low-income and coordination when you need it. patients. The proposal would \ eliminate federal quality proCall 544-1655 tedions for nursing home rep' idents - improvements that for Our FREE brochure titled were enacted in 1987 in response to an independent re- "Choosinga Personal Care Assistant." port showingthatnursing home .L-

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

Allied Health Alternatives, Inc.

DEFICIT- cont trom p. 6

Nursing Support Services Nursing Enterprises

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+has been in the tax code for : -syears, willcost federal taxpay.: , r. .,emabout $9 billion over the rw-.:. next five years. Under this . - provision, if you are a U.S. .. . :I ;*citizen living and working - 2:abroad, you are not taxed on .. . +Y ? , the first$70,00Oyou earn.This . exclusion serves as a subsidy to people who work abroad, .... -. -.:-.. .and to.the often large, profit~. - 1 able multinational firms for .' ' ;. 7~;whom they work. It's report& ..-=- .,.;+:

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edly extensively used by oil companies whose employees work in the ~ e k i a nGulf region,wheregovemmentsflush with oil revenues often impose littie or no taxes on their citizens. .

with the refonis of the mid REDUCE THE DEFICIT 1980's, which closed some of FAIRLY AND RESPONSIthe worst .tax loopholes, the B L ~ presence of 'expensive tax I've consistently worked to bieaks in the current tax code redue the deficit - but it must forces middle class and work- be done in a way that is fair, ing people to pay far m r e responsible, and that requires than they ~thawisewouldhave shared sacrifice. Ensuringthat Some may argue that closing to pay. By eliminating these everyone pays their share by tax loopholes and restricting tax breaks, we couldmake the special tax loopholes special inberest tax breaks is tax system hirer and simpler. for wealthy corporations .and somehow sim'ilaito raising tax individuals will help us as a rates. They are wrong. Even WE MUSTCONTINUE TO . nation to meet these goals. .

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I ce pelts against my bedroom winow as I stand, gazing into darkness. ~ gI. m numb. Not even the wind, tuging at the chimney with mournful ~unds,touches the sadness moving

Technically, I was Wendy's boss. But I never once felt that way about her. She fell in love with DRAGnet during its conception back in 19891990. Even though she worked for the United Handicapped Federation,

:st for 1 have lost a friend.

feeling sorry for yourself. That's the way she lived. She wasn't afraid to ask for help when she needed it but only when she needed it. I remember when we moved into the Textile building. Wendy was so excited to get back to the office. We 1 met Wendy in the UHF office. got her a key and she insisted on During those fmt several meetings making sure she could open and close she gave me the most precious gift of the door. our relationship. She forced me with subtle, inexorable, kindly pres- It took her 20 minutes to unlock the sure -to become comfortable with door and push it open with her chair. her disability. Not condescending. But she could do it. We all got ready Not pity. Not acceptance. Comfort. to leave and Wendy suggested that Acceptance without re-evaluation of she lock up. That's when we learned the human being's worth. that one of us would have to push the button so the door would autoI found her to be a wonderful sound- matically lock when it was pulled ing board with an absolute gift for shut. Unfortunately,that'salsowhen reading people. She knew who was we realized it was impossible for her honest and who was not to be trusted. to grab the door and propel herself When UHF folded, she hitched her quickly enough out of the door so it wagon tothe travelingroadshow that would close. best described DRAGnet forthe next yearandahalf. Shenever gaveupon Most people might have given up us. Never stopped contributing, even -andjustassumedthatsomeonewould

1 am no stranger with Death. We've let many times. Too many times, erhaps. Twice his visits have ~ucheddeep into my soul. Perhaps character flaw but, despite growing psurrounded by his coming, Death as only twice taken someone close nough to hurt - and hurt deeply. hce, as a child, he tookmy grandfaher. This week he took Wendy liutio.

I cannot tell you the intimate details fhow Wendy lived her li6. I cannot ive you a list of her family a d iends. I only vaguely knew where ie lived before she entered the hosital this last winter and spent most f her time fighting cancer. I cannot :I1 you much about her hobbies beond her dog, her love of basketball nd her devotion to children. Peraps I should, but it wasn't thenature relationship.

gad ~ o d r u c k i o a .

Far mare idormation call: Mimmpolis 1 St. Paul:

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Fine Residential and Commercial Painting and Wallcovering Installation Ofice: 612.33 1.103 1 300 2nd st. Digital P a p : 647.8021 Mprs.,MN 55414 IN, C.P. Facsimile: 379-2730

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SERVICES

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MOVIN' ON INCORPORATED

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THE LAWYER WHO USTENS

Plan to Achieve Self Support

* PRIVATE PAYMENT

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Dawn at 754-5949

P.A.S.S.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

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Gregg or ehris at 647-0592

9818 Unlmsity A m SE. . r r a a p ,

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* ~ i g Quality, h Lift Equipt Service Foe

Discrimination, sexual harassment, employment; divorce, children, living together, willdliving wills, C house closings, criminal law and more. Knowledgeable, respecthl, accessible, a f f d l e . NOKEHEROENCI MED~CALT/UNSPO~~DN Day/evening/w=kend appointments, VMC accept.

You see, in the same month she died, Bush Foundation awarded us a grant to expand our operations next year. It was the big break she and I had talked about so often.

couldn't use one of the hundreds of look at a Metro Mobility van and not computer cables we had sitting there think of her. I'll. never look at a at the time. Of course! computerpower c.ord and not see her at her desk demanding that 1 find. The remaining time we spent in that some challenging work for her. I building, there was always acomput- hope we at DRAGnet will honor her er cable attached to the door knob. It memory by becoming all the things was stolen four times (no big deal) wedreamedabouttogether. Forgive but the worst part was that Wendy me for being slow and dull-witted. I never returned to that office before wish I'd been able tomake it happen we moved to our present location and sooner. -----she never got to see this place, either. Gordon Gillesby is the CEO of She's gone. I miss her. And I'm DRAGnet - the Disability Reangry at the useless things that she sources, Aflliates and Groups nethad to put up with in her too short life. work (6 12.338.2535hoice; I'm angry at Metro Mobility because 338.2569flrur). The Power of To: is theyroutinely used to ride her around about computers, cyberspace and for 2-3 hours for a 20 minute ride. cotnmunicationfirallpeople. Please Angry becauseMetroMobilitythree -shareyour thoughts, comments and times refused to provide her with a ideas about this column with Access ride to the Target Center so she could Press or log on to DRAGnet Ir see her beloved Timberwolves play mation Service with your compqer after we got tickets for her. Angry and modem (612.753.1943; 8-n-I; because she didn't get a chance to see ANSI emulation). how much her work and belief in DRAGnet paid off.

A persad care agemy with a personal touch RN training and.supervisionprovided ~ A b l i s h e din 1987 as a high qwJ'%yBethical company

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she couldn't come to the office be- $ways have to be at the ofice with cause of the computer junk stacked her. Not Wendy. She noted that, a rope attached to the doorknob would and spread everywhere. enable her to simply pull the door Wendy hated self-pity. She under- closed from the hall while backing stood people have differentand often out. I pointed out that we had no

for people with disabilities. She was even more passionate about what peoplewithdisabilitiescoulddowith computers. And Wendy would be the firsttotell you that the two are not the same.

by Gordon Gillesby

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