Accessibility Access Press RESOURCES December 10, 997 munity is clearly identifiable people of color. They may be disabilityexperience. Not only as a white one. On the face of missing something because? race, b-dtgender,sexual orien- thingsonemightattributethis the representation is over- tation, class, socioeconomic to demographics, but that whehningly white. If t h ~ ' s level, religion. A number of yaulbak at disability, &ie a people crfcolo@with disabili- ously lacking is-students at- The disabilityexperiencewill dea, they're anur. men smaller tendingthe University of Min- get Shaped and &fined by the a p - . Where ape &$?" neaota This is an institution majority culture. Disability Communities !$ mim t(ih - where, despite 135 support isn'tsoleiyaboutlemajarity ' arepractically invisibleatdis- 1995. Sue Ktoeger, Rimtor abbd students and don't find n 3hkuary 2-, 1953'. , touching two buttons. lization. Passive -ding in- ability-related fmaions and of Disability Services at,the - diversity in its broadest sense. . Forrest "Frosty" John- volves bringing a p e r s o ~ frmn virtually silent whmi public University,sees thenegligible That causes a concern about r son was standing alone in his Mr. Johnson and his thcra- a seated. or recumbent posi- voices are raised on dkbility representation of disabled how Y ti biw defined, con- [ --. J%tareryrem&- pjsts, Ronna Linroth, O.T.R. tion into a standing position. issues. Says Smith, "They minority students as a vial cepmalized,andmanifesmd." - a b b fact, unless you consider and Sharron Ruhsam, P.T., Thereareavariety ofdevices, aren't involved with people concern. "I think it's critical. Additionally, no one con- I 'thatMr.Johnsonhadndstd were intrigued by the poten- including the HiRider, to as- with disabilities who are in- Regarding students of color, tactedfor this article knew of withoutsomeone'sassistance tial therapeutic value of the sist with passive standing. volved in legislation or just lastyecar,-autofawtalof2,000 a single instructor or profes- / for more than 2 years. He was HiRider. He and his therapists active in different disability disabled students, disability w r employed by the Univer- 1 standing in a HiRIder stand- believed that the HiRider Mr. Johnson and his thera- organizations. WhenIlookat services served 94 Asian sity who is a person of color I up wheelchair, which he had would allow him tosafely and pists had examined other all the meetings I'm involved American, 85African Amri- with adisability. I I fought for almost 3 years to indqmdentlyperform aregu- standing devices, but he was with I can count the number, can, 45 ChLanotHispanic, 26 . . obtain. lar rwtine of passive stand- unable to safely and indepen- and it's minuscule - 5 or 6 Indian, 1 6 i n ~ t i o ~ ~ ~ l . ' ' Agexpressedby Smith and by ing. Passive standing is a dently use other devices. Mr. people." -KPgeger, the dearth of non- Mr. Johnson is a 39 year old therapeutic inmeetion used Johns* E i w by himself and ' -rdidnothaveimmedi- wvtc presence in the disabil- man with multiple sclerosis. withpersonslikeMr.Johnson has no home care services to Smith~ngstoli~tanimpm~ a& iREmmm other mi- ity kommunity is w tindeni- i As a resplt of MS. Mr. who, because of their disabil- assist him tant consideration. Efforts to norities, but m & ~ ~ h e d l y ad- able problem. Decisions made I Johnson has little functional ity, aremtrktedtoaseatedor obtain equal opportunity for mits, "I don't see race1 in the lobbyingcirclesof poli- use of his legs and uses a recumbentpositiqn Immobi- Duringabmonthtrialwith thedisabled\didnor end with ethqicity beingpartofthedis- tics, as well as thoughts and ~ower scooter for mobility. Iiationw-toa tlre HiZtider W d - u p wheel- the passage of the Americans ability discussion d JI fd it feelings which significantly I seated or recumbent position chair, Mr. Johnma stood up with Disabilities Act, but are shouldbe.I&~nYtsee[minori- influence the focus of,educa- I I contributes to bone calcium u s i n g t h e ~ l a e r a l t i m s sustained by an ongoing ties] in leadership positions. tim, all take place in accord I loss, osteoporosis, urinary adayforatlastmMfhm . p~v&tg~~.'k@d~l &&p What's Irappming is that we with smsibilities and per- I ' hf the HiRider, demon- tract and bladder infections, atatime. While hewasablsto ,w&& is rwt- to be for box things up neatly. We ceptions held by the white ftrated the HiRider for cli- muscle atrophy, muscle perfonnp~ivestanciingwi~ whites may. Smithrem&ks, have disability con'yersa- majority. IsMinnesota9sfac- ents of the MS Achieve- cantractures, muscle spastic- the assistanceof the HiRider, "The legislative session is tions, gender-oriented con- tion of the disability move- ment Center. The RiKider ify. loss of range of motion, he experienced a significant cmingupinJanuary. There's versations, etcetera. But mentan exclusive club? It is + js a com bin at i on power decubitwulcers,constipation .redaction in the detrimental a group of individuals and they're compwtmntalized. readily apparent that some fwheelchairandpassivestand- andreducedxwpiration. Pas: asp~;etsofprolongedimm&i- .orgmiziatioss ,catbd The They're nat integaed into pw&1 mganizations are fng device that enables the sive standing.&itriktes sig- l i d o n . Mr. JohnsonreturPjied : ~ o ~ ~ & r ~ i t i ~ w i @ biWflity as a whole. Rere exclusive of minorities, the client to move between sitting nificantly to reducing these theHiRiderfollowing the&& ~~jsabi~fies(&f3):k's~ndof are all swts oFi&ntities that mostpromintantbeing the Re- I . .< I and standing positions by demmnrat*cts'b~&- Ap+ - cont. on g. 7 W@@T~ve moFthedisabil- people have. Obviously our Minorities - cont. on p. 6 I
Transcript
I
Airport Accessibility
Page 3
Access Press RESOURCES December 1 0, 1 997
munity is clearly identifiable people of color. They may be disability experience. Not only as a white one. On the face of missing something because? race, b-dt gender,sexual orien- thingsonemightattributethis the representation is over- tation, class, socioeconomic to demographics, but that whehningly white. If t h ~ ' s level, religion. A number of
yaulbak at disability, &ie a
people crfcolo@with disabili- ously lacking is-students at- The disability experience will dea, they're anur. men smaller tending the University of Min- get Shaped and &fined by the
a
p-. Where ape &$?" neaota This is an institution majority culture. Disability Communities !$ mim t(ih - where, despite 135 support isn'tsoleiyaboutlemajarity '
arepractically invisibleatdis- 1995. Sue Ktoeger, Rimtor abbd students and don't find n 3hkuary 2-, 1953'. , touching two buttons. lization. Passive -ding in- ability-related fmaions and of Disability Services at, the - diversity in its broadest sense. . Forrest "Frosty" John- volves bringing aperso~ frmn virtually silent whmi public University, sees thenegligible That causes a concern about r son was standing alone in his Mr. Johnson and his thcra- a seated. or recumbent posi- voices are raised on dkbility representation of disabled how Y ti b i w defined, con-
[ --. J%tareryrem&- pjsts, Ronna Linroth, O.T.R. tion into a standing position. issues. Says Smith, "They minority students as a vial cepmalized,andmanifesmd." - abb fact, unless you consider and Sharron Ruhsam, P.T., Thereareavariety ofdevices, aren't involved with people concern. "I think it's critical. Additionally, no one con-
I 'thatMr.Johnsonhadndstd were intrigued by the poten- including the HiRider, to as- with disabilities who are in- Regarding students of color, tactedfor this article knew of withoutsomeone'sassistance tial therapeutic value of the sist with passive standing. volved in legislation or just lastyecar,-autofawtalof2,000 a single instructor or profes-
/ for more than 2 years. He was HiRider. He and his therapists active in different disability disabled students, disability w r employed by the Univer- 1
standing in a HiRIder stand- believed that the HiRider Mr. Johnson and his thera- organizations. WhenIlookat services served 94 Asian sity who is a person of color I
up wheelchair, which he had would allow him tosafely and pists had examined other all the meetings I'm involved American, 85African Amri- with adisability. I
I
fought for almost 3 years to indqmdentlyperform aregu- standing devices, but he was with I can count the number, can, 45 ChLanotHispanic, 26 . . obtain. lar rwtine of passive stand- unable to safely and indepen- and it's minuscule - 5 or 6 Indian, 1 6 i n ~ t i o ~ ~ ~ l . ' ' Agexpressed by Smith and by
ing. Passive standing is a dently use other devices. Mr. people." -KPgeger, the dearth of non- Mr. Johnson is a 39 year old therapeutic inmeetion used Johns* Eiw by himself and ' -rdidnothaveimmedi- wvtc presence in the disabil- man with multiple sclerosis. withpersonslikeMr.Johnson has no home care services to S m i t h ~ n g s t o l i ~ t a n i m p m ~ a& iREmmm other mi- ity kommunity is w tindeni-
i As a resplt of MS. Mr. who, because of their disabil- assist him tant consideration. Efforts to norities, but m & ~ ~ h e d l y ad- able problem. Decisions made I
Johnson has little functional ity, aremtrktedtoaseatedor obtain equal opportunity for mits, "I don't see race1 in the lobbying circlesof poli- use of his legs and uses a recumbentpositiqn Immobi- Duringabmonthtrialwith thedisabled\did nor end with ethqicity beingpartofthedis- tics, as well as thoughts and ~ o w e r scooter for mobility. Iiationw-toa tlre HiZtider W d - u p wheel- the passage of the Americans ability discussion d JI f d it feelings which significantly I
seated or recumbent position chair, Mr. Johnma stood up with Disabilities Act, but are shouldbe.I&~nYtsee[minori- influence the focus of,educa- I I
contributes to bone calcium u s i n g t h e ~ l a e r a l t i m s sustained by an ongoing ties] in leadership positions. tim, all take place in accord I
loss, osteoporosis, urinary a d a y f o r a t l a s t m M f h m . p ~ v & t g ~ ~ . ' k @ d ~ l &&p What's Irappming is that we with smsibilities and per- I
' hf the HiRider, demon- tract and bladder infections, atatime. While hewasablsto ,w&& is rwt- to be for box things up neatly. We ceptions held by the white ftrated the HiRider for cli- muscle atrophy, muscle perfonnp~ivestanciingwi~ whites may. Smithrem&ks, have disability con'yersa- majority. IsMinnesota9sfac- ents of the MS Achieve- cantractures, muscle spastic- the assistance of the HiRider, "The legislative session is tions, gender-oriented con- tion of the disability move- ment Center. The RiKider ify. loss of range of motion, he experienced a significant cmingupinJanuary. There's versations, etcetera. But mentan exclusive club? It is
+ js a com bin at i on power decubitwulcers, constipation .redaction in the detrimental a group of individuals and they're compwtmntalized. readily apparent that some fwheelchairandpassivestand- andreducedxwpiration. Pas: asp~;etsofprolongedimm&i- .orgmiziatioss ,catbd The They're nat integaed into pw&1 mganizations are fng device that enables the sive standing.&itriktes sig- l i d o n . Mr. JohnsonreturPjied : ~ o ~ ~ & r ~ i t i ~ w i @ biWflity as a whole. R e r e exclusive of minorities, the client to move between sitting nificantly to reducing these theHiRiderfollowing the&& ~~jsabi~fies(&f3):k's~ndof are all swts oFi&ntities that mostpromintant being the Re-
I . ...< I and standing positions by demmnrat*cts'b~&- Ap+ - cont. on g. 7 W@@T~ve moFthedisabil- people have. Obviously our Minorities - cont. on p. 6 I
2 ~ecember 10, 1997 Acctss Press I Charlie 1 Smith I Editor Our lead 'story this month is about people ofcolor and their participation in the disability community. It is a complex issue and many factors con- tribute to the reasons why many people of color are not part of our community. Ifelt by raising this issue it inight help us understand why, and give us some insights on what can be done to change this situa- tion. whows us 'that
ir voices
The other fronipage stov is stop? We hear of ; anO'ereram~le ofthe ya*ryear Where DHS ility. Ifthis In 1998, ACCESS PRESS
m e n t o f l l ~ S d ~ H S ~ will not bend their rules even man'sdaughterwouldnothavc would like to continue with a with a when it is obvious they will had P disability the popleaf these type of articles. We
a of equipment lose in spurt. DHS needs to Cansda w@have been out- need your help! Do you have that they need- can usecommonsenseinthisafe~. raged with this kind of sen- aspeeific topic you would like stand that DHS has to control -- , <, - . * , -
1 a , I " A t -,, - 2:"' tence. In my opinion, thisman us to cover? Please call me at + costs and can,not,t,buy every . - w;--:,A * *,*.%* * rzxz'
should have gone to prison far (612) 644-21 33, I need your feel welcome in the disability suggest io~s.~ , I
c o m m u n i . t y . a n d U r i f 0 ~ ~ 1 ~ - * $ 7 2
there a& no eacjy ,d&ed-&Y' * * * * this pbblq.,,@nt we'&q+ fps i - , I wish you all HAPPY HOLI- is Btan @pg about jt anqw srpq-t DAYS and a GREAT NEW to bgathe ~i‘wa~io*dc%Fwe k c YEAR! May the New Year are huly going tobe inclusive bring you good health and
Ba'n k Sued Over Benefits' . a J . , . p. he . Cod - ; . . W.A.Life ; > . .. - - 1 4 - . . 3- , f-' '4
r - by & B&P.UX
T he federal government is disorders, just like heart dis- oftreatingmentalandphysical suing the nation's largest ease and cancer," said Ron problems equally in health
bank for not offering employ- Honberg of the National Alli- insurance. ees mental-health disability ance for the Mentally Ill. "It benefits on a par with cover- seems strange to me that we The federal commission says age they receive for ph~sical would allow one organ of the the bank and the Unum Life ailments. 2 Of - ; body to be singled out for i lnsurane Co. have denied
lower level of coverage." . employees with mental ill- The Equal Employ mentop- nesses, disability pay, a per- portunities Commission con- But Chase says its employees centage of their salary when tends that Chase Manhattan wouldpay30-40prcentmore on disability leave after 18 Bank and its insurer areviolat- for the same level of insurance months. ing the Americans with Dis- coverage if the courts agree abilities Act by limiting ben- withkEEOC. Employees with physical ill- efits for those with mental dis- nessex have the right to re- abilities. Thc case deals with work& ecive d+bjlity benefits or re-
disability payments and does turn to work if thei can until "Mental disorders are medical not address the broader issue age 65.
Accessible:'Space, Inc. (AS0 offers subsidized one and two bedroom apartmen$fbr individuals with physical disabilities. w e have housing in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, St. c@, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Austin, Marshall, Willmar, and Duluth.
The apartments are fully wheelchair accessible and each building has a central laundry room, large community room, secured entry and an on-site caretaker.
AS1 dso offers shared personal care se locations, for adults with'a physical disabil5ity a n e l / @ r i ~ W hain injury who qualify for Medical Assistance. - For more information call (6 1 2) 645-727 1 &(BOO) 466-7722. or services or housing call Leigh, for employmmt as a personal care attendant call Sean or Courtney. +_ .;-6+5-. -it lL-i ,. - - ,f - .'. -<L. '; Accessible Space, Inc.
ACCESS PRESS Co-FounBerIPublisher (1990-1995) ..... ,.,,..,.,..,, A.""..... ......I 3~ , . . . . Wm. A. Smith, Jr. Editot/Publlsher/Co-Founder .-,., .... ,,.".,,.,,-nnnw,..C.UU.... .... Charles F. Smith Cartoonist *.-.... .... -.." .... ...................... ........................................ SmtfAdarm Praductfon .,...",~.-,,,.,,.,.,,,...ctf.ctf.ctfctf.ctf.ctfctf .... -.. Presentation w, ~~~ m t " " . " " . " " ........ """"....""..".... 6 . . .. -- ACCESS EWSS is's monthly tabloid newspaper pu'bfishixl for with disabiliba b Access Rur, Ltd. Circulation is l O.000, distributed the I D . of each month through mac t h q 130 &oat statewide. Approximately 650 copies are maited d i i t l y to political, business, instituttanal and dvk leaders. Subscriptions are available for $15/yr.
Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest to pasons with disabilities, or person! serving thbse with disabilities, are welcomed.
Paid advertising is available at rates ran@ from $14 to $I8/ca1umt1 inch, depending on size and frequency. c l r s i w ads are ~8.m. plus 3 T c e n ~ v a d over zo WCK~P.
Advertising and editMia1 deadlines m the 3&hof the month preceding available for camera-dy art.
Aasm F'ms is available on tap. Call MN State Servicesfor the Blind, 642-WlO or 800-65290009000
u i b shadd be dhectcd to: A C m 1821 Univdty Avc W. %ti& 18% St. P d , ~ ~ 5 5 1 0 4 * ( 6 1 2 1 4 4 4 - 2 1 3 3 *Fat (612) 644-2136 I -
T he disabilig community is very saddened to hear
about the death of Kristoffer Schultz. His death wasunnec- essary, all because of an unplowed sidewalk. Kristoffer, a paraplegic, was only 19 yeius old, a first year studentat Brown Institute studying to be a radio newscaster.
On Sun. Nov. 23,1997, Krist-
offer and a friend were going down Lexington Ave. inEagan. The sidewalkalong this part of Lexington Ave. borders aCity park and was not plowed so Kristoffer Wswheekhairhad to ride in W-t. His wheel- char was struck by a van driven by a 1 6 year old. Krist- offer was tossed onto the curb, he was unconscious and later died at Regions Hospital.
According to television news reports the City of Eagan re- sponded to questions regard- ing the clearing of snow from sidewalks and pathways as, "Not cost efficient to plow those sidewalks." The tragic cost was the life of one young man whose bright future was taken away from him and his family.
From Around The World -
ore than 16,000 lapa- capped demanded that the' - i&~&khoh aplogized. M n m women i i t h dis- Health and Welfare Ministry
I abilities wereinvoluntarily ster- investigate cams of involun- In 1948, J y ilized with government ap- tary sterilization. Over the izationasah
- ? . - . ment does not plan to apblo- izedwith&tiheirconsentwhik fa~tors . The law, which v7as gize, offer compensation €0 the housed in public institudons. only mvdked last year, allow*, .-
- victims or their families, orcon- dmtors toste@imf+pb&h duct an invdgation, the offi- But t&r c ia iw did not g& ~rrteiatal orphysical disabilities
much atten'ion uial last without heir consent, after month, when it was'discov- obtainingtheapproval oflocal
The admission came one day ered that as many as 60,000 governments. after 17 citizens' groups that people had been involun- represent women or the handi- tarily sterilized in Sweden,
ible Arts. Performances Audio- 12/2 1, Sun 200: 'gJleLiion in atre, St. Paul -
WiilteP ~ . k f I k R o & d , 12,412, H 7:3Q "Pe.terRnR Wpb lYI3,Wm "nteBest Christ- t2hIt lMs Theatre, Iblpls mas Pagaent Ever"' Weym
haeuser Auditorium, St. Paul 12/13,Sat2:00r"IheBestChrls- Noise, Bring in d s Funk" tmas Pagaent Ever" Weyer- Orpheum Theater, Mpls 12/19,Fri7:30:'TheBest~- haeuser Auditorium, St. Paul
A=&
mas Pagaent Ever" Weyer- haeuser Auditorium, St. Paul
1 Z n 4 9 ~ ~ ~ " Z h e H u n t " h . , r h e ~ ~ bf the B&t &!qp& 12/12 Fri %%I: "PePisr Pm" lW21, Sun 2:00 & 4:00: '7%
&-Mask ~ ; . M p ~ s ' Children's Theatre, Mpla ~ e s t ~ h r i s t m a s ~agaent ~rei" Weyerhaeuset Auditorium, St.
12117,WedTW "KevinKling" 12412,FriTU):TheGiftofthe Paul Jungle Theater, Mpls Magi" Community Theatre of
Burnsville, Burnsville 1'U2&,~2:00: 'I?heHuntl'In 12/19,Fri7:39: %BestChrist- ' the Heart of the Beast Puppet mas Pagaent Ever" Weyir- 12113;SBt$m "OrpEzanTt9in"' & Mask Theater, Mpls hams& Auditorium, St. Paul &at thwrhmn History The
r 9 I
~ ~ ~ i ~ ~ ~ ~ -
. .
Access Press December 10, 1997 3
Access At The Airport IN BRIEF. . . . I I by Lolly Lijewski 4
Volunteer Board Members 4
I hether traveling once a issues were the airlines' re- one passenger when it could I
I year on vacation or s~onsibilit~. But last spring* be serving more passengers Alexandra House, In=. is ac- and an please call tions form the following I
once a month for business, advocates worked withairport on the main level. This means tively recruiting individuals to 780-2332~ng0-2330'1~~. communities: bisexual, trans- 4 1 access to Minneapolis/Saint personnel to address some of that an escort or wheelchair serve a three year term as a gender, disabled, and commu- 4
( Paul International Airport be- the issues before the national pusher must meet the cart at boardmember. Themissionof ~ t w a r d ~ p ~ ~ t r e ~ m - ,,ities of color. ~ ~ ~ l iI
camemoredifficult for people Society For Disability studies the elevator. The passenger is Alexandra House is to elimi- ( 0 s ~ ~ ) seeks individu- will be taken through D ~ ~ ~with disabilities this past year conference which was held in then passed off by the electric domestic violence by en- -to serve on its ~~~~d of ber 3 1,1997. F~~ information with the construction of anew Minneapolis. An accommo- cart driver to the escort or su r~ngaccoun ta~~~~ ty from the Directors. ~~~~d members contact: outward spiral ~ h ~ - "Ground Transportation Hub." dation was made in the proce- wheelchair pusher and they community while providing may elect to serve 1,2, or 3 year atre company, PO B~~ 2094, with airport usage up to 30 dure so passengers with dis- continue on to the baggage support services to battered terms, Timecommitmentvar- LoopStation,Mpls,MW554(n; million people a year, the pur- abilities can call the ground claim level. women and their *children/ ies per position. OSTC par- (612)871-4674. pose of this hub was to im- transportation provideroftheir youth. For more information titularly encourages applica- 4
provesecurity,and toimprove choice once they reach the There are many other access I 1
passenger safety. Before the baggage claim level and a issues faced by people with hub wasconstructed, passen- curbside pickup can be ar- disabilities at the airport. National Telebility Center 1 j
gers would collect their bag- ranged. The ground transpor- These include: not enough as- t
gage and go to ground trans- tation provider must call the sistance at curb side to ,-heck America's Telability Media newspapers for the blind, and fessions. The third edition is 1
portation was at the far ~i~~~~ police to inform them in, getting through security has more than 1,000 media re- 12 professional media organi- availiable in print or disk from 1 4
endofthebaggageclaim level. first of their need to do such a without having to go through sources that serve persons zations. The bookis avaluable Teleability Media for $30.00. 4 4
nere was a great deal ofcon- pickup. once it is cleared, the a pat search, long waits for withdisabilities. The 1997-98 reference guide for families, Sendcheckormoney order to: t
gestion and confusion. T~ get provider can proceed to door carts to get to the gate, edition contains 850 periodi- consumers withdisabilities, li- P.O. Box 1488, Columbia,MO I 4
to the ground transportation number five and pick up the not enough Travelers Assis- calsy 80 producers- brariesg the public 65205. 4
(
providers, passengers had to personwiththedisability.This tance volunteers to provide 20 newsPaPercO1umnistsv 46 industr~andrehabilitatiOnpro- q
walk out of the main terminal accommodation allows pas- adequate coverage, Travelers l
and across the street. The sengers with disabilities to Assistancevolunteerswhoare Cifv Ordinances I
pedestrian traffic held up ve- avoid the ground transporta- seniors or have disabilities - hicle traffic and accidents re- tion hub completely. themselves and are unable to sulted. The new hub funnels provide the type of assistance S n ow)/ S i dews 1 ks - w h 0 's " '
passengers from the baggage There are still some gaps in this required by the passengerwith
Responsible? r ,n:I claim level up to a skyway, procedure. There are two in- the disability, and'having the then down and over to the formation desks on the bag- airlinescallaheadbeforeland- >?
areaor gageclaimlevel. Theinforma- ing to have assistance waiting down through a tunnel, back tion desk attendants have not fortheperson withthedisabil- T he City of Saint Paul re- to use sand. apartment buildings must be
, up and over to Ground Trans- been informed of this accom- ity when they deplane. In minds ProPeV owneers cleared within four daylight portation. Passengers report modation. There is nosignage addition, there are amyriad of thattheirpublicsidewalksmust Unshoveled sidewalks can be hours. Walks should be
gnage in the new hub is poor. throughout the airport inform- training and sensitivity issues becleared ofsnow an ice within reported to theMayor's Office cleared to full width. To report hey also report that carrying ing passengers of th~s option. which have not been ad- 24 hours aftera snowfall has ofComplaintsat266-8989. A unsafesidewalkscall673-2441.
uggagefromthebaggageclalm The Travelers Aid volunteers dressed. Finally, it seems the ended. letter will be issued to theprop- level to the Ground Transpor- don't know about this change airlines with the lowest prices erty owner, stipulating a date TheCity isprovidingfreesand
**tation taxing and assis- inprocedureeither.Allofthese are located at the end of the For those who can shovel inwhichthecity inspectorwill to city residents for use on - lance from airline personnel is issues highlight a largercom- concourse making it difficult their own sidewalksm it come out to issue a city work sidewalks. It is furnished for
~ s B W be #tiBqmb- limited or none %
T d ' s e ' W M ! f h C k r-yhave chronic use fati tl;b ~n a wheelchair. pe*de3 Residentscan tax statement. available at 18th & Jefferson not forcommercial use. Sandis
*m&thh the end of politan Airport Commission or typically satisfy require- NE, 121 Glenwood Ave. N., a long trip adds to the already the airlines to private contrac- When these issues are raised merits by shoveling a 36" The City of Minneapolis re- 6036HarrietAve. SO., ad4444 stressful challenges of travel- tors. There is little or no coor- the &Mm my they are the path on the sidewalk as well as quiressidewalksofsingle fam- Snelling Ave. So. Residents ing. Airportmanagement con- dination of these services. For wttfe: !,dwarosswalk,and then follow ily homes add duplexes be must bring their own shovel tends the new hub doesn't add example, Northwest Bipl.@s a y w ' that withsalt and lor sand. In cleared within24 h ~ u r s afkra and bucket. any distance to the path trav- con- to low temperatures salt has no snowfall. Sidewalks in com-
eled by passengers. effect, so residents are asked mericaial area and adjacent to ,
I - - E W c W L ;
Disability Community advo- rtnrted the contractor not to =already acM1mgisndf cares met with the airlines to allow the carts to go from the experience forpeople withdis- try and address the issues. The main level of ba i tpor t down abilities is b e i n m d e even airlines contend that their .to the baggage claim level. m a r e ~ h ~ l b n ~ ~ b ~ a v i n ~ t o responsibility ends after pas- Larger'elevators have been navigate an airport system' sengers pick up their baggage installed which would accom- which has poor coordination on the baggage claim level. modate the carts, but the air- of services and little or no ac-
1 Advocatesthentooktheircdn- line is concerned that a cart countability. fa airport management. might be tied up
At first t b sueeeked these for too long bv
11 Please patronize your Access Press Advertisers and tell them where you heard about them. ..
- I I They bring you your paper. 1
MINNESOTA STAm COUNCIL ON DISABILm ' - .
Legislative Roundtable '. - .Thursday, January 15,1999
Kdily Inn - Stab Cam1
11 Cmccmed about disability relared legislation? 111 The foundtable willcdpist. of disability I organizati0.3~~ ;from all over M-ianesota discussing ve priorities. m Individuals, disability groups and coalitions are invited to participate and present tbeir legislation
10 ways to.@et involved ~ o ~ u ~ t t r m rr ~ m q i ~ C O U M ~ A W P ~ ~wrd
Capital Budgeting Task Force Children's Mental HeabhAhisory Couedl .
~~mmiuniiy don for Sub& H m ~ i m b i r d Community Hwhk h v b s Iklskoy Cammittee
Eouaql Exfen& Comin*Ynse
Hmqb P m r k f O r c s Council Human Resources Beerd
library Board M a l CmRlitmet.AWorney Pael Advisory Boanl
Minneapolis Ptan*M&oa
Appla*on deadline D~scaber 30 .
Call 3485433 or heck h q i n Couws w e L j i h h r o n a p p R < ~ ' . .
ways been a sentimental per- son who cherishes traditions especially around the holiday season. Being an only child means that I have no sibling(s) to share those special memo- ries with or to leave special possessions. What's even harder is we have no children with whom I can tell what it was like growing up in a Judeo-Christian home, hav- ing the wonderful experience of learning from both reli- gious and cultures.
The other piece to this di- lemma is that people with dis- abilities often feel that they have nothing to leave as a legacy. Ywmay beamazed to hear, I be l ievhat each of us have a lot talleave to others whether we have family or not, disabled or not. For most ofmy life, I too, felt there was noth- ing I had that anyone would want, but then Iviewed avideo called, "Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate?'It's a film suggesting how family mem- bers go about distributing a
loved ones possessions after they're gone. The discussion afterward proved to be even more enlightening.
One elderly man had copies of letters he had written to each of his grandchildren. In these letters, he related some of the family history leading upto the present time. This s'tarted me thinking how valuablethecom- municative word can be, espe- cially for people with disabili- ties. Now, why would I say this? It's quite simple and yet, it does require some ponder- ing. As disabled people, we have a legacy that cannot be claimedby anyone else. The written word is and always has been a powerful tool.
Therefore, I suggest that even though our body parts may not be well coordinated, we can and should use our minds and computers to put down our thoughts, frustrations, ideas, and suggestions. Here are four steps you can take to create your own legacy ... 1) Examining and writing down both your positive and nega-
tive reaction to living with a disability; 2) Writing your frus- trations about the world out- side, i.e. what society has im- posed on the disabled commu- nity. 3) Writing about what you would like to see devel- oped in the way of laws and or inventions to make life easier; and 4) Suggesting ways in which doctors and other professional people might be more understanding and help- ful.
The third and fourth points are perhaps the real legacy be- cause they will be used to help children and adults who have disabilities in future genera- tions. It will also serve as an education to others. What could be a richer inheritance than this?
So you see we all have some- thing to leave behind us. Per- haps the most important thing to pass down is an attitude of acceptance of others. That in itself will speak volumes for years to come so that LIFE WILL GO ON.
Minnesota Deaf Blind- Association
ridges Program Funded Housing Support Proves Successful
M ental healthcommunity support services are
designed specifically for people with serious and per- sistentmental illnes (SPMI). In addition to treatment, people with SPMI require supportive services in order to live and function in the community. Housing services are a man- dated component in the basic community support program. A demonstration project was begun in 1988 that lasted until 1995 to enhance housing sup- ports. The State has had suc- cess in developing housing support system in counties.
These supportoservices h v e now become an essential ac- tivity in counties and are being particularly targeted in the AdultMental Health Pilot Ini- tiative. Housing support ac- tively assists clienis in obtain- ing, moving to, or retaining housing of the client's choice. It can include providing refer- rals; actively assisting the cli- 'ent in applying for housing subsidies; assisting in appeal- ing a denial, suspension, re- duction, or termination of a housing subsidy; mediation to
The temporary rental subsidy program called Bridges was created. Local housing agen- cies; local mental health au- thorities, and state agencies have established interagency agreements to ensure coordi- nation of services and subsi- dies. Temporary rental subsi- dies are for the SPMI popula- tion who are homeless, ready to be discharged from the RTCs or community based treatment facilities, or at risk of home- lessness.
The Minnesota Housing Fi- nance Agency (MHFA) was established in 1973 to ensure the availability of decent, safe and affordable housing for low and moderate income house- holds. To achieve these goals, MHFA is active in lending and financing, allocating housing grants and subsidies, advo- cating for affordable housing, establishing state housing policies, and providing techni- cal assistanceto housingspon- mrs. The Department of Hu- man Services Mental Health Division has established a col- laborativerelationship with the MHFA which oversees the
cerned about affordable, low income housing in their geo- graphical areas. As an indica- tion of need, in the plans for 1996 and 1997 the pilot pro- grams were over $800,000. Most of the funds requested were for housing and primarily for housing subsidies, not all of the funds were allocated for housing purposes.
In the 1997- 1998 Legislative biennium, awards were made to twelve housing agencies that partner with 40 counties. The Bridges' projects will pro- -vide monthly subsidies to 364 head of households at an aver- age monthly housing assis- tancepayment (HAP) of $336.
A crisis housing fund has been created, with state funds. These dollars are available to consumers who are hospital- ized for inpatient for up to q ninety day stay, have no other source of funding, and need assistance in retaining their awn housing Funds may be
gage payments, lot costs, util-- ity payments, storage costs, pet care, emergency house:
T he MinnesotaDeaf Blind Association (MDBA)
held their 18lhannual Thanks- giving banquet on November 15, 1997. There was a record crowd on hand for the awards presentations. Special guest speaker was Sally Prouty of DeafBlind Services of Minne- - sota, she spoke about her family'sexperience raising her sn Andrew who is DeafBlind. The Ted Ma-
honey Award went to Jessica Eggert, Interpreter of the Year was Kevin Podre, and Volun- teer of the Year went to Jim Collins whodiligently worked to connect the DeafBlind board members via computers.
The Minnesota DeafBliad Association is a nonprofit or- ganization run by DeafBlind people for the DeafBlind com- munity. Theorganization was
HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICE , ,
24 HOUR ON CALL SERVICE
Specializing in Full Home Care Service
Personal Care Assistants Home Health Aides Homemakers
I Live-in Caretakers Skilled Nursing
Rehabilitative Services
Physical 1 Occupational 1 Speech Therapies
Ill PCA Provider Organization Medicare Certified I Medical Assistance 11
Waivered Services 1 Private
[mE] I 20 1 0 East Hennepin Avenue, Bldg. #5
Minneapolis, MN 554 13
established in 1981. The monthly meetings give Deaf- Blind people an opportunity to meet friends, share advice and helpful information, along with numerous social activities. MDBA can be reached at 603- 2001 0.
orroommate; and, if appropri- funds, this is an increase of ate and with the consent of the $350,000 aye=) while the De- client, providing periodic vis- partment of Human Services itstothec~ient'slivin~arrdn~e- supervises the busing sup- ments to ensure that the health ports services. and safety are being main- tained. The Mental Health Pilot
Projects have all been con-
payments made totaling $66,707. A 1996 survey indi- cated that 79% of those who received crisis housing assistance were able to return to their own home within90 days of theiradmission into an inpatient treatment program.
3$-fD3A1s next event is the an- n ~ l ~ h i s t m a s ~ a n ~ e - Caregivers'.SU--0rtGroUp cember 1 3, 1997, at- MCIL - - from 1-5 pm.
W hether you are the par- feeling responsible for a loved ent, child, spouse or one who has: physical disabil-
friend of a person with. a ity, chronic pain, aging mndi- chronic condition, this new tions, chronic illness Or Con- Caregivers' Support Group is genital illness. for you. You'll fit right in if you're worrying about and/or This is a free* ongoing support
METROPOLITAN CENTER FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING
I
MCIL OFFERS SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, AND INTERESTED COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN THE SEVEN-COUNTY METRO AREA.
Informatian and Referral f l @ d hollinc: 612-683-2039) @ Advwacy Independent Living Skills Training @ Individual Peer Support
Deaf L L Semces support Groups. .. currently: Traumatic Brain Injwy
C h M d Drpendaccy and Plrysicd D i s o b w Penonal Assistants (PCAs) and F e Camgivers
Personal Assistance Services (M.A. Subsidized) Ramp Project PBr Transition Program % ADA Information
Meeting Rooms PBr Computer Lab % Library I
1600 U N ~ R S I T Y A ~ . W., SUITE 16 $ ST. PAUL, MN 55104-3825 (612) 646-8342 VOICE J& (612) 603-2001 7 * (112) 603-2006 FAX
~ / / ~ . M A u J . O R ~ M C I I ; . ,
group for sharing resources and ideas, and also serving as an emotional outlet. Caring for an aging, disabled or chroni- cally ill loved one is sometimes trying and even maddening. Caregiyers are often the for- gotten, unsung hero& and heroines. They can easily be- come physically and emotion- ally depleted. Caregivers need and deserve help and, espe- cially, a break to do errands or to do nothing at all!
The support group meets the first Tuesday of each month from 5 3 0 - 7:00 pm., at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, Sunfish Lake. Formore infor- mation call (6 12) 455-9449.
I Patronize your Access Press.
Advertisers. Let them know where you heard about
them. They bring you your paper.
- Y
Access Press December 10, 1997
Reliulisfr & Disabilitv . .
Dear Nicole, yoncto Time Of Gift Giving our feeling this way, it is never be with) and wishthem amerry
I wish I didn't, but I dread the the truth. Christmas y w choose based by M ~ v Jane Steinhagen ' 4 . * holidays. I don't have any on your interest. family to be with and end up It's true that finding a suitable I n many cultures winter is a better equip staff to under- Nouwen provides theol spending chiistmas alone volunteer opportunity can be 1 t 7 ~ redly important for those time of gift giving. With stand the situation faced by underpinnings while& watchingTV. PeopletellmeI moredifficultwithaseveredis- of us with disabilities to thatinmind,herearetwoitems parents with special needs suggests practical ways to should~olunteersomewhere ability but it is by no means rememberourabilities.Giving w~rth~urchasingfor~ourfaith children.Thenclergyandstaff implementinclusion.
but I have a severe physical impossible. I suggest you call of ourselves through volun- "Amar was not might in new
disability and don't think I the United Way's Volunteer teering is a great way to keep the baby we had expected but and more profound ways. The video is "catholic" in the could be of help to anyone. Center in Minneapolis at 340- us in touch with ow abilities he was lay best sense: the message cuts What do you think? 762 1. VolunteerReferral Spe and help others in the process. groundwork forchanged bya Gill's book will nourish fami- across denominational lines.
cialistswiilaskyouaboutyour I know it is sometimes hard to Child: CompanionNotesfor lies grapplingwiththerealities About 20 minutes long, it Sincerely, interests and abilities and then break through the initial fear ParentsofaChildwith aDis- of a newborn with special comes with a study guide and Alone look though their computer that we won't succeed or we abilitybyBarbaraGil1. The200 needs: as such, it would be a other printed materials which
for volunteer opportuni t j~ might not be able to find a short meditative readings in welcome gift from the faith can bereprinted. Possibleuses Dear Alone, until they find one that fit you. volunteer situation in this book offer solace and community. Indeed, any per- for this video include discus-
They havehundreds ofvolun- wecanhe]p,butweareal]alive strength for the parenting son withadisability will reso- sions with adult education
Everyone has something to teer opportunities available. for one purpose which is to years. natewiththethemesofchange classes, catechists, liturgy give and some way that they Maybe you could be a visitor help one another and I don't in dreams, acceptance, and planning boards, and parish
can help others. I think vol- to children in the hospital on believe there is anyone alive The In the em~owermentthatmnthrough councils.
unteering is a good idea. It's Christmas, or if you have who does not have some way Beginning, Rounding the the so easy for those of us with trouble communicating maybe that they can help at all times of CUm and Costing $2 1.95, the video can disabilities to forget the you would like to just sit with the year. mirrorthewnting experience. Changqd by a Child is newly be ordered by calling 1-800-
strengths and talents we have elderly peoplein nursinghomes Themes of empathy, humor, published by Doubleday and 955-2455 or writing Pathways
when life continually makes and listen to their stories, or -Nicole affirmation and challenge re- sells for $19.95 in area book- AwarenessFoundation, 123 N.
us face our limitations. We maybe an usher or host at a cur as part of an overall view of stores. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL can end up feeling.like we charity Christmas event, or Q u e s t i o n Complaint? the~arentingyears. 60606.1 11The Fouwhtion also don't have anything to give maybe if you have trouble go- comment? write to ivicole: validates therealitiescommon Open Hearts, Open Minds, ~ u b l i s h e s li nfrequent or offer of ourselves- espe- ing out you would like to vol- Care of Access Press, 1821 to families raising children OpenDoorsis avideo featur- newsletter, whiah can be or- cially when we need a lot of unteer to talk to people on the "ni,,e,.s% W, N,. (with and without disabilities) ing the late Cardinal Bernadin dered visrthe 800 number or
help from others just to get telephone (those whocan't get St. Paul, MN 55104 and reminds parents that they and Henri Nouwen speaking pulled off the( Internet at are not alone. on inclusion in faith settings. wwwpathsawareness.org.
- - The video highlights the im-
Fat her Ki 1 1 s D i sab 1 ed Da u g - - - e r Connections to faith commu- portance of including persons Mary Jane S te inhen work nities areseveral. Reading and withdisabilities intoall aspects for Catholic Charities and
Receives Light Sentence pondering thesemessages will of the faith community. can be reached at 664-8597.
Canadian farmer who outraged by thedecision. They October 1993 hasn't been dis- gitl faced alife ofconstantpain wanted for her." Latimer. Catherine Freeze,
. I _I
Robert La timer faced a It was the second time in three turned the body. ofthe 12-year- of her pain," he told a police. nore bm& questions about describesLatimeras,"theprod- mandatory life prison sen- years a jury has heard the case old to her bed. officer. mercy killing and focus on the uct of a social environment tence, without a chance for in the province of Sas- human element% of this case. tht$neatly devalues the life of parole for 10 years. The jury, katchewan. Latimer was con- What divided Canadians were "'Isaid tohim, itwwldbektter people with disaility ." signaling its t o n emotions, victed of second-degree mur- the reasons for the killing. for T~acy if ,she d i w Mrs. "Bob Latimer honestly felt he recommeadedparoleafterone der in 1994 and sentenced to Tracy had cerebra4 palsy; a h Latimer testified at her had no option- that what he ~a t imer had been free on bail year. OnDecember 1,1997. the life in prison. But, Canada's could not walk, talk or feed husband's second-degree did was out of love,"Brayford for all but two days since his Judge departed from the man- Supreme Court later ordered a herself, and weighed less than murder trial. "I knew I didn't said. arrest four years ago. datory sentencing guidelines new trial because prosecutors 40pounds. She had numerous have' the courage to do it. and sentenced Latimer to one had improperly surveyed pro- operations on her back, kips But I wished it for her. I was Disability advoCates fiercely year in a provincial prison and spective jurors on their views and' legs. hkr mom and that's what I oppose any leniency for oneyearconfinedtohisfarmin about mercy killing and abor- Wilkie, Saskatchewn. tion. By late 1993, Tracy wasdue for .
another major hip operation. Activists for the disabled were What Latimer did on a night in Her mother was convinced the
Handi Medical Supply
&I 2505 University Avenue West St. Paul, Minnesota 551 14
At Hwy. 280 81 University Avenue
(61 2) 644-9770 ""'-IrSw"'
I f y o u ~ ~ i n ~ A m c n i c n n s i g n
Visit Our Large, Fully-stocked showroom open to the public. =-P?3-JuPt-inoign baingy-
~ m d f o d n t h e A s L ~ ! YOUR COMPLETE MEDICALSUPPLYVENDOR
repair service * Ostomyland wound care 11mAMto1mPM
Walkerslcanes, crutches . Blood pressure equipment Didled Student t%tud center Bathroom safety aids Diabeticsupplies at the universi+y of Minnesota Incontinent/urological supplies 235-L Coffman Memorial Union
GREAT SERVICE & PRICES 300 Washington Ave SE We offer 24 hr. Erne Service exclusively to our regular Minneapolis, MN 55455
customers. Free UPS and deliveries to Mpls., St. Paul & Suburbs. (612) 624-2602
P!l la ~ n ~ e v e l s welcome! We bill M.A.. Med~care, Blue CmssIBlue Shield. Medlca md many other i n s u m s
6 December 10. 19W
:.:A - -. - .j .-br<,+:
*~ publlcan Party. ~ i c e ~ t i % e ' by theright wing ofsellout so- called champions of self-em- powerment like Ward Connerly and J.C. Watts (both black) only makes an even stronger case, ~haracteri2i.n~ this political faction as exclu- sionary with a steadfast com- mitment to reactionary prin- ciples. Can the same be said of the disability movement?
The hard-hitting documentary "When Billy Broke His Head And Other Tales Of Wonder" profoundly demonstrates that the disability movement at large has benefitted from sup- port by people of color at the grassroots level. Have dis- abled Minnesotans simply said, "Thanks for your help. We can take it from here." Eddie Rodgers, an African American motivational speaker and producer of St. Paul cable talk show Reduc- ing the Challenge, advances the premise that the majority of the disaMed do not reach out to the marginalized. "We are excluded:i When welook at the disatiility community the majority happens to be Caucasian. It's been for years more or less a standing divi- sion. Do they not want us to be included? I think we might add adifferent aspect. People
of color have lived with chal- lenges all our lives. I don't thinkthedisability community has looked at us as being an important aspect when it comes to facing and overcoming chal- lenges. I went to a presenta- tion by John Hockenberry.. There were maybe 250 people there. Hockenbeny asked why people of color are not in- cluded. I looked around the room and saw one person of color, myself, and I was there to get a story."
Rodgers comments as well on the service industry with a viewpoint not limited to Afri- can Americans. "In rehab em- ployment you see a lot on the lower level, manual labor, but in the upper levels, like man- agement, youdon't see it. You must understand the cultural difference, awareness. For in- stance, Indians, you must in- clude them on your staff. I don't believe the service deliv- ery sees us as a viable asset to their projects. You have to reach out to the inner city and that's not going on. It needs to be done aggressively with a plan. And it should not only be to people of color living with disabilities, but also to people of color who would act as ser- vice agents. Only by bringing all the forces together can we
Access Press
accomplish anything." nessee Williams' The Glass make an effort: the attitudes Menagerie, this person took and behavior of some whites is
As long as white people walk heatedumbrageatmy describ- noexcusetowrite them all off. the earth an appreciable num- ing the character's disability berwill believethey are inher- (walking with a brace) as per- Someminority folkchoose not ently superior to others. This ceptibly less pronounced than to interact outside their ethnic delusion fosters acounterpro- being in a wheelchair. Rather groups, a decision that pre- ductivedynamicwhich,atthat thanchallengemyassessme~t cludes communication with most importantoflevels- indi- objectively, the actor, who is othersofcolor. MarkErickson, vidualinteraction-insidiously white, in a bounding leap of disabled, confirms, "I mainly undermines whatever best of illogic, blurted, 'How do you roam inmy circles oftheNative intentionsthoseofprominence know? You don't know any- American community. We've hold as heartfelt convictions. thing about being disabled. got our.own culture, our own Only woeful naivete or, at How would you like it if1 said, tradition and it doesn't take me worst, willful ignorance, would You're nothing but a nigger?' out into the general commu- entertain the notion that racial One, of course, had nothing to nity, unless I go to a blues club prejudice doesnotexist among do with the other. However, or something and then it's with membersofthedisabilitycom- it spoke volumes about her other Indians. I'm involved munity. Patrick Lussier mindset that she felt perfectly withcommunity activism, but (Chippewa)reflects, "Iliveina free to brandish this insult with that's within our own commu- handicapped building. Some impunity. This typeof interac- nity ." Peter Wong, Chinese ofoGwhiteresidentsareprej~- tionisnotunusual. Duringmy anddisabled,succinctlystates, diced against people of color. two-year stint as a secretary . "I haven't really associated My nieces stopped by and I with Disability Services at the witb[whitepeople]thatmuch." wasbuzzingtheminfromdown- ' University and since then, I stairs. This one resident have had several interactions The dismal reality is that dis- jumped all over their cases, withdisabledindividuals who abled society is no more im- startedcallingthem[epithets]." apparently condescend to mune to self-limitation than it
people of color." is to racism. It echoes choices Lussierstates "Whileinstruct- made by those who aren't dis- ing a fundamentals workshop These examples, by no means abled. Says Mark Anthony at the Playwrights Center in an indictment of the commu- Rolo, editor of The Circle, a Minneapolis, I had asimilarly nity as, a whole, nonetheless Native American monthly, distasteful encounter with a indicate a parallel between 'ThereareculturalbarriersI've disability activist who is an whites with disabilities and seen and reported on. A lot of actor and had been a leader at those without. Racist behav- [Indians] are 'shy'. They're the University's Center for ior aside, the consideration not going to go and bang on Students withDisabilities. In- remains that in order to access the door and demand to be vited to impart her insights on Minnesota's general 'disa- paid attention to. I'm no ex- a disabled character in Ten- bility community, one must pert,butifyou'retalkingabout
Indian people withdisabilities, you can bet they're going to have some needs that need to be addressed in a culturally specific way." Rick Shiomi, artistic director of the Asian American performing company Theatre Mu, relates, "There certainly is a tendency for some Asian American communities to be insular."
For many African Americans, it is painfully obvious that white people, whether blind, in wheelchairs, or able-bodied, do not welcome us in their midst. Noted statesman Dick Gregory summed it up, "Rather than take all those damned insults, let us be by ourself." As with anything anywhere invo!ving social change in this country, the sad state of the under-rep- resented disabled ofcolor boils down to individual effort. Whites who feel they are bet- terby birthright must disabuse themselves of the fallacy which dictates that in order to be okay somebody else must be less- than. Non-whites have to get past racists to reach for those who will include them. Noneof this is easy. Human struggle seldom is. As Shiomi states, "The matter of cultwal differ- ences is a complex question and there is no easy answer."
G O s- - -. e: - -
Health East Transportation. Installation & Repair of Lifts & Ramps
Thc total solt-ition to your k * Large Parts Inventory
nobility nt?tds. Thirty years I
Diagnosis & Repair
in the special transportation I Preventive Maintenance
industry has taught us a lot a Complete Service
about mobility and its impor- Paint & Body Work
tance in leading an active and independent life. - Our And we're part of HealthEast,
full-size van conversions are tailored to give you the the largest health care provider in the East Metro . ..
independence and freedom of mobility you've been area. Our commitment to qua1i.t~ is consistent with
searching for. IMS mini-vans include optional features the HealthEast tradition.
such as remote control sliding doors, electric ramps and For more infirmation on sales or service, call or stop by:
M- a t i o n power wheelchair lock-downs to ensure ease of use, 481 Front Avenue
comfort and safety. Certified Technicians at HealthEast St. Paul, Minnesota 55117
Mobility Products/Vehicle Maintenance Vehicle Maintenance can help you with: 612-232-1 700 612-232-1 720
I
Hand Controls/Driving Aids 1-800-887-6221
- -
I,,,, u-.w-l*c HealthEast @~rans~ortation
Access Press December 10, 1997 7 rl I
-A P P E A L - cont. from p. 1
period and as a result he had a peals Referee which set out all Tra--matic Brain Injury Grant
myriad of medical set-backs. of the portions of the record that contradicted Referee I M j n nesot a P Ian For Service
In May of 1995, Mr. Johnson requested prior authorization for Medical Assistance reim- bursement for a HiRider stand- up wheelchair. At the time of the request the retail price of the HiRiderwas $13,000.00. In support of his request Mr. Johnson submitted a thorough letter ofmedical necessity from his therapists. In June, the DepartmentofHuman Services rejected Mr. Johnson's request for the HiRider. The Depart- ment disputed the value of passive standing and alterna- tively contended that a less expensive separate standing frame might be appropriate to meet Mr. Johnson's needs. Mr. Johnson appealed the re- jection of prior authorization.
In September 1995, SteveElliot from the MinnesotaDisability Law Center represented Mr. Johnson at an appeal hearing at the Department of Human Services. At the appeal hear- ing, Mr. Elliot presented vol- umes of evidence esiablishing the medical benefits of passive standing. Mr. Elliotalso had to respond to the Department's contention that a less expen- sive standing device might be appropriate for Mr. Johnson. This was a difficult task be- cause the- bpv tmen t never
C stated-what device it was
needs. Instead, Mr. Elliot and Mr.Jphpy~~:;Jera-pjsts had to guess wRaC G v ~ c e s the Department might be consid- ering and then explain why these other devices were not appropriate for Mr. Johnson. Along with Mr. Johnson, his treatingphysician, Dr. Randall Shapiro, who is a nationally renowned expert in the treat- ment of MS, and his therapist from the MS Achievement Center testified as to why a stand-up wheelchair was the only standing device he could safely and independently use.
In October 1995, the appeals referee who had heard thecase recommended that the Department's decision be re- versed and that prior authori- zation be granted for the stand- up wheelchair. The Chief Ap- peals Referee, KennerhMentz, accepted all of the Appeals Referee's recommended fac- tual findings and all but two of the recommended legal con- clusions. .However, Referee Mentz concluded that the stand-up wheelchair was not medically necessary or the least expensive appropriate alternative health service avail- able. In spite of a total lack of evidence to support his view, Referee Mentz cited no por- tion of the factual record to support his decision.
In November 1995, Mr. Elliot wrote a letter to the Chief Ap-
Mentz's decision and sup- ported Mr. Johnson's case. Referee Mentz reissued his decision withoutcomment and h e p a s s a g e 0 f t h e atingavisionfortheYear2000. viceneeds,includingincreased Project Participants include: again without citation to the Traumatic Brain Injury The statewide needs assess- public awareness, prevention The Department of Human record.
T ( ~ ~ 1 ) A c t (PublicLaw 104- mentfoundthatMinnesotahas activities,servicecoordination Services (DHS), Minnesota 166) by Congress in 1996 made substantial progress and funding, educational and DepartmentofHealth(MDH),
Mr. Johnson then appealed the made grants available tostates during the past decade, but employment services, commu- Department of Economic Se- Chief Appeals Referee'sdeci- to develop or enhance policy, much remains to be accom- nity support, and quality as- curity (DES), Department of sion to the Washington services,orinjurysurveillance. plished. Minnesotaisassured surance. The next phase to- Children,Families,andLearn- County District Court. In Au- In Minnesota, an interagency of a grant duration of at least ward achieving this vision are ing (DCFL), and the Brain In- gust, 1996, the Washington workgroup comprised of sev- one year. Subsequent years will be aicomplished through jury AssociationofMinnesota. County ~ is t r ic t courtreversed era1 state agencies, as well as are dependent upon the avail- the implementation grant. Persons who have sustained a RefereeMentz9sdecisioncon- the Brain Injury Association ability of federal and state traumatic brain injury and farn- cludingthat there was not sub- of Minnesota, submitted an monies. The goals of the project are: to ily members will be activepar- stantial evidence to support application for a State TBI proceed with the interagency ticipan& in the grant effort. thedecision. TheDistrictCourt Demonstration Implemen- Theprojectwilldevelopameth- collaboration so that consum- Professionals will be repre- citedthetestimony ofMr. John- tation Grant. Minnesotais one odology to improve policies ers, their families, and policy sented on The TBI Advisory son's treating professionals as of only two states to receive and service coordination be- makers will have improved ac- Committee toDHS. TwoMin- support fortheconclusion that both the planning and imple- tween agencies that engage in cess to information and ser- nesota hospitals, Mayo Medi- . 4 the stand-up wheelchair is mentation grants. primary and secondary preven- vices. ~ointegratetheexistin~' cal Center 1 St. Mary's Hospi- 9
I medically necessary and the tion activities. The project will data systems in providing a tal in Rochesterand St. Mary's 4
least expensive appropriate The Department of Human focus on increasing inter- more comprehensive picture Hospital in Duluth, are cur- 1
alternative health service. Services (DHS) is designated agency collaboration and im- of the needs of persons with rently conducting pre-dis- 4 4 as the lead state agency forthe proving data collection sys- brain injury. To make it easier charge wtivities and studies.
Although there was no evi- Minnesota TBI grant. Gover- temsduring the first year ofthe forconsumers, advocates,ser- . . , rt. .,A,.. , , p 1
dence in the record to support norCarIsondesignatedtheTB1 grant. Should continuation viceproviders,andpolicymak- Thegrmtwillbadministered the Department of Human Ser- Advisory Committee to DHS, funding be available, the ers to access the data. The by stafgh thecmmunity Sup -. vices position, represented by as the advisory board for the projectwill implementaperson development of a discharge ports for Mifinesotans with 4
I
the Attorney Generals Office, grant. AnInteragency Leader- and family-centered pre-dis- planning model for acute care Disabilities(CSMD)Division. (
they appealed the District ship Council was established charge planningmodel during hospitals that provides educa- For more information on the 'r 4
Court's decision to the Minne- to work with the advisory board years 2 and 3 of the project. tion to consumers and families grant or the Advisory Commit- #
sota Court of Appeals. Mr. in planning efforts. to avoid potential problems tee, please contact, Sharyl 4
Johnson instituted a man&- The Minnesota Advisory Minnesota's visiori for brain that the person may experi- Helgeson (612) 297-7183 or musactionintheDistrictCourt CommitteeonTraumaticBrain injury services is based on a ence in community reintegra- DebraWesley 297-3462.1 9
a to have the stand-up wheel- Injury conducted five public model servicedelivery system . tion. 1 chair provided pending the forums to solicit inpur on cre- that addresses all areas of ser-
1
4
appeal, pursuant to Minn. Stat. 256.045, Subd. 10. Mandamus is an action to compel a
jk. +<*
* m *. r r m m law. Concluding that manda- entitled tothestand-up wheel- -4
Id! mus was appropriate, theDis- chair under the terms of the .. . . trictcourtordered theDepart- Medical Assistance program.
p+'.- - -- ment to provide the stand-up The Court found that the testi- wheelchair during the pen- mony established that passive dency of the appeal. The De- standing was the prevailing partment of Human Services standard or current practice
, - J
also appealed this District for treating problems caused .: ,i;# :$i: -3
Court ruling to the Minnesota by prolonged imniobility, and Court of Appeals. The two that the HiRider was the only appeals were consolidated. type of passive standing de--
vice Mr. Johnson could use Despite the District Court's safely andeffecti-vely whileliv- '
order in the mandamus action, ing independently. The Court theDepartmentofHumanSer- concluded that . Referee vices refused to provide the Mentz's decision was not sup- HiRider during the pendency ported by substantial evi- of the appeal. Mr. Johnson dence. The Court also ruled then instituted an action to -that Referee Mentz's decision HealthEast is the proud sponsor hold the Commissioner of Hu- was arbitrary and capricious of the man Services in contempt of because the evidence did not court for failing to provide the support his conclusion that a HiRider. To avoid subjecting less expensive separate stand- the Commissioner to a con- ing device might be appropri- tempt proceeding, the Depart- ate for Mr. Johnson. ment agreed to provide the HiRider to Mr. Johnson during However, thecourt ofAppeals the pendency of the appeal. reversed the district court in HealthEast a d . Home is y~ttr 08e-!3op Resoufie for
However, the Department part and decided that Mr. Health Care Equipment and Service: made it very clear that they Johnson was not entitled to Rehab mobility services Specialty beds and wound would take the HiRider away thestand-up wheelchair while from Mr. Johnson, ifthecourt the appeal was pending. Al- e Respiratory care equipment care services
of Appeals ruled in their favor. though this did not impact Mr. ' Biomedical services Pm+hetic and vascular services Johnson, because the Court Nutritional services N d b o r n and pediatric equipment
InFebruary 1997,Mr.Johnson ruled he was entitled to the ,
received the HiRider. Al- HiRider,therulingisproblem- Four aonwnhmt locations: though the Department of atic for future cases. St. Paul, 2579 Territorial Road, (612) 232-2900
Human Services had pur- Bloomington, 933 W. 94th Street, (612) 881-2635 Stillwater,1260 W. Frontage Road, (612) 439-4885 chased the HiRider, which If you have any questions
now retailed for $16,000.00, about this case, contact Steve St. Cloud, 1501 Northway Drive, (320) 2524655
his ordeal was not over, be- Elliot, Minnesota Disability cause his case was still before LawCenter,(612)332-14411 the Court of Appeals.
HealthEast Med Home
Access Press b - Health Care Consumer Protection > fr- Minnesota and National Legislation
by Tom Brick
heMinnesotaHealth Care Commerce, as well as reporting The Clinton proposal is stron- Consumer Protection Al- their findings to the Legisla- ger than the Minnesota law in
liance succeeded in passing ture. This board is interested some respects. The federal the Patient Protection Act of in hearing any problems, in proposal requlresdirect access 1997. The new law provides receiving the appropriate care to specialists for patients with for: (1) Access to Specialists. orinformation,youcancallthe serious'medical conditions - To address the problem of Patient Protection ActHotline the Minnesota law does not. obtaining multiple referrals, to leave a message. A staff The Minnesota plan only re- health plans are now required person will forward yourcallto quires the health plan to de- to develop a procedure for oneoftheboardmembers. The velop a procedure for patients
as long as the condition per- You can now find out what the appeals for denials of health sists, like going to your family top five executives of your care to a neutral party. doctor time and time again for health plan make; (8) Provider refedls;(2)ContinuityofCare Identification. Any healthcare Clinton's Consumer Bill of with your Provider. If your workerisnowrequiredtowear Rights consists of the follow- employer .changes health a name tag that identifies their ing rights and responsibilities: plans or your doctor leaves profession. This will ensure (1) Access to accurate, easily yournet\A.ork, your health plan that you are aware ofthequali- understood information about has a responsibility to ensure fications and possible limita- healthplans,facilities,andpro- your care is not interrupted. If tions of providers; (9) Ban on fessionals to assist consum-
ers in making informed health all care decisions; (2) Choice of
her health care providers that is r it sufficient to ensure access to
appropriate high quality care; (3) Access to emergency ser-
e- vices when and where the need - arises. Thisprovisionrequires - health plans to cover these - services in situations where a f prudent lay person could rea-
sonably expect that the ab- extensive fund raising so that was able to come with him. Access to Emergency Ser- and all state laws in so far as sence of care could place their
health in serious jeopardy; (4) Participation in treatment decisions including requiring
first building site inMay which the best option for people to- is just west of Hiawatha Av- day.' enue in South Minneapolis. decisions, and prohibiting gag Five houses, consisting of four Construction of the homes is clauses that restrict health care
providers' ability to camrnh- cate with and advise patients about medically necessary
likely that your visit will be 20th, The President endorsed options; (5) Assurance that patients are respected and not discriminated against, includ- ingprohibitingdiscrimination in the delivery of health care services based on race, gen-
. t~ complete the construction services available twenty four a bright future. der, ethnicity, mental orphysi- of three more twin homes in hour a day. cal disability, and sexual orien- Eden Prairie by this December. tation (6) Confidentiality pro-
visions that ensure that indi- vidually identifiable medical information is not disseminated and that provide consumers
This board will work with the comeintocompliancewiththe the right to review, copy, and Departments of Health and BillofRights. request amendments to their
medical records; (7) Grievance and appeals processes forcon- sumers to resolve their differ- ences with their health plans and health care providers in- cluding an internal and exter-
RENTAL - SALES nal appeals process; and (8) SERVICE - REPAIR Consumer responsibility pro-
visions that ask consumers to Newly Constructed Barrier-Free Housing take responsibility by maximiz-
24 Hour Personal Attendant Care ing healthy habits, becoming
Accessible Transportation Coordination involved in health care deci- sions, carrying out agreed-
Comprehensive Care upon treatment plans, and reporting fraud. H
A Unique Care Alternative Tom Brick is on staf at the
FOR PROMPT PROFESSIONAL SERVlCE L REPAIRS
933.1126 Minnesota State Council on
The Community Home Program n o U R s t ~ ) I C F
~ ~ r n V D ~ N s ~ ~ A n O L C I W yLyuyoAm*CWIe4
I OSTOMY - URINARY MANAGEMENT NURSING SUPPLY SPECIALISTS I
December 10, 1997 9
Domestic Violence In The Disability by David Grosvenor, Part II of Il
In part one of this article (No- from herhome to ashelter, and nurs,e managers said they date, battered women withdis- 1 vember 1997) on domestic no policy exists for nonambu- ould use educational mate- abilities have not appeared at abuse, discussion focused on lance transport of persons in rials on domestic violence if sheltersinsigriificantnumbers, factors which contribute to abuse ~ n d the differing social, financial, andphysical status between disabled and non- disabledperson when it comes to accessing resources. This article will focus on exploring public policy, physician and social workers attitudes, and legislative solutions to domes- tic violence in the disability community.
D isabled women are at greater risk for increased
mortality and morbidity than non-disabled women because of the nature of their relation- ship with the abuser as well as the difficulties in their attempts to escape the abuse. While a key element in this problem is transportation, the issue of mobility is only a single com- ponent of successful interven- tions for disabled women in abusive relationships. Any effective policy at the local level must be an integrative approach between battered women's advocates, shelters, primary carephysicians, emer- gency departments, police, and transportation prov?ders.
wheelchairs (private conver- sation withTom Vita, General Manager, Metro Mobility 8/21 95). If an ambulanceis used in place of regular paratransit services, ambulance workers must be given training in trans- porting an abuse victim with disabilities. Ambulance driv- ers and emergency medical technicians prefer to answer calls requiring an emergency medical response and are of- ten frustrated by what they may perceive as non-emergen- cies (private conversation with Doug Stohkrick, Operations Manager, Hennepin County Ambulance 8/7/95). Sensitiv- ity training will alert response teams to issues facing battered women. They will learn that failure to validate a woman's need for help may drive her back into an abusive relation- ship. Importantly, ambulance crews will learn that abusive relationships often are emer- gency medical situations.
A far more effective and inex- pensive alternative to ambu- lance transport is for aconsor- tium of shelters to contract as
they had the opportuniiy.
According to the National Di- rectory of Domestic Violence Programs, 1994,8 1 % of Mid- west battered women's shel- ters identify themselves as wheelchair accessible. This statistic, however, is probably inaccurate. "Accessible" may mean to the first floor, yet sleep- ingquarters may be located on the second floor. Furthermore, disabled persons often need trained assistants to help them in moving into and out of a wheelchair, as well as with bowel and catheter functions. No statistics cite the availabili-
but this is probably because of a lack of services available to them. In cities that do have programs for disabled battered women, like Boston's Finex House, disabled victims of domestic violence have ap- peared in numbers that pro- portionately surpass those of the general population.
To address the problem, women's shelters should work together in developing policy, including a requirement that each shelter have one worker per shifr who has completed trainin^. in^.
Resources First CaU for Help
West Metro ........................... 335-5000 East Metro ............................ 224-1 133 291-84301311
Battered Women's Crisis Line 7 county area ......................... 6460994
................... Alexandra House 78@2330 Home Free ............................. 559-4945V/ITY Robert Lewis - Eagan ........... .452-7288 405-94551311 Robert Lewis - Inver Grove ... 457-0707
an abuser. Forexarnple,cuts in society 'wttitudes towards personal care attendant reim- disabled persons. The nature bursement may force an of disability inherently alters abused women to make a the relationship structure be- choice: continue to live withan tween intimate partners. abuser whose uncompensated i#la care is required to live inde- Disabled persons and their pendently, or relinquish that advocates won equal rights care and be moved to an insti- through the Americans with tution. Disabilities Act. If domestic
.violence is part of this quo- Personal care attendant reim- tient, the life ofadomestic vio- bursement is the key to inde- lence victim may lie in the pendent living for many dis- hands of legislators; specific abled persons. An increase in legislation needs to be intro- personal care attendant reim- duced to protect disabled vic- bursement would allow per- tims of domestic abuse. This sons in abusive relationships legislation must beenforced if to leave their partner without the true sources of domestic fear of losing care. violence are to be effectively
addressed. Additionally, an increase in
5i funding for services like PCA The attitude from society that reimbursement and Metro disabled persons are a fina - Mobility would show the dis- cia1 b u r w not yorthy of i b abled community that they are vestment ,~ertainly dissuades regarded as equal members of many disabled women from society and can expect to be seeking help. An integrated treated as such should they policy involving medical, so- report domestic abuse. cial, legal, and legislative bod-
ies must be utilized if disabled Because most disabled per- women are to be effectively sons receive some form ofpub- protected from abusive part- lic assistance and are therefore ners. in a state's database, the op- portunity for surveillance of Domestic violence in the dis- dome& abuse is profound. abled community is a social
.-
women includemany tasks that tant role in domestic violence. effectively assist disabled cli- abuse are intrinsically tied to a small subpopulation of do- bled persons access to social would be impossible for a Rates of reporting abuse are ents. There are many issues freedom of movement fordis- mestic violence victims, and and financial support through woman in a wheelchair to ac- affected byahealthprovider's unique to disabled persons, abled persons freedoms guar- should notbeapriority, places equ% rights legislation. complish. Forexample, having approach to assessing domes- and in the wake of a trauma it anteed by the Americans with relativeriskoverabsolute risk a bag of necessities hidden in ticviolence. Onestudy showed should not be up to a battered Disabilities Act, yet undercon- andmisses the pointthat abuse David Grosvenor wrote this preparation for a rapid &par- 8% of women acknowledged woman to explain disability is- stant attack from legislators is an outcome of greater move- aspart of his Master's degree ture, going to a neighbor's domestic abuse questions sues to a social worker. An seeking to cut costs at the ex- ments within society. Just as in Public Health at the Uni- home, breaking a window t~ when asked as part of a written awareness of the needs of and pense of an under represented the spectrum of domestic vio- versity of Minnesota. He sub- geta neighbor's attention, and screening questionnaire. In a services available to disabled group. Decisionsmadeby state lencein the genera~ population mitted it to ACCESS Press for even calling 9 1 1 is not pos- similar group of women, a29% women should be required of legislators regarding personal is indicative of women's posi- publication with permission sible, particularly for women rateofabusewasreportedwhen social workersofferingdomes- care attendant funding, trans- tion in society, the issue of to edit into an article. The with quadriplegia. a health professional verbally tic violencecounselingin shel- portation, and housing fordis- domestic violence in the dis- original text and references is
asked questions about abuse. ten. abled person have adirect im- abled community reflects availablefromACCESSPress. Sensitivity-training for police Studies reveal that a majority pact 0. both the ..US.. and ............................................ is of great importance and of primary care physicians re- The importance of cultural outcomes of domestic vio- :
*-+uiPp=d should be part of a policy ad- port a reluctance to address awareness in domestic vio- lence. Restrictions on fund- : dressing domestic violencein issues of abuse in relation- lence intervention and treat- ingofservicesaddenormous : the disabled community. ships. With disabled women mentstrategies hasbeendocu- stress to the daily lives of : When responding to calls for who may already have com- mented in African-American, disabled persons through : FOR ~NDEPENDENCE . help, police must understand plex medical needs, this fear of Hispanic, and lesbian commu- direct economic hardship as : . that extra time may be needed initiating additional treatment nities, and should be applied well as limitation of options, i A single source of USED i to pack clothing and medica- and attention may further in- todisabled women as well. To such as relocation away from tions for a woman leaving an crease a primary physician's i durable medical equipment i abusive home for a woman's reluctancetobecomeinvolved : Operated by John Walsh, formerly at MClL
. shelter. Police may have to in acase of domestic violence.
. : Candi Walsh, Registered Nurse
. pack the belongings for the Because many women's only i Paul Emerson, Peoples Wheelchair Repair
. . woman because she may not access to social services is ....................................... beabietopackforherself. The through health care, sensitiv- police must also coordinate ity training for primary care transportation for the victim. physicians presents an oppor- Care of the wheelchair is es- tunity for early intervention in sential; if the chair cannot be abusive relationships. accommodated by the vehicle transporting the woman, the police must see to it that the chairarrives with the woman at the shelter.
Currently, there are no emer- ' gency paratransit services in the Twin Cities qualified to transpoft a battered woman
Hospital emergency depart- ments havealso reported alack of awareness concerning do- mestic abuse. The Centers for Disease Control reported that while only'28% of California emergency departments had ever conducted domestic vio- lence awareness training, 92%
8 HOME HEALTH CARE
Available 24 hours per day
Specializing in the care of Childreng Adults*Elderly
We provide Personal Care Assistants* Home Health Aids Homemakers . Live-in Caregivers Nursing
PCA Provider Organizat~on M AIWaiverlMedicare Certified
i5iztq 842 1 Wayzata Boulevard, Golden Valley, M N 55426
. . NOW AVAILABLE . . . i Supercharger 1 112 lbs i i 2' x 4' x 7' Check our prices: i Replaces all larger chargers i .------ -------------- --------- . : Rentals Available 2500 CIOV&II~ Ava No. i : Consignment Rosovillm, Mn 55113-2728 : : Pick up and delivery '* ' M-F l2 - Sat : : Web Page - or by appointment . : www.equipind.com Call 612-631-9648 or i . 1 - a ~ ~ - m 3 (v/w) . . 612-631-8626 Pax . : You can alwavs buv new if we do not have what v w need. :
ss Press A c c e P
A Huge Success 1997 marked the second suc- Kevin provide individual as- information Ana and Kevin I I H I
I E>III~)Y~IEs~:\IK.\KII$~~I~ KCXN,IN(.I~:NO\ ~~~Ls~HEI)~.:;\ I I~.IN~'. FOKI'HI.:DI.:C' 101.lL. Ali l i l ~ o : A C C ~ ! PRESS, 1821 University Ave. *#185N St. Paul, ,\IN 55104 FAX 634-2136 More on 1 I
- cessfulyearofArcofAnoka& sistance and support to fami- have made available in Span- Ramsey Counties' Hispanic lies. Oneofthemain obstacles ish. They have had help work- outreach Project. This unique that is difficult to overcome is ing on IEP issues and learned
3 project, staffed by Ana Perez, the language barrier. Many of about other services available.
I serves HispanicLatino fami- the parents speak only Span- Immigration issues are also -GE
lies who have children with ish or limited English. Given important to families, espe- MENTCLERKKON'I'RACI' disabilities in Ramsey and Da- the complexity of our systems cially given thechanges in laws kota Counties. Arc Suburban and medical information recently, so speakers come to Gray Plant Mooty is currently
and the West Side Family around disabilities, this added meetings to give families up- seeking a document manage-
Center, along with support challenge makes it very diffi- dates and information. ment clerk to assist with orga-
from Project Dakota, are part- cult for HispanidLatino par- nization of documents for liti-
ners in this project, which has ents. and ~ ~ ~ i ~ , working with gation case. Responsibilities
served over 50 families. St. Paul schools, have also include daily file management There have been many suc- made system changes includ- and updating files, rea at ion of
,The West Side Family Center cessesthisyearincluding: The ing an agreement to translate e-mailsummaries,distribution provides meeting space for the families gathering monthly for all information on the IEP's of requestedmaterials, organi- support group meetings, held support group meetings have into Spanish for families re- zation of files and resources, twice a month. At the Center, gained a sense of empower- questing this. In the past only preparation of materials for located on Ohio Street in St. ment. In addition to support- the IEP form was in Spanish, production, organization and Paul, parents have a chance to ing each other and gaining not the information pertaining preparation of exhibits and gather and share theirjoys and knowledge, they have also to the child - which is essential pleadingbinders. Flexibility to frustrations, and to gain Infor- taken ownership of their fo assistattorneys, paralegals and mationandsupport. Childcare group. Working with a vol- secretaries on projects as re- isavailable by avolunteerwho unteer they developed anarne F quested. MSW, Excel and da- is bilingual. Transportation is (discapacitados abriendose 1998. Arc is working to obtain tabaseexperienehelpful. para- also avaiI&!e thrRPgh the caminos) and logo, and are additional funding to expand ],gal ce~f ia teor~atedexpe- use of W 7 s t Side actively involved in setting the this project due to demand for rience desired. Send resume Center's van. k?;;in, Ana'S direction of the gmup for the more services. If you would withcover letteito:ARAuL, husband, 'Ild~untd&A' to pick next year. like more information on the
Hispanic Outreach Project, Gray Plant Mooty, 3400 City
up families and drop them off after the meetings. Individually, families havealso contact Ana Perez at 7 13-053 1 Center,33S. 6"'St.,MpIs,MN
come a long way. Many have (Spanish Voice Mail) or the 55402 or fax to: 333-0066.
In addition to the support a better understanding of their ArcRamseyofficeat778-1414. group meetings, Ana and child's disability through EqUaloppomand
Affirmative Action Employer.
Professional Director!
National Production Proiecl DirectorIExecutive Produce1
An experienced and talented person is needed to oversee the creation of television and ancillary projects for distribu- tion. The successful candi- date will have an accomplished record in project development, fundraising, and production. Excellence in corporate and foundation proposal writing also required. Desirable quali- fications include commercial broadcasting and marketing experience. Minimum require- ments include aB.A. degreeor equivalent and 7 years of key television production, fund- raising and product develop- ment experience. A competi- tive salary range and benefit program is offered with this full-time employment oppor- tunity. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements by January 31,1998 to : Box 260-8; KTCA-TV; 172 E. 4th St.; St. Pau1,MN 55101.
RESEARCHSPECIALLST- LAWLIBRARY
Gray Plant Mooty is currently seeking a research specialist for our law library. Responsi- .bilities include conducting specialized research, provid- ing research assistance, and keeping informed and prac- ticed with latest developments in legal and general research, including online and CD-ROM services, as well as public databases and hard copy sources. BS and MLS, JD orequivalentrequired. Should be proficient with online re- search and various databases. Must be resourceful and able to work independently, and possess good communication and investigative skills. Send resume with cover letter to:HR Asst., Gray Plant Mooty, 3400 City Center; 33S6*St.,Mpls, MN55402 or fax to: 333-0066.
Afhnative Action Employer.
To List You1 1 Ca11644-2' Business Carc 33
wr.9 RASCAL I A I1 4 WIN CITY BY ..+ f i - , ( n h + w TRANSPORTATION, INC.
Electric Mobility m
d 0 3 lYlreel.4 Wbesl* 1 Ambulatory ~ower~heelchain and Wheelchair Ramp lhink Ufts r87 -4 Transfer
QY AcECS001jCS F u-nwaPOm~mff i - I -7
Wledicare a tnsunnce 24 HRS. Free In Hom8 0- Reimbursement
MA - Medica & Insurance Provider BRUCE 1. HIGEY Uc.rC Provider (612) 535-0760 Suvice Accessible Busses Available
DUNCAN SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AMERTCA'S BEST PEOPLE
High Quality, Lift Equipt Service For:
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PRIVATE PAYMENT Ambulatory and Wheelchair Service
Group Charters Available
Specialized Builder of Wheelchair Accessible Vans • S ~ & d n d R r p . D m . yprbb
Senriceyoucantrust 8 Udmtad the needs of the deaf
- Lift Installation and hard of hearing -athraughsignlanguage
. ~ T q ~ F r l l m d ~ l S u c l l V m 5
Cdfor ano cost no obligationmudysis . ~ m m ofymr Red Estate needs
R.C. SALES AND MFG., INC. OfficeNoice: 567-7058
Need Rims or Tires for Your Wheelchair? We Can Meet Your Needs!
DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR Certified Master Wheelbuilder
PERSONAL CARE. NUTRITION. Custom, Sp~r t s & Everyday Wheels COSMFIlCS & CONSUMER SERVICES Tires - Pushrims - RimTruing - Repairs
We Do House Calls In The Metropolitan Area.
1 Northland Transportation, Inc. (
12 . December 10, 1'997 - Access P
CLASSIFIEDS THE FRIENDS OF ACCESS PRESS 11 with check to: ACCESS
Since the sudden death of the publisher of ACCESS PRESS in 1996, ACCESS PRESS has been having financial problems. Over the last year, The Friends of ACCESS PRESS has kept us alive. Yet, we need your continued support to restore the paper to 12 pages. Advertising and subscriptions have not been kept pace with the cost ofproducing the paper.
Here are the sponsorship levels: Basic (low income) .$5.00 Silver .... .$150.00 & up Benefactor ... $1.000.00 & up Friend .......... $25.00 & up Gold ..... .$350.00 & up Bronze .......... $75.00 & up Diamond $500.00 & up LewisParkApartments: Bar-
rier free housing with wheel- chair user in mind. Section 8 subsidized. Oneand two bed- room units. Formore informa- tion on availability call 488- 9923. St. Paul, MN Equal Opportunity Housing.
Now being built in St. Louis Park. Spacious 1766 sq. ft. home, barrier free first floor. Quaint & versatile to accom- modateindividual or farnil y situ- ations. Will be customized to your specific needs. Estimated cost $179,000. CCRCC, Dave 545-2403,Lic#565 1.
Male- HomeHealth Aid, Home Care Aid from Anoka Tech College is available for day, evening & weekend care-giv- ing. Call Robert 586-0992.
Contributions made at the "Friend" level ($25) or above, will entitle the contributor to a one year complimentary subscription to ACCESS PRESS. II ACCESS PRESS has filed its non-profit application 501 (C)(3) with the Federal goven- ment. While we are waiting for our approval we will be operating as a non-profit. Checks can be made out to ACCESS PRESS. Your contribution is tax deductible. Please mail your sponsorship to ACCESS PRESS, 1 82 1 University Ave. W., Suite 1 85N.' St. Paul, MN 55 104. -. _ , - _ -
Arthritis Relieve This natural product is a pain killer, anti- inflammatory, helps rebuild cartilage. One of the ingredi- ents glucosamine is the secret of the NY Times best seitler 'THEl ARTHRITIS CZTRE" Purchase product at wholesale price - 333-3808.
Holmes-Greenway Housing One and two bedroom apart- men& designed for physically handicapped persons. Con- venient SEMinneapolis loca- tion. Call 378-0331 foravail- ability information. Equal Housing Opportunity.
1987 Dodge Conversion V-8, raised roof, wheelchair .lift. Ohio vehicle, very nice $6000. Kevin @ 452-3406. 11
SPONSORS OF ACCESS PRESS '1
II Thanks to the following sponsors for supporting ACCESS PItBS, 1 theiroice for people with disabilities. - ZOME-
Stimulates circulation ofblood and strengthens immune sys- tem. Treatments are done on the feet. Each treatment re- quires 1-2 hours and costs $40.00. Donna Kiser, Certified Therapist (61 2) 560-8988.
Accessible remodeling and home repair. We can help you with your accessibility needs: ramps, wheel-in-showers, decks, and general household repairs. FreeEstimate/quotes. call Rob&ffm537-0967.
BASIC
'
Margaret wler Beu~ ense en , . Cindy Moore Sefra Pitzele Kelli N-E Wysocki A.C.E. Independent Living Consultants
1 9 9 4 F a r d 8 1 5 0 C ~ o n , lowered floar.lrlredchair lift, 50M. like new c d i t i o n . $15,995.kkb @ 432-3406. FRIEND O F ACCESS PRESS I#I
Individuals With Disabilities Sue Abderholden Lynda'A,@ny Mary Andresen Susan Asplund Kathy IhII Don & Maggie Bania Janet Bemdt Mike & Karen Bjorgan Bill Blom Wendy Brower giqk Cardenas Cathy Carlson
, '4 Evmtt Chard , Baya Clare Jim Cotton Margot Imdieke C d - . - H. LeRoy deBoom Lynn & Tim Dennis Craig Dunn Martha Eger&$o$. Joe &Peg Figljuzzi mar^ F~l3iaroy C w M .1" - W ~ v i Q G i s l a s o n Teri Gockenbach David Grosvenor Judy HaaversenAnne Henry Linnea Johnson Hoff Ellen &Skip ~ou~htok* Daria Jmiil Mary Kay Kennedy Corbin Kidder . .W Dianna Krogstad Brett Kruempel David Larson
Education Act Passed , T he Individuals with Dis
abilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997 were recently passed by both
1 the Senate and House of R e p resentatives and were s ign4 into law by Es ident C l i t ~ g on June 4,1997. T h e ' m d - ments include modifications to requirements for providing transition services to youth with disabilities. The defini- tion of transition remains the same, however there are two significant changes related to transition Individual Education Plan (IEP) requirements:
Statements that refer to the age thoughtful guidance of the of 14 have purposely been in- MimesotaTransition Leader- cluded to focus attention on ship Committee (formerly the planning forthe Student's edu- State Transition Interagency cational options so that a Committee) and our Project transitiw can be made after Invest consultants, a list of
sition planning has been re- dents and their families is cur- quired by age 14 since 1987. rently being developed. This change in the law will, therefore, not affect Minne- The bill also includes infoma- sota. tion regarding the inability of a
specific student to make edu- Beginning at least one year cationaldecisions. Inthiscase, before the student reaches the the State will develop proce- a'geofmajorityunder~tate~aw dures for appointing the (in Minnesota that age.is 18) student's parents or someone the IEP must contain a state- else torepresent the bestinter- ment that the student has been ests of the student. informed of their rights under the law that will transfer to Thisarticlewasreprintedfrom them upon reaching the age of the Transition Assistance majority. Theage of majority Pojectnewsletter(Fal1,1997), additions were included be- Institute on Community Inte- cause current law is not clear gration, University of Minne- about what is required at the sota. age of majority. Through the
Nick Puzalr Mary Jo Rawa~n Fern Rogstad .-- ,* - - .-$ -- & Sad& &:>g- -.< ' - Elizabeth Smfi . .fi ' Wane Spmgue Mark and Lynette Thomsen ~ohniw* . . I Ten Welchw David Wood Bah-W@ht Joe & J o b Zwack At Home Accord Health Care Services All Temporaries. Inc Alliance for the Mentally I11 of MNArc of Anokmamsey Cty ARC Suburban Arc Duluth Arc of Henn. Cty. Best Care. Inc Brain Injury Assn of MN Consumer Council of The Alliance for the Mentally I11 Dulut$ Consumer & Family Regional Resource Center Equity Services-St. Paul. Inc Pwens4c Alliance of Mentally 111 Fmer Community Services Home Health Care Kaposia, Inc. Mankato Consumer &Family Regional Resource Center MBW Company M a t d Health Assoc. of MN Mental Health Consumer Survivor Network of MN Metro Mobility Service Center Staff New Dimensions MN Developmental Achievement Center Assoc. @hDACA) PACER Ceiter, Inc. Park Rapids Consumer & Family Regional.Resource Center Rise, Inc. Resource, Inc. REM Health, Inc. , 'S.M.I.L.E.S. St. Cloud Consumer & Family Regional Resource Centex United Cerebral Palsy of MN
Beginning at age 14, and on an annual basis, the student's IEP must contain a statemerit of the student's transition ser- vice needs under the various components of the IEP that focus on the student's courses of study. This would mean vocational education, ad- vanced placement or others.
- 1
, 1 a BRQNZESPQNSOR . JeffBangiberg ,' ,' : JaimeBeckei ' Anita Boucher Tom B k k ,>- ' StephanieCunnin&am - LeAnne & L q Dahl Jo Ann Fink L U t b e r ~ ~ u i p t . , Martha Wage Jmes R. House Shirley Lawn . . bl ly liiJtWski Joline Gitis Bi Steven Miles LouisePatttidge Dave & Marilyn Phillips Manley & Ann Olson Dean DoeringLisa Sui bner H. Michael Sheehan Pat Siebert, MN DLI. Law Cti. Cun Wiehle -$$f M y . Jane Steinhagen Katby & Paul West 7. 4 Riv. MN Rehab. Assoc Dept. of Occupational Therapy-U. of M Help Yourself, Inc. Job Placement & Dvlpmt
(.111111111111111
The ultimate gift - ubscribe 'for a friendhoved one Today! $15 Buys A Full Year (12 Issues) Of
F F.
Access Press Name
Street . t .a;-s:.-:,>
: S I L ~ I - . *G'+?&
Co-Cente~;~, : a ' :k Fairview Foundations andfcabs, Inc Evlpk. Advisory C o I s m ~ Multiple Sclerosis Society
Michael Graf Merhorial Twin City %spo~tg&Bw. ' Vmland National Center . , I City State
Zip Telephone IC GOLD SPONSOR 111 Limited income subscription: $5 I I have an idea for editorial coverage. Please call me.
O 1 ' v e enclosed my check for $15. Start my subscription. =send your advertising rates. (612) 644-2133
MAIL TO: ACCESS PRESS 5 182 1 University Ave. W. *#185N
1 I American Express Financial Corn. M.I.L.S.
I[ Deluxe Corporation . People In Business Care i ..- I .,
