Sept 1998

"The world is a classroom; the lesson, love"

Social Security Update - p. 4 - Barbara Jordan

voting Information - Page 6

Access Press r - CANDIDATES SPEAK II* L >

P /h&Gah

-

-r I ! 0 1 Waiting List Crisis Addressed ere is the second in our legiddmiatbtive to elimi- erly parents are worried about series of thre disabil- --us& the waiting list crisis thel~n~temcateoftheirch~l-

ity-related questions submit- faced by persons who have dren, and we must adapt to ted by ACCESS PRESS to mentalretardationorrelated these changing needs. Re-' each ofthe 1998 gubernatorial disabilities?" cent estimates are that about candidates. This month's question was submitted by BobBrick, ExecutiveDirector of Arc Minnesota.

your opportunity to vote for

of each region, and the resources required to meet these*

* A Personal Stow needs. Some families with a

&id at home could

. They Said He Was A Vegetable *# Life Or Death - Who Decides?

by ~ + ~ e n r - - , 3 . I - r,-_

- D &pile hmh injuries that disabled ry G

and .marked hi^ etable" to doctors, *

Nkky nurtured the I i fmL alone saw in hisey~d." a d - &@ couple fed off each '

. : other's strength to defy the . , , Odbs. . - I thinking, he understood, he

Whe~l a tsM could make decisions," says J i a n d N i e k y ~ ~ i 9 9 1 Nicky there \w&*@&it is Kpky. "It w e Vmy clear the and bought a h m e in monitoring the pras@m in way he felt a& #halt jx Blaomington. He was miin- Jim's head because Giwa?si ~wan&-y&u~dstfkkitblq&k. smnce claims adjuster a d - "vegetable," she was out- But they wouldn'f listen lo &re w&ed as an insurance! ?aged. This s b k h g rk- .me3 they wsuldn't listen to &m. They enjoyed amactive snW of Jim rts a live huniaa him.'" PifetbpCk. "Jim had such a bei* was k f i tam of m t for iife," reeblls Nicky. what she ~ o u l d find over the ThedoetorslabeI-ed Jim%m- "He was fun, energetic - he next fiq 2 s ~ be the pre mqmmimv' anc& amxding

_ l ~ i i f e to the ful1est"~ut on v a i I i aWde .toward tIw to Nicky, the testt@-& medi- July 1,1993,Jim then 3 1, was disa&ad - not jmt cal staff actedr.wordin$ly. inaterribkkarawidenton his medical stst*, bk it'people in They d h i & a& wisIrPu1 way hosnelateon a d n y night. general, . thinkin$ her claiis that Jim

. ? , - - . W' .- c*. could mpamicak, and were He suffered severe closed- h e d i n j u r i e s ~ ~ p m m ~ 4 ~ damage and bther injuries. Wiky says &at the resue couldn'ts w w at the scene ofqthe acci- dent left Jim withoa oxygen for #@wtt Eire, ?n** be- .

Lhroughout the state. '1'1 n&m?nrelcct;nn ~ r t i l l t , > l - ~ nlq

.. - - > &I&. _Bead the responses - * -e -y?r4

' d e i - w l a s t .., . * month's QurdearMmds,bB&fm for the =

ily af Ceak has a 3-year-old while others may need m ~ r e on who is severely disabled *ices. to s stroke. Altho~,gh he

ate received thc nd infor-

There are iia deal with the inkx- , -q - . ..a1 k a m r a c v in &a ,

port services.. by ofthese s y m w heople are i i y h &&. att-

. erly parents who are fi. 1 cbifiulties in keepirzg iEhz?r

& l m o n t e . These -jh?&e;e&dfifsd-.

@*.;-; q#@f&@m-. ernme- mi&mi'$ddars by k p i q && ~z~ at - k. 41ow'ewr'. &fr children am-now locked aBz crf

, the service system. '

Each can&date was given r - knit d'OO w& fdr their response, and the responses

'=printed.hc~ern the-& ; we received them. halways,, ' we @Tidl .iqmmes ver- :m.

d3y.m- m o t turnmW ~ l f & tad&, u ~ ~ ~ ~ s t c l l l y lits that need t&s m&wce. i h n w W k &&I- It is amatter of prioritiesa 4 qmcntally ~~ w ~ w f i d m o n e y in Wexi&&

- . E"Bg Lmdget to meet t h e ~ e needs. A&govemor, T -8 to

bRaPkrnd~~~@forafanviay ~ i t i e s ? " W b e r with a &sabiYity. I

lx&ve we can do Wi, and T d M - m - as p-r I will pledge t@ . ,,

w& m &is ispartant issue. I believe M$A&SOW has done a pact job d mqmndimk~~ . '41t~&@~~~mpp~+narjO;

On Disability I A Success ~ ~ . q s o ~ t i . u m of Citi- 7th at the Hennepin Qwty at this forum will be on isties T i ~ n s withDisabilitiesin; ~ovemment~enter . "&iws\*BI @portant to people with

vites ~ d b to attend a candi- be your chance to get to know ~bn%&&ia3:&di~&tibs,and dates' forum whichwill be held the candidates for Governor. seniors. "

from 6:30to 8:OOpm onOctober The focus of the questioning There will be questions from the audience, and also interac- tive phone questioning. The

Minnesota

/ forum willbe moderatedby the tieaggXre M m e n Voters. For everyone who can't be at the f m i n ~ i t d b e b m a d - cast live in the metro an Metro Anea Cable Channel 6.

I Broadcast time is from 7m to ( 8:00 pm. In addition, video-

I ous public access stations CS63Uild tfie Shk% c& local cable station for times and channels.

bv Lollv Liiewski

1 disabilities gathered in countability from the Sscial -E~~or thD&ota las tmonth Security Administ ation," &--. f o r a r t @ d L t & ~ t L i v - came back stronglyifiV~. ing con&-onteadership, ,. .&-: - I r . 4 'L

Unity, andVidm. ~ G C ~ ~ E ' State advocates from C]ILs"in from Minnesota, North d &u;th D#ota encouraged South Dakota, and even as far unity smd un-ding from as Texas, to hear nationally their colleg%ues as they ex- . known speakers like Bobby plained that not everyone hat Silverstein, Justin Dart, Sue the same place within the dis- Swa~son, and Mike Auberger. ability rights movement. As a Xhxe were sessions on the man from IPou@m, T a b Federal Fair Housing AcfSo- urged pagde so chain them- cialSem5ty andMedicaid wok selves to busses if necessary

rural CELs. Names of rural ClL networks were passed around.

The universality of the struggles we all face as peapie . - with disabilities was exempli- - . fied by Johnny Crescendo, a L' ' - singerlsongwriter from Great - Britain, as he sang songs fiom h& new Cf), ''Hat Dead Y&T after ' his performance, he s h a d a video made i~ En- @ad which showed people with disabilities fighting for access to transportation.

Jeff Moyers &d i;hhnny c&- lmm peoplewithdisabilities. It gether to leam,shap a n d b < . . scendo. wss a powerful reminder that

People w i th thedisability rights movement Kudos to the ~~f~ The Consortium of Citizens Thethumeofleadership,unity, spans a spectrum of experi- Resources and Options for ' .

Brain I n j u r i e s with Disabilities is a broad- and vision was- evident ence. Immediately, the p ~ - rheir leadership, unity, andvi- I - -. based coalition of organiza- throughouttheconference. A ticeofacceptanceandnehNork- sion in putting together this

tions dedicated to improving vision fm the fumes af the ing began as the leadm h n m%kace. . the lives of people with dis- S o c i a l ~ . d h s a l t h c a r e Southhlcota were confibcced " P e d i a - L r i c . abilities. Pmpltwithdisabili- systeim was on the agenda. with leaders from North Da- LallyL~ewskTistheAh,ocucY

support5 tics make up approximately . hadas l ike Blaine Perry and kota who have gone through Manager at The Metmpoli-

19% of the total populadm in ! )B ry on MacDonald sought in- similarexperiences and shared tan Center For Indepersdepu our state, and, m a q other put on that vision from con- someoftheproblems faced by Living (MCIL). people inchding WdQ mem- ~ F S &e ~~ by the disa- bfPry.

. . The Hennepin Gunty OOV- Health Care Consumer erpment Center is located at

( 6 1 2) g 2 2 - 6776 6th Street and 3rd Avenue South in downtown Minne- apolis. Seating is on a "lirst--

Advisory .. Board come, first-servedn basis. . T he Consumer Advisory Board is a grassroots effort to see improvements in the way health

I care isoffered. The Advisory Board was able to get atelephoneline through the Department

of Health. Here is a chance for consumers with problems to call and leave a message.

ACCESS PRESS The direct dial voice mail number is (65 1) 296-5836. People outside the metro area should call the receptionist at the Department of Health at 1-800-657-3916 and ask to be

Co-Founder/Phb&sher (1990-1995) ....................................... , ............ ....... Wm. A. Smith, Jr. transferred to the Consumer Advisory Board voice mail. Someone from the Advisory Board

EditorlPublisherlCo-Founder ..................... , ............................... . . ........ . . Charles F. Smith will call you back to get more information about your health care need. The Advisory Board will Cartoonist ...... ,.. ......... , ......................................... - ................ .. . .. ........................ Scott Adams be taking public testimony on the health care needs of individuals on I 'k~ember 30 from 1 Pm Production .......................................................................... Presentation Images, Ellen Houghton until 3 pm at the Merriam Park Public Library at the corner of Fairview and Marshall Avenues -Editorial Assistan t'..... .. ........................ - ........ ............ . Jeff Nygaard & Donna McNarnara in st . pauf. 'ACCESS PRESS is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities b Acccss Press. Ltd: Circulation is LO,aX). distributed the 10. of each moath through inore than 150kcations statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $15/yr.

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

I Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $14 to $18/column inch, depending on size and frequency. Cla$sified ads are $8.00, plus 35 centdword over 20 words. I I Advertising and editorial deadlines are the 30th of the month preceding publication; special scheduling available for camera-ready art. I I ~ccess Press is available on tape. Call MN State Services fpr the Blind, 642-0500 or 800-652-9000.)

I Inquiries should be directed to: ACCESS PRESS 1821 University Avc. W. Suite 185N,- St. Paul, Minnesota 55104 (651) 644-2133 Fax (651) 644-2136 I

SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION

529-5019 483-9143 CARE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER

.&INES INC.

Access Press September 10, 1998 3

NESTANDE - cont.tromp.1

him, or bothering to speak to a nurse and a lung specialist. proved during his four years at him at all. home - he had far fewer hos-

Although Jim required a high pitalizations than while in the Despite her efforts to get Jim level of care, Nicky says she nursing home, Nicky reports - into rehabilitation, the doc- "never viewed him asaburden he continued to have frequent tors told her "there was noth- oras injured-he wasjustJim bouts of pneumonia, which ing there to work with," she - and I adored him." Having slowed their activity. says, and they advised her to him at home was in fact a "big

Lecture 0 Awareness Thousands of Minnes ek, a Deaf culture lec- munity and amaster storyteller, are deaf and have developed ture will be held at 7 pm on willleadthediscussion,which their own unique culture while September 22 at the Bloom- will beconducted in American contributing tothe largercom- ington Education Center. Bob SignLanguage (novoiceinter- munity. Aspart ofDeqfAware- Cook, aleaderintheDeafcom- preters will be provided).

"put him in a nursing home relief' because she no longer Eventually, Nicky says she and get on with my life." B U ~ had to worry about his being began to notice that Jim was Arc TO Host 2nd An n ual Conference Nicky was not about to write neglected by medical staff. losing interest in things. "He her husband off - she asked didn't want to do as much, he to take him home. Yet their At home, Jim was "so much was saying 'no' a lot - but he insurance ~ l a n didn't cover happier - he had such a look of wasn't sick, wasn't sad." He

~p

home care.

took a break from rehab activities. She began to question him about what was wrong. After ex- haustingall possibilities, she finally asked the question she most dreaded: "You don't want to live anymore?" He said 'yes' - and he looked so relieved," Nicky sadly recalls. "It was the last thing I wanted to hear - but the worst thing I could do

L'-'- was to not listen to him.

L "He told me he had been waiting for me to reach the ~ o i n t where I could accept this," she says. "It isn'tthat he had

Moreover, "Noone peace on his face," Nicky re- given up-it's just that he felt would help us," she says. calls. "He was much more of he haddonewhat he needed to "They would not work with his usual self." His hope re- do in life, that he was ready." me on moving Jim home." stored, Jim frequently partici- He wanted Lo be taken off the

Arc of Hennepin County, Jew- ishFamily and Children's Ser- vice of Minneapolis, Arc of Anoka and Ramsey Counties, Arc Suburban, Arc Minnesota and PACER Center, Inc. will sponsor the second annual "Great Sibling GetTogether" - a one-of-a-kind, one-day conference that features exciting activities and lively dis- cussions focused on families of people with disabilities.

Hosted by Arc of Hennepin County, "TheGreat Sibling Get Together" includes break-out sessions for siblings age five through adult. Each session throughout the day is designed to offer siblings, parents and professionals the opportunity to sharecommon concerns and feelings, as well as meet others who have brothers and sisters withdisabilities.

The Get Together will be held onsunday, September 13,1998 from 11 :00a.m. tok30p.m. at the Sheraton Inn Midway, St. Paul, Minnesota, located at I-94and Hamline Avenue. For more information or to register, contact Arc of Hennepin County at 6 121920-0855.

Deaf Forums To Be Held People who are deaf, hard of Memoria] Hall, 1824$&&d] the deafcommunity, deafblind hearing or deafblindand people Ave., st. Paul. to and hard of hearing people for who care about them are in- all is scheduled forThursday, futureinitiatives. vited to two community forums on Friday, Sept. 18 and Thursday, Sept. 24 to learn more about and discuss programs and services for the deaf community.

Metro-area seniors who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind are invited to attend the forum on Friday, Sept. 18 at

Sept. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Merriam Park Library, 1831 Marshall Ave., St. Paul.

MN Commission Serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing People and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division staff will lead the forums, presenting information about their services, goals and legislative initia-

Interpreters and real time captioning and assistive lis- tening devices will be provided. If you need other special accommodations, such as tactiIe/reshicted field interpreters, please contact Marie Koehler at the Metro Regional Service Center at (651) 297- 1316(voice)or(651)297-1313

TRANSPORTATION L

4 September 10, Z998 Access Press - 4

On Mental Illness

Grains Of Sand Social Security Reform Update Turning Into Pearls by Peter Feigal on't say we didn't warn replaced withasystemof"Per- faced since $he founding of

hen weremember a hu- each day carefully, not careful prints on our floors. ,

of the extreme right wing. higher "rate of return" than day in the; life of this person. of breathtaking simplicity: of- discover new meaning and

easier to talk about indi- main question at the meeting Ideaof social insumace. Insur- ers. There; was always some- paint, tending a garden, sing-

'

"Social Security9'are still really privafizing thesystem. It'shard than the current system. *kk w i t all happen, watchedit all than a thousand ceremonies trying todiminishor destroy it. to say exactly why the climate haschanged sa~@~tE,butWall ~e)rona &%bi i ~c~nomi(i.s,

uniqtie pace. @he was a time machine who told me stories of

own pro- It remains true, as ACCESS

h c b had been

moting privatization. He chi Security Disability Insur- doesn't mince words. Speak- ance recipients. The figure

the closet and the document

A life ismade ofdays, andeach

or a family's loss of a bread- society, and our culture un- efits are not generous to begin gift to the family of earth, And with, and they should be in- ~randrna's days were di&weIi ' creased. The fact that major lived. It seems that &&?lived cuts are being proposed with

no public outcry at all is evidence that the community of peoplewith disabilities has still not acquired a voice propor:

~t Hvvy. 280 & University Avenue MINNESOTA STATE COUNCIL tionate to its numbers.

ON DISABILITY The AFLCIO has taken a po-

October is sition opposed to privatization DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH of Socia] Security. So have

some progressive think tanks Minnesota State Council On Disability Seeks . and nonlprofjts. ~h~~~ is lots

Nominations . of discussion going on about

Ostomyland wound care reforming Social Security. YOU The Council recognizes Minnesota

Blood, pressure~quipment may be asked to participate. employers alid others who have worked Think clearly and keep your

Diabetic supplbs toward helping to improve the lives of values in mind if you do. We people with disabilities. need a strong, progressive

system of Social Security to GREAT SERVICE & PRICES ' ' . .-- . '- ;? - + Nomination deadline: October 1, 1998 . protect us all against bad luck

We offer 24 hr. Emergency Sewice exclusively to our regular- For nomination information call: and to provideus with a digni- 65 11296-6785VTPTY fied retirement. There are lots

or 1-800-945-89 1 3 Vll'TY of things we can do to protect. and strengthen our system.

&mail: council.disability @s&.mn.u Privatization is not one of them. Fax: 651-296-5935 . . :

HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES

Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroom apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. We have housing in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, St. Cloud, Brainerd, GrandRapids, Hibbing, Austin, Marshall, Willmar, andDuluth.

' The apartments are fully wheelchair accessible and each building has a central laundry mom, large community room, secured entry and an on-site caretaker.

AS1 also offers shared personal care services 24 hours a day, at most locations, for adults with a physical disability andfor traumatic brain injury who qualify for Medical Assistance.

For more information call (65 1) 645-727 1 or (800) 466-7722. For services

1998 MINNESOTA

Xenalssance 'Festhral SENSATIONAL ATTRACTIONS!

Full Contact Armored Jousting! 11 Stages of Entertainment! Over 270 Master Artisans! Unique ~ o o d s & Beverages!

Rides, Games & Contests for All Ages! 15th Annual Feast of Fantasy! Queen's Tea! Renaissance Smoker! Fables at the Table!

~avance tickets for sale at /a starting. August 1.

+ F E S T I V A L H O T L I N E (800) 9 6 6 - 8 2 1 5 1. I or housing call Leigh, for employment as apersonal care attendant call Sean. I I August 15 - September 27,1998 I

Weekends and Labor Day 9:00 am - 7:00 pm n Just 3 miles south of Shakopee on Highway 169

Accessible Space, Inc. -1

Access Press CANDIDATES - cant from P. 1

disabilities?" .- ,-- - ative solutions applied to the mentalretardationorrelated or related disabilities - where Governor,Iwould worktoex- withdisabilities. Inourzeal to :- .. . needs of people who have disabilities? people were simply ware- pand the number of MRRC cut public spendiog, let's be

+-

mental re&rd&on or other housed, neglected, isolated and denied the dignity and human freedom that most of us take for granted.

waivers. careful not to cut services for those truly in need. developmental disabilities. As

governor, I would welcome organizations such as yours to submit proposed legislation that directly addresses the needs ofpersons with disabilities.

"Would yousupport amajor legislative initiative to eliminate the waiting list crisis faced by persons who have mental retardation or related diabilities?"

There are other things we can do. Minnesota faces acrisis in affordable housing. Currently, thousands of federally-subsidized units are being converted to the open market. This could throw thousands of Minneso- tans onto the street, and worsen the waiting list crisis. We need a new state commit- ment through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to building more affordable housing.

Today,many adult children live withtheirelderly parents. While I have the utmost respect for the tireless devotion these parent caregivers have fortheir adultchildren, I am concerned about the future of these families ind theirability to provide on-going care.

"Would you support a major legislative initiative to eliminate the waiting list crisis faced by persons who have mental retardationor related RrtonaRrty:

As a father of a child with a disabilities?" *-,-

As Governor, I will carefully examine the Department of Human Services report due out this November which will ad- dress these issues, and then develop a proposal that will help eliminate the waiting list crisis. AndIwill bring together families, advocates, service providers and government to develop strategies toeliminate the roadblocks that stop people with disabilities from moving into the mainstream,

Yes. As Governor, I will work with the legislature, families,

i advocates, and others to make government work better and more responsive to the needs of all people - especially those with disabilities.

The waiting list crisis is largely due to the fact the state has not lived up to its past promises to the disabled community. In Minnesota, 3,300 eligible

~ccckb, ~ - m ~ people are on waiting lists without the necessary resources to

Yes. We would support legis- meet their needs. In the lation enhancing effective ex- Humphreyhloe Administra- isting residential and family tion, things will be different. support services. We would We believe that every person also create policy that leads should have a seat at the table towards the elimination of a and a voice in government. waiting list.

In order for every Minnesotan

disability, I do not take your question lightly. While I am not elderly or poor, I believe I have a good understanding of what it means to be the parent of a person with disabilities.

Many people with disabilities want to work. Withabooming state economy and a budget surplus, we should seize the opportunity to make the benefits ofworkavailable toall our citizens.

I am a strong advocate offarnil- ial responsibility. Our society has gotten away from the ex: tended family, and the idea that a family does whatever it can to take care of its own. In that regard, I support persons with disabilities continuing to live in the family home, as long as possible. If the person is ca- pable, they should be encouraged to live independently as an adult. If supervision is still needed but the family cannot provide for it, group homes should be made available.

Yes, I would support such an initiative. We need to make certain that all Minnesotaciti- zens who havemental retardation or other developmental disabilities have access toresi- dential services and other family support services.

It's time to put people first. In the HumphreyIMoe Admin- istration, everyone will move forwardin the21aCentury-no person will be left behind.

It is simply unfair to force elderly parents to provide services that should be provided by federal, state, and county governments. The proper role of government is to help people

"Would yousupport amajor legislative initiative to eliminate the waiting list crisis

home errviron- lFm!wF

Accessible Arts u&e 6 waiting l~rd crisis practice ~f institutionalizing Performances

m, Sunday, 2:00 p.m. "My rm4, Sunday, 2:00 p.m. The 1998 primary election in Minnesotawill takepl r 15th. Ifyouarenot Fair Lady" Playhouse 15, St "Louanne Pig in Witch lady," registered €0 vote, you may register when you arrive place. To do so, you FhtxisEGghSchook St.Francis Child's Play Theater, Hopkins

Center for the Arts 7, Sunday, 2:00 p.m.

'ZouannePiginWitchLady," --._, Friday, 8:00 p.m. Child's Play Theater* Hopkins "Axe1,'"reat American His- Center for the Arts tory Theatre, St. Paul

have saved the federal, state, and county governments mil- l&Q Saturday, 8:00 p.m. IWIXSaturday, l mp.m.'9he

lions of dollars by keeping theii "Axel," GPW American His- VenetianTwins,'"GwhieThe tory Theatre. S t Paul ater, Minneapolis

HWiB Friday, 8:OO p.m. '4he Access to Theatre project. Vcnetian'ILvins,"Guthrieh Contact the theater or

VSAMN (332-3888) forfur- ther details.

-

The Minnesota Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities (MN CCD), Americans for Disability Rights-MN (ADR-MN) and the Minnesota State Council on Disability have Helping people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities

educate and encourage people with disabilities to exercise their right to vote. The CCD will sponsor a voter registration and public education campaign to inform the disability LWI'ITD CER&&iW, PALSY community about voting in the general election on November 3, 1998. ADR-MN will (61 @ W 7 9 8 8 conduct amassive Get-Out-thevoteeffort and the stateCouncil on Disability will assist the Secretary of State's office in distributing voterregistration materials. You see people. We see promise.

Formore information about voting,call theoffice of Secretary of State (612)296-2803, orMN?TY Relay Center, 1-800-627-3329orthe Statecouncil on Disability, (612) 296-6785 or 1-800-945-89 13 (VTTTY). You can also get information on the internet, on the official website of the Secretary of State at: www.sos.state.mn.us

1 vote 1n he primary and 1n he General Elections!

Please patronize your Access

Press Advertisers - and tell them

where you heard about them.

They bring you your paper.


What Is S.1858? I News From Greater Minnesota Proposed Bill Would Remove Independent Living In Some Barriers To Work by Laura Hershey, V 998

Southeastern Minnesota t would you doif Gk- eligibility after becoming em- to be@n paying Medicareand

m g a job meant it ployd. Many people who or Medicaid premiums. on a came harder, not ea~ier~topay should be eligible for 161 9@) sliding scale based on income. your bills? .. . .,

-+ - report that gettinginformation Disability advocates fullysup- about it is not easy. Sonie have portthis requirement. Almost

What would you do if yQur beenunabletogetanyreliable everyone I know would be new salary made yeuineligible information aboutthis program delighted to pay a reasonable for health sekviks that a k &- ' from theirlocal Social Security amount for the services they sential toyourqualify oflife- offices; and without aguaran- need, if they had the opportu- oreven toyour life itselfl What tee of continued coverage, riity to do ?so.

if your employee health plan most are reluctant to risk em- '

did not cover the services you, ployment. .= . S. 1858containsotherpositive

need? Would you work? changes. In order to provide No such exemption exists for accurate, useful information-

Probably not, Or if you did, people on SSDI andMedicare. currently areal rarity-thebill you would pay a high price. LikeStan,themajorityofe- would fund "work incentive You would be staking your cans withdisabilities continue specialists" in Social Security future against stacked odds tg battle, orsurrender to, theill- officesand community-based where your every effort. m- logic of the benefits system. agencies, If implemented cor- sulted in fewer choices,. less. 'Our cultural assumptions rectly, this investment could

=+isPosable income. The only sbdut~nployment-thathard pay off in a big way. Helping rational choice, in such an irra- work brings rewards, that oc- someone move from lifetime tional universe, is to avoid cupational s u m s enhances dependency on Social Secu- employment, one's life ovedl- don't al- rity benefits to productive

ways hold true in an economy employment will not Only save This is the universe inwhich increasingly controlled by gi- big bucks fortaxpayers, it will

A - many people with disabilities ant, border-crossing corpora- , also transform many lives,

pr live. This is why our unem- tions. There are plenty of wo&places,andcommunitieses ployrnent rate soars beyond people, the "wor&ing poos"

--anb9tbiG ' d .~ . minority stuck in Iw+wage pa-~t ime Whiles. 1858 wouldlayagwd * v. group's. Many disabled j o b s , h I y abletogat by. But groundwork, our nation still ; people - even the ambitious formany perode wizhdiWi- has far to go in offering em-

and the talented - are cadght ties, thesituation i s s m m r e ployment opportunities and .- between a genuine, inescrtp- ahsiurd: Ean@Eoymmt ,brings economic justiceto it%ci@ens

. able need for a safety netI and p e n a l & - . Q w d s ~ - with M t i e s . We nced to

"Leading the Way tohdepen- b o w whatresources areavail- n e s e funds are designated dent Living in Southeaskm ablebetterthan SisterGertrude by the federal government ts

'

Minnesota," is the goal of the Ann. She has worked at be used in the city ~f Roches- southeastern Minnesota Cen- SEMCILinavariety ofcapaci- ter only. To meet the need for ter for Independent Living tiessinceSEMCILfirstopened improved home accessibility (SEMCIL), The unique array its doors in May of 188 1, throughout southeastern Min- of servicesthat SEMCILmakes nesota, SEMCIL has devel- available offersconsumers and S E M ~ K ' S Peer Mentor pro- oped a grant program that can families an integrated, afford- gram matches trained Peer fund up to $500 to meet an able approach to maintaining mentors withindividuals who awsibi l i ty or an equipment an active role in the commu- desire peer support on disabil- need that is not funded nity. SEMCIL's client-cen- ity-relatedandpersonaladjust- through insurance or other &red approach to independent .merit issues. A peer can be a sources. Living (IL,) and Personal Cnue person with a disability or a Assistance (PCA) services has family member. Peers have SEMCIL has been providing taken anew turn with the imple- adjusted to their own disabil- transition services since 1996 mentatian of United Home ity situation and feel cornfart- - to school districts in our area. Healthcare Choices, Inc. ablesharingexpefi~nces,pra- Currently we are providing (UHHC), _the center% new viding support, and acting as skillstrainingwithineightdis- Medic-edandMinw mlemodels.SEMCJLsponsors tricts and me represented on sota Class A licensed home eight suppert groups through- several Community Transition care agency. This agency fea- out southeastern Minnesota, Interagency Committees. In- tures a broad range of services and two new groups are . dependint living workshops designed to incorporate plannedforthis fall:agrpup for and individual skills training SEMCIL's philosophy of ser- women with disabilities, and coniplement themany learning vice delivery throughout the anC1Outsmart in$Osteo~- opportunities offere eleven county area of south- tis" group. SEMCI&'s Senior SEMCa eastern Minnesota. - Companion Program is in full

swing. Over the years, thew Rochester recently achieved remained dedi distinction as one of the top Accessandadvocacyservi~.d3~' ing positive ten most accessible cities in m a hot ticket in southeasiern and perceptima of pie~sons?. the United States by New Minnesotaright now. We have withdisabiili.ties. SEMCIL ha- 7 Mobilitymagazine. NewMo- workedwithfiveindividualsto developd.'tr3arning~askets" bility wed F I e p b m inR~- assist them in @ling a griev- to pr6videschoofdistricts and - -

S S D 1 ~ $ ~ i ~ r n ~ ; ~ him eligible, for-Mediq, which pays for therap$%ndl' doctor vigits. A state Medicaid waiver also gives Stan limited access to Medicaid coverage for pre- scription medication, and a personal care attendant.

A talented journalist, Stan has had increasing success selling his news reports to wire services and other news organizations. Although he's not yet: able to accept permanent or

- full-time employment, he hits- been able to earn somemoney. The work has also increased hi$ self-esteem. But Stain has begun rewiving letxers from the Social Security Adninis- tration, warning him 'that his emings may soon make him ineligibie for hisbenetits. He's afraid of losing his monthly check, which is amorercliable sowceofincome than his fm- lance writing can bring. But he'seuenmon a h i d of losing Medicare a~d~Me..dicaid, on whichhediemnds for survival,

Over the years, a few loop- holes have opened up for people with disabilities who are savvyehough to find them. People receiving Supplernen- tal Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, for example, can sometima qualify fora federal programcalled 16 19(b), which ailowsthem to retain Medicaid -_

the more promising federal ini- tiatives in some time is Senate Bill 1858 (S. 1858), which has been introduced by Senators Jim Jeffords (R-VT) and Ted Kennedy (D-MA). Also called the Work Incentives Improve- ment Act, the law would actu- ally encoumge people withdisabilities to enter paid employment, rather than discourag- ing them by rhreartaning the loss of essentiaI services.

Under S. 1858, new employees with disabilities would be en- titled to Medicare coverage, which helps pay for medical services. This pcoviskm would be crucial for people whose employment doex not come with medical benefits, such as part-time workers, and those working forsmallcompanies.

In some-- - those states which can appreciate tax-sav- m g p a t e n t i a l 4 n M d i o aid services muld be avail-. able to disabled people who work, on a "wrap-around'" basis. Thb means.that it would only offer.thvseservkwhich are unavailable through either private insurance orMedicare, such as attendant care, pre- scription medications, and medical equipment.

This is no free ride. As the employee's salary increases, the law wauld require himfher

To achieve qW$y in the w w l a c q people wlhdisabili- ties need equality in every aspect of life.

But S. 1858 is a good start. Every senator,-whether Demo- crat or Republican, should be encouraged to sign on as a co- sponsor. The senators should hear from anyone whp has a disability -those who work, those who want to work, and those who are afraid to try. a [Editors Note] In MN, Sem- tor Wellstone tk a co-sponsor. Urge Senaror Gram to aLro

pbrtunities, attitudes, .rtdca- sibiliry , availability ef V& carional Rehabilitation, Per- sonal Care Assi'stance services, strength of advocacy This y programs, and transportation.

In the fall of last year, SEMCIL central air condi opened the first library in Southeastern Minnesota de- I voted solely to providing in-

, formation and materials ondis- ability-related issues. "Weam responding to a need to have a central location where: information on disabilities can be , easily accessed," according to Sister Gertrude Ann Theisen,

St. Padl Civitan Club is a voluntec number is (612) 427-5921; dedicated to serving olc

- - - , - - an emphasis on h e l p i n m j

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F' , .

8 September 10, -1998 Access Press . 1 Wendy's Settles ADA I community support Grants Available -.-

Complaints n Augur! 27th the Min-

O n e s o t i \ Attorney Gen- eral's office announced 'that nearly 1,700 Wendy's restaurants will become more accessible to their customers with disabilities under an agreement reached withMinnesota, eight other states, and the Depart- ment of Justice.

The out-of-court agreement stems from a nationwide investigation of the restaurant chain by a joint task force put together by the nine states (Minnesota, Arizona, Califor- nia, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Pennsylva- nia, and West Virginia) and the Justice Dept. - the first time the Department has teamed up with states to launch an investigation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

As many readers may be aware, Wendy's International, Inc. has a maze, or line, system in which customers wait to order food. Under this system, customers who use wheelchairs would not be served unless they cut to the front of the line or stand outside the customer queue and wait to be recognized by arestaurant employee.

lowed by other restaurants, as well as banks and stores."

The agreementresolves a two- year investigation into access issues at Wendy's restaurants. The joint task force visited newly-constructed and older Wendy's restaurants in 12 states, which include the nine states as well as Louisiana, Ohio, and Washington. The task force found that most Wendy's restaurants had customer lines that were too nary row for wheelchairs. Other than the mazes, Wendy's restaurants were found to have very few compliance problems.

"This is a terrific example of what federal and state law enforcement can do by working together to ensure the rights of people with disabilities," Attor- ney General Janet Reno said.

Under the agreement, Wendy's International has agreed to:

either remove or widen the customer mazes at all of its nearly 1,700 corporate- owned or leased restaurants in the United States; modify its prototype archi- tectural plans for future

mazes have been removed or widened; remove various other bam- ers found at the 17 newly- constructed restaurants visited by members of the joint task force; pay the joint task force $50,000; and

* pay a total of $12,000 in damages to five individuals or entities who filed complaints with the Justice De- partment or state attorneys general offices regarding accessibility at Wendy's.

The task force, which was organized and supported by the National Association of At- torneys General, will remain in place to ensure that other businesses comply with federal and state access laws.

The ADAcelebrated its eighth anniversary last month. Title 111 of the Act requires places of public accommodation, suchas restaurants, to be accessible to persons with disabilities. Newly constructed restaurants, built after the law went into effect, must be built according to specific guide- lines, called ADA Standards, for new constkction. Pre-ex-

AIF- mative For Hom Services T hereis alittle-known pro- CSG as an option.

gram that came into being in 1995 in Minnesota which According to JillHovick,CSG some readers of ACCESS Resource and Training Coor- P-S may be able to take dinat6r with the Minnesota advantage of. Called theCom- Department of Human Services munity Support Grant pro- (DHS),theCSGprogrammay gram(CSG), the programmakes be available to peoplecurrently it possible for some people to using the following services or purchase home care, personal programs: the Alternativecare care attendant services, or other program for senior citizens, the services directly, rather than Personal Care Attendant pro- through an agency. gram, the Medical Assistance

Home Care program, or the CSG is administered on the Devglopmental Disabilities county level, and their par- Family Supportprogram. Coun- ticipation is voluntary. To tiesofferingCSGmayalsoplace date, only eleven counties restrictions on the program's (Chippewa, Clay, Crow availability; for example, Wing, Hennepin, Nobles, Hennepin County only offers Ottertail, Rock, Steele, St. CSG toseniors. Dependingon Louis, Swift, Wright) offer yourcounty'srestrictions,you

may or may not be able to trans- step - many businesses are not fer out of yourcumntprogram aware of the obstacles that and into CSG; contact your prevent orlimit access. People county social services agency can call the Minnesota State fordetails. Council on Disability at 800- . 945-8913or651-296-6785. 'Ihe MS. ~ o v i c k d e s c r i b e s t h e ~ ~ ~ Council will conduct access program as "consumer di- audits and mediate with busi- rected." Here's how it works: nesses over access problems, The program provides a cash or assist people filing com- paymenttotheindividual. This plaints with the State Human payment will be less than the

formationaboutwhat youneed to do.

Under the traditional approach to home care, when services are purchased through an agency, a certain percentage of what's spent on each . person's care goes to pay administrative and other ex- penses. With CSG, individuals receive a grant and then make their own arrangements for services, often eliminating agency involvement and as- sociated costs. The result may be that while CSG pays less than the Alternative Care program, the actual amount of money available to purchase services may be very similar in both programs.

In many rural areas, access to -

services is limited. In these situations, being able to hire family members or friends may greatly expand the type and 'a+ quality of services a person gets.

Once someone signs up for the CSG program, there is the o p tion of switching back to their


Disability Culture

Embracing People With Multiple Identities In The Disability Movement by Linda Wolford

person. So, in essence, there was no place where she felt that she could be all of who she was. Nor did she have any role models with which she could identify. This leads toafeeling of isolation, or like you're the "only one" out there.

This same thing happens to people with disabilities who are GLBT. They may feel like they have to choose which identity they can be. Again, there is a lot of homophobia in the disability community. There is a lot of ableism in the GLBTcommunity. The people I know with disabilities who are also GLBT, report they are stereotyped as asexual, with the result that they have diffi- culty finding people to date. This seems to be particularly true for gay men because, according to reports from some gay disabled men, it seems there is a great deal of empha- sisplacedon thephysical realm

A s is evident in the intro- identities, make suggestions in thegay malecommunity. A ductory poem by Lynn on how the disability commu- disabled man may not be seen

Manning, issues of identity nity can create betterrelation- as "dating material" due to his are particularly significant to ships with these othercommu- physical difference. people with disabilities who nities, and indicate what we

woman, but also to the experiences of many other people who are alsomarginalized.

Because of this, as well as other educational experiences, I learned the importance of being educated about other forms of oppression like racism, heterosexism, and classism. We cannot expect ableism to end without also ending other forms of oppression. We also can learn from the racial civil rightsmovement, the feminist movement, and the GLBT movement. We usually need to seek out educational opportunities to learn about these things because they are so often left out of traditional educational programs.

As people withmultiple identities, we cannot work only on one "ism" because there are people with disabili ties in all of these groups. We need to become allies for all traditionally underrepresented people. When I serveon a committee, for example, it is often assumed that I am there to represent the. disability perspective. But I

people. I was encouraged to see the GLBTcommunity having an "Access to Pride" committee to ensure that the GLBT Pride Festival was welcoming and accessible to people with disabilities. This shows that they value the participation of disabled people. How often at disability events do we see GLBTissues discussed or have speakers of colorwithdisabili- ties? Unfortunately, very sel- dom.

If we work together at building relationships with other traditionally marginalized groups, we build astrongercommunity for all of us. We share many of the same issues, such as unemployment, poverty, welfare reform, health care, and media portrayal.

At the University of Minne- sota, we have organized programs such as an annual re- treat for the seven student cultural centers (representing different raciallethnic, gender, disability and sexual orienta- tions) on campus to learn about each other's issues. The result

Our demographics are shifting and our society is becoming increasingly more diverse. Because of this, if traditionally underrepresented groups can get organized, wecan be in the "majority" - and think of the changes that could happei then! While this may be seen as threatening to "mainstream" society, I for one am excited about what the future holds. Maybeinmy lifetime1 will see a president who is a woman, openly gay, or disabled, or q person ofcolor. Or, better yeti someone with more than on6 of these identities! We h a d the powertomake this happen; but it won't be easy.

i Every day, I need to look at the privileges I have in this societ J as a white, middle class, het: erosexual person. I also need to continue to educate myself about other groups' issues. I need to work at building rela: tionships with othercommuni-. ties to understand their per- spectives. I can truly say that doing these things has helped me to become a stronger disability activist. It has also

possess multiple identities. stand to gain if Manning is put in .a "box" . .,-

_. - depending on how people see When a person with a disabil-

him. As a young African- ity is also a person of color, Arnericanman, therearemany they often may feel like they stereotypes our society has don't really fit anywhere. about him, including that he is Cheryl Green, in her article an athlete, someone to be One Resilient Baby makes feared, or a criminal. When he reference to this when she says identifiesas ablindman, how- ". . . I am not just a woman or ever, these stereotypes change just an African-American. I am to that of someone to be pitied, also a person with a visible or that he possesses incred- disability, andIhave also been iblemusical talent because the shaped by my awareness that only African-American blind my beliefs and experiences men who most people know conflict with those of white are Ray Charles or Stevie Won- non-disabled women, non-dis- der. Either way, Manning is abled African-Americans,and not allowed to be an indi- many women and men with vidual, but rather has to work disabilities. Iidentify partially to get beyond people's stereo- with all these groups, yet at types. This is a common expe- times I feel contempt and ex- rience for those of us who are clusion from each of them." membersofmarginalizedcom- There is a lot of racism in the munities. Thedifferenceis that disability community. There instead of only being put in is alot of ableism in commu- one box, when you are a per- nities of color. If you are a son of color or are gay, les- member of both, you may not bian, bisexual, ortransgender feel like you fit in either one. (GLBT) and also have a disability, you get put in a variety When I was agroup facilitator of boxes. for the "Disabled and Proud

National Gathering of College Issues for people with disabili- Students with Disabilities" in ties who are also members of 1995, I remember one of the othertraditionally marginalized African-American students in groups are often overlooked, my group talking about how it or are rarely a topic of discus- feltlikeshehad tomakeachoice sion in the disability rights about which community she movement. Traditionally, the could be apartof- the African- disability rights movement has American community or the been a white, heterosexual disabled community. When movement, with peopleofcolor she was in the African-Ameri- and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and can community, shedidn't talk transgender(GLBT)peopleleft about her identity as a dis- out. In this article, I wish to abled person. When she was discuss a few of the major is- withthedisability community, sues affecting people withdis- she didn't talk about her iden- abilities who have multiple tity as' an African-American

many other issues not discussed in this article, but I would now like to focus on ways to improve the situation. The most important one that I am going to focus on is getting educated to increase ouraware- ness. First of all, we have to increase our knowledge of other groups. I grew up on a farm in rural Minnesota where there were very few people of color. We had several Mexi- can-American (as they were referred to at that time) kids in my high school but, for the most part, they had separate classes and our school did nothing to promoteinteraction withthem. Also, Ididnot know any gay people and the word was notevenmentioned inany of my high school classes!

I learned nothing about the history or realities of people who were "different" from me. It wasn't until I went tocollege and began to interact with people who were "different" that a whole new reality set in. Although I didn't realize it at the time, I found myselfhaving many close friends who were gay, people of color, and international students because, like them, I was "different." Al- though it was something we never talked about, we shared the experience of being marginalized and, because of this, we were drawn together almost naturally. I also took a class in "Understanding Hu- man Oppression" which openedmy eyes notonly tomy own experience as a disabled

pose questions about how a decision may also impact people of color, or the elderly. Just because I am not amember of one of these groups doesn't mean I can't try to ensure that their concerns are being discussed. Too often we wait for a person from a group to "stand up for themselves" versus us taking the initiative to speak up about an injustice. I know I have appreciated times when someone else has brought up, say, an inaccessible campus building concern, instead of waiting for me to be the one to say something.

It is important to remember, though, that being an ally doesn't mean taking power or control away from aparticular group. It happens often where white people try to take over and make decisions about how people of color can best be served or what they need. As an ally, what I need to do is work to ensure that people of color are given the opportunities to express what they need or want. I need to work with them, not speak for them.

I think the disability community here has been quite suc- cessful in involving women withdisabilities. I'm proud to say that many of our activists and leaders are disabled women. But we need to do a better job of including people of color and those from the GLBTcommunity in ourmove- ment because we are leaving out a significant number of

important force on campus. hadn't learned about the cul- They speak up for each other tureof others, I would not have and have created a much more recognized the importance of unified voice. Too often my disability culture, nor have groups have wasted a lot of felt pride about this aspect of time fighting with each other. my identity. So I encourage When this happens, we are you to get educated and get doing our oppressors' work involved. It can change your forthem becauseifwe'reusing life, and the tives of others.. all of our energy to fight with each other, we don't make any Linda Wolford is the Director significant gains at confront- of the Diversity Institute for ing the system which op- Student Development and presses all of us. When we Educational Training, OfSice organize to fight injustice, of Multicultural Affairs, Uni- whether it be racism, sexism, versity of Minnesota. ableism, orany othersystem of domination, weallgain. People The Magic Wand is re- with multiple identities don't printed with permission of feel like they have to make a the author. Thepoem origi- choice about which commu- nally appeared in "Staring nity they align themselves Back: The Disab i l i t y with; they can fit anywhere. Experience front the Inside

Out", by Kenny Fries.

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10 September 10, 1998

Sports Beat Access Press

AccessAbility, lnc. Thunder Wins National Title Celebrates 50 Years by Craig McClellan and Luke Pedersen

T he St. Paul Thunder beat that marked a turning point for consisted of the bottom nine A ccessAbility, Inc. an- theirdisabilities. AccessAbil- when low unemploymen the St. Paul Saints 8-7 for bothteamswaswhenthey faced teams in the national tourna- nounced that 1998 is their ity , Inc. provides work training makes it difficult for some busi

the championship of the Na- tional Wheelchair Softball Tournament. The Thunder went undefeated in the double elimination tournament, claim- ing its seventh title in the last eight years. It proved to be a sweet victory for the Thunder, which not only beat an up- and-coming Minnesota rival, but reclaimed the titleafterfin- ishing second last year.

The National Wheelchair Soft- ball Association (N.W.S.A.) fielded its largest national tournament todate, which was held August 20-22 at the CoorsField parking lot in Denver, Colo- rado. There were over 50 games played in three days, with a record 17 teams and more than 300 players participating. An- other milestone was that for the first time, a team from the east coast attended the tournament.

"The level of play keeps going up every year," said Saint's Coach Speake, who is alsocom- missioner of the N.W.S.A. "It was just an outstanding tournament and I was impressed by the amount of involvement from the Colorado Rockies

each other in the losers' bracket. Both teams had lost a game early in the tournament, forc- ing them to take the long road to the championship. The Saints and Twins played a game that proved as uplifting for the Saints as it was heart- breaking for the Twins.

Heading into the fifth inning, the Twins held a 3-0 lead. The Saints scored five runs in the last two innings to take a 5-3 advantage. The Twins rallied in the top of the seventh, scoring one to cut the lead to 5-4. The Twins had a man on third with two outs, but wereunable to score the tying run.

The Saints used the win as a springboard to the championship game. The Saints 12- mnned defending champion St. Louis Rams in five innings and bombed the RICCubs (Chi- cago) before taking on the Thunder. Both the Saints losses came to the Thunder. i

'The key to our turnaround was the Twins game," said Saints coach Speake. 'The players were really deflated after losing to the Thunder,

ment. The National Tourna- ment marked the end of the softball season.

**** Chris Kram scored the winning goal less than a minute into sudden death overtime to give the Clash a 3-2 win against the Big Red, and claim thechampi- onship of the Minneapolisl St. Paul Metropolitan Area Divi- sion of theU.S. EWHA (United States Electric Wheelchair Hockey Assooiation). The Clash repeated as champions despite an excellent performance by the Big Red. Mike Tauber's defense repeatedly broke up scoring chances for the Big Red's forwards.

k a m finished the game with three unassisted goals and goaltender Lance Philips got the win for the Clash. Wayne Baierhad two goals andDustin Sammons an assist for the Big Red.

Third p la~e went to theNoStars who beat the Storm 5-1. After being tied 1-1, the NoStars scored four unanswered goals to secure the win. Teny Meka had two goals and an assist for the NoStars. Dave Bruflodt

50th year of providing busi- and services to adult welfare nesses access to the skills of recipients who qualify for the people with disabilities. The MinnesotaFamily Investment theme Celebrating Success, Program-Statewide (MFIP-S). Creating Futures describes Metro area businesses con- the role AccessAbility has tract with AccessAbility and played in the community dur- its 200 workers to have work ingtheir50years ofservice. "It done either at AccessAbility 's was the abilities of people that in-house plant or at the busi- inspired us to focus on provid- ness site. ing access'io work," says Bonita Hammel, president of AccessAbility's work place- ten years. "This focus reflects mentmodel includes: aThirty- a strong recognition of the day Trial Work period; a Vo- importance of meaningful em- cational Performance Assess- ployment in everyone's life." ment; an Individual Employ-

ment Plan; and then a three to Founded under the name of six month period of Transi- CerebralPalsyFoundation,the tional Employment. This agency changed its name to model has been shown to AccessAbility, Inc. in 1986 to greatly enhance the worker's emphasize the focus on chance of success in competi- peoples'abilities rather than tive employment. Once indi-

viduals are at workin thecom- The Minneapolis/. St. Paul ,unity, along-tem follow-up Metropolitan Area Division by ajob coach will ensure that seasoniscompleteandwillnot each individual receives the have any more games until the support they need to maintain season begins next April. their performance and improve

I theirikills. Final Reg. Seas~n Standings Team Record Pts Workers at AccessAbility cre- Clash 63-0 - l2 ate products for a variety of Storm 4-4-1 local employers, including Tar- BigRed 342 get stores, West Publishing, NoStslrs 2-3-3 7 and General Mills. Workcrews

nesses to find qualified I ployees. ".*; -.- A d 6 ..'&,<I For 50 years, ~ c c e s s ~ b i l i t ~ . ~ . ' ' ' i' 1 has added a new dimension of I

personal satisfaction to the lives of people who have trained for and found jobs through its program. "We are proud of our success and accomplishments during the past ] fifty years," says Hammel, "but our current success is by no means our final destination. Rather, it is a milestone in our journey of enabling people to work and creating meaningful futures."

Events celebrating Access- Ability, Inc.'s50hanniversary:

Open House: An open house -

will be held on Thursday, Sep- tember 17,from 1:OOpm to4:OO pm. There will be building tours and reheshrnents available.

Gala Ce1ebration:A galacel- ebration will be held on the building grounds on Thurs- day, September 17, from 5 pm to 8 pm. The program will consist of a presentation at 6 pm, recognition of donors and honored guests, and hors

sotaRolling Twins finished the - . win. LukePedersen scoredthe tournament in second and sixth 'The team fromMilwaukee won only goal for the Storm. Minneapolis,MN55413. Email: place, respectively. The game the Division I1 bracket, which <cml7@skv~oint.com>

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September 10, 1998 11 ADMISSIONS OFFICER

Mankato State University, a zompreh~nsivepublic university of 12,50Ostudents, located 80 miles south of Minneapolis,

LEGAL SECRETARY invitesapplications andnomi- nations of qualified candidates

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENTAND for the position of Admissions Legal Aid Society of Minne- ALUMNI RELATIONS Part-Time Officer. This is a nine-month apolis seeks full-time sec. General College University of Minnesota All Fun fixed-term posi tion with respon- WP5.1 exp req, 6.0+; 65 wpm sibility for planning and imple- pref; Spanish a +. Sal: DOE, TheGeneralCollegeattheUniversity ofMinnesota-Twincities Ludlow Advertising, Inc., the mentation of recruitment ac- fully pd family hlth ins, vaca- invites applications for the full-time position of Director of premier center for fun in the tivities, and managing an as- tionlsick. Start: When filled. Development and Alumni Relations. This position reports fast-paced world of advertis- signedrecruitmenttenitoly. A

Cover letter & resume ASAP. directly to the Dean. The Director will be responsible for ing, has an exceptional part- degree is required. G ~ ~ ~ ~ R ~ ~ ~ ~ L A s M , J ~ ~ ~ initiating and developing fundraising campaigns; securing t i m e o ~ ~ o f l u n i t ~ available for F~~ further infomation or a 4fi S. ~ ~ l ~ , MN 55408. individual, corporate and foundation gifts; and managing the right Person. complete job description, AA/E~E. AFDCIMFIp recip. alumni relations. please contact:

We're looking for amotivated encouraged.

Essential qualifications include: a Bachelor's degree; 5-years team-~la~erwith asbong eye ~ d ~ i ~ ~ i ~ ~ ~ officer search experience in direct development, fundraising, or major gift fordetailandaccurac~,awell % ~ d ~ i ~ ~ i ~ ~ ~ office solicitation; knowledge of the nonprofit community; demon- % a strong ability to perform - MSU 55 strated iriterpersonal and teamwork skills, particularly the abil- under Pressure, to join our

O ~ m Mankato State University

ity to work with diverse constituencies. Desired qualifications crazy cr~wd. You'llberespon- P.O. Box 8400 -TOR include: marketing, sales, or public relations experience; suc- sible for a variety of adminis- ~ ~ ~ k ~ ~ ~ , MN 56002-8400

(Part-Time) cessinrecmiting, training, andmanaging volunteers; evidence trative duties in our Telephone: 507-389-1822 ofbeing self-initiating, creative andentrepreneurial inconceptu- Bloomington ofice including TTY: 1-800-627-3529

KTCA-TV, one ofPBS 's lead- alizing development activities; administrative, organizational faxing, filing, and phone work. Fax: 507-389-5 14 ing Public Television stations, andmanagerial proficiency; and excellent communication skills. Hoursare Wed. 12-5:30,Thurs. is, looking for a person with Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. 9-5:30andFri. 8:30-6. Mankato State University is

and familiarity with other pro- Strong organizational, creative duction and post-production and customer service skills to equipment. You have experi- support and coordinate the ence in directing the work of activities of aReady To Learn others and a habit of reaching Service initiative. This is a goals on budget and deadline. part-time position that pro- IS that YOU? Then send acover vides acompetitive salary and letter, resume, honreturnable benefitpackage. Minimum re- demo reel with at least five quirements include a B.A. and examples (note Your role in 2 - 4 years of experience in early each)* and requirements childhood development. Sub- by 09130/98 to: Box 286-8* mit letter, resume and salary

172 E' 4th St., St' requirements by 09/25/98 to: MN 55 lo'' AAP/EEO' Box a9.9; KTCA; 172K 4th

/CARPENTERS t St; St. Paul, MN55101.

TEST. EOE 939-4100.

-1 Employment Om

CITYOFSAMT INDEPENDENT

solution. Bringing more people with disabilities into the labor market through the passage ofS. 1858 is morally and fiscally responsible. Passing this bill is only the beginning of long-overdue Social Security reform.

$f$ Congress will go into reeds at the end of September. In order to avert a shutdown 0%

the federal governmeas$@ ernl$1gh:profjle budg&.billg mu$ be pai~kd. . he dangqg is that these'Jarg6 bills will$ domlnate thkren;;;indk&f& sessi~~rharaquqn~o~_$; 1,858 ~ i l l i a b e ~ u t o ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

TIAL td insure that&this critical legfslatiqn stays. on the agenda and passes .this st+-

: . '. sionl.' . : . . . , . , ; , . ' , ..... . <.,,.. . , , , " . , , .

For more inforinkion' ori'sl.

A completed application consists of (1) a letter of application describing your qualifications: (2) a resume or vita; and (3) the names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least three references. Send materials to: Development Director Search, General College, University of Minnesota, 240Appleby Hall, 128 Pleas- ant Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Application deadline is 4:00pm September25,1998.

For acomplete job description, contactAnnetteDigreat(612) 625-2880. For more information on General College, visit <http:l/www.gen.umn.edu>.

an Affirmative Action/Equal Yourcommunicationskills will Opportunity University find good company here, and in return for your time and ef- JOB OPPORTUNITIES fort, we offer ahighly competitive hourly wage, and a fun- St. Paul based glass and glaz- filled entry into the exciting ing co*tractoris seekingmoti- worldofadvertising. Call Vir- vated individuals to fill skilled ginia today: 703-2515. and unskilled union positions.

Equal opportunity employer. L U ~ ~ O W Advertising, Inc. is an Please submit application/re- Equal Opportunit)/ Employer. sume to:

Human Resources 1811 Greenview Place SW

Suite 101

FACULTY PQSITIONS . I =AUL'AM) mOOL DISTRICT #625 I Entry Level or Experien ed ~eacher positions C I

Recruiter ........................................... 266-6476 24-hour Jobline ........................................ 266-6502 TDDATY .............................................. 266-6501

Fax ........................................... 292-7656

An Eqzial Employment Opportunir)* Employer

Ramsey County Ramsey County invites you to join us En

building a better community through public service in the following fiekls:

Administrative, Management and Technical Services Building and Facility Services Clerical and Secretarial Services Community and Social Services Court, Legal and Law Enforcement S e ~ c e s Property RecorddRevenue Services Public Works and Transportation Services Parks and Recreation Services

Contact our Job Hotline for a recorded list of current job openings a t

(651) 266-2666

Ramsey County Personnel Dept 430 RCGC West so west Kanogg Boulevard Saint Paul. Minnesota 55102

-nCOUHn (651) 266-2700 Of (651) 266-2728 (TOD)

You may also view a list of current job openings and other useM Mmmtion, or download

application materials. on internet at:

wwW.C(UB~.RII I .US

w illiamMitchel1 College ofiLaw invites applications for two tenure track positions in it J.D. program, to begin the 1999- 2000academic year. Cand dates with any special experience

or expertise will be consideded. Expe H 'se in Criminal Law, Trusts and states, property, Lawyeringibki11s, civil Procedure, ~dministrative~aw, andHealth Law are of special interest. JZandidates should have excellent academic credentials and significant professional experience. We are looking for persons who demonstrate scholarly interest, teaching aptitude, and the ability to represent the J.D. program to the practicing bar. A J.D. or an equivalent degree is required.

The College is an equal opportunity employer. We urge applications from members of groups historically under-represented in the legal profession and those individuals who will increase our faculty diversity.

I Applicants should send a cover let&, resume, list of references, and additional material that may be influenhal in the recruiting process t@;

Professor Matthew P. Downs Chair, Faculty Appointments Committee

Attention: Human Resources Room 123-11 I Ifh William Mitchell College of Law

11 875 Summit Avenue St. Paul, MN . 55105

Access Press September 10,1998

1998 Celebration Of C o ~ r a g ~ ~ - - Recognizes Community's Progress Employing People -" With : .4:i!l -. ,.+= Di r .. .

r . <-

- 7 . *r -;a A critical issue facing labor force that hasn't been ni&wntpr~gressandCourage: sentation at the Marriottqty

people with disabilities tappad- a labor force that is Center's Celebration of Cour- CenterinMinne@sg&& is employment, Even though qualiFied and ~ a d y to work. age event recognizes these the unemployment rate for Many-employera are seizing successes. peoplewith severe disabilities this opportuni$y and more is still at an incredibly high people with disabilities are Under the leadership of cow- CELEBRATION OF.COURACjE 74% theArneri&ns withDis- getting excellent jobs. W i l e age Auxiliary,'&e 1998 Cel- plisbents, foresight, and vi- abilitiesAct is helpingemploy- there is still much more to be ebration of C o w featurn a ers realize that~here is a whole done, M i n ~ e s ~ ~ ~ ~ s i g - gala dimex and swards pre-

men& made in 'employment. i Hire People With Disabilities gtk:

{ere disabilities to work, ties to I .,,, *,,,th,,t ,,..,,., h,,,A,

n To The Labor Shortage The most powat r q m n

,; rate for people with severe ds- e&&. = abilities is shocking. Forthme recognized, but the impact that program, then became an em-

individuals with non-severe Even though the 74% un6.m Computer revolution & had ployee of Courage Center's disabilities it's 23.1%, but for ploymeat rate paints a grim ~ n w ~ e ~ w i t h ~ ~ ~ * ~ e s h a s m b i l i t y Inogram in No-

, those with severe disabilities picbre, it is a m k w yet w For ve* 1995. She works Six

: i t ' s a n ~ m ~ s i b l e 7 3 . 3 % . in the evolution of vocational m a 9 ~ ~ t h d ~ b i l i t i ~ ~ hour days Monday kough The combination of today's services for individuals with computers in the work~lwe Fr iw.

. labor shortage and the high severe disabilities. Techno- havemahm~lo~mentamm

-. unemploymentrate h o n g the logical applications allawindi- &istic ex- forthe first CS~Y uses Zoom-Text, which disability sector provides a viduals with sewem disabili- timeintheirlims. is a tool to eslarge text on the great opportunity to educate ties to perform werk t&s in computer monhras she types. employers on the advmtaps ways thought impossible five b o g n i z i n g t h e ~ o e n u im- She also has -~-GPS on of employingpeople with&- y-ago. pact of computer technology her keyboard, in ~ d c r to see abilities. Disabilities Act has e w g e d and corresponding eslploy- the lCW%S more easily. All of

employers in problem solvie merit 0~~0rhmiti&, &urtlge her work is enlarged to 130% ~ h i i k the labor shortage may on disability issues and has Center began 0-w wm- so she is Mkmbktoreadthe

I be negatively impacting U.S. insisted on,h reduction of ~umassessment ~ n i n g forms fsom which she types. businesses, it is resulting posi- barriers that have p r e v i ~ l y in 199 1. At Pro- tively in employment opportu- limited employment. gram was staffed by me per- Computers haw not only in-

. nities for people with disabili- son who served 53 ~ i e n t s with creased opportunities such as ties. Traditionally, two of the As employers come up with ~ ~ c ~ ~ . BY 1996, htaAbilh"sdamnWjabs, greatest barriers people with creative ways t o f d and keep t h e ~a '@nk~ta f f inembers but now dm d k ~ ~ people to puter h n i n g and job place- h n a l S e r v i c e s ~ a l s 0 ~ 0 ~ I r s disabilities encounter in the good employees, they d- and eig4t volunteers who work from home. For many mentservices toaperson with ~I~with~ocalcorporations work force have been on the ready starting to hi& more served 152clients with35 jobs, an individual can a disability in the privacy of to plar;e people with disabiili- "-

, part of the employer: alackof people with disabilities. With Puters, the Program con- kfecommute to work. This their own home, This elimi- ties in competitive jobs in the understanding and a fear of each new hire, employmfas tinus to W w hb~i * means they wn-hex-ly nates potential barriers such community. Every year 50 -- hiring someone with,a dis- any fear they may haveW&d a - f . . - pdncfive without ever hav- as transportation or worksite people with dimbilities find &ility. Companies are fi- gvaterunderstandingevolves E n h a ~ e m e ~ m u l t i ~ l ~ ~ ~ f ~ - ing to leave their own home. accommodatianstheemployee emek,ym8ntthrougb~urage - "

nally beginning to recog- that will carry forth long after nologyevolves. Sincethe pro- Courqe Center staff and vol- mayrequire. Center. Some of 2$s compa- nize the benefits of hiring thelaborshorta~problemhas W began, ~ u t i l h f of mfeem are able to W* ni& that have made the effort

md &mat suppdngLm vsw Y h this. There is a in-kikd

ip between unteeftw., and Dain age Center

a w c k whkh benefits not ation-ithldsspeci~maan- dy oslrco~tlrnu~, ht-n iag. "At W e , we thinkbeing ; wP1. Empb~yem fee11 g a d a m d t y I~ader is manim- bomt dile coatr ibuh and &won ~f bwi- fen m x clients Ihe to k r ~ w ROW Tsck'tter, e g i w ~ k t o ~ s ~ t y ~ exwuei~e v&e psident d atw Mattha BaumBacR, Dak!ar1s Pri-vws G%mt G r q mmunityrelatba~~dspe- and a Cbwago CWW b d 4 events ma'* &t I%& member. " ~ Q W m- asckr.

" . g'

- - - nennle with disabilities adaptations that exist has in- vocational assessment, com- The Courage ~ e n f e r Voca- ~ p F k - rnnt nn YI .Y 6 - !

14 September 10, 1998 -%?;- =. -P'

Access Press - .= :/&>$<* C o u r a a e Cente r

Couraqe Center Honors Noi'thwest 1 Airlines Wins

achieved success in their careers. The award, which is spon- disabillhes. Courage Center had an incredible number of sored by theRose and Jay Phlllips Farmly Founda~on, Includes sincerely excellent nominees, maklng the selection a d~fficult Pa rf n e rs Awa rd a I I ,000 honorarium. TIK purpose of the awards is ~ W O ~ O to process. This year's winners are S C O I ~ Dehn, Kathenne rprnoni7e inrl~vrrlvtqlc w i t h r l i c q h i l ~ t ~ ~ c whn hnvp nrpnnrecl fnr '+hnlpder 1 indawolfnrd DehhleLentz. and GuvMarcuccl,

I :e 14~4, ~ u u r a g ~ Lentel ''as prewlrted al l l l~al Phillips a defined employment in their chosen i,,,,,, ,," kv delp , - . .wards to men and women with disabilities who have employers understand the advantages of hiring people with

*ess Press September 10, 1998 15 L - - Y

C - L '

+db #

z

.-c - 4

b i-.. -$ + j

v a r d W i n n e r s .: + -

-

-< Five Phillips Winners p a ;*Jut A- Award * * - f-

ic +- Winner: Pamela

degrees and a resume with an which fosters a more acces- incredibly long list of accom- sible community for students. plishrnents. "Linda works in a professional capacity that ad- Linda's professional accom- vances our understanding of plishments have madeadiffer- humandifference. Sheis highly ence in our community. regarded in her role at the Uni- versity of Minnesota and in the community," states Wendy Brower, executive director of The Disability Insti- tute.

Currentlv,Lindais the Director of the ~iversi ty Institute for Student Development and Educational Programs in the Office of Multicultural Affairs at the University of Minne-

implementing diversity programs and trainings to improve the climate for diversity on campus. Previously, she has held positions including: Counselor/Advocate for disabled students at the Univer- sity; Information and Referral Specialist forae State Council on Disability; a ~ o u n s e l o r

Debbie Lentz was born hard of hearing and, with the onset of Usher Syndrome at puberty, became blind.

Debbie graduated fram GallaudetCollege, volu"feered as an a c m s for seven years

deafblind, and hearing impaired persons." states Amy McQuaid, senior program plan- ner, Deaf and Hard of Healing Services Division, Minnesota Department of Human Ser- vices. Debbie is the president af the Minnesota Deaf Blind Association(MDBA). Among her other accomplishments, she has structured MDBA to utilize technology viaemail to more effectively communicate with members.

"Debbie's sense of humor has buoyed her through facing the difficult challenges of life, to which she has risen above expectations and benefits from those difficulties. Her sense of dignity, pride, and indepen- dence are obvious to everyone who meets Debbie," says McQuaid.

to work and he made it happen. It tooksomeresearch, but Guy found a program that worked to train individuals with disabilities to re-enter the work- place. Classified as a high level quadriplegic, Guy was one of the most severely disabled of any persons in his Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) training program.

He determined that he wanted to work in the computer field and successfully convinced the admissions person that he could do thejob. After passing an extensive admittance test, he was then admitted in the CAD training course. Here he learned how to take engineer designs and, through the use of acomputer, create blueprints that give a manufacturer the exact specs to build machine parts.

His accommodations consist of a headset and puff tube which allow Guy to control the computer cursor by moving

Edwards e Judd Jacobson Award,

established in 1992, rec- 'L) ognizes achievements in en- trepreneurial endeavors by a person with a disability. The recipient receives a sash award of $2,5OQ, made possible by a giftfromDanie1 J. Gainey, alife long friend of Judd Jacobson. Pamela Edwards and her business, Horizon Therapeutic Massage, more than meet this criteria

In 1991, Pamela was a single mother of three working as an insurance secretary. At her annual eye exam, the doctor discovered something wrong. Aftermoretesting, Pamela was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigrnentosa and was told that within 10 years, she would be totally blind.

With three children, Pamela needed to plan ahead. She

Retinitis Pigmentosa, I was told to find a job where I didn't use my eyes. I was told that by helping others, I could forget my disability. The answerwas obvious. After much deep thought, I knew my choice as a profession was massage thera- py. I truly believe this has been the right choice. I enjoy help ing other people feel better about themselves especially seeing the difference between the way the client feels when

et Stores ips Foundation

- . L

Adjunc t Faculty member in willmark her251hyear working the Department of Women's in banking. She is the Account Studies at the University where Specialist, Type IJ at US Bank she co-instructs a course on where she works on the corn- Women with Disabilities. puberandsolvespMemsw5Fh

deposits. Debbie is wry suc- Each one of Linda's roles im- cessful in her job, is a home- pactsmany lives. She has cho- owner, has a long history of sen a career path that is not success in the work force, and At age 21, Guy Marcucci was only satisfying for her, but has is very independent. in amotorcycleaccident which made an invaluable difference paralyzed him from the neck in thelives ofothers. She helps "Debbie is known in the com- down. Afterthis, he wasplaced createapositiveattitudewhich munity of persons with deaf/ in a nursing home - perhaps the students carry forth blindness for her strong lead- with the intent that he would throughout the rest of their ership capabilities, herknowl- live there for therest of his life. lives. Furthermore, she is able edge of service delivery and to influence the environment, her sensitivity toward deaf, He didn't. Guy had the desire to be a massage therapist.

1 When I was diagnosed with Horizon Therapeutic Massage has a solid base and Pamela's enthusiasm and business savvy will ensure ongoing

GOLF

TABLE SPONSORS American Business Women, Medtronic Foundation Padilla, Spear, Beardsley,

Ladyslipper Chapter MILS Home Care Inc. Brook Park Realty Mitchell Hutchins Taylor Cop. Deluxe Corp. MN Business Partnership The St. Paul Comp. Guidant Corp. NORWEST Corp. W.A. Lang Co.

William King Family

TEAM AND TABLE SPONSORS General Mills, Inc. Graco. Inc. Harvest States Cooperatives Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. Janice Gardner Foundation Jundt Associates, Inc. Kraus Anderson Construction Co. Lift-Stak-Stor

Marquette Bancshares SCICOM Data Services Ltd. MCI Telecommunications Cop. Shared Ventures, Inc. Medtronic, Inc. Target Stores Mesaba Holdings, Inc. Travelers Express Co., Inc. Northwest Airlines Corp. United Healthcare NSP UPS OPUS Northwest, LLC Wendy's PESTONE (The NEVlN Group)

IUames included on sponsorship k t were cutnp/ete as of print deadline

success.

Cont. from p. 14 bility in changing perceptions of the capabilities of persons with disabilities as emplo&, and as members of our society at large. As anemployer, NWA makes a conscious effort to support the rights, identify the needs, and celebrate the successes of individuals with disabilities.

TheMinnesotaBusiness Part- nership and Courage Center are proud to recognize North- west Airlinesfor its excellence in recruiting and hiring people withdisabilities and for its com- mitment to fostering a diverse workforce.

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