Volume 22, Number 12

Priorities - p. 9

www.accesspress.org December 10, 2011

This new dormitory at Hamline University in St. Paul is accessible. Allschools must provide accessible housing but supply often exceeds demand.

Photos by Ali Mohamed Housing crunch - p. 14

“The best doctor in theworld is the veterinarian.He can't ask his patientswhat is the matter-he's gotto just know.”

— Will Rogers (1879 - 1935)

NEWS DIGEST

INSIDE

Legislative priorities are being chosen

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDTwin Cities. MNPermit No. 4766

Address Service Requested

MN-CCD eyesreorganization,staff changes

Area colleges face an accessible housing crunch

Regional News, pg 6

People & Places,pg 10

Accessible Fun, pg 11

Events, pg 12

Radio Talking Book, pg 13

Anita Boucher andJeff Bangsberg

MN-CDD - p. 14

We made ourselves heard in 2011 and will be back in 2012.Photo by Jane McClure

Learn about Minnesota Medical Assistance changes coming in JanuaryAs of Jan. 1, Minnesota adults and children with disabilities receiving

Medical Assistance (MA) will be assigned to a Special Needs Basic Carehealth plan (SNBC). The January deadline means that people with disabili-ties who receive MA will be asked to join a health plan participating inSNBC. The new law provides the choice to opt out of enrollment at anytime and return to MA fee-for-service (FFS). The changes can be confusing,so consumers and their family members need to educate themselves about

these programs and how it would affect their healthcare. In Minnesota approximately 95,000 adults and17,000 children with disabilities receive MA benefits. Due to various managed care exclusions, an esti-mated 89,760 of these people could be affected by the new law. Learn about the changes at informa-tional meetings sponsored by MN-CCD, on page 12.

by Amber Bunnell

Colleges and universities must provide accessible housing forstudents with disabilities, both in long-term and short-term situa-tions. Sometimes the demand for accessible housing exceeds thesupply.

The crunch for accessible living space is truly being felt thisyear at Macalester College in St. Paul as student demands foraccessible housing rise. According to Residential Life Opera-tional Manager Kathy McEathron, there has been a dramatic in-crease in athletic and summer injuries requiring specializedhousing.

Last year and this year, McEathron explained, there have beenmore requests for accessible space than ever before. The collegedoes provide permanent accessible housing but has been chal-lenged in finding more temporary quarters for students.

Accessible space is generally defined as wheelchair-friendlyliving quarters, with a bathroom closed off to the exterior hall-way. Features like automatic door openers, accessible doorhandles, and wide hallways are also associated with accessibleliving. Only a few spots on campus meet these criteria—a

2011 Charlie SmithAward winner JeffBangsberg paid tribute tomany people during hisacceptance speech.Page 7

Students with disabilitiesand their service animalsmust be provided with ac-commodations at areacolleges and universi-ties.Page 3

Hail to the Mustangs andthe Robins! Each teamwon a fall title in adaptedsoccer.Page 5

PACER Center’s anti-bullying efforts havebeen honored by the Min-neapolis office of the FBI.Page 10

Jane Strauss’ photos,now available in bookform, will be featured attwo events in December.Page 11

by Access Press staff

The Minnesota Consor-tium for Citizens with Dis-abilities (MN-CCD) isweighing changes designedto make the group more sus-tainable and effective. Fol-lowing a Nov. 17 member-ship meeting in St. Paul,MN-CCD member organiza-tions are discussing a pro-posed reorganization. Groupswill weigh in Dec. 14 whenthey meet again. If thechanges are approved, theywould be implemented dur-ing 2012 and take effect inearly 2013.

MN-CCD is a broad-basedcoalition of more than 100organizations for providersand advocates for peoplewith disabilities. The groupis dedicated to improving thelives of people with disabili-ties. Its main activity is toaddress public policy issuesthat affect people with dis-abilities by collaboratingwith others, advocating, edu-cating, influencing changeand creating awareness forunderstanding.

If the proposed restructur-ing is adopted in December,the 17-year-old organizationwill be reorganized under aplan developed over the pastyear. MN-CCD would

Read more about the changes on page 4

by Jane McClure

When the 2012 Minnesota Legislature gav-els into session Jan. 24, the Minnesota Consor-tium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD)will have its legislative agenda set. Despitecautious optimism about a recently announced$876 million state surplus, members expect adifficult legislative session.

Member organizations’ representative willmeet Dec. 14 to set the agenda and choose theorganization’s top five priorities. A large groupof representatives met Nov. 17 to review theagenda and discuss priorities. Groups were toldto choose the agenda items they consider to bemost important and submit those to MN-CCDfor ranking.

Work groups have meet for several monthsto draft position papers on areas of focus. Theconsortium will also be looking at two possibleConstitutional issues expected to come up in2012. One is the voter identification issue,which would require everyone to show ID be-fore voting. This is opposed by a number ofdisability community groups. Another Consti-tutional issue that is raising red flags is a pro-posal that all tax increases require approval bya “super-majority.” How the latter proposalwould play out is unclear, but any push for asupermajority vote would make it harder fortax increases to get passed.Here is an overview of the position papers:

Children’s IssuesFor children with disabilities in Minnesota,

having access to quality services and supports

can have a significant impact on their ability toparticipate in community life across theirlifespan. MN-CCD has suggested monitoringuse of prone restraints in schools. PreservingMinnesota special education rules and laws,

Pg 2 Dec. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 12

Babies benefitted greatly from one doctor’s research

EDITOR’S DESK

Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest to personswith disabilities, or persons serving those with disabilities, are welcomed.We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Editorial material does notnecessarily reflect the view of the editor/publisher of Access Press.

Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $12 to $28 per columninch, depending on size and frequency of run. Classified ads are $14,plus 65 cents per word over 12 words. Advertising and editorial deadlinesare the last day of the month preceding publication, except foremployment ads, which are due by the 25th.

Access Press is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons withdisabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Circulation is 11,000, distributed the10th of each month through more than 200 locations statewide.Approximately 450 copies are mailed directly to individuals, includingpolitical, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions areavailable for $30/yr. Low-income, student and bulk subscriptions areavailable at discounted rates.

Inquiries and address changes should be directed to:Access Press %The Kelly Inn Offices; 161 St. Anthony Ave; Suite 910;

St. Paul, MN 55103; 651-644-2133 Fax: 651-644-2136email: access@accesspress.org www.accesspress.org

Co-Founder/Publisher(1990-1996)Wm. A. Smith, Jr.

Co-Founder/Publisher/Editor-in-Chief(1990-2001)Charles F. Smith

Board of DirectorsBrigid AlsethSteve AndersonKristin JorenbyAnita SchermerCarrie SalbergKay Willshire

CartoonistScott Adams

Advertising Sales651-644-2133

Executive DirectorTim Benjamin

Assistant EditorJane McClure

Business Manager/WebmasterDawn Frederick

ProductionEllen Houghton withPresentation Images

DistributionS. C. Distribution

Volume 22, Number 12 • Periodicals Imprint: Pending ISSN

History Note - p. 15

Tim Benjamin

Bob Guthrie and Margaret Dollpictured in 1978

Courtesy of Mary Lou Doll

by Luther Granquist

In October the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled thatthe Minnesota Department of Health could not retainblood samples from the newborn baby screening pro-gram indefinitely or provide them to other researcherswithout consent from a baby’s parents. This ruling,however, did not affect the newborn screening re-quirement itself. This program was established in1965 after Dr. Robert Guthrie from the University ofBuffalo Children’s Hospital developed a simple and

effective screening test for phenylketonuria (PKU).Guthrie, who grew up in Minneapolis, received bothhis M.D. and his Ph. D. degree from the University ofMinnesota. After his son John was diagnosed withdevelopmental disabilities or “mental retardation” aswas the term used back then, Guthrie concentrated hisresearch efforts on ways to prevent that condition.And after his niece, Margaret Doll from Minneapolis,was diagnosed with PKU in 1959 as a one-year-old,he sought to find an effective way for early screeningand diagnoses for PKU.

A person with PKU lacks an enzyme needed tobreak down an amino acid called phenylalanine. Ifthis condition is detected shortly after birth and if astrict low-phenylalanine diet is followed, the babywould develop normally. If not, the baby would likelyhave brain damage and have cognitive delays. But thedelayed development caused by PKU does not appearimmediately, so many babies up to the early 1960s,including Margaret, were not tested for PKU until itwas too late. The standard test used then, applyingferric chloride to urine in a freshly wet diaper, wasnot effective until the baby was about four weeks old,again too late to prevent significant harm.

The Minnesota health departments and Minnesota

physicians recognizedthe need for early test-ing for PKU. Before1960, Well Baby Clin-ics in St. Paul andMinneapolis providedurine screening. InMay 1961 the Minne-sota State Medical As-sociation and the Min-nesota Department ofHealth recommendedthat physicians in thestate test all infants forPKU using the urinescreening test.

Guthrie’s test sim-plified the process. A few drops of blood from a pinprick on the heel of the baby were applied to a filterpaper, dried, and sent to a lab for testing. This testproved effective when a child was only four or fivedays old. Guthrie was an advocate as well as a scientist. Hepublicized his test in a letter to the editor in the Jour-nal of the American Medical Association in October

1961 and stressed the needfor nationwide testing forall newborn babies in apress conference at the an-nual meeting of the Na-tional Association for Re-tarded Children. AfterGuthrie presented informa-tion about his new test atthe American Public HealthAssociation annual meet-ing, also in October 1961,the U. S. Children’s Bureauawarded him a grant to try iton 400,000 infants, includ-ing an offer to pay the costof sending personnel fromevery state’s health depart-ment to Buffalo for training.Twenty-nine states accepted

Again this year we had a fabulous time at the An-nual Charlie Smith award banquet! Jeff Bangsberg’sacceptance speech was one of my all-time favorites.Two of our previous award winners, Anne Henry andSteve Kuntz, introduced Bangsberg to a packed crowdwho gave him a standing ovation. Bangsberg told usabout several experiences in his lobbying career withCharlie Smith and with many others who had helpedhim throughout the years. Bangsberg gave specialthanks to Rhoda Becklund who had initially hired himas a lobbyist and allowed him “almost free rein” topursue passage of many of the legislative programsand statutes for which he had a personal passion. Andof course, all of the laws that Jeff advocated for offerus the independence we have today. Minnesota hascome a long way in becoming the state that best guar-antees its citizens that if you have a disability, youcan have a good quality of life. I’m proud to say thatJeff, along with the entire Charlie Smith Award win-ners group, Charlie Smith himself, and so many otherlobbyists, made this happen.

It was a great night, and I am thankful to everyonewho was in attendance, including Bangsberg’s family,

all the sponsors, Land O Lakes, NHHI, members ofthe State Council on Disabilities, Bangsberg’s col-leagues from the Home Care Association, departmen-tal directors and staff from the Department of HumanServices, Courage Center, several PCA agencies andmany of our durable good providers. Jeff was honoredand applauded by so many of his colleagues, and bymembers of his family—including, of course, wifeAnita Boucher. She looked proud and happy to have,as he said, “put up with [his] quirks for all theseyears.” We all thank you, Jeff, for all your efforts.

A new semester is coming up at many of our col-leges, and we have a couple articles highlighting theaccessibility features—or in some cases, the lack ofthem—at many of our colleges. Some of the collegesare having difficulties with the number of accessibledorm rooms available. For years, the focus was juston accessibility for people with disabilities, but thecolleges are recognizing that there are more studentswith short-term disabilities who need the same acces-sibility features that are available for people who havelived with disabilities before they started pursuingtheir college education. We have an article also onhow service animals fit into the classroom. Many ofour colleges and universities have difficulties withpersonal care attendants being in the classroom, soyou can imagine their objections to having a service

animal. It’s a simple thing to require that assistants ofany kind not be disruptive to the classroom and otherstudents, but there have to be policies in place to ad-dress these needs.

We also have an article on a very important deci-sion that many of us will have to make and may findconfusing: whether to join a Special Needs BasicCare (SNBC) health plan or to opt out and stay on tra-ditional Medical Assistance (fee-for-service). Thereare many pros and cons to the issue and I would urgeeveryone to make a very informed decision concern-ing this mandated choice. I’ve been on an SNBC formany years and like it, but I can see where it would bea little intrusive for some people. There are manyplaces online for more information; our online articlewill have links to many of the SNBCs and informa-tional websites. And if you don’t have access to theInternet, the Disability Linkage Line has all the infor-mation available for you over the phone.

Finally, in his Charlie Award speech, JeffBangsberg recognized U.S. Representative JimRamstad as a mentor of his. But we can’t forget somany of Ramstad’s fellow lobbyists and legislators,including Minnesota Senator Linda Berglin. She hasjust retired and we’ll miss her tremendously. Let’send the year with thanks to the many of our state andfederal senators, representatives and governors whohave worked tirelessly to create a Minnesota that is soinclusive for people with disabilities. ■

HISTORY NOTE

Dec. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 12 Pg 3

Court approves METOsettlement agreementby Luther Granquist

After a two-hour hearing in federal district court on Thursday, Dec. 1, JudgeDonovan Frank ordered final approval of the settlement of the class action lawsuitprompted by excessive use of restraint of residents of the Minnesota ExtendedTreatment Options (METO) in Cambridge. Parents of three METO residentsbrought this lawsuit in 2009 and sought changes in the facility practices andmoney damages for those residents and other METO residents who had been re-strained or secluded there.

None of the class members, about 300 persons who had been secluded or re-strained while at METO from July 1, 1997 through May 11, 2011, objected to thesettlement agreement which, among other things, prohibited the kinds of mechani-cal restraint that had been used at METO at the new program, Minnesota SpecialtyHealth System-Cambridge, started when METO closed at the end of June. Theagreement also provided for money damages awards to class members in amountsranging from $200 to $300,000, calculated on the basis of about $200 for eachtime a resident was restrained or secluded.

A unique aspect of this “fairness hearing” was that the judge took a very activerole to ensure that class members would continue to be eligible for public benefitprograms such as Medical Assistance after they received the funds. He emphasizedthat the agreement included protections to ensure that class members could actu-ally make use of this money. Among them was his order that “to the extent of theCourt’s authority” taking the damage award would not jeopardize any disabilitybenefits or related funding. All damage awards more than $3,000 (the assets limitfor one person on Medical Assistance) would be held by the Court until Frank wasshown that the person to receive it could do so without losing eligibility for ben-efits. The settlement provided for $50,000 to pay for lawyers to set up specialneeds trusts if they were necessary, but Frank had also arranged for pro bono rep-resentation so that this sum could be used in other ways. He stressed in his com-ments from the bench that no check would be written for the settlement moneyheld by the Court until he was sure that the person would actually be allowed touse it.

Steve Larson from Arc Minnesota, Bud Rosenfield from the Disability LawCenter, Colleen Wieck from the DD Planning Council, and Roberta Opheim, theOmbudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities all spoke in sup-port of sections of the agreement regarding expansion of state operated communitysupport services, development of a plan for expansion of community resources(called an Olmsted plan with reference to a United States Supreme Court deci-sion), and establishment of a committee to propose changes in Rule 40, the rulegoverning use of aversive and deprivation procedures. In response to questionsfrom Frank, each of them assured him they would seek to hold the Department ofHuman Services accountable to comply with these provisions. The judge’s ques-tion reflected the lack of other enforcement procedures in the agreement. DHSDeputy Commissioner Anne Barry also assured the Court that she, the Commis-sioner of Human Services, and others within the Department were committed tofulfilling the requirements of the settlement agreement to enable persons with dis-abilities to live in our communities and to be treated with respect and dignity.

Barry’s comments echoed statements by Heidi Mhyre and Kurt Rutzen, personswith disabilities. Mhyre, who had been placed in restraint at Anoka State Hospital,said the settlement agreement was important for the future of people in the nextgeneration. Rutzen emphasized to Frank that the settlement agreement was a way

by Clarence Schadegg

“We are diverse in so many ways. We’ve become so accepting,” said JaneLarson of MCTC.

Yet despite progress, difficulties remain for some Minnesota college and univer-sity students who use service animals. Office of Students with Disabilities stafffrom Metropolitan State University and Disability Resource Center at Minneapo-lis Community Technical College (MCTC) outlined the challenges.

Eve Nichols is Director of the Office of Students with Disabilities at Metropoli-tan State. Jane Larson is Director of the Disability Resource Center at MCTC.

Neither of the schools has a policy for handlers of service animals in the class-room. Both schools, refer to the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) for protectionof the rights of service animals and handlers for equal access to classrooms. Theneeds of people with disabilities supersede the rights of people in most situations.

MCTC has many students with disabilities in its enrollment, including abouthalf a dozen who are handlers of service animals. There are few if any student han-dlers with service animals at Metro State.

No handler of a service animal has been denied access to a classroom by eitherschool. The school officials said they consider service animals to be animals thatprovide a specific task or tasks, such as dog guides for people with visual impair-ments, dogs that alert their owners who are hearing-impaired or dogs that assist ahandler who uses a wheelchair.

Other service dogs allowed in classrooms are dogs that alert the handler of apending seizure as well as veterans who live with post-traumatic stress disorder.Neither school allows therapy and comfort dogs.

Nichols and Larson cited several questions Metro State and MCTC staff may

Access for service animals

Service animals - p. 9

METO - p. 5

Pg 4 Dec. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 12

50 percent may opt out

Explore, prepare for Special Needs Basic Care changes

Albright Townhomes Minneapolis (612) 824-6665 1 BRBuffalo Court Apartments Buffalo (763) 684-1907 2 BRElliot Park Apartments Minneapolis (612) 338-3106 2 BREvergreen Apartments Hutchinson 1-800-661-2501 1 BRFranklin Lane Apartments Anoka (763) 427-7650 1 & 2 BRHanover Townhomes St. Paul (651) 292-8497 1 BRLincoln Place Apartments Mahtomedi (651) 653-0640 2 BROlson Towne Homes Minneapolis (612) 377-9015 1 BRPrairie Meadows Eden Prairie (952) 941-5544 2 & 3 BRTalmage Green Minneapolis (612) 623-0247 2 BRTrinity Apartments Minneapolis (612) 721-2252 1 BR (sr)Unity Place Brooklyn Center (763) 560-7563 2 BRVadnais Highlands Vadnais Heights (651) 653-0640 3 BRWillow Apartments Little Falls (320) 632-0980 1 & 2 BRWoodland Court Apartments Park Rapids 1-888-332-9312 1 BR

We are accepting applications for ourlarge number of mobility impaired accessible units.

Please call us for more information.

BDC Management Co. is now accepting applicationsfor our waiting lists at the following affordable communities

by Access Press staff

Beginning Jan. 1 throughJuly 2012 Minnesota adultsand children with disabilitiesreceiving Medical Assistance(MA) will be asked to join aSpecial Needs Basic Care(SNBC) health plan by De-partment of Human Services(DHS). This is a result of statelegislation passed in 2011.The new law provides thatpeople may choose to opt outof enrollment at any time andreturn to MA fee-for-service(FFS). If someone initiallyopted-out and then wants tobe on an SNBC plan, they candecide to do so at the end ofeach month. People who dodecide to enroll in an SNBCplan will also be able to returnto their original fee-for-ser-vice medical assistance plan ifthey decide the SNBC plan isnot a good fit. People in coun-ties where more than one planis available will have the op-

tion to switch to a differentSNBC plan as well.

The first thing those af-fected by this change need todo is watch their mailboxes.Each enrollment phase-ingroup will be sent a mailing40-60 days prior to their spe-cific enrollment date for en-rolling in a plan or opting out.The mailing will specify a dateby which they must notifyDHS which SNBC they wantjoin or that they want to optout. People who have chosento opt out would receive infor-mation annually from DHSabout current plan choices andthe opportunity to enroll. NewMA enrollees will be sent in-formation on SNBC, currentplan choices and the opportu-nity to opt out.

The goal of SNBC is to pro-mote access to primary andpreventive care, including co-ordination with Medicare. Thechanges can be confusing, so

consumers and their familymembers need to educatethemselves about theseSNBC’s programs and whatthey would mean for them.SNBC covered benefits in-cludes basic care services (alsocalled State Plan services) in-cluding behavioral health ser-vices, skilled nurse visits andhome health aide services. Un-der SNBC, most long-termcare services and most waiversservices will continue to beprovided through MA fee-for-service. Medical assistance co-pays will bewaived by thehealth plans.SNBC plansalso currently provide care co-ordinators or care guides toassist SNBC members with ac-cessing benefits. Make sure theplan you choose covers yourpreferred providers (psychia-trist, physician, therapist, etc.)and your medications. Alsocheck if the plan requires PriorAuthorization or Step Therapy(trying an older, cheaper medi-cation first) for your medica-tions; if this is the case theplan may not be a good choicefor you. SNBC plans are alsorequired to provide specialtraining to their member ser-vices staff around the needs ofpeople with disabilities.

SNBC is not a new program,but not everyone is familiarwith it. The SNBC managedcare program was designed forpeople with disabilities, in-cluding those dually eligiblefor Medicare benefits with theassistance from the DisabilityManaged Care Stakeholders’group. The legislation contin-ues to require ongoing involve-ment of the Disability Stake-holders’ group in the oversightof the SNBC program: SNBCbegan in 2008 and now servesabout 6,000 adults ages 18 to64. While SNBC plans havebeen serving adults for severalyears, now they will begin en-

rolling children under 18. DHSexpect to conduct reviews withthe plan to consult with thestakeholders’ group to reviewcontract requirements for serv-ing children. DHS is recom-mending that people get in-volved with their local stake-holders’ group to help the pro-gram grow and better fit eachindividual’s needs.

SNBC is delivered throughfive health plans covering 78counties; 57 counties have oneplan option, 20 counties havetwo plan options, and onecounty has three plan options.

Nine counties donot have SNBCplan options cur-

rently, even though it is re-quired.

Three of the SNBC plans areintegrated with Medicarethrough Medicare AdvantageSpecial Needs Plans (SNPs.)South Country Health Alliance(SCHA), Prime West (PW),MHP. UCare and Medica SNBCplans are Medicaid only plansand coordinate services withMedicare. When joining anSNBC plan you can maintainthe Medicare Part D you are inor join a Medicare AdvantageSpecial Needs Plan, if it’s of-fered in the plan you choose.

If you have waivered ser-vices you can join an SNBCbut waivered services remaincovered under Medical Assis-tance Fee-For-Service (MA-FFS). Important to understand,SNBC do not include personalcare assistance (PCA) or pri-vate duty nursing (PDN) ser-vices. These services continueto be provided under MA-FFSfor SNBC enrollees.

DHS intends to apply cur-rent managed care enrollmentexclusions to SNBC. After ex-clusions are applied, about78,216 adults and 11,544 chil-dren under 18 would be eli-gible to enroll.

Managed care exclusionscan vary but the people ex-

cluded may include: peoplewith other cost effective insur-ance or other HMO coverage,people with only Medicare Aor only Medicare B, individu-als on a spend down, peopleliving in IMD/RTCs, peoplereceiving services through theConsumer Support Grant(CSG), other small groupssuch as people with ESRD, ter-minally ill individuals, torturevictims, and American Indiansin certain circumstances mayalso be excluded.

DHS has created an Interdi-visional SNBC ExpansionTeam that includes representa-tives of all divisions involvedwith care for people with dis-abilities. This team meetsmonthly to identify special is-sues and assist with implemen-tation and communications.Also, the Managed Care Stake-holders group has established alist serve and updating DHSwebsite. Each SNBC plan mustoperate a local stakeholdersgroup and is required to re-spond to their concerns. Spe-cial Needs Plans have been en-couraged to begin adding addi-tional stakeholders represent-ing children to their groups.DHS has purposed establishseveral workgroups as part ofthe stakeholders’ group thatwill meet in between the largergroup meetings. DHS is inter-ested in stakeholders’ thoughtsabout these groups and otheroptions.

Suggested workgroups:Children with Disabilities inManaged Care: issues andReadiness Reviews, ConsumerEducation, Involvement andOutreach, Evaluation, CareCoordination and Transitions.

Check the website www.dhs.state.mn.us/SNBC for meetingsschedules and times. The an-swers to most questions can befound by either calling the healthplan, visiting their website or bycalling the Disability LinkageLine at 1-866-333-2466. ■

Dec. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 12 Pg 5

Robins, Mustangs are repeat championsin adapted soccer

The Anoka-Hennepin Mustangs and Robbinsdale/Hopkins/Mound-Westonka Robins are the winners ofadapted soccer state tournament titles. This was thesecond straight Cognitive Impairments (CI) title forthe Mustangs, while the Robins won their fourthstraight title in the Physical Impairments (PI) division.

Stillwater Area High School hosted the tournament.In the CI division, Anoka-Hennepin defeated St.

Cloud Area 3-2. For third place honors, Park Centertopped Mounds View/Irondale/Roseville 5-2. Thefifth place game was won by Dakota United, whichdefeated South Suburban 12-4.

The defending champions from Anoka-Hennepinwere the top seed in the North Division this year.Chaska/Chanhassen/Prior Lake/Shakopee was the topseed in the South Division. Four quarterfinal gameswere played Nov. 18. The Mustangs defeated Burns-ville/Farmington/Lakeville in the first round, while

Chaska/Chanhassen/Prior Lake/Shakopee was knockedout by Mounds View/Irondale/Roseville (6-3-0).

In other first round action Park Center (7-2-0)topped Dakota United (8-1-0) and St. Cloud Area (8-1-0) defeated South Suburban (5-4-1).

In the PI division, Robbinsdale/Hopkins/Mound-Westonka defeated Anoka-Hennepin 3-0 to win thestate title. Dakota United defeated Park Center 4-3 inovertime for third place honors. South Suburban de-feated Mounds View/Irondale/Roseville 8-3 for fifthplace.

The Robins were the top-seeded team in the NorthDivision, going into the tournament. The South Sub-urban Flyers were the South Division’s top seed. TheRobins knocked out Minneapolis South in the firstround. In other first round action Dakota United (6-1-1) defeated Mounds View/Irondale/Roseville (4-4-0),Park Center (4-3-1) beat St. Paul Humboldt (3-5-0)and Anoka-Hennepin (5-4-0) beat South Suburban (7-0-1). South Suburban teams are from the Richfield,Bloomington, Eden Prairie and Edina schools.

Records shown behind each school name reflectpre-state tournament season records. Teams play insections to reach the state tournaments.

Two state consolation champs were also crowned.In the CI division, Dakota United defeated the SouthSuburban Jets, 12-4. In the PI division, the South Sub-urban Flyers beat Mounds View/Irondale/Roseville,8-3.

Minnesota State High School League adapted soc-cer is played indoors and has its own set of rules.Gymnasium walls determine the size of the field. Theball can be played off the walls. The ball itself is afelt-covered indoor soccer ball, inflated so that itwon’t bounce as high as a regular soccer ball.

Teams consist of no more than seven players, in-cluding a goalkeeper, who, incidentally, cannot throwthe ball past half court. In the PI Division every teamwith a full complement of players must field a mini-mum of two wheelchair players. Wheelchair pushersare not allowed.

CI Division and PI DivisionAdapted Soccer All-Tournament Teams Two halves of 20 minutes of running time are

played. If necessary in tournament play, a 10-minuterunning-time “sudden victory” period is played; fol-lowed, if necessary, by four-player shootouts until awinner is determined.

The ball may be moved the best way for each par-ticipant. The abilities of the athlete dictate whetherfeet or hands can be used. One or the other can beused by an individual, but never both hands and feet,with the exception of goalkeepers.

Intentional trapping of the ball beneath a wheel-chair is prohibited. Running is prohibited in the PIDivision. But there are no restrictions on the speed ofwheelchair players. ■

The CI Division and PI Division Adapted Soccer All-Tournament Teams were honored by Wells Fargo andthe Minnesota State High School League after the statetournament Nov. 18-19 in Stillwater. Teams were cho-sen by a panel of coaches attending the tournament

CI All-Tournament Team members are:Jake Wilson, Burnsville/Farmington/LakevilleAaron Brennan, Chaska/Chanhassen/Prior Lake/ShakopeeRory Gaston, South SuburbanJoe Sandey, Dakota UnitedBruce Matusovic, Mounds View/Irondale/RosevilleAugie Wodrich, Park CenterSergio Rodriguez, St. Cloud AreaDavid Lewis, St. Cloud AreaMarcelli Kombo, St. Cloud AreaJeff Shogren, Anoka-HennepinZach Theroux, Anoka-HennepinTyler Kurkowski, Anoka-Hennepin

PI Division All-Tournament Team:Zach Saice, Minneapolis SouthNay Tham, St. Paul HumboldtMark Braun, Mounds View/Irondale/RosevilleKaren Kreidler, South SuburbanNathan Liter, Park CenterGrayson Nicolay, Dakota UnitedEmily Fiske, Anoka-HennepinErik Santa, Anoka-HennepinCorey Gieske, Anoka-HennepinChaun Johnson, Robbinsdale/Hopkins/Mound-WestonkaMike Madson, Robbinsdale/Hopkins/Mound-WestonkaCharlie Wittmer, Robbinsdale/Hopkins/Mound-Westonka

PEOPLE & PLACES

to bring issues of respectand dignity and integra-tion into the communityto the forefront.

Frank’s responsibilityin this hearing was to de-termine whether thesettlement agreement wasfair and reasonable andadequately protected theinterests of all membersof the class. At the closeof the hearing he madethat determination in opencourt. He also said thatthe agreement made topay almost $1,000,000 inattorney’s fees to theplaintiffs’ lawyer was ap-propriate. ■

Meto - from p. 3

Athletes from the South Suburban team are shown in adaptedsoccer state tournament action. The team won the consolationtitle in the PI (Physically Impaired) Division.

Photo courtesy of Minnesota Sun Publications,Michael Shaughnessy, photographer

Pg 6 Dec. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 12

New health reform website launched

Mental health cuts take a toll

The Minnesota Health Care Reform Task Force haslaunched a new website that will serve as a clearing-house for information on Minnesota’s health reformefforts. The website will provide Minnesotans withinformation on how health reform affects them, theirfamilies, and their businesses. It also contains basicfacts about health reform in Minnesota, and opportu-nities to connect to activities in our state. The websitewas previewed in November at the first meeting of the

REGIONAL NEWS

Minnesota Health Care Reform Task Force.The website uses the term “health reform” in a way

that encompasses policies and partnerships to improvehealth and lower health care costs. Minnesota has along history of reform and, most recently, in 2008,passed a state health reform law that improves com-munity health, patient experience and affordability ofhealth care in Minnesota. In 2010, federal health re-form (the Affordable Care Act) became law, provid-ing additional tools for Minnesota to cover the unin-sured, build the health care workforce, prevent illnessand contain health care costs. Throughout thewebsite, the term health reform includes both stateand federal laws and policies.

The website is: http://healthreform.mn.gov ■[Source: State of Minnesota]

Modest increases in some states’ mental healthbudgets have done little to erase massive cuts nation-wide over the past three years and a reduction in Med-icaid funds, according to a report released recently bythe nation’s largest mental health advocacy group.The National Alliance on Mental Illness found that 28states and the District of Columbia have cut nearly$1.7 billion from their mental health budgets since2009.

Three large states—California, New York and Illi-nois—collectively accounted for a staggering $1.2billion in mental health budget cuts since the 2009fiscal year, according to the report.

Among the other 22 states, mental health budgetsincreased about $487 million, though the group cau-tioned that spending was offset by state funding cutsto Medicaid, the largest public payer of mental healthcare. Medicaid spending wasn’t included in the re-port, nor was spending that might come from otherareas of a state budget. The amount would have beenmuch higher had that been the case.“The system is staggered,” said Mike Fitzpatrick, ex-ecutive director of National Alliance on Mental Ill-ness. “Many of the services that existed either nolonger exist or exist in such small amounts you havedecreased services, waiting lists backing up, crowdedemergency rooms.”

Cuts are felt nationwide, thanks in part to the expi-ration in June of $87 billion in federal stimulusmoney to state Medicaid programs. While most of thestates that cut their mental health budgets trimmed bysingle-percentage-point rates, a number of statesslashed funding even more sizably, as much as 39 per-cent in South Carolina since the 2009 fiscal year.Among the states with the largest cuts were Illinois,which cut funding by 31.7 percent since the 2009 fis-cal year; Nevada, which cut by 28.1 percent; and Cali-fornia, which cut by 21.2 percent. ■[Source: Associated Press ]

Hennepin County Veterans Court is a pilot project inMinnesota that focuses on the unique demands of veter-ans in the court system. While homecoming parades goon and flags are waved for those who have come homefrom war, a recently completed report on the first year ofthis first-in-the-state project shows the lasting effectmilitary service can have on some who have served andcome back different. In the past year, the new court haswitnessed soldiers accused of drunken driving, domesticassault, terroristic threats, burglary and fleeing police.

When it began in July 2010, court officials expectedto see about 50 cases the first year. But in the first 12months, the court heard more than twice as many cases.Now Ramsey, Washington, and Anoka counties are con-sidering similar programs. The courts are a help for vet-erans dealing with physical and emotional disabilities.

“It’s up to us who’ve been there to help this new gen-eration,” said John Baker, an attorney and retired Marinegunnery sergeant who led an initiative to start the pro-gram. “Ninety-nine percent of the folks put those yellowribbons on their vehicles and that’s it. You peel back theyellow ribbon and what are they doing?”

One year into the Hennepin pilot program, 71 vetswere actively participating in the court and two hadgraduated. The participants ranged in age from 20 to

64 years old. Of the 71 active participants, 90 percenthad chemical abuse or chemical dependency issues.The true test of success will come two or three yearsdown the road, after participants have completed theirprograms. Statistics compiled by the National Asso-ciation of Drug Court Professionals show that 70 per-cent of defendants in specialty courts like the vetscourt finish their programs, and 75 percent do not re-offend for at least two years.

A key component is that the courts are not a forumfor determining guilt or innocence but an entry pointfor counseling and resources. Offenders can becharged with a misdemeanor, a gross misdemeanor ora felony, provided the charge doesn’t involve a pre-sumption of a prison sentence.

A team of professionals reviews each case. It in-cludes representatives from the county attorney, pub-lic defender and probation, as well as people fromVeterans Affairs, Minnesota’s Department of Em-ployment and Economic Development and HennepinCounty’s Veterans Services office. Part of the processinvolves a mentoring program through the Metropoli-tan Center for Independent Living that pairs offenderswith volunteers. ■[Source: Star Tribune]

Veterans’ court provides help, hope

Regional News - p. 15

Dec. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 12 Pg 7

Editor’s note: Jeff Bangsberg is the recipient of the2011 Charlie Smith Award, given for outstanding ser-vice to Minnesota’s disability community. The awardwas presented at the Access Press banquet Nov. 4.The following is excerpted from Bangsberg’s accep-tance speech.

I’m truly humbled to receive this award for tworeasons: Charlie Smith was a close friend of mine foryears before he passed away; and, I see this award asa recognition from my peers.

I view this award as a legacy for the things I wasfortunate to be part of, from the days when I first be-came involved in Project Mobility; the days in the late1970s [when the] personal care assistance program[began]; when I had the opportunity to chair the StateRehabilitation Council; and contracting with the Min-nesota Department of Health in evaluating health carehomes as a consumer representative.

Years ago, I met Clint Schultz, who is no longerwith us, and found out that he was trying to solve theproblem of being able to live at home in the commu-nity without the need to live in a nursing home. Inother words, how we as physically disabled individu-als would be able to get all activities of daily livinghelp we need in order to stay out of a nursing home orrelying family. At last, we saw the personal care assis-tance program come into play.

I remember when I dipped my toe into publicpolicy the first time. Tom Haben and I would godown to the capitol to speak with legislators. I can’teven begin to tell you how scared we were. It was anintimidating experience! We would sit outside of theiroffices for what seemed to be hours. One day, JimRamstad, who was our state senator at the time, tookthe two of us into his office, sat us down and role-

Jeff Bangsberg:

Strives to make lives of others just a little bit betterplayed with us until we felt comfortable. Then, he lit-erally walked us to one of his colleagues’ offices andsaid, “Senator, these two gentleman would like to talkto you.” Well, there we were. . .

Charlie Smith, the man whom this prestigious awardis rightly named after, was with me before Medical As-sistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) even became a concept. MA-EPD is a thrivingprogram that allows people with disabilities to go towork without fear of losing health benefits. Before MA-EPD, people who wanted to work would have to payhuge amounts of their income to maintain their PCA ser-vices. Charlie and I were together the day it all began—encouraging lawmakers to look at the MA-EPD issue.

It was in the early 1990s, we were sitting outside acommittee room looking at the agenda for the hearingthat was going on inside. The topic in the room waswelfare reform and they were taking public testimonyon the proposed changes at that time. We thought weshould say something about the large amount ofmoney we have to pay while working. Many of youknow the term “spend-down”. The people testifyingwere upset by the new proposals for people on AFDCbeing required to work in order to receive their ben-efits. They had very legitimate reasons why theycould not work, and it was sort of apples and orangesbecause our situation was completely different thantheirs. It was our one chance to make the legislatorslisten, our opening was just sitting there plain as day –we told them that we wanted to work, but couldn’tbecause of MA rules.

The rest happened over the next few years, withsurveys, resolutions, and legislation to pass the MA-EPD program. When this legislation was brought tothe Minnesota House of Representatives, it passed137 to 0.

During this time, I was working at Becklund HomeHealth Care seeking reimbursement increases at thelegislature for all of the caregivers in home care. If itwasn’t for Rhoda Becklund, I would not have had theopportunity to work on additional health care-relatedissues like MA-EPD. I would like to thank her for hervision in promoting home care and the issues she be-lieved in for people with disabilities. As a result ofmy work with Becklund Home Health Care, I laterhad the opportunity to represent the entire home

health care community by working for the MinnesotaHomeCare Association. I was privileged to be part ofthat association, for over five years and have SteveLund and Neil Johnson to thank.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity tothank my family who drove all the way from SouthDakota, as well as my mother-in-law and great friendGary, and most importantly, my wife Anita, my bestfriend and partner of over 16 years now—I love herever so much.

In closing, I want to acknowledge my mother forteaching me compassion toward others. And my fa-ther who taught me the value of our environment. Hetaught me to “always leave the campsite better offthan before I got there.” I take this little saying andtry to apply it to everyday life and work.

It’s how I view my life—how can we make it just alittle bit better. ■

Anita and I want to send out a great big Thank Youto those who attended the Charlie Awards Banquet,hosted by Access Press on November 4th. We werehonored to be part of this wonderful event, and yourwarm presence made it a truly memorable evening.Thank you again to the Board of Directors and staffof Access Press, and to Luther Granquist for enter-taining us as the emcee. To Anne Henry and StevenKuntz - your nomination and introductions were a to-tal surprise. I cannot think of a more appropriate pairto introduce me because you two have been a big partof my life for so long. Many others have also workedwith us on disability issues for many, many years. Wedidn’t even get a chance to talk to all of you, let alonegive you the acknowledgement you deserve. Thankyou for being with us!

— Jeff Bangsberg

Jeff Bangsberg and Anita BoucherPhoto by Ali Mohamed

Pg 8 Dec. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 12

The Charlie Smith Award banquet wasa highlight for our community

Steve Kuntz, Joan Willshire, Jeff Bangsberg Access Press Board members Kristin Jorenby and Carrie Salbergenjoyed the event.

Many companies donated merchandise and services to the silentauction and raffle.

Award winner Jeff Bangsberg gave a great speech. it is reprintedon page 7.

Past Charlie Smith Award winners Anne Henry and Steve Kuntzintroduced this year’s winner, Jeff Bangsberg.

Steve Kuntz, Alex Bartolic and Randy Backmann were amoungthose who gathered to enjoy the celebration.

Elin Ohlsson, Mark Hughes, and board members Brigid Alsethand Kay Willshire were among those in attendance.

A large crowd enjoyed the banquet, held at the Minneapolis Air-port Marriott.

There were so many wonderful items at the silent auction, it washard to decide on what to bid.

Jeff Bangsberg is the recipient of the 2011 Charlie Smith Award, given for outstanding service toMinnesota’s disability community. The award was presented at the Access Press banquet Nov. 4.

Photos by Ali Mohamed The Graves family enjoyed the delicious dinner.

Dec. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 12 Pg 9

anti-bullying measures are priorities. Gov. Mark Day-ton has also called for more to be done to prevent bul-lying. Two work groups are also listed, one on alter-native licensure and the other on special educationfunding.

EmploymentFor many Minnesotans with disabilities (physical,

developmental, mental illness) access to employmentis a critical component of their quality of life. Thebenefits that come with being employed are signifi-cant, from generating income to providing a sense ofpurpose to serving as an opportunity to contribute to alarger entity. Priorities for the session include accessto vocational rehabilitation services, rate restricting/PEPSI program changes; and “employment first’ ini-tiatives.

Healthcare/Long-term Services and SupportsToday’s healthcare and long-term services and sup-

ports system is complex and often difficult to navi-gate, particularly for those with disabilities or com-plex medical conditions. Many believe that bridgingthe acute and long term care parts of the health con-tinuum could lead to improved health outcomes andpotential cost savings. Areas of focus for the legisla-

tive session would include managed care for personswith disabilities, dual eligibilities, Medical Assistancereform waivers, the “money follows the person”model, Olmstead Commission actions, state insuranceexchange and provider-based delivery reform.

PCA ServicesPersonal Care Assistant (PCA) services are pro-

vided to Minnesotans who need assistance from an-other person to live in their home. Today, an averageof about 13,000 persons with disabilities live at homein Minnesota’s communities with the help of PCAservices obtained through the fee-for-service MedicalAssistance program. PCA services are an essentialpart of Minnesota’s community support service sys-tem for persons with disabilities. Areas of focus dur-ing the session that are proposed include the 20%PCA relative wage cut, Department of Human Ser-vices policy bill language that impacts PCA servicesand unresolved issues with new PCA assessmentpassed in 2009 legislative session.

HousingAccess to affordable and accessible housing is a

critical need for Minnesotans with disabilities. Therehas been increased recognition over past years that anindividual’s access to quality employment, healthcare,

Priorities - from p. 1 transportation and other daily needs increases greatlywhen they have access to safe and secure housing.Focus areas include supporting individual housingchoice, the bed de-licensing provision passed in 2010legislative session and rate restructuring.

TransportationWhile much progress has been made over past

years, overall access to transportation for Minneso-tans with disabilities still remains inadequate. Focusareas during 2012 include Metropolitan Council tran-sit programs, transit in rural Minnesota and Minne-sota non-emergency medical transportation services.

Self Direction/Quality AssuranceSelf direction is growing across the country, and

with good reason. Not only is there a federal mandateto provide options for community based long-termcare, but it can be a cost efficient way to manage afinite budget while respecting each person’s indi-vidual preferences. Efforts to expand self directionhere have stalled. Areas of focus include the MA re-form waive, a state consumer-directed advisory com-mittee, the My Life My Choices and Money Followsthe Person models, consumer-directed community ser-vices budget methodology and the statewide qualityassurance council. ■

Service animals - from p. 3ask if questions arose about whether the dog is or isnot a trained service animal. These include: Does thedog perform a service? What service does the dogperform? Does that service pertain to somebody whohas a disability?

For example, if a student had asthma or a dog allergy,the handler and the student with the breathing disor-der would sit at a safe distance apart in the classroom.

“(There is) Nothing to dictate where somebodyshould sit,” said Nichols.

But there are safety concerns for dogs and students.“In a weight training room, the dog sits in a corneraway from the weight machines,” said Larson.

Cultural and ethnic diversity can play a role in thelives of service animals and their handlers, especiallywhen animals are around people who may not becomfortable with dogs. MCTC is an especially di-verse campus.

Larson said there needs to be a lot of give and takefor a handler with regard to people of other religions,cultures and backgrounds. A newly hired MCTC em-ployee was afraid of service dogs, having grown up ina country where dogs were kept outside, used to guardproperty.

Metro State has never had an issue on campus be-tween somebody, who due to religious or culturalbackground, expressed fear or negatively reacted to aservice dog.

There needs to be respect given to both sides, bothwomen said.

Larson cited one example in which students of areligious group had set up a club activity inside aclassroom. A handler of a service dog accidentallywalked into that classroom and club members wereupset by the presence of the handler and the dog.

In a situation that involved a student with a disabil-ity, Larson stated, “I would advocate for the student.

We are usually able to work things out.Many colleges and universities are offering more

opportunities for students to travel. That can createissues for students with disabilities and their serviceanimals. One MCTC student brought his dog guidealong on a domestic flight. There was a problem withthe bulkhead seat arrangement Larson made for himin advance. The flight attendants wanted him to sit ina seat that was part of a three-row seat but the dogguide couldn’t fit in such limited space.

“When we travel abroad, students experience prob-lems with prejudice about how dog guides are ac-cepted,” Nichols said, she would suggest that studentsdo some advance research of what is the policy of theother countries. One difficulty is in countries with ra-bies quarantines, such as Ireland. Student handlersand their service dogs could be separated for weeks ifnot months at a time. ■

Pg 10 Dec. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 12

FBI honors PACER Center

PEOPLE & PLACES

PACER Center’s anti-bullying efforts have wonrecognition from the Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI). Minneapolis office FBI Special Agent inCharge Donald E. Oswald presented the 2011 FBIDirector’s Community Leadership Award to PACERCenter and its National Bullying Prevention Center inNovember, thanking PACER for “addressingAmerica’s most alarming and violent trends againstchildren.”

Oswald presented the prestigious award to Paula F.Goldberg, PACER’s executive director, and JulieHertzog, director of PACER’s National Bullying Pre-vention Center, at PACER Center. The official awardtrophy will be presented by FBI Director RobertMueller, III in Washington, D.C. on March 16, 2012.

“Each year, the FBI is proud to recognize a cham-pion from our community which has had a tremendousimpact on the community through the reduction ofcrime or improving the quality of life,” Oswald said.

Since 1990, the Director’s Community LeadershipAward has been presented by the FBI. It is a way ofrecognizing individuals and organizations which havemade extraordinary contributions to crime prevention,violence prevention or education in the community.“PACER Center without a doubt fits all three catego-ries,” Oswald said.

Oswald cited PACER’s work since 1978 on behalfof parents and children to address the stigma of dis-abilities, as well as its programs for families of chil-dren with disabilities. PACER’s programs havegained local, national, and international attention,with an estimated 1.3 million visitors reaching out toPACER’s bullying prevention website this year. Morethan 3 million visitors have used PACER’s website

this year in search of information, training, and solu-tions to parenting and children’s issues, includingpeople from more than 80 countries.

He also praised PACER’s bullying prevention ef-forts through its National Bullying Prevention Center(PACER.org/bullying), as well its websites for chil-dren: KidsAgainstBullying.org and TeensAgainstBullying.org. PACER’s work has provided a way forkids and teens to learn how to handle, report, andeliminate bullying, he said. One example of the teenwebsite’s impact came through an e-mail to PACERfrom a young person who was planning to commitsuicide, but did not after finding the website.

“Pacer Center continues to organize events to bringawareness to a crime that seldom gets the attention itdeserves,” Oswald said. “Bullying, whether it is com-mitted in person or conducted on the Internet – is un-acceptable.”

Oswald honored Goldberg for her “persistence,guidance, and vision” in addressing bullying, and rec-ognized Hertzog for the day-to-day management ofthe bullying prevention program. “We know your pro-gram is making a difference, and we commend youfor it,” Oswald said.

Each of the FBI’s field offices annually recom-mends to the FBI Director one person or organizationdeemed worthy of this prestigious award. The Min-neapolis FBI Division represents Minnesota, NorthDakota and South Dakota. ■

HCMC housekeeper honoredFew housekeepers are credited with saving a life,

but according to one patient, that is exactly whatLouise Lewis of Hennepin County Medical Centerwas able to do. For her exemplary actions, Lewis wasnamed one of only five national CARES awards atSodexo’s annual healthcare meeting in October in Or-lando. The CARES awards recognize employees eachyear who embody the company values of Compas-sion, Accountability, Respect, Enthusiasm and Ser-vice.

Lewis was honored for her compassion toward anHCMC patient. After a major heart attack and losingone of her legs, the patient often would lay in her hos-pital bed, motionless and quiet, with thoughts of let-ting go and giving up. Attempts to snap a depressionthat seemed to have taken hold were not having animpact. Through each day, Lewis spoke to her andoffered words of encouragement as she made sure theroom was cleaned and sanitized. Day after day, eventhough the patient would not respond, Lewis refusedto give up. Then, one day the patient began to speakto her.

The patient said, “It was not my mother’s words ormy doctor’s words that inspired me to get out of bedand back into life. It was the inspirational words fromLouise that truly made the difference. There are manypeople that lay in these beds who never make it out,but because of Louise’s caring words of encourage-ment, I will be healthy again. The doctors did all thatthey could do, but it was truly Louise’s words thatgave me the will to carry on. Louise was Heaven-sent!” ■

New travel support program introduced

MedSafe Travel, based in Buffalo, is introducing aunique travel support program for seniors and adultswith disabilities who would feel more comfortabletraveling with a full-time senior travel specialist or apersonal companion. MedSafe is offering one-week,all-inclusive senior group trips to Cancun, onMexico’s Caribbean coast, to escape the hard wintermonths.

“Travel can be a rewarding experience, but manypeople, including my own father, become intimidatedby it as they age,” said Mark Austin, MedSafe TravelCEO and founder. “We worry about the things thatcan prevent you from enjoying your trip so you don’thave to.”

MedSafe Travel has partnered with Prairie RiverHome Care, an established, family-owned, Medicare-certified home health care provider, to offer compan-ions and even nurses when needed for a successfultravel experience. Combined services include freesafe travel planning assessments; caregivers for assis-tance with packing and unpacking, airport check-ins,baggage handling, transportation, medications, per-sonal grooming, meals, social activities andsightseeing and full-time senior travel specialists forgroup trips. At the destination there will be localCancun ground transportation, tour assistance and anon-call medical director.

A video documentary of each trip will be providedfeaturing daily highlights for long-lasting memories.The company also offers respite travel for caregiversand their loved ones. ■

Six clinics certified as Health Care Homes

Six of Hennepin County Medical Center’s primarycare clinics are now certified as health care homes. AHealth Care Home or a medical home is a patient andfamily centered way of providing coordinated primarycare for all patients, especially those with chronic andcomplex conditions. Locally, the concept of HealthCare Homes was introduced as part of Minnesota’shealth reform legislation in 2008, and they are alsopart of a national initiative to ultimately improve thehealth of the population, the patient/consumer experi-ence, and the affordability of health care.

HCMC’s certified Health Care Home clinics in-clude East Lake Street Clinic, the downtown PediatricClinic, Richfield Clinic, Positive Care Clinic, AquiPara Ti, and the Coordinated Care Clinic. These clin-ics met the series of requirements that included con-tinuous access, care coordination, care planning, reg-istry and quality improvement.

Care coordinators are essential to Health CareHomes. At HCMC, this role is performed by bothcommunity health workers and registered nurses, de-pending upon the complexity of care coordinationneeds. These care coordinators work closely with pa-tients and families to manage all aspects of care, andare key partners on the patient’s health team.

Health Care Home patients are invited to activelyparticipate in their care, specifically in care planningand goal setting with their primary care provider and

care coordinator. “WhileHCMC has always valuedand encouraged patientparticipation, this programcertification demonstratesour commitment to work-ing side by side with ourpatients to address all oftheir health care needs andgoals,” said HCMC CEOArt Gonzalez. “We strivefor patient-centered carefor all of our patients, andthis approach helped uspave our way to providingcare in our Health CareHome clinics.” HCMC iscommitted to certifying allof its primary care clinicsas health care homes. ■

(L to R) Paul Luehr, of Stroz Friedberg, LLC and the Vice Presi-dent of PACER’s Board; Julie Hertzog, director of PACER’sNational Bullying Prevention Center; Paula Goldberg, PACER’sexecutive director; Donald E. Oswald, FBI Special Agent inCharge, Minneapolis; Kyle A. Loven, FBI Division Counsel/Me-dia Coordinator, Minneapolis; Ron Cutlip, FBI Community Out-reach Specialist, Minneapolis.

Photo courtesy of PACER Center

Dec. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 12 Pg 11

Welcome to the Access Press AccessibleFun listings. Get further information on thingsto do around Minnesota at www.accessminnesota.org and click on the calendar.For info on galleries and theater perfor-mances around the state, visit www.vsamn.org or call 612-332-3888 or 1-800-801-3883 (voice/tty). Or check c2 (caption coali-tion) inc., which does most of the captionedshows in Minnesota, also captions showsacross the country: http://c2net.org\

A Part or Apart?The groundbreaking exhibit of black and

white photographs by Jane Strauss, show-ing people with disabilities actively includedin the Jewish community, is now a book.Strauss is a photographer on the autismspectrum, The book includes an expandedformat introduction by Strauss, who hasbeen dealing with the issue of inclusion inthe community for decades, and severalrelated stories, letters, and articles. Strausshas also developed a series of discussionguides, for use by both Jewish and non-Jewish groups, to accompany the book.The discussion guides and their accompa-nying written materials make up a secondvolume. Rimon provided partial funding forthe development of the two books as didthe Minnesota Jewish Arts Council, and theHoward B. and Ruth F. Brin Arts Endow-ment Fund.

A reading, slide presentation, and cel-ebration for A Part or Apart? will take placeat the Sabes JCC, 4330 Cedar Lake RoadSouth St. Louis Park, at 7 p.m. Mon, Dec.12. Strauss and one of the project partici-

pants will speak. Books will be availablefor purchase. Also during December se-lected images from the exhibit will be ondisplay at Blue Moon Coffee Cafe, 3822 ELake St., Mpls. Blue Moon will host areading and reception 5-7 p.m. Sat.,Dec. 10. Additional information about APart or Apart? and related events areposted at www.a-part-or-apart.com ■

One of Jane Strauss’ photos featured in A Partor Apart?

VSA calendar seeks supportFor more than a decade, the VSA Minne-sota Accessible Performance Calendar(part of which is used by Access Press)has publicized arts events that offer ASLinterpreting, captioning, audio description,or other accommodations. Major cuts tothe national VSA program which paid forthis outreach means VSA Minnesota islooking for ideas, sponsors, volunteers orother means to continue this service.Anyone with suggestions, or who wantsto say how this service and VSA’s acces-sibility advocacy is important to the com-munity, should email ideas and com-ments to access@vsamn.org or call 612-332-3888 or 800-801-3883, voice/tty. Thecurrent arts calendar can be seen atwww.vsamn.org/calendar.

Art fair and saleWalker Community United MethodistChurch, hosts its art fair and sale 10 a.m.-4p.m. Sat, Dec. 11 and noon -4 p.m. Sun,Dec. 12. More than a dozen artists will bedisplaying and selling their goods. Food andbeverages will be for sale, along with bakedgoods. Walker is at 3104 16th Av. S., Mpls.The church provides meeting space for artsprograms for people with disabilities.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Devel-opment. 55 Victoria St. N., St. Paul, pre-sents the play about the Herdman kids,the worst kids in the whole history of theworld. The kids bring chaos and joy tothe annual pageant. ASL show is 2 p.m.Sun, Dec. 11. Tickets are reduced to $10access rate (regular $14; youth/senior55+ $11). FFI: 651-225-9265; email:info@steppingstonetheatre.org Website:http://www.steppingstonetheatre.org

See puppets in Winter DreamsIn the Heart of the Beast Puppet & MaskTheatre, 1500 E. Lake St., Mpls, stagesWinter Dreams. Learn how animals burythemselves to hibernate during the win-ter. Underneath blankets of snow, theanimals slumber all winter—snoring anddreaming under the vast skies. Discoverthe dreams of winter’s secret sleepersand the music of the wide mysteriousskies. AD & ASL show is 1:30 p.m. Sat,Dec. 10. The tactile tour of puppets andset is at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15; student/senior $12; children 18 & under $10; re-

duced to $12 for ASL/AD patron & onecompanion each. FFI: 612-721-2535, ext.23; info@hobt.org, www.hobt.org.

Attend a holiday showThe Most Wonderful Time of the Year isthe AR&LE Performers’ Holiday VarietyShow (Adaptive Recreation and LearningExchange). This program serves peoplewith disabilities in Bloomington, Eden Prai-rie, Edina and Richfield. Performers arepeople with and without disabilities. Thisyear’s performance is at EdinboroughPark Indoor Amphitheater, 7700 York Ave.S., Edina. The show is 5 p.m. Sun, Dec.11 and ASL interpretation is offered. Theshow is free but donations of $5 per per-son or $15 per household are suggested.Enjoy a reception after the show. FFI:952-681-6121; jclarke@bloomington.k12.mn.us, www.shapeschool.info (scroll downand click on Learning Exchange).

Nutcracker and Mother GooseThe Nutcracker According to MotherGoose will be performed at Zenon DanceCompany at Cowles Center for Dance,528 Hennepin Ave, Mpls. See the holidayclassic performances with Mother Goosefavorite characters. The ASL perfor-mance is 1 p.m. Sat, Dec. 17. Tickets are$20, $15 children 12 & under. FFI: 612-206-3600, www.zenondance.org,www.thecowlescenter.org/

In the Dining RoomThe Dining Room will be performed byTheatre in the Round Players at Theatrein the Round, 245 Cedar Ave., Mpls. Goback to a time when the dining room wasthe hub of family life. Follow a diningroom from the Depression era throughthe 1980s. AD performance is 2 p.m.Sun, Dec. 18. Tactile tour at 1 p.m. uponrequest. Tickets are $22, senior $18, stu-dent with ID $10 (Sunday prices). FFI:612-333-3010, ww.theatreintheround.org

Babe, the Sheep PigBabe, the Sheep Pig is performed byLakeshore Players Theatre, 4820 StewartAve., White Bear Lake. An orphaned pig-let wants to become a champion sheep-dog and his story will delight theatergoersof all ages. ASL show is 2 p.m. Sun, Dec.18. (If no ASL seats are reserved withintwo weeks of the performance, the ASLinterpretation will be cancelled.) Ticketsare $10-12; ASL Discount 50% off. FFI:651-429-5674; tickets@lakeshoreplayers.com, www.lakeshoreplayers.com/Babe.html

A Reindeer LineYouth Performance Company presentsthe holiday play A Reindeer Line, at theHoward Conn Fine Arts Center, 1900Nicollet Ave., Mpls. Hear the stories as thedeer vie to see who will fly with Santa onChristmas Eve. AD & ASL performance is2 p.m. Sun, Dec. 18. Tickets are reducedto half-price (regular $12, student 18 &under or senior 62+, $10). FFI: 612-623-9080, www.youthperformanceco.com

ACCESSIBLE FUN

Of Mirth and MischiefThe collaborative performance is led byKevin Kling and Steve Kramer at theFitzgerald Theater, 10 E Exchange Street,St. Paul. Celebrate the magic of the sea-son with the premiere of Kevin Kling’sfantastical journey that explores the worldof broken fairies and mischievous elveswho rule the dusk and dawn—all throughthe wondrous tale of a young boy’s experi-ence. This original production was com-missioned by Minnesota Public Radio,written by Kevin Kling and directed by Pe-ter Rothstein, with original music by SteveKramer and performed by Haley Bonarand James Diers from the band Hallow-een, Alaska. ASL performance is 2 p.m.Sun, Dec. 18. Tickets are matinee $20,evening (not interpreted) shows $29. FFI:651-290, fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org/events/#mirth

Always and ForeverIllusion Theater performs Always and For-ever at the Illusion Theater, 528 HennepinAve (8th Floor), Mpls. AD show is 8 p.m.Fri, Dec. 23. ASL show is to be announced.This hit musical review is set in the 1970s.Tickets are $20-30. Assisted listening de-vices available at all shows. Enjoy rendi-tions of pop tunes by the Jackson Five,Percy Sledge, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Won-der, Smokey Robinson and Earth, Windand Fire (plus three holiday songs). FFI:612-339-4944, www.illusiontheater.org

Enjoy a movie tonightSeveral theaters around the state offer ac-commodations for movie-goers, such ascaptioning or descriptive services. www.captionfish.com lists cinemas with access(AD/CC) features. Find theaters in your areaby typing in your zip code. MoPix-equippedRear Window Captioned Films are listed atcam.wgbh.org/mopix/nowshowing.html#mn.

Pg 12 Dec. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 12

Bid on skis and more

UPCOMING EVENTSAdvocacy

Courage Center is a regional resource in adaptedskiing and snowboarding for people with physical dis-abilities and visual impairments. The program is avail-able at three metro area ski areas—Trollhaugen, WelchVillage and Hyland Hills—as well as Spirit Mountain inDuluth and Giant’s Ridge in Biwabik.

To raise money for the 2011-12 ski and snowboardseason, Courage Center is partnering with the JobsFoundation to host an online auction of gently used skiand snowboard gear. The online auction opened Dec.2 and closes at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12. To accessthe online auction visit: www.couragecenter.org/skiauction2011.

High bidders can pay for and pick up items between9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 14 at Jobs Foun-dation, 974 Nathan Lane N., Suite A, Plymouth. Theitems to be sold were donated. Donated equipment isalso used on the hill in weekly programming.

For more information about our adaptive Ski andSnowboard Program or to get involved as a participantor volunteer, visit www.CourageCenter.org/ski or con-tact: Nels Dyste, program coordinator, 763-520-0480 ornels.dyste@CourageCenter.org.

Join state mental health boardsThe State Advisory Council on Mental Health and theSubcommittee on Children’s Mental Health have vacan-cies beginning in January 2012. The council and sub-committee advise the governor and state departmentson policies, programs and services affecting adults withmental illnesses and children with emotional distur-bances. Each group consists of 30 members represent-ing a variety of perspectives on the mental health sys-tem. Every two years, the council and subcommittee filea formal report of their recommendations to state lead-ers. As a federally mandated council, it also providesinput on the state’s mental health system for the federalgovernment. The council also assists in coordinating thework of local advisory councils. Members serve four-yearterms. The seats open are for consumers of mentalhealth services (3); family members of persons withmental illnesses (2); a family physician; a representativeof the discipline of psychology; a representative of thediscipline of nursing and a metro county commissioner.The Children’s Subcommittee needs representatives ofadvocacy groups for children who have emotional distur-bances (2); parents of a child with an emotional distur-bance (2); a person who works with children who haveemotional disturbances who have committed status of-fenses; urban and rural county social service agencyrepresentatives; a representative of a local correctionsdepartment; a representative of educators currentlyworking with children who have emotional disturbances;a person knowledgeable about the needs of childrenwho have emotional disturbances of minority races andcultures; a hospital-based provider of children’s mentalhealth services; a consumer of adolescent mental healthservices; a rural county commissioner and state legisla-tor. Appointments to the State Advisory Council aremade by the Governor; appointments to the Children’sSubcommittee are made by the State Advisory Council.Members are reimbursed and paid per diems. Applica-tions are due Dec. 29 and available the Secretary ofState’s Office at www.sos.state.mn.us/, Open Commis-sions and Appointments. You may now apply online atOpen Appointments Application. Applications and moreinformation are also available at the State AdvisoryCouncil’s website: http://mentalhealth.dhs.state.mn.usFFI: Bruce Weinstock, Bruce.Weinstock@state.mn.us,651-431-2249

Learn about managed careMinnesota’s 2011 Health and Human Services OmnibusBill requires persons with disabilities under age 65 whohave Medical Assistance fee-for-service coverage to en-roll in a Special Needs Basic Care (SNBC) ManagedCare plan for health care. The choice of what plan tochoose or whether to opt out and to stay in fee-for-ser-vice is a big decision. Minnesota Consortium for Citizenswith Disabilities would like to invite you to learn aboutyour options at a free forum so you can make an in-formed decision. Attend a meeting 6-8 p.m. Tue, Dec. 13at Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave.,Mpls. The Minnesota Department of Human Services willexplain the change and implications. Disability Linkage

Link will explain the assistance they can provide.Medica, UCare and Metropolitan Health Plan will haverepresentatives present to explain their programs FFI:Anni at asimons@arcmn.org Space is limited - pleaseRSVP by emailing denafelper@arcgreatertwincities.orgor by calling 952-920-0855

Workshops, conferencesChild and adolescent mental health conferenceThe Minnesota Association for Children’s’ Mental Health(MACMH) conference is April 22 – 24 in Duluth. Earlydeadlines are approaching. Register by Jan. 31 for a $50savings. Also, exhibitors, sponsors and marketers needto sign on by April 2 for the April 23-24 exhibit days. Newofferings this year include a sponsors’ row for eventsponsors, a “friend” discount for longtime exhibitors andthe ability to select an exhibit space through online regis-tration. Ask about exhibit and conference attendee ratesor check the organization website. Presentation deadlinehas passed but some workshops may be needed; checkthe organization website. FFI: info@macmh.org, orwww.macmh.org

Adult classesLiving Well with a Disability SeriesMetropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) offersLiving Well with a Disability, a free ten-week wellnessworkshop for people with disabilities that help consum-ers achieve full participation through health maintenanceand health promotion activities. Developed by the Uni-versity of Montana, the peer-facilitated and consumerdirected workshops begin a journey of empowerment.Classes start 10 a.m. Thu, Jan. 12 and continue Thurs-day mornings. Please give two weeks’ notice if accom-modations are needed. FFI: Corbett Laubignat,corbettl@mcil-mn.org, 651-603-2028

Independent living classes offeredThe Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL)offers free and accessible classes on living indepen-

dently for people with disabilities. Most classes are heldat 1600 University Ave., #16, the green tile building atUniversity and Snelling, St. Paul. Events are free, acces-sible and mostly scent-free. Please give two weeks’ no-tice if anyone needs accommodations. RSVP forclasses. FFI: Corbett Laubignat, corbettl@mcil-mn.org,651 603 2028. Classes include:

Knitting Circle: Learn simple techniques, patterns anddesigns of knitting. Adaptive knitting equipment avail-able; for all levels of knitters. Other crafts are welcome.10 a.m.-noon, Mon, Jan. 9 and 1-3 p.m. Mon, Jan. 23.

Homemade Gifts: Make fun homemade gifts out ofitems available at home or with inexpensive materials.Please bring men’s neckties. 1-3 p.m. Mon, Dec. 12.

Meal Planning: Create a weekly menu and shop witha list. Learn how to expand meals without expanding ahousehold budget. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wed, Jan. 11.

Cooking/Social Group: Come to an evening of fun!For anyone who would like to come to socialize, useMCIL’s computers, watch a movie, eat, gather informa-tion, or just hang out. Come for the entire time or juststop by for a few minutes. Bake and take cookies andhave festive fun. 1-6 p.m. Tue, Dec. 20.

Free technology classesFree adaptive technology classes are offered byHennepin County Library, at the downtown Mpls library,300 Nicollet Mall. Classes are free but you must pre-reg-ister for these classes for persons who are blind or havelow vision. In addition to classes there are often volun-teers available to introduce patrons to the equipmentand software available. Volunteer hours vary, so it’s bestto call ahead. Funding for Adaptive Technology classesis provided by a generous grant from the Hudson FamilyFoundation. FFI: 612-630-6469, www.hclib.org

Youth and familiesPACER offers workshops

PACER Center offers useful free and low-cost work-shops for families of children with disabilities. Register inadvance. All workshops are at PACER Center, 8161Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, unless specified.

Technology for Girls: Watson, 6-8 p.m. Tue,Jan. 10. Free. T.J. Watson is the founder of IBM.Several inventors from IBM created a new com-puter called Watson, which competed on thepopular TV show Jeopardy. Middle school girlswith disabilities are invited to come to learn ifWatson won or lost at Jeopardy and see if theycan stump the Watson computer with questions ofyour own. Students will learn what computers canand can’t do and challenges the inventors hadwhen creating Watson.

Apps for Autism 6-9 p.m. Tue, Jan. 17. Sug-gested donation $10-$25. There are thousands ofapps for the iPod Touch and the iPad so it can behard to find the right one. Learn about some of thebest apps for children and adults with autism.Bring your own iPad/iPod Touch with your ownfavorite apps to share. FFI: 952-838-9000, 800-537-2237 (toll free), PACER.org.

Program focuses on diversityA new PACER Center program offers free help forfamilies of children and young adults with disabili-ties. The Families Accessing Communities To-gether (FACT) Project is primarily for culturallyand racially diverse families who live in the TwinCities area and have children from birth to age 25.FACT staff will work one-on-one with a limitedUpcoming events - p. 13

Dec. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 12 Pg 13

Radio Talking BookDecember sampling

number of families to create plans that will meet theirspecific needs. This individual help will be available inEnglish, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali. FFI: 952-838-9000 and ask for Shauna McDonald or a specific staffperson: Bonnie Jean Smith (African American), HassanSamantar (Somalian), Dao Xiong (Hmong) or JesúsVillaseñor (Spanish speaker).

Fraser offers groupsFraser offers a wide variety of classes and programs forfamilies dealing with disabilities. Classes, which typicallycost $30 per person or $50 per couple, are held through-out the region. Preregistration required. Fraser offers awide variety of classes and programs for families dealingwith disabilities. Classes, which typically cost $30 perperson or $50 per couple, are held throughout the re-gion. Preregistration required. Using the ‘Nurtured HeartApproach’ for Children with Challenging Behaviors I1:30-3:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 14 at Fraser Penn –Richfield. Children with high intensity temperaments areoften labeled as “challenging” in school or child care set-tings. This course combines four effective strategies forhelping caregivers transform the way they see childrenwho have high energy and high intensity from a chal-lenge to a “gift.” FFI: 612-798-8331 orworkshops@fraser.org.

DHS Licensing Information LookupParents searching for child care for their baby, a sonconcerned about his mother’s adult day care program,family members evaluating services for their sibling withdevelopmental disabilities—all of these consumers nowhave 24/7 access to important information about li-censed programs with the expansion of informationavailable on the Minnesota Department of Human Ser-vices (DHS) website. Members of the public can sub-scribe to email alerts when new documents are posted.Consumers now have quick access to important healthand safety information about child care centers, group

Upcoming events - from p. 12 homes for people with disabilities, and a range of otherservices for children and vulnerable adults. Six types ofpublic documents—including compliance reports andpublic summaries of maltreatment investigations—arenow available through the DHS Licensing InformationLookup: FFI: http://licensinglookup.dhs.state.mn.us.

Support groups, meetingsUCare meetingsUCare hosts informational meetings about its UCare forSeniors Medicare Advantage plan. Meetings are held allover the region. UCare for Seniors has more than75,000 members across Minnesota and western Wis-consin. UCare is an independent, nonprofit health planproviding health care and administrative services tomore than 185,000 members. UCare serves Medicare-eligible individuals throughout Minnesota and in westernWisconsin; individuals and families enrolled in income-based Minnesota Health Care Programs, such asMinnesotaCare and Prepaid Medical Assistance Pro-gram; adults with disabilities and Medicare beneficiarieswith chronic health conditions, and Minnesotans duallyeligible for Medical Assistance and Medicare FFI: 1-877-523-1518 (toll free), www.ucare.org

Mental Illness support groupsThe National Alliance on

Mental Illness of Minnesota(NAMI-MN) sponsors freesupport groups for familieswho have a relative with amental illness. NAMI has 23

Holiday ProgrammingEvery year the Minnesota Radio Talking Book takes abreather at Christmas time. Stories and special program-ming appropriate to this time of year are offered. Listen-ers also take the opportunity to hear some of the delight-ful volunteers’ voices from the past. Christmas program-ming begins at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24and continues through Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25.Special programming ends at 6 a.m. Monday, Dec. 26.

Program ChangeBeginning on Sunday, Dec. 4, Access Talk is becomingMain Menu. It will now air the first three Sundays of ev-ery month at 8 p.m., with rebroadcasts on Thursdaymornings at 3 a.m.

Weekend Program BooksYour Personal World (Saturday at 1 p.m.) is airing Sur-viving Your Serengeti, by Stefan Swanepoel; For theYounger Set (Sunday at 11 a.m.) is airing Dead End inNorvelt, by Jack Gantos; Poetic Reflections (Sunday atnoon) is airing Red Clay Weather, by Reginald Shep-herd, and On Days Like This, by Patricia Conner; TheU.S. and Us (Sunday 4 p.m.) is airing In Cod We Trust,by Eric Dregni.

Books available through FaribaultBooks broadcast on the Minnesota Radio Talking

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

Listen to the Minnesota Radio Talking Book, either liveor archived programs from the last week, on the Internetat www.mnssb.org/rtb. Call the staff for your password tothe site. See more information about events on the Face-book site for the Minnesota Radio Talking Book Network.

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

Chautauqua • Tuesday – Saturday 4 a.m.The View from Lazy Point, Nonfiction by Carl Safina,2011. We run our lives and our world with ancient andmedieval ideas—our philosophy, ethics, religion, andeconomics were devised before we realized the worldwas round. Because of that, we are unable to detectdangers or respond to new realities. Read by Art Nyhus.16 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 13.

Bookworm • Monday – Friday 11 a.m.The Quickening, Fiction by Michelle Hoover, 2010.On neighboring farms, Enidina Current and Mary Morrowbuild a necessary friendship, even though the twowomen have little in common. The Great Depressionthreatens the balance of their relationship, pitting neigh-bor against neighbor. L - Read by Sherri Afryl. Sevenbroadcasts. Begins Dec. 22.

The Writer’s Voice • Monday – Friday 2 p.m.Jackie as Editor, Nonfiction by Greg Lawrence, 2011.Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was the consummate firstlady, the nation’s tragic widow, the millionaire’s wife, and theembodiment of elegance. Her biographers tend to skip overanother stage of her life, her 20 years as a book editor. Readby Lannois Neely. 15 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 20.

Choice Reading • Monday – Friday 4 p.m.The Weird Sisters, Fiction by Eleanor Brown, 2011. TheAndreas family is an eccentric one. Books are their pas-sion. The father, a professor of Shakespeare, named hisgirls for great Shakespearean women. Now the threewomen have returned home, each with her secrets, andfind that a book can’t solve what ails them. Read by IslaHejny. 12 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 26.

PM Report • Monday – Friday 8 p.m.The Lies of Sarah Palin, Nonfiction by Geoffrey Dunn,

2011. Based on more than two hundred interviews andmore than forty thousand pages of uncovered docu-ments, Geoffrey Dunn chronicles Sarah Palin’s penchantfor duplicity, from her dysfunctional childhood throughher failed governorship of Alaska. L – Read by KristiSullivan. 20 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 19.

Night Journey • Monday – Friday 9 p.m.Cut, Paste, Kill, Fiction by Marshall Karp, 2010. WhenEleanor Bellingham-Crump, a socialite responsible forthe death of a boy, is found murdered, Lomax and Biggsare confronted with artistic brutality. Along with the body,they find a scrapbook documenting a motive for ven-geance. L,S - Read by Joe Sadowski. Eight broadcasts.Begins Dec. 26.

Off the Shelf • Monday – Friday 10 p.m.The Tragedy of Arthur, Fiction by Arthur Phillips, 2011.Arthur Phillips’ father is a con artist who lovesShakespeare. Near the end of his life, his father shareswith Arthur a treasure he’s kept hidden for 50 years, anunknown play of Shakespeare’s. But is it? Read by ArlanDohrenburg. 18 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 19.

Potpourri • Monday – Friday 11 p.m.Finders Keepers, Nonfiction by Craig Childs, 2010.Childs, a desert ecologist, mourns the loss of contextwhen items are removed from their natural environment,whether for museums or for sale to collectors. L – Readby Marylyn Burridge. Nine broadcasts. Begins Dec. 15.Aerotropolis, Nonfiction by John D. Kasarda and GregLindsay, 2011. Today’s jet travel and global businesshave changed the old pattern. Soon, the airport will be atthe center and the city built around it. Read by LeilaPoullada. 20 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 28.

After Midnight • Tuesday – Saturday 1 a.m.Original Sin, Fiction by Beth McMullen, 2011. Sally Sinfalls in love and becomes an ex-spy, struggling to be-come stay-at-home mom Lucy Hamilton. But when IanBlackford starts causing trouble for her old agency, theyare desperate to get her back. L – Read by HollySylvester. 10 broadcasts. Begins Dec. 23. ■

Key: V-violence, L-offensive language, S-sexual situations.

family support groups, over 20 support groups for peopleliving with a mental illness, anxiety support groups, andother groups. Led by trained facilitators who also have afamily member with mental illness, the support groupshelp families develop better coping skills and find strengththrough sharing their experiences. A family support groupmeets in St. Paul from 5:45-7p.m., on the second Tues-day of the month, at Snelling Office Park, 1625 EnergyPark Drive, Suite 100, St. Paul. FFI: Sonja, 651-357-2077.

A NAMI Connection peer support group for adults re-covering from mental illness meets bi-weekly in Roseville.Trained facilitators who are also in recovery lead NAMIConnection groups. The group meets on the 2nd and 4thWednesday, at 6:30 p.m., at Centennial MethodistChurch, 1524 Co. Rd. C-2 West. FFI: Will, 651-578-3364.

NAMI has a support group for those living in the GLBTQcommunity and their allies. The group meets 1-2:30 p.m.Saturdays, Minnehaha Spirit of the Lakes Church, 400138th Avenue S., Mpls. The support group will be a safeplace to confront the challenges that many members of theGLBTQ communities face including low self-esteem, socialisolation, stigma, discrimination, anxiety and depression.FFI: Kim 763-267-5881, Gabi 314-800-4134.

An Open Door Anxiety/Panic support group meets inSt. Paul at 6:30 p.m., on the first and third Thursday ofthe month, at Gloria Dei Church, 700 Snelling Ave. S. St.Paul. FFI: NAMI, 651-645-2948, www.namihelps.org ■

Kent’s AccountingService, LLC

Kent FordyceCertified QuickBooks

ProAdvisor 20122005-2011

6371 Bartlett BlvdMound, MN 55364

Fax: 952-472-1458

612-889-2959fordyce6@aol.com

Diamond Hill Townhomes

Diamond Hill Townhomes is a great property located near theMinneapolis International Airport. Our waiting list is currentlyclosed. Call for updated openings as this can change from timeto time.

We have two and three bedroom townhomes that are HUDsubsidized and rent is 30% of the total household's adjusted grossincome.

We have a large number of mobility impaired accessible units.

To check for future waiting list openingsplease call (612) 726-9341.

Pg 14 Dec. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 12

MN-CDD - from p. 1

In addition to receiving your one-year subscription, all support over $30 per year is tax-deductible.Reduced subscription rates available upon request for individuals with fixed incomes.

Please mail yoursponsorship/subscription to:

Access Press%The Kelly Inn Offices;161 St. Anthony Ave; Suite 910;St. Paul, MN 55103.

I would like to…Subscribe & Support Access Press Subscriber $30 Friend $50+ Bronze $75+ Silver $150+ Gold $500+ Benefactor $1000+

*Receive 12 issues per year in the mail

FRIEND SPONSOR($50 and above)Ellen BoucherMartha BrownLeo & Susan BulgerTeresa DockDawn DoeringRobert EngstromSteve & JoAnn ErbesSkip FinnThomas & Mimi FogartyLael GatewoodPatty HoyMarjorie HuebnerBarb KaneElin OhlssonWilliam & Joen OverbyAnnette PantelLinda PaulsonKelly RathckeVirginia SchwartzbauerAnni SimonsPatty WoodeyJohn ShermanJobs Foundation

Moving? Please contact Access Press with your new address so you don’t miss a single issue!Phone: 651-644-2133 or via Email:access@accesspress.org

BRONZE SPONSOR($75 and above)Anonymous DonorBill & Alex BartolicMonte BlairRobert & Gail BuuckPat ChelfMike ChevretteStephanie CunninghamChristopher DuffCraig DunnNancy EustisKent FordyceLeigh GleasonAnne HenryDianna KrogstadDave & Carol LarsonChristopher MeyerRichard & Vicki Dalle MolleScott NeamyDonn Poll & Eric NelsonHenn. Cty Commissioner

Mike OpatMark & Mary PayetteJulee Quarve-PetersonJohn SchatzleinPeter VaillHennepin County LibraryMN-DACANAMI Minnesota

SILVER SPONSOR($150 and above)Jeff Bangsberg & Anita

BoucherRobert Paul GregoryKathleen HagenEllen & Skip HoughtonKim KangManley and Ann OlsonDebra ShriverJohn G. SmithAssociated BankAccessible Homes, LLCCourage CenterHandi MedicalInstitute on Comm.

IntegrationKowalski’s – St. PaulLand O’ LakesLOTTSA Tax & Accting

ServicesLucy Coffee CaféMILS Home Health Care

AgencyPeople Enhancing PeopleRise, Inc.Ten Thousand Villages

Date:___________________ Amt. Enclosed $__________________

Name__________________________________________________________________

Address________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip ___________________________________________________________

Phone__________________________________________________________________

Email__________________________________________________________________

Donate at your work place throughCommunity Shares at: www.communitysharesmn.org

GOLD SPONSOR($500 and above)Phyllis A. Benjamin

(In Memoriam)Michael BjerkesettRonna LinrothIn Home Personal CareNational Handicapped

Housing InstituteTamarack Habilitation

Technologies, Inc.

Thanks to all of you for supportingAccess Press

BENEFACTOR SPONSOR($1000 and above)Lynda MilneOtto Bremer foundationThe Jay and Rose Phillips

Family FoundationThe Medtronic FoundationThe Minneapolis FoundationUCare

IN KIND(For this issue)Jeff BangsbergAmber BunnellLuther GranquistDeb MaruskaChris McMackenAli MohamedClarence SchadeggMichael Stier

become a stand-along nonprofit organization, with anexecutive director and a half-time staff member of ad-ministrative support purposes.

Regular MN-CCD meetings are currently convenedby co-chairs who are elected to serve alternating, two-year terms. The changes would mean that SteveLarson, public policy director of The Arc Minnesotaand Chris Bell, vice president of the American Coun-cil of the Blind—Minnesota Chapter, would be MN-CCD’s last two co-chairs. Larson was re-elected to aone-year term Nov. 17.

Joel Ulland of UCare explained the proposed lead-ership changes. Ideas have been debated since 2010,when a restructuring task force was created. “We’velooked at a lot of different ways to do this, includingdifferent organizational and financial models.”

For years MN-CCD has been led by two volunteer co-chairs. That worked in the early years but as the two co-chairs have taken on more responsibilities, Ulland andothers said that model has become unsustainable.

“Ten years ago I was a co-chair for MN-CCD andthe organization has changed dramatically sincethen,” Ulland said.

One challenge to volunteer leadership is theamount of work MN-CCD has taken on. Over the pastdecade MN-CCD members have seen an increasingvolume in issues that must be dealt with, especially atthe state level. Issues have also become much morecomplex. Another impetus for change is that of solv-ing the unsustainable nature of the current leadershipmodel of co-chairpersons. Not only do co-chairs andMN-CCD board members take on a lot as volunteers,it has become difficult to find new volunteers to takeon leadership roles, said Ulland

“We’re kind of at a crossroads for MN-CCD. Notmaking structural changes could mean lost opportuni-ties for the organization,” he added.

Having an executive director would give MN-CCDa consistent spokesperson and point person at thestate capitol and in other leadership situations, ac-cording to the task force report. The director would bethe lead contact for legislators and otherpolicymakers.

The restructuring would allow MN-CCD to meetseveral goals including broadly enhancing the politi-cal power of Minnesota’s disability community,

strengthening the group’s effectiveness and providingopportunities to build a stronger identity for MN-CCD. Other benefits of the reorganization cited in-clude enabling MN-CCD to become financially inde-pendent. For years organizations have served as fiscalhosts for MN-CCD.

The restructured organization would become a501 c 4 nonprofit if the reorganization wins approval.That specific status is important because it would allowMN-CCD to continue to do legislative lobbying on be-half of people with disabilities Groups designated at501 c 3 nonprofits cannot do any lobbying as MN-CCDcurrently does. One possibility for MN-CCD would beto set up as a 501 c 4 and then have an affiliated 501 c 3that could provide assistance with fundraising.

Bell said, one advantage of becoming a stand-alonenon profit is that MN-CCD could apply for its owngrant support. The task force looking at reorganiza-tion has also been working on financial models for thereorganized group. Those will be set up if the reorga-nization is approved. ■

double in Kirk Hall, a room in Turck Hall, one roomin a George Draper Dayton Hall suite and a room inthe Grand Cambridge Apartments—though regularrooms can sometimes be modified for easier accessi-bility.

One story epitomizing the shortage is that of JuliaEgan ’13 and her roommate, who were both hit bycars this summer while living on campus.”I was goingto be on crutches, but I wanted to be able to make it toclass,” said Egan, who Macalester Residential Lifepromptly placed in an accessible living space. “I feltreally supported by the college.”

The roommates, however, were recently given afour-day notice to vacate the room.

“When they moved us in, they said there was asmall chance we might have to move,” Egan said. Shewent on to describe a series of emails she receivedthis semester. According to Egan, the emails began byasking questions like ‘Will you need this room nextsemester?’ and ‘Do you need it now?’

Then, on the weekend of Nov. 5, Egan received anemail saying that someone was having surgery andmight need the room. It wasn’t until the next Tuesday,Nov. 8, that she got the email telling her that someoneelse would definitely be moving into the room—andto be out by Friday.

Housing crunch - from p. 1 After being on crutches for three months, Egan cannow walk normally but is still recovering. “Myroommate’s in a boot,” Egan said, “How is she sup-posed to move her things?”

Egan’s case is a prime example of simply not hav-ing enough appropriate rooms on campus.

According to McEathron, general overcrowdinghas not been an issue this year. With a total campuscapacity of 1,296, Mac currently houses 1,246 stu-dents. “We can, but it’s not just about filling beds,”McEathron said. “We want to give students that feel-ing of community, that Macalester is a nice place tolive.”

For the last two years, Macalester has had to dipinto overflow housing in Turck and forced triples inDupre to house its freshman class, but this year’ssmaller class fits more comfortably.

“I think the remodeling of the music building mightmake this year feel overcrowded,” says McEathron,referring to the music practice spaces displaced toTurck and Dayton.

“When you have groups practicing in your resi-dence hall, it feels like a lot more going on withpeople coming and going.”

But demand for accessible rooms is a completelydifferent story.

“It’s a big investment to the college to build these

spaces,” McEathron said, explaining that increasingthe amount of accessible space on campus is alwaysconsidered while remodeling.

Egan says she understands the bind that the collegeis in, but still feels inconvenienced.

“I know that they’re trying to help everyone, andthat they’re trying to do the best they can,” Egan said,“but the second you’re not on crutches … it’s frustrat-ing.” ■

This article originally appeared in the MacWeekly, newspaper of Macalester College in St.Paul. It is reprinted with permission.

Dec. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 12 Pg 15

History - from p. 2

Access Press Classifieds are $14 for the first 12 & 65¢ per wordthereafter. They must be prepaid. Mail with check to: Access Press,1821 University Ave W, #104S, St. Paul, MN 55104 • 651-644-2133

apolis, that is federally subsi-dized. For an application, pleasecall 612-338-2680. Equal Op-portunity Housing.

Calvary Center Apts: 7650Golden Valley Road, GoldenValley, MN. A Section 8 build-ing now accepting applicationsfor our waiting list. Call 9 am to4 pm, Mon – Fri 763-546-4988for an application. Equal Oppor-tunity Housing.

Holmes-Greenway Housing:One- and two-bedroom wheel-chair-accessible apartments.Section 8 subsidized. Conve-nient SE Minneapolis location.Call 612-378-0331 for availabil-ity information. Equal Opportu-nity Housing.

Lewis Park Apartments: Bar-rier-free housing with wheelchairusers in mind. Section 8 subsi-dized. One- and two-bedroomunits. For more information onavailability call 651-488-9923. St.Paul, MN. Equal OpportunityHousing.

Oak Park Village: We are ac-cepting applications for the wait-ing list for one-bedroom wheel-chair accessible apartments. Sec-tion 8 subsidized. ConvenientSt. Louis Park location. Call 952-935-9125 for information. EqualOpportunity Housing.

Seward Square Apartments:We are currently accepting ap-plications for our waiting list forbarrier-free housing, in Minne-

FOR RENT

Employment ads are $22-$25 per col. inch. Mail to:Access Press, 1821 University Ave. #104S,

St. Paul, MN 55104FAX 651-644-2136 • Email: access@accesspress.org

this offer, including Minnesota.In May 1962, the MinnesotaDepartment of Health an-nounced that 12,000 babieswould be tested between June1, 1962 and June 30, 1963, pri-marily in St. Paul hospitals.

In August 1964, the Minne-

making the program mandatory(with an exception for parentalobjection based on religiousbeliefs) passed both houses ofthe legislature unanimously andwas signed by Gov. KarlRolvaag on April 15, 1965.

Until Guthrie died in 1995,he devoted his professional lifeto expanding the scope of new-born baby screening. Today,with further advances in screen-ing technology, Minnesota’s

screening program tests for 54different conditions. AlthoughMargaret Doll was born toosoon to benefit from her uncle’stest, she did benefit from thePKU diet started when she wasdiagnosed. That diet was dis-continued, for a time when thepremise was that the brain hadalready fully developed. Someyears later she started again onthe PKU diet and continues tobenefit from it. ■

New school for EBD studentsJourneys Secondary School, St. Paul Public Schools’ new pro-

gram for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities,(EBDs), is enjoying a good first year. The school, in the formerOpen World Learning Community building, merges two EBDprograms that school officials say didn’t quite do right by theirstudents. It also now houses the Lab, the district’s 7-year-old pro-gram that teaches students to exorcise emotions such as anger,through arts and exercise.

The school wasn’t an instant sell with the district’s board at atime when St. Paul is scaling back other programs, said DanWolff, the district’s special-education supervisor. With its 60 stu-dents and a staff of 25, including nine teachers, the program is aninvestment. Statewide, fewer students attend EBD programs likeJourneys, completely separate from mainstream programming.But Principal Hamilton Bell said the program was in keepingwith the district’s renewed focus on serving each and everylearner: “We are giving our students hope.”

The district used to send students with severe behavioral prob-lems to two rented facilities, including one that shared space withthe district’s transportation department. ■[Source: Pioneer Press]

sota Department of Healthstarted a voluntary statewidePKU screening program, in-cluding follow-up nutrition andgenetic consultation. By April1, 1965, 157 of 179 hospitals inthe state with maternity unitsparticipated in this program. Itis not surprising that the bill

Minneapolis Companywith Innovative New Wheelchair

Seating System Seeking Feedback!Minneapolis company looking for manual wheelchair users withparaplegic spinal cord injury diagnosis who are interested in takingpart in a one hour meeting at our office to provide feedback on anexciting new wheelchair seating technology. Participants must beindependent for transfers and care.

Pre-screened individuals who qualify will receive a $100 gift card fortheir time.

If you meet these requirements and are interested in setting up ameeting, please call (763)746-9523 or email brendagw@gmail.com

Regional News - from p. 6 Ellen Houghton952-404-9981

presentationimages@comcast.net

DesktopPublishing:

AdvertisementsBrochuresCatalogsFlyersNewsletters/papers

Scanning ...& More!

EMPLOYMENT

CLASSIFIEDS

Pg 16 Dec. 10, 2011 Volume 22, Number 12

“I know something about the word “personal” in our company name because I’mnot only the founder – I’m also a client. Our quality home care services are formedaround a plan that works for you and your individual situation.” - Kevin Sullivan”

8441 Wayzata Blvd; Suite 130

Golden Valley, MN 55426

Serving Adults and Childrenwith Long-Term Needs since 1991

At In Home Personal Care, we pride ourselves not onlyon the help we provide, but also on our ability to listen.We understand that each of our clients has differentneeds at different times.

Your home, your independence . . . 763-546-1000

SERVICES:• Personal Care Assistants (PCA) • Live-ins• PCA and PCA Choice Provider • Home Health Aides (HHA)

Access Pressoffice closed

Dec. 25 & Jan. 1

Have a Happy Holiday!