March 2013

Volume 24, Number 3 www.accesspress.org March 10, 2013

“The obligation to earnone’s bread presumes aright to do so. A societythat denies this right can-not be justified, nor can itattain social peace.”

— Unknown

NEWS DIGEST

INSIDE

Never too soon

Start planning now for summer funNonprofit OrNonprofit OrNonprofit OrNonprofit OrNonprofit Org.g.g.g.g.

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TTTTTwin Cities. MNwin Cities. MNwin Cities. MNwin Cities. MNwin Cities. MNPermit No. 4766Permit No. 4766Permit No. 4766Permit No. 4766Permit No. 4766

Address Service Requested

State operated services criticized in auditor’s report

Accessible Fun, pg 11

Events, pg 12

People & Places,pgs 7 & 9

Radio Talking Book, pg 13

Regional News, pg 6

Even a fake dolphin can be a good playmate at summer camp.File photo

Ruling outlinesmedicalsuppliers’burden

Summer fun Summer fun Summer fun Summer fun Summer fun - p. 13

State services criticized State services criticized State services criticized State services criticized State services criticized - p. 10

Suppliers’ burden Suppliers’ burden Suppliers’ burden Suppliers’ burden Suppliers’ burden - p. 10

People & Places, page 9

The security hospital in St. Peter is one of the facilities studied in thestate’s audit.

File photo

by Access Press staff

For most families thesearch for a good children’ssummer camp program,sports teams or activity pro-gram starts when snow is stillon the ground. Children withdisabilities need not be leftout of the fun and traditionsof camp, crafts, sports andfield trips but it does takeplanning to make an enjoy-able summer.

Finding summer activitiesfor children with disabilitiesis much easier than it wasyears ago. Still, parents needto be diligent about askingthe right questions about accessibility and accommodations. It’s also important to find programswhere children will have fun and be comfortable, and not feel out of place. Unfortunately, childrenwith disabilities can be subjected to many forms of bullying at recreation centers and camps.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makes more options available for children. In thevast majority of cases public and private programs cannot deny participation in programs based ondisability. If participation would pose a direct threat to the health and safety of other participants orwould fundamentally alter the nature of a program, there could be exceptions. But most programs,policies and procedures can be modified and ways can be found to inclusive to all children.

She’s a dedicatedvolunteer.Page 9

Read about the 2013Minnesota Legislature’sactivities, with every-thing including thekitchen sink. Page 3

Food is no fun wheneating hurts.Page 4

Check out what’s newand weigh in onprograms and servicesthrough a new Minne-sota Department ofHuman Servicescolumn.Page 5

Lots of things can beused to adapt toys andspark learning.Page 14

by Jane McClure

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) needsto find new ways to manage state-operated facilities and servicesfor persons with chemical dependency, mental illness and devel-opmental disabilities. The call for change is made in the wake ofa critical report by the Minnesota Legislative Auditor’s Office.The report details problems ranging from a rise in assaults, topatients kept at facilities for longer than they should.

State lawmakers requested the audit last year. The audit reportstates that “a wide range of significant problems” were found asa result of the auditor’s scrutiny.

“Of particular concern, we found that the department’s ap-proach to managing state-operated services has caused confusionand resulted in inadequate oversight and accountability,” Legis-lative Auditor James Nobles said. “Among other recommenda-tions, we call on the legislature to more clearly define in law thestate’s role and objectives in directly delivering human servicesand operating facilities.”

Nobles presented the report February 27 to state lawmakers,telling them the audit revealed “significant and persistent prob-lems.”

Members of the Senate Health and Human Services Commit-tee said they are frustrated about the problems. Sen. TonyLourey, (DFL-Kerrick) was among those expressing frustrationat how long problems have gone on and the lack of communica-tion about problems. He and other lawmakers said they support

the recommendations from the legislative auditor.In a statement, DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson said, “We

agree with each and every recommendation in the auditor’s re-port. We have already begun implementing many of theauditor’s recommendations.” DHS has already taken a numberof steps ranging from changing division leadership and install-ing new managers for the troubled state security hospital in St.Peter. That facility is currently under probation, after violationsincluding seclusion and restraint of residents, were found in2011.

Jesson also pointed out that Gov. Mark Dayton’s budget in-cludes money for transitional housing and supportive servicesfor people discharged from state-run facilities.

The DHS State Operated Services division has a budget ofalmost $300 million. It runs about 130 residential facilities,ranging from group homes to the Minnesota State Security Hos-pital in St. Peter. Almost 1,300 people live in the facilities.Thousands more are served as outpatients.

Nobles questioned whether some clients can be better servedby private providers and whether other clients are better off incommunity-based settings. The recommendation forprivatization would be for smaller facilities and not for largerstate hospitals.

One huge problem is that of safety for residents and employ-ees. The number of assaults involving staff or residents at DHSfacilities almost doubled in 2012 with a total of nearly 2,000incidents. The report also outlined a rise in reported sexual inci-dents, self-injuries and threats. While the increased number ofassaults may be partially due to changes in reporting standards,legislators expressed surprise at the high numbers. They alsoare worried about the report’s concerns about use of restraintsand seclusion techniques in state facilities.

Another red flag is the number of ongoing problems at theMinnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter. Auditors found thatmany of the facility’s 400 patients, being among the most men-tally in Minnesota, don’t regularly receive therapy or see psy-chiatrists. More than half of the patients have not seen a psy-chiatrist in the past 30 days.

Patients spent, on average, about 16 hours a week in various


Could changes at the fed-eral level cause harm topeople with disabilities whoneed specialty medicalequipment? That is the con-cern centered on a ruling lastmonth in the case of KeyMedical Supply Inc. versusKathleen Sebelius, Secretaryof the United States Depart-ment of Health and HumanServices, and MarilynTavenner, Acting Adminis-trator of the Centers forMedicare and Medicaid Ser-vices.

U.S. District Court JudgeDonovan Frank granted thedefendants’ motion to dis-miss the case, for lack ofsubject manner jurisdiction.He also denied the defen-

Pg 2 March 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 1

U.S. Dept of Labor marks centennial this yearHISTORY NOTE

EDITOR’S DESKTim Benjamin

Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest to persons withdisabilities, or persons serving those with disabilities, are welcomed. Wereserve the right to edit all submissions. Editorial material does not necessarilyreflect the view of the editor/publisher of Access Press.

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Access Press is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons withdisabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Circulation is 11,000, distributed the 10th ofeach month through more than 200 locations statewide. Approximately 450copies are mailed directly to individuals, including political, business,institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $30/yr. Low-income, student and bulk subscriptions are available at discounted rates.

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President William Howard Taft


March 4, 1913, marked a milestone event in the his-tory of the American workforce. On that day 100 yearsago, President William Howard Taft—on his last dayin office—reluctantly signed legislation creating theU.S. Department of Labor and giving workers a directseat in the President’s Cabinet for the first time.

Observance of the federal department’s centennialgot underway last year, with the production of a cen-tennial video, an interactive timeline, a series of his-torical posters and collection a of historical vignettes

in its DOL newsletter—all designed to educate, in-form and inspire the public about a rich and complexhistory. The website has many fun pieces of informa-tion about everything from when various pieces of leg-islation were signed to stories of people who playedroles in U.S. labor history. Go to www.dol.gov/

Taft had lost his bid for another term and signedthe legislation just hours before President-electWoodrow Wilson took office. A federal Departmentof Labor was the product of a half-century campaignby organized labor and the Progressive Movement fora “Voice in the Cabinet.”

When the federal Department of Labor wasfounded, treatment of workers was a huge concernnationally. Child labor was still common. Exploita-tion of workers in a variety of industries regularlymade newspaper and magazine headlines. Workers ofall ages often found themselves in unsafe conditions,working with no protection for low pay.

One interesting bit of information on the Departmentof Labor’s website notes that on Dec. 16, 1967, Presi-dent Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Age Dis-crimination in Employment Act. Legislative efforts toinclude age as a factor by which employers could notdiscriminate began with the Employment Opportunity

Act of 1962 and theCivil Rights Act of1964.

The lack of data onage discrimination inthe workplaceprompted Secretary ofLabor Willard Wirtzto commission the report “The Older AmericanWorker: Age Discrimination in Employment.”

On the department’s centennial day, KathyMartinez, assistant secretary of labor for disabilityemployment policy, also had reason to celebrate.Martinez was among nine people honored by theViscardi Center for their contributions to improvingthe quality of life of people with disabilities. TheHenry Viscardi Achievement Awards recognizes con-temporary members of the global disability commu-nity who have impacted the quality of life of peoplewith disabilities. Martinez has been a tireless advo-cate for people with disabilities, creating opportuni-ties for traditional diversity entities to collaboratewith the disability community in true sustainable part-nerships that can move toward full inclusion and realsystems change.

“This award is an honor, andit is very much in keepingwith principles the Depart-ment of Labor has espousedthroughout its 100-year his-tory: advancing opportunitiesfor profitable employment,protecting work-related ben-efits and rights, and guaran-teeing fair compensation forall members of the diverseAmerican workforce,” saidMartinez. ■The History Note is a

monthly column sponsored bythe Minnesota Governor’sCouncil on DevelopmentalDisabilities, www.mncdd.organd www.partnersinpolicymaking.com

This legislative session has been a different experi-ence for me. Usually, I am much more involved intracking what is happening on many issues, followingwhose bills are going where, researching what com-mittees are meeting, and scheduling my time to be atthe particular floor debates I want to hear. And ofcourse I want to attend the Consortium for Citizenswith Disabilities’ Tuesdays at the Capitol meetings.But this year isn’t usual. I haven’t gotten the “sense ofurgency” bug about the session, and I did not evenknow about the lowered deficit forecast until March 3.I’ve got to do a lot of studying and watch some “gametapes” to get caught up.

Not to get into a civics lesson, but the legislativesession is in some ways like a basketball game. Youcan start watching in the fourth quarter and prettymuch get the gist of what’s happening, but youhaven’t learned a lot about the game of basketball orabout the teams. By the time bills are first introduced,they’ve already been discussed among legislators,constituents, public policy wonks, commissioners,and lobbyists. After a legislator authors a newly pro-posed bill, it is assigned to a related committee, where

in hearings it is reviewed, researched and debatedamong many experts and affected citizens or organi-zations. Usually a bill ends up moving on to othercommittees that get more background information anddo more review. In any of the committees, the billcould be held up and never really be seen again.

But as in a basketball game, where the first three pe-riods lay the groundwork for what will happen in thefourth quarter, the legislative session can only really beunderstood if you participate from the jump ball (or theopening bell). If you don’t get in on the groundwork,it’s hard to know if a bill is good for the community,especially as its language changes and a big provisiongets deleted or a “little” one changes the bill entirely. Ifyou’re not tracking the “ball” of a bill, you can’t knowif it’s going to even make it to the floor for a finalvote by both House and Senate and become law.When a basketball game goes into the fourth quarter,the fan who has watched the whole game may be ableto predict what the final minute will look like andwhich team will win based on how they played thefirst three quarters. The citizen who has observed thewhole legislative process is in the best position to makesense of the final few minutes on a floor vote and un-derstand what it means for the community.

Sometimes I think the disability advocates and lob-byists and others who regularly work at the capitolrepresent our whole community. But this last Satur-day was kind of a revelation for me. I was remindedthat I only know a small section of our community

when I went to a banquet held by Capable Partnerswww.capablepartners.org, a group of hunters and an-glers with disabilities along with the volunteers whohelp them participate in outdoor activities. It’s a largeorganization of good people doing good work. When Iwent in, I was expecting to see at least a few people Iknew, but I recognized only Dean Petersen, the group’spresident, who had invited me. It was a packed house,a huge number of people, with every kind of disabilityand using every kind of mobility device. There wereyoung and middle-aged men and women, seniors andchildren having fun and mingling with their friends—most of them dressed in camo, with a silent auctionfeaturing hunting and fishing gear, and backed up bya video of successful expeditions.

I came away wondering if enough of the disabilitycommunity is actually on the hill advocating foreverybody’s needs. How we can get the folks I met onSaturday night into the legislature to give their experttestimony, have their voices heard and make legisla-tors aware of their needs? We must make sure thatwe’re doing the best, most informed work for our en-tire community. We need to have everybody at and inthe game.

We talk a lot about the differences in the disabilitycommunity. However, do we really know what thedifferences are and accept them? My opinions on re-search had to be re-examined last month, and maybethis month my opinion needs to be re-examined on theinterests of hunters and anglers. Maybe next month itwill be re-examining super PACs? (Maybe not.)

Have a safe month, use our advertisers, and try toget involved in the important game we call politics. ■

March 10, 2013 Volume 24, Number 1 Pg 3

Health care workers seekright to unionize

Repeal of 2011 cuts sought

Dwindling state deficit is cause for cautious optimismby Access Press staff

A lower-than-anticipated state deficit is good news for Minnesota lead-ers and for Minnesotans with disabilities who are working on issuesat the capitol. But what the February forecast means is still takingshape. The forecast shows a projected deficit of $627 million,down from the $1.1 billion deficit predicted in November 2012.

Gov. Mark Dayton called the lower deficit forecast “verygood news for Minnesota.” The new forecast means statelawmakers will have to make fewer spending cuts and/or taxhikes than anticipated a few months ago. It also meansstepped-up work on the state budget before adjournment inMay. Dayton will unveil a revised budget the week of March11. But the governor isn’t ready to change his plans to dramati-cally overhaul the state tax system.

The forecast released Feb. 28, projected a $295 million fundbalance in Minnesota’s treasury by June 30, the end of the current fiscalyear. Because the state borrowed money from schools in the past, the statemust pay $290 million back to schools. The schools are still owed $801 million.

Growing tax collections are helping to whittle down the state deficit. State offi-cials expect to collect $323 million more in revenue than predicted in November, with$297 million more coming from higher-than-projected income tax payments. But it’simportant to note that spending is also down by $117 million, largely because of sav-ings in Medical Assistance payments to health care providers negotiated by the state.

A smaller state deficit would add to the push to repeal past state budget cuts tar-geting people with disabilities. It could also add fuel to efforts to get more fundingfor nursing homes. But some at the capitol caution that even a smaller deficitdoesn’t mean getting out long wish lists.

Bills followed by disability advocacy groups and self-advocates continuethrough the committee process. The high-profile and sometimes controversial ef-fort to obtain spinal cord injury research funds moves head. Advocates are askingfor $8 million in the next biennium for research grants to help find a cure.

Dr. Walter Low, a professor and researcher in the University of Minnesota’sDepartment of Neurosurgery, said new advances in science and technology makethe time right for finding a cure through the use of robotics, spinal cord regenera-tion and drug therapies.

“I believe a cure is good health care policy,” Matthew Rodreick told the HouseHealth and Human Services Policy Committee Feb. 27. Rodreick’s son, Gabe, wasinjured in a body surfing accident in 2008. Gabe Rodreick uses a wheelchair.

But Rick Cardenas, who said he has waited for a cure for more than 50 years,said the universities should fund research with their own budgets, not with stategeneral fund dollars. Nor does he want funding currently used for community pro-grams and services for these individuals to be redirected for the sake of research.

Rep. Laurie Halverson (DFL-Eagan) is sponsoring a bill that would provide re-search grants to public institutions and establish an advisory committee on spinalcord and traumatic brain injuries. Her bill was approved and sent to the HouseGovernment Operations Committee. Sen. Jeff Hayden (DFL-Mpls) sponsors acompanion awaiting action by the Senate Finance Committee.

Here’s a look at other pieces of legislation:Here’s a look at other pieces of legislation:Here’s a look at other pieces of legislation:Here’s a look at other pieces of legislation:Here’s a look at other pieces of legislation:Repeal the 1.67% Cut to Disability Services..... A number of groups are asking that

The effort to allow home care workers the right to form a union continues at the2013 Minnesota Legislature. Hearings are expected this month on a bill that wouldallow the workers, who are not affiliated with any home care agency to form aunion.

The legislation was introduced by Sen. Chris Eaton (DFL-Brooklyn Center) andRep. Michael Nelson (DFL-Brooklyn Park). Advocates see the bill as addressing apotential crisis in the state’s public home care programs.

“We are facing a massive shortage of workers to care for seniors and peoplewith disabilities,” said Nelson. “As the ‘baby boomers’ age, there is going to be astrain on our state’s long-term care system. We must ensure there are enoughworkers to help people retire with dignity.”

Many home care workers are employed directly by their clients in self-directedhome care programs. Even though 100% of the funds that pay for these programsare controlled by the state, the workers do not have the right to form a union. Thebill would allow home care workers to decide if they want to form a union andwould allow them to negotiate with the state for better wages and working condi-tions.

“Minnesota relies on the thousands of dedicated home care workers who do ex-tremely important work,” said Eaton. “When I worked as a public health nurse, Iwould do home assessments to decide how much care the state would provide for asenior or person living with a disability. The truth is the work home care workersdo is real and valuable.”

Many home care workers have hailed the bill. “I’ve been caring for my motherfor three years,” said Johnese Abney of Duluth. “My wages and hours have beencut. With my first check of the month, I pay rent. My second check goes towards

state lawmakers repeal the 1.67% reduction in funding for disabilityservices, which is scheduled to last from July 1, 2013 through Dec.

31, 2013. The Arc Minnesota is one of the groups leading thecharge to repeal the cut.

One case made for repeal is that people with disabilitieshave experienced hundreds of millions of dollars in cuts totheir services over the past decade, and this would add $12million more in reductions to those supports. Services for people with disabilities should no longer be

used to balance our state budget, advocates said. The cut was made by state lawmakers in 2011. It was in-

cluded in the 2011 human services bill in case savings from an-other provision of the bill didn’t materialize. In that bill, the legis-

lature directed Minnesota’s Commissioner of Human Services toask the federal government for changes in criteria for the level of care

provided at nursing facilities. It was anticipated that changes would save thestate of Minnesota money by spending fewer Medicaid dollars.

However, because these savings depended on federal approval of these changesby June 30, 2012, state lawmakers also approved a 1.67% cut in disability servicesfunding if that approval wasn’t obtained. And as it turned out, the federal govern-ment did not approve the state’s request by the June 30, 2012 deadline. The legis-lature delayed the 1.67% cut until July 1, 2013 through payment shifts to disabilityproviders, but the cut is still scheduled to take effect this year.

Bills repealing the cut will be introduced soon.Anti-bullying advocates are making another run at passage of the Safe and Sup-

portive Minnesota Schools Act. A coalition of more than 80 groups is working toget legislation passed that would protect all students from bullying, harassment,intimidation and violence at school. The bill has been introduced again

A 2011 report from the U.S. Department of Education rated Minnesota’s anti-bul-lying last among the weakest in the country. Efforts to strengthen the law began in2009. A bill passed the House and Senate in 2009 but was vetoed by then-Gov. TimPawlenty. Last year Dayton launched a task force to research anti-bullying effortsand inform future legislation. That group submitted its final report in August 2012.

Families whose children have autism or autism spectrum disorder are asking statelawmakers to help cover intensive Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy. The treat-ment isn’t covered by most insurance providers even though it is often prescribed.

“That (decision) should be between the physician and the family. Don’t dis-

Repeal of cuts sought Repeal of cuts sought Repeal of cuts sought Repeal of cuts sought Repeal of cuts sought - from p. 5

Unionizing health careUnionizing health careUnionizing health careUnionizing health careUnionizing health care - p. 4


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by L.A. Reed

Oh, my stomach hurts! I just had my first pizza in several months. Even thoughit tasted great, several hours later my gut was saying, “This hurts!” And the nextday I was sick.

I was little when I sat on my grandmother’s knee and ate rye bread dunked insweet, light (with milk) coffee. It tasted wonderful. SHE was wonderful. Givingup coffee (I had to do it twice) meant giving up all of those memories of mygrandmother. I gave up sweets too: sugar, pastries, chocolate cake and TastyCake(the East Coast Twinkies). Groannnn!

All those lovely things; All those memories of family get-togethers. All thosegluten products! I can’t eat that stuff anymore.

My small intestines have something called leaky gut. Stress and eating thewrong foods actually cause fissures in the intestines and they leak toxins into thecavity of the body. Not pretty.

My body has a lot of aches. I live with fibromyalgia, neuralgia arthritis andmostly recently, autoimmune disease with my thyroid. There is so much that I can-not eat.

Do you think this doesn’t limit my diet? Do you think I haven’t lost friends over(shudder) going out to a restaurant? Or from turning down invitations to comeover for dinner? It’s a scary proposition. One friend showed me a card she takes torestaurants and present to the waiter. It states, if you feed me anything with pea-nuts I could die. Ahhhhh!

For me, the questions I have to ask of waiters and restaurant managers wouldamount to an inquisition. Which I’ve done. And, that is exactly how they actedlike I was doing. So, I don’t bother. Sitting is also painful due to compressed discsin my back.

Going to a potluck dinner produces high anxiety. Being invited to someone’shouse for dinner is like a complicated theater production which involves the inqui-sition again. Did I mention I can’t eat any milk products either?

Guest Commentary

If you are what you eat, why does it hurt so much?Come over to my home and read my menu. Today’s menu features cooked ruta-

bagas, with beets and kale. This is actually quite tasty and healthy. Add somecooked-in-water (no oil) cod or salmon. I buy mine at a co-op because mostsalmon and cod contain high amounts of mercury and other toxins because theoceans they are fished from are being poisoned. I might also have some brown riceor rice pasta, with the meal. That’s it!

One can get very creative with this food. But it’s a very different diet than mostof the rest of society eats and it’s very different from what I was raised with. It’s adiet without any spices; or MSG, or cornstarch.

So please understand that I want to get to know you, I am not trying to be diffi-cult. I just like a pain-free life. Though having that with friends would be great.

L.A. Reed, Minneapolis ■

utilities and other necessities. That leaves me nothing. My mother is 93 years oldand needs my care. It’s not about the money, but I can barely make it right now.As home care workers, we need a voice to protect us from further cuts and tomake this job into a profession that people can live on.”

“We deserve the same rights as every other worker to form a union so we canfight for better wages, paid time off, even training,” said Darleen Henry ofRosemount. She cares for her mother who suffered a series of strokes. “Mine andmy mother’s future, as well as everyone else’s, could only get better. I want tothank the legislators for introducing this bill. It gives me, my family and my fellowhome care workers hope.”

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Developmentprojects demand for more than 50,000 new home care workers in Minnesota overthe next 10 years. However, the core labor pool from which the state’s workers aretraditionally drawn—women aged 25-54—is expected to decline by nearly 2,000workers.

The bill is expected to have its first hearings in March. There are an estimated10,000-12,000 Minnesota home care workers in self-directed programs.

The bill would create a Quality Self-Directed Services Workforce Council. Amajority of this council will be made up of people who receive direct support ser-vices. The council will advise the commissioner of human services on steps thatthe state should take to ensure the quality, stability, and availability of the directsupport workforce. Second, the bill will give home care workers who work di-rectly for the people they support through self-directed programs the right to forma union so they can bargain directly with the state over wages, benefits and train-ing opportunities.

The bill explicitly protects the rights of people who receive services to select,hire, direct, supervise, and terminate the employment of their workers and it rec-ognizes that home care workers are essential employees who would not be allowedto strike.

People with disabilities who use personal care attendant (PCA) services joinedworkers at the capitol for SEIU Lobby Day when the bills were announced. Formore information about how the disability community is showing support forhome care workers contact Galen Smith at 651-285-5364 [email protected] ■

Unionizing health care Unionizing health care Unionizing health care Unionizing health care Unionizing health care - from p. 3


Reform 2020 envisions more choice,independence for people with disabilities

DHS REFORM 2020UPDATESby Loren Colman

Joe is able to transfer from his bed to his wheelchair with limited assistancefrom his support staff. While it may be faster some days for his support staffto complete the transfer for him, Joe and his support staff plan enough timefor him to complete as much of the transfer as he can. In this way, Joe is ableto build the muscle strength and skill in transferring that promote his confi-dence, independence and overall well-being.

Jessica is a young girl whose disability has impacted her ability to commu-nicate verbally. She has begun using a communication board to assist her.While she and her support staff developed ways to communicate before, thesupport staff now works with her to build skills in using theboard. With the focus on her skill development, Jessica isgaining the ability and confidence to interact with othersand more fully express her thoughts and needs. As shebecomes more fluent in using the communicationboard, her family is considering using some of her ser-vice funding to purchase an upgraded communicationdevice that will allow her to communicate even moreeffectively.

This is the first in a series of articles focusingon people who use the Minnesota Departmentof Human services (DHS) and the ways our department is working with themand others to realize a new vision for long-term services and supports. In thisvision, quality, person-centered services and supports are not only sustainedfor the future but enhanced and maximized through new tools and technolo-gies and new service approaches.

The examples above reflect some of what we are hearing as we talk toMinnesotans about Reform 2020 proposals and how they want to see long-term services and supports in Minnesota evolve. People with disabilitieswant to continue to receive services but also want opportunities to do asmuch as they can for themselves, have flexibility to have choices and to beas independent as possible.

Reform 2020 is the banner under which DHS is redesigning long-term ser-vices and supports to ensure that people get the right services at the righttime by promoting low-cost, high-impact services earlier; decreasing reli-ance on costly services; and changing the system’s orientation so that homeand community-based services are available when people need them. Theexamples above relate to Community First Services and Supports (CFSS),which, upon federal approval, would reform the Personal Care AssistanceProgram to one that is more accessible and flexible for the people who use it.

Under the CFSS model, individuals can get help with activities of daily liv-ing but also get flexible services, such as instruction, coaching, promptingand home modifications and technology to replace human assistance. Pro-vider standards are also changing and are encouraging the development ofagencies and staff with specialized skills. This will help people with disabili-ties to get services better tailored to their individual needs.

The new MnCHOICES assessment tool will look comprehensively at eachperson and his or her situation, including employment, community partici-pation and housing support. A budget will be developed based on eachperson’s needs for assistance with activities of daily living and/or behavioral

intervention and the current home care rating scale that is used to de-termine the PCA units numbers. People can buy services from

an agency or hire their own staff. They also can convert someof their service dollars for technology and home modifica-

tions that replace human assistance.Future articles will look at other components of the

comprehensive Reform 2020 effort to restructure long-term care to emphasize consumer choice, quality andsustainability.

Just as these proposals were developed inpartnership with community stakeholders, DHS

continues to need stakeholder support as these ideas are discussed at theMinnesota Legislature and with federal officials and as we work towardimplementation of reforms in the most productive way. As we have been inthe past, we are all in this work together, responding to challenges with in-novation, creativity and deep commitment to helping individuals reachtheir potential.

Approximately 133,000 Minnesotans with disabilities access Medical As-sistance services administered by DHS. The department helps people withdisabilities with health care, long-term services and support, employmenttraining and housing so they can lead productive and enriching lives. About47 percent of all Medical Assistance funding administered by DHS is forpeople with disabilities. The remainder is for seniors (22 percent), childrenand parents (30 percent) and other adults without children (1 percent). ■

Loren Colman is assistant commissioner for the Continuing Care Admin-istration of the Minnesota Department of Human Services, a position hehas held since 2003. Colman directs the divisions of Disability Services,Aging and Adult Services, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services and Nurs-ing Facility Rates and Policy.

Contact the Disability Linkage Line at 1-866-333-2466 for more information.

Repeal of cuts sought - p. 3criminate or eliminate any therapies,” Bradley Trahan, leader of the MinnesotaAutism Task Force, told the House Health and Human Services Policy Committee.Last month the committee approved a bill that would require private health insur-ance providers regulated by the state to include autism spectrum disorder coveragein their policies, including the request therapy. Providers also would have to ac-cept the treatment plan recommended by the patient’s doctor or mental health pro-fessional.

Depending upon the intensity of the individual’s plan, treatment can cost between$30,000 and $100,000 per year. Some families carry two policies: paying into theiremployer plan for themselves and enrolling their child into Medical Assistanceand paying a sliding fee to cover their child’s autism treatment. By requiring pro-viders to insure autism therapies, the state could save as much as $1.5 million.

The autism task force is calling for other initiatives as well, such as establishinga website for access to statewide services, among other suggestions found in thetask force’s Strategic Plan Report released in December 2012.

Nursing homes could be in line for increased funding, thanks to a bipartisangroup of Minnesota lawmakers. They want to increase state funding to nursinghomes. They are calling for increasing state nursing home reimbursements by $56million over the next two years. Otherwise, the legislators fear that nursing homescould close.

The state gave nursing homes $382 million in 2012. The increase is sought be-cause many nursing homes around Minnesota are struggling. Losing nursing homesnot only gives people fewer options for care, it also eliminates jobs, according tosome state lawmakers. But a possible red flag could be that more funds for nursinghomes would be used to justify fewer dollars to keep people in their homes.

Advocates for children with allergies to certain foods or insects bites are fight-ing for extra protections for their children. State lawmakers are considering a billthis session that would make it easier for schools to obtain epinephrine auto-injec-tors and store them. The auto-injectors would be available to use in certain sce-narios, when a student suffers an allergic reaction. The bill doesn’t mandate thatschools carry epinephrine: instead it eliminates the barriers facing school officialswho want this measure of protection.

Working actively on the bill are representatives of the Anaphylaxis & Food Al-lergy Association of Minnesota (AFAA), the Minnesota Ambulance Association,Mylan and Pfizer. The School Nurse Organization of Minnesota, the Board ofPharmacy, Board of Nursing and other groups have all been asked for input and

suggestions on the bill. But the Minnesota School Boards Association lead lobby-ist has stated that they plan to oppose the bill because its members have not said itis needed.

Cooking with ovens that date from 1924 may sound like activity at a museum.But that is what staff at the Minnesota State Academies for the Deaf and Blind doevery day to prepare resi-dents’ meals. The two resi-dential schools need$85,000 for new kitchenequipment and upgrades,including a new dishwasherand replacing the elderlyovens.

The request to the HouseEducation Finance Com-mittee is unusual, and pro-voked some amused com-ments and questions whenit was presented last month.Some lawmakers askedwhether the state and theacademies could find amore efficient way to takecare of such business. Still,committee chairman Rep.Paul Marquart (DFL-Dilworth) agreed that itwas time to replace the ov-ens. One challenge is thatthe request is being made ina non-bonding year. An-other is that it isn’t the kindof financing request thecommittee usually hears. ■


REGIONAL NEWS

Regional newsRegional newsRegional newsRegional newsRegional news - p. 14

Minnesota among states winning awards

Pedestrians get more timePeople don’t walk quite as fast as once thought, so

within the next two years, most Twin Cities areacounties and cities plan to give pedestrians more timein a crosswalk, anywhere between two and six addi-tional seconds to cross the street. Conversion of thesignals will take a few years but it could be a lifesaverfor people

In the United States, crosswalks are timed on thewidth of the intersection, assuming most people walkat about 4 feet per second. But, researchers looking atthe aging population determined people need moretime than that. In 2009, the federal government recom-mended states and cities slow crosswalks to a speedof 3.5 feet per second. More than three years later,most agencies are only now making changes, becausethe massive undertaking requires time and money.

Minnesota Department of Transportation(MnDOT) traffic engineer Sue Groth said her depart-ment is currently updating 1,300 traffic signals run bythe state. MnDOT has reprogrammed around 200 sig-nals so far, and hopes to finish the rest by the end ofsummer in 2013.

“The 3.5 feet per second will give people an addi-tional 2 to 6 seconds depending on the width of theintersection, so we are pretty confident that is goingto improve, but you do have to be intentional, wewant people to push the button and be ready to movewhen the walk signal comes up,” said Groth.

In Minnesota, every intersection is considered acrosswalk whether marked or unmarked and the mo-torist is required to stop.

The state also launched a pedestrian safety cam-paign, Share the Road, just as 2012 started off with asurge of pedestrian accidents. According to the Min-nesota Department of Public Safety, 876 pedestrianswere injured or killed last year.

(Source: KARE 11)

Health and Human Services (HHS) SecretaryKathleen Sebelius has announced the first recipientsof State Innovation Model awards made possible bythe Affordable Care Act. Nearly $300 million inawards will provide flexibility and support to states tohelp them deliver high-quality health care, lowercosts, and improve their health system performance.

“As a former governor, I understand the real senseof urgency that states feel to improve the health oftheir populations while also reducing total health carecosts, and it’s critical that the many elements ofhealth care in each state — including Medicaid, pub-lic health, and workforce training — work together,”Sebelius said.

Model Testing awards will support Arkansas,Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oregon, and Ver-

Man accused of faking Alzheimer’sHermantown resident James W. Smith was consid-

ered an effective spokesperson for those withAlzheimer ’s disease. In speeches and web posts hedescribed how his work as a computer expert was de-railed, when he was only in his mid-40s. He left ahigh-ranking job at American Express Financial Ser-vices and became an advocate for those withAlzheimer’s.

Smith lobbied state and federal elected officials andwas named a “Health Care Hero” by KARE-11 Tele-vision. But he recently was found to have faked hissymptoms and is awaiting sentencing for fraud.

Prosectuors stated Smith defrauded the governmentout of $144,293 and collected more than $300,000from Met Life in disability payments. The fraud oc-curred between 2006 and August 2010.

Medical experts said it is rare for someone to fakethe disease, but that it can be done.

Smith will be sentenced in U.S. District Couirt thisspring.

(Source: Star Tribune)

Bracelet helps find missing childThe Washington County Sheriff’s Department has

been publicizing the benefits of electronic trackingbracelets. One was used last month to find a missingLake Elmo boy. The 7-year-old boy, who wears oneof the bracelets because of his cognitive disabilities,was found within about 45 minutes at a nearby house.

He was not in a dangerous situation, said Washing-ton County Detective Sgt. Lonnie Van Klei, He hadtold the people he was with that his parents knewwhere he was. If not for the bracelet other agencieswould have been called in to help search about 600homes in the Cimarron mobile home communitywhere the boy lived.

Washington County works with a company that pro-vides the battery-operated bracelets for a fee. They areavailable for adults or children who are at risk of wan-dering or becoming lost, Van Klei said. When some-one wearing the bracelet is reported missing, Wash-ington County officers bring a tracking device to thearea and follow the signal emitted by the bracelet.

(Source: Pioneer Press)

mont in implementing their plans for health care de-livery system transformation. The six selected stateswill use funds to test multi-payer payment and servicedelivery models, including approaches already underway at CMS, such as Accountable Care Organiza-tions, on a broader scale within their state. Throughthe State Innovation Model Testing awards, CMS willlearn whether these new models produce greater re-sults when implemented broadly and combined withadditional state-wide reforms.

An additional 19 states will receive awards to fur-ther develop proposals for comprehensive health caretransformation.

(Source: U.S. Department of Health and HumanServices)


Opportunity Partners awarded Kraus-Anderson Construction Company its Julie Olson Topp Employer of ExcellenceAward on February 27, 2012. Bryce Larson and Michelle Suess, who are office assistants at Kraus-Anderson, helpedpresent the award and are shown here with Frank Vascellaro of WCCO-4, George Klauser, President and CEO of Op-portunity Partners, and Diane Duguay, Kraus-Anderson Director of Employee Relations & Diversity. The award waspresented at Opportunity Partners’ Celebrate Opportunity business luncheon, which drew 400 business leaders fromacross the Twin Cities.

Photo courtesy of lauren b photography

Pulice awarded outstanding service award

PEOPLE & PLACESOpportunity Partners celebrates its manypartners with awards

Four businesses were honored with recognitionawards at “Celebrate Opportunity—An ExecutiveNetworking and Business Recognition Luncheon,”hosted by non-profit disability organization Opportu-nity Partners Feb. 27. Awards were given to busi-nesses that have shown exemplary leadership in pro-viding employment opportunities for people with dis-abilities in 2012. About 400 people were on hand forthe event, which featured speakers and displays frombusiness partners.

Frank Vascellaro of WCCO-TV served as emceefor the event, which was held at the Marriott West inMinneapolis.

The Laura Zemlin Employer of the Year winner isEngineered Products Company (EPCO). A supplier ofspecialty lighting and wiring consumable products forelectrical contracts, EPCO brings in two teams fromOpportunity Partners Monday through Friday. In asingle week, the teams assemble thousands of partsfor interior and exterior lighting systems as well asmany other products.

Production Customer of the Year winner isDecoPac. The company is the world’s largest whole-sale cake decoration supplier and marketer. DecoPacturns to Opportunity Partners for many projects, in-cluding annual licensed Super Bowl commemorativecake decorations sold across the nation.

The Community Partner Award went to Walgreens.Walgreens has joined with Opportunity Partners toprovide people with disabilities a variety of opportu-nities in their retail stores. Walgreens has 14 storesthat serve as valuable work evaluation or training sitesfor Opportunity Partners. Through the partnership,

more than 20 people have been assisted in their pathtoward independent employment.

The Julie Olson Topp Employer of the Year wasgiven to Kraus-Anderson Construction Company.Kraus-Anderson, one of the nation’s leading commer-cial general contractors and construction managers,has hired several employees from Opportunity Part-ners for general office duties. The company has donean exceptional job of advocating for the hiring ofworkers with disabilities and has provided positiveexposure to the cause.

Chris Wright, president of the Minnesota Timber-wolves delivered an unforgettable keynote presenta-

tion on “Building Your Superstar Team.” He spokeabout seeing the strengths of every employee and giv-ing back to the community can create an organizationbound for success, even during tough times.

Established in 1953, Opportunity Partners is cel-ebrating its 60th anniversary of helping people withdisabilities live, learn and work more independentlythrough innovative services and collaborations withbusiness. One of the largest social service agencies inMinnesota, the organization supports 1,700 peoplewith disabilities each year. It is based in Minnetonka.■

Pat Pulice, Director ofFraser Center of Autism Ex-cellence, was recentlyawarded an Outstanding Ser-vice Award by the Minne-sota Association forChildren’s Mental Health.This award is given to recog-nize individuals who haveshown extraordinaryachievement and/or leader-ship in the field of children’smental health.

Pulice has more than 30 years of experienceworking with children on the autism spectrum. Sheprovides program development, resources and con-tinuity of intervention, integrating multidisciplinaryservices including mental health, pediatric therapy,transition services and housing needs at Fraser, aMinnesota nonprofit serving children and adultswith special needs.

Pulice was also appointed to the Autism SpectrumDisorder Task Force for the State of Minnesota todefine the parameters of autism treatment and fund-ing for a report to the Department of Human Service.She has provided multiple testimonies to the Minne-sota Legislature over the years regarding the needsof children on the autism spectrum and their fami-lies. She is consulting with Fairview Hospital systemto increase hospital staff knowledge and skills towork more effectively with children and youth whoare severely impacted by autism.

Fraser is Minnesota’s largest and most experi-enced provider of autism services. Fraser alsoserves children and adults with more than 60 typesof mental and physical disabilities. Its programs arenationally recognized for their high quality, innova-tion, and individualized, family-centered approach.For more information, call 612-861-1688 or visitwww.fraser.org. ■

Pat Pulice

Dayna L. Wolfe, M.D., an integrative physicalmedicine and rehabilitation specialist, has announcedthe opening of her new practice, Global Rehabilita-tion LLC in Columbia Heights. Wolfe writes theHealth Notes column that appears from time to timein Access Press.

Wolfe is a global health care provider with exten-sive experience as an educator, clinician, scientist,patient advocate, business consultant and communityleader. She is well-versed in disability issues. Sheuses a holistic approach to the assessment and treat-ment of patients with chronic illness and disability,care of patients with Lyme and associated diseasesand comprehensive nutritional supplements consulta-tions. Wolfe also serves as a home-based physicianservices for individuals with severe mobility impair-ments

Her new clinic is located at Total Health Square,5194 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights. ■

Global Rehabilitation, L.L.C. opens

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The 25th annual Northland 300 snowmobile ridewent off without a hitch thanks to ample snow condi-tions and a good group of riders and volunteers. Theride from Two Harbors to Ely raised $174,267, with$112,410 cash and $61,857 in in-kind donations. Thisbrings the all-time accumulative total to more than$3.8 Million to benefit the athletes of Special Olym-pics Minnesota. It was a proud accomplishment forthose taking part in the special anniversary ride.

The ride was held the last weekend of January. Inconcern for the trails and availability of snow,Northland 300 Board members Marc Williams,Meaghan Dahl and Janel Vorel headed north the Sat-urday before the ride to ensure that 82 snowmobilerswould be able to ride the 300-plus miles from TwoHarbors to Ely and back. The report was good andsnow conditions improved a few days later.

Snowmobilers departed Superior Shores Lodge inTwo Harbors, early Jan. 24. But first they enjoyed amoving opening ceremony. Special Olympics Minne-sota athletes Louis Nosan carried the torch andpassed it to Tyler Bengston, a first-time participantwho rode on the back of his father Steve Bengston’ssled.

Tyler Bengston then passed the torch to LaurieMallory, Two Harbors Special Olympics Minnesotaathlete. Malloy has supported the Northland 300 sinceits first ride in 1989. The final carrying and holding ofthe torch, was done by Steven Eull, Special OlympicsMinnesota athlete and five-year Northland 300 par-ticipant who rode on the back of his coach, JasonReinsch’s sled. Nosan sang the National Anthem asthe torch was brought in.

Special guests were also on hand. Two HarborsMayor Randy Bolen, presented the key to the City ofTwo Harbors to Kathy Karkula, volunteer event direc-tor, and declared it Northland 300 Day to the partici-pants of the ride. Darrin Young of Superior ShoresResort, Gordy Anderson, President of Two HarborsChamber of Commerce and the Two Harbors Ameri-

can Legion Color Guard were present to wish partici-pants well.

Temperatures were below zero when the ride be-gan. Snowmobilers were happy to begin their first legof the trek with snow on the trails to ride to their des-tination, Grand Ely Lodge in Ely. Ski-Doo, aNorthland 300 Gold Medal Sponsor, hosted a demon-stration trailer there. Northland 300 participants andevent visitors met Ski-Doo representative JoeCameron and tried out a variety of Ski-Doo modelsnowmobiles.

A ceremony was also held at Grand Ely Lodge,with lodge manager Denis Jordan, Ely Mayor RossPeterson, the local VFW/American Legion ColorGuard and Ely’s own Jay Mackie, who sang the Na-tional Anthem. Eull and Bengston carried in the torchfollowed by Northland 300 snowmobilers on theirsleds.

Many prizes were awarded to Northland 300 par-ticipants. The top raffle prize, a 2013 Ski-Doo MXZSport 600 snowmobile, was won by Todd Forrest,Tomah, Wisc. The second and third prizes of $1,000apiece were won by Mike Read of Mounds View andShawn Snyder of Apple Valley. Bob Bloom of Bal-sam Lake, Wisc. won fourth prize, a champagneweekend for two at Superior Shores Resort. Otherprizes included fishing and summer vacation pack-ages, a camera, a television set and gift certificates.

To learn more about the Northland 300 and SpecialOlympics Minnesota, visit www.northland300.organd www.specialolympicsminnesota.org ■

PEOPLE & PLACESIt’s snow fun for the 25th Northland 300 ride

A display of Ski-Doo snowmobiles was a hit with Northland300 riders.

Riders round a curve as they go on the Northland 300 ride. Inset: Nighttime riding was exciting and beautiful.Photos courtesy of Northland 300

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PEOPLE & PLACESPoetz raises awareness ofdevelopmental disabilities issues

Cliff Poetz

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The term “pioneer in the self-advocacy movement”is used to sum up Cliff Poetz’s involvement in disabil-ity rights. But that phrase greatly simplifies what hehas done as a self-advocate, leader of The Arc, andleader in other disability organizations and causes formore than 40 years. Poetz was honored recently byThe Arc Minnesota for his advocacy, as one of theHeroes of The Arc. His work is again noted duringMarch, which is Developmental Disabilities Aware-ness Month

A native of St. Bonifacius, Poetz moved to PortlandResidence in Minneapolis as an adult. He soon be-came an activist, joining the facility’s Client Counciland then becoming its president. He also began work-ing with disability organizations in Minnesota, NorthDakota, Michigan and Indiana.

Poetz’s work got the attention of national leaders.In 1973, Don Bartlett, Portland Residence ProgramDirector, got an unexpected call from the office ofSen. Ted Kennedy. Bartlett initially thought this was

a prank. However, Kennedy’s staff really did want tospeak with Poetz. Poetz was asked to come to Wash-ington, D.C., to testify in support of the Developmen-tal Disabilities Act.

After the call, Poetz and Bartlett spent 14 hourshammering out three pages of testimony. But Poetzencountered opposition from disability communitymembers before the Senate hearing.

“Some of the leaders in Washington, D.C. didn’twant me to read what was in my testimony,” Poetzsaid. “I was calling for self-advocacy involvement insetting up developmental disability councils and theright of people with disabilities to advocate for them-selves. But some in the movement were too overpro-tective, and they didn’t want to rock the boat. Mystaff and I insisted that I should speak up for moreconsumer involvement and empowerment. We pre-vailed, and I read my testimony the way it was.”

Poetz was vindicated by the support he receivedfrom others—including Muriel Humphrey, wife ofSen. Hubert Humphrey. “She came up to me after thehearing and complimented me on the testimony andsaid, ‘You did the right thing.’”

His testimony was part of a larger victory. The De-velopmental Disabilities Act passed, providingneeded protections and funding for advocacy agenciesand developmental disabilities councils nationwide.

Poetz also has decades of experience with The Arc,

first as a board member forYouth ARC in the 1974.In the early 1980s, hejoined The Arc’s na-tional board and madehis presence felt. Be-cause of his push forthe rights and accep-tance of people withdisabilities, The Arc,in Poetz’s words,“…eventually under-stood what self-advocacy wasall about andwhy it’s soimportant.” Thanks to him, The Arc rewrote its mis-sion statement with stronger language on self-advo-cacy.

He also led efforts to create a self-advocacy move-ment in Minnesota, as co-founder and president ofPeople First Central in the Twin Cities and a leader inPeople First Minnesota, He traveled the state to helpfound and advise new People First chapters. He was aleader in Advocating Change Together, and helpedco-found Remember With Dignity (RWD) to respectstate institutions’ past residents with named grave

Donna Chipman’s new quilt makes her smallapartment at a senior living facility in LittleCanada much cozier. The quilt, with its lightgreen and blue pattern, adds a cheerful touch toher home. “It’s so much more than a quilt,” she said.“The colors are stunning, but what’s most beau-tiful is what this represents—a family.”Chipman’s colleagues from Lutheran SocialService (LSS) of Minnesota honored her inFebruary with the handmade quilt and thisyear’s Volunteering is Vital Award or VIVA. Itis a special award within Lutheran SocialService’s Disability Services, recognizesChipman’s talents and skills. But it also is rec-ognition of a heart that is full of love for thewomen she supports. “What a surprise to receive appreciation for

my volunteering,” Chipman said. “Volunteering is its own reward.”For 10 years, Chipman worked as a direct support professional at Stillwater

Place, an LSS home for adults with developmental disabilities in Shoreview.When it came time to retire last year, she thought about giving her time to childrenin schools, but it didn’t take long to realize she belonged right where she was. Shewent back to Stillwater Place as a volunteer.“After a while, I really missed the ladies that I helped support for so many years;they had become my family,” Chipman said. “I thoughtwith all my experience, I would be more useful stayingwhere I was.”

“Donna has the innate ability to make everyonearound her feel loved and cared for,” said Cindy Iverson,Chipman’s longtime supervisor at LSS. “She’s got anenergy that the ladies just love and they’re always so ex-cited to learn that she is coming over—they wait at thedoor to greet her with a hug.”

Dedication to Stillwater Place residents makes her a winnerBesides giving out the best bear hugs, her top priority is making sure they have

every opportunity to lead full, rewarding lives. Chipman spends ample time re-searching free or low-cost activities happening in the community.

“My hope is that they get to do what they dream of doing. I want to inspire themto think of things they didn’t realize were possible,” Chipman said. “Nothingpleases me more than when we come up with an idea or planned activity, and theladies love it and are excited about it.” “They tell me ‘thank you’ all the time,” she added. “It’s great to see them havingfun. I remember one adventure we took together to Laura Ingalls Wilder Days inPepin. One of the women ran up to me, her arms all the way up in the air, and asshe grinned from ear to ear, she said, ‘Donna you made my day.’”

Knowing that she is a part of some lasting memories for the women she sup-ports is a special thing, but for Chipman, the most rewarding moments are unex-pected.

“They teach me every day to appreciate the small things,” Chipman said. “Thelittlest thing or silliest comment means so much and goes a long way in makingour days together a joy.”

Statewide, LSS serves 1,500 people with disabilities through supervised com-munity homes, in-home support and respite care.

LSS of Minnesota helps children and families, people with disabilities and olderMinnesotans through a wide range of services that inspire hope, change lives, andbuild community. The non-profit organization, headquartered in St. Paul, servesmore than 100,000 Minnesotans yearly with operations in 300 Minnesota commu-nities. LSS employs more than 2,300 people. For information about theorganization’s statewide services, visit www.lssmn.org ■

People & PlacesPeople & PlacesPeople & PlacesPeople & PlacesPeople & Places - from p. 15

Donna Chapman is shown receivingher quilt.


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employment, hobby, fitness and recreation activities, with about one hour per dayon “scheduled therapeutic activities,” according to the report.

The report calls for the Minnesota Security Hospital to adopt policies on “thehours of counseling, therapy and other treatment offered per week to help patientsaddress their underlying mental health issues.” State Operated Services is urged to“develop clear, consistent standards that address how often Minnesota SecurityHospital patients should be seen by a psychiatrist, and it should monitor compli-ance with these standards.”

Another recommendation is to find better placement operations for people withmental illness who are ready to return to the community. One troubling finding isthat many people stay months or even years longer in state facilities than they haveto. For example, more than one-third of patients at the Anoka Metro RegionalTreatment Center are ready to be discharged. But they remain in the facility, inpart because of a lack of resources.

“Some facilities have had significant difficulty finding placements for individu-als ready to be discharged, and (the department) should develop or foster addi-tional placement options,” the report states. Discharge problems are one reasonthat “many behavioral health patients have stayed in state-run hospitals longer thannecessary.”

One issue the audit raised is the need for changes in the civil commitment pro-cess used to place many people in state operated services. Many states have a regu-lar judicial review process to evaluate people placed in state operated services;Minnesota does not.

“We recommend requiring periodic judicial review of individuals committed asmentally ill and dangerous or as developmentally disabled, “Nobles said.

The audit revealed that some patients have lived at the Minnesota Security Hos-pital for as long as 30 years, yet their cases have had no judicial review.

“It’s important for the legislature and DHS to address situations that, frankly,could be lawsuits waiting to happen,” said Joel Alter. He led the study for the Of-fice of the Legislative Auditor.

People with developmental disabilities are also a focus of the report. The reportrecommends that DHS develop a plan to reduce the number of group homes it op-erates for people with developmental disabilities, and that state lawmakers addressthe issue in 2014.

“There are a lot of other capable providers who run group homes for the devel-opmentally disabled,” said Alter. But he did concede that some more challengingindividuals may be best served by the state and not private providers. ■

The text of the report can be seen at www.auditor.leg.state.mn.us/ped/pedrep/sos.pdf

State services criticized State services criticized State services criticized State services criticized State services criticized - from p. 1 Suppliers’ burden Suppliers’ burden Suppliers’ burden Suppliers’ burden Suppliers’ burden - from p. 1

dants’ motion for summary judgment and a motion by Key Medical to seek a tem-porary restraining order.

But he also expressed concerns about the federal government’s new competitivebidding program. The program affects that who can supply certain medical equip-ment and how much those providers can be paid by Medicare. “While the decisionin the motions is supported by law, the Court is deeply concerns about the unjustconsequences of its order,” Frank wrote. Frank stated that while he lacked author-ity to rule on the program’s legality, the federal government is ignoring the harm itcould be inflicting on people with disabilities.

“This is a sad day for those who believe that when a judge adheres, even-handedly, to his or her oath of office, justice will prevail and the public interestwill be served. To the extent that a civilized and democratic society is measured bythe manner in which it treats and protects its most vulnerable members, it hasfailed today.” Frank also stated that the government appears to be indifferent to thefact that people with disabilities have a need for the custom-fit low entereal feed-ing tube, known as a G-tube. Other types of feeding tubes are more susceptible toaccidental removal.

Frank said if the court had jurisdiction, it would likely conclude that the federalgovernment’s action is arbitrary and capricious. But Congress has intentionallyprevented courts from reviewing the program.

The ruling not only disappoints Key Medical Supply Inc., a Shoreview-basedcompany, it has implications for suppliers throughout the nation.

“Half of Key Medical Supply’s supply revenue is at risk,” company’s lawyer,Samuel Orbovich of Fredrikson & Byron, told Thomson Reuters’ News and In-sights Blog. Orbovich said the company may have to refocus its business as a re-sult of the new program. Filing an appeal with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Ap-peals is also an option.

Key Medical supplies a wide range of specialty medical equipment. The companyfiled suit against the federal government in March 2012, in U.S. District Court. KeyMedical is objecting to a new competitive bidding program that takes effect in Julyin the Twin Cities. The program has been phased in elsewhere across the UnitedStates, and is in already in effect in nine states. It is tied to the Affordable Care Act.

In the court case, Key Medical Supply argued that the new program would de-stroy much of the company’s business. The company also claims that the programwould prevent people with developmental disabilities from having continued ac-cess to crucial equipment and supplies.

The bidding program is being implemented by the Centers for Medicare andMedicaid Services. The intent is to cut prices Medicare pays for certain medicalequipment and supplies. But medical supply companies fear that program willmake it difficult if not impossible for them to supply items people need for dailyliving.

The new program caps what Key Medical Supply would be reimbursed for aspecialty tube, called a G-tube, at less than $40.Court documents indicatethat is less than what itcosts to buy the tubesFederal officials have not

commented on the case.But the competitive bid-ding program has beencriticized in other statesfor hampering patients’access to needed medicalequipment and supplies.Home care advocates havealready said they wouldbring in federal legislationto make changes to theprogram. Frank will file a longeropinion on the case in thefuture. ■


ACCESSIBLE FUNWelcome to the Access Press Accessible Fun list-

ings. Readers looking for additional opportunities to en-joy the arts have these options:

For information on galleries and theater performancesaround the state, join the Access to Performing Arts emaillist at [email protected] or call VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888 or statewide 800-801-3883 (voice/TTY). To hear aweekly listing of accessible performances, call 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883. On the web accessible perfor-mance listings are found at www.vsamn.org/calendar.html,or www.mrid.org,www.accesspress.org, or http://c2net.org(c2: caption coalition, inc.), which does most of the cap-tioned shows in Minnesota and across the country.

Sign up to connect with ASL Interpreted and Cap-tioned Performances Across Minnesota on Facebook (orwww.facebook.com/pages/ASL-Interpreted-and-Cap-tioned-Performances-Across-Minnesota/257263087700814. Sign up to connect with Audio De-scription Across Minnesota Performances on Facebook(www.facebook.com/pages/Audio-Description-Across-Minnesota/202035772468.

Want to attend a show but not finding the accessibleservices needed? Contact t the performing company asfar in advance as possible to request the service. Artsorganizations can borrow a captioning display unit fromVSA Minnesota for free. Call the Minnesota Relay Ser-vice at 711 or 1-800-627-3529 with the number of thearts organization box office. With video relay a caller’sVP number automatically connects to a sign languageinterpreter when making a call to another caller whodoes not also have a video phone.

Jay Leno headlines benefitComedian and talk show host Jay Leno is bringing hispopular brand of humor to PACER’s 31st Annual Benefiton Sat, May 11, at Mpls Convention Center. Tickets areavailable now for his show that will support PACER Cen-ter programs for children with disabilities and their fami-lies. Benefit tickets include Leno’s performance as wellas the silent and live auctions. The evening begins at 6p.m., and tickets start at $65. A pre-benefit gourmet din-ner is available by separate ticket, and a post-concertpatron party is available for people purchasing Benefittickets of $140 or more. The Benefit supports free PACERCenter programs for children with disabilities and theirfamilies as well as PACER’s National Bullying Preven-tion Center. FFI: 952-838-9000, PACER.org

Arts Accessibility grants availableAccess to the arts for people with disabilities has in-creased in recent years, thanks to the Americans withDisabilities Act Access Improvement Grants for metroarts organizations are available for the fourth year byVSA Minnesota with money from Metropolitan RegionalArts Council. Nonprofit arts groups in the seven-countymetropolitan area can apply for grants of up to $15,000to help make their arts programming, activities and facili-ties more accessible to people with disabilities. Dead-lines is May 17. Potential projects anything that helps toremove barriers and more effectively serve and attractartists, audience members, board or staff with disabili-ties. FFI: VSA Minnesota, 612-332-3888,[email protected], www.vsamn.org/forms.html

Artists around townUpstream Arts, a Mpls-based program for artists withdisabilities, offers a number of programs and services forartists. The mission of Upstream Arts is to enhance thelives of adults and youth with disabilities by fostering cre-ative communication and social independence throughthe power of arts education. The program website has ablog that is always worth checking, to see what activitiesUpstream Art staff and artists are doing in the commu-nity. The blog is updated regularly. Visit www.upstreamarts.org/2013/01/29/artists-around-town-Mar.-2013/

Take the Polar PlungeWhether it’s one toe at a time, eyes tightly closed withan uneasy step forward or a fearless cannonball, bravesouls are already planning their grand entrance into theicy waters at the 2013 Polar Bear Plunge, presented byMinnesota law enforcement for the benefit of SpecialOlympics Minnesota. Registration is now open for the2013 Plunge Season. With 16 Polar Bear Plunge eventsscattered across the state through March 16, dare-devilsand do-gooders alike are sure to be “freezin’ for a rea-son.” Brave Plungers jump into the frigid Minnesota wa-ters as individuals or as a member of a team to raisemoney for Special Olympics Minnesota. Although eachparticipant must raise a minimum of $75 to Plunge, theaverage Plunger raised more than $200 in 2012. Thetotal amount raised in 2012 was $2.85 million. FFI: 800-783-7732, plungemn.org, [email protected]

Neighborhood HealthSourceNeighborhood HealthSource hosts its 8th annual gala,6-8 p.m. Thu, April 18 at Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40Power St. Mpls. Tickets start at $60. WCCO-TV’s RegChapman is emcee for the Caring for our Communityevent. Enjoy food and beverages, live music, silent auc-tions, raffles and more. RSVP by Thu, March 28th. FFI:612-287-2479, neighborhoodhealthsource.org/gala

MACT*Fest 2013Ten troupes combine to host the Minnesota Association ofCommunity Theaters festival, at North Hennepin Commu-nity College Fine Arts Center Theatre, 7411 85th Ave. N.,Brooklyn Park. AD shows are Fri-Sat, March 15-16. Enjoyperformances, workshops and a silent auction. Tickets are$10 per session of plays ($8 senior/student or group of 8+);$15 per workshop. Or ask about package rates. FFI:612-548-1773, [email protected]. www.mact.net

God of CarnageThe 2009 Tony Award-winning drama about the after-math of a playground altercation is performed by Roch-ester Repertory Theatre at 103 7th Street NE, Roches-ter. ASL show is 8 p.m. Fri, March 15. Tickets are $20;with a student/senior discount. FFI: 507-289-1737,[email protected], www.RochesterRep.org

The Yeomen of the Guard, or the Merryman and His MaidGilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Company presentsthe popular operetta at the Howard Conn Fine Arts Cen-ter, 1900 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls. AD show is 7:30 p.m.Sat, March 16, with a tactile tour beforehand. Tickets are$18, children under 12 $8. FFI: 651-255-6947; http://gsvloc.org/on-stage/

MN Hands & Voices Youth Art Contest Open HouseLucy’s Coffee Café, Griggs/Midway Building, 540 Fair-view Ave., St. Paul, hosts an open house of artwork sub-mitted for the first MN Hands & Voices Youth Art Con-test. The event is 6-8 p.m. Sat, March 16. The theme is“Youth Pride in Being Deaf or Hard of Hearing.” See theart and meet the artists and Cynthia Weitzel, who planson working with Hands & Voices as an advisor for the2013 Youth Art Contest. MN Hands & Voices at LifetrackResources is a team of trained parents who provide avariety of support services to families with children whoare deaf or hard of hearing. The coffee house is ownedby Julie Peck, parent of two with hearing loss. RSVP ap-preciated: FFI: 651-265-2435, http://ow.ly/hRmXM,[email protected], www.mnhandsandvoices.org.

Compulsion or the House BehindMinnesota Jewish Theatre Company presents the storyof a writer whose obsession with sharing Anne Frank’sdiary results in complex battles. Presented at HillcrestCenter Theater, 1978 Ford Parkway, St. Paul. AD showis 1 p.m. Sun, March 17. Tickets are $22, $20 for groupof 10+, student rush $12; FFI: 651-647-4315,www.mnjewishtheatre.org

Owl MoonThe Caldecott Medal-winning book, about a father andchild walking in a winter wonderland, is performed byStages Theatre Company at Hopkins Center for the ArtsMainstage, 1111 Mainstreet, Hopkins. ASL show is 7 p.m.Fri, March 22. Call about AD performances, at least twoweeks in advance of the show’s run through March 24.Tickets are reduced to $11, $9 child/senior, $8.50 week-end/evening group (12+); apply to the individual needingAD/ASL and one companion; ask for discount and seat-ing section when making reservation. FFI: 952-979-1111option 4, www.stagestheatre.org

Twelfth NightWilliam Shakespeare’s beloved comedy of mistakenidentity, transformations and deception is performed bythe internationally acclaimed Propeller troupe at theGuthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage, 818 2nd St. S.,Mpls. AD show is 7:30 p.m. Fri, March 22. Captioning is1 p.m. Wed, March 27. ASL show is 7:30 p.m. Thu,April 4. Tickets are reduced to $20 for AD/ASL, $25 for

captioning (regular $24-62). FFI: 612-377-2224, TTY612-377-6626, www.guthrietheater.org

The Odd Couple (Female Version)Neil Simon’s comedy is presented by Lakeshore PlayersTheatre at 4820 Stewart Ave., White Bear Lake. ASLshow is 2 p.m. Sun, March 24. (If no ASL seats are re-served within two weeks of the performance, the ASL in-terpretation will be cancelled.) Note mature themes andlanguage may be issues for some theatergoers. Ticketsare reduced to $10 for ASL patrons (reg. $20, senior/stu-dent $18). FFI: 651-429-5674; [email protected], www.lakeshoreplayers.com/Laura.html

The Mystery of Edwin DroodCharles Dickens’ unfinished novel of greed, murder andmadness is performed by Chameleon Theatre Circle atBurnsville Performing Arts Center’s Black Box Theatre,12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. AD show is 2 p.m. Sun,March 24. ASL show is 7:30 p.m. Fri, March 29. Ticketsare $20 (reduced to $17 for AD and ASL patrons, FringeButton holder, student, senior or group of 8+) at the boxoffice. FFI: 952-232-0814, www.chameleontheatre.org

Bill W. & Dr. BobIllusion Theater presents the story of the men whohelped start Alcoholics Anonymous, at the Illusion The-ater, 528 Hennepin Ave, 8th floor, Mpls. AD show is 8p.m. Wed, March 27. ASL show date is to be deter-mined. Tickets are $15-20. FFI: 612-339-4944,www.illusiontheater.org

Death of a SalesmanArthur Miller’s story of salesman Willy Loman is per-formed by Lyric Arts Company of Anoka at Lyric Arts MainStreet Stage, 420 E. Main Street, Anoka. ASL show is2 p.m. Sun, April 7. Seats for ASL patrons are held inreserve until two weeks prior to the show, then releasedto the general public. When ordering tickets, please indi-cate the need for seating in this section; if there are noreservations, the interpretation will be canceled. Ticketsare reduced by $5 for guests requiring ASL interpretationand a companion (regular $12-22). FFI: 763-422-1838;[email protected], www.lyricarts.orgAccessible Fun - p. 15

In the Time of the Butterflies

Mixed Blood Theatre continues to offer a wide rangeof accessibility options for this play, thanks to its RadicalHospitality Program.

Every performance will be captioned. AD and ASLshows are 7:30 p.m. Sat, April 20. Pre-show tactile toursare available on request. Contact Brie Jonna ([email protected], 612-338-5403) for the tactile tour.

Call for access discounts and transportation. Any pa-tron who self-identifies as having a disability is eligiblefor a no-cost advance guaranteed reservation and fora free cab ride to and from the theatre. Call the Box Of-fice at 612-338-6131 or check the Accessible Fun list-ings for details. Photo by Rich Ryan


UPCOMING EVENTSAdvocacy

Tuesdays at the CapitolMinnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) resumes its traditional legislative session scheduleonce the 2013 legislative session is underway. This in-cludes “Disability Matters Tuesdays at the Capitol” onevery Tuesdays, a 10 a.m., briefing in the basementcafeteria of the State Office Building and full member-ship meetings on Fridays during the legislative sessionfrom 12-1 in room 500 N of the State Office Building aswell during the legislative session FFI: www.mnccd.org

MSCOD Town Hall on voting rightsMinnesota State Council on Disabilities wants to hearfrom Minnesotans about voting options and access tothe polls. A town hall meeting is 1:30-4 p.m. Mon, March18 at Minnesota Department of Human Services, 444Lafayette Road, Room 5137, St. Paul. There are numer-ous Minneapolis and Greater Minnesota locations wherevideoconferencing is offered. Or the event can be webstreamed, available in Real Player and Windows Mediawith a Closed Captioned option. Minnesota Secretary ofState Mark Ritchie, Jeff Nachbar from Minnesota Councilfor Non-Profits and Jim Dickson of the American Asso-ciation of People with Disabilities (AAPD) are among thespeakers. The event is free but preregistration is needed,at www.disability.state.mn.us/2013/02/12/townhallvotingReasonable accommodation requests should be madeduring registration. Registration deadline is Thu, March 14.

Disability Day at the CapitolBrain Injury Alliance Day at the Capitol is Thu, April 25.Make plans now to attend and speak out about budgetdecisions and plan to meet with your legislators. Eventsstart at 10 a.m. in the great hall of the state capitol withregistration, followed by briefings at 10:30 and 11:30a.m. A rally is at noon, and then participants can breakfor lunch on their own. The event is free but participantsshould register. The event is sponsored by AdvocatingChange Together, Minnesota Brain Injury AlliancePeople First of Minnesota, Self-Advocates Minnesota,and The Arc Minnesota. FFI: Minnesota Brain Injury Alli-ance at 1-800-669-6442, [email protected]

Mental health rally at capitolThe Mental Health Legislative Network, a coalition ofmore than 20 statewide organizations, will hold a MentalHealth Rally at noon, Tue, March 12, in the capitol ro-tunda. Scheduled speakers include legislators, familiesand persons living with a mental illness, service provid-ers and mental health advocates. The event, co-chairedby the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Minne-sota and the Mental Health Association of Minnesota,will focus on improving mental health services for chil-dren and adults. An information session will be held be-fore the rally at 10 a.m., at Christ Lutheran Church, 105

University Ave. West, across the street from the capitol.FFI: NAMI, 651-645-2948, www.namihelps.org.

MCIL Disability Day at the CapitolMetropolitan Center for Independent Living DisabilityDay is noon-1 p.m. Thu, April 11. Go to a rally and thengo meet with your legislators. The MCIL staff will helpyou find your legislators’ contact information. FFI:Corbett Laubignat, 651-603-2028, [email protected],Cindy, 651-603-2037, [email protected]

Plan for conferenceDeadlines are approaching for the 2013 Minnesota StateSelf-Advocacy Conference, “Together, Yes We CAN!”The conference is April 26-27 at Crowne Plaza, St. PaulRiverfront Hotel, 11 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. Severalorganizations sponsor the conference. FFI: 651-641-4053, [email protected]

Activities for adultsAging, ageism, and health careA free interactive workshop on Aging, Ageism andHealth Care is offered by the Gray Panthers and PrattCommunity Education, 6:30-8 p.m. Mon, March 18 PrattSchool, 66 Malcolm Ave. SE, Mpls. Learn about thechallenges of aging and ageism in health care and learnto advocate for your concerns and needs. Pre-register.FFI: 612-668-1100, [email protected].

Independent living classes offeredThe Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL)offers free and accessible classes on living independentlyfor people with disabilities. Most classes are held at 1600University Ave., #16, the green tile building at Universityand Snelling, St. Paul, unless specified. A new event is ahappy hour gathering, with games, movies and fun start-ing 4-7 p.m. Wed, March 20 . A full calendar of all eventsis offered online. Enjoy field trips, knitting and crafts, wiifun, cooking, and classes to help with everyday living.Weekenders outings are for those who are tired of sittinghome all weekend. Meet other people who share similarinterests and want to meet new people. Next is noon-2p.m. Sat, March 23 at Hazel’s Northeast. Please bringspending money for this. All other events are free ofcharge, accessible and mostly scent-free. Please RSVPand give two weeks’ notice of needed accommodations.FFI: Corbett Laubignat, 651-603-2028, [email protected], Cindy, 651-603-2037, [email protected],

Youth and familiesFamily support groups offeredThe National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minne-sota sponsors free support groups for families who havea relative with a mental illness. Led by trained facilitatorswho also have a family member with mental illness, groupshelp families develop better coping skills and find strengththrough sharing their experiences. A family support groupmeets in St. Paul on the second Wednesday of each monthfrom at 6-7:30 p.m., at Goodwill-Easter Seals, 553 FairviewAve. N., St. Paul, in room 123. FFI: Sonja, 651-357-2077. Agroup meets at 6:30 p.m., on the 4th Tuesday of the month,at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 285 N. Dale St., St.Paul. FFI: Marc, 763-227-9446. A group also meets at6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of eachmonth at Centennial United Methodist Church, 1524 Co.Rd. C-2 West, on the second and fourth Wednesdays ofthe month. FFI: Anne Mae, 651-730-8434.

PACER offers workshopsPACER Center offers useful free or low-cost workshopsand other resources for families of children with disabili-ties. Workshops are at PACER Center, 8161 NormandaleBlvd., Bloomington, unless specified. Workshops for Marchinclude Bullying Prevention—Everyone’s Responsibility:What Parents Can Do is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thu, March 14.Advance registration requested. This workshop, led by staffof PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, is de-signed for parents and professionals to explore the dynam-ics of bullying, and learn what they can do to help childrenaddress the issue. IDEA: Understanding the IndividualizedEducation Program (IEP) is 6:30-9 p.m. Thu, March 21 atCentral High School, 275 Lexington Pkwy. N., St. Paul. Ad-vance registration is requested for all workshops. FFI:952-838-9000, 800-537-2237 (toll free), www.PACER.org

Parents with disabilities groupMCIL offers a support group for parents with disabilities,Learn from and grow with others who are dealing withthe intricacies of disability and parenting responsibilities.Everyone’s experience is valuable and questions areimportant. The group meets 5-7 pm. Mon, March 11 atMCIL, 1600 University Ave. W., St. Paul. Pre-registrationrequested. RSVP: Corbett, 651-603-2028,[email protected]

Information and assistanceFree exterior house paintingMetro Paint-A-Thon offers free house painting for low-income seniors and people with disabilities every Au-gust, Qualifying home owners whose homes need paintand minor exterior repairs must live in Anoka, Carver,Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington coun-ties. Deadline to apply is April 12. Eligibility guidelinesare online. FFI: 612-276-1578, paintathon.gmcc.org,www.gmcc.org.

UCare meetingsUCare hosts informational meetings about its UCare forSeniors Medicare Advantage plan. Meetings are held allover the region. UCare for Seniors has more than 75,000members across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.UCare serves Medicare-eligible individuals and familiesenrolled in income-based Minnesota Health Care Pro-grams, such as Minnesota Care and Prepaid Medical As-sistance Program; adults with disabilities and Medicarebeneficiaries with chronic health conditions and Minneso-tans dually eligible for Medical Assistance and Medi-care FFI: 1-877-523-1518 (toll free), www.ucare.org

Mental Illness support groupsNAMI-MN free support groups for families who have arelative with a mental illness. NAMI has about two dozenfamily support groups, more than 20 support groups forpeople living with a mental illness, anxiety support groups,groups for veterans and other groups. Led by trainedfacilitators, the various groups provide help and support.FFI: 651-645-2948. Partners and Spouses support groupmeets 6:45 p.m. the first Tue of each month at FalconHeights United Church of Christ, 1795 Holton St. FFI:Lois, 651-788-1920, or Donna, 651-645-2948 ext. 101.Open Door Anxiety and Panic support, meets at 6:30 p.m.the first and third Thu at Woodland Hills Church, 1740Van Dyke St., St. Paul and 6:30-6 p.m. on the second andfourth Thu at Goodwill-Easter Seals, 553 Fairview Ave.N., St. Paul. FFI: 651-645-2948. NAMI Connection peersupport group for adults are led by trained facilitators whoare also in recovery lead NAMI Connection groups. Onegroup meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tue, at LutheranChurch of the Redeemer, 285 Dale St. N., St. Paul. FFI:Shelley, 651-228-1645. Bi-weekly adult recovery groupsmeet at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wed at Centen-nial United Methodist Church, 1524 Co. Rd. C-2 West,Roseville. FFI: Will, 651-578-3364.

Chronic pain support groupMCIL offers a peer support group for people who livewith chronic pain. The group will start meeting 6:30 thefirst and third Thursday at MCIL, 1600 University Ave.#16, St. Paul. Group members will discuss what chronicpain is and how it affects people. FFI: Cindy Langr, 651-603-2037, [email protected]

GLBT group meetsMetropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) offersa GLBT support/social group that meets 6-7:30 p.m. thefirst Tuesday of each month at 1600 University Ave. W.#16, St. Paul to discuss topics related to being a part ofthe GLBT community and dealing with a disability. Din-ner is provided. RSVP at least 2-3 days in advance, asgroup cancels if fewer than three people sign up. FFICorbett Laubignat, 651-603-2028, [email protected]

Volunteer, DonateShare a smileBrighten the day of a senior citizen in north or southwestMinneapolis and have fun. Visit an elder and do thingstogether: movies, games, crafts or just friendly conversa-tion. Hang out with an elder on a regular basis and dothings that you both enjoy, like watching a movie, build-ing stuff, playing games or friendly conversation. One-time or ongoing opportunities through the NIP SeniorProgram. FFI: Jeanne, 612-746-8549, [email protected], www.neighborhoodinvolve.org

Help with arts calendarVSA Minnesota is seeking a volunteer or volunteers toassist with the compilation of the monthly VSA Minne-sota arts calendar. The calendar lists accessible perfor-mances, films, galleries and events throughout the re-gion. FFI: Jon, 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883, Voice/TTY, [email protected]

Open the Door to EducationHelp adults reach their educational goals and earn theirGED. Tutor, teach or assist in a classroom with the Min-nesota Literacy Council. Give just 2-3 hours a week andhelp people expand their opportunities and change theirlives through education. The literacy council providestraining and support. Accommodations for volunteersEvents - p. 15


Radio Talking BookMarch sampling

Abbreviations: V – violence, L – offensive language, S – sexual situations

Comment on a format changeRadio Talking Book is asking listeners to weigh in on

a format change. The information about the number ofbroadcasts and the beginning date now immediately fol-low the name and author of the book. This change wassuggested by a listener who reads the full newsletter ona closed-circuit television. The Radio Talking Book staffwants to hear public opinions on the change, both forand against. Call manager Stuart Holland, at 651-642-0503, or from outside the Twin Cities, call 1-800-652-9000.

Books available through FaribaultBooks broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking

Book Network are available through the MinnesotaBraille and Talking Book Library in Faribault. Phone is 1-800-722-0550 and hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday. The catalog is online and can be ac-cessed by going to the main website, http://education.state.mn.us, and then clicking on the link. Per-sons living outside of Minnesota may obtain copies ofbooks by contacting their home state’s Network Libraryfor the National Library Service.

Listen to the Minnesota Radio Talking Book, eitherlive or archived programs from the last week, on the In-ternet at www.mnssb.org/rtb. Call the staff at 651-642-0500 for your password to the site. See more informationabout events on the Facebook site for the MinnesotaRadio Talking Book Network. Facebook is a fee socialnetworking web site. Register at www.facebook.com

Access Press is one of the publications featured at 9p.m. Sundays on the program It Makes a Difference.

Weekend Program BooksYour Personal World (Saturday at 1 p.m.) is airing ToHeaven and Back, by Mary C. Neal, M.D., and You CanBuy Happiness (and It’s Cheap), by Tammy Strobel; Forthe Younger Set (Sunday at 11 a.m.) is airing TheDragon’s Tooth, by N.D. Wilson, and Magicalamity, by

Kate Saunders; Poetic Reflections (Sunday at noon) isairing Y, by Leslie Adrienne Miller, and Everyday People,by Albert Goldbarth; The U.S. and Us (Sunday at 4 p.m.)is airing Prairie Silence, by Melanie Hoffert.

Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m.Consider the Fork, Nonfiction by Bee Wilson, 2012. 14broadcasts. Begins March 27. Since prehistory, humanshave braved sharp knives, fire, and grindstones to trans-form raw ingredients into something edible, and some-times delicious. The tools and tricks we’ve learned haveshaped modern food culture. Read by Yelva Lynfield.

Past is Prologue • Monday – Friday 9 a.m.Former People, Nonfiction by Douglas Smith, 2012. 18broadcasts. Begins March 19. Two aristocratic familieswere caught in the maelstrom of the Bolshevik Revolu-tion and the creation of Stalin’s Russia. Some survived.L - Read by John Potts.

Bookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m.Léon and Louise, Fiction by Alex Capus, 2012. Ninebroadcasts. Begins March 19. In 1918, Léon and Louisefall in love. Wounded and separated, each believes theother dead. Reunited decades later, they are torn apartagain. L - Read by John Mandeville.

The Writer’s Voice • Monday – Friday 2 p.m.Floyd Patterson, Nonfiction by W.K. Stratton, 2012.

Eight broadcasts. Begins March 12. In 1956, Pattersonbecame the youngest boxer to claim the title of worldheavyweight champion at age twenty-one. Known as“the Gentle Gladiator,” he was overshadowed by Ali’stheatrics and Liston’s reputation. Read by Jim Gregorich.

Louis Agassiz, Nonfiction by Christoph Irmscher,2012. 17 broadcasts. Begins March 26. Swiss immigrantLouis Agassiz launched American science 150 yearsago, focusing on zoology while also discovering how IceAge glaciers formed. Invited to lecture in Boston, henever left. Read by Lannois Neely.

Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m.The Life of an Unknown Man, Fiction by Andrei Makine,2012. Seven broadcasts. Begins March 25. Shutov, adisenchanted writer, is inspired by Volsky, an old man hemeets in St. Petersburg. Shutov feels like just anotherunknown man, but Volsky has known great happiness inspite of a life of suffering. L - Read by Phil Rosenbaum.

PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.The Passage of Power, Nonfiction by Robert A. Caro,2012. 36 broadcasts. Begins March 20. By 1958, LyndonJohnson had become the greatest Senate Leader in his-tory. He traded that to become the powerless vice presi-dent under John F. Kennedy in an administration thatdisdained and distrusted him. But it was that role thatput him in line for the presidency. L - Read by LeilaPoullada.

Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m.You Don’t Want to Know, Fiction by Lisa Jackson, 2012.18 broadcasts. Begins March 20. Ava’s son, Noah, hasbeen missing for two years but his body was never found.But she still hears him crying in the nursery and has seenhim walking near the dock. Read by Amy Morris.

Off the Shelf • Monday – Friday 10 p.m.The Technologists, Fiction by Matthew Pearl, 2012. 20broadcasts. Begins March 25. In 1868, the latest war isone between tradition and technology. There is resis-tance as the Massachusetts Institute of Technologyopens its doors to harness science for the benefit of all.L - Read by Neil Bright.

Good Night Owl • Monday – Friday midnightIt’s Fine by Me, Fiction by Per Petterson, 2012. Sevenbroadcasts. Begins March 25. Audun Sletten, working-class teen in Oslo, sees himself like the tough charac-ters in Jack London and Ernest Hemingway novels. Hechafes at the limitations of school and looks forward to atime of greater independence. Audun lives with hismother and delivers papers to keep the family solvent.When his alcoholic father reappears in his life, Audunsets out to see what else life has to offer. Read by ArlanDohrenburg.

After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m.Shades of Desire, Fiction by Virna DePaul, 2012. 11broadcasts. Begins March 19. Natalie Jones, lucky survi-vor of a killer who preys on young women, is now para-lyzed by fear and failing vision. Special Agent Liam“Mac” McKenzie has scars of his own. Despite the at-traction between the two of them, he needs Natalie’shelp to catch a predator. She uses her camera andimagines a life with Mac, never guessing that the cluesin her photographs are drawing them into a confrontationwith a madman. L, S - Read by Beth Marie Hansen. ■

Lots of good websites offer advice for parents. Oneof the best and most often repeated tips is that chil-dren with disabilities usually do best in activities thatare more about fun and less about winning. Many par-ents have found that less structured programs, whichare more social or recreational than competitive, are agood fit for their child.

Here are some tips to making planning fun summeractivities:

Ask around.Ask around.Ask around.Ask around.Ask around. Other parents, parent groups, achild’s teachers, community education program staffand community groups are the best source for infor-mation about programs a child might enjoy. Ask whata child’s friends are doing for summer activities.

Online parent groups can also be a wealth of infor-mation about programs that work and don’t work forchildren.

When seeking information, don’t be hesitant to askquestions. What was the camp or activity experiencelike for your child? What did she or he like or dislike?How was the communication between families andstaff and/or volunteers? What accommodations areavailable?

Plan ahead and register early. Plan ahead and register early. Plan ahead and register early. Plan ahead and register early. Plan ahead and register early. Many programs,especially programs specifically for children with dis-abilities, can fill up right away. Popular summer ac-tivities, such as community education trips to waterparks, also can be in high demand.

Communicate a child’s needs clearly and specifyCommunicate a child’s needs clearly and specifyCommunicate a child’s needs clearly and specifyCommunicate a child’s needs clearly and specifyCommunicate a child’s needs clearly and specifywhat is needed.what is needed.what is needed.what is needed.what is needed. Should a wheelchair be waiting atthe program site? Would the child need a tactile tourof a museum? Or is American Sign Language neededto make the play enjoyable? Would a T make it easierto hit a ball? Can a buddy push the wheelchair aroundthe bases or be a play partner?Make sure when registering a child that staff in-

volved know of the child’s disability or disabilitiesand can best plan accommodations.

Community-based education programs are doingmore to accommodate children with disabilities butinformation is needed to get the right accommoda-tions. Some programs welcome a parent, sibling orpersonal care attendant to come along but ask howthat will affect program or activity costs.

Ask about special programs. Ask about special programs. Ask about special programs. Ask about special programs. Ask about special programs. One example isLittle League Baseball. In some communities a “Chal-lenger Division” is offered for children ages 6 through18. This might be an option for children with disabili-ties who want to play baseball. The rules are flexibleand are set by the skill levels of the players. Childrenare paired with other children. For information aboutprograms in your area, go to www.littleleague.org/Learn_More /About_Our_Organization/divisions/challenger.htm

Get technical help.Get technical help.Get technical help.Get technical help.Get technical help. One great resource is the Na-tional Center on Accessibility (NCA). Technical as-sistance staff will also answer questions about recre-ation issues. They are knowledgeable about currentaccessibility standards, program modifications, equip-ment, best practices and innovative solutions. Talk toa NCA Accessibility Specialist by calling 812-856-4422 or e-mail questions to [email protected].

Look at resources.Look at resources.Look at resources.Look at resources.Look at resources. PACER Center has a good listof camp resources, and frequently asked questionsabout summer camps and activities. Go to http://www.pacer.org/publications/adaqa/summer.asp Thisincludes links to Discover Camp, a resource for par-ents of children with disabilities who need helpingselecting a camp. It also includes links to the NationalCenter on Physical Activity and Disability websites,which have valuable information.

Have fun at home!Have fun at home!Have fun at home!Have fun at home!Have fun at home! One of the best websites Ac-cess Press found is www.abilitypath.org, which had

Summer fun Summer fun Summer fun Summer fun Summer fun - from p. 1

great ideas for free or inexpensive backyard. Buildtents, make your own water park, have a goopy andgooey sensory day, and more! www.abilitypath.org/health-daily-care/daily-care/playing/top-ten-summer-activities-special-needs.html ■


Disability requires creativity, adaptation, use of found itemsUse a wide range of tools, devices tohelp children learnby Jen Mundl

Assistive technology and accommodations for au-tism are not expensive but do require creativity andthe use of everyday objects. Courage Center recom-mends using a wide range of tools to help childrenwith ASD learn the building blocks of robotics. Bybuilding LEGO structures in new and unique ways ina First LEGOS League, children learn to use creativ-ity, an important skill that was often very challengingfor them.

Many children with autism spectrum disorder be-come frustrated and uncomfortable when asked tobreak out of repetitive activities to create somethingnew. Using applied behavior analysis, the science offiguring out how to target and systematically change aspecific behavior, children can be taught to play withLEGOs in a more creative way. In a recent study,children who had wanted to create the same 24-blockLEGO structure over and over again at the start of thestudy began venturing out of their comfort zones tocreate new structures with different color patterns orshapes.

Snapping a yellow LEGO brick onto a blue onewhen only red bricks had touched blue bricks in theprevious structure can a big step in helping a partici-pant with autism spectrum disorder cope with newsituations encountered in everyday life. Through useof LEGO pieces, new skills were taught and meaning-fully retained.

In a group dynamic, children with autism spectrumdisorder can practice social skills. The program atCourage Center is a great way to practice the skillschildren learn in therapy, so children can learn to

Many ways available to adapt toys/games

Professionals at Courage Center have discoveredmany ways to adapt toys and play for children withdisabilities. Adaptations can allow for discovery, in-crease a child’s opportunity to be successful, enable achild to become a full, active participant, address thechild’s individual needs, promote and facilitate enjoy-ment, personal power and control and give a child alevel of control of his/her surroundings. These can beused for all forms of play.

Adaptations can enhance the quality of a child’slife by helping develop self-confidence and the willand desire to continue and strive for new heights. Pro-fessionals and volunteers can observe and provide anopportunity for a more equal partnership by support-ing and encouraging their initiations.

Busing adaptations doesn’t diminish the challengefor the child, but rather allowing that child access tothe challenge. Play is as unique as each child so adap-tations need to be individualized as well.

These unique adaptations require creativity. Themethods to create adaptations are not always expen-sive and may only require the use of everyday prod-ucts. When adaptations are necessary create the bestpossible adaptations for that particular child by firstfollowing suggestions below.

Stabilize toys and materials by attaching them to asurface. Use a C-clamp to attach the robot to a tableor wheelchair tray. Put one side of a Velcro strip onthe floor and the other side on the bottom. Use Velcroto make wrist and ankle bands on children and thenattach pieces to the bands. Attach Velcro to the palm

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

work with others. Children can develop or gain skillsin the social area over time with their involvement.Building with LEGO pieces is often so motivating ittakes some of the fear out of social interaction for thatchild.

What about other disabilities?What about other disabilities?What about other disabilities?What about other disabilities?What about other disabilities?The ability to manipulate real things allows a child

with a physical disability to make a product or a newdesign come to life. Children see what can be adaptedand what cannot for a child to participate. From han-dling individual LEGO pieces to connecting them toform a robot to programming the assembled robot,there are many opportunities to explore which adap-tations and which can make activities like these ac-cessible. This technology also can be something thatmay help this child in school, with homework, choresor work. Plus, they are learning it first in a motivat-ing, fun way; later, they can use it for more complex,high-level work.

For children with cognitive disabilities, the FirstLEGOS League work can help to test a child’smemory, ability to transition, and ability to followmultiple steps, written or verbal commands. Thesetasks all can be incorporated into day-to-day workon the team. The child can use a planner, an iPad ora computer to remember to go to the LEGO activity;to use at home to learn more about science or tech-nology; and to record where they left off and whatthey need to work on next week. A timer may alsohelp cue the child to stop or move onto the next ac-tivity.

These and other individual cognitive strategies arefun and important ways a child can learn to compen-sate for a cognitive deficit, and become more success-ful in the work they do.

Robotics is fun for kids and adults alike. LEGOSprovide many opportunities for children with disabili-ties. The impact of LEGOS on learning and socializa-tion are only two of the benefits they provide throughassistive technology methods. Real-life learningmakes it fun such that kids partake and don’t realizeeverything that is happening behind the scenes. Younever know what will be the next greatest discoveryand it could be a child with a disability. ■Jennifer Mundl works in Courage Center AssistiveTechnology. Contact her at AT@couragecenter. orgTo learn more about First LEGOS League, go towww.firstlegoleague.org

of a glove or mitten for easier grasping. Screw suc-tion cups onto the bottom of robot. Place self-adhe-sive Velcro on each square of a board game and onthe bottom of the LEGO pieces. Use anti-skid rug ma-terial, Rubbermaid shelf liner or Dycem under blocksto prevent sliding

Make items bigger so they are easier to see. Makeparts bigger so they are easier to grasp and handle.Screw dowel rods onto pieces for a larger handle. At-tach foam hair curlers to handles. Make color copyindicators for finding things quicker and easier.Provide small easels for children with poor upperbody strength. Attach drawing paper or instructionswith sticky poster putty, two-sided tape or draftingtape (it won’t rip your paper).

Many stores can provide source materials for adap-tation. Appliance shops can provide large packingcases. Get scrap materials, wire, tile and boards frombuilding contractors, and tubing from contractors. Drycleaners can provide shirt cardboard and wire hang-ers. Fabric shops may have bits of fabric, ribbons,tape, buttons and zippers. Boxes, reusable poster pa-per, Styrofoam pieces and plastic tubs can be obtainedfrom stores. Paint, wallpaper and carpet samples canalso be useful.

And always remember to ask other parents andteachers for their ideas and resources. These can behandy not just for children who enjoy robotics but forchildren in all modes of play. Have fun! ■

Patrick enjoyed working with robotics.Photo courtesy from Courage Center

ASL petition drive continuesActivist Adrean Clark is continuing her efforts to

have American Sign Language (ASL) recognized asan an official language. The Burnsville woman, 33,has placed a petition on the White House’s “We thePeople” website calling for recognition of ASL as anofficial language, including in schools. While somestates already allow students to take ASL as a lan-guage option, Clark wants to broaden that. She alsowants schools to stop treating ASL as a foreign lan-guage. She is waiting for a response from the WhiteHouse.

Clark’s petition has more than 32,000 signatures .Learn more about the petition and other efforts to pro-mote ASL at www.alsfor.us

Clark is deaf and grew up with parents who pushedher to learn to speak, rather than focus on ASL. Sheeventually convinced her mother to try using sign lan-guage, Clark’s interest in ASL grew at the NorthCarolina School for the Deaf and Gallaudet Univer-sity.

Clark is the author of seven books, including Howto Write American Sign Language. Read about herwork at www.adreanaline.com ■


Regional News Regional News Regional News Regional News Regional News - from p. 6

Woman accused of bilking the stateLana Barnes, whose high-profile fight over her

husband’s living will drew attention two years ago, isnow accused of cheating the state out of funds for per-sonal care attendant (PCA) services.

The 58-year-old from Scandia is accused of bilkingthe state out of more than $110,000 in PCA servicesfor her husband, between 2007 and May 2010. Felonycharges have been filed against Barnes. A pre-trialhearing is March 19.

Many of the time cards for PCA care indicateBarnes’ son was caring for her husband. The son wasworking out-of-state at the time.

Two years ago Barnes was accused of falsifyingher husband’s living will. She battled with MethodistHospital in St. Louis Park over the level of care heshould receive. Doctors believed she was making de-cisions that were futile. Doctors filed a court order totake away her ability to make decisions for him but AlBarnes died in February 2011 before the case was re-solved.

The fraud allegations are among many pursued bythe state’s Medicad fraud unit. Nineteen criminal fraudcases were filed in 2001, with 14 convictions. ■


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People & Places People & Places People & Places People & Places People & Places - p. 9

markers. He was also involved in the successful ef-fort to pass legislation calling on the state of Minne-sota to apologize for treatment of people housed atthose institutions.

Poetz has performed numerous roles as a boardmember with The Arc Twin Cities and The Arc Min-nesota, serving in almost every way possible. He alsoassumed leadership positions in other disability orga-nizations, including Minnesota State Council on Dis-ability, Interact Theater and the Advisory Committeefor the Direct Service Training Initiative. He ledworkshops at the annual conferences of The Arc Min-nesota, and did public speaking around the world.His efforts strengthened the organizations he servedand empowered countless other self-advocates.

Poetz has won many awards. One of the highesthonors was from the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation.He was given its Self-Empowerment Award in 2000for his “pioneering work in self-advocacy.” He en-joyed his first-ever ride in a limousine at that eventand met activists from around the world.

What has made Poetz most proud? He fondly re-calls how his testimony helped make the developmentDisabilities Act federal law. He also remembers hisinvolvement in a lawsuit against Metro Mobility toimprove transportation to people with disabilities andhis work with Remembering with Dignity. Yet an-other point of pride is his work to educate The Arc’snational board, parents, and professionals on self-ad-vocacy and working with self-advocates.

But he also focuses on what is still needed: bettertransportation; more employment opportunities; fur-ther movement of people from large facilities intocommunity-based facilities; and more education oflegislators to understand what self-advocates and di-rect care staff do every day.

Poetz continues to be one of the most visible andvocal advocates for persons with developmental dis-abilities in Minnesota. As he said at The Arc Minne-sota Heroes event: “All I’ve ever said is that we wantto be treated as equals. We’re getting there.” ■

Jerry Smith at ICI and The Arc Minnesota providedmaterial for this article.

Accessible Fun Accessible Fun Accessible Fun Accessible Fun Accessible Fun - from p. 11

DeathtrapThe Broadway hit is presented by the Jungle theaterCompany at Jungle Theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls.AD show is 7:30 p.m. Thu, April 11. Assistive ListeningDevices available. Tickets are reduced to $10 (regular$20-38); AD season ticket $50; FFI: 612-822-7063; email:[email protected], www.jungletheater.com

In the Time of the ButterfliesMixed Blood Theatre presents the story of courage andsisterhood, inspired by a true story, in Alan Page Audito-rium at Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. 4th St., Mpls. Everyperformance will be captioned. AD and ASL shows are7:30 p.m. Sat, April 20. Pre-show tactile tours availableon request. RSVP to Brie Jonna ([email protected],612-338-5403). ). Call for access discounts and trans-portation as any patron who self-identifies as having adisability is eligible for a no-cost advance guaranteedreservation and for a free cab ride to and from the the-atre. Call the Box Office for more information and to re-serve these services Tickets can be chosen betweenfirst-come, first-served, no-cost admission under MixedBlood’s Radical Hospitality program, or guaranteed ad-mission of $20. FFI: 612-338-6131,[email protected], www.mixedblood.com ■

Events Events Events Events Events - from p. 12with disabilities. FFI: Allison, 651-251-9110, [email protected], www.mnliteracy.org/volunteers/opportu-nities/adults.

Volunteer with RSVPVolunteers age 55 and older are eligible to receive freesupplemental insurance, mileage reimbursement andother benefits through the Retired and Senior VolunteerProgram (RSVP) sponsored by Volunteers of America ofMinnesota. RSVP/Volunteers of America of Minnesotaand AARP Foundation need volunteers with good bud-geting and organizational skills to help manage financesof older or disabled low-income individuals. Have a fewhours a month to volunteer? Money Management Pro-gram staff will train and match you with someone in thecommunity. FFI: 612-617-7821

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