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Summer Events - p. 6

I Supreme Court

Page 5 5 Access Press

I RESOURCES July 10, 1998 1

words 'managedm' th

The principles and strategies pation is crucial. UCare al-

chore. He proudly shows off ~liatris,Icelandpappiesand "It's workingwith your remain small, serving some- managed care contract to ' where between 200 to 400 UCare, which will then, in ef-

create at Opportunity Part- from thesoil. disabilities in fect, subcontract the manage- ners inMinnetonka, where he ment of care to AXIS.

even greater harvest. Garden- -

ers growing there.

Topp spends as much time as PJIinnstonka tend to the gar- with the giidening program to take the lead in managing sign up. launch AXIS. "The only thing he can tending to the gardens &ns cmfully, with the help for five years. "The skills care for people with physical we can say right now is we're outsiiklhe nonprofit's head- of dedicated staff. It is both gained here can tie in with disabilities in @emetm area. The AXISplanwillodyrua in discussions with [AXIS]," q u m He says gardening exhausting a d exhilarating, getting a job and doing a job. in the seven-county rnetra said Pam Parker, MSHO DIrec- allows him to relax and gives frustrating and tewarding. It If we don't do our job here Now, AXIS expects to begin area. tor. "Ihere definitely are some hinwonfldence. 7 love being can also be therapeutic. with the plants, they'll die." enrolling people on a volun- things that have to be worked but here working," he says as tary basis for its new managed It will be open-ended, mean- w t with the feets before we he turns over the soil with a “ I t ' s a r e a l m ~ m ~ f o r R o b Cindy Skaahd, a life skills care program by July 1999, ing this isn't a trial project can move quickly," Parker shovel. "I don't mind the krt," says Carol Johnson, an instmctoratOpportunity M- accordingtoChrisDuff,Cour- with a set end date. added. Bur Farker and other heat." occupational &rapist who nels, says she has seen many age Center's director of con- DHS staffers say it is possible

' works with Topp. 'lt's also benefits from the gardening sumer relations and AXIS The actual services would AXScouidgetthene~essary Clearly, there are many suc- work he can do very indepen- program. "It's important for spokesperson. Duff and other be provided by a netivork of waivers and approvals to b e cesses in Opportanity Part- dently with a Iot of success." them to realize that they can partners have been working providers, not just Courage gin serving consurnersby next nerd gardening programs. Topp would like to find acorn- take care of something else," on the plan for several years. Center, Sister Kenny and year. Healthy cabbage plants fill munity job atagardeningcp- she notes. 'They are so used Duff compared the AXIS pro- . Beckiund Forexarn~le,Duff several wooden barrels, scar- ter, something h will pursue to people caring for them but posdl to a threa-legged stool said, if for a certain person, If AXIS wins the go-ahead& let runner beans climb sky- with the help of Oppwtunity when they aregardening, k y in which each of the three "Gillette(Chi1dren'sHmpi- will beginenrolling volunteer ward along poles, c o l d u j Partners staff. Gard'e~ - ccmt. on -p. 3 'legs"-pto~ih,peyers,and tal)ktheb=tpl-fork, AXIS- cont. on p. 9

Phillips To Leave Minnesota's New Courage Center 651 Area Code

D avid A. Phillips, ex- ecutive director of Cour-

age Center, has announced that he will leave Courage Cen- ter on December 3 1,1998. He joined Couragecenter in 1996.

past 25 years," Phillips said. "Leaving Courage Center now

'is in response to the voice of my soul that this is the right way to finish my career."

Y ears ago, talking to one another was simply a

matter of picking up the tele- phone and saying hello. These days we're just as likely to call from a wireless phone, send a fax or log on to theInternet. All of which has required a lot more telephone numbers and the need for a new area code in the MinneapolisISt. Paul area.

code will remain as they are. This includes the communities of Apple Valley, Blaine, Bloomington, Burnsville, Co- lumbia Heights, Fridley, Lakeville, Mounds View, Richfield, and others.

ary 10, 1999, it will be neces- sary to use the correct area code.

If you will have the new area code, use the transition period to: In April. Phillips was awarded

the Colman J. Barry Award for Distinguished Contribution to Religion and Society by St. John's University. He and his

Phillips and his wife, Marilyn, will move to Colorado Springs, Colorado, to work with Young Life, an international Christian

Minnesota's other area codes (218, 320 and 507) will not change.

Notify your friends, family and others of your new area code

Make any changes necessaq to printed materials with your telephone number, such as personal stationery and check blanks.

outreach Program for Young wife, Marilyn, live in Apple people. "I began the first 12 Valley,Minnesota. Phillips has provided nearly 13 years of my career withYoung years of wonderful service to Life and have continued to LOU Burdick, chair of theCour- Courage Center and the orga- Serve the organization for the age Board, said that "Dave nization has grown substan-

tiallv during his watch. Due to

On July 12,1998,thehard-work- ing 612 area code will be split into two area codes:

With the area code change, it will be necessary to dial ten digit$ - the area code plus the telephone number - to place a local call between area codes. The 65 1 areacode will servest.

w

hisleadership, we havein place a strong organization widutd- ented staff and thousands of community volunteers to serve Courage Center clients. Dave's personal commitment to the mission of Courage Cen- ter - to empower people with disabilities to reach for their full potential in every aspect of life - has been front and center during his tenure with Cour- age. We will miss him and wish him well in his new endeavor."

Paul and the communities of --st

Lake, Farmington, Hastings, Roseville, Lindstrom, Lino Lakes, MendotaHeights, New Brighton, North Branch, Rosemount, Shoreview and other communities to the east, including Red Wing and Wabasha.

Forexamule,tomakeacall~om You may need to reuromam . - ~inne&olis to St. Paul you woulddial 65 1 -XXX-XXXX. Do not dial a " 1" before the the new area code. number. To place a local call within the sameareacode, dial You may also need to repro- only the seven-digit telephone grarncomputermodems, home number. fax machines or other devices I MINNESOTA STATE COUNCIL

ON DISABILITY Death, Whose Choice Is it Anyway?

During a six-month transition Additional information is avail- period, callers will be able to able at the following web sites: use either the new or old area www.mnta.orgorwww.uswest code and dialing pattern to com/areacodes. complete acall. Starting Janu-

One-Day Forums In Four Locations: 7/10: Duluth, St. Scholastica College

1/17: Mankato, MNValley Regional Library 7/24: St. Cloud, Kelly Inn

7/31: Twin Cities, Sheraton Inn Midway

Minneapolis and communities in the western Metro area that are now sewed by the 61 2 area

Handicap Accessible Single Family I To Examine the Moral, Ethical & Religious Issues Surrounding Assisted Suicide

Home To r - Available 111 Featuring presentations by noted

111 spokespersonsrep~esenting the varied viewpoints. T hePlymouthHousingand owner-occupiedsinglefamily disability requiring handi- 2Penons:$36,250 Redevelopment Author- homes in the City ofPlymouth. cap accessible housing 3 Persons: $40,750

ity (HRA) is assisting two non- The project is being funded in 4Persons: $45,300 profit housing corporations, part by thePlymouthHRAand Would be able to purchase a 5 Persons: $48,900 West Hennepin Community the Minnesota Housing Fi- singlefamilyhomeinthecity 6Persons:$52,550 Builders and The Plymouth nance Agency (MHFA). Cur- of Plymouth within the next 7 Persons: $56,150 Housing Alliance, to develop rently the non-profit corpora- six months 8 Persons: $59,800

For further information call: 612/296-6785 V/TTY or 1-800-945-89 13 V m Y E-mail: council.disability @state.mn.us

Fax: 6 12-296-5935

tions are seeking applicants who: In addition, the household in- To receive an application and/

come of applicants must be or getmore information on this Can qualify for a mortgage below the following amount home ownership opportunity,

for a household size of: pleasecall Milt Dale at the Ply- * Have one or more family mouth Housing and Redevel-

members with a physical 1 Person: $31,700 opment Authority at 509-541 3.

ACCESS PRESS .......................................................... ........ I Co-FounderlPublisher (1990-1995) Wm. A. Smith, Jr.

Editor/Publisher/C~Founder ............................................................................... Charles F. Smith Cartoonist ..................................................................................................................... Scott Adams Production ............................................................................ Presentation Images, Ellen Houghton Editorial Assistant .................................................................. Jeff Nygaard & Donna McNamara ACCESS PRESS is a monthly tabloid newspaper published for persons with disabilities by Access Press, Ltd. Circulation is 10,000, distributed the 10" of each month through more than I50 locations statewide. Approximately 650 copies are mailed directly to political, business, institutional and civic leaders. Subscriptions are available for $15/yr.

SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION

529-501 9 483-91 43 C ~ R E MEDICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER

7

I Editorial submissions and news releases on topics of interest to persons with disabilities, or persons serving those with disabilities, are welcomed. I I Paid advertising is available at rates ranging from $14 to $18/column inch, depending on size and frequency. Classified ads are $8.00, plus 35 centslword over 20 words. I I Advertising and editorial deadlines are the 30th of the month preceding publication; special scheduling available for camera-ready art. I I Access Press is available on tape. Call MN State Services for the Blind. 642-0500 or 800-652-9000. I I Inquiries should be directed to: ACCESS PRESS 1821 University Ave. W. Suite 185N St. Paul, Minnesota 55104 (612) 644-2133 Fax (612) 644-2136 I

r -P- $2 ,-F '-

Access Press .. - ' July 20, '1998 7-b . i3. j

IN BRIEF. . . . Play On Mental Illness Tnteract Theatre will present August 9. The play is written the human psyche." For infor- "Angels of Madness" at this and performed by people with mation about performances, year's Fringe Festival in Min- mental illness and "explores a d1612-339-5145. neapolis from July 30through journey into the shadows of

- Alliance Names New Executive Director Pat~oppa,formerly~iCePmi- Society MNDivision, has been Mentally Ill ofMinnesota. She dent in charge of Cancer Con- named the new Executive Di- began work in her new posi- trol for the American Cancer rector of the Alliance for the tio

CIRA Resource Directory - ' CIRA (Chemical Injury Re- ness 0 andmultiple chemical EI/MCS community pleasecall

source Association) of Min- sensitivity (MCS). CIRA (for- Deahat (612) 647-0944for fur- nesota is currently revising it's merly T.C.HEAL) is seeking ther information and guide- Resource Directory, a listing your listing. If you feel that lines. of hundreds of resources for your business/product/ser- those with environmental ill- vice mav be of benefit to the lm United Way Seeks Volunteers

f the Saint Paul meet community needs by re- interpretive services and trans- g people with viewing agency program pro- portationrelatedexpenses. Call viewgrantprp posals and making funding PahickTroskaat291-8346ore-

posals submitted by nonprofit recommendations. United mail him attroskap@uwmsp. agencies. These volunteers Way is committed to provid- org. ensure United Way contribu- ing aquality volunteer experi- tions are invested wisely to ence, and will reimburse for

DNR Volunteer Opportunities

GARDEN =- rnnt*~ , p. 1 ,

The ~ inneso ta~e~a r tmen t of volunteers, lake level readers, that may help you successfu Natural Resources (DNR) has precipitation observers, office ly perform your volunteer du- volunteer positions available assistants,andAdopt-A-River ties. To learn more, call the in locations throughout the volunteers, to namejust afew. DNRat297-1449(metro)or 1- state. A wide variety of oppor- Project supervisors are happy 888-646-6367,1TY296-5484 tuniti&.&ist, including park to discuss accommodations (metro)or 1-800-657-3929.

Robert Topp waters wildjrowersatgarden outside Opportunifys'headquarters in Minnentonka. Photo courtesy of Opportunity Partners

are responsible for other liv- zucchini, pumpkins, cucum- ing things. bers, tomatoes, dill and mari-

golds. Watering, fertilizing, "It's also valuable forthem to and pulling weeds is strenu- learn to hangwithit," Skaalrud ous but ehjoyable, especially says, pointing out that gar- when the class thinks of the dening does not produce in- juicy tomatoes or tasty zuc- stant results. "Delayed grati- chini they will have later this

A gardening program is also just getting underway in Richfield, at Opportunity Part- ners' TBIMetro Services, fol- lowing arecent move to a new office in the Hub Shoppir Center. The office opens up to - an enclosed. outdoor court-" - -

fication is more than a skill; summer. it's a virtue

Preparation for the gard In auuluun LU tneprograms in starts early in the spring, with Volunteers arecurrently being Minnetonka for adults with discussions of different types recruited to assist in removing I

developmental disabilities, of plants, basic problem solv- patio blocks from the court- survivors of brain injury who ing, and budgeting for sup- yard and helping to plan f are served in Opportunity plies. To allow easier access garden in the future. Partners' TBIMetroServices for persons who use wheel-

ns Department . Because the new system con-

The new system will offer ac- standards, it enables MPL to 5260. dently. Participants in the

Services programin South St. nity. . Q:. Paul works on the garden plot,

Consumer Advisory Board? ? J,, whichisrentedforjust $loper

g d season. They have planted by Cindy Johnson

2%.

T he Health Care Con- sumer Advisory Board

Minnesota as part of the Pa-

The function of the board is to

1) the needs of health care 2% consumers and how to bet- r;:~'

ter serve and educate con- * sumers on health care con- k&$ .:- cerns and recommend so-

consumers, particularly related to the issues of complaint reso- lution processes and utiliza- tion review. Members of the board are consumers, members of the public, who are not in- volved in provision of health care services, are not lobby- ists, and are not currently re- sponsible for purchasing health insurance for a busi- ness or organization. There arecurrently fourteen members appointed to the Health Care Consumer Advisory Board.

The board began meeting in October of 1997 and has heard testimony from about 50 con-

sues in theself- insd mar- sumers, various health plan ket, including, bat not lim- representatives, the medical ited to, public education " coinmunity, an6 t*'st$i% of needs. the ~ e ~ m t m e n t s okeal th and

Commerce. On January 14 of The board may also make rec- this year the board submitted ommendations to the legisla- to the legislature a "Report on

plaint Resolution Process." A copy of this report can be ob- tained by calling Mark Meath at the MN Department of Health at 282-5615.

The HCCAB is currently studying the issue of utiliza- tion review for consumer input into this area. Utilization re- view is described in the Min- nesdta statutes (section 62M.02, subdivision 20) as the "evaluation of the necessity, appropriateness, and efficacy of the use of health care ser- vices, procedures, and facili- ties, by aperson orentity other than the attending physician for the purpose of determining the medical necessity of the service or admission." The board will be reporting its find- ings to the departments and to the legislature.

in providing testimony about experiences they have had with utilization review, complaint process, denials, or any other problemscancontact BillBlom, (C~Chair)at 88 1-0607, orwrite to the board via Joyce Shellhart Warner, 106 West Prairie, Belle Plaine, MN 5601 1. A public hearing is scheduled in the Rochester area for Monday, August 3 1 st. For more infor- mation you can contact Bill Blom.

It is very important for con- sumers to be aware of the exist- ence of the Consumer Advi- sory Board and to voice con- cerns or problems they have had with their health care plans. This will enable the board to accurately represent consum- ers regarding these issues.

brain injury.

M.I.L.S. HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICE

24 HOUR ON CALL SERVICE

Specializing in Full Home Care Service

Personal Care Assistants Home Health Aides Homemakers Live-in Caretakers Skilled Nursing

Rehabilitative Services

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Waivered ServicesIPrivate

20 10East Hennepin Avenue, Bldg. #5 Minneapolis, MN 554 13

- ture on other issues affecting Recommendations for aCom- Consumers whoareinterested

I Life Goes On I On Mental Illness

I The Lovering's Story, Part II Meaning, P U ~ P ~ S ~ : And by LeAnne Dahl "Normal Life" Y B o b andJaniEcLmaing ofAIlTrades"whtheysdded siped. esus, quoting Deuter- wounds or dueling scars, likea important things in our lives.

most basic of these internal me, and all that had happened I still daydream about what cause someinconvenience, yet across the nation, including in needs is the need for meaning, to me. would have been different if I

hadn't become mentally ill

can use the things I love, my

vice.' I was hurt and I was went on to work at Courage original goal of being a mis- angry." Center part-time. Those four sionary. Oneof themetaphors that kept how many new gifts and pow- can hy toreach out to others in

h i A k years were financially rough

tion that are potentirJ1gr mom I saw At limes, though, rather than valuable and healkg than al-

Misianaries for the Mime- go on focusi~g on the things we love, yost anything we could have apolis Chaw of the C h r i h

we concentrate exclusively

birth of their daugh t e rhne "fu*." Since neither cambin . . Aptilof 1961 Bob nor Janice felt comfort- METROPO&rmN CEhrrER

'Accessible Arts Performances . FOR INDEPENDENT. LMNG

r1112, Sunday, 2:00 "The Little Red en" Stepping- Stone heater, Landmark Center, St. Paul

*7/;19, Wednksday, 8:OO 'The Phantom of the Opera"

, Orphewn Tkcatre, Mpls

I i'fll,Friday, 8:OO "IheImpor- tance of Being Earnest"

*8n, Sunday, 2:00 "A Fair Country" Theatre in the Round Players, ~inneapolis

- 4 "How to Succeed in Busi- ness..." M o d s View Com-

*7/ 12, Sunday, 2:W "FEre rrmnSry'Ih&x,Itondele~gh Little Red Hen" Stepping- School, New Brighton Stone Theater, Ladmark Center, St. Paul 7/30, Thursday, 9:00 "The

Wizard of Oz" New Hope 9'23,Thursday. 10:00 ''James Outdoor Theatre (4401 and the Giant b h " Xylon Ave. N) FREE Rain

date is Thursday, August 6* 7/26, Sunday.2:OO ChiId'sPlay Theatre, Hopkins Center for Asterisked perfomwms are the Arts, Hopkins eligible forreduced admission

prices through the Access to *7/29, Wednesday, 8:OO''Tbe Theatre project. Contact the Phantom of the Opera" Or- theaterorVSAMN(332-3889) pheum Theatre, Minneapolis for further details.

. - - ,

I .MCIL OGFERS SERVICES FOR PEOPLE W4Tf-I DISABILITIES, THEIR ,

FA1C9IUES AND FRIENDS, SERVICE PROVLPESRS, AND INTERESFED COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN THE S ~ C O ~ METRO AREA I

I 1400 U w m A v s : W., Smmlb @ 541: PA^, MN 55104-3mS (6Z.l. 646-8342 m~ff + (@) 603-aOOI TN 8 &i!2) 603-2006 PAX

~ ~ / / ~ ~ ~ ~ . Q R ~ M C I . I

5 Access Press July 10, 1998 I t-

Reliaion & Disability HIV Ruling Has Large Impact i I

Opening Hearts, Minds & Doors 0 n 1998,TheSupremeCourt Thursday, June 25, The sueherdentistundertheADA. court agreed with her ar- Congress tobeamajorcivilrights intended the statute ADA

National Campaign Chal- lenges America's Congrega- tions To Welcome People with Disabilities

W ill 2,000 American reli- gious congregations

commit to welcoming people with disabilities as full and ac- tive participants by the year m?

That's the national goal an- nounced today by theNational Organization on Disability (NOD) as they launched an unprecedented campaign to enhance greater religious op- portunity for Americans with disabilities. Known as the Accessible Congregations Campaign,NOD's Religion and Disability Program seeks the commitment of 2,000 congre- gations of all faiths to welcome people with disabilities as full and active participants by the Millennium. Initiative 2000, an Atlanta-based non-profit or- ganization formed to celebrate the achievements and contri- butions of people withdisabili- ties, joined NOD in launching the campaign.

I The goal of the Accessible Congregations Campaign is to

By joining the campaign, an Accessible Congregation ac- knowledges that it currently does have barriers to the full participation of people with disabilities, and commits itself to begin the process of remov- ing them.

"Installing ramps, increasing the number of accessiblepark- ing spaces, providing sign lan- guage interpreters and enlarg- ing print materials are only some of the steps congrega- tions can take to widen their hospitality," remarked Rever- end Harold Wilke, Director,The Healing Community. "We are encouraging congregations to move toward greater inclusion by involving people with disabilities in all levels of lead- ership and service," he added.

According to a NOD-commis- sioned Harris survey in 1994 on the attitudes of people with disabilities, seven out of ten consider their religious faith to be "very important." (NOD will reveal the results of a 1998 Harris follow-up survey in July.)

The campaign is the newest initiative of NOD'S Religion

doors tomillions of Americans withdisabilities who seeka full life of faith." She added, "We are encouraging commitment, not perfection, fromcongrega- tions."

The Accessible Congrega- tions Campaign was funded by a $25,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation was established in 1933 to "help people help themselves through the practical applica- tion of knowledge and re- sources to improve their qual- ity of life and that of future generations." Its programming activities center around the common visions of a world in which each person has a sense of worth.

Early endorsements for this campaign have been secured from 58 national and regional organizations, denominations and ministries. Among those leaders are the National Coun- cil of Churches Committee on Disabilities; Paralyzed Veter- ans of America; Board of Church Extension ofDisciples of Christ; Health and Welfare Ministries. General Board of

of the United States rendered a decision in the case of Bragdon v. Abbott, No. 97-156. This decision is very important to the entire disability commu- nity because it broadens the definition ofdisability, and af- firms the Americans with Dis- abilities Act (ADA) as amajor civil rights statute.

Somedisability law experts say that the ruling, in which a woman with the HIV virus sued her dentist for refusing treat- ment, has great significance for the disability community. These experts say that the ml- ing supports the ADA's origi- nal intent, which was to pro- tect the civil rights of persons with disabilities. To qualify for protection under the Act, one must be "substantially limited" in one or more "major life ac- tivities."

In a5-4 decision, thehigh court decided that the woman, who was HIV-positive but had no outward symptoms of AIDS, did indeed have the right to

gument that the act of repro- duction, which she decided to forgo because of her condi- tion, is a "major life activity" under the language of the ADA.

"One of the most direct impli- cations of this decision" is that the "major life activities" that are mentioned in the ADA. such as working, walking, breathing, and caring for one- self, "are not necessarily an exhaustive list," but are meant as examples, according to Vincent Blackwood of the Equal Employment Opportuni- ty Commission. He adds that this new ruling should lead to more of a "common senseread- ing" of the term "major life ac- tivity" in other legal cases.

The National Council on Dis- ability (NCD) in Washington, D.C. points out that there has been a tendency in lower courts to find that people who are functioning well with their disabilities a& not pro- tected under the ADA. But

covering all significant areas of life for persons with disabili- ties. Since both the majority and minority opinions from the court appear to recogn-ize this fact, this should make it more difficult in the future to inter- pret the Act in a limited and technical way.

The ruling appears to confirm the anti-bias protection formil- lions of persons who have potentially disabling condi- tions such as epilepsy, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc. Until this decision, it was un- clear whether the word "dis- ability" in the law would be read narrowly, to cover only those unable to function, or broadly, to cover those whose condition might substantially interfere with their lives. . .,

2 ,

As NCD dhaiWkqon Marcia Eristo ~ u G it, t$.iurtps new rdingkwill help to ;&focus the courts Qi! whetper a experienceddis&&dn, not on whether they have a dis- ability."

Health Care Barriers B++,,- ... ''+I.? ,

Questionnaire Results

dultsS\;;ith diiabilities. To ine local conereeations. ni- DefenseFund: and Council for 1 Care Barriers Em- findings: that they would either seek

three principles: disabilities, To& c~vaildak oluntary response far -Of@$

the exceeded original expecta- (321)in

with disabiliti~s are valued tions such as the popular hand- childmn with physical, sen- qwstiomn $ions of a return of two to not working, but would~on-

. " . . , . . , . 0urwnPgation isendsav- t oring to rmove baniem of as. Ginny n~h(lb, Hfe S&abiGties,a a e mps, abilities CCD) and monWy b u i r -TWBI@ per- m~nother25B (296)indiiit.d

, architecture, communica- of former U.S. Attomey Gen- and all dhability issues. tions, and attitudes that ex- eraI Dick Thornburgh and 60- Through its netmx&.sf, clude peaple with disabili- author of That W May Wor- Commm@ ties from full and active par- ship, &directed thekligion chh, --and. teen percent (162 indfM-- , ticipation; and als) indicated that they haw

ftq he^ past nine y m . voluntary action, e x p d d People, with 9nd w3thmt opportunities for people with disabilities, are encouraged Ms. Thornburgh points out disabilities. to practice their faith and that, "Tkis is the onlpbi3M- use their gifts in worship, ityprogram in theUnitedStates Fqr mm idonmi- pbme servioe, sudy and leader- addressing interfaith .&stb. ~ , $ Q D a t @ O 2 ) ~ ~ ship. True religious mss is about ~ ~ D ~ ~ 2 9 3 - 5 9 6 8 0 r s m a i l t&w. 280 & Uniirersitv Avenue

I opening hearts, minds, and religion@nod.org . . i -

i&Wlfi=my -

6 .. . . '

Anoka/Rarnsey Arc's \ m ~ ~ u T ~ a t g e , F e - $ W e d showroem b Ule public. # . .. , "

YOUR COMPLETE MEDICALSUPPLYVENDOR Hispanic Project WheelchainERith coatpkts c ~ m m o d e & showy e i r s

mjxiir service Qstomyfand wound cire iscapacitados Abrien- changes in issues affeoring over the next three years. Arc Walkers/cam, crutches Blood P ~ ~ S S W re equipment D dose Carninos (DAC), t h e community, Md bowl- recently receivedover$5l , Bamrom sabw aids Diabetic supplies .

Arc's Hispanic outrea&' edge &d skills'to help them in foundation support to fund ,ncontinemological supplies- . .. ! project, provides advocacy a d deal whhtkchallenges of rais- this project. support to HispanicLatino ing a cIM with a disability. families who havechildten with Arc is an advocacy organiza- disabilities. Through the Theprogram'isinitsthirdyear tion serving people with de- project, families gather for of operation and serves farni- velopmental disabilities and monthly support group meet- lies in Anoka, Dakota and their families in Anoka & ings, where information is pro- Ramsey counties. The families Ramsey Counties. To leay vided in Spanish. They learn involved have set a vision and more about Arc or the His- about services available, plans for expanded services panicprcrgramd~3-4958.

I GR.EAT SERVICE & PRICES We offer 24 hr. Emergency Senrice exclusively to our regular

customers. Free UPS and deliveries to Mpls., St. Paul & Suburbs. I I We bill M.A., Medicare, Blue Crass/Bluc Weld Media and many o h insurances

- A -cess Press July 10, 1998 7-

Statement On ~ i o 1 6 i c e By Companion Seating: Persons With Mental One's The Limit - Or Is It?

Disorders I by Margot lrndieke Cross

A n old college friend was either in unsold wheelchair/ the minimum that ADA re- d "mental dis- their family members paints a of their family members, and flying in from California companion seats or top prior- quires and the ADA and the

are closely linked picture dramatically different the observations of research- for avisit and my husband and ity seating in therowimmedi- Minnesota Human Rights Act d. Acombina- from the stereotype. The re- ers, suggest the way to reduce I wanted to take him to the ately in front of or behind the both prohibit unequal mat-

motes this sults of several recent large- whatever modest relationship Fitzgerald Theater foraperfor- wheelchair seating. ment based on disability in nalizedre- scale research projects con- exists between violence and mance of Garrison Keillor and public accommodations. ia when- clude that only a weak associa- mental disorder is to nzake ac- thePrairieHaneCompanion. I

mitted tion between mntal disorder cessiblearangeofqualitytreat- hught for two days with the In every instance when I have The next time you need an A- atient, and violence exists in the com- ments including peer-based ~it&rald Theater BOX 0ffice asked box office staff from the ditional companion seat and iatric munity. Serious violence by programs, and toeliminate the to get one additional compan- State Fair to the Fitzgerdd, Is aredenied, askthe boxofficeor "and people with major mental dis- stigmaanddiscriminationthat ion seat so that we could all sit wheelchair seating usually ticket counter if they typically oita- orders appears concentrated discourage, sometimes pro- together. sold out? The typical response sell out wheelchair accessible nar- in a small fraction of the total voke, and penalize those who is, No, we generally have spaces; if not, ask if you can the number, and especially those seek and receive help for dis- Iargued,Ithreatened,Icajoled spaca -Ub. My next have dibs on the number you The who use alcohol and other abling cmditions. anditstilltooktwodays. Now inquiryis,Wkat&you&with need in that area if there are re- drugs. Mental disodys -in I understand we need to be your unsold wheelchair com- unsold tickets available before

jectionofpeoplelabe1edLhien- sharp contrast to alcohol and This statement was drafted reasonable when it comes to p i o n rickts? The mswer performance time. Ifthaygen- tally ill" andattempts to segre- drug abuse - account hr a by rhe D. and companion seating, and I cer- has been the same, We sell erally sell out, ask if the extra gatethem hthecommunityby miniscule portion of the vio- erine. FOUnda- tainly don't want largegroups ohem to &@ g m r a l p&lk. m m b e n of your party canb. tion Research Network on this assumption of "danger- lence afflicting American mi- Mentd Hdth arsd Lmv. of nondisabled @rnp@ois 'YOU SELL 'EIEM TO TAE seated immediately in front bf ousness." ety. ' under fie direction of john taking up precious and limited -GENERAL PUBLIC!?!! or behind you, whatever is a p . ,

~ o n a ~ a n , ~ h . D., in collabo- wheelchair ~g,*e% but . -'pr$@he. If yi>u find the es- The experienb of people with The conclusbns of those who ration with the National I thinkall parties invdvedneed You have just divided a family, t a b t v t todiJ pncoopaa- psychiatric conditions and usemental healthservicesand Ssigma CleariRghouse. to be rmonable, not just the broken up a &oup of friends, 'hr&: sfart a d e p n g !

disabled patrons. ' arbitrarily decided 'that one kecwd the d&, 'me, place, -?G

FCC Proposes companion seat is dm k i - ntide(s) of persons you talked Let's review the following mum instead ofthe minimum to, what was requested and facts: riequired and now'you tell me specifically,therespoll~e. Take

that instead of going back to this information and contact Telecommuniction Relay *=co~ingto---c- with Disabilities A C ~ , ‘ * ~ t t h e p e a p ~ e ~ h ~ d e s p e r a t e l y want more companion seats me&~t296-55@-m&i~5t -WN-IG- . , -~ _- least one companion fixed becauseof access~ssues, YOU 657-3704 toll freeor296-1283 4

proposals are in@n&d to pro- who relays the conversation. minimumst standards on to state that atheater mote access to' telecornmuni-u for TRS . other similar public aca cations and improve the over- The ~ ~ m m i s s i o n tenMve1~ modation, cannot trea all effectiveness of both inter- concluded that all common Title IV of the fDA m q u i r ~ group of people differel state and intrasme pro- ca r r i a providing voice trans- the Commission to ensure that andmust make every effo

grams- mission services must ensure telecommunications relay ser- provide additional seal that STS services are available vices are available, to the ex-

TRS enables people with throughout their = tent possible and in thk most This Notice of Propos hearing and speech disabili- within two years of adoption effiaient RYariner, to persons Rulemakings~btoadvar tiestocommunicatewj~~ople of final rules in this proceed- with hearing or speech dis- the goals ofthe ADA, by( whouse voice telephones. The ing- abilities in the United States. tending the benefits of ; service typically involves a Without this legal obIigation, vances in tel&ommuni, three-way betwwn a per- The Commission tentatively 28 million h e r i m might be tions to be r i cans that mil son using a text telephone, an concluded that it should deprived af the fundamental otheMse be excluded 1 operator - known as a Corn- strengthen the current TRS ability to use the tpilephone. caum of their disability. munications Assistant - and r - -,

a person using a voice tele- , I

phone. The Commbications HOUSING AND PERSONAL CARE SERVICES . -

1. 7,; a Assistant relays messages - ha :;: -2.. . between the callers. TRS, Accessible Space, Inc. (ASI) offers subsidized one and two bedroum: L2. wh~chhasbeeninexisren~ for ) apartments for individuals with physical disabilities. we have housing in the- . .&% " more than a dCOdC* is cur- Twin Cities metropolitanmx, St* Cloud, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hibbing,

rently available24 haurs aday, L'-z 7 days a week, and operates at I Austin, Marshall, Willmar, andDuluth. $!zi no extra gost to the caller. I The apartments are fully wheelchair accessible and each building has a - '.Y

I central laundry room, large community room, secured entry and an on-site r :' - Among the proposals in- :$ cluded in a Notice of Pro- caretaker. -5 --, posed Rulemaking: I AS1 also offers shared personal care services 24 hours a day, at most

2 .-

I locations, for adults with a physical disability andlor traumatic brain The Commission tentatively concluded that the costs of injury who qualify for Medical Assistance.

speech-to-s~ewh ( S n ) ser- I For more information call (6 12) 645-727 1 or (800) 466-7722. For services

I . r . ,

vices and or housing call Leigh, for employment as apersonal care attendant call Sean. oretinrr (VRI) service should

Or rhe country told any other mi- In the meantime, I'll contact n- nority group that they were various theaters and similar *a restricted to one companion public accommodations to try ly seat, no' exception, heads and make some changes be- to would roll, complaints would fora there is a problem. Good kg be filed and discrimination Luck! - would be charged! d Margot Imdieke Cross is on

If you are told that one seat is the MN State Council - all that ADArequires, tell them on Dhabiliry I- not so! One companion seat is 1 - + . . * . * * . * . 0 * . * S * * $ * * 1 v * * ~ I ~ * * ~ ~ ~

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be recoverable from the TRS Fund. STS allowspeople with speech disabilities to speak on the telephone and to be under- stood by the person being