"Real knowledge, properly used, will help anyone. Y ,

Managed Care And - Romare Bearden Disability - p. 8

Candiates Speak -

Pages 6 & 7

Access Press I 16- 4

VOTE VOTE VOTE I Volume 7. Number 10 SOURCES

by Charlie Smith, Editor

thestates Koskinen o v e r E ldon Warkent in in 49R: Je r ry

I Aver , h e Adlin in 40; Leo

Why I Think You Should Vote . . . r w ?;tg And For Whom You Should Vote!

Ihavespentalongtimethink- we can expect if Mr. Dole is Wellstone is re-electcd. Get ing about what I could say to elected. Wc hs1.c secn at- out and v o ~ c . Wv nrcd him. get the readers of ACCESS tacks on ou i civil rigiib. at-

.II 111 .". I- rn

PRESS to register and ~ o t c tacks on the Anicricans With On a more local levtl, here P Novenlber5th. 1'0 behonest. Disabilities Act (ADA). at- are some close races where i I don't have a quick. eas?. tacks on the Individuals with candidates especially need

~ t h dlsabllltles. Many, lt not n e t n f these n ~ n n l e velv nn

. . . . garlson in. 52-A, 1

;aanwfk& md find new WeIM'mci c gomi S e b m over Tom Hackbarth ,

8 ones to helpusgetofFpv&- friend of people with disabif- in 50 and Herb Frey over John ,, ment programs. Wtm&&t, ities. He has strongly defend- Tuma in 25-A. In sen#!%@& -

- ' -&&an. Wecan dectpeople ACCESS P R E S S d P&im- -- IRC~~-.- ri ... ~ b c a g h e l p c ~ ~ l i v e s for Disability Rigbts .a&@ -

j F - . .& - ~ ~ b & t a . the Senate candidates (see Ckt&?r h Nlio.al Divabile ~mplo~ment and l m d = - pages 6-7), you will see that with the en

Recm€historyhasiprova@& Sen@ar Wellstone is the only Voices for Disability Riglfk

Ability For Hire people with disabi1,ities need ~Wtcb~oughtfbllyanswers on page 4. to vote Demoaatic. J h w9@w The question D m of Justice For All (a wepo;re$&ismnth isagreat This year, it appears people lifelong Republican) is fond example: S*. Wellstme think Clinton has Dole beat so

by Tony Coelho of saying "Vote as if your life listened to what people with they don't need to get out and

"Ability fofHbeEis the thane The major chalkmges to p- They are ;orking on Main sleeted '%y the Resident's ductive employment of qual- Street and on Wall Street, in Commitieeon Employnwnt of . ified people with disabilities h c e and high & h h , in People with Disabilities for are attitudinal barriers and rhesuburtPsandincitiesw this year's awareness and ed- narrow-minded assumptions the country. ucationtll program. It's mote about what pe@ple can and dnan a mere slogan. It is a cennot do. Whatever the challenge, peo-

depends on it. It does." He is disabilities have6Pd;maod vote. We need to support the voting the Clinton-Gore tick- is going to try to improve our people I've endorsed. Go to et this year, as should you. l ives .Mr .Boschw~d1t 4htfpdIs on Nov. 5th brkg Mr. Dart pointstothe last two even give us the cowteby of yaw and Wly. It: yeam ef Rep t tMiamr .d an answer. Do you think he n p t m $ g p r c i ~ p t r & of the House of Repre-- ares? This race is close and If you need a ride see th6 tivesasanexampleofwhat w e n e e d t o m a k e sure httomofpage6.m A , Z

of favan assertion ofpride,.andan advertisement tp industry. It is a bold an- - that America's 49 n d ~ g - ~ l ~ with disabili- Wiia~~e-Wmdless talents t6 contribute to .oy economy, vastly tl%mifM skills to be utilized, and abundant energy

be

ple with disabilities have demonstrated an indomitable attitude and a will to meet the challenge. Theyhaveexcelled at every level of @usby and govenunmt. In the dal'kest days of World !Vp 11, the ~ m e r i c a n d e rwd tb inspiration to Fresidmt Frankliq Delano Roomelf, a man disability. - .

yet, 50$ars later, f~rtiutrso k a n y of us, the door to bployment oppomity xe- -5w closed. While the A w -?f& forbjopen &i,crim&- tion&***

abilities, prejudice has not d i f h c n t h e m a r k e t - place. Too many qualified

. applicants still encounter doubt, distrust end discour- agement. lntoomany offices, factories and retail shops, there's a hidden message in hlp~~tcd signs that says

- "Noone with disabilitiesneed llppb-"

won't get the access we need and gain full admitiance to fke job &ar& until we elimi- nate doubts about our ability. The ramps we need to build are mp to the fnmd.

ities are o f f d eqadiq@w& tunities. W l i t y M id ability remains an ideal rathet than a reality.

i

Whatpeople with disabilities c a n d o i s b e w v e . There are peopb who ye blind work- ing.+-aachmistS. There are people 'wlro are amputees working on shipping plat- form, bdbgamdunlorbding cargo f b n trucks. There are

with mental retadation pack- aging goodsofw ca tdggaw p i e s and &&f m a j o d i s P=. -

We can change that. Your effhls to devejop awareness and e d m the public caa help close the gap and bin$ reality into line with our ex: peetations of liberty and ju& tice for all.

4

Recent surveys tell us thing§ sre getting kte, byt itas n@ fast enough. S i s of incre- m e n t i r l ~ s s o ~ ~ u r - agement, but provide little comfiwt to b d i v i b k who are locked out of jobs. We have succeeded in making overt dhximina$ion illegal, but wehaveab&\nittymgo ~ ~ ~ e ~ s p i t f r ~ -

,-., . he n&&-to'&&&?utrf*"to. ~ e x e c u t i v e s ~ ~ e s s -, at=v'e=-, S V - ernment officials, and Opleas with hiring authoriq some- ~ m a n k n o w t o I r e t r n e :

Laws can require compliance .by business and public , -o&ions, butlegisla- : tion by itself cannot enforce ' Fairness. We canbuildraiqps *d i-

Mr. Coeh is the Chairmaa of rhe Prssident 's C o m m ~ on Employment of People wih D@dilit@* - r .. - -. -

2 Octo r 10,1996 Access Press convince people to vote. My both great public servants. I next month (see below). If thishenext month. front page editorial lets you have found both men to be you're trying to find a job this i h o w dhy and who1 think you accessible (even if it may take is youropportuoity toget some * * * * vote for; I hope you take the a few days forthem to get back help. In the last few years the time to read it and think about to you) and willing to listen to fair has brought together em- We havehad somewarm crisp it. I am sure there are many your concerns. They deserve ployers and people with dis- days this fall, and h e fall

Charlie who might not agree with my our vote. abilities. Mark yourcalendars colors are peaking as the pa- position or selections. If you early. per hits the streets. 1 hope feel strongly about It, write to * * + a you're able to get out and

Smith me - I wouldbe happy to share * * * *, enjoy them. Let's h your thwghts with our read- October is National Disability shoft and mild win

Editor Employment Awareness You may have heard Christo- Month. I felt Mr. Coelho's pher Reeve is m i n g totown * * * *

Ihavetwomoreendorsements: message was a great one (see on October 27th. courage -

As you can see, this issue went Peter McLawghlin for page 1). He facrtses on peo- Center has given him theNa- We still haven't totally u to twelve pages due to the Hennepin County Commis- ple's abilb, let's hope em- tional Courage Award this packed in our new home, so pending elections. Also, I Felt sioner and Lee Greenfield in ployers start getting this mes- year. Thischoicehascauseda theopen housewon'thappen an obligation to reprint the House District 62B. I do not sage. controversy in the disability 'ti1 late November. I'll keep Senate candidates' responses think they are in close races, community. ACCESSPRESS you informed and give you to our questions and try to mainly due tothe fsct they are The Bloomington Job Fair is will bring you a k l l report on plenty of notice.

Job Success Fair The Eleventh Annual JOB SUCCESS FAIR - EXPLOR- ING YOUR OPTIONS for People with Disabilities will be held on Wednesday, No- vember 20,1996 from Noon to 4:00 pm at the Marrion Hotel - Bloomington, 2020 East 79th Street (just north of the Mall of America). The event is free to the public and is sponsored by the City of Bloomington and the Mamott

Hotel - Bloomington. Sign Language interpreters will be available.

The JOB SUCCESS FAIR provides an opportunity for all people with disabilities tomeet potential employers, distrib- ute resumes, obtain informa- tion about job requirements, find out about job placement and training programs from vocational resource people,

and learn about community re- sources and advocacy pro- grams. Informational work- shops will be presented and rotate every hour throughout the day.

No pre-registration is neces- sary. For information, call Nancy Schuett at 948-3949; TDD 948-8740.

I Minnesota Kclay Servicc: I

Nominations Sought For Catholic Disability Award

The Catholic Charities Social Justice Disability Award provides recognition to a person or a program which has demonstrated success in enriching the dignity of persons with disabilities within the Twin Cities Catholic community. heferknce is given to people or programs involved in advocacy and social change. While having a disability is not a requirement for receiving the award, nomination of persons with disabilities is strongly encouraged.

United States bishops initiated the award in 1989 to honor a pastoral statement which challenges church communities to provide access and programs for persons with disabilities. To receive fivther information and a nominating form, call Mary Jane Steinhagen at 2 15-22 16 or write her at 215 Old 6th Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102. Nominations must be postmarked by October 3 1, 1996. . .

. -

Cleveland Ballet Dancing Wheels 111

for ADA paratransit services, Metro Mobility, for the Metropolitan Council of Minneapolis, St. Paul Minnesota - The Metropolitan Council seeks proposals from qualified firms with expertise in all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specialized paratransit opera- tions and maintenance for its ADA paratransit program called Metro Mobility demand service. Qualified firms are encouraged to propose on one or two of the four year contracts for operation of approximately 180,000 vehicle revenue hours in the 660 square mile service area. The Metropolitan Council may award one contract each to separate service providers. The Metro Mobility Service Center (MMSC), an operating division of the Metropolitan Council, requires proposers to provide qua1 itied staff and some equipment for the reservations, scheduling, and dispatch functions of the PASS/ TrapezeTM automated scheduling system. Drivers, trainers, and maintenance staffs are

7:30 PM also required toperform and support the day-to-day operation ofthe Council owned and assigned vehicles and computer hardware and software. The selected proposers will

University of Minnesota also be required to provide approximately eight new mid or large sedans each to supplement the Council owned and assigned vehicles.

St. Paul Student Center Theatre Interested proposers may obtain an RFP from Mr. Mark W. Fuhrmann, Transportation

2017 Buford Avenue, St. Paul Systems Evaluation/Implementation Manager by either writing him at 230 East 5th Street, St. Paul, MN 55 10 1 or faxing a request to (61 2) 229-2739. A pre-proposal

Tickets: $2 U students, $3 general public conference w'il be held on Tuesday, October 22,1996 at 1o:oo a.m. CDT, Mears Park For Information or Accommodations, please call Centre, 230 East 5th Street in the Chambers. Proposals must be received by the

625-8266 or 624-2602 Metropolitan Council and Mr. Mark W. Fuhrmann at Mears Park Centre, 230 East 5th Street, St. Paul, MN 55101 by 4:00 p.m. CST, Monday, November 25,1996.

ACCESS PRESS Proposals received after this date and time will be rejected as non-responsive and be Co-Foundermublisher (1990-1995) ................................................................. Wm. A. Smith, Jr. returned to the respondent unopened. The Metropolitan Council reserves the right to Editor/Publisher/Co-Founder .......................................................................... Charles F.Smith reject any and all proposals.The Metropolitan Council is not responsible for expenses Cartoonist ................................................................................................................... Scott Adams incurred by proposers in the development of their proposals. Production .......,.,. , .......... ,... ........................................... Presentation Images, Ellen Houghton Staff Writers & Editorial Assistants ........................................ ,. Dawn Docring & Jeff Nygaard

1 ACCESS PRESS is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities b Access Press, Ltd. Circulation is IO,WO, distributed the 10. of each month through more than 120 &ions . statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for S151yr.

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

Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $1 1 to $15/column inch, depending on size and frequency. Classified ads are $7.00, plus 35 centslword over 20 words.

529-501 9 483-91 43

Advertising and editorial deadlines are the 30th ofthe month preceding publication; special scheduling available for camera-ready art.

c ~ R ~ MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER

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

Inquiries should be directed to: ACCESS PRESS 1821 University Ave. W. Suite 185N &NES INC.

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404 (612) 644-2133 Fax (612) 644-2136 -

- -E ~ '5- .53 ,. '"& **

. IN BRIEF. . . . ., .

+ .. 1 1 8 . ' 7 . .. - . .- A += .-<' - The --- Ca~didafes - - - - Debate X e Issues

*'\ / Health Cm

L

,K t -

. - I Setting The Stage

MCIL Annual Meeting You are invited to amnd the ~ e o ~ l e ~ o ~ h e ~ o ~ s i b i l i t i e s : " annual meeting of the Metro- Election '96 - The Power of politan Center For Indepen- Your Vote. The meeting is dent Living (MCIL) on Satur- from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and the day, October 26, at the MCIL social hour is 5:30-7:00 p.m. Conference Room (Suite 10). Hors d'oeuvres will be served. The theme is "To Awaken Please RSVP by Monday,

Arts Performances Here is a list of performances ASL InterpretedPerfomanc- that will be either audio de- es: October 17, Thursday, scribed for people who are loam & 1:OOpm "Tales of a blind or have low vision or Fourth Grade Nothing;" Oc- that are ASL interpreted for tober 20, Sunday, 2:00 pm, people who are deaf or hard of Child's Play Theatre Compa- hearing. ny. at Hopkins Eisenhower

Community Center, Hopkins Audio Described Perfor- mances: October 23, October 25, Friday, 8:00pm Wednesday, 7:30pm "The "A Doll's House," November Diary of a Madman" & 7,Thursday,7:30pm,Guthrie "Krapp's Last Tape," Jungle Theater, Minneapolis Theater, Minneapolis

October 27, Sunday, 2:OOpm October26, Saturday, 1:OOpm "Sleeping Giant, Children of "A Doll's House," November the Mesabi Range;" October 1, Friday, 8:OOpm Guthrie 29, Tuesday, 10:30am & Theater, Minneapolis 12:30pm, Steppingstone The-

, C

b- 5- -c

<

2- ,. 7'- . October 2 1 : 646-8342 Voice, <. - .-, - 603-200 1 TTY. An ASL inter-

:.=- 5 - - a,,

preter is available. MCIL is ., , :;' k+: -.y located at 1600 University - a A . -+

Avenue West in St. Paul. . Events at MCIL are fragrance - - and smoke-free. -1 --_ _

3s+ 1 m2+% J. 9 -' =:.; && - +-- -

I . - atre, Weyerhaeuser Auditori- - - - - - L a c -

, - um in Landmark Center, St. . - G - - Paul .v - . ,c,. ---

,-a

November 6, Wednesday,

man" & "Krapp's Last Tape," 7:30pm "The Diary of a Mad-

Jungle Theater, Minneapolis - 1 - - 4

For information about otherr .--' '' '

accommodations contact- Craig Dunn at Very Special Arts Minnesota (6 12) 332- =f %-&+ 3888 (V, Tor FAX), or 1-800- 80 1-3883 (V, T or FAX) ore- mail: vsamnl23@mn.uswest .net

Korea Given International Disabiliw Award

1 For Change The Republic of Korea was cerning Disabled Persons. The goal of this UN presented the first Franklin Programmeisthe fullandequal DelanoRooseveltIntem9tion- Unde Msident Kim, Korea participation of the world's a1 Disability Award today by has made significant strides in half billion peaond with dis- , the Franklin and Eleanor improving the quality of edu- abilities in the.@&. of their so- Rosevelt InstirUte. President cation, rehabilitation, and the cieties. It prescribes how na- Kim Young Sam of the Re- general we1fiu-e of its citizens tions can and must expand the ppbuc of Korea acf,cEed& with disabilities. ~Maa$&egis- participation of people with

_d ̂ 1..

television stage and patient w M ~ ~ h T ~ w ' k ~ ~ ~ o i i ' a 4 ~ notewor- I % o m r L ' e ' n a c t e d to disabilities for eeono-

* B levator to improve thy progress toward filfilling mandate equal ri@ts and full manitarian,andsocidreasons.

repeats one T i over md ov but he admitsthere's a the United Nations World participation of persons with )again for the camem. He's wearing i People F i t base- lot left to be dohc. "I know hOvme of ti^^ con- disabilitis. .#mi-'-

practkkg a scene fiom a ball cap, the46-year-old poetz someone who went into a res- miquevicicmpajat he helped hopesthevideo will bealeam- taurant and wanted to adcr a New Med ia Di rectory

hich he hopes will ingappommiiyfagmphopne mealbuttheataitressjusttdked than 760 entritries Corn- m d enmain people sfaff as well % ~ s peaple with b the &-, they didn't prise he second edition of go* of media inem 8 +LV ?%*:.-- g@%. L)O . + p . . copy. M&e check or

A .

aqeg ,jW~ pwable to . with -1i- rad plonan disabilities. "There is n*g & * s m w h a h ~ - t - America's 7"dabiilty Media, Tbo new directw is ~ ~ l & ~ y ~ .M* p.0. . - service professionals. . ~ t t h ~ n o w [ f o r s t a f t l - They eat- We'mlying to get the nation's first directory of in print or disk format, ,488 Columbi4 ko 6,5205- '

don'thraathatmi$entsliave people to realize it's all right mass media rrromes m i n g Wordperfa 5.1. The price is 1488: Cliff has been working for these concerns, or what they to speak up for yourself." persons with disabilities, pub- nonths to develop skits to ad- should do about it. People who lished by the National h s s specific real-life situa- live in g m p homes haven't Filming for the video is corn- Telability Media Center. tions faced by many people got the skills $ley need to live plete and editing is well under

. Who knows betterthan you . with disabilities. It's one of independently. They need way. Thevideowill bebroad- More than 260 new entries many advocacy efforts he has help. But they also deserve to cast on Mound Cable televi- have been addedto this year's been involved in overtheyears. be treated fairly." sion. Cassettes wilI also be guide. It contains more

the PCA services you need? He keeps busy as a member of made available to organiza- 100 magmines, 39 n e w W the Minnesota State Council Cliff lives in his own apart- tionsandindividualsatanom- Pen* 520 nmsletters, and

At Allied Health Alternatives, we work with

on Disabilities and Advocat- ment in apublic housing com- inal cost. For more informa- 70 broadcast produc- you to create a health services partnership. ing Change Together, a grow- ' plex and he has experienced t ioncontact~ayl~~oltz , % s t l3 dial-in

ing self-advocacy group. first-handthetype ofprejudic- Community -ice, newspapersand 10 profession- a faced by the charaehs in at 988-4177 or Tracy Smith al

Along with the other members the skits. Helping to produce, Arc ofHennepin County, 920- '

ofthe dedicated cast andcrew, and starring, in the play and 0854. . The 1996-97 edition also pro- vides information for writers,

he is up late at the Triax Com- the video has helped him gain e-mail addresses and internet Call 544-1 655

munity Television studio in self confidence in the face of sites. There is more media for Mound to film scenes from suchdiscrimination. "Theplay

for our FREE brochure 'titled "It's aJob Finding Work," one helped me by getting me to Hispanics, new media for mi-

offive skits they performed on work with others. I've gotten stage in October of 1995 and involved in other projects like are now re-staging for the PeopleFirst We'rehavingthe

Allied Health Alternatives, Inc. camera. first statewide conference in Nursing Support Services Nursing Enterprises

October, then I'm taking the 5401 Gamble Drive; Suite 235 All of the scenes were written bus to the national conference Minneapolis, MN 55416 and performed by the actors in Oklahoma. Collectables & Antiques with help fiom staff people 612-544=16?55. ' from ~ I M B Theater, Arc of Before returning to the front . BUY - SELL - TRADE Hennepin County, and West of the.camera to play the part Wanted: Silverware, Coins & Marbles Branch Offices: Hennepb Community Servic- of a man witk a disability re- 102 NW 4th Street 41 2 19" Ave. SW; #I 02 es. Ttfey are intended to be jected for a job, Cliff says atti- 184 W. 7th Street, St. Paul Willmar, MN 56201 uked as a t ~ q l to educate peo- . tudes are beginning@ change. . . (across from the Civic Center) ple Gith disabilities, and give He says &re is'an increased them some strategies for sensitivity to some disability '' 11 A.M. - 6 P.M. making daily life more ac- rights i s s u e s . b p i ~ e gf tk

2 N.E. Third Street

c'essible. Between takes, Americans with bisabhitiei ;. Grand Rapids; MN 55744

Cliff talks about the play and Actgnd he cites the example 2 1 8-326-4202. . .*. - .

October 10,1996

Reliaion & Disability "Voices" Endorse Candidates by Deb Peterson ,

A Vision of ~nc~ui ion With an impressive nunout in these dais of Here are the endorsed candidates: by Mary Jane Steinhagen door knocking, fund raising and debating, fifteen candidates for the state legislature at- RAY VANDEVEER ........ I............. Sen. 5 1 Someone challenged me to spa= for a walker, crutches, updated. People with varyink tended the Voices for Disability Rights Annu- TIM MORlARTY ....................... Rep. 33A describe an inclusive commu- or for someone with a casted physical conditions can readi- a1 Meeting. Candidates listened to brief pre- EILEEN TOMPKINS .................. Rep. 36A nity, a fkir question. An inclu- leg. ly park and enter the worship, sentations by a knowledgeable panel of per- MIKE STONE ............................. Rep. 36B sive parish might not be quiet educational and social areas: sons with disabilities on a variety of disability BOB SMITHBURG ..................... Rep 43A and peacefbl. Encouraging and Educational and outreach ac- bathmms are more spacious related issues. Then, a question and answer STEVE MORSE .......................... Rep. 43B acknowledging people with tivities grow out of the wor- and have raised fixtures, grab period provided candidates with an opportu- BRAD BROWN .......................... Rep. 45B varying needs can be both ship spirit. Everyone has a bars, etc. Physical access is a nity to seek firther clarification of these is- KATHLEEN SEKHON ............... Rep. 5OA noisy and fiustrating. What place in education classes. very straightforward process sues. HARRY MARES ........................ Rep. 55A rings deepest is the belief that Strategizinginvolvesstadents, and is easily measured. One

DEE LONG ................................. Rep. 60A everyone has contributions to teachers, parents, educationdi- other base for inclusiveness is

returned and tabulated. Survey responses JIM BERG ...................................... Sen. 35 comi ..... were used as one of the tools to determine EMBER REICHGOn JUNGE Sen. 46 varied outreach projects, peo- always a "person with mental

endorsement. DICK KIMBLER ........................... Sen. 50 Great energygoes intoinclud- ple with disabilities have var- retardation" rather than "the JOHN MARTY .............................. Sen. 54 ing everyone in worship. ious service options. The par- mentally retarded." Anothei

The meeting was concluded with the election CHARLES "CHUCK" WIGER ...... Sen. 55 Greeters and ushers are at the ish social ministry has a long aspect is recognition that all of five new board members from a slate of PATTY COMMERFORD .............. Sen. 60 door, ready to welcome and term relationship with fami- peoplehavegiftsalthoughdis- seven nominees. We wish the Pew board ELLEN R ANDERSON ................. Sen. 66 assist everyone. Parishioners lies who have someone with a played in different ways. Out members: Charlie Smith, Mary Ellen Tisdale, BE'ITY FOLLIARD ................... Rep. 44A and visitors with disabilities disability. When illnessorhos- of this comes a belief that all Tonj Watt, Beth Lareclu, Dorothy Balen, and JOHN DOOLEY ............................ Sen. 56 are asked what assistance pitalizationoccurs,volunteers people can minister to others

Schultz-McDemott a productive ten- ALICE SEAGREN ...................... Rep. 4 1A mightbehelpfUl;theirrespo~~~- aremobilizedto providemeals, as well as receive ministry. ile on the board. STEVEN G. NOVAK .................... Sen. 52 es are honored. Pew cut-ins transportation, child care, and

increase seating choices for support as needed. What can you do to carry out wheelchair users. this vision? To begin any

Parishsocial activitiesareopen change, share this article with Peoplewithdisabilitieslector, to all. People with varying your religious community distribute communion, sing, abilities can both attend and leaders and have a conversa- usher, serve at the altar, etc., work at festivals. Accessibil- tion. Join them in checking

I m e to look a t your and the Smithsonian m i i t an equal opportunity basis. ity is indicated on all advertis- out resources within YOW de- checkbook and make a tax were present also. An attitude of "let's see how ing. nominational headquarters.

Itwas withgreat joy that I saw deductible contribution to we can accomplish that" pre- It's within yoa to create the Center vocalixd mils. Largeprintand/orbraille Another base ofivelcome and reality of inclusion.

....... midto late Dear Editor: condescending and patroniz-

70's. i lobbied for the ERA ing attitude usually communi- withmythen-US SembrByrd I would like to applaud, and catd,although i t ' s n o n v a . and Flo Crater. My entry into personally thank, the St. Paul the feminist movement began Civic Center for their efforts The Civic Center is m excel- m€!o~cERT . in eiunest 20 yeers ago: to make the S m i t h d m Ex- lent role model for other busi-

hibit accessible to all, inch& nessesbecause they are aware I say all this to provide context ing people with disabi1ities.I of the challenges people with God's purpose for you in the midst of your straggles, while

to my commitment to the disa- recently attended a 'planned disabilities face and help us his unique,message will challenge you to help you to

bled community and to share a parking' meeting in the May- meet those challenges. I com- realize God's potential for your life.

.... story. Gloria Steinem came to er'sofficeforthe Smithsanian mend, and thank them again, S T M G T H .... . . W E PERFECT. IN WEAKNESS MN in 1976 and told an f m - Exhibit which will be at the for their consideration and inists at this event (men are Civic Center from dctober 16 understanding. feminists, too) that the true -November 14,1996.1 was 6:30pm, Oct. 13, Disability Awareness Sunday measure of a person's com- &pmentingtheAccessibility/ RespectfUlly, mitment is, at their death, to Transportation Subcommittee Linda L. Lattin examine their ch8ckbmk. A ofthe Saint Paul Mayor's Ad- Linda Luttin is Co-Chair of measure of their commitment, visgr ~ommittee'for People thest. Paul Myor 's Ahismy no matter how larger or small, with Disabilities. The St. Paul Committee For People With . is where did they spend their ADA Coordinator, Roger Disabilities, andchair of the money. Schwagmeyer, and represen- Accessibility/Transportation

tatives from the Civic Center ~ubcommittee'

Employment an, Raining for P~nnle with Disabilities

n

MINNEAPOLIS

REHABILITATION CENTER

A d ~ v ~ s ~ o n of RESOURCE. Inc L d . Vocational testing,

1 Computer training . Job placement

1900 Chicago Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55404

HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES

Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroom apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. We have apart- ment buildings in a variety of locations in Twin Cities Metropolitan area plus Mankato, St Cloud, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Austin and' Marshall. New apartment buildings are under construction in Willmar and Duluth.

Apartments are fully wheelchair accessible, and each has a central laundry room, large community room, secured entry, onsite caretaker.

AS1 also provides shared personal care services on a 24 hour basis r most locations for adults with a physical disability and/or traumatic brain injury who qualify for Medical Assistance.

For more information regarding services call Leigh or for apartment rental information call Dora at (6 12)645-7271 or (800)466-7722.

Accesgble Space, Inc. _i

I

,

I

I

I

I I No Excuses: Vote! I Law Center Here To Help

by LeAnne Dahl

There's no excuse for MOT exercising our right to vote this year, or any year. Voting used to be a problem for many people who couldn't get to the I polb because of disabilities. Many polling places had ar- chitectural barriers, causing people to stay home.

some years ago, the legisla- tors passed a bill saying that polling places needed to be

I barrier free. If that were not possible, then an election ofti- cia1 was directed to come out to the car to help the person with a disability to vote. Yet, even this was an improvement over not voting at all.

Now, we can vote without leav- ing our homes. Although, we've had absentee voting for many years, we had to find someone to witness it. But in

1996, voting has been made even easier. Your spouse or roommate can witness your ballot. What a difference.

It helps not only those of us who find it hard to get out, but it makes it easier for people who don't feel like standing in long lines after work. Oregon has tried the mail system for all of its registered voters with much success. With the recent low voter turnouts here, I would hope this system would also help here in Minnesota.

As of this writing, we know that President Clinton is ahead in the polls. And while we think many people have been turned offby Speaker Gingrich and the Republican Congress, we can't afford to take any- thing for granted. We need to make sure that our President

has a Democratic Congress to work with. (Keep in mind that the Minnesota legislators are up for election, therefore we must vote our conscience.)

Many of us were disappointed when President Clinton signed the welfare bill into law, my- self included. However, the more I thought about it, the more I believe it may have been a smart move. The rea- son being is that he gave the Republicans what they want- ed, but he has a veto power now which gives him the right to veto anyfhidg that looks harmful. He's not going to allow the Congress to do any- thing drastic. I have faith that things will turn around once the election is over and Life Will Go On.

by Lisa Cohen T h e Mental Health Law Project (MHLP) is one of four

I projects ofthe Minnesota Dis- 'ability Law Center (MDLC). It began its work in 1983 with a grant from the McKnight Foundation and has been des- ignated as the protection and advocacy progFam since 1986. As a federally funded Protec-

' tion and Advocacy for Indi- viduals with Mental lllness Program (PAIMI), MHLP is required to: ( I ) protect and advocate for the rights of peo- ple with mental illness and (2) investigate reports ofabuse and neglect in facilities that care for or treat individuals with mental illness.

MHLP helps individuals with mental' health problems by: investigating incidents of -abuse and neglect of people withmental illness, andpursu- ing administrative, legal and other remedies to protect the rights of people with mental

illness. Examplesofthe kinds cility, and had a problem that of problems MHLP may be occurred within 90daysofdi.s- able to help with include: lack charge. MHLP has limited of an appropriate individual- funding to assist individuals ized treatment plan or dis- with significant mental illness charge plan, improper seclu- who do not meet the eligibili sion or restraints, violation of requirements listed above. rights to privacy and confi- dentiality, physical violence, There are no income guid and lack of a safe and healthy lines, and services areprovi environment. Although edat nocost to the individua MHLP does not represent in- MHLP has a main oftice in dividuals in civil commitment Minneapolisand branchoffic- proceedings, it will provide es in Duluth and Park Rapids. information on individual To get more information or rights in the commitment pro- seek help, please call: 6121 cess, such as the right to ap- 332-1441 or MN toll-free 1- pointed counsel. 800-292-41 50. The projectcan

also be reached by TTYITDD .In general, MHLP services are at 6 121332-4668. Or you can available to people in Minne- write to: Minnesota Mental sota who have a significant Health Law Project, 430 First mental illness or emotional AvenueNorth, Suite300, Min- . I, impairment and who are pa- neapolis, MN 55401-1 780. ; 4

-* F-e tients or residents in a facility giving care or treatment in- Lisa Cohen is a manager at cluding jails, prisons, and the Minnesota Disability Law homelessshelters; orwho were Center inpatients or residents of a fa-

Kg- .. . ?..:.: : + . ,, .. . . . ..

using the following exercise you, and much more willing to

past. However, nowth dying I would really make up and forgive h~

Mental Hcalth whenever I go in his room T this person in have visualized this person is heart. Personal Care Sewice

they have al- much more opennow and they

'Disabled & B o d ,

May Ellen Tisdale, Americans for Disability Rim Oct. 22 Cornputem fslr People with Disabilities. Mary derm

Hmm. Consumer -28 Twls fw Chsnge: Self-Advocaicy Training Rojcct

Gloria !%&bring t Jeny &ith, AdvoWng Change

Incontinent/UralogicaI supplies Nov. 12 Parish. Disability Advocacy Project. Mary Jane

. ,

# Steinhagea, Catholic Chrities NIW. 19 Remembering with Dignity - Up*. Rick Gardenas, We offer 24 hr. Emergemy Service -to dur regular

A d w d n g Change Together Nov. 26 Disability Awareness Through Theater. Climb T h e , customsrs. f rw UPS and deliveries do Illlpls., St. Paul dL Suburbs.

.

October 10,1996 Access Press

b each of the previous three months, ACCESS PRESS has published statements from the candidates forthe U.S. Senate about their positions on spe- c%c areas of policy as they relate to the lives of people - with disabnities. On page 7 of this issue, we &t those re-

sponses for you to review as you prepare to vote.

In this final part of our series, we changed our approach a little bit. Ratherthan ask where they standon issues, we asked what theywoulddo if elect- ed. Here was ou?question:

Dean Barkley, Reform Party

Medicare and Medicaid will become insol- vent in the year 2001. Without immediate action by ourpoliticians, the most vulnerable citizens of our nation will be M with no medical coverage &auk of the r e h d of Democrats and ~edubli& to be honest with this problem and honestly start the de- bate as to how to fix these pmgrams. I have been honest about the need to fix these pro- warns while we still have time to do so &gmdless of the short-term political fallout OffZle'rng honest.

20% of the &ded budget now goes to pay interest on ohe 5.1 t n i n dollar hbtthat has been i n cmd by both Democrats andRepub- licans. Senator Wellstone and former Sena- pr Boschwitz have been in power during the $8 years that we have incum4 this m c &&t. Do we want tosend to of^ back to 6nish the job that they have started? If we

U.S. Senate Cand-ida Time For You 1

"If elected to the Senate in 1996, what specific actions would you take that would be of direct benefit to people with disabilities in Minnesota and1 or around the nation?"

Here's what they said:

Paul Wellstone, Democrate

If I am reelected to the United States Sen'de I will continue to be a strong advocate for people with disabilities. Based on numerous discussions with advocacy organizations, I believe that the key issue is the high unem- ployment rate among people with disabilities. Repeatedly I have hard that people want to work and support themselves, but that the bmkm to doing ware overwhelming.

Clearly discriminrdion continues to occur. I will oppose any effurt to weaken the Ameri- cans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or'to roll back the-goals and achievements of that land- mark legislation.

Ross Pemt and the Third Party movement. It tookathitdpmytoeadslaway in,thRnaiion and it will take a third party to balance the budget before an economic meltdown oc-

Health insurance availability continues to be a major barrier toemployment. People with disabilities who fktd a job often lose their medical assistame. But health insurance companies use m t h g condition clauses to preyent.@ &am getting the care that tkq .?%me who need personal care

,wtPd&mgdarpolicies do not cov- er, mtisteitherrnwk trhigh salary to pay f6r it out-of-pocket, or deal with a spend-down program under Medical Assistance. I will continue to fight hard for universal healtfr care coverage. ' . .,.+it

. e .

Orher work d i s indves must also be ad- dressed, such as the general need for part-

time employment, low Substantial Gainful tivity (SGA) threshold, education, diffi with the Plan to ACMIVB Self Suppork program, and transportation. The Social Sec rity programs SSI and SSDI provide an nothing approach. Yet many constitue

still receive some bedits to d e p e n d m l y ~ ~ o n totally. I i n t d r o investigate that issue M e r . .

my first te& to people in the disabilily - .. ni& and will

: L The dead& tbr v6- register there dm irrg@d~I~) , I

registratiw w d s $ .arthemtime- B h g identihation and a ~ ~ e o f ~ ~ t mail to

October 25th. You 4. We a m W i $ n g p , fer Fi,! ,.: ' > r n ~ mail in your ab- cia1 transportation :the : $enfee ballot IW later optibmtohelpgap 5 I , 7:@m, Novem- pfe with disabilities to '

your county auditor. - 794-75 14

Access Press October 10,1996 C <

ites Explain Positions ) Make A Choice ment of the Targeted J O ~ we S ~ I O U I ~ focus on braking OW commitment to upholding

Tax Credit for employem down the barriers and enforc- the principles and meeting the In the months of ~ u l ~ , ~ u ~ u s t , system. If things are not asked the candidates wheth- who hire people with dis- ing the civil rights protections goals of the ADA. md September we asked the changed, the programs are er they would support more abilities. so that people with disabilities

to state their phi- scheduled to go bank~fl in accessible public transit as can work as many hours as IDEA, which guarantees fiee losopses on ~ i f i ~ i s s u ~ of 2001. Ifthishappens, nobody well as a more eomprehen- SENATOR WELLSTONE possible. I m i committed to and appropriate education for

to people with dis- will be able to benefit. sive paratransit system. said the idea of qua1 access to children with disabilities, has abilities. Here are summaries Whilethe Ameri'canswith Dis- health care and to addressing gone through committee and of those- questions, and their RUDY BOSCHWITZ said: SENATOR WELLSTONE ahi~ities Act prohibits the c u m t problems in the is awaitingpasage in the Sen- verbatim responses. I believe strongly in prevent- said: discrimination against people PASS program so that it offers ate. I worked closely with

ing discrimination against all- People with disabilities have with disabilities and has had a flexibility and is consumer parents and advocates fight- HEALTH CARE. We asked Americans, regardless of their told me about theutransporta- small impact on unemploy- driven. ing hard to protect students' the candidates whether they distinguishing group or back- titm nightmares - how they've men< the rate is still unaccept- rights and benefitsunder IDEA supported the ground. I have a solidrecord been late to work, stranded ably high. We know people DEAN BARKLEY said: and to keep short-term objec- entitlementstatus ofMedic- of support for laws that aim to downtown, unable to get to a with disabilities want to work Yes. Both proposals seem very tives included in the Individu- aid br;iefii aM whether assist people with disabilities doctor's appointment on time - they don't need an incentive reasonable and rational to deal alized Education Plan (IEP). I they resist further on issues such as access to or to decide spontaneously to to get a job, they need to have with the difficulties encoun- am concerned about recently restrictions on eligibility public facilities, employer go to amovie with 6iends orto the banierstogettingandkeep tered by people with disabili- proposed amendments, such .guidelines. rights, and educational a concert because they can't ing a job destroyed. ties to find and keep Sobs. as one that would drop the

opportunities. In 1990, I was get a ride. requirement that an IEP team SENATOR WELLSTONE proud to s u m the &mi- Many people with disabilities RUDY BOSCHWITZ said. consider a student's need for said:

bendits, including for Ameri- must

resources. .

ite,wces- Absolutely. &I order for peo- haillsing ple with disabilities tojoin the unitspcr economic mabtrt%a& they

dant services should be avail- site. need the ability to get to where able so people with disabili- the jobsare. It b frrr less costly ties can work SENATOR WELLSTONE to give the disabled commmi- nesses. In-home supports for said: ' ty the w i l y to succeed children with disabilities who Ifav0rp"oridi~ M- than t~ subsidize drese who live at home must also be pro- era1 S- ffX SC%kI&-~ite W& &J but c f l ~ n d do SO

tgcted. h o w a aimnativa for peo- due'& transpatation issues. - ::a .., , ple with aisabilities. The

I will su<brt continuing fed- gowmn$nt*s overall strategy RUDY BOSCHWITZ said: era1 waiven so Minnesota to help provide affordable Throughout my service inthe

- mainbh it4 standard of seF honsingshouldmcludeefforts Senate, I sought to broaden ;ices ti>r people with w i f i - to promote independent living transportation and employ- ties. Ourshteshmldcontirme mong people with disabili- ment opporhmities for Amer- to in eliminating rod- ties by increasing choices for icans with disabilities. I sup- b h k s keep people with accessibleh~us&throughout ported granting tax creditsto disabilities from living inde- Our c o m e @ S - emplo$m who hire workers pendently and contributing witb disabilities. I also sup- hlly to our society. The Minne- Fublic Hous- ported increasing vocatioaal

ing Authority has offered Sec- training programs for those DEAN BARKLEY said: tion 8 certificates for people with disabilities. In support- i mamize the difficulties of wifbdisatrilities,allowingthem ing the hericans with Dis- the &&led community in to select h ~ b g h the mar- abilities Act hl1990, I WOW getting @'ordable health care ketplace to meet their needs. to protect these Americans coverage tbua the private We can build on this step by fromdiscrirninationinemploy- sector insurance plans and fil- encouraging the development . ment, and to g u m t e e them fy support the continued avail- ofmorevariedaccessible ~ O U S - fir11 access tomass transit, pub- ability of health care coverage ing. lic accommodations and tele- through the existing Medicaid communications. My goal in plan. men addressing the DEAN BARKLEY said: backing such legislative efforts b u d g w probbms kingour I do believe that the disabled was to make the American

and the need to reform deserve to live in the main- Dream a possibility for all of - entitlement programs, S m of OW society and not OWCOU~~T)"S citizens, hclud-

I wmld not eliminate this ac- in isolated pockets as they do ingthosewithdisabilities. [Eil. cess but I would consider now. 1 would support the con- note: ?%is WCLFM~. f3~schWh' -testingthesebenefitsso c q t of lower density housing entire response to both this h e wb can ad to pay for the disabled and base the and the following question.] someofthese costs due to their subsidy on the ability to Pay- earnings ability will pay a fair EMPLOYMENT. We asked m*.ofhese coststo insm RUDY BOSCHWTZ sai& ' the ~attdidat- if they would that those who cannot affwd Sf?e &. Bcnrchwitz' previous support strqrrger work in- this coverage will not be &- response. centives for peepk with db- nied coverage due to a bank- abilities, and whether thCy ru* Medicare Medicaid TRANSmTATmN. We @ o ~ s - ~ w rxhStat&

r.oblems with the PASS pro- mat, public services, public each center is to have ade- gramO one of the fkw work accommodation% ~~ quate base funding to+% incentive propms. , tion and telecommunications. needs of people in their area. iI

While 1 was not serving in the w o u l d ~ r t adequate h d - Iundef t tandtheim~ceol! Senate at the time that this ing to meet these needs. reinstating the Targeted Job legislation passed, I stran& Tax Credit to break down the support it. People with &s- DEAN BARKLEY said: attitudinal barriers towards abilitiesm~uetohaveavery The battles won by the dis- hiring people wiih disabilities high unemployment rate and abled community must be pro- who have no or limited job face physical and attitudiial tected from the insensitivity of experience. However,ata&ne baniers every day. I would those who wish to backtrack of limited resources I believe oppose any ffift to waken CsndiQates - cont. on p. 8

. I -.

Disability Issues and VISIONS & 50th Anniversary the 1996 Election W m R R S : Celebr&on

Thursday, October 24th Saturday, Octobt r 26 th

Reception 6:15 to 7:00 p.m. Reception 6:OO-p.m. Program 730 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. - 0pp0- Dinner & Program 740 p.m.

Free and Open to the Public , $35 .per person University of Minnesota Law Center - Minneapolis Hilton J

229 lPth Avenue South, Minneapolis 100 1 Marquette Avenue Soufh, Minneapolis

Featuring Ndional and itla ,leaden d The join us for a haw, dank nl lidmica ' Arc--the nation's largest organim-on devoted

' retrospective as we cektmle ttre

. . to i m p r ~ w ~ g the lives of people with atcomp&hme& d the members and developmental disabilities and their families. volunteers of Arc of Hennepin County ovec Presenters will discuss the potential impact the past 50 yean and the visions &

that the 1996 slectioa could have on senices victories of people with developmental - for people with developmental disabilities and disabilities and their families. Hasted by.

their families. Robyne Robinson, KISP TI.

Both of these events an spo~~ored by .Arr:ofIknm@n Camty, a non-pd i . organhation providing advocaq and sqq~oFt f01 people with devdopmentd disabilities and

their families. Please call 920-0855 for more information. . - .

.-.- 7 - I.. .: - . - - . , . ~

' J '

. .* ~,- 2

- - , 4 +- x-. :- ...- -~I?& -. . >... ' . -fL'++

- . _ I -

8 October 10,1996 Access Press I CANDIDATES - conttrom p. 7 1 Commentarv

on the rights guaranteed in the while in the Senate. In short, I available. (ADA) and (IDEA) acts. As a believe in less bureaucracy and IManaged Care: Will It Work I civil libertarian, I believe that more personal freedom, and in all people are protect5d by our makingthe American Dream a constitutional guarantee of real possibility for all of us. equal protection underthe law. The rights of all minorities TAXES. We asked the can- whether they are the disabled, didates whether they would minorities or gays must con- support tax policies that rec- stantly be protected from po- ognize the extra expenses of tential abuse from the majori- livingwith a disability, espe- tY. cially credits for building

accessible homes. The disabled person in Amer- ica deserves the same work SENATOR WELLSTONE opportunities, housing oppor- said: tunities, access opportunities I would be willing to consider and transportation opportuni- tax changes designed to help ties as those Americans with- people with disabilities to live out disabilities. We must in- in their communities. There is sure that the disabled Ameri- sufficient federal precedent, can has every opportunity to such as the additional stan- prosper and live a full and darddeduction for people who complete independent life. are blind; the allowance for Any effortto weaken theexist- special items, equipment and ing protections would be capital expenses as a medical fiercely fought by me. deduction; deductions for dis-

ability-related work expenses Money spent on enabling the and the credit for the elderly disabled to live independent and disabled retirees. Further, lives is money well spent and we should consider ways to money that I believe will lead ensure that health insurance to cost savings in the long run. and Medicare cover expenses I would look favorably on in- for things such as specialized creasing current funding for equipment that enable people such programs that promote to live at home and not in a independent lifestyles for the nursing home. As always, disabled. should tax changes such as

those mentioned above be RUDY BOSCHWITZ said: found to be appropriate, they My campaign is built upon should be paid for with cuts allowing each of our citizens elsewhere in the federal bud-

&q&mmity b&ve *** -American Dream. Tothis end

DEAN BARKLEY said: I would support both the con- cept of a special tax deduction for the disabled along with a tax credit to help cover some of the extra costs in building a handicap accessible home so long as these deductions and credits are based upon the per- son's income and ability to pay. Independent living in one's own house is a dream that should be made more readily available to the dis- abled. These types of deduc- tions should be made avail- able to those who need them most and be gradually reduced the higher the recipient's in- come becomes. In our current monetary crisis of deficits and a 5.1 Trillion dollar debt, I believe means testing any new tax credit or deduction would be appropriate.

RUDY BOSCHWITZ said: Paul Wellstone believes high- er taxes are needed to fuel the enormous bureaucracy in Washington. I agree with the vast majority of Minnesotans who understand that high tax- es and an expanding bureau- cracy diminish the American Dream for every one of us. Wellstone has supported in- creasing taxes on Minnesota's families more than twenty dif- ferent times. He's wrong. Wbatwe&ape*.Lcrkesi and less bureaucracv. TO'&-

1 or Us? I by Wendy S. Brower, Center For Disability Policy Director

Last fall I was at a policy conference at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute at the Uni- versity of Minnesota. I was sitting next to a "policy ana- lyst" from Ramsey County. "How will you provide health care to people with disabilities and the elderly if Congress passes block grants?" I ask. She quickly responds, "We'll just put everyone in managed care." Hmmm. Seems like a pretty simple response to a pretty complicated issue. For people with disabilities, peo- ple living in poverty, and for the elderly, isn't health care already managed?

Providing MedicaidIMedicare to elders and disabled people costs billions ofdollars, so the politicians and bureaucrats are figuring out new ways to cut costs. They've decided that managedcare is the way togo. Congress has gotten the mes- sage fiom voters that the fed- eral budget must be balanced. Remember those government shutdowns when Clinton and the Congress didn't agree on what to cut for Fiscal Year 1996?

ICFMR (that's Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded - whooo!) the tab is picked up by the government.

About halfofthemoney comes from the federal budget, the other half comes from Minne- sota's budget. That means it all comes from taxpayers -the VOTERS. The Washington spin doctors say that the health care cuts will actually be good because local politicians will have more flexibility and CONTROL.

So it's at the local level where you've got to watch them close- ly. Even with a lot less money, the politicians and bureaucrats still talk, talk, talk about things like quality assurance and about protecting the most vul- nerable. But in reality they have to either raise taxes - a big no-no for politicians - or reduce services.

What do you think they're going to do? The fmt thing the governors will do is tight- en the defmition of disability. That will make groups of peo- ple ineligible for services. In-

is about things like adverse selection, capitation, benefit exception, case-mix adjust- ment, gatekeepers, stop-lossl and utilization management.

At this past summer's confer. ence about managed care, one hundred people in the room (mostly government folks) talked about the importance of involving disabled people in these meetings. Then I heard one professional skeptic say. in that old familiar way, "1 know what's best for them. I'll decide."

A disabled friend ofmine who heads an independent living center told me, "I don't mind managed care as long as I'm the one doing the managing." In Minnesota, officials are seeking input from peoplewith disabilities. They claim to wanl our involvement. Let's take advantage of the opportunity to help make the "system" work better. If we're not vigilanl and just sit back, others will make all the decisions for us, and then it's certain that our needs will not be met.

disabilities will be the So get involved. Here's how: es dropped. ~innesota-1 the local disability o r g a n i l l

1 f-ly believe in gmteei There is a great need for low- ate a climate of o p publicans and Clinton's Dern- will have the Power to decide zation that you trust or the

ing basic rights to each indi- interest loans to help people portunity' I support tax creditp m t s is Still going on. Re- who @ and

vidual, regardless of his or her with disabilities - who often and other fonns of tai &lief gardless ofwho wins, the bud- doesn't. Mimmsta upiSl alao background or personal situa- live on fmcid low incomes and for Americans. I also support get cutters in Washington rn be able to decide what is a tion When I voted for the have difficulty qualifying for a simpler, fairer and flatter tax going to send less money to "medical necessity". It's my Tell them' you are concerned

thestates. The losers, as usual, guess that this is where bu- about~ourhealthcmand~ou will be the disabled, the poor, Eaucrats will do 'their real want to be included in reshap- and the elderly. Here's how it ch0PPing. [Editor's note: see kl$aem. Only you know

crimination in meas such as tions make it impossible to I to the senate, I ~211 works. If you're disabled or Page 9's "Lu~~sluN Brings whatis/isnotworkingandhow

Poor, or both, most likely You Change "for a case it can better. get Your health care and other social "services" paid for Where do social services fit The Minnesota Department of .

to be a bmader disclissidn as through MedicaidIMedicare. in? Psychotherapy? Jho- ~ u - ices is sponsoring Even if you live in an institu- timalormarriagecounselink?? a ' ' hum for Cmnsumer &- tion or nursing home or The professional jargon volvement" on October 21,

1996, at the Sheraton Midway ' in St. Paul. It's free for con-- sumers. For information, dl Carol Benson at (612) 296-

computers (and parts) for sale. The Minnesota Health Care

These refbrbished computers are ideal for education, job- c o m m i s s i f-s, too. is h01dingresi:on- They want &,

skills, vocational training and independent living needs. BE- hear from people with disabil- ities about managed care. There is no but you must sign up. Dates: Oct. 22,

, Mu/ankato, November 1 3, Thief River Falls; December 4, Lit-

and Sewice to others. tle Canada. or infixmation, served basis and specifii: configurations are subject to avail- call Nancy Cusick at 1-800- ability. We now ofer a 10% cost-recovery discdmnt for cash

supporting or caregiving for someone with a disability, 3) are currently receiving some form of public assistance and will guest your first visit! use the computer for education, job-training or employment postage to M O U ~ ~ Magazine, purposes. I f you fit one or more of these categories, please call Chris at 612-378-9796 for additional information.

Access Press October 10,1996

Lawsuit Brings Change by Steve Elliot Finally Dana Steelman, a Medical Assistance recipient, is getting what she needs. The Minnesota Department ofHu- man Services (DHS) has agreed to funda voice-activat- ed environmental control sys- tem for the Olmsted County resident.

Ms. Steelman, a (25-6 quadri- plegic, has a variety of daily complications that a voice ac- tivated system can solve, such as: muscle spasms that some- times cause her to fall out of bed, where she cannot breathe and is unable to reach the phone; difficulty in control- ling her internal tempemme, making her prone to hypother- mia and heat strokes; inability to open and close, or lock and unlock, the apartment door, which on one occasion left her vulnerable to a sexual assault.

All of these situations are po- tentially very dangerous for Dana. However, the danger can beavertedby using avoice- activated environmental con- trol system (VECS), with which she can dial her phone,

lights on and off, or oper- a any number of

ances, all with- -

Disability And Democrats Under the terms of the Settle- prior authorization request. ment Agreement, DHS grant- by Roger Fuller - ed prior authorization forMed- Once a letter ofmedical neces- ical Assistancereimb~ent sity has been prepared, the When the Disability Caucus for the voice-activated envi- recipient should locate venb maatthe DemomticNation- ronmental control system that don who cany environmental a1 Convention in Chicago in Ms. Steelman requested. In control systems capable of A u g ~ s t , t h ~ w a s a n ~ m ~ - exchange, she dropped the meeting the recipient's needs. ing each day of the conven- appeal pending in district It iskcommended that the re- tion- This was a change from court. The parties further cipient see a demonstration of pa t years when the dimbility agreed that the Settlement the system and have apersonal @UP would meet only once Agreement may not be used as trial with the system. Then a d d g the four day conven- evidence or precedent inany prior authorization request, tion. future proceedings by any jm- which must be submitted by a ty, nor does it constitute any Medical Assistance vendor, Bob SevifP~, Dkabilit~ Out- admission of fact or interpre- should be submitted to DHS, reach Director for the Demo- tation of law or rule. At Ms. accompanied by the letter of cratic National Committee, Steelman's insistence, howev- medical necessity. said the national party organi- er, DHS dropped its condition zation decided to take an ac- that the terms of the Settle- We anticipate that the DHS tivist role with the fiability ment Agreement not be pub- will continue to deny all re- caucus this time. "When the lished. quests for environmental con- His@c, black, hbororother

trol systems. This should not caucuses meet at the c0nVe.n- It remains the position of the deter Medical Assistance re- tiolq they do so on their Own MDLC 'that environmental cipients from applying. If withnohel~fromthenational control systems are a covered funding is denied, recipients P ~ Y " he said, .

service under the Minnesota should vigorousIy contest the Medical Assistance program. denial, as coverage of envG ''In the case of the Disability They are a medical necessity, ronmental control systems is Caucus, the P w &cided to both when they address medi- consistent with state and feder- underwrite the cost," said cal or health needs of recipi- a1 regulations. Furthermore, Sevigny. The result was three ' ents and when they are re- based upon the settlement of m d g S at the swissotel and quested to maximize a recipi- Ms. Steelman's case,the DHS abcheonmedngatthe Chi- ent's independence or fun* can no longer assert that it is C W Public Lib-. Sevign~ tional ability. illegal for a state to spend traced this development hack

~edi-1 ~ ~ ~ i ~ m ~ funds on to when David Wllbelm be- Medical Assistancerecipients environmental control sys- came national chair at who need an environmental terns. Other states, including * e t i m e ~ i d e n t C l ~ o ~ ~ a s control system to meet medi- Connecticut, Massachusetts, elected. " W i l h e b d t h e cal q bealtb nqxk or to max- New York and Rhode I s h d a*rity .QD~W&. P w - in;'lae-- * .

I bve -& snd IM FowIcT, IS SUCC~S-'

the Senate, lifts and elevators elective office. Itis time for us -

were installed to accomme to step aside," she said. "We I .. date his wheelchair. If you are don't need to beyour advocate -

elected to the central commit- anymore." tee or some other party ofice, you will work on many issues Roberts became involved in in addition to the disability politics when the school dis- issues which originally inter- trict rehsed to educate herson . - ested you." because he was autistic. She - . -

became alobbyist on behalf of Governor Mike Lowry of herson and persuaded the leg- Washington told the caucus islature to write a law that members he decided to take would allow him to attend charge of laws for disabled school. "He has a two year persons by moving the imple- college degree, has been on mentation for them to the gov- the job in aschool for 16years, ernor's ofice. "The heads of and is a well-adjusted procluc- state agencies will pay atten- tive person," she said - - tion to the matter if it comes I

out of the governbr's office Hubert (Skip) Humphrey 111, and they know he wants ac- Attorney Gene~a lo~nneso- tion." ta, urged caucus members to

contact the Attomey General Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa offices in their states. "Many who led the passage of the ofmycol1,eagues would likem - - Americans with Disabilities make some progress in this Act (ADA) through the Sen- field of disability rights and ate, said disabled people need would welcome the involve assistive technology. "When ment of disabled people." we provide the disabled with the devices they need to be- Carol Rasko, domestic affairs come independent, it allows advisor to President Clinton, them to be productive people. has served since 1993 in the It is what mekes the ADA White House, and was with work." Clinton for ten yeam while he

was Govemor of Arkansas. Harkin said Sen. Robert Dole, "Hehardspema lot oftime with the Republican presidentisvl my m, who is moderately

t h r r t ~ ~ V E C S w g s not w.d in rm- ture"andwas"farfi.rpm:~ considered a community stan- dard ofjmctice orcustornary practice or usage in the treat- ment of persons function- ing at the level of a C5-6 quadriplegic."

With legal assistance supplied by the author of this article, Ms. Steelman appealed the deniahf prior authorization. The administrative appeals court referee issued a decision affirming the Department's denial of prior authorization, statingthat therequested envi- ronmental control system did not meet the definition of du- rable medical equipment and thus was not a service covered by the Medical Assistance pro- gram. The referee based this determination in part upon the product brochure, which did not describe the voice-activat- ed system as primarily medi- cal in nature.

Ms. Steelman did not give up. With the help of the Minneso- ta Disability Law Center (MDLC), rep~esented by my- self, she appealed to state dis- trict court in Olmsted County. I submitted a Memorandum of Law to the court in support of her appeal. Before the matter went to hearing in district court, a Settlement Agreement was reached.

l , w % d -1hi- - with ot vention. Senator Chris Dodd doing the things he wants to dipbilities." Ms and l e d of i&pp p d Any i n t e r e s t e d m e of C- who a h is do.'' w, and an ev.lultim 4 -tact the HDE for assis- g a e d .- of* d i d d&*h (,fan m , , , i & & & t m r e & patY,sant

ad*s t h w n & pad -- imiziehis orherfbmthd abil- ity and independence. Also, Steve Elliot is an attorney at he said- "F an appro@* environmental the Minnesota Disability Law ple, when Senator

East ofNorth Caro- control system or type of sys- Center. tern should be identified. The lina was elected to details of this con- sultation should be summarized ina let- ter of medical ne- cessity prepared by the media1 prof=- HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICE sional. This letter

24 HOUR ON CALL SERVICE should include, the care of disabled. among other things, a detailed descrip tion of the recipi- Specializing in Full Home Care %vice ent's disability, functional limita- Personal Care Assistants tions, medical and Home Health Aides Homemakers ing the decisions.:. .r., health needs, plus a ~ i ~ ~ - i ~ caretakers "We don't want tW." recommendation of dump all of our disT

abled into managed an environmental control system that

Rehabilitative Sewices those Physical / Occupational / Speech Therapies

needs and limita- tions: This consul- PCA Provider Organization h 3 d b h ~ k r a r r M . ~ d ~ a b W m . T o d a k r ~ ~ b . u d

tation may be with a * ~ l m u p s h ~ ~ d u i n ~ * n h f - ~ Medicare Certified / Medical Assistance m d l n d * ~ a w p v l m p r ~ p r r o ( a l y a r r * l * m r physician, a physi- Waivered Services / Private . cal therapist, an oc- A * d O t * O c R k 1.1996tycdfnz

cupational therapist or sther appropriate S P t l s f r c t k n F health professional. But keep in mind

201 0 East Hennepin Avenue, Bldg. #5 that a physician's Minneapolis, MN 5541 3 prescription is re-

quired as a part of a Medical Assistance

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12 October 10,1996

- ern wi tb A cces

'ark Apiuanents w t i a t ~ r ~ ~ i r user in mind scwrul

and two bedrwm tmits. For a

T PAUL 641-1917 HOURS 8:508:00 U-F