- , -, .a -- - -

"The challenge is be part of the struggle, to rnalce a positive diflerence. "

Barriers To - David Satcher Employment - p.4

Access Press. Volume 8, Number. 9 SOURCES I RESOURCES September 10, 1997

TENANT TURMOIL Management Problems Create Unsafe Conditions by Jane Wheeler

I t'samajorstorm. Theelec- tricity has gone out in vari-

ous parts of the city. Sud- denly a barrier forms around your house: you are trapped inside. Worse yet, you are

despite a power outage. Hos- pitals, care facilities and ma- jor high-rises use backup gen- erators for these types ofemer- gency situations.

rise buildings did have gen- erators in place. She explained that since major power out ages have not been a large issue in the past, there has not been pressure by the public to make generators mandatory. While she admits it would be

trapped outside. It sounds borriblii, but thisise&iiilhly

Hartwigsen's night on July 1 , 1997.

Jon Dickerson is the manag- ing general partner for Cen.

. - - -. . - . . - . . - . . -. . . . . - . . .

erator in place, sherecognizes that it will be a sacrifice of

limited partnership that owns Holmes Greenway. He also runs DiversifiedEquities Cor- poration that manages the building. In an interview he said that they are already accepting bids on installing a generator but the outlook is not promising. He claimed that the first bid they received estimated approximately $62,000. This expenditure would take up half of the re- serves available for the building's futuremaintenance needs like replacing carpet- ing and windows.

possible future repairs. She said, "if you are investing half the reserves, what are you giv- ing up?"

During the storm on that date that caused power outages and flooding in the Twin Cities area, power was lost in part of the Holmes Greenway com- plex and both elevators were inoperable from approxi- mately 9:30 PM on July 1 until 7:00 PM the following day.

This is not the first time resi- dents have had to pressure the management at Holmes Greenway to make changes in the building in the interest of accessibility. Some of the residents with physical limi- tations were unable to work the mechanical locks that were in place on the apart- ment doors. This was particu- larly difficult for those occu- pying the corner rooms. The locks are only a few inches away from the hallway walls. This orientation does not al- low clearance for a wheel- chair.

Photo provided by Evan Kernp Associates

!@! National Leader Dies 1 Hartwigsen along with four others spent the night in the building's common area. These five members of the Holmes Greenway commu- nity use wheelchairs and were unable to get to their apart- ments using the stairs. "I ba- sically sleptsittinginmy chair. I had a pillow and leaned on a table," Hartwigsen said.

Z&;,q&$ EJ&~ J. K e m ~ . Jr.

When the final bids come in, Dickerson will then have to submit the bids for approval to HUD, who insures the building's mortgage. HUD would then determine whether the building has enough financial viability to support the expenditure. Other residents who use

wheelchairs were trapped within their apartments for over twenty hours. A prob- lem like inoperable elevators is an obvious failure in the intended mission of the resi- dence. Holmes Greenway isa' 15 year old building that was designed to be wheelchair accessible. Its purpose is to provide housing for disabled people who receive Housing and Urban Development (HUD) subsidies for their liv- ing expenses.

The residents temporarily used the unsafe solution of leaving their doors unlocked. A freighting condition that Kathleen Hagen of the Dis- ability Law Center says is probably quite common. "People are traditionally leav- ing themselves in unsafe situ- ations around Minnesota, be- cause they are unable to lock their doors," she said.

Since the July Is storm, HUD his become more aware of the potential problems of not installing backup generators in multifamily complexes. HUD sponsors many build- ings that are designed specif- ically for the disabled and the elderly, but it does not at this time have a generator require- ment.

- - d .

f##EL&mxdCamWith lities Act af 1940,

bewm& not b e ~ d n e d B P r d ~ . K m - c a . on p. 3

Hagen advised the residents in negotiating their solution. The residents requested that automatic, electronic locks to be installed on the doors of the units. Hagen explained that the ADAdoes not require building owners to offer elec-

Patricia Mack is a public af- fairs officer for HUD and was upset when the situation at Holmes Greenway was brought to her attention. She looked into the various de- signs of HUD complexes and found that a few of the high

After the July 1 storm, some of the residents requested that a backup generator be in- stalled to the elevator mo- tors, so they would function Holmes - con1

Access P r e s s

Changes To D.E.A.F.. Will Someone Please New Name, New Image;, Turn On ? r 1:: - - ! Le --'lt e-

by Robert Walker

by Michael Zeledon ost people know some have spent the last several betcha", the Council will try thing about community months talking with Minneso- and get foundation funds for a

equal access and quality of life leader in the provision of ac- referral. ( a ) Whatpercentageofpeople because they see that if they Virginia, Michigan, Georgia who use employment pro- had access to program results, and national Goodwill Indus-

grassroots organization estab- and alive!" metro area recreational activi- lished in 1885. D.E.A.F. is a non-profit organization funded primarily by grants

council NRC goals are very

ing people, and a variety of

Getting employment networks they can serve more people hear what you have to say about

promoting every Deaf provides direct services such to measure benefits to con- withdisabilities. We will also employment programs and American's right to equal ac- as telecommunications relay sumers will take a lot of help be making sure that programs withyourpermission,addyour

and that's whatthismessage is do not improve outcomes just name to our mailing list. And because they start serving don't forget to ask us for some people with minor problems. details on what wedo and why

The National Results Council it is that we need your help. SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION isaMinnesotagrownnonprofit We are looking for support Just mention the NRC "Light

organization thathas spent four from anyone who thinks it's of the Day" package.

529-5019 483-9143 years and $250,000 to find a time to turn on the lights so we way to compare programs and can see what's going on and Robert Walker is Founder of

HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES

Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroom

ACCESS PRESS apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. We have housing in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Grand Rapids,

Co-Founder/Publisher (1990-1995) ...................................... ; ............................. Wm. A. Smith, Jr. Hibbing, Marshall, willmar, and ~ ~ l ~ t h . EditorlPublisherlCo-Founder .......................................................................... Charles F. Smith Cartoonist .......................................................................................................... Scot t Adam The apartments are fully wheelchair accessible and each building has a Production ........................ , ...................................... , Presentation Images, Ellen Houghton Staff Writers & Editorial Assistants ............., Cindy Bordeaux, Dawn Doering & Jeff Nygaard central laundry room, large community room, securedentry and an on-site ACCESS PRESS is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities b Access caretaker. Press. Ltd. Circulation is 10,000, distributed the IOY of each month through more than 130 rocations statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic AS1 SO offers shared personal care services 24 hours a day, at most leaders. Subscriptions are available for $1 51yr. locations, for adults with a physical disability andlor traumatic brain Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest to persons with disabilities, or persons injury who qualify for Medical Assistance. serving those with disabilities, are welcomed.

Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $14 to Sl8lcolumn inch, depending on size and Formore (61 2, 645-727 466-7722. services frequency. Classified ads are $8.00, plus 35 centslword over 20 words. or housing call Leigh, for employment as a personal care attendant call Advertising and editorial deadlines are the 30th of the month preceding publication; special scheduling Sean or Courtney. available for camera-ready art.

Access Press is available on tape. Call MN State Services for the Blind. 642-0500 or 800-652-9000.

Inquiries should be directed to: ACCESS PRESS 1821 University Ave. W. Suite 185N St. Paul, Minnesota 55 104 (612) 644-2133 Fax (612) 644-21 36 4 Accessible Space, Inc.

d

L - .

Proiect GOLD Access

An Opportunity For Girls

Press September 10,1997 3

. IN BRIEF. . . . 112~~ Annual Job Success Fair

- And Their Parents The 12th Annual Job Success sored by the City of tribute resumes, leam about Fair - Exploring Your Op- Bloomington and theMarriott job requirements, obtain in- tions for people with disabili- Hotel. Sign Language inter- formationaboutjob placement ties will be held on Monday, preters will be available. and training programs from October 13, 1997 from 12:00 vocational resource people, Noon- 4:00 PM at the Marriott The Job Success Fair provides and learn about community Hotel - Bloomington, 2020 an excellent opportunity for resources and advocacy pro- East 79th Street. The event is all people with disabilities to grams. Informational work- free to the public and is spon- meetpotentialemployers,dis- shops will be held.

Mental Illness Awareness Week October 5 - 11 is mental ill- steps of the State Capitol. depression screening, along ness awareness week and will with many guest speakers and feature events all week, begin- The week will feature infor- open forums. Foracdlendar of . ning with a candlelight vigil rnation booths at the Mall of events call the Alliance forthe

roject GOLD is a club de- led by scientists and math opportunity to learn. Their signedforgirlswithphysi- ematicians as well as by Club sessions will be on: adaptive

' cal, sensory, and/or medical faculty andstaff. Girls will be equipment, the Internet, e- - * - disabilities and who have an matched up with afemalecol- mail, advocacy for their chil-

interest in science, mathemat- lege student mentor who is dren, and a variety of other '* ics, technology andlor com- also interested in math, sci- topics to help with the devel- : puters, and their

. parents. Project GOLD is now ac- cepting applica- tions from girls

opment of their child through

I adulthood.

Proiect GOLD is from around the state OF Minne-

funded by the Na- 1 on bct. 5, at ~:OOPM, on the America and area libraries, Mentally Ill at (612) 64512948. tional Science Foundation with lNew Computer Lab sota who are en-

tering grades 6-8 to participate in this special, free club. The club meets once a month, seven times throughout the year, on the

.................

s u ~ ~ o r t from thk I Metro Regional Service Cen- and utilizing technology.There Park Library to establish the u zM - enera] ter for Deaf and Hard of Hear- are two computer stations ' new "Deaf and Hard of Hear- College. Other ing (RSC) has recently estab- which individuals can use to ing Collection." The Library participants are lished an equipment and com- surf various web sites. is located on Marshall and the PACER ten- puter lab. This will be an inter- Fairview Avenues in St. Paul. ter, the Minne- active lab SO that consumers The RSC donated all their li- apolis and st. Paul can learn more about installing brary books to the Merriam

SchOO1sy Ann iirersary Celebration and the Inter- A d v ~ c a t i n ~ ~ h a n g e ~ o ~ e t h e r meeting on Tuesday. October Building , tickets an $10.00 agency Office On is celebrating its 18th anni- 14, 1997. The event will take per person. To RSVP (612) Transition at the versary at the annual dinner/ place at the Griggs Midway 641-0297. Minnesota De-

~ i n n e a ~ o l i s Campus of the University of Minnesota.

Summer Camp - Geometry Day partment of Chil- Activities will begeared to the ence and/or technology. The dren, Families, and Learning. I KEMP = cant. from p. 1 interests of the club members. mentor will assist with class- I and science, but must be found criminate against people with

disabilities. the firm of Evan Kemp Asso- ciates, Inc. (EKA), a multi- facetedcommunications, mar- keting, health and mobility company. With over 90 em- ployees inMaryland, V e m i a and Pennsylvania, EKA is the leader in providing news, in- formation, products and ser-

Girls will work insmallgroups work and communicate with Membership is free and lim- I in the political arena through in science and math using the participant via e-mail. ited. To get an application, the recognition of disability computers and other forms of Computers are provided. please call the Project GOLD as a civil rights issue. technology. For example, office at (6 12) 625-3398 be- Internet and e-mail use will be While the girls are busy in fore October 10, 1997. Eventually, Mr. Kemp was a topic. The sessions will be workshops, parents also get an hired to work in the chief

HOLMES COW. from D. 1 counsel's office at the Inter- nal Revenue Service. In 1967,

As a private businessman, Mr.Kemp spearheaded agroup of investors who purchased a small wheelchair company, Invacare, in 1979. At Mr. Kemp's suggestion, the com-

tney mlgnt be evlctea. 1 and became an authority on and marketing ofits products. conditions toliveindependent red an

undue financial burden on the owner. . .

be reimbursed for the price of theelectronic lackpven if they mova and leave the lack'in p~acd. Central Housmg Asso- ciates legally does not have to reimburse the residents. They will allow residents to'remove the lock, at their own expense, and take it with them. Dicker- son explained, since they did not originally buy each indi- vidual lock, they do not wish to be held liable for any future problems with the locks.

equity funded insurance prod- Theunnamedresidentclaimed ucts. He sued the SEC when that* in general, he was told that he could not Greenway residents do not be promoted to a supervisory understand their rights. She position because he used a claimed many residents be- wheelchair. The successful lieve if they compjain their though aduous experience living situation is not acces- made him awar& of the short- siblet t h y will be consided comings of the federal sector unable tolive on their own and processing system will have to move to a nursing which, as chairman of the home or care facility. EEOC, he was able to im-

prove greatly. Hopefully a salution will be found the In 1980, Mr. Kemp left the situation at Holmes Greenway governmentto head the~alph before Minneapolis is hit by ~ ~ d ~ ~ - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~bisability another disastrous storm like ~ i ~ h ~ center where he led a lhe One On July "- the successful fight against the backup generator to be in- Reagan Mministration's at- stalled, HUDwill have togrant tempts to eliminate key provi- approval, and Dickerson and sions of the 1973 Rehabilita- the owners will have to exer- tion ~ ~ t . me ~~t made it cise their foresight and follow illegal for organizations that through with the plans. receive federal funding to dis-

Within ten lnvicare be- came tkI,#qp@~om Ma:. equipment company in the United States.

and pgxlp.ctive li '-> - -. - --. , *.*%::?.:. . C -

~ v a i ~ e m ~ i; survived by hi loving wife, Janine Bertram; his mother and sister, Francesca Bliss and Francesca Bkhck, both of Cleveland Height% Wa; his business partner and best friend. Rob- ert Funk; and a large commu- nity ofpeople withdisabilities to whom he devoted his life. w

Eventually acompromise was reached ,in which the owner- ship paid for installation on electronic locks that the resi- dents provided. Some of the residents were administered locks through their Medicare or their Veteran's Association benefits, but others had to pro- vide the locks from their own expenses. Finding reasonably priced locks was necessary, since the residents of Holmes . Greenway live there because they have a limited income and can use their housing sub- sidies for rent.

In 1987, he became a com- missioner of the EI$X and was appointed agency chair- man in 1990. During his ten- ure at the EEOC, he directed the implementation of the ADA and the Civil Rights A C ~ of i991.

After leaving the EEOC in Information provided by One 1993, Mr. Kemp established Step Ahead. What is perhaps most disturb

ing about this story is how tentative the residents were in talking about the struggles they've had in making their living areas more accessible. Hartwigsen was the only resi- dent who felt secureenough to allow her name to be used in this article. One resident ex- plained that she felt Dickerson and the management have used subtle "scare tactics" when residents have spoken up in the past. She believes; that residents fear the owners Way find a way toremove their pets

Mo1oL.S. HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICE

24 HOUR ON CALL SERVICE I Working together, residents found areasonably pricedelec- Ironic lock that cost around $100 which was installed by the management company. But for a person with the doubledifficulty ofadisability and a limited income, even this price of $100 is costly.

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Minneapolis, MN 554 13 Equal Opportunity Employer/Pmvider Affinnntive Action Employer/Pmvider

I September 10,1997 Access Press

Barriers To Employment - We're Working On It

OSTOMY - URINARY MANAGEMENT NURSING SUPPLY SPECIALISTS

by Anita Bovcher , d

P= ople in the disability age for personal care assis- legidation".) proximately$27,000p%tyear. In March of 1997, DHS sub- Vermont is expected to inUo- community are padwny taaceandotheronpkgser- -Ex~nginfo tmat ion with (In some cases, individuals mitted the requid request to duce federal legislation to al-

a w k of the barriers' ta em- viues that are nut covered disability advocates in other can earn more than the thresR- the federal HealthC2eFiaanc- low S.Mtes to imp12tement Med- ployment created by existing by Medicare or ernptoyer states. old if they have high health ing Administration (HCFA). icaid buy-in programs (such government policies. The health insurance; and . Collecting data and writing care needs.) People who have DHS is currently waiting for as Minnesota's propose$ Minnesota Consortium for case studies to illustrate how never received SSI do not HCEA to respond to the re- earnedincomedisregard)~~ Citizens withDisabilities(MN 2)Allowing a mare gradual current policies discourage qualify for "1 619(by' and quest. MN (XD has offered out having-to request s@c@l ,

CCD) has formed a com- phase-out of Social Secu- employment,and how changes must pay almost 50% of ev- to help DHS in responding to permission from the federal mittee to specifically address rity cash benefits as earn- could reduce long term de- erything they earn in order to those questions HCFA may government. SenatotJeffords' these issues. MN CCD is a ingsfrom employment in- pendence m publicprograrns, retain Medicaid coverage. haveaboutthewaiver. Weare bill also includes a Medicare broad-based coalition~forga- crease. This would make it sueh as Medicaid; (This payment is called a attempting to develop clear buy-in program. This would nizations of persons with dis- more affordable for people *Enlistingthehelpofemploy- "spenddown".) arguments about the cost pf- help peopb who are self-em- abilities, providers, and advo- to make the transition to ers and the general public in fectiveness of the earned ip~- ployed oi whose employers-

- cates. Recognizing a variety work. urgingtheir own legislators to In 1995, the Minnesolsr1qis- cpme disregard waive. We do not offer any health cover- of barriersexist, MNCCD has support work inentive legis- lature passed a bill to ad&ess I$edwdeule lo lmg 'a~sd age. However. since Medi- identified two top priorities: MN CCD is addressing these lation. . this problem. The bi!lrequ&d sliding fee J$e .@r +sons -care only covers acuteandpri-

issues at several levels: Testifying at relevant public the department of Human earning above $27,000 yho mary care (hospital stays, 1)Making it easier for work- hearings. Services (DHS) to request an still need Medicaid c o v w e . doctor's visits, etc.), many of

ing people with disabilities Educating state and federal Considering changes to &e "earned income hisregard these individuals would sfin to continue receiving Msd- legislators and enlisting their Medicaid asset limit to allow waiver" from the f W gov- MNCCDecognim that there need Medicaid coverage to icaid (knowninMinnesota support for legislation to re- peoplewithdisabilitiestosave ernment. The"ear&-incomie are problems w i d ~ ~ e e a m e d meet their long term care as Medical Assistance or move barriers toemployment. for their retirement. (The disregard waiver" WuId cre-' inm waiver law. needs. MN CCD is providing- MA), This would give these (Such legislation is often re- asset limit is the amount of ,ate a program like "1M9(b)" Xt ex whodonot input on drafts of ~ena'tot individuals needed cover- ferred to as "work incentive money a person can have in for people who qudfy for tPsed personal care services, Jeffords' bill and will prob-

savings and still qualify for Social Security Disabilitg In- b who rely on Medicaid for ably be encouraging members Medicaid.)Thenewasset limit come (SSDI) and aoW weti c@m services not covered by of the Minnesota Congres: For the MhsotaCare pm- personal care asdstimce typica! health insurance plans. sional delegation to support it. gram provides a good p w - (F'CA). Like the pe@a an If aEw excludes people wkh dent since it already excludes " 16 19(b)", these individuds. disabilities who.are receiving National Medicaid buy-in pro- , retirement funds. couldearnuptoappmxi~y Social Security Survivors' gr&s - congressman Jim

$27,000andit would'tredisre- ' benefits, as well as those who Ramstad has expressed intet- The follow in8 . ~ p e c i W c garded(not counted) in ealcu- &n'treceiveany Social Secu- est in legislation to create a proposals for continued ac- lating their eligibility for rityknefits, butwhostillneed Medicaid buy-inpfogramthat

& OTHER If - cess toMedicaidcoverageare Medicaid. People earning Medicaid. We may wish to go would be nation-wide, rathef currently underconsideration: more than $27,000 couid con- back to the State legislature to than waiting for individual

tinue to buy Medicaid cover- try to address these problems. states to develop their own E d income ageonaslidingfeebasis. Since In the meantime, the earned proposds. MNCCD isdraft-

disregard waiver

ployed people with disabili-

Martha Hage's ties could access this program d contebute. iow,ard their

RADIO SHOW Medicaid coverage, based on their ability to pay.

Db3abled & PmId, Work incentives initiatives

It's Not An Oworon. Congressman have also been Jim proposed Bunning by of Kentucky, Congresswoman

!hpL 16 Encore Presentation Barbara Kennelly ofconnecti- Jahn Hockenbeny, author, NBC Corresponden the clinton ~ d ~ i ~ i ~ ~ -

tion and others. -These bills @t. 23 Courage Center: Past, Present &Future address different aspects of

David Phillips, Executive Director work incentives, such as tax credits for disabled, workers,

Sept. 30 Living with Multiple Sclerosis Bt Depression tax credits for employers who hire people with disabilities, promoting greater choice of

durable medical KFAI + Every ~uesdtay jt 7:s p.m. vocational rehabilitation pro-

FM - % b l * 80.3 m - ~ p l f viders, and raising the "sub- stantial gahhl activity" level (the amount of monthly in-

~ U d ~ ~ d E q u i ~ - ~ ~ come a person can have and still receive a Social Security

Aids fur Doily Living

YOU call iuQport MN CCD'S Pick up and deliwry efforts by telling us your

. items for sale , persqnal story abu t barriers Redots AmiIde to employment that you have

encounteted, and by urgiq your state and federal legisla- tors to vote for work incen- tives legislation. If you have suggestipns or wwld like to

email comments be placed on the MN CCD

or by a* Work Incentives Committee mailing list, ,please conta~t

TO SELL OR TO bW Anita Boucher, (612) 520-

efi O equipind.com 0533 or FAX L6 12) 520-0577, Courage Center, 39 15 Golden Valley Road, &Iden Valley, MN 55422: . -

ed -.<

- -- C& J,ND 6 HOME" LWGARE

K k PFovM&f Orgs~imimi M W ~ ~ i w f M & c w Certified

Social Securitv

Who's Making The Decisions? Performances by Dr. Seven Miles, MD

R ecently, an advocate for cussion of the livability of the projection period moves -sans q S S I . Ma& W fwd persons with disabilities benefits given that many per- forward; also whetherthepat- comes fmm scams' in. wxah

asked me toreviewa govern- sons with disabilities had to tern of annual balances or middlemenusevulnerableper- ment document, Rewrt of the live in poorer neighborhoods Trust Fund Ratio trend line sons(likeimmigrants), service 1994- 1995 Advisory Council where housing was cheaper departssignificantly from leg- providers whoexploit disabled on Social Securitv. Heasked if or community services are islative intent, or if the latter persons for the providers ben- some of the ideas in this re- concentrated, and where gro- showsan apparent lackofsta- efit. or careless providers who port for changing supplemen- cery stores are absent or bility beyondthe 75year vulu- harm disabled persons by not tal security income (SSI) charge higher prices than in ation period. properly filing work claims so would harm persons with wealthier areas. There was that their clients' needs go disabilities. no discussion of living on My advocate friend asked me, unmet.

fixedincoines withhighercosts "What does volume I, page As I scanned the two volumes, for staying alive as a landlord 124, footnote 17 mean?" In So, to my friend's question, 746pages. hundreds of tables, looks at you as a lawsuit wait- this section,experts worry that "What's foo charts, an acronym-laden ing to happen and jadks up raisingtheretirementagegives (SSASIM, OASDI, AIME) your rent accordingly. It was persons who wish to retire five Footnote 17 says thi.s report dense text, I was struck with hard to see in the tables how years ewly an incentive to de- isnot writtenabout yourlife sadness. The authors and it would feel and what spend- clare themsel~es disabled to as youliveitoras you would consulted experts were law- ingchoices would be made as get SSI. Imagine that! Con- be able to live it. And it' yers, actuaries, executives, one were f o r d to choose sidertheadvantages indeclar- must be &written. union leaders, a think tank betweendkgefbrdtugh- ing yourself disabled to retire expert from theAmerican En- ter or special tutwing fa Ehe early. Money? (SSI averages Footnote 17 says you are terprise Institute, a pension other. It was not &we -just $705 per month, hardly worth not supposed to read this expert (retired) from Ford graphs and tables and biwvre . early retirement.) Handi- repart or thus be able to in Henn. Ctr. for t motors, some labor leaders, sentences that babble to Ehem- &paed parking space (if a late speak back to it. And there- the chairman ofapower com- selves: wded car has not grabbed it fore it is all themoreimpor- pany, academic economic When definitive leg- fik and you can afford a car) tant that we do so. policy experts and govern- islative revisionsareadopted, ,Guarhnteed IifeTong discrimi- ment officials. subsequent long-range evalu- nation h r health, long term Footnote 17 is the signa'tm

ations shauld compare up- care, anddisabilityinsurance? of healthy well-off experts I looked for testimony either &edprojections with the in- who seriously believe that ten tobe~boutacommunity - Footnote 17 is about crime - by individuals or by sociolo- fehded fesults of the legisla- Applicant driven SSI fraud is they, as normal people, are and people who prefer to and punishment. gists who could explain what tien; based on the most fre- .uncommon. Administrative permanently self-sufficient contribute to society or it was liketolivewithadisabil- quently &cursed proposals, hearings involve only 40% of and able-bodied and who loved members who unfor- Dr. .St- Mid&$ l a Faculty . ity, how these dollar numbers such evaluations h u M con- beneficiaries; a third are ap- lookatpersonswithdisabili- tunately depend on us all. m d e r a t h CenterfoiBio- met the experience of living sider whether the 75 yepr ac- pealed. Crimidcases involve ties as costs or freeloaders. ethicsat dae University oflWn- disabled. There was no dis- tuarialbuiunce rodecrease as I/l(rh of one percent nf per- And this text must be rewrit- , -- .. nesota. . <

, - 4

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SPECIAL TDITION - SECTION IJ Access Press

volurrle 8, Number 9 SOURCES I

Act, the landmark civil rights'

fare and rehabilitation of ommended fullcivil rights pro- ,five times, to hearfrompeople people with disabilities- Past tection for people with db-. wifh disabi tities and urge recipients includeChristopher abilities in 1983. As R S l a i " ' & . . Prs Ghsir* Reeve, actor; Ed Roberts, Commissioner ( I P 8 6 - 8 7 ) . ~ ~ . : : ~ ~ ~ f t h e ~ s e ~ i d e n t ' s ~ o m - founder of the independent liv- solicited input fkom staff' by ' mittee on the Employment of

and Itzhak Perlman, the pre- ties (1988-90). he presided at ity comniunities. a He urged 9-

cal analyst and veteran news tion and All Things Consid- itv. reporfer who is known for his cred. He was acorrespondel

Hockenbeny has used a wheel-

the.same pain and joy as the est of us who have adisability ' I

~

d best ofall, he is willing be. on hand to sell John think they recognize me I1 us about his feelings, Hockenbeny's book,Moving there's a different reason for

1 During rhc Ia\t bixtccnu q

Why Can't I Work? 1 : l~l~fYing CIIdnts Connect

"Working is mathematically it only covers a few of the Currently,avarietyofpropos- impossible," says Tom supplies you need on a daily als to address these problems Hamilton of the Wisconsin basis. Contrary to popular are being floated at both the Department of Health and perception, Medicare doesn't state and federal levels. The Family Services. This is a cover these items, either. Minnesota Consortium for perfect description of the work There's no way you can afford Citizens with Disabilities (MN disincentives faced by people the $2,50Odollars per month it CCD) has formed acommittee with disabilities. would cost to pay for them out to promote such legislation.

of your own pocket. You can help by telling your Imagine you had an accident state and federal legislators that that's caused a severe disabil- To retain Medicaid coverage, you're concerned about this ity. You've worked hard you can't keep over $3,000 in problem. In particular, letthem through endless therapy ses- savings (not even in a retire- know you support allowing

<%> sions toachieve independence. ment account). You must also employedpeople withdisabili- You've become proficient in take 50% of everything you ties to access Medicaid on a using adaptive equipment to earn over $420 per month and sliding fee scale, in order to perform a variety of tasks. It use it to pay for your monthly help pay for long term health takes you 2 112 hours to get health care bills before Med- services that are not covered

4 ready in the morning, but icaid will pay the balance. As by their traditional health in- . . .

- - c . you'veestablishedagoodrou- your income increases, you surance. Tell them you also - . v - .

tine. Working with a voca- tional counselor, you've iden- tified a career path that suits your interests and abilities. You've taken classes and stud- ied hard to develop skills needed in today's job market. Withdifficulty, you've finally arranged reliable trans- portation. Employers are open to hiring you, thanks to the' Americans with Disabilities Act, the a good market, and improving attitudes toward people with disabilities. You'reready, willing and able to work.

kill quickly ~oseeli~ibilitifor Food Stamps. You pay 30% of yourgross income towards your subsidized housing, so that monthly payment continu- ally increases as youearn more money. It won't be long be-. fore the net result of working becomes a negative number in your checkbook. What would be the point of working?

to save for their retirement.

control at Northern S t a b ' dieut isone of the factors that Taxpayers will ultimately ben- efit, since these work incen- tives will allow many people

will alsoenable these individu- (PIPS) Program, a program puter training, clients ate "One client was interested in als to reduce or eliminate their

arket exercises.

work incentives are both ethi-

"It may sound a little selfish, Boucher, Courage Center's

520-0533. cause of the benefits it pro- Harley and his contribution to ents on some of the latest soft- vides to Courage Center, to Vocational Services. "Harley ware packages help me keep

This is precisely the dilemma faced by .many people with disabilities. While some work incentive mechanisms do ex- ist, they are extremely com- plex. Different provisions ap- ply to people in different pub- ,, Now imagine that you rely on

cal Assistance) to pay for per- sonal care assistance and other special services. Your pro- spective employer offers health insurance, but itdoesn't cover personal care at all, and

portunities that others don't have. It'sadiscouragingmess. Is it any wonder that 74 per- cenf of people with severe dis- abilities remain unemployed?

- the community, to the corpo- ration, and to the volunteers. That commitment to commu- nity service often attracts qual- ity people to the organization and provides a high level of personal satisfaction to em- ployees.

has added a great wealth of my computer skills up as information, not only to cli- well. And, I think I'm helping ents, but to staff. He is able to the clients accomplish some- work with anyone and has thing important." learned to customize some of the adaptations that are out He adds that his volunteer ex- there." perience has taught him a lot

about people with disabilities She adds, "It's not just his as well: "I am now able to see teaching ability, but his pastthedisability. Peoplewith level of professionalism. disabilities have a lot more Harley hasbeen able to teach ability than disability and I clients job skills as well as think these people have an work-appropriate behaviors awful lot of courage." and strategies. We'd be lost

I a C.b =kist, quadriplegic

'W - : : = Finally, a lift G care stem . , . .

. , as versatile as a pair o "Y hands.

Harley began volunteering at Courage Center less than one month after he retired.

For more than five years, Harley has worked withcour-

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12 September 10,1997 Access Press

C o u r a g e C e n t e r Northern States Power I Courage Center Honors

I' 1

i I Wins Partner Award S ince 1%4, Courage Center has presented annual hilli ips Awards to men and women with

disabilities who have achieved success in their careers. The award, which is sponsored by the Rose and Jay Phillips Family Foundation, includes a $ l 000 honorarium. The purpose of

e Minnesota Business NSP provides opportunities other informed of emerging the awards is twofold: to encourage individuals with disabilities to prepare for and find Partnership and Courage for their workforce to educate developments. 1 Cen+r I? are pleased to present themselves throughemployee hiring people with disabilities. This year's winners are Dan Klint, Kathy Ball, Ty Cavaleri,

employment in their chosen fields, and to encourage employers to recognize the advantages of

the second annual Partners diversity awareness programs In 1994, NSP had a Special Jonathan Lesile and Elaine Hartsman.

I Awaid to honor a corporation that includes disability aware- Needs Fund, a central pool of that has fostered an environ- ness. One of the educational financial resources to guaran- D M EuIm' office as a law clerk. Follow-

mentthat is inclusive, andcre- tools used to educate the teethe provision of workplace ing his graduation from law

ates opportunities for all workforce is regular employee accommodations if needed by Dan Klint becameaquadri~le- school in '983 he began work-

I people, and shapes a positive programs that includesdiscus- employees with disabilities. gic wheG duringa high school ing full-time as a law clerk. In . workplaceforpeoplewithdis- sionandnewinformationona This fund is an alternative game he his 1984 Klint became an assis- abilities. lot of timely topicl. They also means to pay for those rare, neck- He worked hard On his in AnOka

havecreaMseveralemployee high-priced accommodations rehabilitationand keptupwfith County assigned to the civil Northern States power corn- networks such as the Disabil- thatordinarily could strain the his school work. He gradu- division, where he has worked Klint is described by his peers

pany (NSP) is the 1997recipi- ity AwarenessNetwork, which budget of an individual de- ated with his class in 1975. for 13 years. His responsibili- as highly competitive, has a entofthepartners inEmploy- is a grassroots employee pament. They also Following graduating from ties include representing and great sense of humor, an in-

merit of People with Disabili- awareness network that ad- accessible customer service high school he attended the advising a number of county quiring and analytic mind and ties Award. NSP was chosen dresses company issues, area and are attentive to the UniversityofMinnesotawhere d e p m e n t s on legal matters. alwayshaspersonal grace. He because of its commitment to awareness and educational needs of customers with dis- hegraduated with honors with He maintains a full caseload is admired for his outstanding

creating a corporate culture oppo~unities for &e entire- abilities,providingm/TDD aB.S.degreeinbusiness. Klint and services as counsel to the work in and out of the office. that encourages its employees workforce, and the ADA Net- access and billing materials in always wanted to be a lawyer Highway and Parks depart- He is involved in numerous to value, acknowledge and work, which is a group of em- large print. and would not let his disabili- ments on property records, community projects that in-

demonstrate respect for one ployees who by virtue of their tiesstop him from reaching his taxation, reviews and negoti- clude the Board of Directors another. NSP promotes an positions in thecbmpany, have The Minnesota Business part- goal. He continued to follow ates county contacts and land for Metropolitan Center for environment that celebrates responsibility for various as- nership and Courage Center his dream as he went on to acquisitions for new road Independent Living, fhon

diversity by cultivating thecre- pect of ADA compliance and salutes the Northern States receive his law with ways. He has developed .an Rapids Parks Commission* ativity, talent, energy, and transcendence. This network Powercompany fortheircorn- honors from the University of expeitise in eminent domain and ischairofthereality prop power of its entire workforce, meets regularly to exchange mitment to a diverse Minnesota. law and recently was success- erty section for the Anok including those with disabili- information and keep each workforce. ful in persuading the Minne- County Bar Association. ties. . While he was attending law sota Supreme Court to affirm

school he began working at certain rights oflocal govern the Anoka County Attorney's mentsin highway construaion

Kathy Ball was born with a math and science. She was

defomed joints with limited and class government. Fol-

until she was old enough for being a biology teacher. She assisting in the coordination school beforesheleamedhow transferred to the University of lectures and labs. The job to walk. Ball attended the of Minko ta in her sopho- continued to expand and in Lindsay School for Crippled more year and graduated with 1989 she became part of the Children in St. Paul whereshe a B.S. degree in 1965, Dean's Office in the College received daily physical therapy of Biological Science. Ball and a good education. She After graduating she found it still teaches, edits acollegiate was a very motivated student very difficult to find a teach- newsletter and work with the

Is Proud To Be and performed well in all her ing job, so she went back to educatianalpolicy committee. classes, especially science. school and began working on During the summers she at- her M.S. degree. In graduate Ball is very involved in fhe tended Camp Courage and schdol she was a teaching as- community andparticipateson enjoyed spending time out- sistant in the general biology an number of educational or-

program. She graduated from ganizations that include the -

the University ofMinnesota in Foundation for Science am! Ball was bused to Mechanic 1969 a+ began warking as a the Disabliea, Science Asso- Arts High School, beeause it science ittOrSrnfiburg ciation fof Persons st$ Dis-

TY CAVALERI ing for employment and was

John Hockenberry" neck ing him in a qudriplegic. diving accident ~e spent leav- tremely skills and hard looks to for advance new ways his 1 the next six and half months in to advance ifi the commy. rehabilitation at Ramsey . 1 9 9 4 h e w ~ p r o ~ t e d t o c ~ m -

Cavaleri spent the next six International Development which recruits individual month in the Cou- W- Division. He still continued farmers to work

where he worked On take nupawus computer and has been success becoming independent. educational course offered by , sition because

Land 0' Lakes.

l l ~ ~ ,

Access Press September 10,1997 13 . .- - . - - C " --- *-.a ..- -. - -. -. *-d

Five Phillips Winner -z-l Judd Jacobson Award ning thisaward,"say Cavaleri. "It shows that my hard work anddetermination has paid off and has been noticed."

He has also worked with Land 0' Lakes to understand the difficulties in performing his job when his health is poor or during bad weather. To ac- commodafe him, Land 0'

Lakes provides the necessary tooh for him to work out of his home. Cavaleriis peers be- lieve his success comes from determination, abilities to work with others, communi- cation skills, self-sufficient, organization and his sheerde- sire to work;

Cavaleri is very involved in

many community projects tha include the President's Coun- cil forpeople withDisabilities and Land 0' Lakes Council for People with Disabilities. He has also received special recognition from the President's Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities for his outstand- ing efforts.

Winner: Robert Chalmers obert ~ h a l h e r s of St.

RP aul has found a unique way to set himself apart in the training and consulting busi- mess. He incorporates magic into his presentations to chal- lenge his audience members' perceptions about other people. It is this remarkable approach that has earned Rob Chalmers the 1997 Judd Jacobson Memorial Award.

. cational training in the area of human relations, communica- tion and the environment. Magic and illusion are the tools heuses todeliver his message. Chalmers' methods get audi- ences to look at their individual attitudes and their precon- Jacobson Memorial Award, ceived notions about people Chalmers will receive $2,500 around them. ~einteracts with which he will use to promote his audiences to make them his business nationally to tar- take anew look at the way they get audiences. - - -

The award was created in think about other people, JONATRAN IoESLfE dustry to automate machine memory of Judd Jacobson, a whether it be their gender, Prior tost&ingbiso\Rn busi-

tools. Jonathan's many tech- travel industry entrepreneur physical ability, race, sexual ness, Chalmys w a d for Jonathan Leslie has been qui- nical achievements over the and radio personality. The orientation, size or age. Mayor G e o m Latimer of St. A: etly blazing a trail for people past twelve years have led to award is intended to provide Chalmers says, "Magic is a Paul, directihg the city's dis- with disabilities ever since he his current position as lead the resources to encourage the creative, entertaining way to ability access programs. becameaquadriplegic follow- engineer for Slicer. It is that recipient to expand his or her deliver some very importatrt Chalmers is originaliy from ing a motorcycle accident in success in his career which has entrepreneurial capabilities. messages without detracting Illinois and is a graduate of 1977 at age 19. As a resident also earned him the 1997 Rose L The award is funded by from the content." MacalesterCollege iSt . Paul. in Courage Residence, Leslie and Jay Phillips Award. "I ner. He currently is serving as ~~~~b~~~~~ longlime friend , took advantage of the many love my work. it is what I have the president of Capable Pan- Daniel Gainey '"Being anentrepreneur means For more information about programs and services offered always wanted to do," says ners, a nonprofit organization taking chances and believing the Judd Jacobson Memorial to him to regain his i n d e ~ n - ~ e s l i e . "What makes this that provides outdoor hunting ~~b Chalmers, who has cece- in your pr&uct or rnvice," Awards,contactCourageCen- dense. That led award especially impomnt is and firhing opportunitiwfw bral pa]sy, founded People says Chalmers. "In my case, tsr, 39 15 ~ ~ l d ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ dhim to the University of Min- that it is being given by Cour- people with disabilities. He ~ ~ ~ l a g i ~ in 1984 to puaue his that product is me. 1 am hen- Golden Valley, M~ 55422; nesota where he be~ame the age center. It is a Courage volunteerswilhlhe~inncs~l - dream of being an entrepre- ored *at I am being recog- (612) 52@052(). first quadriplegic to graduate Center where my dreams Department .of Natural Re- people ~~~i~ provides ,,iZed for my wo*.v9 this

structw and a;consulting de

and writes software. Slicer that allows him to hold, aim, w e Center clients interested develops and constructs corn- and fire a shotgun wirh .the ia &reef exd-&rn.

- ' . puters for the sheet metal in- assistance of a hunting part-'

4-

287 and 9 16 doing c+e man- agemant and counseling ser-

T was born to be a psycholo- vices to addescents with dis-, . gist," shys Elaine ~ q m a n , abilities and their families. R.D. 'I have always heen in- &m%td in people-watohing She began working with the them p w and dmge." It is St. h u l School District in rlig ~~~ 5- this interest in people which early 1970s as a project direc- tice. Approni.-Ay onethird M to a successful career in tor d an earty education pro- of her clients wk people with , psychology and education and gram forchildren withdisaZIili- , &;ysical and/or mental dis- which has earned lier a Rose ties. Once the p r o j d d &h%. Dr. Hartsman is also and Jay ?Phaips Award for completed, Dr. Hammrpg was adjmsct aaw&e pmfessol at 1997.. a p p o i n t e d ~ 3 i ~ ~ m m - . St. Nlary's UniMity teach-

ager w o t k i h ~ w i h students ing professional ethics and Growing up in Milwaukee, with disabilities, parents, and existentialpsychlogy. Sheis

flwdal in'her life that

Applauds

Courage Center Award Winners

For their dedication couldn't be a teacher. wKih o e ~ & v e l o p d a d - k u - ism, and cwaseling W h - washf i r s t lo~e . ' Insread,&e' lum that was implemented in niques. "It is =warding to

EiDd . earned a B.S. ia P ~ I Q ~ fourth gmie classro8li,s dis- wawhcl ieakd I & accomplishments I -

and a M.S. in RebbilSXittEan triet-wide. ln addition ta conf tki o m ~ o w so t k y ,can C o u d i q g @&ii t& Wniver- ducting a workshop^^^.

- whatthey want,"

$igb~,$6bconsin. m e Twin en, h. Hamman in t r adpd q y ~ h . Hartsmn. Cities became her home when the we. of Count Me In pup - . to improve the lives she was offered law first pets as part of the curticuturn T h e ~ o s e a n d ~ a ~ ~ l ~ ~ ~ - ~

rfessianal p d w hem in and secured voh@ms ta q~ ily Foundatio~ and C m e LW. 43k7w acmemmager erate the puppets. She earned Center salute &is years five fm'theCaoptm&e kboI Re- her Ph.D. in E d u c a d d b y - Phillip Awerrd .uJ.innms for

of people with haw'fiwb Center, a schwl eholagy from h e University their o u ~ t ~ n ~ i ~ g vocational on dte.curti'fig edge kw teens of Adinmso@tL 163% ~ & S Q V ~ & &himunity i< who at that time mere termed . v d y e a ~ e n t s a d b d e m h i p . ~ t s d d d e menufly retarded. Twdve years ago. Dr. - -.,. -".....

disabilities. hr. Hamman worked lor In- Hartsman decided to pursue a wL'f . - .