Southern MN Independent Living Enterprises & Services - p. 5

I Sentence - "The future depends entirely on what each of us does every day." - Gloria Steinem

SOURCES I

I =COUI;T CASE SETTLED State Forced To Pay

0 . 0 O * G G O m ' i

e e a o o 6

Interim Assistance oeu * 6

\\\// o Pd%-A- by Marie Richman I

Metro MobiliVm Forums

. cerns and ideas regarding the.

b*. Lhkrthis currentsy s; . - ~oak;qp1~rnust1iw grant

December I .

With the new &gig in effect; the statutes allw for M U

sources, and receives a pay- that each eligi6le applicant

Metro Mobility users. month with MSA. . While rhjs case has been de-

2 December 10, 1998 Access Press h

The federal work incentive leg- islation that failed to p a s last

- October got an added boost two weeks ago when President Clinton announced his sup-

Charlie port for it. When the legisla- + tion was pulled from the bud-

get bill, Democrats and Repub-

Smith 1 licans pledged to bring it up

5 and pass it early next year.

Editor ; When passed, this work incen- tive legislation willmake itpos- sible for people with disabili- ties to go to work and keep the health care they need through the State Medioal Assistance prt%P"-

Now we need to make sure the promises are kept. In the Janu- ary issue we will publish the names and addresses of the people we will need to contact to pass this legislation. This bill will haveamajorimpact on people with disabilities' lives and I believe it could change the way society views disabil- ity in the future.

Mary JaneSteinhagen and Pete Feigal are leaving ACCESS PRESS.

Mary Jane has been the Reli- gion and Disability column coordinator forthe past 5 years. She first came to ACCESS PRESS in 1993 and asked if we would consider areligion col- umn. She has done a great job of bringing a variety of view- points from a myriad of reli- gious perspectives. We have received many positive calls and letters about the column from itsbeginning. Thank you, Mary Jane, the time flew by and you did a wonderful job. Good luck in the future.

Pete started writing the On Mental Illness column laSt April. He has brought in- sight and humor to the col- umn. Pete has started a the- ater company, and in January we'll bring you more details' on what they're doing.

Thank you both for contrib- uting your time and talent to the community that ACCESS PRESS serves. You will both be missed.

Happy Holidays to everyone.

C.:xlical Care A local nurse, Diane Greig,

has developed a simple tool to help people keep track of health information. The idea for the Bridgeton Health- ways Journal came from her belief that people can best ad- vocate for good health care by keeping track of their own health details.

Early in her career coordinat- ing health services for people with disabilities, Greig learned

an important lesson. She ac- companied a man to a routine glaucomacheckup. Theman's physician spent extra time re- viewing his health records and discovered the man's current prescription eye drops could exacerbate his heart and lung conditions. Thisdoctor wisely looked at the whole person, not just the patient's eyes. Because of this experience, Greig increasingly ap- proached health care in a

wholistic manner. Shecame to respect how attention to personal health histories helps drive better care. Sim- ply put, details matter.

After returning to the School ofNursing at theuniversity of Minnesota, Greig found re- search documenting that im- mediate access to health infor- mation improves communica- tion between patient and phy- sician, results in better treat- ment, and promotes greater re- spect for the individual in the

' ' >I-- 'ng Paws I -

Director Appointed H elping Paws tions with her service

of Minnesota dogs and served nine is a non-profit orga- years on the Board of nization that trains Directors, including and places service three as President. dogs for persons Peterson and her hus- with mobility related band, Peter Berridge, physical disabilities. served as a foster- In 1986 Jennifer training home for Peterson, then 2 1, Poohbah, a female was the first person golden retriever in- to receive a service tended as a succes- dog from Helping sor dog for Alpha. Paws. Twelve years When Peterson re- later, in November ports to work at the 1998, Peterson was amointed Peterson'sfirstservicedog was Helping Paws training center ExecutiveDirector.

ON DISABILITY LEGISLATIVE ROUNDTABLE she worked as volunteercoor-

set for January 6,1999 dinator at Couragecenter. She

All disability groups and coalitions are invited to participate.

done numerous demonstra- . Roundtable booklet.

people," says Greig. To con- W: .-elchairs Too Depressing?

to order a Journal, call [6 121 hetherapy groupC'Karing ery month in the Tulsa area. nizer or Public Service Com-

65 11296-6785 VRTY 884-2633; e-mail: bridgetonhw K-9s" was forbidden to They have participated in the pany the parade sponsor, but

@uswest.net; or check or 1-800-945-89 13 V/T'TY Minnesota's internet disabil- participate in the 1998 Tulsa, Sand Springs Christmas pa- they have received strong en-

E-mail: council.disability @state.mn.us Oklahoma Christmas parade radeforthelast fouryearswhere couragement to fight this silly ity directory: directability. . because two members work onlookers enjoyed the interac- case of discrimination. The from theirwheelchairs. Parade tion with members and the mostcommonechoedreaction organizers told Karing K-9s dogs. worldwide: "Can you believe

ACCESS PRESS "wheelchairs weredepressing that someone would say wheel- and since this is a Christmas This story is flylng over sev- chairs are depressing in this

Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1995) ................................................................... Wm. A. Smith, Jr. parade they would not be a]- era1 Internet NewsGroups that day and time" and "So much EditorIPublisherlCo-Founder .............................................................................. Charles F. Smith lowed." address problems of people for the Christmas spirit." . Cartoonist ....................................................................................................................... Scott Adams withdisabilities. The offended Production ........................................................................... Presentation Images, Ellen Houghton Editorial Assistant ............................................................................................. Donna McNamara K~ngK-9svisita~~r0ximate'y Tu'sans were at in- Reprinted from Today

20 facilities and hospitals ev- clined to sue the parade orga- on-line. ACCESS PRESS IS a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Circulat~on is 10,000, distributed the 10"' of each month through more than 150 locations statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $15/yr.

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

Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $14 to $18/column inch, depending on size and frequency. Classified ads are $8.00, plus 35 centsfword over 20 words.

Advertising and editorial deadlines are the 30th of the month preceding publication; special scheduling available for camera-ready art.

Access Press is availableon tape. Call MN State Services for the Blind. 65 1 -642-0500or 800-652-9000.

Inquiries should be directed to: ACCESS PRESS 1821 University Ave. W. Suite 185N St. Paul, Minnesota 55 104 (65 1 ) 644-2 133 Fax (65 1) 644-2 136

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SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION

529-501 9 483-91 43 C ~ R E MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER

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Access Press December 10, 1998 3

Stadium Seating And Disability Parking by Margot lmdieke Cross

=-we -; *y

T he State Department of and wheelchair accessible who might be interested in Administration is going seats will vary depending on authoringorcoauthoringabill.

through the regulatory process the type and size of the theater. The legislation would address of adoptinga new access chap- the following points: ter in the State Building Code. Disability parking has been in In my opinion, the proposed the news quite a bit lately. An -greater control and account-

I IN BRIEF. . . . i Memorial Candle Lighting On Dec. 13 The Compassionate Friends, by the U.S. Senate as National Avenue South in Minneapo- anationwide self-helpsupport organization for those who have experienced the death of a child, invites everyone to light acandle at 7 p.m. on Sun- day, December 13, in memory of all children who have died. This date has been designated

Memorial Children's Day. lis. The evening will feature candle lightings, special read-

The Minneapolis Chapter of ings, poetry, and music from The Compassionate Friends AmericanGramaphonerecord- welcomes families to join in a ing artist Steve Anderson. For community remembrance at recorded information aboutthe 6:45 p.m. at Bethel Evangelical memorial call (6 12) 586-6000, Lutheran Church, 4 120 17th Access Code 886 1.

changes would result in some energetic and committed Uni- ability ofcommercialdisability gains and some losses, but versity of Minnesota police parkingcertificates; 1 Energy Assistance Available In MPIS one issue that was addressed in the l l th hour is stadium seating. Stadium seating in theaters is a relatively recent phenomenon. It is where the seats are arranged in such a way that the vertical rise is very steep and one has to go

officerrecently confiscated40 disability parking certificates1 placards from individuals who were using them illegally to take advantage of disability parking. A couple of Sundays ago, KSTPChannel5 featured an investigative report which

*$95,000 to computerize dis- ability parking certificate in- formation;

l imi t the ability of a non-dis- abled person topark a vehicle "for" a person with a disabil- ity;

menforcement language shall up steps in order to get to a seat. There is usually alimited number of seats in front of the stadium seats, and that is where wheelchair seating is usually located. In thissituation, when the only wheelchair seats avail- able are locateddirectly in front of the stadium seats, they can be as close as 12 feet from the screcn,makingviewingthe film not only uncomfortable, but impossihlc.

Many of us havc hccn [orced to sit in the worst seats in the theatersimply because of poor architcctural design and total

actually confronted some sus- pected abusers. One was a young man using his grand- parents' car, which had dis- ability plates. The driver had been observed repeated1 y park- ing all day at various parking meters without paying the meter. In another instance, an individual whoapparently had a legitimate parking certificate parked his vehicle and carried three 12-packs of pop several blocks to his place of employ- ment.

I wonder what his doctor was thinking when helshe signcd

include "traffic enforcement officers";

*medical evaluations will be required every six years for individuals with permanent disabilities, no exceptions;

disability parking certificates will havealimited number of replacements;

t h e $12.00 deduction for dis- ability plates will be elimi- nated; and

athe bill will contain enabling language which would allow local municipalities to create permit programs for long-term parkers.

indift'crcncc on thc part ofthe his disability parking applica- For more specific information

' '~hb1Ed $Cone time, %by did he continue to have a valid

remodeling, the proposed G d e his d i s w m Iongtmexfsted. cdntains language which will require wheelchair seating to Council staff has outli-neddis- he no closer then a specified ability parkingissuesthatneed distance from the screen. The to be addressed legislatively distance between the screen and is meeting with legislators

and disability park~ng legisla- tion, contact the Minneola St~tgCo?mcil QJI Disability at 631 -2!9&67$9 CW) or I-800- 945-891 3 (vltty). . . Margot lmdieke Cross is on stuff at the State Council on Disability.

Low-income~innea~olis resi- dents who need help paying their heating bills may be eli- gible to receive Energy Assis- tance. Energy Assistance eli- gibility is based on household income and the number of household members. Mail-in

applications are also available, appointment at either of the and home visits may be ar- Community Action ofMinne- ranged for people with disa- apolislocations:PilotCityRe- bilities or elderly people. Ap- gional Center, 13 15 Penn Av- plicants should call Commu- enue North; or the South Side nity Action of Minneapolis as Office, 2 104 Park Avenue soon as possible for an ap- South. pointment. Call 335-5837 for an

Signing Santas Children who are Deaf or hard the ~ i n l m t a ~oundation for Santaappearances, mall book- I ofhearing can have theirChrist- Better Hearing and Speech. stores also are sponsoring ASL mas wish lists heard during a Signing Santas will be avail- storytimes during December visit with a Signing Santa. able on six nights during the and interpreters will be avail- Santas will communicate with monthofDecemberatsixTwin able at two Santabear break- children using American Sign Cities areashopping malls and fasts for children. (Contact k*

Language (ASL) through a Miller Hill Mall in Duluth. In Karen Smigielski, 65 1-296- special program organized by conjunction with the Signing 1258.)

Sexual Offense Servicesof Ramsey 1 I i

mteer fw 6 aflv A* geard

Children's Mental Health Advisorv Council years, has new phone nukberq: The new 24-hour misis lirie number is 65 1 -643-3OQ6, business line 65 1 - 643-3022.

Latimer Gets ~ i f e sentence 11 T he Saskatchewan Court ofAppeul rejected

Robert Latimer's appeal ofconviction and ruled that Latimer must return to prison to serve a life sentence, with no parole for 10 years. Latimer has admitted he poisoned his severely disabled 12-year-old daughter, Tracy, in Oct., 1993. He said he wanted to relieve her from the pain of her cerebral palsy. Last December, Latimer was sentenced lo a year in the Saska- toon Correctional Centre, plus a year confined to his farm near the town of Wilki

Latimer's lawyers have already begun thepro- cess of appealing to the Supreme Court of Canada. Mark Breyford says he'll leave no stone unturned to prevent Latimer from spend- ing the rest of his life in prison.

Latimer has already been to the top court. The conviction inLatimer's firsttrial, in 1994, was overturned by the Supreme Court. He was retried and found guilty again last fall.

The trial judge, Mr. JusticeTedNoble of the Saskatchewan Court of Queen's Bench, explained hisjudgment atthetime hy saying the mandatory 10-year mini- ilium sentence for second-degreemurder was cruel and unusual punishment.

The court accepted the Crown's argu- ment that the judge in Latimer's second trial last yearerred by grantingaconstitu- tional exemption from the mandatory sentence. At the same time, it rejected Latimer" appeal for a new trial. While awaitingMonday7s decision, Latimer had heen free on hail and had hcen working at his farm.

Latimer said he was disappointed at the iippcal court's decision. He said even if . . he must return to prison he believes he did the right thing when he ended his daughter's pa?;* - :

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4 December 10, 1998 Access Press On Mental Illness Disability Culture

Breaking : by Peter Feigal

rue story. Thew was this int kid, twelve or thirteen t

yearsold,living inasmall town - me. Because I could 10% wh in Minnesota. His family had His favorite was amode1 of the I loved, my hem was always

. been struggling in silence for R&Bwon's.blood-red&kker jeopardy. m e n the young abilities, interdependence is a worker got his attention and dow? an organization for blind generations with mental ill- triplane, his flagship and most man broke his airplanes, the key survival tool. Sometimes toldhim. Then they continued lnen and women, When we

nesslbraindisorders. His per- perfect creation. He lined this things he loved the most, he we exhibit' this attribute with- on their way. would be at conferences to-

sonal strugglehad begun some fleetofairshipsupon theimagi- tmkawaythepo~erhismother out even thinking about it and gether, traveling from one

-yearsearlierwithterriblesad- nar)lrunwaysofhisdesk,hok- hadtohurthim. Bydestroying atothertimeswebecomeaware Sometimes interdependence there

ness and fear, with loneliness shlvesa@clothesdrawerand ordiscardingwhatwelovethe of its importance in our lives^ can take on a humorous bent. w~uldhcOns@ntchatter. This - and a sense that he was differ- d m & dfflyi*f&,faraway. most, we s6iekl&heafls,not we spend time with eachother, Oneday Maureen Pranghoffer, not aimless conversation-

.: ent from everypmelve around only from the'pain of losing build relationships or just e.n- who is legally blind, wasdoing It had a very imporant Pur- him. He had the feeling that he One day his mother simply ~hatwelove,butfromthepain countersomeoneon the street. laundry. She shoved a bunch Pose. Even when we weren't was not as good, not as smart reached the end of her pa- ofsimply loving. of clothes down the specifically givingdirectionto

as others, that he thought, felt tience. She made her regular Margot Imdieke Cross ofThe shoot but there were so many One anofher, the constant ca-

and saw the world differently morning trip to his room to Therewereyearsofmy l i f e ,h Minnesota State Council On they got stuck. She asked her "phony of gave us

than everyone else. At such a convince him to return to years when I was most de- Disability, says she doesn't husband, who has noarmsand infomaionabout ~ h e r e o t h ~ ~

oung ige he di$nYt have the school. He just wrapped him- pressed and in despair, that I think about it as anything out. m e leg shorter than the other, ~ e o ~ l e i n t h e g r o u ~ were, what

ocabulary, wisdoln or life self tighter in the sheets and had such self-loathing that I of the ordinary. She attended if they had a yard stick. He direction they were xperiences to make sense out turned his faceaway. Shejoked felt 1 didn't deserve any kind- a segregated school for chil- asked why and when she ex- even what kind lerrain

tlfthisjumbleofpain(andper-.-- ~ i t h him, pleaded with him, ness or love, didn't deserve dren with all types of disabili- plained her predicament, he might be traveling through. ncitherdidanyoneelse at tickled Iiim, all with no r e - even friends or family. I did tics. "It was such a wonderful said he could take care of it. me,includingthemedical sponsc., finally, in despera- everything I could to chase experience, especially on the Maureen explained, "SO he As We the concept

sion), hut he still knew , tion, she did what she knew away those who loved me: I playground, when there stood up on his longer leg and disability culture 7 we need

oniething was wrang. would get some rcactionoutof quit jobs 1 liked and deserted weren't any nan-disabled put his short leg in the shoot lookat what values we want

him. She picked up the red theh~bbiesa~dskiltsthatgave adults around."' says Cross. and pushed the clothes down. maintain Or discard from the ith thc increasing despera- triplaneandsmashed itagainst measenseofself. Istruckback "Certain people would be It worked I?ne, but of course dominant (non-disabled) cut-

liixh and pain of his dcpres- the wall, breaking it intonthou- - at those who lovedme, hurling elected to do this and other once the clothes went down lure. What values we want

A.l '~T'kcamc harder and sand fra$ments. f ie told him, themby hurtingmyself,simply people would be elected to do theshoot he was stuck with his to b a s on from Our

i.~@@ih i:oB1l (n school "If you're not up, dressed and as Rvenge fortheir love. I put that, and it was all based on short leg down the shoot. SO children with and

n-tabawe h i s b t q . Hc ready for school within the myself in exile, sentencing whatwecoulddo,notwhatwe I grabbed bold of his shirt n~n-disabled In-

told his parents that he was next fifteenminutes,I'llcome myself to a prison of my own couldn't do." sleeve, but the only thing that terde~endence may be one of sick and made excuses tu stay back down and brea$-41 the. making because I felt that was happened was Ipulled his shirt the simplest and clearest ex-

home. Hisparentstriedevery- lither ones." Then she went all I deserved. I wanted to be For Joe Ascheman, the Deaf off. Isaid, 'I thinkwe'regoing a m ~ l e ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ s ~ ~ ~ ~ e ~ ~ l ~ ~ ~ ~ o ~ thing they could to cqnvince, upstdir:- punished for being Weak, for Independent LivingCoordina- tohave tocall9 1 l."'Maureen's disability culture that we want . Vj-. 'slexd, hribe or threaten .him beingsensitive, for being lazy, toratTheMetropolitan Center hobby was listening to police fomain l@inand~~ss~n. Inter- - .~tor31@fiM~l~~chool . Noth- Hesat foraminute,thengotup for being all the things that I For Independent Living, un- scanners so she saidi "I want de~ndencecanmakeusstron- ing workedand he staydhome, and got ready for school. Then believe$everyoneelsethought derstanding interdependence to turn my scanner on first ger by us to

hardX~.ewer Leavisln his room. he bmk all the rest of his ore- I was. came when he started doing because I want to hear how that everyone has somethi-ng

g&ch lpveand&speration, and Mlbt. 12ndk~renttoschoqI. - andLn thousand sorrows and I pick W lunch for tb staff* A -

:i$ach detail was perfs. Ewry that can't gBt one without hurzus, w-hen weemploy &Is pslit was lavished with atten-' :Inmy ownthirty-yearstruggle the othar. I'm trying to 1-fn and lackP and insurance corn- tionand OW. All the painful widmental i ~ n d m i n dm-

- ~mmizions that h e ~mldm:t 'h, J'w&mw&same thing share with others kere p w r d my& m y times. When I' L

-<; -- - &\re ~ac:&on,~eitm h b i l -

Community Suppor t s

-Fo r HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES People with

Brain Injuries

'Wed ia-tric R!M 5upp0r ts

conpkhx a one-way ride a ride Available"

Call Kerry Burak injury who qualify forMediea1 Assistance. "Nothing is cut and dried in

or Susan Howry this system," said Jacobson. "We provide all the rides we

a -ti can withwhat we'vegot, In the month df October we fidded

( 6 1 2 ) 922-6776 473 requests for same day rides, and we were able to place

.- M&m-cont.onp.5

A Access Press December 10, 1998 5

Southern MN Independent Hello Nicole: - A Living Enterprises & Services DcrrNicdc,

We should be angry and act- I haven't been to a dentist in -J by Alan Augustin '1 act-act! yearsandmy teethare killing

IT he Southern Minnesota Independent Living En-

terprises & Services (SMILES) isaprivate, nonprofit, commu- nity-based Ccnter SorIndepen- dent Living (CIL), whose di- rcction is determined by and for individuals with disabili- ties. All ofSMILES' programs, scrvices, and activities are guided hy the principles ol' consllmer control, consumer- hased need, equal access, equal opportunity, and full commu- nity integration.

As with all CIL's,SMILES of- fen the I'our basic corc scr- vices which include Advo- cacy, Inforlnation & Referral, PccrCounscling, and Indcpcn- dent Living Skills Training. Advocacy is designed fur con- sulncrs to ohtain support in the areas of housing, triuispor- lation, cniploymcnl, civil & constitutional rights, rccre- ntion, and othcr life situations. Infor~natlon & Referral pro- vldcs options and resources for dealing with decisions re- garding indcpcndcncc. Peer Counsclingcmphasizesdirect

In addition to these core ser- vices, SMILES CIL offers an array of other independent liv- ing services based on con- sumer need. Our Assistive Technology Assessment Pro- gram provides people with comprehensive technology assessments along with op- tions and recommendations in the areas ofdaily living,educa- tion, and employment. Our Recreation Program conducts activities such as softball, YMCA day, hiking, sailing, canoeing, and horseback riding. We also provide Inde- pendent Skills Training through county contracted programs such as In-Home, Family Support Waivcrcd Ser- vices, Scmi-Indcpendcnt Liv- ing Sc~viccs (SILS), and Com- munity Altern:ltivcs for Dis- uhlcd individuals (CADI).

OurTransition from School to Community Living Program serves secondary students withdisabilities. SMILESpro- vides this service to 12 school districts in our servicedelivery area. In our Community Edu-

To provide these programs, SMILES haseight full-timeand fourpart-time staff, along with 60 active and dedicated volun- teers. SMILES' servicedeliv- ery area is Minnesota Eco- nomic Development Area Re- gion IX, which includes the countiesofBlueEarth, Brown, Faribault, Le Seuer, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan. The most current data available shows the region's population to be 222,682; 28,872 of those are people with disabilities.

All of our programs, scrviccs andactivities aredesigned with the tlexitrilty to rneet the spe- cific nccds of people with all types of disabilities. Consuni- ers are responsible to make thcir own decisions, set thcir own goals, and choose which services, inforriiation, orassis- tance is most bcnelicial to thcm. Staff provides the assistance necessary for consumers to achieve their independent liv- ing goals.

Ifyou would like more informa- involvement of persons with cation Program, we conduct tion about SMILES, please disabilities as role models in seminarsandworkshopsona contactusat709SouthFront providing support and inde- widevariety oftopics to inform Street, Mankato, MN. 56001. pendent living services. Inde- other organizations and the Phone:507-345-7139(VATY).

Ithink it isobscene thatpeople whoqualify for Social Security Disability don't qualify for Medicareuntil 29 months after their eligibility date has been determined. Twenty-nine months is twoandahalfyears! What are we supposed to do until then'? I suppose they are hoping we will all die off. I have assets over $3,000 so I don't qualify for Medicaid. Even though Iam disabled, I haven't seen adoctorordentistor taken prescription drugs for over two years, even though I should. I can't afford to. I am trying to hang in there until February 1999, when my 29monrhs is up. As thesystem stands now, it is set up to impoverish the dis- abled.

I don't know of any organiza- tionsthat arespecifically work- ing on the 29-month rule for Medicare. I would encourage you to contact the National Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities (202-785-338 1 ; e- mail: ccd@radix.net) and ex- press yourviews to them.They may have more information, or you may spark their interest in pursuing this injustice. Cer- tainly, a letter to the editor of major newspapers would be a good way to get this issue into the minds of others. You are not the only one affected. There are many elderly and disabled persons in the same situation of having t o give up their hard earned assets in or- der to receive aid.

I have written to my senators and representatives about this, but they aren't interested in doing anything about chang- ing that 29-month rule. Social Security reform is being looked at by a subcommittee of the U.S. Congress. Are there any organizations for the disabled that are trying to get this 29- month waiting period elimi- nated or reduced'?

Also, I encourage you to seek out low-cost or no-cost ~iicdi- cal and dental care if you haven't already. (See follow- ing question.) The Medicare rules arc really unfair, but your body and hcalth are of highest inlportance to you and those who love you! Perhaps one or these clinics could help.

-Nicole Sincerely, Discouraged

- me. Are there any no cost/ low cost dental clinics in the Inver Grove Heights area?

Thanks, Crazy after all these years

I couldn't find any in Inver GroveHeights. However, be- low is a list of low cost/no cost medical and dental clin- ics in the Twin Cities. Most operate on asliding feescale based on ability to pay. Be advised that some do not of- fer full dental services. Call in advance and make sure they provide the scrvices you need. For further listingscon- tact First Call For Help: St. Paul, 65 1-224- 1 133; orMin- neapolis,6 12-335-5000.

In St. Paul: Union Gospel Mission, den- tal clinic free and open to the public; "pull and till" services only: 65 1-292- 172 1 .

Model Cities Health Center: 65 1-290-9200.

WestsideComrnunity Health Services: 65 1-222- 1 8 16.

the highest level of indepen- ics. dence possible. '

METRO - cont-iromp.G=

in the system," said Linda imfic iewy due to ridesking

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phy sicafi ~>~upationaI /Speech Therapies cnd-all, hut it is the top of thc W"%I b~tc;tnes,'.eruiches . PCA ProviderUrganization

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20 10 ~ a s t ~ i n n e ~ i n venue, ~ l d ~ . #5 turned o u ~ 10 he wcrc two 10- Minneapolis, MN 554 13 tally d i f k r c n ~ tliings,'?said Wollhrd. "Thcy had hired a - - -

6 December 10, 1998 Access Press Sports Beat 1 Reliaion & Disabilitv "V H(- '-- - T USA Win Access:lle Congregations - ---

I s

by Craig McClellan and Luke Pedersen by The Reverend Barbara Ramnaraine

T eamUSAcapturedthesil- winning handily, 49-24. ver medal at the 1998

World Wheelchair Basketball Team USAfacedthe host coun- Championships in Sydney, try, Australia, in the semifi- Australia. There were several nals. After posting a shooting Minnesota connections to the percentage in the mid-forties

P team. Team USA wascoached in preliminary play, Team by Minnesota Rolling USA's shooting touch disap- Timberwolves playertcoach peared against the Aussies. Deb Sunderman, and con- Australiahelda20-12half-time sisted of Timberwolves' play- advantage, and led by 12points ers Susan Hagel, Josie with nine minutes remaining. Johnson, Mary Jo Kittok and Then Ripp went on a tear, scor- ChristinaRipp. ing five baskets in the final

6:5 1, including the game win- Team USA opened Gold Cup nerwith four seconds left. The play against the Netherlands, basketgaveTeamUSAa34-32 beating them 62-32. Coach victory and a chance to face Sunderman was worried about Canadainthegoldmedal game. the matchup going into the Ripp had 12 points and three

P

tourney, but the Netherlands rebounds. Johnson grabbed had lost acouple players, giv- four boards and dished out ing them no chance against four assists.

f Team USA. Johnson scored 5

I I points and grabbed three Team USA matched Canada

Hagel. "This was one of the best teams I've been on, in terms ofteamwork."

Team USA's next competition is in Mexico City, November 1999, which is the qualifying tournament for the 2000 Paralympics. Sydney, Austra- lia will host the game.

* * * * In the POHI Division (physical or other handicapped impair- ment), Park Center (Osseo Area Schools) took home the State ChampionshipTitle, with a3-2 victory over tournamentfavor- ite and previously undefeated ~ h l t e ~ e a r ~ a k e . Park Ctrcame into the tournament with aregu- lar season record of 6-2-0.

South Washington County defeated Mounds View-

rebounds. ~ i ~ p came off the bench to score nine and grab two boards. Hagel added two boards and three assists.

Japan was next on the sched- ule, and gave Team USA all they could handle. Japan led 3 1-29 at half-time, but Team USA outscored the Japanese 29- 1 6 in the second half to se- cure a58-47 win. Johnson had 12 points, four rebounds and fourassists. Hagel added three

shot for shot in the first half, and led 29-28 at half-time. Then, Team USA went icecold from the field, shooting a dis- mal 12.5 percent in the second half. Canada pulled away for the 54-38 win and the gold medal. Ripp scored 12 points and hauled in nine rebounds. Johnson added nine points, six boards and two assists.

"Canada played how we ex- pected. We just didn't make

Irondale-Roseville 6-5 to win the State title in the MH (men- tally handicapped) Division. Once again the tournament top seed was knocked off in the championship game.

Mounds View-Irondale- Roseville entered the tourna- ment with aperfect 9-0-Orecord. South Washington County was 8-1 -0 during the regular season.

* * * *

W hen I was a child in school, I was never door, however, they were confronted by steps chosen for games or sports. I always down into the vestibule and then up into the

figured that happened because I was blind. church itself. The women asked the usher who Maybeitdidormaybeitdidn't. I'll neverknow stood at the door, "Sir, how are we to get in?" because I never confronted the issue. I never The usher thought for a moment and then let anyone know what I could do or what I replied, "I guess God didn't intend you to .:

needed. worship here this morning."

I have been working with the National Organi- zation on Disability (N0D)on theircampaign to identify 2,000 accessible churches and syna- gogues by the year 2000. NOD is interested in the broad spectrum of accessibility - from archi- tecture to attitudes and communications. Their deepest concern is establishing congregations which are welcoming to and inclusive of per- sons who are disabled. NOD has created a survey that church communities can use to document the accessibility changes they have made. The survey can also function as a planning tool. Congregations can use the sur- vey results to setgoals forimprovingaccessibil- ity and then revisit the survey from time to time to determine their progress.

In my opinion, God had very little todo scenario. Accessibility depends on believi that all of us are beloved children of that all of us are welcome in God's house. The additional piece for me is that all of us must also be willing to work toward full accessibility. working toward that goal is far easier and far more effective from the inside.

Be willing to persist in teaching the lessons slowly and carefully, over and over again clear about who you are and what you want and need. Be persistent, even strident if necessary. But most importantly, be there.

The Reverend Barbara Ramnaraine dinator of the Episcopal Disability Network. lrL

I have come to believe that persons with disabilities must begin to take responsibility in their church orsyna- gogue for accessibility. No good sit- ting in the pew or standing outside looking at the steps. We must prod the congregation intomaking the reno- vations we need. We must ask to be included as participants in the ser- vice. Wemust identify ourministries and skills and volunteer our time and energy where they can be used.

I recently heard a story which my

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Accessible Arts Performances 40001-

* 121 1 1, Friday, 8:00 "Orphan Train" Ericka Johnson Great American History Theatre, St. Paul

* 121 12, Saturday, 4:00 "The Best Christmas * 1 2/12, Saturday, 2:00 "Narnia"YouthPerfor- Pageant Ever" Steppingstone' Theatre Co., manceCompany,HowardConnFineArtsCtr., Landmark Center, St. Paul Mpls.

* 1211 2, Saturday, 8:00 "Amah1 & the Night * 12/12, Saturday, 4:00 "The Best Christmas Visitors" & "Vivaldi's Winter" St. Paul Cham- Pageant Ever" Steppingstone Theatre Co., Wendy Browef

ber Orchestra & James Sewell Ballet, Ordway Landmarkcenter, St. Paul Deah Cain

Theatre, St. Paul Jim Cotton Margot Imdieke Cross Lynn &Tim Dennis * 1211 3, Sunday, 3:00 "Rugrats" Orpheum Martha Egersdorf

* 1211 3, Sunday, 3:00 "Rugrats" Orpheum Theater,Minneapolis (call 61 2-373-5650) CandacefDavid Gislwn Theater, Minneapolis (call 6 12-373-5650) Patricia Gwrrero

* 1211 9, Saturday, 8:00 "LaPosada" Teatrodel L inm Johnson Hoff IW18,Friday,7:30 "How theGrinchStoleChrist- Pueblo, Ordway McKnight There, St. Paul Ellen & Skip Houghton

Cindy Johnson mas" Children's Theatre Company, Mpls Mary Kay Kennedy Beth ~ ~ K o l c d z n e 12/26, Saturday, 8:00 "Gross Indecency"

12/20, Sunday, 2:00 "On Golden Pond" Theatre Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis in the Round, Minneapolis

-- - - - .

* 12/27, Sunday, 2:00 "Winter Dreams" In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Minneapolis

Himbeth Smith

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In Minneapolis: Pilot City, full medical andden- tnl services including urgent care, sliding fee: 6 12-520-8800.

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Question? Complaint? Comment? ,a Div. MN Rehab. Assoc Job Placement & Dvlpmt

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U~liversity Ave. W, #la N; St. Paul, MN 55104 ~ll~IlllllllllllIlllIIll

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SPECIAL INSERT - SECTION B I Access Press

& - . - D m - ,- I - 0 : * I

B2 December 10, 1998 Access Press

Opportunity Partners

Nonprofit has helped hundreds of people with disabilities live more independently

Back in 1953, few people thought Russell Hedenberg could ever work in the com- munitv or contribute to soci-

Opportunity Partners' packag- ing center were the first they ever had.

Russell's sister, Dorothy Koch, said joining Opportunity Partners was a turning point for her brother. "Up until that

\ time, he had nothing to do,'' she said. Russell now works a job in the community, rides

a

-4 efy. the bus, goes to loves Diane Pommer, left, one of six clients who have been with

Russell had spent his to sing and has a large music Opportunity Partners since its founding in 1953. Marna and

dliili others were recently honored at OP's Fall Success

childhood in special schools collection. "If he hadn't had Celebration. The event was sponsored by Wagner Spray Tech. and as a young adult lived at O ~ ~ o r t u n i t ~ Partners, he'd the Cambridge Regional just be sitting around by him- sonal development and very satisfying for Diane. "Her Treatment Center. Then his self," adds Dorothy. employment services help whole life was really family heard about a new pro- Through Opportunity people with disabilities gain enriched," Helen noted. "she gram for adults with develop- Partners, Russell and bun- new skills to lead more pro- became more interested in mental disabilities -- it was dreds of other individuals, ductive and independent lives. what was going on." called Opportunity Workshop. have gained work experience As part of the celebration When Diane started with

Opportunity Workshop, and learned important social of its 45th anniversary, the organization in 1953, (Now called Opportunity skills which have lead to Opportunity Partners recently there were few alternatives. Partners,) started in a small, greater independence. The honored Russell and five oth- "I looked everywhere for six-room house in Richfield. center-based work programs ers who were with the organi- contacts to be able to enrich . Russell, and 14 other adults

Denis Dufresne, Marna skills training and worked

"Opportunity Partners was probably the best thing tha ever happened to him," she

than the conventional wisdom tion that helps more than

For Russell, and many throughout the metro area. other clients, the jobs at agement to use his abilities."

Established in 1953 as Opportunity Workshop, Opportunity Partners provides adults with developmental disabilities or brain injury opportunities for employment, residential services and personal growth. Our wide array of programs means we can personatize services to every individual.

Employment Services More than 300 businesses have employed people through Opportunity Partners.

Supported employment teams give peo-

chance to work together at a community business, under the supervision of an Opportunity Partners staff.

food preparation, grocery shopping, com- munications skills and much more.

People gain work skills in a positive supportive environment at several Opportunity Partners packaging and assembly operations.

Personal 'Development Opportunity Partners' personal enrich- ment and residential care programs ensure people remain as self-sufficient as possible, and make the most out of life. Activities in the classroom and the com- munity help people learn about:

Healthy habits promoting good exercise and personal grooming.

Residences Opportunity Partners' residential pro- grams serve approximately 200 people. A third are served through semi-indepen- dent living programs enabling them to live independently with some assistance. Six residences, responding to varying levels of independence, are located throughout the Twin Cities area.

Community services like the YMCA, the library, public transportation, and for those age 55 or older, senior centers.

For more information about Opportunity Partners,

call 61 2-938-551 1 TTY: 61 2-930-4293

1 953 ... Opportunity Workshop Founded by a graug of parents at a h l ( l house in RMfield. ,15 people were served.

, 1959 ... seven people 1967 ... are placed in competi- Workshop tive community jobs. expanded

sites. 200 served.

Opportunity 1 972 ... Residential programs Services started with to several the opening of the Clara people are Doerr Residence.

Access Press

I 5tmm .-. *- #ew business

.l,

outstanding job performance.

partnerships Dale Solem is one of six SET members workina at

Supported Employment Team loD9.' tireg. cOulan-r

(SET) is working in the have asked for a better fit for

d i r o M e d lab he supervises, this lab. He is so conscien- tious, he always wants to 3nd you'll get an unequivocal , , ,_ _ _ _ A . _ _ _ _

Sterilization room. "It really In vlromea-s Hrmymavy

has taken a load off our other room, SET worker "-- -"

employees to have someone Pribble gets samples ready here who can do this job with testing removing tops minimum supervision." and rubber stoppe-- '---

Eden Prairie-based vials with a tweezers and then puts them back into their n----..-%- n-A

ViroMed is nationally recog- _ _, _ ,- .,. _. ._ .,,_ -._ _ _

gy, biocompatibility and toxi- ruDes on rnelr slaes ana pur

:ology. Opportunity Partners them into incubatc --

-started the ViroMed SET in David enjoys WOrklng at

k c t o b e r , 1997, one bf several ViroMed - - - because .- ' ---- he L A _ sees --a it

Hllison naDerle sa w.7- SET workers, that the compa- . . ,,-,.-, ,,, ,- -: workers was presented with a ~ e r or a~ I s ana prmaes

certificate in recognition of clients with jobs in medical testing, a new area for cedures " notes Allison. "For

h ~ l Metro Services helps survivor of brain injury get back in the community

I Lean job opportuniti ..ore ViroMed. containers beakers and Dale and other washe: gets testing them

'

Ask Greg Tidd how the ready for reuse.

Opportunity Partners . . ,. "Dale is perfect .#. . , for this . . .. Dale Solem at work at ViroMed. Opportunity Partners'

mow now ne can Improve Supported "lt's excellent," says Greg and do things better. He does Emplmyment

ho manages ViroMed's a heck . ... of a .. job." .. . ,. ,

Team (SET) at ViroMed Is one of

uav~a 16 community employment SETs

!rs worn . .*

upporrunlry rartners. example, if the caps on the

m i z e d for its medical testing in In vlroMea 'issue "We need more SETS to test tubes are too tight, the

the areas of virology, serology, Culture Lab, other SET work- get clients working in the ple is ruined." cells inside die and the sam-

ers tighten vials, flip racks of community and to provide molecular biology, microbiolo- , . , . . . . . mdre employment choices for In addition to the expand-

ITS. them," she says. "Because ed job skills, Allison is also ViroMed is so different from pleased with the increased

. - our other SETs, it allows us to opportunities for adults with as a srep up rrorn n s prevlous expand the job skills 0 f ' o~ r disabilities to interact with oth- job. "I like this job better," says clients." ers. "The SET is great

I I - , _ I - alongside other ViroMed

ny had a ?hank you" pizza v r w w a ae I 1s significant employees. Clients love it,

party where each of the SET ,

It's Tuesday morning at Partners' Van of a benefit concert paid for the West St. Paul library and Fund, Tony now the van. Before CIS got the lift Tony Prottsman is browsing goes to the library van, Tony couldn't join the the internet. every week with other program participants on

Tony, a survivor of brain TBI Metro trips into the community. "Now Enjury, does a search for infor- Services' I feel a lot more like I'm just

mation relating to golf, and Community one of the boys," he jokes. has over a million entries to Integration Service In addition to the trips to choose from. He checks out (CIS). Gifts from the library, the lift van enables the PGA web site and finds numerous founda- Tony to join the CIS group for out which golfers are the top- tions, corporations their weekly volunteer work 10 leaders. Tony Prottsman and individuals with the St. Paul Red Cross

Up until recently, it had to arrange transportation:' enabled and to make other trips. "It been 10 Years since Tony had says Tony who uses a wheel- ty Partners to makes it more possible for me been in a library. chair. ree vans, including to be in the community," says

'I wouldn't go out as much Thanks to generous one with a lift that Tony uses, Tony. "It's very good to have before because it was so hard grants and gifts to Opportunity Grants, gifts and the proceeds the van. I appreciate it."

1977.. . Opportunity 1980 ... Clara ~ d e r r 1985 ... Ongoing 1989.. TBl Metro 1 99 1 .. Three new Workshop's main facility Residence expanded to training and support for Services created to group homes estab- moved to its present include the adjoining people living on their assist survivors of brain lished: Gunderson location in Mipnetonka. , Lindley Hall. own is provided with the injury. Place, LaVine Place and The new site accommo- new Semi-Independent MacGregor Place. dates 500 people. Living Services

Program.

Ri- b-??

@-. - - 8 , --- - .. .

Jon Thompson -- - new CEO

Jon Thompson began includes work as Chief that provides employment, work NOV. 16 as President of Operat~ons Officer for the personal development and Opportunity Partners. Volunteers of America':

Jon is no stranger to Health Services, Regional get to see the whole spectr Opportunity Partners, or the Director with Ernst & of what is possible for an in people we serve. Wh~nney's long-term care \#!dual to achieve."

Jon has been involved consulting services, and sev- Jon is also encouraged with people with disabilities era1 management positions the cooperation he sees since he was a teenager in w~th operators of nursing between government funder Faribault. "I was a volunteer in homes and health care facili- and service providers. high school at the Faribault "I think we have an Regional Treatment Center," Jon has a diverse back- unprecedented atmosphe recalled Jon. "That's how I got ground with two bachelor's interested in the field."

Jon's mother, Dorothy Thompson, was one of the degrees in special education ple with disabilities. There a first supervisors of ' and business administration. a things thaf appear possible Opportunity Partners' Clara . that I never would have Doen Residence. She was Prior to coming to Opportunity Certified Public Accountant. instrhmental in th43 S M - Partners, Jon was Chief Jon is excited about his cess of Clara b r r and Executive Officer of the new job at Opportunity with all our partners, we have helped OP expand its residen- Hammer Residence. H~ was Partners. the chance to move ahead tial services to other sites. instrumental in the growth 01 "Working at OP is a won- and create unprecedented

Jon has extensive leader- Hammer Resib- during aetiul chance to be involved new pr~@Cts." ship experience with more the past seven years. in all aspects of providing ser- than 20 years in the fields of His other experience vices to people with disabili-

ties,'' he said. "At an aaencv

T -

ed this year's award, -

Association, Job Placement

The award was presented at the group's annual fall con- ference in October in

"I was totally taken abad: ees2 abllltles, not their disabili- ready White said when he learned he ties:' Ray said, had won the award. "It was Ray spent 20 years in €he many 'instances where they like, why me? This job takes sales before changing to a such a team effort." career in human services. "I

Robert Reedy, now an came to a stone wall in sales:' "Service planners and case cou~nsekrs have commented to

ime Ray assisted a group nf

. . x w - " '. I... TBI opens a_.? ':s; 1996... opportunit Residence, a 4-person

services into Anoka its diverse array of services. Karlins Center