My advice is-be political or die-or, go to a -1 nursing home. If you're not in the political More I Theaters &

, Mnseums Page 7

Directory - Page 9 process, people are going to be talking for you, deciding things for you.

-Ed Roberts

Access Przas May 10, lees I

BOM.BS DON'T SCARE US

, Repeal the ADA. Cut Per- every state that such organi- quate funding - to make it sonal Care Attendant Servic- zations are openly meeting, more palatable to the medical es. Stophelpingfarnilieswith attending gun shows and lob- community, and to extend children who have severe dis- bying for their right to be benefits for prescription abilities keep their families armed, and ignore the reality 1 drugs, dental care, and other together. Keep support for that most members of these costs which are vital to people

conservative, dependent on this coverage. . -- .- of "law and or?%~ncreasin~ deductible~ to pa- *, ,

ly have a de- tientsand lowering the already ..- a --A

d &'

-ans + - - L..b

ther groups plan. The idea is a travesty as, but cam- and should be laughed at.

I hearing apd seeing? ouflage suits and gun collec- Let's hope ~ewt'can't whip J / \ I / ! 1 1 , I tions make these ~ e o ~ l e easy his robotic followers into line . .

We are experiencing media targets for the media. behind this one. hysteria in .full swing again. Just as the Simpson trial was How many of us feel mat it is Our state legislators haven't

I - -

Legislative Update On beginning to bore, the Okla- important to put barrier$. homa bombing set off an around public buildings, and equally frenzied rush for air use metal detectors robtinely time and newspaper space. on people looking for tax Authors, analysts, and politi- forms? Frankly, this sort of cians will be using this event reaction would just offer in- to make money or promote convenience to the public. their own causes for a few more months while real life Now for the important stuff. issues are largely disregard- ed. Congressman Richard

Armey, majority leader of To the disappointment of the Congress, has started an ini- Rush Limbaugh crowd, it tiative to amend the current tumed out that the deed was ADA legislation. Hehasstart- nottheworkofaMiddleEast- ed his campaign with state- ern Death Squad (disappoint- ments calling ADA a "disas- ing; no oppomityro try aut ter"andUan abominationyyand some of our hot new weapons insisting on the need to pre- in retaliation). Now that it vent "gold diggers" from fil- appears a home-based group ing frivolous lawsuits. This of'militia" men were respon- sort oftalk by a very powerhl sible, we are (1) professing to legislator must be taken seri- be surprised that they exist ously. The ADA was the re- and (2) feeling the need to sult of a long, hard fight and take nationwide defensive justly celebrated at the time it actions to prevent another at- passed. To have it threatened tack in another federal build- is truly frightening, not apara- inganywhere. Forgetthat it is noid reaction. common know ledge in almost

, Next we have Newt Gingrich

kished theirdeliberations on the important finding bills for home care attendant costs, welfare reform to alkow peo- ple to go to work while retain- ing medical assistance, and adequate funding for the Metro Council to properly deliver Metro Mobility ser- vices. (You can see the pro- posed changes to this service with present fhding on page 2). It appears that, as usual, all of these important issues will be decided in the frenzied action of the last few minutes of the session.

TEFRA -A-~:d.PCA. Cuts by Anne L. Henry, MN Disability Law Center

The Conference Committee on Health and Human Servic- es will be making final deci- sions regarding the Personal Care Assistant program and the TEFRA Medical Assis- tance option for children with serious disabilities, in the next twoweeks. Persons with disa- bilities and their families and friends have been very active this legislative session in or- der to defeat the Governor's proposed cuts. The task has been extremely difficult be-

a e the DFL leadership in both the House and Senate "-yided to cut health care in ..._ Department of Human Services even more than recommended by Governor -

%on. As Conference Com- .....t ee begins, the following issues await negotiation by the

,use and Senate conferees:

The cut to the hour limits is also contained in the House bill but is not effective until July 1996. The savings taken by the Senate in reducing all home care categories from 1 5 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes and reducingthethree highest levels ofcare fiom 2.5 hours to 3.25 hours is estimat- ed by the Department of Hu- man Services to be $409,000 for the fmt year of the bienni- um (FY7%) and $925,000 for the second year (FY '97).

hated and will be transferred to home and community waiv- er slots, county mental health grants or be dropped fiom service altogether. DHS esti- mates that over 900 current PCA recipients will no longer be eligible for PCA services or waivered services. It is un- clear how many of the 900 individuals will be eligible for county mental health services and how many will be dropped h m services.

At the eleventh hour, we have our conservative governor, Mr. Veto himself, proposing a $20 mill ion giveaway to help a millionaire buy a hockey team. He is willing to ignore the irony of state funding for another sport fiasco with con- current lowering of funding for health care. This too, is

Right now, our chance of be- ing bombed is remote enough to forget. The lessening of employment opportunities, a reduction in home health care and more difficulty in using public transportation are hap- pening. Terrorists are not our problem, legislators are..

- A& force on medical assis- tance home care charged with proposing alternative meth- ods to reduce spending in the PCA program is included in both the House and Senate versions of the bill. Because the PCA "restructuring" is delayed until the second year of the biennium (7/1/96), the proposals from the task force will be crucial to avoiding the negative affects of the PCA "restructuring" for persons

PCA Ineli- for Per-

Their Own Care Both the House and Senate delay the PCA "restructuring" to July of 1996 for persons who cannot direct their own care. The bills require that for persons who cannot direct their own care, such as those with developmental disabili- ties, mental illness, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's, and all children, PCA willbeelim-

who cannot direct their own I offering to "save" Medicare

care. by taking away $300 billion of funding. In another era, if anyone even broached such a

v i ridiculous idea, they would probably be given a sanity test. Medicare as structured

Cuts - cont. on p. 6 acks only one thing - ade-

W~roem - The Senate bill cuts the limit of hours available for PCA recipients

inning July 1, 1995.

~ M ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

2 May 10,1995 Access Press

Prohibitive ADA l ~ e t r o Mobility Is Proposing Change? Costs: Fact Or. by the Metro Mobility Staff

P ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ M ~ ~levels to one-half base fare Increase the Metro Mobility fare adjustments upon which

icy actions wouldreduce avail- and decrease the peak limited off-peak fare fiom $1.70 up public comment is being

Fiction able service to make mobility fare to the same fare to $2.00. sought include:

by Deborah Leuchov Increase the Metro Mobility Increasetheregularrouteoff-

Act (ADA) minimum levels The total of all the proposed peak fare from $2.20 up to peak social fare for youth, and raise fares to a level con- MetroMobility-relatedactions $2.50. seniors and limited mobility

Conservative political pundits accommodations actually save sistent with ADA maximum for the biennium is an estimat- from $0.25 to $0.50.

have attacked the Americans money for employers. with Disabilities Act, claim- ing it places excessive govern- JAN'S final 1994 quarterly 1996 to 1997 at the Metropol- imum by eliminating service peak social fare for limited mentxegulations and financial report documented that 42% burdens on business. Disabil- of employers surveyed report- ity advocates like Justin Dart, ed savings greater than overlooked fact that job former chair ofthe President's $10,000, 29% reported sav- accommodation is an excel- of $4.6 million. The ship, Shorewood. The Transportation Accessi

' Council on Employment of People with Disabilities, point out that the ADA "specifically provides that no business or public entity can be required to do anything which will re- buz in undue hardship:'

Recent research on the actual costs of accommodating em- ployees with disabilities sup- ports Dart's view that the ADA "will not bankrupt any- tions. one." A report by Annenberg Senior Fellow, Peter David Please come and give us y Blanck, examiningjob accom- The set of regular route social reaction to these changes. modations provided by Sears is Harris, and the DuPont Com- catinp the Americans with over a fourteen-year period pany documentingthatpeople Disabilities Act. Transcend- M E T R O P O L I T A N COUNCIL I (1 978- 1992) revealed that with disabilities are produc- inn Compliance: A Case Re- 97% oftheirjob accommoda- tive workers, stereotypes that port on Sears. Roebuck and tions for disabled employees equate hiring employees with Co.canbeobtainedbycalling cost little or nothing. The av- disabilities with make-work (202)393- 71 00 Voice, erage cost of these accommo- jobs, charitable handouts, and (202)393-4121 TTY. JANcan dations was $36. constricting regulations per- be reached by calling

sist. If sound public policy is (800)536-7334 Voice/VY. Likewise, data collected by the to be based on fact, not fiction,

_%lob~ccommodation ~e twork objective studies utilizing hard runire uu - (JAN) confirms the findings data must displace the misin-

Access Press of the Sears Study. JAN has formation pervading the cur- been surveying employers rent public policy debate. Acl\ rrtisers - and tell

since 1992. They document Accurate information can dis- w"err you

that not only do most job ac- pel the myth that the costs of about them. The? bring commodations cost little or ADA compliance are prohibi- you your paper. nothing, but that job tive and highlight the often

ACCESS PRESS Publisher ............................................................................................................. Wm. A. Smith, Jr. Editor ................................................................................................................ Charles F.Smith Cartoonist ..................................................................................................................... Scott Adams Production ......................................................................... Presentation Images, Ellen Oestreicher Staff Writer & Editorial Assistant ...................................................................... Dawn R. Doering

ACCESS PRESS isamonthly tabloid newspaper published forpersonswithdisabilities by Polychrome, Ltd., W.A. Smith, Jr., President. Circulation is 10,000, distributed the 1 Oh of each month through more than 120 locations statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $12/yr.

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

Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $1 1 to $15/column inch, depending on size and frequency. Classified ads are $7.00, plus 20 centslword over 20 words.

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

Inquiries should be directed to: ACCESS PRESS 3349 University Ave. S.E. Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414 (612) 379-0989 Fax (612) 379-2730

I Notice of Public Hearings on Metro Mobility Service Reductions, Fare Increases and Regular Route Social Fare Adjustments

The Metropolitan Council will hold public hearings to receive public comment regarding proposed Metro Mobility service reductions, fare increases and regular route social fare adjustments. The hearings will be held at the following times and locations:

- A. -.,

Mon., June 5 1 I :OOa.m. to 2:OOp.m. Chambers, Mears Park Centre, 230 E. 5 St., St. Paul Mon., June 5 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Chambers, Mears Park Centre, 230 E. 5 St., St. Paul Thur., June 8 1 1:OOa.m. to 2:OOp.m Minneapolis Convention Center, Rm 102 ABC, 1301 - 2nd Ave. S., Minneapolis

Thur. , June 8 7:00 to 9.00 p.m. Minneapolis Convention Center, Rm 102 ABC, 130 1 - 2nd Ave. S., Minneapolis

All interested persons are encouraged to attend one of the hearings and offer comments. Individuals are asked to keep their comments within a 5-minute time limit at the hearings. People may register in advance to speak by calling 229-2700 or 291-0904 TTY. A sign language interpreter will be available at each ofthe hearings. Written comments, which must be received by June 22, 1995, should be sent to Mark Fuhrmann, Transportation Systems Evaluation/lmplementation Manager, Metropolitan Council, Mears Parkcentre, 230 E. Fifth Street, St. Paul, MN 55 101. Additional information on the proposed actions is available by calling the Metro Mobility hotline at 22 1-0302.

I I

SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION

I I bARE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER I I

- Access Press Corporate Wel fare IN BRIE Reform 1 AWARD-WIN

PICTURE I PUBLIC TV Told with biting humor, LET'S LOOK AT THE WHOLE

n~wncivp rlicrriminatinn and HIP U C A P ---- -L--:-L'

WHEN BILLY BROKE HIS HEAD ... AND OTHER TALES OF WONDER is a straight-forward, no apologies look at the true and unfiltered experiences of the disabled. This compelling and entertain- ing documentary reveals how

by Mel Duncan

Minnesota taxpayers are sub- sidizing corporations, many owned bymillionaires. In fact, in 1994 Minnesota provided close to $1 billion in corporate welfare. OAen little or noth- ing was asked in return. Usu- ally, the companies were not even required to pay their

;en a living wage.

PCA program last year. Yet, the business tax subsidy is not even up for review.

bill requires corporations on public assistance to demon- strate that they have created a net increase in jobs paying at least a poverty level wage, ($7.2 llhr), within two years. Two years and you're offhas a

- - - - - - - - -- - - J - labyrinth ofgovemiknt rules your calendar for May 23rd and legislated poverty. In- at 9pm (CDT) to see this film stead of the usual "profes- on public television.Channel sional do goode?' commen- 2 in the metro area. E m Corporate welfare comes in

many forms, much of it be- yond public scrutiny. It in- cludestax subsidies, tax incre- ment financing, and state grants and loans. When it comes to corporate welfare, some of the biggest corpora- tions don't hesitate to line up at the window. For example, a company owned by multi-mil- lionaire, Curt Carlson, recent- ly got $500,000 from the state to help him with his business ventures. .

familiar ring. The bill also requires that business re- latedtax subsidies be analyzed as to the jobs and wages that they actually produce. Unlike appropriations, most tax ex- penditures once enacted never have to be renewed.

Public immunization clinics for low-income Hennepin County residents will be held during May.

The clinics are sponsored by -May 18, Minneapolis, 5-7 the Hennepin County Com- p.m., Folwell Community Cen- munity Health Department, the ter, 16 15 Dowling Ave. No. Minneapolis Health Depart- '-

nccountability for public mon- ey is a common theme in to- day's political debate. This theme is clearly focused on people with disabilities and the debate surrounding cuts to the Personal Care Attendant and TEFRA programs. While the legislature shines a spotlight on public assistance serving individuals, not even a flash- light is pointed at corporate welfare. The legislature and Governor are proposing huge cuts in health and human ser- vices. At the same time. the

ment and the Bloomington -May 19, Minneapolis, 8:30- Health Department. For more 1 1 :30a.m., Health Services information about the clinics, Building, 525 Portland Ave. call the Hennepin County & ; e R k ~ ~ y ~ F P ~ Community Health Depart- ment at 348-274 1. -May 19, Mound, 2-4 p.m.,

WestonkaCommunity Center, The clinics: 5600 Lynwood Boulevard

L - .

-May 18, Hopkins, 2-4 p.m., -May 23, Brooklyn Centl, Community Health Depart- 9-1 1 :30a.m., Community ment Offices, 8 10 F i r s t . So./ Health Dept Off~ices, 6601 2nd Floor Shingle Creek Parkway.

Immunizations are available to children for eight vaccine- preventable diseases (diphthe- ria, whooping cough, tetanus, mumps, measles, rubella and polio and Haemophilus B). Children who visit the clinics without parents or guardians must bring along signed offi- cial vaccine information pam- phlets. A donation of $5 per shot is requested.

The next few years will be brutal economically. As elect- ed officials boldly savage pro- grams that have built our qual- ity of life in Minnesota, tax- payers must demand that cor- porate welfare be on the table as well. Big business can af- ford to endure a few more cuts than people who need person- al care attendants.

Who knows if these subsidies serve the public good? As tax- payers we should demand the same accountability for cor- porate welfare as for individu- al welfare. A bill, H.F. 869 and S.F. 705 authored by Rep.

subsidies to corporations are KanClark, DFLM sliding by unscathed. For ex- ]is, and Sen- John H ample, the tax break given for DFL-Mankato, through -L- 1--:-I -L-. courier services cost Minne- sotans about the same as the begintt

inneapo- [ottinger, Me1 Duncan is the Executive I moving Director of M P A - Minneso-

I me legsrature, would ta Alliance for Progressive INTERMEDIA ARTS MINNESOTA , ., ris accountability. The Action . < * L-

HOSTS FORUM ON DISABILITY

I \\ / I I I I "AnEveningInParis" Friday, ists, a silent auction, "The yourself sactiiities supp0~- m - I w V I I May 19th, 7:00 pm to Mid- Golden Strings" musicians, a ingpeoplebuildingcommuni-

night. Place: Zuhrah Shrine light buffet, entertainers and cation abilities. Please call

FDR Memorial Controversy Center - 2540 Park Ave. Mpls. dancing. Lots of singles at- 497-2800 for more informa- ,-?A$&

Cost: $15 per person. It is a tending. Come withagroup of tion or for tickets. rn LjAcerpted from "One Step ,head", Vo1.2, #6, March 27, 995)

ability was central to his char- acter and even, ironically, to his public persona. He quite literally inspired a nation with his courage, strength and abil- ity to overcome obstacles.

reiterated its intention to work with the "handicapped com- munity" andto make the entire memorial accessible. (Only one of the major sculptures, Social Programs, will include a braille interpretation.) The commission feels that FDR's condition will be honored and acknowledged with the follow-

2505 University venue west St. Paul, Minnesota 551 14

At Hwy. 280 & University Avenue :Americans with disabil- ..-I are protesting three new culptures of President 'ranklin D. Roosevelt because

do not depict his wheel- I ~ ~ J , leg braces or crutches.

At the March 1, 1995, FDR Memorial Commission meet- ing, co-chaired by Senators

111 Visit Our New, Large, Fully-stocked showroom open to the public. 111 3esk sculptures of Roosevelt ~ & k Hatfield (R-OR) and nd another seven pieces will Daniel Inouye (D-HI), mem-

ut of a national memorial bers brought up the issue raised ow under construction at the "by individuals in the handi- 'idal Basin in Washington, capped community," who had

requested that FDR be shown in his wheelchair in at least - argument in defense of one of the sculptures. The

,.-disabling7' the president, commission members re- vho lost much ofthe use ofhis sponded by unanimously vot- egs from polio years before ing "to move ahead as rapidly

~pying the White House, as possible with the already

I ~ l a t FDR himself strove to approveddesign and artwork." hide his disability 6om the ~ublic, and largely succeeded. In a statement released after

protesters insist his dis- the meeting, the commission

ing statement which will be carved in granite along with other landmark events in FDR's life: "1921, Stricken With Poliomyelitis - HeNever Again Walked Unaided." The Memorial is expected to be completed in late 1996 or ear- ly 1997. For information, or to comment, contact the FDR Memorial Commission, 825-A Hart Senate Building, Washington, D.C. 2051 0; (202) 228-249 1 (voice), (202) 228-1010 (fax).

Wheelchairslwith complete . Commode &shower chairs repair service Ostomyland wound care . Walkemlcanes, crutches Blood pressure equipment Bathroom safety aids Diabetic supplies IncontinentlUrological supplies

111 GREAT SERVICE & PRICES 111 We offer 24 hr. Emergency Service ~xclusivelv to our regular

customers. Free UPS and deliveries to Mpls., St. Paul & Suburbs.

u I We bill M.A., Medicare, Blue CmsslBlue Shield, UCare and many other mwances

4 May10,1995 Access Press

EPISCOPALIAN

Religion & Disability

INTERFAITH BRO CAN USE YOUR I. by Mary Jane Steinhagen Because efforts to help people The Office maintains a lend- with disabilities access full ing library of books, periodi- participation in their religious cals, and multi-media materi- communities tend to be lower als about handicapping condi- profile programs, many peo- tions and people with disabil- ple don't know of their exist- ities. It also offers a lending ence. To address this need, a library of taped books on number of involved people church history, theology, plan to create an interfaith bro- Scripture, spirituality, and re- chure available to church agen- lated subjects. Materials h m cies and the general public. either of these two resource This article profiles the advo- collections may be borrowed cacy and information programs without cost. available within three denom- inations. A Fall issue will pro- The Ofice also advocates on file additionalresources. Your behalf of persons with disabil- input is welcome about what ities. It encourages the inclu- information would be helpful; sion of persons with disabili- feel free to call me at (612) ties in all aspects of church 215-2216. life.

The Office on Ministry with Persons Who Are Handi- capped is an organization of the Episcopal Diocese ofMin- nesota. It also serves all con- gregations in the Episcopal PLmmrnh +h-~..-h,..++L, T 1,:'-,4

For further information, please contact The Reverend Barbara Ramnaraine at Saint James, 3225 East Minnehaha Park- way, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55417, (612) 721-1 103.

METHODIST DISABILI- TV A \I1 A DU%lUCC

CHURE

tion issues involving people with disabilities. Camp program assistance is provided to congregations and denomination agencies on both integrated and specialized camps for persons with dis- abilities. Community disabil- ity action programs is an ecu- menical venture where church- es within a given community form a coalition to work to- gether on specific issues.

There is ministry with chil- dren with disabilities and their families. A component ofthis ministry includes congrega- tional disability awareness ses- sions for adults and children. Other parts are atraining mod- el forthe church's educational team and support group par- ents and siblings.

For more information, contact Reverend Suzanne Mades at. 639 Jackson Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101 (612) 291-1371.

LIILUCII I U U U U ~ I U U L LIIG Ul l lLCU 1 I fl WflRrnlAfiJJ

States. Located at Saint James PRESBYTERIAN DIS- bout where t h m lot ~f pwinfiil feelings inside Nicole

laint? Comnmt? Wrie fa Nkole: Care Of Access Pres

2- t - w- *.-a . .-a . ---A- I

At Allied Health ~ l t e r n a t i m ~ ~ w d k with you to create a Ml th wvkm partnership.

We'll provide campdent nursirrg supervision that supports your goals and

objedis, plus knowledgeable assistance and coordination when you need it. -- :

I - , 1

rticipa- ClosingTheGap7sannuaIcm conference in prd.ious years for People with DWu

miti* works to make con- ference has earnaim i n m a - (4) can apply the content in housed in the % ,

gegations aware of the DCC tional reputation as a leading their own lives, the lives of Administration. It bj ss aresouace they can consult. source for information on. in- family members or the people by the *National Ins

novative applications of mi- they serve. Didility and ~ e h a crocomputer technology for , .

I I W W V ~ ~ U ~ ~ ~ with disability ad- R v h (NIDRR) w . .--n. ..-maul in other denom- personqwith disabilities. Ed- Applications niust&re~~ivA-::lc Law 103-2 18, T ~ I -

llmLIVllJ wlu h e community. ucatiioLnal smimLdemonstm by July I, 1995, Mddals can Related Assistance' @ tions and h d s - o n computer be obtained by contacting viduals with Disabiliti@l w VIW yUU 1 wt?U f labs will be held in Blooming- STARrat612-296-88 17 voice, - .

~ w m u y l e n m ~ b e r 1 9 - 2 1 , 1 9 9 5 . e.61%296-9478 TTY. or 612- l ' h c ~ ~ ~ ~ R o g r a r n . ( ~ !

variety of disability related is- . . +.&#.' 282-667 1 fax. In Greater Min- of Technology to 8;

sues. The committee provides MiPmao~ rksidmPs -9 ap- nesotause 800657-3862yoice Results) has six objectia a n n r r ~ a C. pig fot xihelwships to cover or 800-657-3895 'TTY. Addi- increase availabilityaf

-. 1 1 Tey andm'ad &gigi&tim fees and related tima1 information about the a and servi ,,, , ,,sourage church- :s,@ improve their physical expenses through STAR conference is available from involvemen

;necessibility. Annually, the Program. &mile win be Closing The Gap at 5 12-248-

Church ofthe Year A w d rec- giQm 6 persons who: (1) are 3294, . - - -;,, , Ad *ih h88 cmml or potential users of

,,,, m s s i b l e in its assistivetechnolog)~~2)resi& STAR is a ~ogram of the

struc€urt! and pragrams. outside the sevenen&nty metro Mhnesota Governor's Adxi- area (3) have not attended the sary Cauncil on Technolog)r' awareness. are Assistant."

For additional information, CQPI~W an Scb ide r at (6 12) 'LESBIANS & BI WOMEN I I Allied Health Alternatives, Inc. 487-1395. I. A new group is k i n g in the win Cities; inspired by a ty andamulti-isuem~

',,tl.L (

pt t=:aw.;;

+. Call 544-1655 >

""

+;- -- Lw.- Y 'I*W

& <- for our FREE brochure titled '

t

"Choosing a PersonalC

. Nursing Support Services Nursing Enterprises .group of h e same name start- IL. 5401 Gamble Drive; Suite 235 ed in Boston, LABIA will cre- An introductory/fo

# ' - -a, - Medical, Ins. ; ate space for Lesbian and envisioni-ng meeti C - - ' Minneapolis, MN 5541 6 BiWomen and our allies to place on Sunday,

61 2-544-1 655 5; jr- H-kh c6tlfw work together. We'll startwith p.m. &the Sabath - -. d. > - -. - RENTALS SALES community-buildingandcam- nity Center (check boarpi

?---? L

V L - b r<- wb '-. - k+. --~8 IN REHAB & MED~CAL LWWUAS mvnication among queerwom- room). - . . Branch Offices: ~ R Y - O S T M W & ~ V M ~ ~ C A L ~ . - -s en and branch out into all in-

+ Wheelchain , ._ + Diabetic Equ@ment - .- 61 - - 162-NW 4th street 412 1 9" Ave. SW; #I 02 + Hospital WE, + ~athroom Safety ids terconnected forms of oppres- This isacceyiblespace; , ~aribaGlt, MN 55021 Willmar, MN 56201 + Cornmode%hain + Canes & Crutches sion p d resistance. We plan and child rare sewi&ffi@+

- + Bboxi PresWre Eqpt. 61 2-235-5684 to do direct action and other vided on request. + Petint Lifters + Home Oxygen .brganizing for political and We invite all interested @-

i r a c t i o n Dwices * Portable Oxygen , 2 N:E. Third Strmt social change, as well as to en to attend. cali ,LiQ$ ?

provide a supportive environ- Enockeon (52 1-8242) - - Grand Rapids, MN 55744 ~ I C A R E B MEDICAID ~ O V L D E R S 1015 EXCELSIOR AVE . HOPKINS CCXIZP~UC REPAR SERVICE o p m 8 3 0 - 6 0 0 ~ 0 ~ - ~ r i . tnmt for Women wishing to Audn Reule (874-8465)rfg

, 218-3264202 TO MPLS -ST PAUL 8 ALL SUBURBS build a multi-issue communi- fiuther information, ,

- May 10,1995 5 -.Access Press f On Mental Health I Life Goes On

: MAY IS MENTAL . I HEALTH MONTH!

t

I by Sandy Gardener

pr0gres.s.

the Governor did era1 people representing vari- at 296-2577; and the Speaker TEFRA program, OUS advocacy organizations, of the House, lrv Anderson at

time to plan strategy. There children and adults with dis- was a bond between us, for we abilities will be forced into

reassimilate, once we literally make our disabilities disap-

di- many to name, but just know .&@these individuals are work-

B~~ the mental health recov- mental illness, it is not about that person? Don't you see her ance agents out of business in we may keepour independence

ACCESSIBLE

NEW HOPE

for the disabled. J

by Deborah Peterson

with weddings, vacations, and His Head ... AndOther Talesof with Billy as he meets prom comer of Winnetka and 5 1 st Ave. One of the units is sold but one is still avail- able for interested buyers * 4th Annual who meet qualifying in-

Saturday, June 3, from 1-4pm Art Center on September 16, worker (who attempts to come limits. Low interest

at Seward Square A e e n t s '1994, the single scheduled explain toabefuddledBilly STARLIGHT BALL - MAY 19th mortgages are available to

located at 2 12 1 South 9th in showing was expanded to two what a spenddown is and lowlmod income first-time

Minneapolis. (If ASL inter- show times and both were how it is calculated). YOU * Zuhrah Shrine Center

7:00 till Midnight For information call Sarah

at 831-1931.) had not purchased advance ences as he discovers some Bellefuil at 53 1-5 137.

tickets were turned away at the realities of living with An Evening in P d s . Lots ofsingles9 bring your friends or your

5 I We are particularly excited door. a disability. us on J~~~ sweetheart. There will be a mine, carature artist, silent auction

.+ about our agenda, which will 3rd for an opportunity to entertainment by the Golden Strings and a light buffet.

8 . include Board elections and a "When Billy Broke His enjoy this fabulous film. 53 speakerwhowilll :providing Head ..." chronicles the intm- You'll be glad you did! (a Tickets are S15.009 there is charge

lnore fa EQUAL HOUSING

an overview of the Legislative duction ofradio talkshow host donation of $2-5 to cover information contact Sara Meyer, 497-2800. OPPORTUNITY

session, and also will feature Billy Golfus to society as a rental cost of the film is the enthralling one hour docu- new man; aman with adisabil- appreciated).

6 May 10,1995 Access Press I Letters . - . . . .

"AN EMPTY PLATE';=/- bps - READER TAKES ISSUE WITH

-

by Heather Charles ARTICLE ON TACIP BOARD

owner, Victor. Playedby T~~ tempting detail each delicious laugh in spite of it all. Sherohmm, victor holds his dish hoping to dissuade Victor wait staff and audience cap- f"m his Pact with death. Score: 8 tive with his stories of travel and human experience As Victor's story unfolds so AN EMPTYPLATE runs until ould be beneficial to

do the lives of Claude, Mimi, May 20 at the Cricket neater ipment Distribution

Service. More repre-

intent to commit suicide by tragedy far outweighs the 0th- is limited ASL not available refusing all nourishment. en', his concern for each one at this time. Sendig the cafe into a corn- of them brings balance and

V (MTA), shows this point. A representative of MTA has been on the TACIP Board for

I i

again and again from the

My name is Doug Bahl. 1 am beliefcould not be farther fiom the President ofthe Minnesota the truth! 1 hope you will re- Association of Deaf Citizens think what you stated in your (MADC), the largest Deaf or- testimony and will come to ganization in the State of Min- understand that the only dif- nesota with approximately ferencebetween you andme is 2,000 members. I myself am you can hear, and 1 can not. Deaf.

The attitude demonsrrarea In I am writing to express my your testimony is the same a? extremedispleasuaatthelack titude we have seen in the of sensitivity to the Deafcom- TACIP Board. It is an air of munity as demonsmatid in your superiority That is one of the testimony before the Senate reasons we strongly support Jobs, Energy and Community the elimination of the TACIP Development Committee on Board. The Minnesota Tele- April 7,1995. Your comments phoneAssociation(MTA) has referring to the Deaf commu- had a representative on the nity as children and to the TACIP Board foranumber of TACIP Board as our baby- years now and has had the sitterwas both derogatory and opportunity to develop sensi- insulting to me as an individu- tivity tothe deafcommunity. 1 al and to the Deaf community am hon i f~d that this sensitiv- as a whole. ity has not happened

Yourtestimony insinuatedthat because we are Deaf, we are not capable of operating a ser- vice as complex as that of re- lay. You implied that we need the TACIP Board to "look out for" US and "take care" of us as a baby sitter would take care of a child. It is sad to see such

I was happy to see that the members of the Jobs, Energy and Community Development committee did not share your perspective and voted to pass Senate File 910. I am even happier to see that the majori- ty of the members of the Sen-

I individuals, believing that be- cause we can not speak, we are Sincerely,

required to obtain health therefore imbeciles and need Doug Bahl

I tingfore hoursthan necessary. both Home and Senate bills (PCA,etc.) services through to be treated as children. To

I Both the Senate and House will eliminate TEFRA eligi- managed carsorganizati&s I

t bills begincounty public health biiityhrapproxfmate~~ 1600 by J U ~ ~ 1,1996. - nurse assessment for PCA children by January 1,1996.

B hours on January I, 1996: Be- DHS estimates that approxi- In addition, bbth Hause and 1 I ca~lse this ctrange would in- A volve training and increased

staff responsibilities for 87 r counties, PCA providers and I recipients are very concerned I about how this change is im- I plemented and whether or not

sufficient time for an orderly transition is available. Delay- ing the county public health nurse involvenient until July

mately 390 children with developmental disabilities, 341 children who have physi- cal disabilities and 878 chi& dren with a mental illness di- agnosis will lose eligibility for health care services through the TEFRA Option by the sec- ond year of the biennium.

Senate languageestablish task forces to study jlrivate health coverage for TEFRA children and an advisory committee on the development of managed care for TEFRA children.

Dear Editor: our doors locked at all times. I found that a c c o r d - i to Sec- tion 504 of'Ihe Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the owner of our building must supply us with locks we can use independent- ly and with ease.

written to theownerofHoImes- Greenway requesting that he modify our doors. I thought you may be interested in this and hope you will support us if we need to file a disability lawsuit

Many people who live in my apamnent complex, Holmes- Greenway, cannot physically locklunlock their apartment doors. With recent crime in our building, it has become very important that we keep

New data from DHS on TEFRA children shows that during state fiscal year 1994, 3534 children used health care

I'm enclosing a letter we have

Because DHS cannot yet de- of 1996 wouldoffermore ti& for training, development of standards and increased staff- ing which may be necessary to accomplish new duties.

tail the type of health care ser- vices used by the 1600 chil- dren and whether these chii- dren have insumm cavemge, HMO coverage or are covered under self-insured companies, it is impossible to try to devel- op alternative methods for these 1600 children to obtain needed health care services. It is very important that the TEFRA eligibility cuts be de- layed until after the next legis- lative session in order to allow the Legislature an opportunity to make changes to require that these children's health

services through the TEFRA Given the serious cuts pro- Medical ~ssis&e Option at psed for children and adults a cost of $23.6 million (state with disabilities at the state 111 and federal), for a state budget lev& the likelihood of sig- cost of $10.8 million includ- nificant federal cuts and the IW ing both home care and other establishment of a number of health care services. Previous task forces to provide recom-

Delay cut in PCA hour lim- its in the Senate bill until July 1996, 'as contained in the House bill.

fiscal information regarding TEFRA eligible children in- cluded children who were eli- gible for Medical Assistance through SSI eligibility and home and community waiver eligibility. The difference in the TEFRA data underscor&

mendations-for both the TEFRA and PCA programs, as well as the development of managed care for persons withdisabilities, the need for involvement and action is clear. Many individuals will be needed to attend task force 11 Delay county public health

nurse assessment for PCA hours until July 1996.

the importance of having reli- meetings, analyze informa- able information on which to tion, and take action on both 111 Develop alternative meth-

ods through Medical Assis- plans meet their health needs. base proposals for change. state and federal proposals tanceHomeCareTaskForce The savings generated for the DHS hasused figures of$36.5 . which will affect essential to limit growth in the PCA state by eliminating health care million(St. Paul Pioneer Press, health care, including home program to 5% over the bi- coverage for 1600 children 3/25/95) and $3 1.8 million caresemices, needed by chil- ennium rather than enact with disabilities is estimated total TEFRA spending in one dren and adults with disabil- elimination of PCA servic- to be $4.3 million forthe bien- year. ities. . es for people who cannot nium. b

u May 10,1995 Access Press . - r 3-

v-77 - & . - The Power C3 To . by Gordon Gillesby I Martha Hage's

. .- .: ... The Power of To:

After last's month lofty treatise, I'm back down to terra f m a . Today, I'm just going to cover a bit of DRAGnet news. Lots of reasons for this; most-

to do with too little time and too Rttle sleep. A dangerous cornbina- tion for yours stoutly. But things are expanding at our little shop so rapid- ly that I just have to hang in there a few more days (weeks, months, some- thing) until it3 off and running.

We've moved. Again. An exercise I'm quite tired of even if the staff

" won't let me do anything but stand around and watch everyone else tote barges and lift bales. By any measure - staff, space, income - in some- thing under 14 months, DMGnet's expanded to over four times the size it was. Our new facilities (hate that word) are at 3 14 Washington Ave- nue North, Minneapolis, 5540 1 (no, 1 don't know the zip+four yet); telephone numbers remain the same (612.338.2535lvoice and 338.25691 fax).

It's four blocks from where we were. It's also four times the space. We desperately need it to process several hundred computers and a veritable host of related equipment. Literally tons of sttlff. We're all busily sort- ing, piling, unpiling, stacking, re- stacking and assembling shelving, computers, s o h , office furniture, tools and other stuff so we can get on

want to apologize to those waiting for a refurbished computer fiom us. HANG IN THERE!! We'll start dealing with the backlog of orders within the nexttwo weeks. Theprob- lem is1wa.s downtime associated with my health (I've been sick for four months), several very large equip- ment donations which crammed our workspace, our third move in 14 months, the need to track down shelves and workbenches and fial- ly, the time to get everything re-set UP-

I'm not complaining (well, maybe about being sick), we'll take all this kind of action we can get! We're getting upwards of ten computer do- nations per day and two a month that require a good-sized truck to move around. I'm keenly aware how many folks are waiting for our computers. I don't want dodisappoint anyone. A bit of time, a bit of money and a couple of key additions to our DRAGnetpersonnel roster and we'll process that backlog. Bear with us, this should be flying much better by the time I type another column out next month.

(Mmmm. Fresh coffee and a can of mixed nuts. Breakfast of Charnpi- ons .....)

Grand Metropolitan has RE+PC pro- cessing their obsolete computer equipment. This is a major recycling project involving hundreds of com-

small way, you're also helping peo- ple with disabilities get computers! RADIO SHOW Because of Grand Met and other major corporate donors - we talked directly to Microsoft Cornoration I Disabled & Proud, about &cycling donated sokare still licensed to their company. AS a I It's Not An Oxymoron result, we now have an agreement to do just that and we'll also get our Microsoft OEM status so we can May 16 Peter Kelley: Access for Pride purchase copies (when we must) at a significant discount. ~f it saves us May 23 Joame Kuehn: Church/Religion & Brain Disorders money, it saves you money ......

May 30 Charlie Smith: Legislative Recap If you think recycling is all the DRAGna does, you'd be off the June 6 Rita Lancaster: Journey of Hope - a program for families with mark. The DRAGnet International family members with mental illness Disability Network (a.k.a DIDnet) is now entering its fifth month of June 13 To Be Announced wide-area beta testing. That's fancy computer techno-babble meaning, "lots ofpeople are checkingthisthiig 106.7 FM - St. Paul 9 0 3 FM - Minneapolis out to see if it works the way we think Every Tuesday 7:30 p.m. . it does". Catchy, huh? We truly are international with several sites from Canada and one from Australia re- cently joining our core U.S. group. Our local DRAGnet Information ers. Unfortunately, this aspect of our Service has had aver 26,000 callers service is not free because of direct - - - - - - - - to date and remains one of the most expenses for staff and travel. How- used electronic disability informa- ever, we have several clients who are Gordon Gillesby is the Chair/CEO tion resources in North America. It willing to offset our costs in serving of DRAG& - the Disability Re- takes a lot of work to keep all that theirownclientsbetter. That'spretty sources, Aflliates and Groups net- electro-mechanical gizmos from much a win-win situation for all. work (61,2.338.2535/voice). The grinding to a halt. And that doesn't More people get computers and the Power of To: is about computers, count the hours each week that we trahing on how to use them, we get a cyberspace and communication for spend publishing new disability in- little bit of cash to help underwrite all people. Please share your formation for our local community -.other DRAGnet projects. thoughts, comments and ideas about

- 5 , . I this column with Access Press or iog There's more but, unlike a Galfrayan on to DRAGnet Information Service

thought of the morning right away) or pickup one of those for other non-profits and in-home hard-core science fiction fans), I'm tion). nd time. See you in

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