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be part of the "The challenge is struggle, tornalce a positive diflerence." -David Satcher
Barriers To Employment - p.4
Access Press. Volume 8, Number.9
SOURCES
I
RESOURCES
September 10, 1997
TENANT TURMOIL Management Problems Create Unsafe Conditions by Jane Wheeler
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t'samajorstorm. Theelec- despite a power outage. Hostricity has gone out in vari- pitals, care facilities and maous parts of the city. Sud- jor high-rises use backup gendenly a barrier forms around erators for these types ofemeryour house: you are trapped gency situations. inside. Worse yet, you are trapped outside. It sounds Jon Dickerson is the managborriblii, but thisise&iiilhly ing general partner for Cen.
rise buildings did have generators in place. She explained that since major power out ages have not been a large issue in the past, there has not been pressure by the public to make generators mandatory. While she admits it would be
Hartwigsen's night on July 1 , 1997.
erator in place, sherecognizes that it will be a sacrifice of possible future repairs. She said, "if you are investing half the reserves, what are you giving up?"
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Photo provided by Evan Kernp Associates
@! National Leader Dies 1 Z&;,q&$ E J &J. ~ K e m ~Jr. .
During the storm on that date that caused power outagesand flooding in the Twin Cities area, power was lost in part of the Holmes Greenway complex and both elevators were inoperable from approximately 9:30 PM on July 1 until 7:00 PM the following day. Hartwigsen along with four others spent the night in the building's common area. These five members of the Holmes Greenway community use wheelchairs and were unable to get to their apartments using the stairs. "I basically sleptsittinginmychair. I had a pillow and leaned on a table," Hartwigsen said. Other residents who use wheelchairs were trapped within their apartments for over twenty hours. A problem like inoperable elevators is an obvious failure in the intended mission of the residence. Holmes Greenway isa' 15 year old building that was designed to be wheelchair accessible. Its purpose is to provide housing for disabled people who receive Housing and Urban Development (HUD) subsidiesfor their living expenses.
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f##EL&mxdCamWith lities Act af 1940,
bewm&
After the July 1 storm, some of the residentsrequested that a backup generator be innot b e ~ d n e d B P r d stalled ~ to the elevator motors, so they would function . K m - c a . on p. 3
limited partnership that owns Holmes Greenway. He also runs DiversifiedEquitiesCorporation that manages the building. In an interview he said that they are already accepting bids on installing a generator but the outlook is not promising. He claimed that the first bid they received estimated approximately $62,000. This expenditure would take up half of the reserves available for the building's futuremaintenance needs like replacing carpeting and windows. When the final bids come in, Dickerson will then have to submit the bids for approval to HUD, who insures the building's mortgage. HUD would then determine whether the building has enough financial viability to support the expenditure. Since the July Is storm, HUD his become more aware of the potential problems of not installing backup generators in multifamily complexes. HUD sponsors many buildings that are designed specifically for the disabled and the elderly, but it does not at this time have a generatorrequirement. Patricia Mack is a public affairs officer for HUD and was upset when the situation at Holmes Greenway was brought to her attention. She looked into the various designs of HUD complexes and found that a few of the high
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This is not the first time residents have had to pressure the management at Holmes Greenway to make changes in the building in the interest of accessibility. Some of the residents with physical limitations were unable to work the mechanical locks that were in place on the apartment doors. This was particularly difficult for those occupying the corner rooms. The locks are only a few inches away from the hallway walls. This orientation does not allow clearance for a wheelchair. The residents temporarily used the unsafe solution of leaving their doors unlocked. A freighting condition that Kathleen Hagen of the Disability Law Center says is probably quite common. "People are traditionally leaving themselves in unsafe situations around Minnesota, because they are unable to lock their doors," she said. Hagen advised the residents in negotiating their solution. The residents requested that automatic, electronic locks to be installed on the doors of the units. Hagen explained that the ADAdoes not require building owners to offer elecHolmes - con1
Access P
Changes To D.E.A.F.. New Name, New Image;,
r
e
s
Will Someone Please Turn On ? r :1: ! Lee--'lt -
by Robert Walker by Michael Zeledon
ost people know some have spent the last several betcha", the Council will try thing about community months talking with Minneso- and get foundation funds for a
equal access and quality of life leader in the provision of ac- referral.
grassroots organization estab- and alive!" lished in 1885. D.E.A.F. is a non-profit organization funded primarily by grants
( a ) Whatpercentageofpeople because they see that if they Virginia, Michigan, Georgia who use employment pro- had access to program results, and national Goodwill Indus-
metro area recreational activi-
council NRC goals are very ing people, and a variety of
Gettingemployment networks to measure benefits to consumers will take a lot of help and that's whatthismessage is
promoting every Deaf provides direct services such American's right to equal ac- as telecommunications relay
SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION
529-5019
483-9143
they can serve more people withdisabilities. We will also be making sure that programs do not improve outcomes just because they start serving people with minor problems.
hear what you have to say about employment programs and
withyourpermission,addyour
name to our mailing list. And don't forget to ask us for some details on what wedo and why it is that we need your help. The National Results Council isaMinnesotagrownnonprofit We are looking for support Just mention the NRC "Light organization thathas spent four from anyone who thinks it's of the Day" package. years and $250,000 to find a time to turn on the lights so we way to compareprograms and can see what's going on and Robert Walker is Founder of
HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES
ACCESS PRESS ...................................... ;.............................Wm. A. Smith, Jr.
Co-Founder/Publisher(1990-1995) EditorlPublisherlCo-Founder Cartoonist Production , Staff Writers & Editorial Assistants
.......................................................................... Charles F. Smith .......................................................................................................... S c o t t Adam ..............................................................,Presentation Images, Ellen Houghton ............., Cindy Bordeaux, Dawn Doering & Jeff Nygaard
ACCESS PRESS is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities b Access Press. Ltd. Circulation is 10,000,distributed the IOY of each month through more than 130rocations statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $1 51yr. 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 Sl8lcolumn inch, depending on size and frequency. Classified ads are $8.00, plus 35 centslword over 20 words. Advertisingand editorial deadlinesare the 30th of the month preceding publication; special scheduling available for camera-ready art.
Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroom apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. We have housing in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Marshall, willmar, and ~ ~ l ~ t h . The apartments are fully wheelchair accessible and each building has a central laundry room, large community room, securedentryand an on-site caretaker. AS1 SO offers shared personal care services 24 hours a day, at most locations, for adults with a physical disability andlor traumatic brain injury who qualify for Medical Assistance.
Formore (612, 645-727 466-7722. services or housing call Leigh, for employment as a personal care attendant call Sean or Courtney.
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) 644-2133 Fax (612) 644-21 36
4
Accessible Space, Inc.
s
September 10,1997
Access Press
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Proiect GOLD
An Opportunity For Girls - And Their Parents
. IN BRIEF.
...
112~~ Annual Job Success Fair The 12th Annual Job Success sored by the City of tribute resumes, leam about Fair - Exploring Your Options for people with disabilities will be held on Monday, October 13, 1997 from 12:00 Noon- 4:00 PM at the Marriott Hotel - Bloomington, 2020 East 79th Street. The event is free to the public and is spon-
Bloomington and theMarriott job requirements, obtain inHotel. Sign Language inter- formationaboutjobplacement and training programs from preters will be available. vocational resource people, The Job SuccessFair provides and learn about community an excellent opportunity for resources and advocacy proall people with disabilities to grams. Informational workmeetpotentialemployers,dis- shops will be held.
roject GOLD is a club de- led by scientists and math opportunity to learn. Their signedforgirlswithphysi- ematicians as well as by Club sessions will be on: adaptive 'cal, sensory, and/or medical faculty andstaff. Girls will be equipment, the Internet, e- * -disabilities and who have an matched up with afemalecol- mail, advocacy for their chilinterest in science, mathemat- lege student mentor who is dren, and a variety of other ics, technology andlor com- also interested in math, sci- topics to help with the development of their : puters, and their . parents. Project child through October 5 - 11 is mental ill- steps of the State Capitol. GOLD is now acness awareness week and will adulthood. featureevents all week, begin- The week will feature inforcepting applications from girls Proiect GOLD is ning with a candlelight vigil rnation booths at the Mall of on the America and area libraries, funded by the Na- 1on bct. 5, at ~:OOPM, from around the state OF Minnetional Science sota who are enFoundation with s u ~ ~ ofrom r t thk IMetro Regional ServiceCen- and utilizingtechnology.There tering grades 6-8 ter for Deaf and Hard of Hear- are two computer stations u - enera] to participate in this special, free College. Other ing (RSC) has recently estab- which individuals can use to participants are lished an equipment and com- surf various web sites. club. The club the PACER ten- puter lab. This will be an intermeets once a ter, the Minne- active lab SO that consumers The RSC donated all their limonth, seven apolisandst. Paul can learn more about installing brary books to the Merriam times throughout the year, on the SchOO1sy ~innea~olis and the InterA d v ~ c a t i n ~ ~ h a n g e ~ o ~ e meeting t h e r on Tuesday. October Campus of the agency Office On is celebrating its 18th anni- 14, 1997. The event will take University of Transition at the versary at the annual dinner/ place at the Griggs Midway Minnesota. Minnesota DeSummer Camp -Geometry Day partment of Chil= cant. from p. 1 Activities will begeared to the ence and/or technology. The dren, Families, and Learning. interests of the club members. mentor will assist with classIand science, but must be found criminate against people with Girls will work insmallgroups work and communicate with Membership is free and lim- Iin the political arena through disabilities. in science and math using the participant via e-mail. ited. To get an application, the recognition of disability computers and other forms of Computers are provided. please call the Project GOLD as a civil rights issue. As a private businessman, technology. For example, office at (6 12) 625-3398 beMr.Kemp spearheaded agroup Internet and e-mail use will be While the girls are busy in fore October 10, 1997. Eventually, Mr. Kemp was of investors who purchased a a topic. The sessions will be workshops, parents also get an hired to work in the chief small wheelchair company, counsel's office at the Inter- Invacare, in 1979. At Mr. nal Revenue Service. In 1967, Kemp's suggestion, the comCOW. from D. 1
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Mental Illness Awareness Week depression screening, along with many guest speakersand open forums. Foracdlendar of events call the Alliance forthe Mentally Ill at (612) 64512948.
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lNew Computer Lab
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Park Library to establish the new "Deaf and Hard of Hearing Collection." The Library is located on Marshall and Fairview Avenues in St. Paul.
Ann iirersary Celebration
I KEMP
HOLMES
tney mlgnt be evlctea.
red an be reimbursed for the price of undue financial burden on the theelectronic lackpven if they . . mova and leave the lack'in owner. p~acd.Central Housmg AssoEventually acompromise was ciates legally does not have to reached ,in which the owner- reimburse the residents. They ship paid for installation on will allow residentsto'remove electronic locks that the resi- the lock, at their own expense, dents provided. Some of the and take it with them. Dickerresidents were administered son explained, since they did locks through their Medicare not originally buy each indior their Veteran's Association vidual lock, they do not wish benefits, but others had to pro- to be held liable for any future vide the locks from their own problems with the locks. expenses. Finding reasonably priced locks was necessary, What is perhaps most disturb since the residents of Holmes . ing about this story is how Greenway live there because tentative the residents were in they have a limited income talking about the struggles and can use their housing sub- they've had in making their living areas more accessible. sidies for rent. Hartwigsen was the only resiWorking together, residents dent who felt secureenough to found areasonably pricedelec- allow her name to be used in Ironic lock that cost around this article. One resident ex$100 which was installed by plained that she felt Dickerson the management company. and the management have used But for a person with the subtle "scare tactics" when doubledifficulty ofadisability residents have spoken up in and a limited income, even the past. She believes; that residents fear the owners Way this price of $100 is costly. find a way toremove their pets
the firm of Evan Kemp Associates, Inc. (EKA), a multifacetedcommunications,marketing, health and mobility company. With over 90 employees inMaryland, V e m i a and Pennsylvania, EKA is the leader in providing news, information, products and ser-
1 and became an authority on
and marketing ofits products. conditions toliveindependent equity funded insurance prod- Within ten li lnvicare be- and pgxlp.ctive . Theunnamedresidentclaimed ucts. He sued the SEC when came tkI,#qp@~om -.- --.'-> , *.% ? :.:. that* in general, he was told that he could not equipment company in the ~ v a i ~ ie; survived m ~ by hi Greenway residents do not be promoted to a supervisory United States. loving wife, Janine Bertram; understand their rights. She position because he used a his mother and sister, claimed many residents be- wheelchair. The successful In 1987, he became a com- Francesca Bliss and Francesca experience missioner of the EI$X and Bkhck, both of Cleveland lieve if they compjain their though aduous living situation is not acces- made him awar&of the short- was appointed agency chair- Height% Wa; his business siblet t h y will be consided comings of the federal sector man in 1990. During his ten- partner and best friend. Robunable tolive on their own and processing system ure at the EEOC, he directed ert Funk; and a large commuwill have to move to a nursing which, as chairman of the the implementation of the nity ofpeople withdisabilities home or care facility. EEOC, he was able to im- ADA and the Civil Rights to whom he devoted his life. prove greatly. A C of ~ i991. Hopefully a salution will be found the In 1980, Mr. Kemp left the After leaving the EEOC in Informationprovided by One situation at Holmes Greenway governmenttohead the~alph 1993, Mr. Kemp established Step Ahead. before Minneapolis is hit by ~ ~ d bisability ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ another disastrous storm like ~ i center ~ where h he~led a lhe One On July "- the successful fight against the backup generator to be in- Reagan Mministration's atstalled, HUDwill have togrant tempts to eliminate key proviHOME HEALTH CARE SERVICE approval, and Dickerson and sions of the 1973 Rehabilitathe owners will have to exer- tion ~ ~ me t ~~t . made it 24 HOUR ON CALL SERVICE cise their foresight and follow illegal for organizations that through with the plans. receive federal funding to dis-
BUILDING BRIDGES Helpingpeoplewith cerebral palsy and otherdisabilities achieve independence.
UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY (612) 646-7588 You see people. We see promise.
Building , tickets an $10.00 per person. To RSVP (612) 641-0297.
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September 10,1997
I
Access Press
Barriers To Employment - We're Working On It by Anita Bovcher
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P=
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ople in the disability age for personal care assiscommunity are padwny taaceandotheronpkgserviues that are nut covered a w k of the barriers' ta employment created by existing by Medicare or ernptoyer government policies. The health insurance; and . Minnesota Consortium for Citizens withDisabilities(MN 2)Allowing a mare gradual phase-out of Social SecuCCD) has formed a committee to specifically address rity cash benefits as earnthese issues. MN CCD is a ingsfrom employment inbroad-based coalition~forga- crease. This would make it more affordable for people nizations of persons with disabilities, providers, and advoto make the transition to cates. Recognizing a variety work. of barriersexist, MNCCD has identified two top priorities: MN CCD is addressing these issues at several levels: 1)Making it easier for working people with disabilities Educating state and federal to continue receiving Msd- legislators and enlisting their icaid (knowninMinnesota support for legislation to reas Medical Assistance or move barriers toemployment. MA), This would give these (Such legislation is often reindividuals needed cover- ferred to as "work incentive
d
proximately$27,000p%tyear. In March of 1997, DHS sub- Vermont is expected to inUolegidation".) - E x ~ n g i n f o t m a t i o nwith (In some cases, individuals mitted the r e q u i d request to duce federal legislation to aldisability advocates in other can earn more than the thresR- thefederal HealthC2eFiaanc- low S.Mtes to imp12tementMedstates. old if they have high health ing Administration (HCFA). icaid buy-in programs (such Collecting data and writing care needs.) People who have DHS is currently waiting for as Minnesota's propose$ case studies to illustrate how never received SSI do not HCEA to respond to the re- earnedincomedisregard)~~ current policies discourage qualify for "1 619(by' and quest. MN (XD has offered out having-to request s@c@l employment,andhow changes must pay almost 50% of ev- to help DHS in responding to permission from the federal could reduce long term de- erything they earn in order to those questions HCFA may government. SenatotJeffords' pendence m publicprograrns, retain Medicaid coverage. haveaboutthewaiver. Weare bill also includes a Medicare (This payment is called a attempting to develop clear buy-in program. This would sueh as Medicaid; *Enlistingthehelpofemploy- "spenddown".) arguments about the cost pf- help peopb who are self-emfectiveness of the earned ip~- ployed oi whose employersers and the general public in urgingtheir own legislators to In 1995,the Minnesolsr1qis- cpme disregard waive. We do not offer any health coversupport work inentive legis- lature passed a bill to ad&ess I $ e d w d e u l e l o l m g ' a ~ s d age. However. since Medithis problem. The bi!lrequ&d sliding fee J$e .@r +sons -careonly covers acuteandprilation. . Testifying at relevant public the department of Human earning above $27,000 yho mary care (hospital stays, hearings. Services (DHS) to request an still need Medicaid c o v w e . doctor's visits, etc.), many of these individuals would sfin Considering changes to &e "earned income hisregard Medicaid asset limit to allow waiver" from the f W gov- MNCCDecognim that there need Medicaid coverage to peoplewithdisabilitiestosave ernment. The"ear&-incomie are problems w i d ~ ~ e e a m e dmeet their long term care for their retirement. (The disregard waiver" WuId cre-' inm waiver law. needs. MN CCD is providingwhodonot input on drafts of ~ena'tot asset limit is the amount of ,ate a program like "1M9(b)" Xt ex money a person can have in for people who qudfy for tPsed personal care services, Jeffords' bill and will probsavings and still qualify for Social Security Disabilitg In- bwho rely on Medicaid for ably be encouragingmembers Medicaid.)Thenewasset limit come (SSDI) and aoW weti c@m services not covered by of the Minnesota Congres: For the MhsotaCare pm- personal care asdstimce typica! health insurance plans. sional delegation to support it. gram provides a good p w - (F'CA). Like the pe@a an If aEw excludes people wkh dent since it already excludes "1619(b)", these individuds. disabilities who.are receiving National Medicaid buy-in pro- , retirement funds. couldearnuptoappmxi~y Social Security Survivors' gr&s congressman Jim $27,000andit would'tredisre- benefits, as well as those who Ramstad has expressed intetThe follow in8 . ~ p e cWi c garded(not counted) in ealcu- &n'treceiveany Social Secu- est in legislation to create a proposals for continued ac- lating their eligibility for rityknefits, butwhostillneed Medicaid buy-inpfogramthat cess toMedicaidcoverageare Medicaid. People earning Medicaid. We may wish to go would be nation-wide, rathef currently underconsideration: more than $27,000 couid con- back to the State legislature to than waiting for individual tinue to buy Medicaid cover- try to address these problems. states to develop their own E d income ageonaslidingfeebasis. Since In the meantime, the earned proposds. MNCCD isdraftdisregard waiver
,
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& OTHER If
OSTOMY - URINARY MANAGEMENT NURSING SUPPLY SPECIALISTS
ployed people with disabilities could access this program d contebute. iow,ard their Medicaid coverage, based on their ability to pay.
Martha Hage's
RADIO SHOW Db3abled & PmId, It's Not An Oworon.
Work incentives initiatives Congressman have also been Jimproposed Bunningby of Kentucky, Congresswoman Barbara Kennelly ofconnectithe clinton ~ d ~ i tion and others. -These bills address different aspects of work incentives, such as tax credits for disabled, workers, tax credits for employerswho hire people with disabilities, promoting greater choice of vocational rehabilitation providers, and raising the "substantialg a h h l activity" level (the amount of monthly income a person can have and still receive a Social Security
!hpL 16 Encore Presentation
Jahn Hockenbeny, author, NBC Corresponden
@t.
23 Courage Center: Past, Present &Future David Phillips, Executive Director
Sept. 30 Living with Multiple Sclerosis Bt Depression
durable medical ~
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Pick up and deliwry
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email comments K k PFovM&f Orgs~imimi
TO SELL OR TO bW
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efforts by telling us your persqnal story a b u t barriers to employment that you have encounteted, and by urgiq your state and federal legislators to vote for work incentives legislation. If you have suggestipns or wwld like to be placed on the MN CCD Work Incentives Committee mailing list, ,please conta~t Anita Boucher, (612) 5200533 or FAX L6 12) 520-0577, CourageCenter, 39 15Golden Valley Road, &Iden Valley, MN 55422:
.
Social Securitv
Who's Making The Decisions?
Performances
by Dr. Seven Miles, MD
R
cussion of the livability of the projection period moves -sansq S S I . Ma& W fwd x a h benefits given that many per- forward; also whetherthepat- comes fmm scams' in.w sons with disabilities had to tern of annual balances or middlemenusevulnerableperlive in poorer neighborhoods Trust Fund Ratio trend line sons(likeimmigrants),service where housing was cheaper departssignificantlyfrom leg- providers whoexploitdisabled or community services are islative intent, or the latter persons for the providers benconcentrated, and where gro- showsan apparent lackofsta- efit. or careless providers who cery stores are absent or bility beyondthe 75year vulu- harm disabled persons by not charge higher prices than in ation period. properly filing work claims so that their clients' needs go wealthier areas. There was no discussion of living on My advocate friend asked me, unmet. fixedincoines withhighercosts "What does volume I, page As I scanned the two volumes, for staying alive as a landlord 124, footnote 17 mean?" In So, to my friend's question, 746pages. hundreds of tables, looks at you as a lawsuit wait- this section,experts worry that "What's foo charts, an acronym-laden ing to happen and jadks up raisingtheretirementagegives Footnote 17says thi.s report (SSASIM, OASDI, AIME) your rent accordingly. It was persons who wish to retire five isnot writtenaboutyourlife dense text, I was struck with hard to see in the tables how years ewly an incentive to desadness. The authors and it would feel and what spend- clare themsel~esdisabled to as youliveitoras you would be able to live it. And it' consulted experts were law- ingchoices would be made as get SSI. Imagine that! Conmust be &written. yers, actuaries, executives, one were f o r d to choose sidertheadvantages indeclarunion leaders, a think tank betweendkgefbrdtugh- ing yourself disabled to retire Footnote 17 says you are expert from theAmerican En- ter or special tutwing fa Ehe early. Money? (SSI averages not supposed to read this terprise Institute, a pension other. It was not &we -just $705 per month, hardly worth expert (retired) from Ford graphs and tables and biwvre . early retirement.) Handirepart or thus be able to speak back to it. And theremotors, some labor leaders, sentencesthat babble to Ehem- &paed parking space (if a late the chairman ofapower com- selves: wded car has not grabbed it fore it is all themoreimporpany, academic economic When definitive leg- fik andyou can afford a car) tant that we do so. policy experts and govern- islative revisionsareadopted, ,GuarhnteedIifeTong discrimiFootnote 17 is the signa'tm ment officials. subsequent long-range evalu- nation h r health, long term ations shauld compare up- care, anddisabilityinsurance? of healthy well-off experts I looked for testimony either &edprojections with the inwho seriously believe that by individuals or by sociolo- fehded fesults of the legisla- Applicant driven SSI fraud is they, as normal people, are gists who could explain what tien; based on the most fre- .uncommon. Administrative permanently self-sufficient and able-bodied and who it was liketolivewithadisabil- quently &cursed proposals, hearings involve only 40% of ity, how these dollar numbers such evaluations h u M con- beneficiaries; a third are aplookatpersonswithdisabilities as costs or freeloaders. met the experience of living sider whether the 75yepr ac- pealed. Crimidcases involve disabled. There was no dis- tuarialbuiunce rodecrease as I/l(rh of one percent nf perAnd this text must be rewritecently, an advocate for persons with disabilities asked me toreviewa government document, Rewrt of the 1994-1995 Advisory Council on Social Securitv. Heasked if some of the ideas in this report for changing supplemental security income (SSI) would harm persons with disabilities.
if
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in Henn. Ctr. for t
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ten tobe~boutacommunity Footnote 17 is about crime and people who prefer to and punishment. contribute to society or loved members who unfor- Dr. .StMid&$l a Faculty . tunately depend on us all. m d e r a t h CenterfoiBioethicsat dae UniversityoflWn-- .. nesota. ,
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SPECIAL TDITION -SECTION IJ
Access Press volurrle 8, Number 9
SOURCES
I
Act, the landmark civil rights'
fare and rehabilitation of people with disabilities- Past recipients includeChristopher Reeve, actor; Ed Roberts, founder of the independentliv-
ommended fullcivil rights pro- ,fivetimes, to hearfrompeople tection for people with db-. wifh disabi tities and urge abilities in 1983. As R S l a i " ' & . . Prs Ghsir* Commissioner ( I P 8 6 - 8 7 ) . ~ ~ . : : ~ ~ ~ f t h e ~ s e ~ i d e n t ' s ~ o m solicited input fkom staff' by mittee on the Employment of '
and Itzhak Perlman, the pre- ties (1988-90). he presided at ity comniunities. He urged 9a
1
cal analyst and veteran news tion and All Things Consid- itv. reporfer who is known for his cred. He was acorrespondel
Hockenbenyhas used a wheel-
the.same pain and joy as the est of us who have adisability ' I d best ofall, he is willing be. on hand to sell John think they recognize me I1 us about his feelings, Hockenbeny's book,Moving there's a different reason for ~
q
During rhc Ia\t bixtccnu
1: l~l~fYing CIIdnts Connect
Why Can't I Work? "Working is mathematically impossible," says Tom Hamilton of the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services. This is a perfect description of the work disincentives faced by people with disabilities.
Currently,avarietyofproposals to address these problems are being floated at both the state and federal levels. The Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities(MN CCD) has formed acommittee to promote such legislation. You can help by telling your Imagine you had an accident state and federal legislators that that's caused a severe disabil- To retain Medicaid coverage, you're concerned about this ity. You've worked hard you can't keep over $3,000 in problem. In particular, letthem through endless therapy ses- savings (not even in a retire- know you support allowing sions toachieve independence. ment account). You must also employedpeople withdisabiliYou've become proficient in take 50% of everything you ties to access Medicaid on a using adaptive equipment to earn over $420 per month and sliding fee scale, in order to perform a variety of tasks. It use it to pay for your monthly help pay for long term health takes you 2 112 hours to get health care bills before Med- services that are not covered 4 ready in the morning, but icaid will pay the balance. As by their traditional health in.. - .- vc - . you'veestablishedagoodrou- your income increases, you surance. Tell them you also tine. Working with a voca- kill quickly ~oseeli~ibilitifor tional counselor, you've iden- Food Stamps. You pay 30% tified a career path that suits of yourgross income towards to save for their retirement. your interests and abilities. your subsidized housing, so dieut isone of the factors that control at Northern S t a b You've taken classes and stud- that monthly payment continu- Taxpayers will ultimately benied hard to develop skills ally increases as youearn more efit, since these work incenneeded in today's job market. money. It won't be long be-. tives will allow many people Withdifficulty, you've finally fore the net result of working arranged reliable trans- becomes a negative number in portation. Employersare open your checkbook. What would will alsoenablethese individu(PIPS) Program, a program puter training, clients ate "One client was interested in to hiring you, thanks to the' be the point of working? als to reduce or eliminate their Americans with Disabilities arket exercises. Act, the a good market, and This is precisely the dilemma improving attitudes toward faced by .many people with people with disabilities. disabilities. While some work You'reready, willing and able incentive mechanisms do ex- work incentives are both ethito work. ist, they are extremely complex. Different provisions ap, , Now imagine that you rely on ply to people in different pubit only covers a few of the supplies you need on a daily basis. Contrary to popular perception, Medicare doesn't cover these items, either. There's no way you can afford the $2,50Odollarsper month it would cost to pay for them out of your own pocket.
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cal Assistance) to pay for personal care assistanceand other special services. Your prospective employer offers health insurance, but itdoesn't cover personal care at all, and
portunities that others don't have. It'sadiscouragingmess. Is it any wonder that 74 per- Boucher, Courage Center's cenf of people with severe disabilities remain unemployed? 520-0533.
"It may sound a little selfish,
cause of the benefits it provides to Courage - Center, to the community, to the corporation, and to the volunteers. That commitment to community serviceoften attracts quality people to the organization and provides a high level of personal satisfaction to employees.
Harley and his contribution to Vocational Services. "Harley has added a great wealth of information, not only to clients, but to staff. He is able to work with anyone and has learned to customize some of the adaptations that are out there."
She adds, "It's not just his Harley began volunteering at teaching ability, but his Courage Center less than one level of professionalism. month after he retired. Harley hasbeen able to teach clients job skills as well as For more than five years, work-appropriate behaviors Harley has worked withcour- and strategies. We'd be lost
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C.b quadriplegic
stem as versatile as a pair o hands. It's a self-transfer tool,
ents on some of the latest software packages help me keep my computer skills up as well. And, I think I'm helping the clients accomplish something important." He adds that his volunteer experience has taught him a lot about people with disabilities as well: "I am now able to see pastthedisability. Peoplewith disabilities have a lot more ability than disability and I think these people have an awful lot of courage."
LAPP, LAURIE, LIBRA, ABRAM'SON & THOMSON,
"Y
a hygiene helper for toileting or diapering. a bathing support, a positioning aid for posture seating. a stander or walker forsome. a floor exercise assistant, a freedom machine, and a back-saver /or caregivers. a
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1-800-724-5305
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EMPLOYMENT DlQCRlMlNATlON
INCLUDINO Dl8ABlllM Dl8CRlMlNATlON UNDER THE AMERICAN8 WITH D18ABlllTIE8 ACT (ADA) AND MINNE80TA HUMAN RlOHT8 ACT
Representi~tgenrployees nrtd employers
Through current giving, charitable organizations receive only a very small percentage of the total assets transferred each year.
12
September 10,1997
Access Press
Courage Center I' 1
i I
Northern States Power Wins Partner Award
Courage Center Honors
ince 1%4, Courage Center has presented annual hilli ips Awards to men and women with disabilities who have achieved success in their careers. The award, which is sponsored by the Rose and Jay Phillips Family Foundation, includes a $ l 000 honorarium. The purpose of e Minnesota Business NSP provides opportunities other informed of emerging the awards is twofold: to encourage individuals with disabilities to prepare for and find employment in their chosen fields, and to encourage employers to recognize the advantages of Partnership and Courage for their workforce to educate developments. hiring people with disabilities. This year's winners are Dan Klint, Kathy Ball, Ty Cavaleri, Cen+r are pleased to present themselves throughemployee the second annual Partners diversity awareness programs In 1994, NSP had a Special Jonathan Lesile and Elaine Hartsman. Awaid to honor a corporation that includes disability aware- Needs Fund, a central pool of office as a law clerk. FollowD M EuIm' that has fostered an environ- ness. One of the educational financial resources to guaraning his graduation from law mentthat is inclusive, andcre- tools used to educate the teethe provision of workplace ates opportunities for all workforce is regular employee accommodations if needed by Dan Klintbecameaquadri~le- school in '983 he began workpeople, and shapes a positive programs that includesdiscus- employees with disabilities. gic wheG duringahighschool ing full-timeas a law clerk. In . workplaceforpeoplewithdis- sionandnewinformationona This fund is an alternative game he his 1984 Klint became an assisin AnOka abilities. lot of timely topicl. They also means to pay for those rare, neck- He worked hard On his havecreaMseveralemployee high-priced accommodations rehabilitationand keptupwfith County assigned to the civil Northern States power corn-networks such as the Disabil- thatordinarily could strain the his school work. He gradu- division, where he has worked Klint is described by his peers pany (NSP) is the 1997recipi- ity AwarenessNetwork,which budget of an individual de- ated with his class in 1975. for 13years. His responsibili- as highly competitive, has a Following graduating from ties include representing and great sense of humor, an inentofthepartners inEmploy- is a grassroots employee pament. They also merit of People with Disabili- awareness network that ad- accessible customer service high school he attended the advising a number of county quiring and analytic mind and ties Award. NSP was chosen dresses company issues, area and are attentive to the UniversityofMinnesotawhere d e p m e n t s on legal matters. alwayshaspersonal grace. He because of its commitment to awareness and educational needs of customers with dis- hegraduated with honors with He maintains a full caseload is admired for his outstanding creating a corporate culture oppo~unities for &e entire- abilities,providingm/TDD aB.S.degreeinbusiness. Klint and services as counsel to the work in and out of the office. that encourages its employees workforce, and the ADA Net- access and billing materials in always wanted to be a lawyer Highway and Parks depart- He is involved in numerous and would not let his disabili- ments on property records, community projects that into value, acknowledge and work, which is a group of em- large print. tiesstop him from reaching his taxation, reviews and negoti- clude the Board of Directors demonstrate respect for one ployees who by virtue of their another. NSP promotes an positions in thecbmpany, have The MinnesotaBusiness part- goal. He continued to follow ates county contacts and land for Metropolitan Center for environment that celebrates responsibility for various as- nership and Courage Center his dream as he went on to acquisitions for new road Independent Living, fhon diversity by cultivating thecre- pect of ADA compliance and salutes the Northern States receive his law with ways. He has developed .an Rapids Parks Commission* ativity, talent, energy, and transcendence. This network Powercompanyfortheircorn- honors from the University of expeitise in eminent domain and ischairofthereality prop power of its entire workforce, meets regularly to exchange mitment to a diverse Minnesota. law and recently was success- erty section for the Anok including those with disabili- information and keep each workforce. ful in persuading the Minne- County Bar Association. ties. . While he was attending law sota Supreme Court to affirm school he began working at certain rights oflocal govern the Anoka County Attorney's mentsin highway construaion
1 I? I I
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Kathy Ball was born with a math and science. She was
defomed joints with limited and class government. Fol-
Is Proud To Be
assisting in the coordination of lectures and labs. The job continued to expand and in 1989 she became part of the Dean's Office in the College of Biological Science. Ball After graduating she found it still teaches, edits acollegiate very difficult to find a teach- newsletter and w o r k with the ing job, so she went back to educatianalpolicy committee. school and began working on her M.S. degree. In graduate Ball is very involved in fhe schdol she was a teaching as- community andparticipateson sistant in the general biology an number of educational orprogram. She graduated from ganizations that include the the University ofMinnesota in Foundation for Science am! Ball was bused to Mechanic 1969 a+ began warking as a the Disabliea, Science AssoittOrSrnfiburg ciation fof Persons DisArts High School, beeause it science
until she was old enough for school beforesheleamedhow to walk. Ball attended the Lindsay School for Crippled Children in St. Paul whereshe received dailyphysical therapy and a good education. She was a very motivated student and performed well in all her classes, especially science. During the summers she attended Camp Courage and enjoyed spending time out-
being a biology teacher. She transferred to the University of M i n k o t a in her sophomore year and graduated with a B.S. degree in 1965,
st$
TY CAVALERI
John Hockenberry"
ing for employment and was
neck ing him in aqudriplegic. diving accident ~e spent leav- skills tremely andhard looks tofor advance new ways his 1 the next six and half months in to advance ifi the c o m m y . rehabilitation at Ramsey . 1 9 9 4 h e w ~ p r o ~ t e d t o c ~ m Cavaleri spent the next six International Development which recruits individual month in the CouW-Division. He still continued farmers to work where he worked On take nupawus computer and has been success becoming independent. educational course offered by , sition because Land 0'Lakes.
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13
-z-l Judd Jacobson Award Winner: Robert Chalmers
Five Phillips Winner ning thisaward,"say Cavaleri. "It shows that my hard work anddetermination has paid off and has been noticed."
September 10,1997
Access Press
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Lakes provides the necessary tooh for him to work out of his home. Cavaleriis peers believe his success comes from determination, abilities to work with others, communication skills, self-sufficient, organization and his sheerdesire to work;
many community projects tha include the President's Council forpeople withDisabilities and Land 0'Lakes Council for People with Disabilities. He has also received special recognition from the President's Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities for his outstandCavaleri is very involved in ing efforts.
obert ~ h a l h e r sof St. . cational training in the area of R Paul has found a unique human relations, communicaway to set himself apart in the tion and the environment. He has also worked with Land training and consulting busi- Magic and illusion are the tools 0' Lakes to understand the mess. He incorporates magic heuses todeliver his message. difficulties in performing his into his presentations to chal- Chalmers' methods get audijob when his health is poor or lenge his audience members' ences to look at their individual during bad weather. To acperceptions about other attitudes and their precon- Jacobson Memorial Award, commodafe him, Land 0' people. It is this remarkable ceived notions about people Chalmers will receive $2,500 approach that has earned Rob around them. ~einteractswith which he will use to promote Chalmers the 1997 Judd his audiences to make them his business nationally to tarJacobson Memorial Award. take anew look at the way- they- get audiences. The award was created in think about other people, dustry to automate machine JONATRAN IoESLfE memory of Judd Jacobson, a whether it be their gender, Prior tost&ingbiso\Rn busitools. Jonathan's many techtravel industry entrepreneur physical ability, race, sexual ness, Chalmys w a d for Jonathan Leslie has been qui- nical achievements over the and radio personality. The orientation, size or age. Mayor G e o m Latimer of St. etly blazing a trail for people past twelve years have led to award is intended to provide Chalmers says, "Magic is a Paul, directihg the city's diswith disabilities ever since he his current position as lead the resourcesto encourage the creative, entertaining way to ability access programs. becameaquadriplegic follow- engineer for Slicer. It is that recipient to expand his or her deliver some very importatrt Chalmers is originaliy from ing a motorcycle accident in success in his career which has entrepreneurial capabilities. messages without detracting Illinois and is a graduate of 1977 at age 19. As a resident also earned him the 1997Rose L The award is funded by from the content." MacalesterCollegei S t . Paul. in Courage Residence, Leslie and Jay Phillips Award. "I ner. He currently is serving as ~~~~b~~~~~longlime friend , took advantage of the many love my work. it is what I have the president of Capable Pan- Daniel Gainey '"Being anentrepreneur means For more information about programs and services offered always wanted to do," says ners, a nonprofit organization taking chances and believing the Judd Jacobson Memorial to him to regain his i n d e ~ n - ~ e s l i e . "What makes this that provides outdoor hunting ~~b Chalmers, who has cece- in your pr&uct or rnvice," Awards,contactCourageCendense. That led award especially impomnt is and firhing opportunitiwfw bral pa]sy, founded People says Chalmers. "In my case, tsr, 39 15~ ~ l d~ ~~ him to the University of Min- that it is being given by Cour- people with disabilities. He ~ ~ ~ l ina g1984 i ~ to puaue his that product is me. 1 am hen- Golden Valley, M~ 55422; nesota where he be~amethe age center. It is a Courage volunteerswilhlhe~inncs~ldream of being an entrepre- ored *at I am being recog(612) 52@052(). first quadriplegic to graduate Center where my dreams Department .of Natural Rethis people ~~~i~ provides ,,iZed for my wo*.v9
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and writes software. Slicer that allows him to hold, aim, w e Center clients interested develops and constructs corn- and fire a shotgun wirh .the ia &reef -exd-&rn. ' . puters for the sheet metal in- assistance of a hunting part-' 4-
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287 and 9 16 doing c+e managemant and counseling serT was born to be a psycholo- vices to addescents with dis-, . gist," shys Elaine ~ q m a n ,abilities and their families. R.D. 'I have always heen in&m%td in people-watohing She began working with the them p w and dmge." It is St. h u l School District in rlig this interest in people which early 1970s as a project direc- tice. Approni.-Ay onethird M to a successful career in tor d an earty education pro- of her clients wk people with , psychology and educationand gram forchildrenwithdisaZIili- , &;ysical and/or mental diswhich has earned lier a Rose ties. Once the p r o j d d &h%. Dr. Hartsman isalso and Jay ?PhaipsAward for completed, Dr. Hammrpg was adjmsct aaw&e pmfessol at 1997.. a p p o i n t e d ~ 3 i ~ ~ m. St. m Nlary's UniMity teachager w o t k i h ~ w i hstudents ing professional ethics and Growing up in Milwaukee, with disabilities, parents, and existentialpsychlogy. Sheis
Applauds Courage Center Award Winners
For their dedication I & accomplishments I to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
flwdal in'her life that couldn't be a teacher. wKih o e ~ & v e l o p d a d - k u ism, and cwaseling W h lum that was implemented in niques. "It is =warding to w a s h f i r s t l o ~ e .Insread,&e' ' earned a B.S. ia P ~ I fourth Q gmie ~ classro8li,s dis- w a w h c l i e a k d EiDd . and a M.S. in RebbilSXittEan triet-wide. ln addition ta conf t k i o m ~ o so w t k y ,can whatthey want," t& & Wniverii ducting a workshop^^^. Coudiqg@ $igb~,$6bconsin. m e Twin en, h.Hamman i n t r a d p d q y ~ hHartsmn. . Cities became her home when the we. of Count Me In pup -. she was offered law first pets as part of the curticuturn T h e ~ o s e a n d ~ a ~ ~ l ~ ~ ~ - ~ rfessianal p d w hem in and secured voh@msta q~ ily Foundatio~and C m e LW. 43k7w acmemmager erate the puppets. She earned Center salute &is years five fm'theCaoptm&e k b o I Re- her Ph.D. in E d u c a d d b y - Phillip Awerrd .uJ.innms for haw'fiwb Center, a schwl eholagy from h e University their o u ~ t ~ n vocational ~i~g on dte.curti'fig edge kw teens of Adinmso@tL 163% ~ & S Q V ~&himunity & i< who at that time mere termed .vdyea~entsadbdemhip.~ - -.,. t s d d d e menufly retarded. T w d v e years ago. Dr. -"..... hr. Hamman worked lor In- Hartsman decided to pursue a
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