Students Crossing Page 6 Bridges - p. 8

Access Press 1 1998 Legislative Review

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a

Victories, Compromises

1. A '

by Charlie Smith, Editor

t the close of the 1998 Maintain Access to Special sure that counties w~ll ab~de

A G'

of the issues brought to the ment from the medical Assis- formation The Health and Capitoi were e h b w d on a tance program; ensuring Human Sixvices bill creates bipartisan level but due to the strong informed consent pro- an independent office within political process many bills visions are required before theDepartmentofHealth. The containing our issues were parents authorize the billing office would employ nlne ad- vetoed by the Governor. of their health plan. vocates to asslst consumers

Photo by James Horace who are encountering prob- I Theconsortium forCitizenys Among the components of lems with their health plans.

Court Ruling Gives "Death Sentence" To

with Disabilities (CCD) has concern is language that sun- become an effective group of sets all rules exceeding fed- Fund Home Ownership committedadvocates. Show- era1 requirements for special Counseling for Partici- ingupatcommitteemeetings, education services; a provi- pants of the Fannie Mae informinglegislators,andjust sion that forces the state to HOMECHOICE Demon- being a presence for people pay up to 50% of school dis- stration Project Funding

People With Disabiliti2s with disabilities. The CCD I members are iesponsible for . . . . I many of the victories made

~y Bob Griss

I n unambiguously brutal candor, the U.S. Court of

Appeals recently ruled that the Medicaid program can in some cases withholdmedically nec- essary treatments even when such withholding might im- pose a "death sentence" on Medicaid recipients. Con- cerned readers of ACCESS PRESS are asked to contact the Clinton administration and demand that this ruling be re- versed. This article will give you the information you need to do that.

The original ruling had to do with an attempt by the state of Connecticut to deny all re- quests by Medicaid recipients for the provision of specific durable medical equipment (DME) unless the equipment appeared on apre-existing list )f covered equipment. The

problem with the list that Con- necticut was using is rhat it was prepared based on the needs of the "average pa- tient." That is, with no regard for quality outcomes, for the medical needs of individual patients, and with no excep- tions (not even for individuals withdisabilities orchronic ill- nesses). A federal district court ruled that Connecticut could not do this.

That federal district court rul- ing was reversed by a three- judge panel of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, in a case known as "Desario'v. Thomas" (No. 97-6027, U.S. CourtofAppeals, 2ndCircuit, February 24, 1998). The Desario decision essentially said that the government has no obligation to persons with rark or unusual conditions, or

this past year. One of the reasons the CCD is success-

who have costly treatment ful is due to broad representa- needs. This decision invites tion of its members. They States in the Medicaid pro- come together and support gram (as well as private em- each other, making sure each ployers and private insurers) issue gets the attention it to rely on exclusive lists that needs. Thedisabilitycommu- limit benefits to the needs of nity at large owes the CCD a the "average patient." If this gratitude of thanks. is allowed to stand, it has the potential to undermine the The following is a recap of Medicaid entitlement and issues brought to the Capitol make a mockery of the Con- this year: sumerBil1 of Rights. --. .- - - Increase Medical Assistance

In theU.S. healthcaresystem, Income Limits The Health 10% of the population ac- and Human Services bill in- counts for 72% of total health creases the income limits by care expenditures. As a soci- $47 per month for people who ety, we know that the needs of are disabled or elderly and people with rare or medically who liveindependently. This complex conditions arecostly. increase is for people who are In fact, Medicaid was de- on RSDVSSDI. This is the signed as an entitlement pro- first increase in nine years. It gram partly to reflect the de- also puts in place a cost of sire of the American people to living increase for the future. Med. Alert - cont. on p. 7

trict litigation fees in certain circumstances; and a require- mentfor all school districts to request insurance information from families and begin billing them for certain health related services.

Improve Coverage of Du- rable medical Equipment A bill was passed whichprohib- its health plans from limiting durablemedical equipment to in-home use only. It also re- quires health plans todisclose coverage information for du- rable medical equipment upon request.

Patient Protections and Clarify Case Management Provisions in the Managed careDemonstration Projects for People with Disabilities Counties participating in. the demonstration projects will have to comply with the Pa- tient Protection Act and other consumer safeguards that are required of health plans. Clarification was made to en-

was included in the Economic Development and Housing bill that was vetoed. It was not included in the trimmed ver- sion passed during the spe- cial session.

Expand Services to People Affected by Fetal Alcohol SyndromeIEffect A major initiative was passed to ex- pand awareness, prevention and intervention services to women, families and children affected by abuse of alcohol during pregnancy.

Provide Relief for Persons withDevelopmentalD~sab'di- ties Waiting for Waivered services The Health and Human Services bill contains a provision requiring the De- partment of Human Services to present a *port to the Leg- islature on the cost of serving more than 2,000 people who are waiting. It also requires the Commissionerto provide pub- lic information about spend-

Review - cont. on p. 3

Angling Horizons Of MN I State Chi- up -

t's almost that time of year weekend of for Angling Horizons of fishing. An-

Wheelchair Policy Minnesota to conduct it's an- gling Horizons he Stakof Minnesotab Minnesota has deeided tolet Second. because of competi- nual fishing event for persons has also been decJded to discontinue its the free market system prevail tive market factors, prices for with disabilities in Side ~ a k 6 , a b out con- yolume purchase contract for by eliminating this obstacle. wheelchairs have dropped Minnesota on the beautiful n e c t i n g wheelchairs, previously held They also have made a bold nearly 25 percent since Sturgeon River Chain of people with by Everest Jennings, , which statament for theconsumer by Minnesota's last contract was Lakes. Pine Beach resort will people. Mak- eliminated the home health taking into consideration the established 5 years ago. The be our host site June 12-14. ingfriendships care prodex as the link be- needs and preferences of existiagcontrmt was, in fact, Angling Horizons of Minne- that begin with sotawillalgainbeputtingsmiles a great BIG consumer, wkib also restrict-

Intermedia -, Mpls C $ I ~ - " I Receives College, Coon Rapids

615, Fri 7:OO. "HAIR Usi- T h e a f m d e J a h L 5116, Sat 8:00, "Why We versityThe8tre.Universityof Have aBody" Outward Spiral MN, Mpls 6/5, Fri 730, 'The 500 H @ Intermedia Arts, Mpls Bartholomew Cubbins"

511 7, Sun 2:00, "Anansi" ofBarth010m~wCubbins" The he Franklin and Eleanor societies. Canadawas awarded Freedoms, which prohibits Roosevelt Institute- and a bronze bust of FDR and a discrimination on the basis of

AudioDearibed lrA through the Access the World Committee qn Dis- $50,000 grant for a non- disability. The Employment atre project. Contact ability honored Canada at the govermental disability pro- Equity Act strives to ensure

5/20, Wed 7:30, "Dial M for 511 7, Sun 2:00, "A Moon for aterorVSAMN(332-3 United Nations as the recipi- gram in their nation. employment rights. Canada's Murder" JungleTheatre, Mpls the Misbegotten" Theatre in further details. ent of the Franklin Delano international leadership on dis-

the Round Players, Mpls Roosevelt International Canada is recognized for el- ability was highlighted by its 5/29, Fri 8:00, "Red Harvest" Disability Award. Established evating disability to the top of spearheading the worldwide Theatrede la Jeune Lune, Mpls in 1995, the award recognizes its national agenda. Efforts campaign for a treaty to ban

and encourages progress by have included a national strat- antipersonnel landmines - a nations toward the fulfillment egy for integrating persons major disabler. And, Canada

Persons - the full and equal in Canadian life. The Cana- of Opportunities for Persons participation of persons with dian Parliament introduced withDisabilities. disabilities in the life of their the Charter of Rights and

SPECIALIZEDTRANSPORTATION I

529-501 9 483-91 43

b

L Access Press May 10, 1998 3

Scholarships Available IN BRIEF. . . . I n cooperation with the Foreachofthenextthree years, citizens and have documented

President's Committee on Nordstromwillgrantfive$2,000 disabilities in accordance with Employment of People with scholarships to undergradu- the Americans with Disabili- Disabilities, corporate spon- ate students with disabilities ties Act. Each scholarship sors NIKE, Nordsbom and who are enrolled in business awardedwill bepaiddirectlyto Sprint have pledged college degree programs at four-year the accredited college or uni- scholarships for people with accredited colleges or univer- versity by thesponsoringcom-

Mental Health Committee Members Minneapolis Human Services Meetings are held on the sec- in Henn. County and conduc~s Network is seeking new mem- and Tuesday of the month, public forums, focus groups, bers: consumers, family mem- 3:OO-4:30, at the Minnesota and provides community ad- bers, others interested in men- Church Center. The Network vocacy. For information, call tal healwillness for its Sub- publishes the Miniguide to ShellyZ.~~ek870-0011. committee on Mental Health. Public Mental Helathservices

disabilities forthe 1998-99aca- sities in the United States. In pany and may only be used for demic year. doing SO, the company will tuition, room and board. l~echnology Conference The President's Committee is proud to announce the gener- osity of NIKE, Nordstrom and Sprint in creating career path- ways through higher educa- tion, said Chairman Tony Coelho. NIKE has made a three-year commitment to award one $2,500 scholarship annually to an undergraduate student with adisabilitymajor- ing in sports orrecreation man- agement, sports marketing, sports medicine, or sports or recreation retail at an accred- ited four-year college or uni- versity within the United States.

begin its second c&se&tive three-year commitment to the President's Committees schol- arship program.

Sprint will award three $2,500 scholarships to students with disabilities pursuing business degrees at accredited four-year colleges or universities during the 1998-99 academic year.

To be eligible for any of these scholarships, applicants must also be either current high school seniors or undergradu- ates currently enrolled in four- year colleges or universities. They must be United States

To request an application book- let, contact the President's Committee on Employment of People withDisabilities at(202) 376-6200 (VOICE), (202) 376- 6205 (TDD).

Completed applications should be sent to the President'scommitteeon Em- ployment of People with Dis- abilities Scholarship Program at 1331 FStreet NW, Washing- ton, DC 20004. Applications for all three scholarships must be received by 4:30 p.m. East- em Standard Time on May 29, 1998.

The Rehabilitation Engineer- Regency Hotel, Mpls, June26- muchmore. Formoreinforma- ing andA~sistiveTechnology 30. Topics include engineer- tion, call the Star Program at (

Society is holding its interna- ing, computers, wheeled mo- (612)296-2771 or 1-800-657- I

tional conferce at the Hyatt bility, job accomodations and 3 8 6 2 0 1-8OB657-3895o. 1

I

I

Estate Planning I

Opportunity Partners will be Finanical planners Arnie discusscharitablegiving,wills, holding a free estate planning Gruetzmacher and Daryll and trusts. To register,call seminar on Thursday, June 18 Stenberg of Life Planning for Denise Covington at 9 12-2492. 1

from 9-1 1 am at55000pportu- Persons with Disabilities and nity court , Minnetonka. att~rne~~obert~undersonwill

Tour De People Sixth annual ride to celebrate agedtobringtheirbicycle,roller Boulevard. Freeevent butpre-

1

mental health thm exercise blades, running or walking registrationisneeded,callJudy sponsored by People, Inc. will shoes for this 6 mile scenic 644-2232VKIY. be held on June 13" starting at route from Minnehaha Falls I O am. Participants are encour- along the kississippi River ')I

-- -7 Reed Martin Comes To Minnesota % b

Pacer Center is sponsoring a Israel, Minneapolis. Reed cent changes in federal law free workshop for parents of Martin, is a nationally-recog- and provide updates on recent chil&n with disabilities on nized attorney and p-w' corn ma. To register call, Tuesday,May 19,1998, from 9- on special educaM law. He F'a~erCeder(612)827-2366V, 12:30 or 6:30-9:30 at Temple willpresentin-non re- 8 2 F 7 7 ' 7 O ' I T Y , l - ~ ~ .

- * .

Rise Golf Tournament ,

1 ' -

REVIEW - COA. r,, p. 1

mm ing patterns of counties who do not spend their Case Management ResponsibilitiesTurned full waivered services allocation. Over to Some Counties. The counties may

bill Medicaid directly for the actual cost of the ImproveMetmMobilityTransportationSer- case management services, enabling them to vicesNegotiationswiththeMetropolitanCoun- have a greater portion of their costs reim-

a housing program for persons with mental illness. The information

gathered in this ar- Menta l Hea l th G r a n t s t o 1997Flouds tic!e was compiled Counties, Th@&m@lH&thCommunjCy $om informetion S&mrt fiogr&&% &p-&&bueas provided to A C- crlsiswwiwnlaterf to WIW. The services . CESS PRESS from were a r ~ r e ~ b l e , l e a % k ~ C S P ' s withsiz- members of the able de,Peits in t h e k p m & ~ . Consortium for

- . Citizen's with Dis- abi l i t ies WN fe6.o).

We provide Personal Care Assistants Home Health Aides Homemakers* Livetin Caregivers* Nursing

I I Our Rehabilitative Services include: Physical/ Oceu~~unaWSpeec~piratory Therapies

PCA Provider Organization MAIWaiverMedicare Certified

) 544-0315 or 1-800-231-0315 1

-To ~xan@ie?T&6 lb&hly'EM- Religious Issuks krroundirig Assisted Suicide

Featuring videopmsentatims by noted spokespersons representing the varied viewpoints.

For further information call: 612l296-6785 V m Y

or 1 -800-945-89 13 V m Y E-mail: council.disability @ stak.m.us

Fax: 6 12-296-5935

Fishing Tournaments managers for mental health, if ..z :> .

tion contact 627-3529. Human ServSces

than annual reassessment.

Improve Access t o augumenta t ive and of their hearing befo Alternative Communication systems. tion ofneurolepticm

Increase R e f m ~ ~ ~ $ f o r @ N U m I n g ~ ~ i l i k , H~~ c m d W 7 b + Programs. A three percent inflation+'i* crease will help providers recruit and retain better qualified staff to work with people who Visio have disabilities.

I

provide the six day, three part workshop series A $1 MilIionDollarVocational Webabilbtio~) throughout the state. Appropriation. This will provide and fund assessment, vocational training, and job place- Replembering Wi Dignity Rider Request ment services. Appropriation allows the state to receive an pdditional$4 million dollars in federal matching funds.

MINNESOTA STATE COmCIL ON DISABILITY

New FundingforExbt@g@ New Housiug sim) $195,000. Dp to Initiatives. Funding to preserve the federally- $29,250wi11 be used assisted hoking, transitional housing, penna- to hire community nenthousing, and family ho~~desspreventiop. based part-time No allocation of f ~ n d i n ~ f o r ~ r i d g e s program, organizers. r r -I A , Spring . a p @ u m ~ f I , T . :, , 1998 .. --t h . - O - - . ..

PK-:' .-. -+ .. Life Goes On Ion Mental Illness . a --

The Twenty-Four Hour "- Bad News And ~ o o d News ccupation by Peter Feigal

LeAnne Dahl henitcomestothestate powerful voice, and we are The good news is that just of Minnesota's mental beginning to have a chance to plain people are talking more

openly about mental illness. good news and bad news. They are breaking the silence

The good news is that ad- and the generations of tradi-

hour occupation? Does it creep to organize all this. my life, Iknow I was consumed disorderdmental illness is at made in legislatures all over face, being 'Minnesota Nice'

into our everyday conversa- by the mounting pressures that epidemicproportions withbe- the country. Attitudes and and are telling the truth and tions with friends? By the time this individual gets all related to having adisability tween 20 and 25% of Minne- opinions about mental illness acting and excepting the con-

In a recent discussion with a bed with the help of his PCA, spilled over into my interac- laws of this country. Equality definitions of the words friend, we talked about how he's exhausted. And unless tionswithffiendsandco-work-

organizing our lives so that we game, the routine will begin all my husband or me. sands of families are suffering possible for the mentally ill. year struggle, people some- can survive as a person with a over again the next day. Is in hell-like agony, judged by times ask if it's hard opening

until we close them at night, it with adisability? "inner tyrants", cut off from becoming more mainstream, mental illness is kind of like takes much thought, time, en- family, friends, even their own talked about more openly then being present and conscious

ever before, with Newsweek at your own autopsy. All the and Time m a g a n e each hav- failures, disasters and humilia-

get across, but I also have to whatthecorrelationisbetween The badnews is that in 1998, ingthreeconnectedcover sto- tions are publicly ac-

ship to the point of even losing beginning to bring this cause takes muchmoreenergy , much their jobs, simply for having into the forefront, just like Liz more stomach lining. I stayed the good sense to seek treat- Taylor did for the cause of silentforyears,sweatedin that

get to a job, he must daily Paul. Sometimesafterrepeat- don't want them to hear my ment for a genuine illness. AIDS in the '80's. damn, dirty prison for far too h e d u l e futuremetromobility edly calling Metro and having complaints. long, holding myself in, feeling Mes. Now he's off to his job in them promise they'd be there, ews is that insurance The good news is that the in- that lump inmy throat. Believ-

, HMO's, and man- credible new technology and ing I was the only one an earth ing the course of his eig

@ CY Missing Doctors Appointments?

Is Available Special Tran . lortation

M i n n e m statue allows special trasportation for

"the recipient who has aphysi- cal or mental impairment that would prohibit the recipient from safely accessing and us- ing a bus, taxi , other commerical trasportation, or private automobile. Driver-as- sisted service includes pas- senger pickup at and return to the individual's residence or place of business, assistance

with admitance ofthe individual to the medical facility, and as- sistance in passenger secure- ment in securing of wheelchairs or stretchers in the vehicle." "Recipient" refers to: a Medi- cal Assistance (MA) recipi- ent; a General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC); or a MinnesotaCare enrollee un- der the age of 2 1 or a pregnant woman.

Enrollment requires a Physi- cian Certification of Need for Special Transportation form. A Physician who knows the recipient's physical or mental health condition must com- plete and submit the form to: Department of Human Ser- vices, Transportation Benefit Policy Section, 444 Lafayette Road,St Paul,MN55155-3853.

J r OM" G METROPOLITKN CENTER $* FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING S

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Intonnation and Referral f l ,mmah hoclirrc. 612-603-2039) @ A ~ V Q C ~ Independent Living Skills Tnining 9 Iadividud Peer Support

Deaf L L Services Support Groups ... currently: T r d Brain In*

ChemimlDapcaercyd~picnlDk.bil?v Penondr4rt&an& F A X ) d F e m i l y Carqivm

Personal Assistance Services (M.A. Subsidized) Ramp Project @ Transition Program Q ADA Information

Meeting Rooms @ Computer Lab 4IS Library

1600 UN~RFITYAVE. W., Sm16 * ST. PA^, MN 55104-3825 /6U) 646-8342 VOICE 8 (6D) 603-2001 nr 0 (612) 603-2006 FAX

~ ~ / / W W W . M A U L . ORC/MCZ&

tioned in a miserly fashion. People in desperation and cri- sis are brought into treatment facilities, only to discover that the help they need is not fully available. They aremedicated to the eyebrows, soothed for a few days, and then flung back into the cold until the next cri- sis arises. Mental health pro- fessionals seem to be as help- less as therest of us, and in the words of one licensedpsychol- ogist I spoke to, "No real heal- ing is possible in these condi- tions. They come to us in flames and we treat them for sunburn."

The good news is that this is changing. Mental health professionals are beginning to talk toconsumers, getting their points of view, learning from us, the d mental health pro- fessionals, what does and doesn't work. The pros are understanding that it's the consumers, the mental ill themselves, that have some of the most valuable insights, have 'Bonorary degrees" in psychology, pharmaceuticals, and legal and insurance issues. TheMinnesotaPsychiatric So- ciety sent a contingent of Psy- chiatrists tojoin in the Walk for Research this past May 9", and bridges like this between' mental health professionals and those with the disease can only help to bring this afflic- tion that's been shrouded in mystery and dread out into the open. We consumers have a

better treatment and will aid in the breaking of the stigma of mental illness.

The good news is that churches of every denomina- tion are becoming more in- volved in the struggle. Reli- gious leaders are feeling the effects of this epidemic in their congregations and are moving forward to help. The essence of mental illness is the sense of abandonment and isolation the suffering brings. The feeling of being utterly alone, cut off from all resources, of being abandoned not only by man but by God, is literally soul- destroying. What I've heard a thousand times in hospitals and groups or said myself many dark nights, is "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'The spiritual aspects of this disease are finally being examined andmany people are turning to their churches and synagogues and are not being turned away.

The good news is that mental health organizations, the Alli- ance for the Mentally Ill, the Mental Health Assoc., People, Inc. Supportive Living Ser- vices, Bio Brain, MDMDA, S.A.V.E., Recovery andmany others, are trying to take up the slack caused by medical, in- surance and governmental in- ertia. Too many are being lost between the cracks, but more and more are finding help.

to break open, to heal.

The good news is that every day, more and more people are joining in this struggle. Those with the disease, family mem- bers, concerned friends and neighbors. Rabbi Hillel's quote, usedin the '50's and '60's Civil Rights struggles is just as ap- plicable taday as then: "if n d us, who? It not now, when?" This is where the real change is being made, inside human hearts, changes that dwarf any made by simple legislators or officials.

Mental illness forces on us with a terrible, seductive ne- cessity, the pressure to scale ourselves, our dreams, our faith, our commitment, down to the level of our immediate experience, which is the suffer- ing. and hell of our disease. There is a transcending power that can resist that terrible ne- cessity. The power of hope. And the good news is that this gift of hope is one that we all can offer in our faces of love to all people, of all faiths, every- where.

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6 May 10, 1998 Access Press 1 ="

R - P @ y c ~ ~ o g ~ , ~ ~ , - -, I _ , - -- - - View: -Of by Carol J. Gill, Ph.D., Chicago Institute of Disability Research

not an anthropolo- That year, I also attended an country still pull that issue out political struggles, that are re- those who doubt ;he probabil- beliefs regarding issues such ociologist or histo- incredible disability commu- of their briefcases and wheel- flected in our art, conversa- ity of adisability culture. The as eugenic, abortion, nursing

ake no claim to under- nity event in Southern Califor- chair bags to show me that tions, goals and behaviors. elements of our cultureinclude, homes, community access p ,.& standing culture from any of nia: the mournful yet trium- they've kept it. They include: certainly, our longstanding entitlementtoaccommodation,

those perspectives. As a psy- phant commemoration of the social oppression, but also our media images and, "special" chologist, however, I have annihilation of more than two TfI& m m o m A l)An acceptance of human emerging art and humor, our anythingarebecorninguniver become interested in the im- hundred thousand Disabled DHAbILl"rY C a m B : differences (e,g., physical, piecing together of our his- sal. This is due, I believe, not pact of culture on the emo- peopleinHitler'sGermany. A From the time of the CAPH functional, racial, intellec- tory, our evolving language only to our exchange of more tional well-being of individu- Deaf survivor ofthe holocaust speech, I have focused on four tual, economic/class). and symbols, our remarkably information, but also to our als. Moreover, my interest is recounted the hoiror and de- major functions served by the unified worldview, beliefs and transmission of values about deepened by my own minority struction of her people. We development of a disability 2) Amatter-of-fact orientation values, and our strategies for life with adisability. group membership (Disabled (Deaf, physically and culture. toward helping; an accep- surviving and thriving. I use

cognitively Disabled partici- tance of human vulnerabil- the word "remarkable" be- Maybe "culture" is not tht pants) lit candles, told the 1)Fortification-Thedefinition ity and interdependence as causeIfindthatthemostcom- proper term for a set of ele-

work as a clinical story, viewedthephotos,cried and expression of our value part of life. pelling evidence of adisability ments deriving from amixture st spanned sixteen together and proclaimed to as a community charges us culture is the vitality and uni- of: 1) inherent differences; 2) undreds of clients each other "Never again!" It up and enriches our lives, 3) A tolerance for lack ofreso- venality of these elements societal treatment;and3)trans

ranging in age from adoles- was the first official Disabled givingusenergyandendur- lution, for dealing with the despite generations of crush- mitted facts, interpretations, cencethroughend-of-life,both people's cultural event I had ance against oppression. unpredictableandlivingwith ing poverty, social isolation, and preferences. But what with disabilities and without. ever attended. unknowns or less-than-de- lack of education, silencing, better term is there for that Having conducted my doctoral 2) Unification -As we hear ad sired outcomes. imposedimmobility,andrelent- collection of common views research on identity develop- Also that year, I began to nauseam, people with less instruction in hating our- and expressions that increas- ment, I was often concerned ' present publicly my thoughts disabilities are a heteroge- 4) Disability humor-the abil- selves and each other. ingly characterize Disabled with the pressures andrewards about disability culture. I ad- neous community encom- ity to laugh at the oppressor people everywhere? What else of minority group identity in dressed a chapter meeting of @ngdifferentages,races, and our own situations, to Our culture has been sub- do youcall that familiar, com my clients. Particularly, I was the California Association of genders, socioeconomic find something absurdly hi- merged by the profundity of fortablerhythmofsharedmean- impmadby the way cultural the Physically Handicapped statuses, etc. The expres- lsuious in almost anything, our oppression and the forces ingsthatDisabledpeople,even affiliation mediated dueeffects (CAPH). Using afamily model sion of our beliefs and hen- however dire. that havedivided us from each strangers, fall into when they of social devaluation in per- to describe our orphan-like tage in cultural activities, other. But any time disabled meet? That wide-ranging sons from the African Ameri- dependence on an arrogant, however, brings us together, 5) Skill in managing multiple people have been able to come compatibility isdifficult tocon- can,Latino,Asian,non-Chris- rejecting able-centtic parent encourages mutual support problems,systems,technol- together,culturehasflourished vey to those outside of our tian, and gay communities. culture, I suggested to the and underscores our com- ogy and assistants. - in hospital wards, in special community, howeversensitive

twenty-some assembledmem- mon values. schools, at charity camps, dur- they may be to disability rights In the mid 1980's, I accepted bers that we could oppose our 9 A sophisticated future ori- ing sit-ins, during creative issues. (Maybe that is one rea- aninvitationtoattendshabbat social devaluation through 3)Communication-ourdevel- entation; an ability to con- workshops, in peer-support son that some of our most at a Jewish temple recognized developing a strong disability oping art, language, sym- struct complex plans taking groups, in the hotel corridors aware nondisabled allies and

history and folklore, explain- , -

weeping, embracing, and sing- of focusing on disability cul- titularly new and young Dis- ativity,cooperation,andmulti- we began to attach to these .

tiesand offering them asense operating. of group "belonging,"

CwR?RB abled friend from Scandinavia. people whether activist or not, CORE VALUES. I have been '

24 HOUR ON CALL SERVICE - the values that undergird our culture was,I would agree with participants in our education embrace of the term that goes - 8%

' study. Afterward we were something like, "Yes, we have . .--. I swamped by members of the learned something important audience from across the U.S. about life from being Disabled

rersonal Care Assistants Home Health Aides Live-in Caretakers tical to our interviewees.

Rehabilitative Services DIRECT BILLING TO MEDICARE - MEDICAID

Physical /Occupational 1 Speech Therapies a OTHER INSURANCE

PCA Provider Organization sion of our culture. AS I travel

Medicare CertifiedlMedical Assistance

common usage and under- standing of such terms as

20 10East Hennepin Avenue, Bldg. #5 aumaarrlL(IDI(OCI(I# Minneapolis, MN 5541 3 --wwu Ba normalization, and passing.

Our emotional reactions and

1 OSTOMY - URINARY MANAGEMENT I NURSING SUPPLY SPECIALISTS

_ - _ <*- '5 - - . .

Access Press -..

- YOU Get Proud MED. ALERT - cant. ttm, r

assure that no one receive a M~@cyl&tersEordif - system,peqe withhigh-cost may do so kfswfficht public 1 "death sen&meYa due simply ferent types of Dm, with the health care meeds are particu- pressure is applied. , 5bra spit& of operation of Medicaid pro- larly vulnerable. That's why it

in the grams throughout the coun- is~ialfwtheDepartmentof It is essential Phat the Climton fyiramnrrtp& I3esario cme kgitinzates dis- try, mdwithevery federalcourt Health and Hwnan Services to A d m i n i d m know hwciti- or who you m, for-what say, for how you look; crimindan the b i s af decision that dc& with the set a standard for public ac- zens feel about this important

if way time you stop . - . . diagnosis wlkh s M m . zadm&y crf state Medicaid countability in the Mdicaid judiciatdecidon! Plcsecsullor ~ d , you do not see y o u r s e ~ g i ~ + ~ R ~ ' 8

' a form of " a c a l neces- programs toexclude~cular program which d l insurers, fax immediately the key per-

m t ; do nat, w f m , give up on youwp - . s i t y " f o r ' ~ ~ d necessity", types of treatment within a public and private, wilIr~%dto msintheAdministratios1 who I and repmen& a significant Medicaid coverage category. respect. have ultimatedecision-making

get bud. , , . ~tlnreat~evcrypersonwko responsibility for the Me&- may develop a -, rnufi~al, And of course the crucial con- aid program, and teIl h . t o

You do not need or cosElytm&nmntd in the cept of Medicaid as an enmitle- ~ a c T@@ b& l m support the plaintiffs' p e t i h for rehearing. These include:

TheCCD's HealthTaskForce Presideat Mil Clinton, 1600

txmiaek sufficient in amount, Medicaid prog~ams with ad- Shalala, Defxwtmenz6mealh -on, and scope to reason- equate consumer protections and Hum& Services, 6 15-F ably achieve its purpose" sim- that contain effective pace- HubertH.HmyBldg.,200

cmmot make you pd, ply if it meets the needs of the dures thatdowforexeeptions Independem Avenue, S.W., or.8 doctw. . Mediedpapu1atiQa~awhole on the basis of medical mces- Wwhinp,D.C. 20201 ; tele- Yeu only need . mstepractioe. Q y g d pr~ud by practicing.

dress t b use of exclu- populdm ''as a svbk?' in- tients who do not have the i s ~ 7 S 0 0 S & w h y Boule- There are many ways to get proud. sts which is central to clucks a mrity of M t h y m$~wr+ms .pro go dse91rhet-e for v d , Baltimm, Mayland You can try riding a horse, or skiing on one leg, m&vkh& who qualify fix medically necessary treat- 2 1 2 4 4 1 ~ . t e ~ e p ~ e : ( 2 0 2 ) or playing guitar, Nledicaidfor-umW meats as 'Ehe judges suggest; 690-6726;fixf202)~262. and do well or not so well, 1 .

and be glad you tried either way. You can show Medicaid statute."

something you've made

ilng this rdmwfng. Nth@ Hetab&, lS2ZK Street, N. W.,

who made you ashamed, but you are the one El-e pi&ou+e ACCM FFW

I who can make you proud. A ~ v ~ ~ + a d tell them whm' -- Just practice, practice until you get proud. and onc keep practicing so you won't forget. You get proud

You can find someone '- practicing. who will liswn to you

forrherlmttime.

a • Your source of USED a a are easy, hcte41 of t h ~ ~ adaptive equipment

are pagsibka Ybv can do all of these thhgs, a a

or just om of them again a d again. : Large inventory of durable medical

when you practice wning p i r mouth and: liking a 4 ~ yea bgs because it is t b d d ytm ~ w n a

~ ~ s

8 May 10, 1998 Access mess News From Washington Crossing Bridges To Respect

by Jamilyn Coleman & Graham Higgins Employment Update (OTRB) to be fully accessible

to passengers with disabilities. As major bus lines replace their existing fleets with new mod- e lA l f i l l i ng a key element of the Americans with Disabili- ties Act. DOT will accept pub- lic comment on the proposed rule for 60 days and said that it is open to all suggestions for providing accessible, nondis- criminatory OTRB service to passengers k i t h disabilities. DOT expects to issue the final rule this fall. Major OTRB carriers such as Greyhound have criticized the NPRM in the press and on the Hill. Dis- ability advocates are con- cerned that Greyhound and others will push for legislative language in a transportation funding bill currently in con- ference to limit or eliminate DOT'S ability to regulate in this area, possibly by amend- ing ADA. This bill is slated for action soon.

ers from diverse professions who are committed to building a stronger, healthier American community. Applications are available at HUD's Web site h t t p : / / w w w . h u d . g o v l combuild.htm1, or call 1-800- 497-3823.

T he Crossing Bridges Pro- gram teaches kids to re-

spect themselves and others through fun games and speak- ers. Eighteen classrooms in five schools participated.

a different job in the game. It was either to catch the slaves or help them. It made you feel like you were really a slave escaping from a plantation.

0 n March 13, President Clinton signed an execu-

tive order establishing a Na- tional Task Force on Employ- ment of Adults with Disa- bilities. The Task Force will bring the power of govemment to bear in an attempt to in- crease the employment rate of people with disabilities to a rate closer to the general em- ployment rate in the United States. The executive order stems from a recommendation developed at NCD's 1996 Na- tional Summit on Disability Policy by a diverse group of more than 300 disability com- munity leaders.lleTaskForce, which will be chaired by Alexis Herman, Secretary of Labor, and vice chaired by Tony Coelho, chairman of the Pres,i- dent's Committee on Employ- ment of People with Disabili- ties, is charged with develop- ing policy recommendations to reduce employment barriers for persons with disabilities.

Crossing Bridges helps you learn about the past and maybe what the future will be like as people change in the way they respect eachother. It also helps you learn more about yourself.

The twenty-week program covered information about many people withdifferentdis- abilities, ethnic cultures. HIV and AIDS, the history of our ancestors, power and equal-

Staff Changes

In December 1997, Sharon Perley Masling became Sena- torTom Harkin's new disabil- ity counsel, replacing Robert Silverstein, who now directs the Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy at George Washington University. Ms. Masling was a supervising attorney at the Georgetown FederalLegisla- tion Clinic, where she pro- vided legislative counsel to both the National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems and the Consortium ofCitizens with Disabilities. In addition, Ms. Masling worked in the Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section, U.S. Department of Justice, where shelitigated cases under ADA.

Jamilyn Coleman

ity, and some classes had a lesson on homophobia. We asked some students which of the lessons were their favor- ites.

The students of this project want to thank the St. Paul Companies, Norwest Founda- tion, US West Foundation, ISD 197,TheMinnesotaEducation Association and Golden Val- ley Microwave for making this program possible in our classes.

Graham's favorite was thescarf game. In this game welearned how to resolve problems with- out getting in trouble. One person guards a scarf, and everyone else tries to take it away. The person who takes the scarf supposedly insulted the original person. Then the original person stands up for themselves by talking to the person and that person finds a nice way to apologize.

Special Projects

A 6" and 4" grade class at St. Paul's Webster Elementary and two 5" grade classes at Friendly Hills Middle School in Mendota Heights enjoyed a reciprocal relationship. The students wrote to each other and visited each other's schools.

Graham Higgins

' Legislative Update A video, "Eliza' s Friends" was produced for use with St. Paul School students to help break down stereotypes about people who are gay and les- bian.

ChairmanMichael Bilirakis (R- FL), House Committee on Commerce, Subcommitteeon Health and Environment, held a hearing on H. R. 2020, the Medicaid Community Atten- dant Services Act (MiCASA), on March 12. House Speaker NewtGingrich(R-GA), House Minority Leader Richard A.

Social Securi ty Update

NCD chairperson Marca Bristo, member and return-to- workexpert Bonnie O'Day, and Director of Policy Andrew J. Imparatomet with Social Secu- rity Administration Commis- sioner Ken Apfel to discuss

Jamilyn's favorite thing was the Underground Railroad game because it was fun but at the same time it helped h a learn something -

International News

Through a collaboration with Avodan B'Yachad, Service

Foreign Policy and Disability AN W e b s 9 4" <gaders re-

ceived k m n s on homophobia.

how the past

WorM is a project different way and of the Diversity

Accessibility Re- some people's source Collabor- viewpoints about ative (DARC) and society today. an initiative of The The game in- Volunteer Center volved everybody

5U graders about blind culture and guide dogs. ofst. Paul.

NCD representatives met with Deputy Assistant Sec-

Disability Policy: A Progress Report, and Achieving Inde- pendence. Susan Daniels, who participated in the meeting, recently has been promoted to Deputy Commissioner at SSA. In her new role, she will con- tinue to oversee the disability program but will have addi- tional responsibilities as well.

can Disabled for Attendant Programs Today (ADAPT) were among those testifying. Before the hearing, ADAPT held a press conference and rally in front of the Raybum Building.

embassies and other gov- ernment-owned buildings overseas and in the United States. Representatives of the Department of Justice and the Architectural and Trans- portation Barriers Compli- ance Board (Access Board) were also in attendance. Physi- cal access to these overseas

HUD Update

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in partnership with Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Gov- ernment, announced the Com- munity Builders Fellowship program. The purpose of the fellowship is torecruit andpre- pare a new generation of lead-

buildings is governed by the Architectural Barriers Act, which is administered by the Access Board. Ms. Davis reaf- firmed Secretary Albright's commitment to ensuring dis- ability access at U.S. embas- sies abroad and reaffirmed the State Department's de- sire to attract qualified indi-

and everyone had Together, a 5" grade class at Jamilyn Coleman and Gra- ~ e b s t e r and two 5 I h grade hamHig-gins, 6'l'Gradersfrom classesfromTalmudTorahmet Ms. Diazde Leon'sclass, Web- 10 times fordiversity trainings ster School, St. Paul. and tutoring of two 1' grade classes and one ~indeearten class at Webster. Talmud To- rah invited the Webster 5" graders to their school for lunch and a presentation on Jewish culture.

THANK Y O U ,

Two trainings were held, for G 00 DW( teachers from Stillwater schools and st. Paul ~chool 's E A S T E R

Americans with . Disabilit ies Act (ADA)

Update viduals with disabilities into the foreign service. . The Department of Transpor-

tation (DOT) issued its Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) on March 20, requir- ing over-the-road buses

This bulletin, was gather by National Council on Disability (NCD)! It is free of charge, availablein alternative formats, and on the Internet http:// www.ncd.gov, bringing you the latest issues and news af- fecting people with disabili- ties. Please write. fax. ore-mail , . (mquigley 9 ncd.gov) your C ~ n ~ m o n Gmund Project. comments to Bulletin Editor

SEALS, Mark S. Quigley. One training was held for staff

at Theus Corps of Engi- D $TR I B UTl N G neers. ~ " A ~1 11 A Quality Life Through Independent Living II

II Newly Constructed Barrier-Free Housing 24 Hour Personal Attendant Care

Accessible 'Ikansportation Coordination Comprehensive Care

PUBLIC NOTICE I This will serve as notice that applications are now being accepted at 2 100 Bloornington Apartments f o ~ allqualifiedSection 8 applicants. Eligibility basedon handicapped and/or disabled status plus meeting Section 8 and selection criteriarequirements. Appli- cations accepted between 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m, Monday thruFriday at2 100Bloomington S. Minne- apolis, MN 55404.

A Unique Care Alternative +- A New Option

The Community Home Program

644-2871

Access Press May 10, 1998 9

S~orts Beat I

Minnesotans Compete Cuts In Special Education Internationally egislators C U ~ funding for ferences between state and Chair of the House K- lZmu-

special education in the federal laws and regulations. cation Finance Committee, by Craig McClellan and Luke Pederson stated it was her mission to District Closes have the state pay for school SpendingGap -

fromcanada, Brazil andMexico. The top three **** effort to reduce what they see eating students with special ~d~~~~~ groups finishers from the tourney will go on to as skyrocketing costs.

compete in the 1998 Gold Cup Champion- needs. According to Jim strongly opposed giving a Grathwal, a lobbyist for the biank check to school districts

Team USA has numerous Minnesota connec- 55413, orEmai1: cml7@skypoint.com tions. There are four Minnesota Rolling

**** cost of special education, de- and what is reimbursed by the Timberwolves players on the squad, and Team spite a nation-wide recogni- State. USAis coached by Timberwolves playerlcoach Wearing a "Don't Litigate.

tion for it's progressive qual- Deb Sunderman. Sunderman was also head Stats, Standings & Stuff Mediate" button, Arc Minne-

ity of care. Among other Grathwal said theDistrict gets sota Director ~~b Brick told coach of the 1996 U.S. Women's Paralympic things, the billrequiresthatthe money from the State in three the 100 or so people gathered

Timbewolves player is Christina Ripp of WI. 1. NOR 2 GER

"We have some new, unproven athletes, at 3. USA 13 8 13 34 least international wise. Our veterans need to 4. JPN 12 16 13 41 a special education fund and a abilities to sueschools. "Make Lower Standards compensatory fund whichcov- nomistakeabout it," Bricksaid. step up and show some leadership on, and off, 5. RUS thecourt," said Sunderman. "We'll belooking 6. SUI to establishdifferentcombinations and notrely 7 ESP on any one person. We want to spread the 8. AUT

has ywxpf eiperience, nationally and inter- L a d nationally She is l i b sm e x t e d H t 4 m -

coaching staff on the court. Kittock is one of the team's inside players anti win be depended Amdean Sled Hockey Association

Sunderman said Johnson is a multi-skilled Web Pag _ player, and can hit from inside and outside. She

- - is a pure shooter. Ripp will be making her Courage international debut and will be one of the fast- Contact: TobeBroadrick

' est players on the court. Phone: (6 12) 520-0479

Team USA are as follows: Ann Walters (North The 1998 K- 12Education Bill

Shooting Stars), TeresaBrandenburg (Univer- Web Page: httpUwww.usewha.org sity of Illinois Fighting Illini), Jamie Danskin Email:hockeyQusewha.org (CasaCdinaShooting Stars),RuthNunez(Casa r T

P 4 Handi Medical Supply

ColinaShooting Stars), SusieGrimes (Western National 2505 University Avenue West Grizzlies), Cecilia Perkins (Bay Area Meteor- St. Paul, Minnesota 551 14 . ites), end GinaMcWilliams (Lady Texans). American Wheelchair Bowling Association

Canwt: General Information: (954)49 1-2886 . ' At Hwy. 280 & University Avenue

+*** ' Email: bowlawba@juno.com HANDIntp.u*~suPPLY

Electric wheelchair hockey will begin its sec- Web Page: http://members.aol.com/ 6 (61 2)' 644-9770

ond regular season in Minnesota. The U.S. bowlerweb/awba.htm ElectricWheelchairHockey Association(U.S. spa - cant. on P. 12. Visit Our Large, Fully-stocked showroom open to public. EWHA) will run the local league Saturday afternoons. May : YOUR COMPLETE MEDICALSUPPLYVENDOR

il through A U ~ U S ~ . The Clash, led 1 BUILDING BRIDGES Wheelchairshith complete Commode &sbcmer chairs by1eawMVP'c3h*Kram.vi11 '

Helping people with cerebral palsy and oiherdisabili- repair service i' Ostomy/and wdnd care , look to repeat their undefeated

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Bathroom safety aids Diabetic supplies - cepted until June 27th. Contact (61 2) 646-7588

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- The Canadian Electric Wheel- customers. Free UPS and deliveries to Mpls., St. Paul & Suburbs. I chair Hockey Association

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10 May 10, 1998 Access Press I

Beyond Our I LhIPU)YhlEW ADS ARE $14 PER COL. INCH; M A Y LY IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE JUNE 1U ISSUE;. Mall t C Comfort Level

by Katie O'Brien

I HUMAN SERVICES

n experiential education a KTCA-TV, one of PBS's lead- trust fall is letting go and

falling back trusting the per- is looking for a person with son standing behind you will Contracts and catch you. I did a major "trust fall" on July 25,1997. I was sea for a new children's science kayaking at the Apostle Is- show. Person must have a hnds on Lake Superior. Three years prior to the day, July 25, 1994, I had been in an ambu- ence for K-8, the new National lance on my way to the hospi- tal following a stroke. shore with a spectacular sun-

Wilderness Inquiry, a Minne- people. They were from ages apolis based non-profit orga- nization providing outdoor experiences for people of all ages and abilities* made my adventure possible. 1 had to celebratemy steps toward heal- ingmy chronic health issues. I chose Wilderness Inquiry be- cause their philosophy fit my needs. I could share the time REWARDING with people who enjoy peace- EMPLOYMENT

ful outdoor experiences. I OPPORTUNITIES wanted to step out of my nor- mal world toap1acewhere"time PROFESSIONAL is measured by the sun and movement governed by the THERAPIST

weather". Wilderness Inquiry gathers a diverse group of par- ticipants - including - a few persons with disabilities - fora time tolearn together. Partici- pants are all expected to con- tribute to the experience, in a

pectful way, to the best of t eirability F

e Minnesota Career Oppor- The idea of kayaking had al- quickly the whole group came healthy communities. waysappealed tome. Ilove the together. We shared all the Employer M/FN/H

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