First of all I would like to We have reinstated our "BE for everyone are just a few With Disabilities Act (ADA) wish everyone a GREAT HEARD - Access to examples. Although our State came some enc@g news HOLIDAY SEASON and a Politicians". I hope you all govemment may be over from employers. TheCity of HAPPY NEW YEAR. will tear this out and keep it extended, these types of Mmeapolis has notified their

in a convenient place. Use it programs need funding and contractors to take affirmative This issue of ACCESS PRJ3S often, callor write the people not just at their current levels. action in hiring disabled has a feature article on Peter "in power1'. They need to Many of these programs are employees. I see this as a McLaughlin, one of the hear from you and its easy- vital to people who have very positive sign and the C ' i newest board members to just pick up the phone! become dependent upon them. of Minneapolis should be Hennepin County. I think We just can't let them be left applauded for this action. you will find him to be very * * * * hanging in limbo. Let's use Maybe, just maybe, we are interesting. His ideas on how Budget shortfall andmassive our voices and be heard on seeing an effect of the ADA the county can be more revenue deficit are some of these issues, which concern already. Watch for these effective are refreshing. He the terms being used by our us directly. You can make a employment announcements, is asking for more newly elected Governor, difference. and if one looks good to you, involvement from the people Amie Carlscm. 'Ibis may have

* * * * apply! who use the services of the a dramatic effect on all of us. county. We can help him in If the programs we have all ACCESS PRESS is happy to * * * * this venture. To help US better become used to, or rely on, announce a new section, understand the workings of are frozen or cut back we will ACCESS TO Sonja Kerr, attorney for Erika our county government, Peter all feel the impact. No EMPLOYMENT. This new Schuldt sent us a flyer on the

. P- has agreed to write a column increases in funding for social feature will give you a latest development in this for us starting in January. service programs, medical description of employment unusual case. P1ease see page Watch for it. assistance, Metro Mobility, possibilities from local equal 11. Your attendance would

residential facility workers, oppormity employers. With be greatly appreciated in this * * * * homeless, and rehab services the passageof the Americans fight against discrimination.

G:II-::J Director Says Health Insurance Must Change --. : November 13,1990 --James R. Gage, M.D., newly appointed "We have a situation where the demand for medical resources Changing this system will have long-term benefits for all of Medical Director at Gillette Children's Hospital, said today is outstripping the supply. In this milieu, children with long- us. But for families ofchildren who have chronic disabilities, that physicians, hospitals, legislators, governmtnt agencies, term disabilities and their families find themselves struggling . the effectiveness of this system is the difference between a insurance companies and health maintenance organizations to have their needs heard in a sea of voices grower louder by life of opportunity or one of financial devastation," Gage need to work together to ensure medical care for children who the second," Gage said. said. have disabilities and their families.

According to Gage, many prepaid health plans are structured As Medical Director at Gillette Children's, Gage practices ,

- In a speech given at the University Club in SL Paul, Gage to reimburse traditional acute care expenses, while the more orthoprdic surgery and manages the i)reas of patient care. stated that society's incmmwd awareness of health issues and specialha¶ trmmqts, therapies quipment that the education, meas&, m e d k d ~ ~ o n zflld outreach. In need for complex high quality medical treatment has created disabled child requim ine usually not reimbursed or addition. Gage is a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the a large pool of people requiring health care at the same time. reimbursed very poorly. University of Minnesota.

care access for 2' - - ---

I

"To become capable" is what habilitation means. At Tamarack, we work with our

clients toward greater independent function at school, work, and home.

ation Call Marty Carlson

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Access Press &id@d' December 10 1990 3

employment tests or other The Act also contai selection criteria that screen requirements relating to rapid out individuals with disabilities and light-rail stations and inter- unless the criteria are shown city and commuter rail-travel that to be jobelated for the position will not be discussed in this article.

- tests that accurately reflect the full and equal enjopnent of the kkills &e t a t seeks to measme, goods, services, facilities. rather than reflecting the privileges, advantages, or excluded from services ices sf or people who are impaired skills resulting frofn accommodations of any place of "because of the absence of hearing and speech imp

l'he Act idso limits rhe ut iharh restaurants, bars, theaters, of medical examinations and museums. schools, or recreation inquiries. In pre-employment facilities. situations. the employermay ady failing to remove its provisions. The law further a& abmt the -of w Under the ADA, goods and architectural barriers and allows for reasonable attorney's to perf= "job-related fundom* services must be afforded to an communication barriers fees to the prevailing party at the and may not inquire whether the individual withadisability in the where such removal is discretion of the court or

readily achievable; administrative agency reviewing claims under the Act.

and cemnmy. on July 26,1990, "reasonable ~ d a t i o n n an examination regardless of achievable efforts to defiie such terms as Resident Bush signed the u&r the Act may include making disability. "reasonable accommodations"

a n t i d i o n protections fm a dimkination inclu will @J! be of all pmms with physical or mead businesses. As a result, it is -

likely that litigation will be necessary to give shape to much of the legislation. Nonetheless,

protections already exist under equipment or devices, appropriate food services will also be able to from fully and equally Rivate clubs and religiou passage of the Act remains a IP( Minnesotalaw , the Act provides adjustment or modifications of deny employment to individuals enjoying services unless such organizations are exempt from supreme achievement and a ' 4

by individupls withdisabilities." whenplnchasingorleasingllsed

I ~ e l a t i o n s h i p that subjects the to obtain accessible +lea Re- .*,-,-

person with a disability to rndacturedvehicles tobeusad for at least five yeas must be mods "redly tuxxsib1ee" to the

Conversions Driving Aids Accessories

925 E. Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 554 14

(612) 378-1807 -

4 December 10 1990 Access Press

December, 1 990 Events Calendar

,- -- 27 YOUNG ADULTS WlTH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES SUPPORT GROUP -3% T5< Thur. 4:00 - 5:00 P.M. call Murray.378-0027

- 10 LOSS SUPPORT GROUP tS- Mon. 3:m - 4 : ~ P.M. call Murray 378-0027 January, 1991 e~ - .

PARKINSON CARE GIVERS GROUP - A 2 MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP * - 7:00 P.M. Methodist Hospital, 932-5495 h'% Wed. 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. Creekside Community Center, 887-96~@#+~- !

11 ADULTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY SUPPORT GROUP BLOOMINGTON STROKE CLUB 3 . 4 - , - Tues. Lutheran Social Services, 378-002 Brunch - call Denise Royer, 887-9604

UNDERSTANDING GRIEF ADULTS WITH HYSICAL DISABILITIES SUPPORT GROUP 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. Methodist Hospital, call 932-5700 1:00 - 3:00 P. call Murray 378-0027

1 12 BLOOMINGTON STROKE CLUB d

3 YOUNG ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES SUPPORT GRO I Wed. 10:30 - 11:30 A.M. Creekside Community Center, 887-9604 Thurs. 4:00 - 5:- P.M. call Murray 378-0027

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP - UNDER 55'12 STEP 7:00 - 900 P.M. Creekside Community Center, 887-9604 7:30 P.M. Methodist Hospital. 932-5495

ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES SUPPORT GROUP ST. PAUL CMTAN CLUB 1:00 - 3:00 P.M. call Murray 378-0027 6: 15 P.M. Tracks at Midway Motor Lodge, 221-6144

13 UNITED HANDICAPPED FEDERATION BOARD MEETING PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP Thurs. 7:00 - 900 P.M. 1821 University Avenue, 645-8922 7:00 P.M. Methodist Hospital, 932-5495

YOUNG ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES SUPPORT GROUP SKI CHALLENGE FOR DISABLED SKIERS ---- -

4:00 - 5:00 P.M. call Murray 378-0027 113 thru 116, Hyland Hills & Welch Village Ski Area, 520-0257 PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP - UNDER 55'12 STEP 7 LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

7:30 P.M. Methodist Hospital, 932-5495 Mon. 3:00 - 4:00 P.M. call Murray 378- 17 LOSS SUPPORT GROUP PARKINSON CARE GIVERS G Mon. 3:00 - 4:00 P.M. call Murray 378-0027 7:00 P.M. Methodist Hospital, 932-5495 18 ADULTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY SUPPORT GROUP 8 ADULTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY SUPPORT GROUP T w . Lutheran Social Services, 378-0027 Tues. Lutheran Social Services, 378-0027 19 LEUKEMIA SUPPORT CROUP Wed. 7:00 P.M. ~ethodls t HOS~. Cancer Center, 932-5700

PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. Creekside Community Center, 887-9604

ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES SUPPORT GROUP Lutheran Social Services, 378-0027 1:00 - 3:00 P.M. call Murray 378-0027

ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES SUPPORT GROUP 10 UNITED HANDICAPPED FEDERATION BOARD MEETING

BLOOMINGTON STROKE CLUB 10:30 - 11:30 A.M. Creekside Community Center, 887-9604

;.a. National office -. - Richard W. Fee, Executive Director : 1 Estate Planning for the Disabled - .+ :

W. Center Avenue, Sui Mantea, Cal~Yom'i 95336

-- - - . - A . - - + . - - - - - . _ _ . -,FA

- - i< ---;IO,*--- - - " A .h--<.:* L u 2 d - 4

.. .- -

1 A Access Press Sister Kennv Institute Questions About Hearing Problems

t problems with night vision. V i impairment will slowly

Q: I have a 1 year-old son progress resulting in severe who was born with a severe visual problems in young hearing loss in both ears. adulthood. Some individuals Recently, my son has had =me with Usher's Syndrome lack problems playing with the inner-ear balance function other children, as he seems to from birth. be clumsy. Is clumsiness associated with hearing loss? An individual born with

normal hearing may develop A: The answer to this question problems with hearing and is not as simple as yes or no. balance later in life due to ?here are some types of severe disease or other medical hearing loss which do not affect conditions. For example, a aperson's balance, andothers pmm who has had Meningitis which may be associated with may have hearing loss langing balance or even visual from mild to severe in one or problems Balance and headng both ears. The individual may systems are located in the inner also have lost inner-ear balance ear, sharing space, fluid and function. This may be a mild nerve function within the disorder in only one ear or a temporal bone. However, the sev& problem affecting both development and function of ears. these systems are very separate. What all of this means is that

a person who has hearing loss In most types of severe will not always have balance congenital hearing loss, the problems. Medical evaluation balance system is not affected. should assume that balance is Thebalancesystem functions normal. Testing would with minimal information determine whether there is a from the hearing system. balance problem. Medication

alance is maintained by much or physical therapy treatment tronger cues from aperson's will be the same whether or w

vision or sensation in their not the ~erson with a balance

repeat yourself often, there are ways to determine the degree of hearing loss and what can be done to help him communicate more effec- tively.

It is always best to consult with professionals in the field of hearing disorders. Otolaryngologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and medical/ surgical treatment of ear and hearing disorders. Audiologists are specially trained professionals who evaluate hearing sensitivity. If it is dewmined that medical or surgical treatment will not improve your father's hearing, ampmcation through use of a hearing aid may be recommended.

A complete hearing evaluation will reveal the type and degree of hearing loss that your father has. Hearing loss which originates firom a problem with the outer or middle ear is referred to as conductive hearing loss. Ear infections, wax accumulation and otosclerosis (a condition in which one of the bones in the

which can be selected to best fit the individual's hearing loss Some hearing aids may be digitally-programmed to amplify sounds. Other devices are available to amplify telephone or television signals and to improve listening in places such as theatres or concert halls.

ENG. This test records eye movement as the eyes follow a moving light, and as the head and body change positions. Cool and warm water are alternately placed in the right and left ears to compare responses between ears and to determine reduced function of the inner ears.

For many years, sen-ural The rotational chair test, hearing loss was referred to although new and less widely as "nerve deafness." Many available, is useful in physicians told their patients evaluating inner ear function that there was nothing to be as the body is turned about a done for this type of hearing vertical axis. Faster, less loss and that "they would just bothersomeandmorereliable have to live with it." With than the ENG, the rotational recent improvements in chairprovidesinformatianonon hearing aids, this is no longer the overall balance system and true. Because of the variety pinpoints problems arising of hearing losses and from the central nervous amplification devices and system. This new test is also manufacturers, it is very very effective in document- important to consult a ing changes in balance over professhal before pmhasing time. a hearing aid. The cost of hearing aids can also vary A third balance test is dramatically, another reason posturography, which you should consult a examinestheabilityofaperson p r o f e s s i o n a 1 . to select and use appropriate Otolaryngologists and balance information under audiologists can be false and misleading recommended by your family physician, or by calling

year-old father of hering loss. Conductive Remember, most m u l e with -,r- - ~~ bone @wm xks&k *as. Well as b; h&@ h& & ~ o s t h y s hearing loss can tk helped to hearing loss and complete loss used lo. Is dxm something be successfully treated by an hear better, often, by using of the balance function of the that can be done or should we otolaryngologist Hearing aids amplification devices. inner ear. learn to live with it? may also be useful.

C& My wife had a stroke last Neurologically based A: No, you don't have to live Sensorinwal hearing loss win-. &he gets around the disorders, such as Usher's with it! Hearing loss is more arises from problems house pretty well, but Syndrome, may also cause common than most people associated with the inner ear sometimes loses her b a h a balance problems. A person think. More than 10 million and hearing nerve. This type with Usher's Syndrome may people in the United States ofhearinglossmaybearesult experience mild to severe have some degree of hearing of exposure to excessive noise, hearing loss. At some point, loss. If you suspect that your life-saving drug therapy, usually in the preteen years, father is missing alot of what Meniere's disease, aging and the individual will develop you say or if you need to othercauses. Most often, this

type of hearing loss cannot be improved through medical or 'Be Heard ! '@d~ent .However , hearing aids can be very useful

-

in helping people with this I Political Phone N U ~ & ~ S and Addresses I type of hearing loss.

and we are concerned about her falling. Can anything be done to improve her stabil- ity?

A: Imbalance occurs whenever the body is unable to make use of information from the inner ears, the eyes, or the feet and legs. That's why we fall on ice or feel unsteady walking in unfamiliar places

Senator Paul Wellstone (DFL) P.O. Box 65588 St. Paul. MN 551 65 659-0103

Senator Dave Dunmberger (IR) 1020 Plymouth Building 12 South 6th Street Minneapolis. MN 55402 370-3382

Rep. Timothy J. Penny (DFL) Park Towers 22 North Broadway Rochester, MN 55904 (507) 28 1-6053

Rep. Martin 0 . Sabo (DFL) 462 Federal Couxts Bldg. 110 S. 4th St. Minneapolis. MN 55401 348- 1649

Rep. Gerry Sikorski (DFL) 227 Coon Rapids Blvd. N.W. #414 Cooll MN. 55433 780-58&. ' -

Rep. James L. Oberstar (DFL) 231 Federal Building D&&, MN 55802 (2M) 727-7474

Rep. Vin Weber (IR) R*&C. Perterson (DFI Box 279 -%$ax 287 New Ulm, MN 56073 ~ e & t Lakes, MN 56501 (507) 354-6400

Rep. Jim Ramstad (IR) Rep. Bruce Vento (DFL) 2618 Crosby Rosa American National Bank Bldg. M w a , MN 55343 5th & Minnesota St . Room 905 475-3365 St. Paul, MN 55101 224-4503

in the dark If your wife is There are different types of unstable walking around your hearing aids and hundreds of home where there is adequate manufacturers. Behind-the- lighting and secure carpeting, ear hearing aids have been then you have reason to suspect available f a many years. They that she may have a balance consist of an earmold and a problem. piece which fits behi* the ear that houses the main Your M y physician can help components of the hearing aid. determine the cause of the Behind-the-ear hearing aids balance problem so that may be ap- for many appropriate steps can be taken kinds of hearing loss. In-the- to increase your wife's safety ear hearing aids can improve and independence. Often a communication for most types hearing test is conducted to of hearing loss except severe examine the functioning of to profomd hearing lass. Canal the inner ears. However, a hearing aids are the newest normal hearing test does not type of amplification device mean that the balance system and are probably the most is also normal. There are popular because of their small several tests available that size. However, they are not specifically test balance useful for many kinds of function. hearing loss due to their limited circuitry space. Mosthearing One of these tests is called aids have amplificari~ circuits elecrronystagmography, or

conditions. This computerized test shows how an individual positions his or her body to maintain balance under a variety of conditions and identifies incorrect movements which may compound or even create instability.

The results of balance testing and your wife's medical history will assist your physician in diagnosing and treating her instability. Physical therapy can help your wife learn to get around safely through aprogram of exercise and education. Special thanks to audiologists Gene Baizer, Ph.D., Jane Gilbert, M.A. and Candace Tillquist, M.A., of the Minneapolis Neuroscience Institute for their assistance in producing this column.

To submit questions on medical or rehabilitative issues for future columns, write: Medical Issues and Disability, Sister Kenny Institute, Dept. 16601, 800 E. 28th St., Minneapolis, MN 55407- 3799. F+

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6 December 10,1990 Access Press I

TheHearing ---. $= !=' . .!.,, .,

Dog Program A Great Way to Go

by Adam Quinn

What's in a name? Ask Lucb, Executive Director in place - a (possibly) full-blooded and Lucky not far behind. Australian Shepherd who was three hours from being put to The program has developed sleep when she was selected consistent with the philosophy to become the chief of its board and &tor - "demonshator" for the Hearing with deliberate speed, and Dog Program of Minnesota. microscopic attention to demL

The organization, then new, The Hearing Dog Program is was the local brainchild of A1 both a training and a matching Peters, a former insurance service. First comes the executive and residential applicant. restoration entrepreneur who had decided that accumulating While applicants must meet money for its own sake left certain requirements relative something to be desired. A to their impairment, they need gregarious and helpful man not be well-to-do (dogs are by nature, and long-time dog donated; the $2500 training fancier, Peters cast about for and placement costs are picked something to combine his up by foundations, private interests. When wife Penny, conmbutors, and organmtions an audiologist by profession, such as the Lions Club and returned from aconference in the Telephone Pioneers), nor

- San Francisco, the answer knowledgeable about training returned with her. Hearing dogs. "They don't have to dogs. pay for the dog", Peters said,

"but they do have to love him. The idea, in the late 'go's, was not new. The first If the applicant currently has formally-trained hearing dog adog, the Minnesotaprogram "graduated" in 1968, before is one of few in the nation assuming her position as who will assess the pet's time with the applicant/new After the four-month training companion and ears for a deaf suitability as a hearing dog, owner, aperiod of adjustment period, dog and owner are lefi girl in Denver. It just hadn't and enroll the applicants own to be expected between two virtually alone for 30 days. taken off like some ideas do, dog if it passes muster. individuals about to enter a Except for over-the-phone

McGrath's f k t formal Hearing no dog of his or her own. In - learn to truly function together Dog training program way back in 1975.

Perhaps the reason it hadn't taken off, like the seeing eye dog program had, had to do with the general public's lack of awareness of the benefits involved. For those unable to hear a phone or doorbell ring, an alarm clock go off, a smoke alarm sound, a baby cry, or a strange sound in the kitchen late at night, the benefits were both obvious and immediate. To package such a personal alert service in warm and furry four-footed form, with bright eyes, wagging tail and unyielding devotion ...

The lure, as it turned out, was too much for A1 Peters to resist, and efforts to form the Minnesota version of a successful hearing dog program began in 1987. They culminated in February of 1989, with an incorporated, non-profit organization, Board, volunteers and

this event, the staff considers individual preference in terms of "size and shape", and searches the pound and Humane Society kennels for a canine candidate with the combination of traits necessary to give it the "right stuff' for inclusion in the program. Along with the applicarlt's dimensional and appearance considerations, program personnel weight temperament, intelligence, interest in soundand rewards, age (ideally one to two years) and other factors, and generally select an alert and eager-to-please mixed breed for the arduous training ahead.

The dog is then placed in a foster home for two weeks to two months, to confirm that it's housebroken, sociable, crate trained and not a victim of kennel cough or other latent sickness.

Next comes a week of just plain gethng-to-know-you

Then the training begins. as a unit.

For the next sixteen weeks, dog and master are trained in the techniques and nuances of both "regular" obedience and specialized sound response. For those with the capability and interest, the obedience portion may take place at a regular obedience school, complete with commands, confusion and dogs, dogs, dogs. m e program provides an interpreter at both ends, and otherwise facilitates access to the standardized training in whatever way necessary.

If outside training is not practical, and in any event for the sound prtion of the course, training takes place right in the applicant's home. Trainen are highly specialmd experts, with a minimum of six years of obedience training experience, and a period of thorough hearing dog training internship.

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Finally, the Big Day. The trainer, along with A1 Peters and a board member, visit the home with clip boards in hand, and "finals" are administered ... and video- taped. If all goes well between the two, graduation occurs, with a card and certificate proclaiming them a "Certified Hearing Dog Team".

For most, it is more than a thrilling moment. It signals the beginning of greater comfort, convenience and companionship - and it has cost the new owner nothing.

Demand for the program, really less than two years old in Minnesota, is growing as the word gets out. Given the length and intensity of the process, Peters and his board have projected up to 24 dogs trained per year. Given the 140,000 Minnesotans with moderate to severe hearing impairments, of which 40,000 are totally deaf, those projections may well see modification as the years pass by.

Relay continued from page 1 approximately two years ago of the Direct Connect Minnesota Relay System (MRS), an ingenious mixture of common sense. uncommon dedication, creativity and technology.

The idea was simple. When people speak. in effect. two different languages, have someone in the middle who speaks both serve as

Hannibal thought crossing the Alps with elephants would be simple, too. How did it come about? A history. quoted from an MRS document:

In 1980, the Minnesota Association of Deaf Citizens (MADC. founded in 1885). designed and incorporated the Deafness. Education and Advocacy Foundation (D.E.A.F.. Inc) as an organization whose purpose it is to carry out the dreams and innovations of the deaf community. An interlocking Board of Directors governing the two organizations gives D.E.A.F. the ongoing advantage of a direct and continuous link to the needs and concerns of the communications-impaired in the state of Minnesota.

In that same year, a number of deaf community leaders met at Camp Courage to discuss and devise short-term and long- term priorities for programming which would benefit the community. Of the seven goals which were written, top priority was given to establishing a state-wide messagerelay service. The Direct Connect Minnesota Relay Service is a culmiqation of many years of work by countless people representing a wide variety of communication disorders.

From the Camp Courage meeting came the Hearing Impaired Telecommunication Advocacy Committee, which lasted for three years and largely drafted the ~klecommtmications Access For Communication Impaired Persons (TACIP) bill, initially passed into law in 1987.

The bill called for aTACIPBoard, and funding in the form of asmall monthly surcharge on the phone bills of all Minnesotans.

On March 1, 1989, the Minnesota Relay Service began relaying TDD/Telephone calls, 24 hours of every day, 365 days a year.

TDD users who wish to commuiicate with hearing persons dial the Service at 297-5353 (Twin Cities metro area), or 1-800-657-3529 (outstate), give their name, area code and phone number, and the corresponding information for the called party. When the connection is made, the operator reads the T D D user's words to the vnice user.

A Minnesota based non-profit corporation serving a broad constituency which includes people born deaf,those deafened later in life, hard of hearing people , the hearing impaired, persons interested in improving the rights and opportunities available to members of the Deaf and hearing impaired m u n i t y .

I I PROGRAMS INCLUDE: I I I Minnesota Relay Service - described in adjacent article. I

Adult Education Programming - provides services to, and coordinates with, school districts to offer Adult Basic Education classes for the Deaf community. Developing and implementing a statewide tutoring system, working with the State Library system to i m p v e services for the Deaf community. Offers community education classes. seminars and workshops of special interest to the Deaf community.

D.E.A.F. Resource Centers - Resource Centers in St. Paul and Duluth provide information and referral services. Over 7000 clients served in 1989-1990.

Grant. Writing-providesanon-goinggrants writing unit for the Deaf community to assist individual and class-action advocacy aid fund as necessary.

D.E.A.F. Foundation - The foundation donates as much as $30,000 a year to a variety of Deaf Community programs from proceeds generated by D.E.A.F.'s Lawful Gambling Unit.

(St. Paul Office located at 104 E. Seventh Place, (612) 224-25 15 TDD/Voice for information)

The Hearing Dog Program of Minnesota is located at 2223 E. 35th St., Minneapolis, MN 55407. (612) 729-5986.

I RELA Y cont. on p. 7

and types the voice users words for the TDD user. Operators are highly trained. sensitive and efficient, versed in ethics, procedure and ASL grammar. They pass conversation back and forth. but will not interfere, advise or handle your business for you. They are especially sensitive to issues of confidentiality. All calls remain 100% confidential.

For the hearing person, use of the service is remarkably non- threatening. Operators are sensitive to awkwardness issues, and gently guide the first-time hearing user through the procedure with remarkably little stress. In practice, the operator appears to simply fade away once the conversational link has been established. TDD users have become highly facile on the system, and all the i n f d t i e s and nuances of face-to-face conversation seem to be effortlessly

Restaurant Review

THE FRUGAL DINER HAS A a L a D a A

A LOONY EXPERIENCE Association of Late-Deafened Adults : 1 people who grew up in the hearing to friendships, more social groups whae latedeafened adults especially important activity. The

A friend of mine asked me if I would like to go to downtown Minneapolis for dinner on a Friday not too long ago. I said sure, but let's pick a place neither of us have been. He asked if I had been to the Loon Cafe and I said no. I didn't think they were accessible. We decided to give them a call before we went and that was the beginning of this adventure.

Friday night at 6:30 we called the Loon. Q: "Is the Loon wheelchair accessible?A "Yes, we're easily accessible! "

We are on our way. Lucked out. found a parking place only two blocks away. Wheeled over to the entrance to find four or five steps in the way, wheeled a half block each way looking for an

well. itr not our faulk the building management company makes us put it there and the outside doors are supposed to be locked in the evening." I asked if there was any other way to tell someone inside, other than having someone go in and tell the bartender. Answer was no. What if aperson like myself was alme? How would I tell the bartender. At that the young man said, "Look. it's not our fault the button is behind the locked door, it's the building management and if we could do something about it, we would. I know where your coming from. I have a cousin who is in a wheelchair."

I let the subject drop after that. We were guided though another locked door, down a long conidor, to the back door of the Loon. -

accessible entrance; nothing visible. My friend went up the steps into the Loon and asked about the wheelchair entrance. Bartender said it's up towards Butler !+xe, and he would send someone to open the door. Found the doors arid waited. Sitting outside the double doors I noticed acall button inside the first set of doors next to a sign saying "For assistance to the Loon Cafe." Unfortunately the call button was inside a locked door. After waiting about five minutes my friend returned to the Loon and asked if someone was coming. The bartender said "Oh yeah,-I:ll have

S c couple.& minutes ." My friend returned to wait with me.

few more minutes passed and Idebstedwbthaornotthe'lnon Enpaiencel' was ping to be warth the wait. Suddenly. through the locked doors I could see a third door was opening and the possibility of dmer looked brighter. A young man opened the outside door letting us in to the warmth of Butler Square North. I inquired of the logic of a call button on the inside of a locked door making the accessibility of the restaurant inaccessible. He replied "Yeah,

Another door was unlocked and opened and the inside of the Loon became visible. A garbage bin was moved and I was inside! It was socrowded I sort of crawled in and stopped. My friend moved in to see if there was any place to move to. There wasn't. The room was packed with small tables and standees with literally no room to pass through even if there was a destination. We decided to look elsewhere for dinner. Okay. Open the back door, move the trash bin. down the long hall, only to find the doors still locked. My friend

. trekked through the maze and .;lsM-,*drhey\Hprdg be right back. A few minutes la!er, a tight-lipped fellow ~alnPesJ;e$.Wedrn~B~ three locked doors, without a word.

Now, I don't really mind if the Loon is not accessible. Any plaot that is designed to be crowded makes me uncomfortable and slightly initable, I us@y head for quieter environments. However, I do think the Loon management should be honest, and the next time someone asks about wheelchair accessibility. just say "Sony, can't-& it."

. .

worldandbecamedeafas adults. gatherings, i d anewsletter that share their feelings and &up also encourages andassists Late-deafened adults no longer consolidated the group. ALDA expaiences aboutdeafi~ess. These in the establishment of local can understand speech without had amved! support groups can help relieve chapters of ALDA. visual clues or use a telephone in the sense of isolation that many the normal way. Their hearing ALDA: Today latedeafened people feel and can - Newsletter loss may have been sudden or it Today, ALDA is "home" to also provide helpful insights on ALDA publishes a widely may have happened over a period hundreds of latedeafened people coping with deafness. acclaimed newsletter called of years. Most importantly, late- throughoutthe Unitedstates and ALDA News. A mix of humor. deafened adults share the Canada. ALDA gives late- . Social activities information, and personal sharing, experience of being deaf after deafened adults a place where ALDA provides late-deafened the newsletter has played a key having once been hearing. they canbe themselves and share adults with a much-needed social role in ALDA's rapid growth.

with other late-deafened people. outlet. Monthly activities, ALDA: The beginning ALDA also serves as a resource including captionedmovies,day Consultation The Association of Late-Deafened and information center for late- trips, barbecues, sp t ing events, The development of ALDA has Adults (ALDA) traces its roots deafened people and works to and parties, give AIDAns a chance led to greater insight and z. .. to a self-help support group for increase public awareness of the to mingle. understanding of latedeafness -- latedeafened adults that formed special needs of late-deafened among the professional in Chicago in 1985. Two years adults. Outreach community and the g e n d public. later, members of the self-help A chief goal of ALDA is to i w ALDAns are often recruited as group organized a social gathering ALDA: In action and contact as many hedeafened public speakers and are available of late-deafened people. The . Self-help support groups adults as possible. Reaching out to consult on issues involving

I good feelings of that evening led ALDA sponsors self-help support to newly deafened adults is an latedeafness.

ALDA cont. on p. 9

I Thev said these kids would never walk.

Relay continued froom page 6 employed when using the service.

As many of the 140 operators are college students, openings occur more or less consistently with graduation days. and new candidates are continually being sought and mined. Qualifications rest more with communication skills than education or computer knowledge. The age of the current staff ranges from 18 to 72.

Demand for the service is large. and growing. During the month of October. 1990, just shy of 50.000 calls were handled by the h c e . 92% of which were answered in less than 30 seconds.

The vast majority of the calls. 83%. were outbound from TDD's to voice. This ratio is expected to level off as knowledge of the system grows among the genaal public. The same leveling off is expected to occur in the metro outstate usage ratios, now pegged at 85% from the metro area.

They were wrong.

The service is. in all. an amazing illustration of what can be done when community sensitivity, legislative foresight. technological capacity and personal dedi- merge. I

Joshua and Jacob Trumper are twins who "The staff genuinely cares about each child. were born with cerebral palsy. The doctors They even helped us cope with the problems so didn't think they would ever learn to walk. Oh, we could help the kids. When we were worried maybe Joshua would. A little. But not Jacob. about the money, they just said that would not

Then the Trumpers took their boys to be a consideration. If something came up, we Gillette Children's Hospital, a very special place always had someone to call" that serves children who have disabilities. The Gillette Children's has been caring for boys underwent complex surgeries together, and children who have disabilities - and their helped each other through weeks of intensive families - since 1897. The small victories of rehabilitation. Now Joshua can walk, run, ride a children like Jacob and Joshua Trumper may bike. And Jacob, determined to keep up with not be important to everyone, but they are to us. his brother, is walking on his own. Kids who have disabilities need help to become

"Every kid in that place feels special," says independent. We give it to them. Jean Trumper, the boys' Mom. We're non-profit. We depend on

community support.

Gillette Childnn's Hospital

And what was the initial response among the heating-impaired 200 East University Avenue

community when this history-making new service f&t became St. Paul, Minnesota 55 101

available? "That's easy ." said John Smith, of the Relay Service. '"lie first 300 calls were for pizza!" Sometimes there's no place else a child can go. #

8 December 10 1990 Access Press SECURING THE FUTURE THROUGH COMPRE

ANCIAL PLANNING by Arnie Guetzmacher

The futllre is never pmktable. isabled spouse military pensions, etc.? All too often when we look at the family may waste a great receives Medicaid benefits and beloved child or spouse will and financial planning

-, estate planning for families deal of personal resources then dies? Will the 3. How can we coordinate have dignified final professionals to heLp them +, who have persons with a trying to duplicate government force the sale of ourprivateresources withthe arrangements? implement their desires

disability, we tend to governmental benefit our home to pay back these govement benefit programs These experts will probabl: rationalize away the necessity programs. benefits? to provide the best possible 7. How can we set things up see 3 or 4 similar cases each to do anything. We assume lifestyle for the disabled person so that my family will not week as opposed to the family that the spouse or parent will Every family must face the Weneed tolookat seven very now and in the future (if we fight over the plans that I attorney or planner who may always be there to provide or future using a "what if?" important planning issues that are not around?) have established? see one in acareer. They will the person with the disability attitude. What if I go into a are unique to families with a concentrate on helping work will have a shortened life span, nursing home or die before person with a disability: 4. How can we leave sufficient In addition, each family has through the basic issues and therefare, it d d t seem very my disabled spouse or child? resources to provide for a their own unique problems then prepare the appropriate important to do much What if my disabled child or 1. Whowillcare formychild meaningful lifestyle without which can be added to this documents, coordinating planning. spouse lives another 20 years? or Spouse if I am b p a ~ i m t e d the government laying claim basic list. The uaditional governmental benefits, and

What if my medical benefits or when I die? to this inheritance? approach of estate or financial securing a sound financial The reality of the situation is at work run out? What if I planning is not very effective program. thatunlessa family sitsdown losemyjoborpension? What 2. How can we maximize the 5. How can the resources be for these special families. 9 i ad and carefully analyzes their if I have a stroke, cannot government benefit programs managed properly, so they (Mr. Guetzmacher is (

special circumstances, the communicate even for a brief that exist to assist families, will be there as long as the Families need to make regional planner for EDP, ( future care and treatment for time and my disabled spouse i.e., SSI, SSDE, Medicaid, disabled person lives? decisions concerning the national concern specializing the person with a disability or child is left at home alone? Medicare, medical assistance, above basic issues and then in Life Planning programs.)

Picketina The Department

Wage Protest Continues At Human Services Offic longstanding, cumbersome rules promulgated by the Department of Human Services (DHS) as well as the practice of assigning percentage budget increases in determining rates. The DHS sets contract rates for the private employers. These rates are usually

objective except to meet the dissatisfaction with the salary. higher cost of ope*on. Staff financial requirement. assignments, in general, are

The employees and their no different in the two types The result of this method is a employer~ see a SySti?m which of facilities, and jobs are perpetuation of the inequity. is deteriorating under these comparable. Only the wage

policies. Part of the solution is different. Terry Shapka, director of lies with the legislature, which client services for Marl' T., must take arealistic approach Staff turnover in the privatc

Inc., a private supplier of to wage levels for the people residences averages 62% residential services said that i t employs directly or annually, a figure thd

by small the wage discrepancy was indirectly. drarnatickly illu&ates thc mually (3.8% about $4.00 per hour. a very Another part of the solution si-n. Heavy respomib'di~l

~ -

. inability of the private residential manaeers to raise "

3 Terry Shapiro handing out leaflets ert DfES , wages in any meaningful

Rqmsentstives of ARRM, tfie Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota marched in front of the Minnesota Department of litman Services in a protest for bettea wages. Starting on October 15th and continuing

election day on ber 6th, the marchers to alert both the

and the leghhtive

candidates to their plight.

The core of the argument is that wages paid to s e employees far similar work in resideitial facilities is substan* higher than the wage to outside providers of services.

Mr. Jerry McInemey of ARRM says this is a result of

amounts.

T&sm tthe+3fpAdiag w* WZS m p r o v i i tk - s~WWL Typically, thi,s alw is done by increasing the ,budget for

sxvkes a m t a g e oflastyear'sbad~mpemaps a flat dollar amount. The budget limits are then passed down to the community red- with no particular

a g e -differenc&&nce, employees of private contractars mkive about $6.00 per hour on average, while the state pays about $10.00 for .the same sort of employment.

Mr. Joel Cary, also of the MaryT.ww=-

. . saidthee

private midenrial Wties are serving approximately 4750 retarded people. The state facilities are serving about 1450 client&

The state emplayees are mimkdandtheprivateworle bee is not. Mr. McInemy said he doubted that unionization could change the s i ~ v e r y e a s i l y , s i n c e t h e union nego&iation could only be with employers under contracts to the RHS and not the state. In addition to their annual b u d g e t b i ~ o n s , the complexilyofthe~causes almost 258 of the annual allocation for these facilities to he disputed for one reason mano*. mdiSpwdmIal is o w $ W r n r n c-tly, and is causing con;cern that the whole system may be cdlapm3.

Residential facilities, which are classed as I C F M (Intermediate Care Facilities/ for Mentally Retarded) must emphy people able to take on heavy mpomdbilities but can only offer about $6.00 per hour in compensation. Very high turnover is experienced as well as a general

lies wilh rhe Dm, which must simplify its rules and procedures in paying the providers.

State empllayees are paid m k x can be done? a different system, one which gives them moresauhy with Mr. McInmy said k a e higher wages, a situath m ~ z e employees will hold a mass desirable than the private meeting at the Capitol on contractors are able to afford. January 15th to present their The fact that the state case to the legislature. Last legiWlm seB criteria for both y w the' same event was held p h is particularly distllrbing on Feb. 20th and 3800 people to the protesters. attended.

Some of the state run The staff at the Department asidenees are serving clients of Human Senrices said they whoaremoresemdydisalded couldnotmketimeawayfrom than the private residences. th&mm toanwa This resulrs in a higIrer ratio our t e b b n e calls about this

Access Press December 10,1990 9 el-

Pacer Center Tackles Affordable Housing

Parents of children with disabilities were invited by Pacer Center to spend an evening with Mr. Bob Laux, a New England real estate broker who specializes in setting up housing for mple with disabilities. The meeting was held at the Kelly Inn, St. Paul, on November 7th.

vlr. Laux questioned the audience early in theevening about their specific needs, While the disabilities of their dependents covered a wide spectrum, the parents were uniformly concerned about long range housing prospects for their children.

Mr. Laux offered few specifics for individual families, but assured the group that almost all legislative progress and community efforts to provide housing solutions are brought about by similar groups of those most affected. He feels the existing federal tax credits for the creation of affordable housing offer the best avenue of attracting investors into the low rent housing market.

He also detailed some of the prevailing "myths" which have hampered reasonable development of affordable housing for handicapped individuals. The idea that people with disabilities prefer to live with others having similar disabilities is particularly destructive.

Fzq An~eiarnple of this is an apartment building specifically designed and built for handicapped people. This building has a limited use and thus is hard to finance. Investors see little possibility of normal appreciation, and many of the potential residents see it as segregated and therefore a less desirable place to live.

The alternative, in this case, is a conventional building with a few apartments specially designed for disabled residents. Normal market rules apply and investors are more receptive.

Mr. Laux also emphasized that "affordable housing" is not a problem limited to the disabled population. It is a major problem for all of those who have low incomes. A minimum wage working person may very well have no more income (or even less) than a someone receiving SSI or Social Security, and perhaps less ability to find help in solving their personal housing need.

Xs a result of the meeting, some parents have expressed their desire to study financing of alternative living arrangements as a group. If you are interested in joining such a group,

__-- --

Housing Commentary by William A. Smith, Jr.

noted in the article on Bob Laux's .lecture for Pacer's parents, affordable housing isn't t a problem for people with disabilities. Affordable housing is a necessity for everyone.

We are creating a larger class of "service employees" (who might have been the "peasants" in a different time) a class we thought would diminish in our prosperous culture. This permanent underclass, relegated to the aptly named service industries paying less than living wages, will have to find living quarters in some form of subsidized housing. Whether the subsidies are in the form of tax breaks for investors or direct aid such as the Section 8 program, they remain subsidies paid by taxing the more affluent.

In Minnesota, our non-homestead tax program further complicates efforts to offer small homes or conventional duplexes, fourplexes and the like at affordable rates for lower income tenants. Many such tenants pay 50% or more of their income for their apartment, and landlords are still unable to pay for adequate maintenance.

In the 1970's a serious effort was made to stimulate the construction of apartment buildings for low income people, and those with moderate incomes. Very few new projects were built in the 80'sand no effort was made to solve the problem, which worsens now as the older "low- income" buildings deteriorate or are converted to market rate (i.e., higher) rents.

It appears that conventional thinking, using conventional financial methods, will not bring about asolution to the problem of affordable housing. Construction costs and real estate taxes are too high, and interest rates are too high, to allow an investor to make a profit renting modest hoking to people with low incomes.

What can be done?

In the next few issues of ACCESS PRESS we'll show you some actual examples of individuals and families, whoare coping with this housing crunch. How they do it and what must be sacrificed to pay the rent will probably surprise and offend you.

-q We'll also offer some ideas we think are potential solutions ta me stdtu 'Qu . his is our ALDA advocates the use of realtime problem. All of us are ultimately affected by the slow deterioration of our cities. We have to take an interest! People, like the neighborhoods are losing this fight for a decent existence.

Editorial & Advertising Deadline for January 10th

issue is December 30

r - SECRETARY

CASHIERIDATA ENTRY CLERK DMSION OF NATURAL SCIENCES & BUSINESS OFFICE MATHEMATICS

Responsibilities include receipting payments on accounts, This position provides professional secretarial support to the processing all cash and ~~sh-~elated msactions approxhlately 20 faculty members in the Division of Natural accurate cashier window records, preparing bank deposits, Sciences and Mathematics at Augsburg College- and assisting other areas in the Business Office as needed. Responsibilities include typing course syllabi, hand-outs,

exams, proposals, etc., answering phones, and processing daily mail.

Applicants must enjoy extensive public contact, possess , and data ~ ~ ~ l i ~ ~ ~ ~ will have -M ~ i ~ ~ , 1-2 years --

experience, be familiar with chemical, biological and mathematical symbols, and high school mathematics. Word

This is a full-time, year-round position which will include processing experience required, Macintosh P.C. experience including preferred.

This is a part-time (20 hours/week) position August 15 send letter of inquiry, resume, and salary to through June 15 with summers off. Excellent benefits

including tuition waiver. HELP WANTED. Wordprocessors or transcribers. Must own equipment for possible future contract work. Send resume and expected hourly or per page rate. James Maher, Ultraflex Enterprises, 2631 South Columbus, Apt. 205, Mpls., MN 55407

Commission advertising person needed. For ACCESS PRESS,

call for details at 379-0989.

Personnel Department Augsburg Cdlege

73 1 21 Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55454

Augsburg College is an Affirmative Action Employer. Minorities and Women are Strongly Encouraged to

Apply

Send letter of inquiry, resume, and salary requirements to

Personnel Department Augsburg College

73 1 21 Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55454

Augsburg College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities and Women are Strongly Encouraged to

Apply.

McG h l i n continued from page I

"Increasingly ," he said. "elected of ad-hoc ones. The six Though his overall vision for the officials are at the end of the are: Ways and Means, Social m t y is in anecessarily evolving process". The successful Court held for the school politician operates not so much district, and the Schuldts have for people as fhrouah them. he Intragovenunental. -- a result places community involvement and

\

from kgiS1- partisan. to county commissioner was not a result of seething ambition for the ofti= as - and considered reflection.

He had already det-ined to

he leamed that the commission seat in his was to be He professes a holistic approach As w integral part of that equation. vacated. thatHerme* to governmental services - he will work with all interested

County was the second-largest consider the effect of individual provider and consumer parties to governmental unit in the state; decisicms an the overall organism, involve the schools directly in managing abudgetof one billion and emphasize prevention as the &-on process. ''What d o h forp0- and saviCes; opposed to -air. holds neighborhoods together?.. that his would be one of seven he said. "Schools." "It would not be in agreement voices, not 134; and that part a scholar by background, with the intent of P L . 94-142 w scrambling for CXXnmittee #504 ... to deny a childplacement assignments would be a thing of in the school closest to hislher the Past (all mission^ sit home because of accessibility. " on he opted for community, he feels. one needs recycling. He personally buys OSEP, Oct. 8,1980 the oppommity. to engage the community. To the family's milk from Tom

engage the community, programs Thumb. because they supply it in W i t h v i c m * h i s m ~ f o r must be offered which meet returnable containers, the impact increased significantly- identifled needs. To identify *Utha te recycling". He plans H*-v provi&awide needs, and prioritize the to pay particular attention to variety services* includmg expenditure of limited resources providing apamnent building and healthprogramslsocialservices. ("limited" - a resource of any business owners with greater financial assistance* law size faced with ademandgreater opportunities for recycling. d m e n ~ ~~~ than its supply) to most effectively wansportation* solid waste and fairly meet those needs. From an overall perspective. management and suburban careful analysis must be made of McGlaughlin plans to lobby for libraries. not only what has worked and achange in the process of county

the budget has not. but why. Creative budget determination. C m t l y . (and the tax levy necessary to solutions must be devised for the the budget is established by the raise it). establishing policies for -no&w. proposals for tapping adminismtian. revealed in A~~~~

of services* the resource pool must be of each year, and subsequently and w t i n g staff a d a k d , and the entire. program exposed for public input. While

members. presented in the form of avisim expressing a p i a t i o n for the solutions to problems (or bring both lis- ("outside") .&me obsucle betWeen for the county in a manner that realities of the budgeting process. positions) currently not able to and negotiating ("inside") skills ,+.ion and achievement**, he said To the m y ' s one million both the haves and the have-no the new Commissioner would be addressed until afterpublic to his new role, not to m d o n '&is mode of lf then is residents* 8500 Persons are will see is to their ~dividual modify it to the extent of exposure. insights and relationships to be change, there must be employed. advantage. formalizing public input at the

developedduringhisbeet-s orientation to change. It is my front end, through the offices of Aware of his position as the new as state legislator.

From his on the job* PeterMcGlaughlinisgoingtobe the Commissioners themselves. kid on the county block, intention and my hope to help

MaGlaughlin will sit on six a busy man. create an atmosphere in which In this mama. the revealed budset McGlaughlh not a H s t a n d e r He will also bring his personal innovation can ocmw. standing committees, and any would presumably reflect by impulse or training, plans to philosophy.