Published monthly by the Developmental Disabilities Program of the Metropolitan Council
Vol. 11 No. 1 January 1986
Metropolitan Council
300 Metro Square Building
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
Toni Lippert: 291-6364
If you do not receive this newsletter every month, please notify the DD Program, Metropolitan Council, 300 Metro Square Bldg., St. Paul, Minn. or telephone (612) 291-6364, TDD 291-0904.
Bengi Nirje, in the 1960s, introduced the Principle of Normalization to the system serving persons who are mentally retarded. In a simple, but eloquent way, he explains what the application of the principle means in the life of a person with developmental disabilities.
Normalization
"Normalization means...A normal rhythm of the day.
You get out of the bed in the morning even if you are
Profoundly retarded and physically handicapped;
You get dressed, and leave the house for school or work,
You don't stay home;
In the morning you anticipate events,
In the evening you think back on what you have accomplished;
The day is not a monotonous 24 hours with every minute endless.
You eat at normal times of the day and in a normal fashion;
Not just with a spoon, unless you are an infant;
Not in bed, but at a table;
Not early in the afternoon for the convenience of the staff.
Normalization means...A normal rhythm of the week.
You live in one place,
Go to work in another,
And participate in leisure activities in yet another.
You anticipate leisure activities on weekends,
And look forward to getting back to school
Or work on Monday,
Normalization means...A normal rhythm of the year.
In childhood, children, but not adults go to summer camps.
In adolescence one is interested in grooming, hairstyles,
Music, boy friends and girl friends.
In adulthood, life is filled with work and responsibilities.
In old age, one has memories to look back on, and can
Enjoy the wisdom of experience.
Normalization means...Having a range of choices,
Wishes, and desires respected and considered.
Adults have the freedom to decide
Where they would like to live,
What kind of job they would like to have, and can best perform.
Whether they would prefer to go bowling with a group,
Instead of staying home to watch television.
Normalization means...Living in a world made of two sexes.
Children and adults both develop relationships with
Members of the opposite sex.
Teenagers become interested in having
Boy friends and girl friends.
Adults may fall in love, and decide to marry.
Normalization means...The right to normal economic standards.
All of us have basic financial privileges, and responsibilities,
Are able to take advantage of
Compensatory economic security means,
Such as child allowances, old age pensions, and
Minimum wage regulations.
We should have money to decide how to spend;
On personal luxuries, or necessities.
Normalization means...Living in normal housing
In a normal neighborhood.
Not in a large facility with 20, 50 or 100 other people
Because you are retarded,
And not isolated from the rest of the community.
Normal locations and normal size homes will give residents
Better opportunities for successful integration
With their communities."
Bengi Nirje
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL DD PROGRAM NEWS
Additions to Library
The Council's DD Program has added the following publications to its curriculum library. Books and other publications may be borrowed by Metropolitan Area residents for three weeks. They must be picked up and resumed in person.
Technological Aids and Information: Resource Guide, Rick Lupacchino (Ed.,) State of Florida, presents several major areas in which current application of technology is affecting the lives of persons with disabilities.
Concepts and issues Related to Choice-Making and Autonomy Among Persons with Severe Disabilities, is the title of an article in the summer issue of the Journal of the Association for People with Severe Handicaps (JASH). Authors Doug Guess, Holly Anne Benson and Ellin Siegel Causey discuss issues related to concepts of preferences and choice-making among persons with severe disabilities. Included are suggestions for acknowledging preferences, and the broader implications of choice-making among persons with severe handicaps as an expression of personal autonomy and dignity. Directions for future research are discussed.
This copy of JASH is available in the DD Curriculum Library of the DD Program of the Metropolitan Council. For information on obtaining this material, please call Marjorie Segell at (612) 291-6363.
Used Equipment Referral Market Place: A Strategy for Cutting Equipment Costs is a 46-page manual that describes the steps in setting up a used equipment referral service (UERS): conducting a community needs-assessment, funding strategies, developing an advisory task force and developing a UERS operation, publicity, and evaluation. The manual contains sample grants and forms that can be used by parents, advocacy groups, and community organizations. The cost is $2 for parents and $6 for professionals.
To obtain a copy, call or write: United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota. Room 233 S. Griggs-Midway Bldg., 1821 University Av., St. Paul, Minn. 55104. Tel. (612 646-7588.
A copy of this manual may also be borrowed from the Metropolitan Council's Developmental Disabilities Curriculum Library.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Foster Homes Needed in Hennepin County
Foster care providers share the security of their home and give positive guidance to persons who are mentally, physically or emotionally disabled.
Providers are reimbursed for expenses and receive additional compensation based on the amount of care needed by the person placed in their care.
For more information, contact Child Foster Cue at (612) 348-KIDS or Adult Foster Care at (612) 348-5456.
Support Group To Be Formed
Independence Crossroads, Inc. is forming local support groups for physically handicapped persons with special concerns.
A support group for disabled men is being organized by Wayne LaBar, assistant director of Independence Crossroads. It meets every Tuesday afternoon from 1-3 p.m. in Room 422, Regina High School, 4240 4th Av. S., Minneapoplis. A number of handicapped women have asked if a similar group could be set up for them, and this will be done if there is enough interest.
For more information about either group, call Leah Welch, director, at (612) 822-5655.
Transporting Handicapped Children
Modifications have been developed for commercially available child restraint seats to accommodate children with pelvic casts.
Infants and children who require a pelvic cast cannot, as a rule, be secured in a child restraint. Dr. Marilyn Bull and her associates from Riley Hospital in Indianapolis, have developed modifications of commercially available seats such as Century 100, 200 and 300 seats. But Dr. Bull points out that some children with long leg or broomstick casts fit well into the Cosco-Peterson Safe and Easy seat without modification, and for older toddlers, the Strolee No. 601 booster can be used.
For step-by-step instructions on how to make the modifications, write Karen Bruner Stroup, Riley Hospital, 702 Barnhill Drive, Room P-121, Indianapolis, Ind. 46223. Please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
Changes in Metro Mobility Possible
Metro Mobility staff recommendations have been viewed in 12 meetings held throughout the state including four meetings where over 50 service users testified on their experiences with the system.
From 1983 - 1984, ridership increased by 18 percent. Even though the system is at or near capacity, requests for certification continue at the average rate of 300 per month. Over 11,000 persons are currently certified to use Metro Mobility.
Under the present system a disabled person in need of a ride contacts a central transportation center. An employee then makes the necessary arrangements with one of the three bus and six taxicab firms that provide rides. One recommended change is that certified riders contact the bus or taxicab company directly. To aid riders, the Regional Transit Board, which administers the program, plans to develop education and marketing programs on how the system works. Customer service will be monitored to spot problems and identify ways to improve service. Also each transportation provider will have access to a computer bank containing pertinent information about each rider. This data bank would provide assistance should problems arise.
Another change adds orientation mobility specialists to the list of processionals who can certify that a person can use Metro Mobility. The other professionals who n certify riders are physicians, licensed psychologists and certified physical therapists.
To be certified to ride Metro Mobility a person must:
1. Be unable to walk one-fourth mile or more;
2. Be unable to walk up and down the steps of a mainline bus;
3. Be unable to wait outdoors for 10 minutes or more; and
4. Be unable to use or learn to use mainline bus service in the opinion of a competent professional.
SERVICES
Finding adequate health insurance is a major problem for many people with disabilities. Help is available through the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association (MCHA). The association includes all proprietary and non-profit health insurers (private and public) in the state.
The MCHA was created in 1976 by the Legislature to assure that all Minnesota residents are eligible for health insurance. Individuals who have been refused coverage by one insurance carrier or with a restrictive rider are eligible to apply for coverage under one of the MCHA's plans.
Although the MCHA has been in existence for several years now, many disabled people are unaware of its existence and how it can benefit them. For a brochure with more information about the insurance policies available write: Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association, P.O. Box 64566, St. Paul, Minn. 55164.
ABLENET Offers New Community Program
Technology is offering new opportunities to individuals with handicaps.
ABLENET, a new program of the Cerebral Palsy Center in Minneapolis, is offering simple forms of enabling technology to children and adults with severe/profound disabilities. In order to provide this technology, ABLENET has developed a network of parents, teachers, therapists and corporate professionals to design the needed services.
ABLENET's philosophy, devices and services developed as a result of a volunteer project in the Cerebral palsy Center's Preschool Developmental Achievement Center. Devices were developed by a volunteer Honeywell scientist and the preschool staff. The devices consist of a pressure sensitive switch and control unit. The switch is plugged into the control unit in which two electrical appliances can also be plugged. When the switch is touched the electrical appliances automatically turn on. (Besides using the switch with the control unit, the switch can turn on adapted battery-operated toys or can be used with computers.) In a short period of time the children learned that they could independently control many items in their surroundings with the slightest physical movements.
Even though the devices are important, they are only a small part of the ABLENET program. Their services also include information and referral, community education, material development and consultation.
For more information, call Mary Kay Cicharz, support specialist, at the Cerebral Palsy Center at (612) 331-5958.
Free Screening Clinic Offered
Gillette Children's Hospital offers a free monthly screening clinic as a community service for children with possible, bone, joint or muscle problems.
The clinic is especially useful for parents or school personnel who suspect a child may have difficulty moving his/her arms, leg or back.
The free orthopedic screening clinic is held the second Friday afternoon of each month, with the next clinic scheduled for January 10, 1986.
Any young person through the age of 21 who lives in the Twin Cities area may make an appointment. To register, call Mary Conroy at (612) 291-2848, ext. 147.
Educational Programs and Social Events Offered for People with Hearing Impairments
Bread of Life Lutheran Church for the Deaf offers help to other congregations in the setting up or adapting of Christian education programs to include children and adults with hearing impairments. The Minnesota Association for Hearing Impaired (MAHI) will provide teacher support, resources and training appropriate to the individual needs of the teachers and students.
For more information, contact the Bread of Life Church at 721-4292, or Carolyn Anderson at MAHI, (612) 521-8416, voice or TTY.
Guthrie Theater: Interpreted performances for persons who are hearing impaired will be offered for the following performances: On the Razzle, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. and The Rainmaker, March 20 at 7:30 p.m.
A parent education group for parents whose children (up to age 5) have hearing impairments, meets every Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon at Christ Lutheran Church in St. Paul. For more information, call (612) 221-2741, voice or TTY.
Health Care Service is Focus of Education Network
The Community Health Education Network (CHEN) provides advocate services for people who are mentally retarded. More people with mental retardation now live in the community and many of them may be inexperienced in health care matters.
The network is a project of the Association for Retarded Citizens Minnesota. It involves a health care referral service and trains medical and dental professionals to provide better service to people who are mentally retarded and their families. CHEN also has a lending library, slide presentations and other teaching devices in the areas of health skills, sexuality, and cooking and nutrition.
The CHEN service is free. For more information, call Sally Swallen director at (612) 827-5641, or (800) 582-5256 (toll free in Minnesota) or write ARC Minnesota, 3225 Lyndale Av. S., Minneapolis, Minn. 55408.
PUBLICATIONS
Hmong/English Edition of Booklet Available
A booklet that explains special education laws is now available from the Parent Advocacy Coalition for Education Rights (PACER) Center. It describes the procedures schools follow to identify, evaluate and plan individualized programs for students with disabilities.
The booklet is written in both Hmong and English and is aimed at informing parents of handicapped children within the metropolitan Southeast Asian community about special education programs and their rights and responsibilities..
To receive the booklet, contact the PACER office at 4826 Chicago Av. S., Minneapolis, Minn. 55417. Tel. (612) 827-2966, voice and TDD.
WORKSHOP/CONFERENCES
March 16 - 20
The 4th International Child Neurology Congress will be held in Jerusalem, Israel. The main topic for March 18 will be "Epilepsy and the Developing Brain". A satellite symposium on child neurology and developmental pediatrics will take place on March 21. It will concentrate on reaming disabilities, attention deficit disorder and high risk infants.
For more information, contact 4th International Child Neurology Congress, P.O. Box 29313, Tel Aviv 61292, Israel.
INFORMATION EXCHANGE
STATE SUPPLEMENT
Developmental Disabilities Program
201 Capitol Square Building
550 Cedar St.
St. Paul. Minnesota 55101
Minnesota State Planning Agency
Roger Strand, Editor
612/296-401 8
Member of National Association of Developmental Disabilities Councils
January 1986
GRAMM-RUDMAN BILL NOW A REALITY
The Gramm-Rudman bill, designed to mandate a balanced budget by 1991, sets up a budget process each fiscal year that allows time for Congress and the White House to reach an agreement on a deficit reduction package. If there is no agreement or if the package does not reduce the deficit enough, automatic spending cuts are imposed. Even after these cuts are announced, the Congress and the White House have time to pass an alternative before the spending reductions become final. For fiscal year 1986, the process is accelerated because the fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, is almost one-third over.
On Dec. 12, 1985, The New York Times published the following analysis of the budget process:
FISCAL YEAR 1986
Jan. 1 Scheduled cost of living increases for military and civilian retirees are deferred in anticipation of an automatic spending cut.
Jan. 10 The Administration's Office of Management an Budget (OMB) and the Congressional Budget Office (CEO) do their deficit estimates based on completed budget action to date.
Jan. 15 The OMB and CEO analyses go to the General Accounting Office (GAO). If the projected deficit is over the 1986 ceiling, the GAO prepares the order for the automatic spending cut.
Jan. 20 The automatic spending cut order is sent to the President.
Jan. 21 Congress convenes.
Feb. 1 The President tentatively imposes the automatic spending cuts, with 50 percent coming from the military budget and the rest from nonmilitary programs excluding Social Security, interest on the national debt, veterans' pensions and programs for the poor, which include Medicaid, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, the Women's Infants and Children Nutrition Program, the Supplemental Security Income Program, food stamps, child nutrition and veterans' compensation. Cuts in several health programs, including Medicare, are limited. For 1986, the ceiling on the automatic cut is $11.7 billion, even if this leaves the deficit over $171.9 billion.
Feb. 5 The President submits his budget to Congress for fiscal year 1987, which begins Oct. 1, 1986.
March 1 The automatic spending cuts for fiscal year 1986 are made final if Congress and the White House have not taken action in the interim to approve their own package to reduce the deficit.
1987-1991
Jan. 1 The first Monday after Jan. 3, the President submits his budget for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, to Congress. (The date for the 1987 budget submission is Feb. 7.) Any automatic cost-of-living increase scheduled to take effect on fan. 1. would be deferred until it is determined that the automatic spending cuts are not necessary. If that is the case, the cost-of- living increases would be restored retroactive to Jan. 1.
Apr. 15 Congress is supposed to complete action on the budget resolution for the next fiscal year.
June 15 Congress is supposed to approve the deficit reduction bill needed to impose much of the saving proposed in the budget resolution.
June 30 The House is to have finished all its 13 appropriations bills, where additional savings to reduce the deficit would be made. There is no deadline for the Senate.
Aug. 15 The OMB and CEO do their deficit estimates based on completed budget action to date.
Aug. 20 OMB and CEO send report to General Accounting Office.
Aug. 25 The automatic spending cut order, if the deficit ceiling is breached, is sent to the President.
Sep. 1. The President issues the automatic spending cut order, with 50 percent of the total in the military budget and 50 percent in nonmilitary programs, except for the excluded programs.
Oct. 1. The fiscal year begins and the automatic spending cuts take effect.
Oct. 5. OMB and CEO issue final deficit projection report to reflect final congressional action to reduce the deficit. The report goes to the GAO.
Oct. 10 The GAO revised report goes to the President.
Oct. 15 The final order for automatic spending cuts, based on the revisions, goes into effect.
While it is understood that the President will sign the Health and Human Services Appropriations Bill, a reduction in the form of recessions could occur if overall deficit reduction targets are not achieved. In fiscal year 1986, a reduction of $11.7 billion is needed to meet that target, half of which must come from the nonexempted domestic programs.
The advocacy community is finding it difficult, if not impossible to determine what impact Gramm-Rudman will have on specific programs.
If cuts in Health and Human Service programs become necessary, the impact would probably not be felt until the second half of the fiscal year.
PUBLIC LAW 94-142 TURNS TEN
"We have many reasons for celebrating the tenth anniversary of Public Law 94-142," said Norena Hale, Director of Special Education, Minnesota Department of Education, during a recent interview. Nov. 29, 1975 marked the passage of the landmark federal legislation Education for All Handicapped Children Act. "Actually," Hale continued, "Minnesota had many features of the Act in place prior to its passage, but it established a uniform policy throughout the country that all children with handicapping conditions had a right to a free and appropriate public education."
"The most remarkable aspect of Public Law 94-142," Hale emphasized, "is its flexibility to respond to the unique needs of each child. Everything revolves around the continuous process of developing and evaluating each individual's education plan (IEP). Then, there are the due process safeguards, which assure parental involvement, and other protections-such as, that education must take place in least restrictive environments with respect to the needs of each child." "Without these basic guarantees," Hale continued, "many parents and educators fear that the isolated programs of the past could return."
"We are all aware," concluded Hale, "that there are still many problems and unmet needs, such as: to assist parents and their disabled children prior to age three, to improve vocationally oriented curricula which aim toward employment, and to improve upon quality and effectiveness standards and measurements, to mention a few, but I think we should take time to celebrate past accomplishments and then, with renewed energy, move on to our next priorities."
A free brochure entitled, "Planning Local Celebrations," has been published by the National Information Center for Handicapped Children and Youth (NICHCY). It contains: a planning checklist, ideas on what to celebrate, how to access and deal with the media, a fact sheet on P.L. 94-142, and how to raise money and pay for celebrations. Contact: NICHCY, Box 1492, Washington, D.C. 20013.
FAMILY FRIENDS GRANT PROGRAM ANNOUNCED
A new multisite grant program has been created to enable older volunteers to assist children with disabilities and their families. The "Family Friend Program" is a demonstration grant program of the National Council on the Aging, Inc. (NCOA), funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The program will help to support community projects that match older volunteers (age 55 or older) with chronically ill or disabled children (age 12 or younger) and their families. The volunteers are to provide social, emotional support and other types of assistance.
Institutions and voluntary agencies and organizations located in metropolitan areas with populations of at least 500,000 are eligible for funding. Up to eight four-year grants will be awarded, ranging from $400,000 to $500,000.
The goal of the program is to demonstrate the feasibility, value, and sustainability of the project model in different geographic locations under different types of organizational sponsorships. Completed proposals must be postmarked no later than March 10, 1986).
For further information, contact: Meridith Miller, Ph.D., Family Friends Program, National Council on Aging, Inc., 608 Maryland Av. SW, West Wing 100, Washington, DC 20024. Tel. (202) 479-1200.
WINTER TRIPS SCHEDULED
Wilderness Inquiry II will offer a series of trips to Northern Minnesota again this year. An average of 12 people, including persons with or without sensory mobility impairments, will make up each group. Lodging will be provided at the YMCA Camp Menogyn on West Bearskin Lake off the Gunflint Trail north of Grand Marais. Five-day trips are scheduled for: Feb. 19-23; Feb. 26-March 2; and March 5-9. A three-day winter workshop is also scheduled at the Environmental Learning Center in Isabella, Minn. For more information, contact: Wilderness Inquiry II, 2929 4th Av. S., Suite 0, Minneapolis, Minn. 55408. Tel. (612) 827-4001, voice or TTY.
PUBLICATIONS
Investigating the Problem of Skill Generalization (3rd Edition). N. Haring, University of Washington, Seattle, 1985. This book is a product of a five-year federally sponsored project to investigate how educators can facilitate and improve the generalization of instructed skills by students with severe handicaps. Contents of the report include the first two years of the project, which started in October 1982. Focus of studies during the first two years included performance patterns, ecology, and self- control. Studies also were conducted on the effects of cue-fading in the secondary/post secondary transition. Ultimately, an integrated set of best practices for generalization will be developed and aimed at developing a comprehensive plan for verifying the practical application of the study results in natural educational and vocational settings. Contact: Research and Education of the Severely Handicapped, 110 Miller Hall; DQ-05, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash. 98195. Tel. (206) 543-8565.
Directory of Courses: Minnesota Area Vocational Institutes, State Board of Vocational Technical Education, Spring 1985. This directory was designed primarily as an information tool to assist career counselors and recruitment personnel in acquainting potential students with the programs available in the Area Vocational Technical Institute (AVTI) System. Courses are arranged by occupational categories, from agri-business to health and human services. Request copies from: Peg Spencer, Communications Specialist, Minnesota State Board of Vocational Technical Education, Capitol Square Bldg., 550 Cedar St., St. Paul, Minn. 55101. Tel. (612) 296-6481 or (800) 652-9021, toll-free.
Advocacy for Change Training Manual: A Manual for Members of State Councils on Developmental Disabilities, CA. Metzler, National Association of Developmental Disabilities Councils (NADDC), 1984-1985. The purpose of this manual (3-ring and binder) is to provide orientation and continuing education for members of state Developmental Disabilities Councils. However, the information contained in the manual is useful for others in the disability field, providing information on the developmental disabilities program and other aspects of advocacy. Content includes modules on: training needs assessment, values, history of services, history of the developmental disabilities movement, councils' legal mandates, systems advocacy, planning, and federal programs. Cost: $35. Send check or purchase order to: NADDC, 1234 Massachusetts Av. NW., Suite 103, Washington, DC. 20005. Tel. (202) 347-1234.
Vocational Training and Curriculum for Multihandicapped Youth with Cerebral Palsy, W. Pietruski, R. Goodwyn, J. Everson, P. Wehman, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1985. This publication contains materials developed by a federally funded project called "Vocations in Technology" (VIT). The purpose of the project was to develop and implement a vocational training curriculum and training program for youth with multiple handicaps in areas involving technology. The project was designed to identify realistic employment opportunities in the community, provide on-site work experiences, and implement a formalized transition planning procedure to assist student in obtaining employment at the completion of their school programs. Contact: School of Education, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va. 23284-0001.
EVENTS
Jan. 15, 16, 17, 1986
"Quest for Quality" is the theme of the 1986 conference of the Minnesota Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (MARF). A major portion of the program will include information about the transition from school to work by young adults with disabilities. The conference will be held at the St. Paul Hotel in St. Paul. For more information, contact: MARF, 1821 University Av., St. Paul, Minn. 55104. Tel. (612) 646-0900.
LENDING LIBRARY SELECTIONS
The State Developmental Disabilities (DD) Program Office has acquired several education, training and resource materials. The following materials may be borrowed from the State Office only, located at the address on the front sheet of the State Supplement section of this newsletter. Tel. (612)296 4018.
-Teleconferencing: A New Approach to Training for Human Services Agencies, A Guide for Users. Department of Human Resources, Raleigh, NC, 1985. This guide attempts to answer the questions: What are the benefits of teleconferencing? What is involved in designing a teleconference system? How can I conduct a successful teleconference? Its contents are derived from the experience of the staff at the Office of Day Care Services in the North Carolina Department of Human Resources, who provided a statewide training program for day care personnel. Those wishing to purchase this book should enclose a check for $12 to: Jan Keller, Telecommunications Project, Office of Day Services, Department of Human Resources, 325 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27611. Tel. (919) 733-6650.
-Approaches to Training and Development, D. Laird, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., 1978. This book offers a practical approach to staff training; what methods to use and how to implement and evaluate results. A subject often over-looked, what to do with performance problems not solvable by training, is also thoroughly discussed. This is a useful reference for training and development professionals as well as for continuing education courses. Simple-to-follow process charts describe optimum training systems.
Metropolitan Council DD Program
300 Metro Square Building
7th and Robert Streets
St. Paul, MN 55101
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please call (612) 291-6364, or write to the DD Program, Metropolitan Council 300 Metro Square Bldg., St. Paul, MN 55101.
MR. ROGER STRAND
STATE PLAN DEV DISAB PRO
201 CAPITOL SQUARE BL
ST. PAUL, MN 55101
INFORMATION EXCHANGE
Published monthly by the Developmental Disabilities Program of the Metropolitan Council
Vol. 11 No. 2 February 1986
Metropolitan Council
300 Metro Square Building
St. Paul Minnesota 55101
Toni Lippert: 291-6364
If you do not receive this newsletter every month, please notify the DD Program, Metropolitan Council, 300 Metro Square Bldg., St. Paul, Minn. or telephone (612) 291-6364, TDD 291-0904.
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL DD PROGRAM NEWS
Public Forum
The DD Advisory Committee of the Metropolitan Council will sponsor a Public Forum entitled "A Focus on Case management" on Tuesday, April 15, 1986 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 300 Metro Square Building in St. Paul, MN. The forum will consist of presentations by Ron Kaliszewski, DD Planning Office of the State Planning Agency; Shirley Schue, MR Services Division of the Department of Human Services and Pat McAnally, University Affiliated Program of the University of Minnesota. They will discuss what their organizations are doing to strengthen the quality of case management in Minnesota.
The Council's DD Public Forums are being resumed this year by the DD Advisory Committee in an effort to provide current information on DD resources and services to persons who are developmentally disabled, their families, services providers and others who are interested. The forums are free and open to the public.
Additions to Library
The Council's DD Program has added the following publications to its curriculum library. Books and other publications may be borrowed by Metropolitan Area residents for three weeks. They must be picked up and resumed in person.
Feeding and Caring for Infants and Children with Special Needs, Claudia McClannahan with assistance from Sheila Farnan and Patricia Splett. This is a manual for parents and other caregivers of children with developmental difficulties that may complicate the experience of parenting, feeding and acceptance of proper foods.
Integration Strategies for Students with Moderate and Severe Handicaps, Department of Public Instruction, State of Iowa. The purpose of this document is to provide resources to those who wish to prepare a plan for integration. It is a compilation of journal articles, excerpts from books, and other material written by individuals who have had direct experiences in addressing the practical issues involved in the integration of students with moderate and severe handicaps.
NEW RESOURCES
New Program on Abuse of Children with Handicaps
Handicapped children are especially vulnerable to child abuse, according to numerous experts in the field of child abuse. Yet some handicaps can also interfere with a child's ability to receive or understand critically needed information about abuse.
To address this dilemma, PACER Center has begun a new program on child abuse, using its COUNT ME IN puppets to reach audiences of schoolchildren. Scripts are being prepared as needed so they can be understood by children with hearing impairments, mental retardation, or by students, with handicaps who are in mainstreamed classrooms.
The puppet programs describe types of abuse, talk about the feelings experienced by victims, establish that abusive situations are not the fault of the victims, and suggest how children can obtain help.
Through presentations and in-service trainings, the new programs on abuse will also reach parents, teachers, and other adults involved in the care of, or service to children with handicaps. These sessions and the Resource Manual on Child Abuse (presently in preparation) develop strategies to counter the risk of abuse by caregivers.
Persons interested in any facet of the program are encouraged to contact Lili Garfinkel at PACER, (612) 827- 2966, voice & TDD, or write for a free brochure to PACER at 4826 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55417.
Twin Cities Down Syndrome Association Being Formed
The newly formed Twin Cities chapter of the Down Syndrome Association is looking for members. Fraser School Community Services provided start up funds for mailing and for affiliation with the National Down Syndrome Congress.
Dues for the organization are $10 a year. If you are interested in joining, write to Sunny Waters, 6021 Northwood Ridge, Bloomington, MN 55437.
Apple Computer Opens Special Office
Apple Computer has created an Office of Special Education Programs to respond more effectively to the needs of children and adults who are disabled. Apple will work with educational institutions, advocacy and human service organizations around the country to identify computer-related needs of persons who are disabled and to assist in the development of responsive programs.
For further information contact Alan Brightman, Office of Special Education Programs, Apple Computer, Inc., 20525 Mariani Av., Cupertino, CA 95014, (408) 973-6864.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Scholastic Aptitude Tests For Disabled Students
Many colleges require Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores as part of their admission process. Students and parents should be aware that arrangements can be made for disabled students who are disabled to take the test.
On any day of the school year that is convenient for the student and guidance counselor, the test can be taken in either the regular print, large print, cassette or braille versions. These tests are untimed to allow students sufficient time for completion of each section. There is, however, a designation on the transcript which reads "non-standard administration. In addition, a reader may be requested for students with communication impairments, who have the option to answer orally. Special arrangements must be made well in advance of the test.
A brochure and test information can be obtained from the Educational Testing Service. Contact: Admissions Testing Program, Services for Handicapped Students, CN 6602, Princeton, NJ 08541-6602, (609)734-3867.
Fitness is for Everyone
Nearly 80 people with physical disabilities are professionals from the health and fitness fields attended the second annual fitness clinic at Courage Center last fall.
The clinic, with the theme of "Fitness is for Everyone," was designed by the National Handicapped Sports and Recreation Association especially for people with paraplegia, quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, amputations and other mobility impairments. Seminars covered modifications in strength, flexibility and aerobic exercises; nutrition and weight control and individual fitness assessments. The seminar was part of the Courage Center Sports, Physical Education and Recreation Department's ongoing wellness, lifestyle and health sports programming. For more information about upcoming activities, call Courage Center for the sports and recreation department's winter program brochure. (612)588-0811.
Weicker Introduces Quality Services Act
On December 13, Senator Lowell Weicker (CT), chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on the Handicapped introduced the "Quality Services for Disabled Individuals Act. The bill will require states to provide home and community-based services as a condition of participation in the Medicaid program. 1948 establishes a new Bureau of Quality Services HHS and radically increases the role of the federal government in the certification of residential facilities. Although the bill is significantly different from S.873, Senator Chafee's Community and Family Living Amendments, it will put new pressure on the Finance Committee to take a serious look at the ICF/MR program.
Report on National Attendant Care Symposium:
In early December the National Council on the Handicapped issued a report with recommendations for development of a national policy for attendant care services. The report reviews current federal funding options and includes a 14-point framework for creation of a national system of attendant services. The report suggests that Congress consider amendments to the Rehabilitation Act and Social Security Act to expand coverage of attendant services.
Work Incentives for Persons With Disabilities
Increasing attention of Congress and the Administration is being focused on development of additional work incentives for persons with disabilities. H.R. 2030 introduced by Representative Steve Bartlett (TX), would make the Section 1619 program, which allow
permanent cash and Medicaid benefits to persons with disabilities who are able to work. S. 1721, introduced by Senator Donald Riegle (Ml), offers an approach to assisting persons with severe disabilities receive rehabilitation services. Disability groups are working with both members of Congress to strengthen these legislative proposals.
HCFA Proposes New Code
The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFAS) on November 5, published in the Federal Register (page 45921) a proposed rule to amend the fire safety standards for intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded (ICFs/Mr). HCFA has proposed adoption of the 1985 edition of the life safety code of the National Fire Protection Association.
Restrictive interpretations of the current guidelines by federal surveyors jeopardized continued funding of small community ICFs/MR to serve nonambulatory individuals who are capable of self preservation with staff assistance.
The Senate Finance Committee has included the provision as part of its reconciliation amendments that mandate the Secretary to adopt the 1985 code.
Although the proposed rule would enable organizations to serve more clients in a wider variety of settings with reduced capital expenditures for fire protection features. This not evident how soon the final rule will be published.
For further information, please contact HCFA, Department of Health and Human Services, BERC-352-PPO Box 26676, Baltimore, MD 21207: 301/597-5909.
NIHR Sets Priorities
On November 13, (FR, page 46810) the National Institute on Handicapped Research (NIHR) proposed for six FY 86 priorities for research and demonstration projects and two priorities for knowledge and dissemination projects.
Two of the research priorities should be of particular interest to readers. The first focuses on the problems of financing home care for seriously disabled and chronically ill children.
The second priority focuses on "housing adaptations to promote less restrictive environments." In many situations, housing is not modified or adapted to the special physical needs of the individual.
For further information, please contact Betty Jo Berland, NIHR, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Room 3070, Washington, D.C. 20202; 202/732-1139.
Accessibility Loans Available
Families with disabled members now may obtain low-interest loans for purchasing accessible housing.
As part of the 1985 Single Family Home Loan Program, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency is making available 30-year, 9.95% loans with a minimum down payment of 5%. The loans may be used for new construction, or for modification to existing houses, condominiums, townhouses or duplexes.
For a list of participating lenders or further information, call the MHFA at (612) 296-7613 or 1-800-652-9747 toll-free.
Interpreter Services
Workers with hearing impairments employed by companies receiving federal funds are entitled to interpreter services through their company health insurance plans. For more information, contact Sharon Meyers, Office for Civil Rights, 1275 Market St., 13th floor, San Francisco, CA 94103.
WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES
PACER Workshop Schedule
PACER has planned a busy late winter and spring workshop schedule. Along with the standard sessions that present information still needed by many parents, PACER has developed many new workshops to meet changing informational needs.
Listed below are the workshops scheduled to date:
General Information Workshops provide information on special education laws and procedures, and parents' rights and responsibilities. Unless otherwise indicated, these workshops are designed for ALL parents of handicapped children.
March 4 - evening; St. Paul
April 3 - evening; Minneapolis, for Native American parents primarily
April 15 - evening; Twin Cities; Hennepin Co. Foster Parents
Communication Workshops are scheduled in both Minneapolis and St. Paul one week after the general information workshop is offered in each city. Parents are encouraged to attend the Much 4 workshop listed above. Communication skills workshops are designed for parents interested in working more comfortably and effectively with their children's schools. The skills are taught in situations that build upon the information about laws, procedures, and rights explained in the earlier workshops.
Feb. 11 - evening; Minneapolis
March 11 - evening; St. Paul
RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS
Integrated Leisure Services
The Jewish Community Center of St. Paul, Minnesota integrates children and youth with severe handicaps into the agency's regular programs and classes. The Jewish Community Center is a non-profit social work agency that serves the social, cultural, educational, recreational, and athletic needs of over 250,000 persons of all ages in the St. Paul area annually. The primary goals of this integration program includes: 1) integration of children with handicaps into agency regular programs and classes (i.e. social integration and leisure skill acquisition), 2) staff training in integration strategies, and 3) parent/sibling training with respect to integration strategies developed for the family member with a disability. As a result of the integration, children with severe disabilities will develop lifelong friendships and social interaction skills useful throughout life. In addition, peers without disabilities, parents of peers, agency staff and Jewish Community Center members will benefit as they are exposed to children with severe handicaps and grow in awareness of their individual needs and abilities. For more information: Jewish Community Center, 1375 St. Paul Ave., St. Paul, MN 55116, 698-0751.
Community Programs
The Learning Exchange, 8900 Portland Avenue South, Bloomington, Minnesota 55420, has a Community Education Program for South Hennepin area residents who are handicapped. Programs include: --ADAPTED AQUATICS for adults and children whose disabilities prevent them from being adequately served in regular swim classes, -ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES to help adults with physical disabilities or mental health concerns participate in regular classes, -INFORMATIONAL SEMINARS on topics of interest to people with various handicaps, -ADAPTIVE COMMUNITY EDUCATION classes for adults who are mentally retarded or learning disabled, and -VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES in Community Education. For more information: 887-9144.
Testimony Invited
The Commission on Minnesota Outdoors invites testimony on the recreation needs of Minnesotans, the community benefits from recreation, and the relationships of recreation and quality of life in Minnesota. Testimony is scheduled for the Metro Area on April 16, 1986.
Disability organizations should take note of this opportunity to testify on behalf of Minnesotans who are disabled regarding physical or program access, insurance problems, costs, etc. Call ahead to state that you or your organization wish to testify. Written testimony is requested in advance. Direct call or correspondence regarding time, location and testifying to: Kate Hanson, Commission on Minnesota Outdoors, Department of Natural Resources, Box 10, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55146.
Respite Weekends Offered
In response to the growing need for respite care, Camp Eden Wood offers three pilot weekends in the coming months. The Winter & Spring Weekends will provide the perfect opportunity for a respite weekend. Participants will choose from a variety of recreational activities available during their stay - both indoors and out. A one-to-one staff-to-participant ratio will enable an individual program approach.
The weekends will be open to anyone with or without handicaps ages 5-90. The $110 fee includes meals, lodging, around-the-clock staffing and recreational programs. Check-in is 5-7 p.m. Friday and check-out is 5-7 p.m. Sunday. Arrangements may be possible for part- time care. Please call 874-6650 for further information on: Pilot Respite Weekends scheduled for; February 21-23, March 14-16, and April 25-27.
Artists Sought
The Sister Kenny International Art Show will be held from April 4th to May 6th, 1986. Any artist with a physical or mental disability is eligible to enter up to three pieces of art. Prize money will be awarded, and the artists will have the opportunity to sell some of their pieces. Contact: Art Show, Public Relations Dept., Sister Kenny Institute, 800 E. 28th St. at Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55407, (612) 874-4482.
INFORMATION EXCHANGE
Developmental Disabilities Program
201 Capitol Square Building
550 Cedar St.
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
Member of National Association of Developmental Disabilities Councils
January 1986
GOVERNOR REAPPOINTS MEMBERS ON DD COUNCIL
Governor Rudy Perpich recently reappointed the following persons to serve for a second three-year term on the Governor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities:
Richard S. Amado
Barbara Pihigren
Robert DeBoer
Sharon Shapiro
Marcel A. Bourgeault
Edward R. Skamulis
Helmi Lammi
Karen Titrud
Margaret C. Lindstrom
Larry R. Wefring
Nancy A. Okinow
Others who continue to serve on the Council are:
Douglas Butler
Roger A. Deneen
Suzanne M. Dotson
Sandra J. Fink
John Groos
Virginia Hanel
Anne L. Henry
Paula lohnson
Gerald Nelson
Bill Niederloh
Dorothy Peters
Ruth Rafteseth
lanes M. Rubenstein
Elaine Saline
Glenn Samuelson
The Governor's Planning Council operates under federal legislation, Public Law 98-527, the Development Disabilities Act of 1984. The Council is charged with supervising the development of a three-year state plan, to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the state plan, and to review state service plans for persons with developmental disabilities. A new state plan is currently being developed which will address case management services as a priority concern. The plan, once approved by the Governor and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC, will go into effect on October 1, 1986.
For more information, contact: Developmental Disabilities Program, 201 Capitol Square Building, 550 Cedar Street, St. Paul, Minn. 55101. Tel. (612) 296 4018, or (612) 2969962 TDD.
RFP ON CASE MANAGEMENT ANNOUNCED
The Governor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities has recently disseminated a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Case Management of Persons Who re Developmentally Disabled. Over 1,500 copies of ~e RFP were sent to professionals in Minnesota who work with persons who are developmentally disabled. The RFP has four funding categories within which interested persons can submit proposals. The four categories are: Case Management Research; Improving Efficiency of Case Managers; Empowering Consumers to Receive Quality Case Management Services; and Volunteer Monitoring Committees. Generally, any nonprofit organization, unit of government, or educational institution is eligible to submit proposals. Proposals must be in the Council office before 4:30 p.m. on April 18, 1986. Copies of the RFP are available from the Council office, 201 Capitol Square Building, 550 Cedar Street, St. Paul, Minn. 55101. Tel. (612) 296-4018, or (612) 296-9962 TDD.
REPORT ON MCKNIGHT GRANTS AVAILABLE
A 16-page summary report of the first year of the McKnight- funded Developmental Disabilities Program was recently released by the State Planning Agency.
In December 1981, the McKnight Foundation made a grant of $300,000 a year, renewable for up to three years, to the Developmental Disabilities Program of the State Planning Agency. This report contains a description of the projects that were funded in the first year of the three-year program. The projects were in three areas: training for staff and boards of facilities serving persons who are developmentally disabled; projects that would resolve or mitigate existing problems in the delivery of services, and projects that would increase the physical accessibility of facilities providing day services. Copies of the report are available from: Developmental Disabilities Program, 201 Capitol Square Bldg., 550 Cedar St., St. Paul, Minn. 55101. Tel. (612) 296-4018, or (612) 296-9962 TDD.
MASTER'S DEGREE IN TRANSITIONAL PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCED
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has established an Interdisciplinary Master's Program in Transitional Programming for Handicapped Youth. Beginning June or August 1986, five 1-year, quarter-time assistantships are available for individuals interested in careers in teacher education and personnel preparation. The deadline for applications is April 15, 1986. For more information, contact: Dr. L. Allen Phelps, Office of Career Development for Special Populations, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 110 Education Bldg., 1310 So. Sixth St., Champaign, III. 61820. Tel. (217) 333-0960.
ANNIE'S STORY AVAILABLE THROUGH MNASH
By popular demand, the Minnesota Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (MNASH) has acquired additional copies of Annie's Coming Out, written by Anne McDonald and Rosemary Crossley, Penquin Books, 1984 This real life story takes place in Australia, portraying Anne McDonald, co-author, who has cerebral palsy and had spent most of her childhood in an institution. Anne's advocate, Rosemary Crossley, discovers new methods for Anne to communicate and thus ensues their battle through the court system to establish Anne's right, along with her fellow residents', to live in smaller settings in the community. This is a story that has universal appeal. Available for $5 (including postage) through: MNASH, P.O. Box 1837, Pioneer Station, St. Paul, Minn. 55101.
PUBLICATIONS
Resource Directory of Materials Produced and Developed by Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of Developmental Disabilities Councils (NADDC), October 1985. Publications and resources materials from each state and territory are listed in this directory. Audio-visual productions are also included in a special section. For more information, contact: NADDC, 1234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 103, Washington, DC 20005. Tel. (202) 347-1234.
Standards Manual for Organizations Serving People with Disabilities, Commission on Accredition of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), 1986. These new residential standards have been designed for small, personalized, community-based living environments. These standards reflect the Commission's commitment to independence and community integration for individuals with developmental disabilities. Issues addressed in the standards include community integration, empowerment of the individual in decision making which affects their lives, resident rights, and the relationship of quality of life to types of living environments as well as individual program planning, staff training, health and sanitation, etc. Through the development of standards for respite programs which provide time limited and temporary relief from the ongoing responsibility of care, the commission provides an accountability mechanism for those programs that help to maintain individuals in their natural family setting. Cost: $25. To obtain a copy of this document, contact: CARF, 2500 North Pantano Road, Suite 226, Tucson, Arizona 85715. Tel. (602) 886-8575
Topical Reports, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC), are published on a periodic basis in a newsletter format. These reports address specific topics related to employment of persons with mental retardation. Past issues have focused on supported employment options, model programs, and parent training. Future issues will examine benefits to employers and research outcomes. For further information, contact: Paul Wehman, Director, RRTC, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1314 West Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23284-0001. Tel. (804)257-1851.
"Transition from School to the World of Work. is the focus of a special issue of Techniques: A Journal for Remedial Education and Counseling (October 1985). This is a broad-based review of the concept of adult entry of handicapped youth into the world competitive employment and independent living. The emphasis is on practical approaches and practices. To order, make $10 check payable to Clinical Psychology Publishing Company and send to: Techniques, 4 Conant Square, Brandon, Vermont 05733. Tel. (802) 247-6871.
"National School Volunteer Program Catalog" lists publications and slide-tape presentations geared to strengthen volunteer programs in school settings. It includes resources for working with children with special needs. This free catalog is available from: National School Volunteer Program, Inc., 701 North Fairfax Street, Suite 320, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.
"Fund-raising Ideas and Techniques," is a new, 14-page catalog describing 33 systems, computer programs, how-to books and other publications for executives of nonprofit groups. Available free from: Fund-Raising Institute, Box 365, Ambler, Penn. 19002.
A Complete Cooking Program for Non-Readers, Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC), Ottawa County, Michigan. Developed by a special education teacher, several products have been developed: (a) a cookbook with 101 picture recipes, (b) a teacher's manual and symbol flash card kit, and (c) shopping list cards. For more information, contact: ARC/Ottawa County, 246 South River, Holland, Mich. 49423.
"Innovative Programming for the Aging and Aged Mentally Retarded/Developmentally Disabled Adult", by Paul Herrera, M. Ed., is a book that examines the needs of a growing population-the aging and aged MR/DD adult. It provides comprehensive information to establish a broad understanding of what can be expected to happen to this group as they enter later stages of life and describes innovative programming to improve their quality of life. The 200 page book is based on seven years of field work experience in a workshop setting. It is available from Exploration Press, P.O. Box 705, Akron, OH 44309, at a cost of $24.95 per copy.
"Public/Private Partnerships in Transition is the title of the results of a survey compiled by the National Association of Regional Councils and the Urban Mass Transportation Administration. Information was gathered from over 300 metropolitan planning organizations (MPO's) concerning ways to maximize private sector involvement in providing special transportation services. For a copy of the summary report (DOT-1-85-30), send a self-addressed mailing label to: Technology Sharing Program (I-30-TAX), Office of the Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs, Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590.
The following 7 maps published by Sona Karents Andrews are available for loan or for sale. They are available in large-type or braille and include: Minnesota Population 1980; 1980 Population of Western United States by SMSA; Nautica/ Chart of the Apost/ends; University of Minnesota, Minneapo/is campus ability atlas; Downtown Minneapo/is; and Minneapo/is. For further information: University of Minnesota, Department of Geography, 414 Social Science Building, 267 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455.
COMMUNICATION SERIES OFFERED IN ROCHESTER
Four seminars are scheduled at the Rochester Center, University of Minnesota in communication skills for professionals. Each seminar will run from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the following dates:
February 21
February 28
March 7
March 14
Efficient Reading
Efficient Writing
Efficient Listening
Efficient Speaking.
The instructor for this series is Dr. J. Michael Bennett, Director of the Efficient Reading Program and Associate Professor of Rhetoric at the University of Minnesota. Cost: S140 for all four sessions, or $40 each. For more information, contact: Registrar, University of Minnesota, Rochester Center, 1200 South Broadway, Rochester, Minn. 55904. Tel. (507) 288-4584, or (612) 224-3106.
CAMP OZ OFFERED IN JUNE
Camp Oz for children and teens with epilepsy will hold its fourth annual session June 16-21 at the YMCA Camp Ihduhapi on Lake Independence (22 miles west of the Twin Cities). The goal of Camp Oz is to provide a safe, educational, and enjoyable resident camping program to boys and girls, ages 8-17, whose primary medical condition is epilepsy. To register or for more information, contact Camp Oz, 2701 University Avenue, SE, Suite 106, Minneapolis, Minn. 55414.
EVENTS
Feb. 17, 1986:
Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) Minnesota Day at the Capitol will be held again this year, starting at 8:30 am. at the Holiday Inn near the State Capitol (1-94 at the Marion Street exit). A special rally will be held at 12:45 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda in support of expanded services to children from birth to age two. Other legislative concerns to be addressed include family support, care-giver services, and residential services. Fee: $10. For more information, contact: ARC Minnesota, 3225 Lyndale Avenue, South, Minneapolis, Minn. 55408. Tel, (612) 827-5641 or (800) 582-5256, toll free.
March 1986:
March has been declared by Governor Rudy Perpich as "Mental Retardation Month." Ideas for community awareness and involvement activities can be obtained by contacting the Association for Retarded Citizens Minnesota, 3225 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minn 5408. Tel. (612) 827-5641 or (800) 582-5256, toll free.
March 10-12, 1986:
"Discovery: Training and Technology for Persons with Disabilities" will be held at the Red Carpet Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For more information, contact: Office of Continuing Education and Summer Session, University of Wisconsin--Stout, Menomonie, Wisc. 54751. Tel. (800) 45-STOUT, toll free.
March 31-April 4, 1986:
"Celebrate the Exceptional" is the theme of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) 64th Annual Convention to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana. For more information, contact: CEC, 1920 Association Drive, Reston, Virginia 22091 -1589. Tel. (800) 336-3728, toll free.
April 11 -16, 1986:
"An Introduction to Normalization through PASS 3." This intensive workshop of PASS (Policy Analysis of Service Systems) will be sponsored by the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) to be held at McGuires Inn, St. Paul. For more information, contact: ARRM, 1885 University Avenue St. Paul, Minn. 55104. Tel. (612) 644-8181, or (800) 5512211, toll free.
May 20 and 21, 1986:
"Charting Change in Infants, Families and Services" is a national conference to be held at the Wyndham Hotel South, Austin, Texas. The conference will focus on research findings and process evaluations to improve programs serving children from birth to age three. For more information, contact: Julia
The 37th Annual Convention of the Association for Retarded Citizens of the United States will be held in Omaha, Nebraska. For more information, contact: Jim Mckenna, ARC of the United States, 2501 Avenue "J,- Arlington, Texas 76006. Tel. (817) 640-0204.
LENDING LIBRARY SELECTlONS
The State Developmental Disabilities (DD) Program Office has acquired several education, training and resource materials. The following materials may be borrowed from the State Office only, located at the address on the front sheet of the State Supplement section of this newsletter. Tel. (612)296~4018.
An Assessment of Attendant Care Needs Among Disabled Pennsylvanians: A Summary, Physically Handicapped Training Center, University of Pennsylvania, 1g85. In response to the apparent need among Pennsylvanians who are disabled for community based attendant care, the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Planning Council contracted with the University of Pennsylvania to conduct a study of this service need. Attendant care was defined as an individual who assists people who are disabled with daily living tasks either on a daily or weekly schedule. Such activities included personal care as well as household tasks, meal preparation, travel, and telephoning. Among several findings, the report stated, "Not surprisingly, consumer directed services are the least expensive alternative for providing services to individuals in need of attendant care."
Metropolitan Council DD Program
300 Metro Square Building
7th and Robert Streets
St. Paul, MN 55101
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please call (61V291-6364, or write to the DD Program, Metropo/itan Council 300 Metro Square Bldg., St. Paul, MN 55101.
(TIME-DATED MATERIAL)
Assessing and Enhancing the Quality of Services: A Guide for the Human Services Field, Human Service Research Institute (HRSI), Boston, 1984. This report is the product of a project supported by the Office of Policy Development, Office of Human Development Services, Department of Health and Human Services. It also serves as a manual that provides a new way of viewing quality assurance mechanisms and presents a variety of concrete methods for enhancing service quality while also regulating provider accountability. Its purpose is to assist public officials, social service professionals, consumers, and their advocates to design and install quality assurance techniques that are cost-effective, utilize existing resources, respond to client interests, and stretch agency capabilities. Those who choose to purchase this document may send a $15 check directly to: HRSI, 120 Milk Street, 8th Floor, Boston, Mass. 02109. Otherwise, a copy is available on loan from the State Developmental Disabilities Program.
INFORMATION EXCHANGE
Published monthly by the Developmental Disabilities Program of the Metropolitan Council
Metropolitan Council
300 Metro Square Building
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
Toni Lippert: 291-0364
If you don not receive this newsletter every month please notify the DD Program, Metropolitan Council, 300 Metro Square Bldg. St. Paul Minn. or telephone (612) 291-6364,TDD 291-0904
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL DD PROGRAM NEWS
The DD Program lost two invaluable staff members the past month. Dr. Jeny Karser joined the staff in 1984 and was best known by many readers for his work on the DD Community Work Training Project. He worked many weekend and evening hours to make sure project clients had the support they needed as they started new jobs. This time was over and above his regular working hours and was typical of his very personal commitment to the belief that employment opportunities should not be limited by the severity of one's handicaps.
Marjorie Segell, DD secretary since 1981, has left the program. It was through her efforts that this newsletter met its deadline each month. Her productivity was legendary and her command of the written and spoken word unsurpassable. (Oh, how she enjoyed catching this editor's grammatical and spelling mistakes! - the occasional ones I may have made, that is.)
As a result of the Metropolitan Council's recent reorganization, these talented workers were drafted for another department. This note is intended to convey regret in the loss of good and creative helpers and to wish them luck in their new positions.
A hearty welcome to Edith Watson who will now be responsible for the DD secretarial activities. She has made an excellent transition to this very demanding job.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Volunteers and Staff Needed for Summer Camp
Camp Friendship has several positions available: counselors; recreation leaders; cabin leaders; campcrafter; music, nature, arts and crafts) boating director (boating maintenance); lifeguards; swimming instructors; cooks and dining hallworkers; registered nurse and graduate nurses; coordinators (counseling, activities and volunteer).
Vol. 11 No. 3 March 1986
Volunteers are also needed to assist the counseling staff. If you are at least 15 years old or perhaps a college student looking for volunteer experience, you may enjoy spending 1 or 2 weeks this summer volunteering at Camp Friendship.
Both volunteer and paid staff are given an orientation prior to their time at camp to familiarize them with the camp and its program. For more information contact Georgann Rumsey at Camp Friendship (612) 274-8376.
Income Tax Guides
The Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) of Minnesota has federal income tax guides for parents of children with handicaps. The guides for parents were produced by the ARC Michigan. Cost is $3 which includes postage and handling.
To order a copy, contact ARC Minnesota, 3225 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn. 55408. Tel. (612) 827-5641 or toll-free, 1-800-582-5256.
College Students Needed
St. Paul School District's Special Education staff have proposed a follow-up study to determine the current employment status of its graduates who are handicapped and who have used the district's vocational services program. They need one or two college student volunteers who are looking for a project that relates to their educational field. College instructors and students who are interested may get more information from Dennis Jensen, Humboldt High School, 30 East Baker Street, St. Paul, MN 55107, (612)292-0087.
Minnesota Social Service Association Conference Set
The Minnesota Social Service Association will hold its 93rd annual conference and training exposition on March 19-21 at the St. Paul Radisson Hotel. This year's focus will be "Human Dignity: The Investment for the Future."
Featured speakers at the program will be Nancy Amidel, Visiting Professor, University of Michigan School of Social Work, commentator of National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" and writer and Gar Alperovitz, President of the National Center for Economic Alternatives, Washington, D.C. For more information call (612)227-3400.
Proposed Rule "On Related Conditions" Available
The latest draft (1/16/86) of the Department of Human Service's Proposed Rule on Services for Persons with Mental Retardation and Conditions Related to Mental Retardation, popularly called the rule "on related conditions" is available for review and comment from the department. Write or call Department of Human Services; Division of Mental Retardation Services; Centennial Building; St. Paul, MN 55155 (612) 296-2160.
Guide to Foundations Available
A thoroughly researched, 1986 edition of Guide to Minnesota Foundations and Corporate Giving Programs lists more than 400 Minnesota funders.
Each entry contains data to help nonprofit organizations match their funding needs to the interests of grantmakers. Included among the foundation and corporate listings is vital information such as the grantmaker's purposes, its areas of interest; its geographic requirements; whom to contact for information; when and how to contact; information on assets; the size and number of grants given; a listing of some of the organizations receiving recent grants and the amount of the grants; director, and more.
In addition, the Guide contains information on other resources to use in a funding search. It has current information on philanthropy in Minnesota and describes the types of grantmakers working in the state. Indexes simplify the search for funding by offering topical information.
The Guide is available through the Minnesota Council on Foundations, 1216 Foshay Tower, Minneapolis, MN 55402 in early 1986. Its cost is $25, plus S1.50 sales tax or tax exempt number.
Interpreter Referral Program Funding Cut
The Interpreter Referral Center (IRC) received a severe funding cut as a result of legislation passed during Minnesota's 1985 legislative session. In addition, the administration and fiscal authority of the IRC was transferred from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) to the Department of Human Services (DHS) as part of the reorganization of the Regional Service Center Program.
In response to reduced governmental support, the IRC has initiated an income generation plan which charges a S3.50 service fee per interpreter request. The purchaser will be billed for the fee. In addition, interpreters working through the IRC will be charged one dollar for each interpreting assignment. The total fee of $4.50 will help to offset the loss of funds. It is estimated that this plan will generate over $20,000 per year which will be used for the program operations. An additional $20,000 will be sought to meet growing demand for interpreter services.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Full time Foster Care providers needed by private agency serving mentally handicapped persons. Training and support staff, plus salary and respite care. One year commitment. Call Luanne at (612)642-0174 or (612)641-0041.
Respite Care providers for weekends and/or weekdays needed by private agency serving mentally handicapped persons in Ramsey County. Provide services in your home or apartment. Salary. One year commitment. Call Luanne at (612)642-0174 or (612)641-0041.
WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES
April 4 Ñ "Recruiting Civic Organizations, Corporations and Community Groups," a two-hour workshop on creating partnerships with civic organizations, corporations and community groups to enhance a volunteer program. Sponsored by the United Way's Voluntary Action Center of Minneapolis. For additional information, contact the Center at 404 5. 8th Street, Minneapolis, 55404; (612) 340-7532.
April 11-16, 1986: "Normalization Training Through PASS 3" is a workshop sponsored by the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) at McGuire's Inn in Arden Hills, Minnesota. Program Analysis of Service Systems (PASS explores the philosophy of normalization and its implications for the planning, development and evaluation of services for persons with developmental disabilities. It is a five-day, intensive reaming experience for directors, program managers, parents, persons with developmental disabilities, direct care staff, advocates, board members, county social service staff and others who profess to believe in the right to genuine participation in the full life of the community for individuals who are handicapped.
The course fee of $245 includes tuition, materials and meals. Lodging costs are extra and requires participant to make their own room reservations and payments. For more information and registration forms: ARRM; 1885 University Avenue-Suite 90; St. Paul, MN 55104; (612)644-8181.
NEW RESOURCES
PACER's transition projects are designed for two target populations Ñ high school age students with handicaps and parents of students in this age range. According to Christine Hunter, PACER's coordinator for the transition projects, the new programs have been designed with the student's whole adjustment to adult life in mind. "Ours is a kind of holistic approach," she explained, "that looks at social, recreational, residential, financial, and training and employment needs."
The first project consists of a pair of workshops designed primarily for parents of handicapped, secondary school students. Students themselves are also welcome to attend. The primary goal of the project for parents is to acquaint them with the steps that can be taken during a student's high school years to make progress smoother after high school. The other workshop is for high school students who are handicapped and will present information on how to obtain needed services.
PACER is a Twin Cities-based parent coalition that also provides information and training to parents of school-age children with all handicaps about special education laws and procedures and the partnership role they may take with schools in planning and Kuiding their youngster's educational process.
Call PACER (612)827-2966 for assistance and more information about the transition project and workshops.
"Work site training for adults with mild, moderate and severe disabilities" is the title of a course offered for the Spring Session. It runs from April 3rd to June 5th, on Thursday evenings, 6 to 9 p.m. at Bridgeview School, 360 Colbome Street, St. Paul, MN. This course is designed to give the student an overall orientation to the many facets of work-site training, sometimes referred to as "job coaching." The course will cover marketing strategies, employer agreements, job-worker match techniques, legal requirements, job costing methods, work and site efficiency analysis, training strategies, and fade-out and follow-up procedures. Students will also be expected to complete a short field work project related to course topics.
The course will earn 3 University credits, which can be applied to either an undergraduate or graduate program. Cost is $151.50. Instructors are Terrence Kayser, Ph.D. and James Brown, Ph.D., plus outside resources who are experts in specialized topic areas. Pre-registration is required by March 20, 1986. Call (612)373-5050 for registration details. This course is offered through the University of Minnesota, Department of Vocational-Technical Education's Special Services Program.
"Disability & Sexuality: The Myth and Reality" is an in-service program developed by Family Tree. The training was designed to help participants understand the effect a disability may have on an individual's life and to explore ways that will enable them to meet the needs of their disabled clients, fellow workers or family members.
The program goals include: Helping participants understand the effects a disability may have on an individual's sexuality; Identifying myths concerning disability and sexuality issues; Helping participants become more comfortable in discussing sexuality issues with disabled individuals and helping participants to identify strategies to use in communicating sexuality issues with their clients.
The training is offered by the Disability Education Program at Family Tree on March 7th; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, at the Family Tree, 1599 Selby Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota. The fee is $20.00. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Contact Deb Reckner, (612) 6450478.
Dental Care for persons who are hearing impaired is available at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Clinic is available at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Clinic. Persons with hearing impairments who use sign language or need to call by TDD are scheduled with staff dentists and dental students who use basic sign language. Your first appointment will be an examination and x-rays. Your dentist will tell you what dental care you need, what appointments you will need, and how much it will cost.
Please come one-half hour early to your first appointment to answer a questionnaire about your health. To make an appointment call: (612)373-3348 T.D.D. or (612)373-2535 Voice, Monday - Friday, 7:45 am -4:30 p.m..
Mothers Respite Retreat Weekends for mothers of children with mental retardation are sponsored by the Association for Retarded Citizens of Hennepin county. Sessions in April and May are planned at the Eden Wood Center and cost S45. For more information on specific dates, time and accommodations, write or call ARC of Hennepin County, 2344 Nicollet Avenue, Suite 340, Minneapolis, MN 55404, (612)874-6650.
RECREATION/LEISURE
An Adapted Aquatics swimming and water exercise program for adults who have physical disabilities will be offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings this spring at Oak Grove Junior High pool, 1300 W. 106th Street. The pool and locker rooms are accessible, including a hydraulic lift to assist with pool entry and exit. The class will be taught by a Red Cross certified Adapted Aquatics instructor, and trained aides will be available to provide individualized help as needed in pool and locker rooms. Registration dates are March 3 through April 18.
The cost of the 8 sessions is S14. Some assistance is available with fees and transportation. The program is sponsored by the Learning Exchange, a Community Education program for handicapped adults run through the public schools of Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina, and Richfield, and by the Minneapolis Red Cross, South Branch. To register, or for more information, call Lynn at (612)887-9226.
Registration for summer camping programs for children and adults with mental retardation are currently being accepted at Eden Wood Camping & Retreat Center in Eden Prairie.
Operated by Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) of Hennepin County, Eden Wood offers outdoor experiences for people of mixed abilities through a variety of theme camps like Sports & Health, Leisure Specialties, Kids Week and Family Camp. Off-site programs to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and state parks are also offered.
Most sessions run five days, with some weekend programs available. Program fees nun from $100-$250, with camperships available to qualified applicants. Participants of all ages are invited.
A high staff to-participant ratio and an emphasis on serving individual needs and interests are strong points for Eden Wood programs.
For registration materials and information, call (612)874-6650.
WILDERNESS INQUIRY II is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation that conducts wilderness adventures for mixed ability groups. The program seeks to promote integration of disabled and non-disabled individuals, and the development of skills and confidence. Their new address is 1313 5th St. SE., Suite 327A, Minneapolis, MN 55414, (612)379-3858 V/TDD.
PUBLICATIONS
"Deinstitutionalization of Mentally Retarded People" and Deinstitutonalization of Mentally 111 People, February, 1986 are two new reports published by the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor. They were requested by the Legislative Audit Commission to examine, respectively, changes in state hospitals as a result of litigation and other forces and the transition of people who are mentally ill from state hospitals to community care. Single copies may be obtained by writing or phoning Program Evaluation Division, Office of the Legislative Auditor, Veterans Service Building, St. Paul, Minnesota 55155, (612)296-4708.
"Feeding and Caring for Infants and Children with Special Needs" is a 46 page booklet developed by an occupational therapist and a nutritionist. It is a resource for parents and other care givers of children with developmental difficulties. As described in the foreword by Richard P. Nelson, M.D., the booklet's purpose is to assist parents in establishing a sound basis for the child's growth through nutrition, feeding, movement a sensory development. It includes practical suggestions and illustrations for appropriate feeding and handling techniques. A bibliography offers references to both parents and professionals.
The information contained in the booklet is intended to supplement the care from a nutritionist, occupational therapists, physical therapist or physician.
The booklet has been developed by the Minnesota Department of Health, Service for Children with Handicaps and Section of Health Education and published by Gillette Children's Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota. It is available without charge to Minnesota residents from Health Education, Minnesota Department of Health, P.O. Box 9441, Minneapolis, MN 55440. Orders are limited to 20 copies per agency.
Large quantities or out of state orders should be directed to Brett Day, Gillette Children's Hospital, 200 E. University, St. Paul, MN 55101. Single copies are $1.90 which includes postage. Checks should be payable to Gillette Children's Hospital. Information regarding quantity prices can be obtained from Brett Day at (612) 291-2S48 Ext. 121.
SOUND AND HEARING is material designed for supplemental use by children with hearing impairment in elementary classrooms. To order the packet free, contact Judy Massanby, National Grange Deaf Activities, Sound and Hearing, 1616 H Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
Action Alliance of Parents of the Deaf has a "Primer for Parents and Professiona/s about Evaluating Total Communication Programs for Deaf and Hearing-impaired Children and Youth." Cost is $1. Write to MPD, 120 W. Lancaster Av., Ardmore, PA 19003.
INFORMATION EXCHANGE
STATE SUPPLEMENT
Developmental Disabilities Program ,1 Capitol Square Building 550 Cedar St. St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
Minnesota State Planning Agency Roger Strand, Editor 6 1 2/296-40 1 8
Member of National Association of Developmental Disabilities Councils
March 1986
REPORT ON MEDICAID SUBMITTED TO CONGRESS-.CALL FOR COORDINATED ACTION
As required in the Developmental Disabilities Act of 1984, the Secretary of Health and Human Services recently submitted a report to Congress on services provided under the Medicaid program, including the home. and community-based waiver service option. The report focused on ways to improve services which would increase the independence, productivity and integration into the community of persons with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.
The following major Departmental goals were outlined in the report:
1. Increase Incentives for Community Living: The authors pointed out that a common criticism of the Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR) program is that, under Medicaid funding, incentives are created for states to retain rather than to encourage the trend toward the development of less restrictive living situations in community settings. "One way to achieve a better balance is to give states more flexibility in a manner which does not provide inappropriate fiscal incentives," the authors suggested.
2. Improve Standards for ICF/MR: "The regulations established in January, 1974, are outdated and... have had a medical bias," the authors stated. This is "because the ICF/MR program is a component of the medically-oriented Medicaid program..., "the authors added. "While some ICF/MR clients have heavy medical needs, this is not the case for the majority,- the authors stated. "In addition, inappropriate placement of those in need of residential services has been a continuing concern. The ICF/MR standards should be designed to avoid institutionalization of those not needing such a restrictive setting," the authors recommended.
3. Meet the Needs of Adults: Besides the significant increase in the proportion of adults in ICF/MR (programs), there is a particular concern for those young adults who leave ~ school and face a service delivery system that is uncoordinated and diffuse.
4. Improve Coordination and Cooperation: "If integration of persons with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities is to occur, it will require coordinated action by federal, state and local agencies, the private sector, and families of this population," the authors stated.
One of several solutions under consideration, the authors indicated, is the possibility of establishing a "separate funding mechanism" for financing services to persons with developmental disabilities.
These and other issues are being discussed by an interagency committee at the federal level, consisting of representation of the Office of Social Services Policy, the Department of Education, the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, Justice, and the National Council on the Handicapped.
For copies of the report, entitled "Report to the Congress on Policies for Improving Services for Mentally Retarded and
Other Developmental Disabled Persons Served under Title XIX of the Social Security Act," contact: Developmental Disabilities Program, 201 Capitol Square Building, 550 Cedar Street, St.
Paul, Minn. 55101. Tel. (612) 296-4018, or (612) 296-9962 (TDD).
SENATOR WEICKER INTRODUCES MEDICAID REFORM BILL
On December 13, 1985, Senator Lowell Weicker, Jr., Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Handicapped, introduced the "Quality Services for Disabled Individuals Act of 1985. (S. 1948). The intent of this proposed legislation would be to ensure quality services in institutions, hospitals, and in communities. Amon'; several provisions of the bill, is the requirement of an individualized habilitation plan, aimed at increasing client independence, productivity and integration; established as standards for determining an individual's placement.
The Weicker bill would also overhaul the survey, certification and monitoring systems for institutions, which would virtually eliminate the existing state self-certification conflict of interest. New certification standards would be developed and uniform training of surveyors would be provided. Such activities would be administered by a newly created disability bureau within the Health Care Financing Administration, assigned to monitor Medicaid and Medicare disability programs.
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Finally, the Weicker bill provides incentives for states to expand community-based services by establishing the community waiver as a permanent part of the Medicaid program.
For additional information contact United States Senate Subcommittee on the Handicapped, 113 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510.
MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION CALLS FOR GREATER COMMITMENT AND ACTION
Contained in a report, Mandate for Action: Recommendations of the Governor's Mental Health Commission (February 3, 1986), is a summary of the findings and a set of concrete recommendations for a planned development of a comprehensive mental health service system in Minnesota. The Governor's Commission was formed to look at every aspect of mental illness and especially issues related to mental health services and policy. While some positive trends and exemplary services are highlighted in the report, the Commission noted that the mental health "system" was, "to a significant extent, divided, inconsistent, uncoordinated, undirected, unaccountable, and without a unified direction."
Another critical observation made in the report was that because there is an absence of a vigorous case management and individual service planning approach, and of uniform placement criteria, there is an increase in the risk that services will be offered based on the costs to the unit of government making the placement rather than the needs of people..
The recommendations were organized according to three themes: making a commitment, organizing to meet the commitment, and ensuring that the commitment is met. Among the several recommendations made, four immediate priorities were suggested by the Commission:
1. The adoption of a mission statement in the state statute.
2. The extension of the Bill of Rights to outpatient mental health services in state statute.
3. The creation in state government of a visible, responsible, and committed focal point of administrative and professional leadership.
4. The continuation of a Governors Commission on Mental Health to monitor and advocate the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report.
Upon completion of the Commission's work, Norma Schleppegrell, Chair, (Hibbing) commented, "There will be a concerted effort around the state to make sure that people understand the recommendations and become mobilized to do something about them--and that's a good beginning. l think it's an exciting time."
For free copies of the report, contact: Developmental
Disabilities Program, State Planning Agency, 201 Capitol Square Building, 550 Cedar Street, St. Paul, Minn. 55101. Tel. (612)
296-4018, or (612) 296-9962 (TDD).
REVOLVING DOOR SYNDROME FOR PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS COULD BE PREVENTED
Based on a study conducted by. the Minnesota Legislative Auditor, about two-thirds of all patients served by state hospitals had been admitted at least once in the past for mental illness treatment. "Readmission rates are high because of the nature of the illnesses, gaps in discharge planning, and limited participation by county case managers and others in planning follow-up care in the community," the authors stated. Recommendations made to the Department of Human Services included: (1) assure that financial aids toward community support services are more equitably distributed throughout the state; (2) improve the quality of discharge plans; (3) establish consistent record keeping procedures for discharge planning and patient follow-up; and (4) focus discharge planning on community support services and residential programs that enable patients to remain in the community. Finally, it was recommended that the Legislature direct the Department of Human Services to establish a task force that would recommend ways of improving the coordination of discharge planning between state hospitals and counties. For copies of the report contact: Program Evaluation Division, Office of Legislative Auditor, Veterans Service Building, St. Paul, Minn. 55101. Tel. (612) 296-4708.
COMPLIANCE WITH WELSCH CONSENT DECREE STUDIED TASKS REMAIN BEFORE JULY 1987 DEADLINE
Although the Department of Human Services has successfully reduced populations within state hospitals serving persons with mental retardation and has been in compliance with staff-to-resident ratios for direct care staff since 1983, several issues remain unresolved under the Welsch Consent Decree agreement of 1980. According to a recent study conducted by the Program Evaluation Division of the Legislative Auditor's Office, the Department of Human Services is likely to meet the Consent Decree's population deadline "with little difficulty."
However, children are still being admitted to state hospitals and are staying longer than the one-year limitation. Individual program plans are generally inadequate. The use of restraints, seclusion, and medications to control residents' behavior has not been reduced at several state hospitals. Hospital staff often lack the necessary skills to implement individual programs, particularly in the management of behavior problems. The-e is serious questions regarding the "appropriateness' of community placements in residential and day programs, according to individual needs. In this regard, the Department of Human Services should develop standards by which counties will review the appropriateness of community placements before and after discharge.
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The report concludes that the Consent Decree has made a difference and that the Legislature should consider continuing outside monitoring of the state hospitals and -Community facilities beyond July 1987. For copies of the
For contact: Program Evaluation Division, Office of Legislative Auditor, Veterans Service Building, St. Paul, Minn. 55101. Tel. (612) 296-4708
SEARCH FOR EXEMPLARY VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS ANNOUNCED
Applications from private, non-profit organizations are being solicited by the J. M. Foundation National Awards for Excellence. A blue-ribbon panel of judges will select and award S20,000 in each of the following categories:
Community-Based Supported Work
Facility-Based Work Adjustment
Long-Temm Sheltered Employment and
Occupational Skill Training
Application deadline is May 1, 1986. For applications and for further information, contact: Walker and Associates, Inc., 123 East Grant Street, Minneapolis, Minn. 55403. Tel. (612) 870-4420.
TRAINING OF TRAINERS IN TRANSITION SERVICES .AVAILABLE TO STATES
Located in Richmond, Virginia, Project Transition into Employment (TIE) is providing a week-long course with follow up technical assistance to assist states in developing interagency teams designed to facilitate a smooth transition from school to work for persons who have severe disabilities. Project TIE staff will prepare state teams composed of leaders from special education, vocational rehabilitation, vocational education, and developmental disabilities to serve as statewide transition team trainers for local transition teams. For more information, contact: Project TIE, 1314 West Main Street, RRTC-VCU, Richmond, Virginia 23284-0001. Tel. (804) 257-1851.
PACER OFFERS TRANSITION WORKSHOPS
Intended for parents of high school age special education students, the Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) Center is conducting a second series of workshops relating to living environments on the following dates and locations (in the evenings): March 20, Owatonna; April 10, Twin Cities; April 17, St. Cloud, and May 8, Morris. For information contact: PACER Center, 4826 Chicago Avenue, South, Minneapolis, Minn. 55417-1055. Tel. (612) 827-2966.
CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS
March 21: The Minnesota State Chapter of the American Association of Mental Deficiency (MMD) will present two concurrent workshops: (a) Rule 185--Case Management; and (b) Rule 40--Aversive and Deprivation Procedures. These sessions will result in the submittal of recommendations for rule modifications. These workshops will be held at the Radisson Plymouth, 2705 North Annapolis Lane, Plymouth, Minnesota. Contact: Mary Ann Stevenson, MMD Treasurer, 11777 Xeon Blvd., Coon Rapids, Minn. 55433.
March 25: "Special Skills for Special People" is an afternoon and evening regional conference for parents, students, and professionals concerned with children with special needs. It will be held at the Austin Area Vocational Technical Institute, 1900 Northwest 8th Avenue in Austin, Minnesota. Contact: Parenting Resources Center, P.O. Box 505, Austin, Minn. 55912. Tel. (507) 437-7746.
May 1~3: The Fifth National Conference on the Training and Employment of Paraprofessionals in Special Education, Vocational and Rehabilitation Service Programs for Children and Adults with Disabilities will be held in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Contact: Anna Lou Pickett, National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals in Special Education, 33 West 42nd Street, New York, New York 10036. Tel. (212) 840-1278.
May 19-21: The Annual Conference of ARRM (Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota) will feature preconference workshops on May 19. The two-day conference, "Empowerment: Actions Through Choices," will begin the following day at the Sheraton Park Place in St. Louis Park. For further information, contact: ARRM, 1885 University Avenue, St. Paul, Minn. 55104-3486. Tel. (612) 644-8181, or (800) 551-2211 toll free.
LENDING LIBRARY SELECTIONS
1 The State Developmental Disabilities (DD) Program Office has acquired several education, training and resource materials. The following' materials may be borrowed from the State Office only, located at the address on the front sheet of the
State Supplement section of this newsletter. Td. (612)296~4018. |
Design of High School Programs for Severely Handicapped Students, B. Wilcox and G. T. Bellamy, Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company, 1982. This text attempts to integrate current best practice and promising approaches in providing high school services for students with severe handicaps. Focus is on the preparation of students for functioning in future work and living environments and providing effective transition to those environments. Content includes: basis for program design, curriculum content, individualized education programs, community activities, instructional methods, vocational preparation, and preparing students for independent living, leisure and recreation. A special chapter addresses administrative concerns and the need for support services. An additional chapter addresses the need to facilitate the transition of students from school to adult life and adult services.
Metropolitan Council DD Program 300 Metro Square Building 7th and Robert Streets St. Paul, MN 55101
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please call (612)291-6364, or write to the DD Program, Metropolitan Council 300 Metro Square Bldg., St. Paul, MN 55101.
(TIME DATED MATERIAL)
School to Work Transition for Youth with Severe Disabilities, P. McCarthy, J. Everson, M. S. Moon, 8` I. M. Barcus, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1985. Several authors have contributed to this monograph which was intended for participants in a "train the training course sponsored by the Project Transition Into Employment (TIE) at the Virginia Commonwealth University. The ultimate goal of transition, portrayed by the authors, is an array of meaningful employment, residential, and community functioning options from which individual choices may be made by young adults with disabilities. It is the development of a process which assures a smooth transition without a gap in services after school. Both professionals and parents must redefine the roles and responsibilities of school and adult service providers while working cooperatively to enhance inter-agency collaboration.
St. Paul, Minn.
Permit No. 702S
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INFORMATION EXCHANGE
INCENTIVE
Published monthly by the Developmental Disabilities Program of the Metropolitan Counci/
Metropolitan Council 300 Metro Square Building St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 Toni Lippert: 291~6364
If you do not receive this newsletter every month, phase notify the DD Program, Me Metropolitan Council, 300 Metro Square Bldg., St. Paul, Minn. or telephone (C12) 291-C364, TDD 291~0904.
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL DD PROGRAM NEWS
The DD Advisory Committee (DDAC) of the Metropolitan Council is preparing a vigorous communications campaign to publicize the Council's Developmental Disabilities Regional Policy Plan. This effort is directed to boards and advisory committees of agencies and organizations who have an interest in persons with developmental disabilities. The DD policy plan, adopted by the Metropolitan Council in 1985, includes a description of a comprehensive service system to meet the needs of persons with Developmental disabilities who reside in the seven county Metropolitan Area.
The focus of the plan is to promote a system of quality services. The plan states that in order to have a quality system, one must have choices among services. Therefore, the number and types of services currently offered need to be increased. The Metropolitan Council's four goals for the region's residents with developmental disabilities and for their service system are listed. In order to promote achievement of these goals, the plan identifies six characteristics that are essential in a quality system. Criteria and guidelines for each of the six characteristics provide indicators of whether a service and the system measure up to the level of quality desired. If you are interested in a short presentation to your agency or organization's board of directors or advisory committee after June 1, 1 986, please call the DD Program at 291-6364. Materials highlighting the quality characteristics and suitable for inclusion in newsletters will be made available at the time of the presentations.
REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE
Quality foster homes are needed for elderly persons, mentally, emotionally or physically disabled children and adults in Scott County.
Vol. 11 No. 4 April 1986
Providers are reimbursed for expenses and receive additional compensation based on the amount of care needed by the person placed in their care.
To find out more about becoming a licensed foster parent call Scott County Foster Care at (612) 445-7751 and ask for Liz or Linda.
The Learning Exchange, 8900 Portland Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55420 is seeking volunteers to teach community education classes. They do not require a license or special training and encourage persons who are disabled to apply. The Learning Exchange provides a wide variety of programs such as adapted aquatics, informational seminars and community education classes for South Hennepin area residents who are handicapped. For more information call (612) 887-9241. For information on programs and services call the Learning Exchange Coordinator, (612) 887-9226 or 887-9144 TDD.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Nominations for ''Teacher of Year" Award
The Twin Cities Society for Children and Adults with Autism, Inc. (TCSAC) is seeking nominations for the society's "Teacher of Year" award. Criteria include: Currently working with a child with autism, professional growth in the field of autism, sensitively to individual needs of children with autism, ability to work effectively with parents and advocacy. Nominees may reside anywhere in Minnesota. Nominations must be received by April 30, 1986. For a nomination form write or call: TCSAC, 253 East Fourth Street, St. Paul, Minnesota 55101, (612) 291-2848.
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Barrier-Free Tax Incentive Restored
Section 190 of the Internal Revenue Code has been reinstated by Congress. This provides a tax deduction for companies that remove barriers to people with disabilities in public facilities, and for transportation vehicles rented or owned in a trade or company. It will be in effect for the next two years. The maximum deduction allowed for a year is S35,000. This deduction can be taken by a corporate or private taxpayer. Barrier removals, such as widening doors, door frames, and building ramps, that comply with standards published by the Treasury Department qualify for the deduction. For information about Treasury Department standards write: John Coulter, Legislation and Regulations Division, Office of the Chief Counsel, Internal Revenue Service, Room 4320, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20224 or call (202) 566-4473.
New Hennepin County Library Service
Library services, books and a whole lot more are available to hearing-impaired persons through the TDD service offered by the Hennepin County Library.
The Library system has two TDD devices -- one at the Brookdale-Hennepin Area Library in Brooklyn Center (566-2233) and one at the Southdale-Hennepin Area Library in Edina (8304927).
Interested persons are invited to call either library via the TDD and request library services and materials. Included in the library's collection are books, magazines, records, 16 millimeter films, newspapers, slides, tapes and video cassettes. Closed caption video cassettes and children's signed-English books may be of special interest. The service is free and the Library staff welcomes requests!
Annual Sports Games Competition
Minnesota Sports Games for Cerebral Palsy will hold its annual state competition in track and field, swimming, slalom and other sports on May 17th, from 9 am. - 4 p.m. at St. Louis Park High School. These games are based on the philosophy that competition is essential to personal development, and that involvement in sports can teach independence, pride and sportsmanship. Athletes from the ages of eight and over, from any skill level, are encouraged to participate. For more information on the games, call 646-7588, or Meet Coordinator Karyl Hoeger at 5880811.
Art Show
The 23rd Annual Sister Kenny Institute's "International/ Art Show on Disabled Artists" will be held April 4-May 6 in Minneapolis. For more information call (612) 874-4482.
Summer Schedule for Signing and Interpreting
1986 Summer Programs in Sign Language and Interpreting are scheduled for June 2-July 3, 1986. The "Sign Language Immersion Program" is an intensive course for people who wish to learn sign language quickly and easily. The course includes sign reading, vocabulary, grammar, finger-spelling and culture. It is designed for various professional, other service providers and those interested in acquiring sign language skills. Instructors are Marty Barnum and Beth Siebert. Registration fee is $250. For more information: St. Mary's Junior College; 2500 South Sixth Street; Minneapolis, MN 55454; (612) 332- 5521.
Computer Programs for Persons with Hearing Impairments
The Teachers' Institute for Special Education, Inc., has developed computer programs for persons who are hearing impaired. The programs, which are visually cued, teach keyboarding and upgrade language and comprehension skills. They are designed for grades 1-6, 7-9, 1012, and high school graduates. For additional information, contact Gregg McGraw Hill, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, N.Y. 10020. (212) 512-2000 (Voice only).
State Grant Award Announced
The Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women is pleased to announce its receipt of a $75,000 state grant administered by the Minnesota Department o~ Corrections. The grant is for an 18 month project to develop and implement a program of services for women with disabilities in need of shelter/advocacy related to battering. MCBW will provide training and technical assistance to its member programs and conduct an outreach and training effort to disability groups regarding battering. The model training package will be developed in the first 6 months of the project and implemented in 5 sites throughout Minnesota in the remaining 12 months of the project.
For more information contact: Gara Swenson, Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women; 435 Aldine Street; St. Paul, MN 55104; (612) 646-6177.
Applied Technology Program
START, a unique program currently being established within the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota Duluth seeks to advance career opportunities in applied technology for persons with physical and sensory handicaps. Directed primarily toward identifying and removing or diminishing attitudinal, financial, and physical barriers in technology and engineering, the effort has been designated Project "START. (Science, Technology, Accessibility,
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Rehabi/itation, and Training. For more information about the program write to: Project START, College of Science and Engineering, UMD, Duluth, MN 55812 or Telephone Bill Kielczewski at (218) 726-8851 or leave messages with the college receptionist at (218) 726-7201.
MCIL Transition Services Program
The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) has received a grant to provide Transition Services in the seven county Metro area. The program is designed to address the priority of transition from a school or institution to community living and/or employment. The goal of this Transition project is to develop a system for the delivery of Independent Living services to severely disabled students through the Centers for Independent Living to assure transition from school to community or work and to develop the capacity of each disabled youth for independence.
The program will focus on the services most needed by severely disabled young adults for successful independent living. These will include: assistance with attendant care, housing assistance/referral, transportation assistance and peer counseling. For more information: Tom Silkey, MCIL, 1821 University Avenue; Suite N-350, St. Paul, MN 55104 or (612) 6468342.
WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES
7th Annual Metrowide Consumer Conference will be held at Anoka Area Vo-Tech Institute. The title for the conference is "Steppin' Out with Style " with George Latimer, Mayor of St. Paul, as keynote speaker. The conference will be held Saturday, April 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The conference is designed for people with developmental delay or mental retardation who want to learn more about their community. The conference fee is $10 per person which includes lunch, refreshments, dinner, workshops, speakers and a live band for the dance afterwards. For more information and to register call Metro Area Chapters of the Association for Retarded Citizens.
"Se/f Esteem and Sex Education: Techniques, Resources and Strategies with Mentally Handicapped People" is a workshop sponsored by Planned Parenthood of Minnesota on May 9, 1986. For location and registration information: Planned Parenthood of Minnesota; 1 965 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, MN 55116; (612) 698-2401.
"Breaking Through Unemployment: New Job Strategies for Community Leaders" is the title of a one-day workshop sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Jobs and Training for May 16, 1986. For information call (612) 296-1823, 296-8794 or 296-5632.
77,e 1986 International Spina Bifida Conference will be held from June 4-8 in Dearborn, Michigan. For more information: Spina Bifida Associations of Minnesota; P. O. Box 29323; Brooklyn Center, MN 55429-0323.
The 1986 ARRM Annual Conference will be held May 19th, 20th and 21st at the Sheraton Park Place. The theme for this year's conference is "Empowerment: Actions through Choice". For registration information: ARRM; 1821 University Avenue; St. Paul, MN 55104-3486; (612) 644-8181.
RESOURCES/SERVICES
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NEWS is a bi-monthly publication of the National Library Service for the Blind and Handicapped/Library of Congress. To receive the publication regularly, send your name, agency and address to: Publications and Media Section, NLS, 1291 Taylor Street, NW, Washington, DC 20542.
VALOR Resources, Inc. will offer a new session of classes in music, painting and drawing and photography from April 21 to May 17, 1986 for persons who are developmentally disabled. The four-class sessions cost $20 each and are held from 1-3 p.m., 6-8 p.m. or at other times during the day by special arrangement. Classes are held at the Studio Arts Center, 23 East 26 Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404. For further information: Colleen Daley Sanders, (612) 8717595.
MELD, a Twin Cities-based parent education program, and Minneapolis Children's Medical Center announce a new program for families. "MELD-Special. offers discussion groups for parents of disabled or chronically ill children up to the age of three.
While MELD-Special addresses the impact of an illness or disability on child rearing, discussion is geared to those concerns faced by all parents rather than medical information. MELD-Special groups are led by volunteer facilitators, men and women who are themselves parents of a disabled or chronically ill child. Facilitators receive training, materials and support from MELD and Children's staff. If you are interested in attending or facilitating a MELD-Special group, please telephone Deborah Weiland at MELD, (612) 870 4478.
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The Minnesota Foundation for Better Hearing and Speech announces that the Parent Network, a statewide program for families of hearing impaired children, is expanding its services through a grant from the State Department of Education/Special Education Section. Among the new services to be offered: 1) A Puent to Puent Outreach Program. This program will train parents to provide support for other families having hearing impaired children. 2) Workshops and seminars that focus on parent education, family dynamics and advocacy techniques, and 3) A Parent Resource Center. For more information about the Puent Network Program, contact Laura Becker at (612) 223-5140.
The Washington County Board of Health has a new program designed to prevent developmental delay or disability in high risk births. Any Washington County resident giving birth in 1986 or 1987 or child born then who is at risk is eligible. Risk factors for infants include birth weight under five pounds, birth prior to 34 weeks, and congenital anomalies or other birth problems. Maternal factors include certain health conditions, no prenatal care or care begun after the sixth month, and age of less than 18 or more than 40 years. A referral to either the Washington County Public Health at (612) 430-1400 or Washington County DLC at (612) 459-0076 will provide assistance to the family. Assistance would include a free developmental screening for the infant and could provide other services to the family.
Gillette Children's Hospital offers a new support group for parents of children with birth defects. This new support group is for parents who have had a baby with a major problem or who have gone through a difficult pregnancy and are considering having another child. They will meet at 7:00 p.m. every first and third Tuesday of the month at Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul. Parents who may be anxious or afraid to have another child will share experiences and feelings, deal with emotional needs, and receive information for future decision making. To register or for further information, contact Beth-Ann Bloom, M.S., Genetic Counselor, Gillette Children's Hospital, 200 East University Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55101, (612) 291-2848.
Courage Residence continues to offer respite services to persons who are 16 years of age or older, fully cognitive, medically stable, and able to remain out of bed and to participate in the regular activities of the residence. Admission requires some lead time for the person's medical assessment. However much of the admission procedure can be done by telephone. For more information call or write: Courage Residence; 3915 Golden Valley, MN 55422; (612) 5880811.
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A Support Group for parents of preschoolers who have cerebral palsy is forming. Meetings will be at Cerebral Palsy Center, 360 NE Hoover Street, Mpls. For information: Anita Bracchi (612) 331-5958.
The Handicapped Driver's Mobility Guide is available at most local American Automobile Association (AAA) offices. It offers information and lists which cover a variety of areas: Adaptive equipment, driver training, state agencies, periodicals and newsletters that may be useful to handicapped drivers. For more information check the telephone directory for your local AAA office.
Applications for the 1986 National Organization Awards Program sponsored by JC Penney and the National Organization of Disability (N.O.D.) are now being accepted at N.O.D. $20,000 in cash awards, along with honorary awards, will be presented at a
. Washington ceremony in October to non-disability organizations that initiate disability programs or strengthen existing ones.
The competition is open to all national, non-governmental, non-profit organizations with chapters, affiliates, institutions and/or members throughout the country. A panel of independent judges will select the winners. This new 1986 JC Penney-N.O.D. program aims at stimulating disability programs in general organizations whose principal objectives are not related to disability matters, so as to increase participation of disabled Americans in more fields. Application forms must be received by August 29, 1986. Forms may be obtained by writing: Martin Comer; The National Organization on Disability; 2100 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.; Suite 232, Washington, D.C. 20037.
RECREATION/LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Camp Oz for children and teens with epilepsy will hold its fourth annual session June 16-21 at YMCA Camp Ihduhapi on Lake Independence. The goal of Camp Oz is to provide a safe, educational and camping program for boys and girls, 8-17, whose primary medical condition is epilepsy. Camp Oz combines the traditional camp setting with a specially trained medical staff including a pediatric neurologist, psychologist, pharmacist and several registered nurses. The cost of the six-day camp is $175. Payment plans and financial assistance are available. To register or for more information contact Camp Oz, 2701 University Avenue S.E., Suite 106, Minneapolis, MN 55414, (612) 376-5031. Established in 1982, Camp Oz is a nonprofit organization sponsored by Gillette Children's Hospital, Comprehensive Epilepsy Program and Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota.
INFORMATION EXCHANGE
STATE SUPPLEMENT
Developmental Disabilities Program ,01 Capital Square Building Minnesota State Planning Agency
550 Cedar St. Roger Strand. Editor
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 612/296-4018
Member of National Association of Developmental Disabilities Council April 1986
MINNESOTA RECOGNIZED VOLUNTEERS
In tribute to Minnesota's volunteers, Governor Rudy Perpich has proclaimed the third week in April (April 20-27) as "Volunteer Recognition Week." Organizations and communities throughout the state are planning special recognition for their volunteer workers during this time.
"More than one million Minnesota volunteers help...to meet emergency and on-going needs," the Governor said in the proclamation. "This caring spirit is evident throughout the state," observed the Governor and urged Minnesotans to "help renew and sustain the spirit and vitality of our communities and our state by volunteering. "
A number of recognition items and promotional ideas have been developed by the Minnesota Volunteer Network (a coalition of organizations) and the Minnesota Office on Volunteer Services. One example ; a specially designed logo that looks like a license plate and reads, "Minnesota THANKS over 1,000,000 Volunteers." (The "K" in "Thanks" is substituted with an outlined map of Minnesota.)
For more information about these materials or Volunteer Recognition Week, contact the Minnesota Office on Volunteer Services, Department of Administration, 500 Rice Street, St. Paul, Minnesota 55155. Tel (612) 296-4731, or (800) 652-9747, toll free.
INEZ ERICKSON OF DULUTH RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Known primarily for her work on behalf of people with epilepsy, Inez Erickson, Duluth, was recently presented a Volunteer Award by Jean Elder, Director of the Administration on Development Disabilities at the Annual Forum held in Dallas, Texas. Inez was nominated to represent Minnesota by the Governor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities because of her significant and exemplary services for the past many years as a volunteer.
Inez helped to organize the Arrowhead Epilepsy League and served as a volunteer executive director from 1970 to 1977. She worked as a paid director between 1977 and 1981, and then resumed her volunteer status on behalf of persons with epilepsy on both state and local levels.
On the local level, she averages 20 hours of volunteer service each week for the Arrowhead Epilepsy League, spending most of these hours as an advocate and raising funds for the organization.
Besides serving on the board of the National Epilepsy Foundation of America for two years, Inez served as co-chair of the Governor's Task Force on Epilepsy for 18 months, starting in 1981. She has also served on the board of directors of the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota for three years.
Inez and her husband, Erick, have raised seven children, two of whom have epilepsy. They are also foster parents to troubled teenagers, licensed by the PATH (Professional Association of Treatment Homes) program of the state Department of Human Services. This special commitment requires thirty hours of training each year.
In addition, Inez serves as a trained surrogate parent with the Board of Education and is secretary of the Central Hillside United Ministry (CHUM) church board. Regarding the latter, she is involved in several projects, such as a refugee program, a. committee for handicapped persons and a project for persons who are elderly. Examples of these activities are: taking individuals shopping, giving talks in churches about architectural and attitudinal barriers and visiting people in nursing homes.
After receiving her award, Inez commented that the gratification and happiness she has received from people she has helped has been ample reward in itself. "Being an active volunteer has helped me to be a whole person," Inez concluded.
GUARDIANSHIP TASK FORCE SUBMITS REPORT TO LEGISLATURE
As requested by the 1985 Legislature, the Guardianship Task Force completed its study of the Minnesota Public Guardianship Program and made recommendations that are contained in a publication, Public Guardianship Study: Report to the Legislature (January 1986).
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For the purpose of this study, Nguardian" was defined as ~a person appointed by the court to make all decisions for another person (ward) judged legally incompetent, which includes determining residence supervising care, and protecting property." Under Minnesota law, the Commissioner of Human Services is authorized to serve as public guardian of people who are mentally retarded and are in need of such protection, as determined by a Probate Court.
"Although the Task Force members were not in total agreement over certain issues," commented Kay Hendrikson, from the Department of Human Services, who served as staff to the task force, there was unanimous agreement regarding the need for a wider variety of guardianship options, as well as a need to expand and extend information about these services to the public.. According to Hendrikson, the range of choices when selecting a method for substitute decision making, should include: no guardianship at all, advocacy, representative payee, case management, private guardianship, corporate guardianship, and public guardianship.
Minnesota is the only state in the Midwest (Region V) that does not have a corporate form of guardianship service. Corporate guardian. was defined in the report as court appointed corporation or employee of a corporation offering guardianship services." The Task Force recommended that a system of non-profit corporate guardianship be created for low-income clients who have no near-relatives. Partial funding for corporate guardianship should be authorized by the Minnesota Legislature. Such corporations should be supervised by a central monitoring agency, the Task Force recommended.
There was considerable disagreement among the Task Force members, Hendrikson indicated, in regard to the placement of the proposed independent Office of Public Guardianship. According to the report, this central office function should be strengthened, expanded, better funded and should remain within the Department of Human Services (to retain the authority vested in the current system). Placement elsewhere, which would be independent of other state agencies was recommended for further study.
The Task Force further recommended that providers of services should not make decisions for clients (who are unable to make their own decisions) without legal sanction. Therefore, it was recommended that in order to avoid the potential for conflict of interest and unlawful decision making by unauthorized parties, there should be a system created where regional public guardians would assume the major role in providing substitute decision-making now made by counties.
Another major conclusion reached by the Task Force was: "The present system of public guardianship is not amenable to expansion to other populations,. such as, persons who are mentally ill, chemically dependent, and/or elderly
For further information and for copies of the report contact: Kay Hendrikson, Department of Human Services, Fourth Floor Centennial Building, St. Paul, Minn. 55101. Tel. (612) 2962168.
PROJECT STUDIES HEALTH CARE STANDARDS
A Health Care Standards Project is now underway at the University Affiliated Program on Developmental Disabilities at Gillette Hospital in St. Paul. The project will study and make recommendations regarding the quality of health care services received by persons with developmental disabilities in Minnesota. Focus of the study will include issues regarding: access, availability, financing, personnel, health practices, and quality assurance.
Three products will result from the study: 1) health care standards guidelines for health professionals to use in providing services to persons with developmental disabilities; 2) a document which will lay the groundwork for public policy changes; and 3) recommendations regarding continuing education for health professionals. Guided by a technical advisory task force, work is expected to be completed this fall. Funding for the project is provided by the Governor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities.
For further information, contact: Deborah A. Plumb, MPH, Project Manager, Health Care Standards Project, 208 East University Ave., St. Paul, Minn. S5101. Tel. (612) 221- 3642.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNlTY
Executive Director: Experienced person to manage statewide non-profit organization serving providers of residential resources for people with mental retardation. Responsible for planning and administering agency services. Position requires abilities for fiscal and program management, grant writing, leadership, public relations, community organization. Knowledge of mental retardation and service systems desired. Salary commensurate with experience. Send resume to: Search Committee, Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota, 400 West Marie Avenue, West St. Paul, MN 55118.
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS -- SUPPORT TO FAMILIES
A statewide conference is being planned for November 14 and 15, 1986, entitled, Building Community Supports for Families of Children and Adults with
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Developmental Special Needs," to be held at the Earle Brown Continuing Education Center in St. Paul. Persons interested in providing presentations in the form of workshops, panel discussions and displays may submit abstracts or proposals by May 30, 1986. To request further instructions and information, contact: Neil Tift, Program Director, Continuing Education in Social Work, 107 Armory, 15 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455.
PUBLIC MEETINGS SCHEDULED BY STATE COUNCIL FOR THE HANDICAPPED
A series of public meetings are scheduled throughout Minnesota in April and May, sponsored by the Minnesota State Council for the Handicapped. The purpose of the meetings will be to inform people about what happened during the 1986 Legislative session and to identify issues for next year's session. All interested persons are invited to participate. For further information, contact: Minnesota State Council for the Handicapped, 208 Metro Square Building, St. Paul, MN 55101. Tel. (612) 296-6785 or (800) 652-9747, toll-free. (Both numbers are for voice and TDD.)
Public Meeting Schedule
Date Time Place April 22 10:30 a.m. Bemidji - Bemidji State University,
Hobson Memorial Union, North Conference Room
April 23 7-9 p.m. St. Paul - Earle Brown Center, Room 135C, University of Minnesota, 1890 Buford Ave.
April 28 7-9 p.m.
April 29 7-9 p.m.
April 30 7-9 p.m.
May 1
May 5
7-9 p.m.
7-9 p.m.
Wadena - Immanuel Lutheran Church, 403 SE Second St.
Thief River Falls - Area Vocational Technical Institute, Hwy. #1 East
Willmar - Willmar Junior High School, 201 Willmar Ave.
Fergus Falls - Public Library, 205 E. Harnpden
May 7 7-9 p.m. Austin - Austin Community College, 1600 8th Ave. NW May 8 7-9 p.m. Mankato - Blue Earth County Govemment Center Auditorium, 410 S. 5th Street May 12 7-9 p.m. Duluth - The Depot, Great Hall, 506 W. Michigan May 14 7-9 p.m. North Branch/Lindstrom - Chisago County Senior Multi-purpose Center, 6th & Maple, North Branch
CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS May8&9
The 1986 Spring Conference of the Minnesota AssociaI;on of Behavior Ana/ysts will be held at The Sunwood Inn in St. Cloud. Focus will be on Behavior Therapy. Contact: Richard Hirschenberger, Brainerd Regional Human Services Center, East Oak Street, Brainerd, MN 56401.
June 4~6
"Employment of Persons with Severe Disabilities" is a national symposium to be held in Syracuse, New York, with a focus on systems change. The aBenda will cover: a) innovative strategies, b) setting policy and financing integrated employment opportunities, and c) employer initiatives and perspectives. Registration will be limited to 250 people. For more information, contact: National Employment Symposium, ATTN: Marylee Kerr, Center for Human Policy, 123 College Place, Syracuse, New York 13210.
PUBLICATIONS
The Right to Grow Up: An Introduction to Adults with Developmental Disabilities, J.A. Summers (Ed.), Brookes Publishing Co., 1986. This book reviews issues and services needed by persons with developmental disabilities throughout their lives. Part I examines the needs of people with developmental disabilities as they move through the various stages of the adult cycle exploring such issues as the transition into adulthood, sexuality, marriage, parenthood, and concludes with a chapter on aging and elderly persons with developmental disabilities. Part II of the book looks at the services necessary (including a chapter on independent living programs) to provide the training and support needed by adults with developmental disabilities to participate successfully in their community--at home, at work, in recreation and leisure activities. Part lil explores the policy/legal issues with chapters on self-advocacy, federal legislation, and finally, administrative and policy trends to ensure the development of programs that adults with developmental disabilities truly need and want. The Right to Grow Up can be ordered by prepaying $21.95 to Brookes Publishing Co., P.O. Box 10624, Baltimore, Maryland 21285, or calling toll-free (800) 638-3755.
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LENDING LIBRARY SELECTIONS
The State Developmental Disabilities (DD) Program Office has acquired several education, training and resource materials. The followin' materials may be borrowed from the State Office only, located at the address on the front sheet of the State Supplement section of this newslener. Tel. (612)296~4018.
Investigating the Problem of Skill Generalization (3rd Edition). N. Haring, University of Washington, Seattle, 1985. This book is a product of a five-year federally sponsored project to investigate how educators can facilitate and improve the generalization of reamed skills by students with severe handicaps. Contents of the report include the first two years of the project, which started in October 1982. Focus of studies during the first two years included perfommance pattems, ecology, and self-control. Ulffmately, an integrated set of best practices for ~ eneraliation will be developed and aimed at developing a comprehensive plan for verifying the practical application of the study results in natural educational and vocational settings. A copy may be borrowed from the State Developmental Disabilities Program.
Metropolitan Council DD Program 300 Metro Square Building 7th and Robert Streets St. Paul, MN 55101
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please call (612)291-6364, or write to the DD Program, Metropolitan Council 300 Metro Square Bldg., St. Paul, MN 55101.
(TIME-DATED MATERIAL)
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Some Just Clap Their Hands: Raising a Handicapped Child, M. Mantle, New York: Adama Books, 1985. In addition to sharing her own feelings and experiences in raising a daughter with mental retardation, Margaret Mantle has gathered interviews and case studies from other parents to learn how families cope with conflicting emotions. Coming to terms with her own acceptance of the inevitable "why?" and "why me?" questions, the author shares her personal response: "Perhaps Victoria needed to be bom because she had a story to tell, and perhaps that's why she happened to be bom my daughter instead of someone else's. She had a story to tell, and I could write it down for her. I am my daughter's ghost writer." This book may be purchased from: Franklin Watts, Inc., 387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016. Tel. (212) 686-7070. Otherwise, a copy is available on loan from the State Developmental Disabilities Program.
Buik Rate
U.S. Postage PAID
St. Paul, Minn.
Pennh No. 7029
INFORMATION EXCHANGE
~IN Ct~\
Published monthly by the Developmenfal Disabilities Program of the Metropolitan Council
Metropolitan Council 300 Metro Square Building St. Paul, Minnecota 55101 Toni Lippert: 291C3C4
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL DD PROGRAM NEWS
Volunteers Needed for Council's Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee
The Metropolitan Council is taking applications from Twin Cities Metropolitan Area residents interested in serving on its Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee.
The volunteer committee advises the Council on the needs of developmentally disabled people and helps coordinate planning to meet those needs.
The 25-member committee is made up of persons who are developmentally disabled, their parents, service -oviders and the general public. Members serve ,ee-year terms. There are nine positions to be filled.
The committee usually meets the second Tuesday aftemoon of every other month. Members are also expected to serve on subcommittees. Members volunteer their time, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses.
For applications or for more information, call Sandi Lindstrom of the Council staff at 2916390. Applications are due August 15, 1986. Appointments will be made by the Council on August 28 with new board members taking office on October 1, 1986.
Developmental disabilities refer to chronic and severe physical or mental handicaps that are manifested before age 22 and that substantially limit functions in three or more basic living activities.
DISTINGUISHED MINNESOTANS
a This issue inaugurates a nev. feature in our newsletter: Distinguished Minnesotans. If you hear of current or former Minnesotans who have won national recognition in the field of services to persons with handicaps, please send this information to: DD Infommation Exchange at the address listed below the ~wsletter masthead.
VoL 11 No. 5 May 1986
Ñ David Gray, Ph.D., has been nominated by President Reagan and confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Director of the National Institute for Handicapped Research of the U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. Dr. Gray completed his Ph.D. in the Department of Psychology at the University of Minnesota in 1974. His thesis was based on research collected at Faribault State Hospital. He later served as Director of Research at Rochester State Hospital. Several years ago he moved to Bethesda, MD, to join the staff of the Center for Research on Mothers and Children of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Dr. Gray is particularly concemed about promoting research to solve problems of integrating severely handicapped individuals with behavioral and emotional problems, in community settings. He also hopes to promote strategies for fadlitating life transitions (e.g. school to work) for individuals who are handicapped.
Dr. Gray is himself physically disabled due to a spinal cord accident during his years at Rochester. He not only recovered, but has excelled professionally, earning the respect of both the scientific and bureacratic communities in Washington, D.C. and nationally. We have every reason to be proud of him as a fellow Minnesotan committed to promoting the welfare of citizens who are handicapped.
Ñ Dr. Robert Gumnit, director, and Florence Gray, program coordinator of the University of Minnesota's Comprehensive Epilepsy Program were presented an award for excellence of CEP's educational materials by the Epilepsy Foundation of America. CEP, known world-wide for its innovative approaches to treatment as well as its epilepsy research and education programs, reached a milestone last year - 10 years of service to people with epilepsy and their families.
One of five original comprehensive epilepsy programs funded by the federal government, the Minnesota CEP has grown and flourished over the past decade, earning a national reputation for excellence.
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REHAB ACr REAUTHORIZATION
On March 11th, the House Committee on Education and Labor approved an amended version of H.R. 4021, the "Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986." Representative Pat Williams (MT), the author of the bill which will extend the Act for an additional five years, accepted several amendments offered by Representative Steve Bartlett (TX) that changes the definition of severely handicapped and for the first time defines supported employment. Supported employment was defined as ~competitive work in integrated work settings for individuals with severe handicaps for whom competitive employment has not traditionally occurred and who, because of their handicap, need intensive, on-going support services to perfomm such work.
Tvventy-seven national organkations for and of persons with handicaps recommended that ~supported employment be an allowed expenditure under the vocational rehabilitation state grant system.. Many, if not most, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, opposed this. Minnesota's Division of Rehabilitation Services began funding of supported employment several years ago when it provided various services for clients of the supported employment projects funded by the Govemor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities. The Division of Rehabilitation Services also joined with three other state agencies in applying for a federal supported employment grant. Minnesota was one of nine states to receive the federal grant to extend, on a state-wide basis, training and other resources needed by persons v~ith severe handicaps in order to access supported employment. The Division of Rehabilitation Services, Department of Jobs and Training, acts as administering agency in Minnesota for this federal project.
The Senate Subcommittee on the Handicapped began its hearings on the reauthorization in March. Until their deliberations are finished, the issues surrounding supported employment and the final definition of severely handicapped will not be decided. The coalition of 27 national organizations will continue to seek the strongest possible support to enable persons with severe disabilities to receive an equitable share of vocational rehabilitation resources in all states.
NEW RESOURCES
Ñ The Minnesota Developmental Achievement Center Association (MnDACA) presents "The Dual Diagnosis Challenge", a seminar that addresses mental illness in individuals with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. The seminar is scheduled for June 24 and 25, 1986 at the Holiday Inn Intemational in Bloomington, Minnesota. The distinguished faculty will be Frank Menolascino, M.D., John McGee, Ph.D., and Michael Monfils, M.S.W. from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Registration is limited and must be completed by June 15. For infommation about fees and
to obtain a registration fomm, direct inquires to: MnDACA, 1821 University Avenue, Suite 277, St. Paul, MN 55104, (612) 647-9200.
Ñ Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company has sevc recent publications which may be of interest to our readers: Competitive Employment Issves and Strategies by Frank R. Rusch, Ph.D.; Community-Based Curriculum: Instructional Strategies for Students with Severe Handicaps by Mary A. Falvey, Ph.D.; An Educative Approach to Behavior Problems: A Practical Decision Model for Jnterventions with Severely Handicapped Learners by lan M. Evans, Ph.D. and Luanna H. Meyer, Ph.D.; Design of High School Programs for Severely Handicapped Students by Barbara Wilcox, Ph.D. and G. Thomas Bellamy, Ph.D.; Familes of Handicapped Persons: Research, Pro,grams and Policy Issues edited by James I. Gallagher, Ph.D. and Peter M. Vietze, Ph.D. Pamphlet-size descriptions of these books may be obtained by writing to Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., P.O. Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624 or calling toll-free: 1-800638-3775.
Ñ The Emma B. Howe Memorial Foundation, with assets of more than $27 million, has become a supporting organization of The Minneapolis Foundation. Grants, which could eventually total $1.2 million annually, will be awarded for the first time in early Fall, 1986. Potential recipients are Minnesota non-profit organkations with IRS codes of 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) charitable purpose projects and other informal organkations and groups which operate for charitabl" purposes.
The Emma Howe grants will serve the state's poor and disadvantaged, children, persons who are handicapped or need rehabilitation, and victims of discrimination, according to the Minneapolis Foundation. The grants will be awarded on a one-year basis (with some exceptions) for programs or projects, for general operating funds for organizations in the process of securing a stable source of permanent funding, or for capital improvements and purchases by organizations with limits to raising such funding from their constituencies.
The first Brant application deadline for Emma Howe grants is luly 1, 1986, with the awards announced in mid-September. The second grant round has a Jan. 9, 1987, deadline with a midMarch 1 987 award date. Applicants are asked to write a letter of inquiry to The Emma B. Howe Foundation, 500 Foshay Tower, Minneapolis, MN 55402 or telephone (612) 339-7343 for guidelines.
Ñ Advocates For Hearing Impaired Youth, Inc. is a recently fommed group of social workers, parents and other interested individuals involved in the care of hearing impaired children and adolescents. Its purpose is to provide training and consultation for child welfare agencies regarding the special needs of hearing
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impaired children. If you have adopted or been the foster parent of a deaf child and wish to share your experiences with them so that they can better educate - thers, you may write to them at: P.O. Box 75949, ashington, D.C. 20013.
Ñ The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's toll-free hotline is now accessible to persons who are deaf or hearing impaired. A TDD has been donated to the National Center by the Sertoma Club of Westerville, Ohio.
Hearing impaired persons who might have information about a missing or exploited child now have a means by which to communicate, possibly providing vital facts that might aid in the recovery of a kidnapped child or assistance to a child being victimized.
Mandated by Congress, the National Center opened in lune 1984 as a national resource and technical assistance center. It operates the toll-free hotline, distributes pictures of missing children, and assists state and local agencies involved in locating missing children.
The TDD toll-free number is 1-800-826-7653. Hotline hours are 7 a.m. to midnight E.S.T., Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.
Ñ The National Handicapped Sports and Recreation Association (NHSRA) is launching a "Fitness for Everyone" program designed for persons with physical ;mpaimments. Six 30-minute videotapes of exercise utines and accompanying manuals are now available. For more information write: NHSRA, Farragut Station, P.O. Box 33141, Washington, D.C. 20033.
Ñ Adult Foster Care Journal, a new quarterly periodical, seeks to raise awareness of and encourage communication about this rapidly expanding service area. It will cover policy, clinical practice and research on adult foster care across the different target groups who use such services. Personai subscriptions are $29; institutional subscriptions are $69. To get more information on how to order or to receive a listing of other publications related to the needs of persons who are disabled, vvrite or call: Human Sciences Press Inc., 72 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011, (212) 243-6000.
Ñ "A Curriculum for Profoundly Handicapped Students," is a model program designed and used by special education teachers. For a descriptive brochure on this program and other publications targeted to the more severely handicapped population, call or write Aspen Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 6018, Ga~thersburg, MD 20877-9970, 1-800-638-8437 (tollfree).
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Ñ A Call for Presentations
A conference on "Building Community Supports for Families of Children with Developmental Special Needs" will be held on November 14-15, 1986 at the Earle Brown Education Center. Sponsors include University of Minnesota's Continuing Education in Social Work, the Govemor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Minnesota Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (MNASH). Proposed presentations should be submitted by May 30, 1986. For more information on the description, format and selection criteria for presentations, write or call: Neil Tift, Continuing Education in Social Work, 107 Armory, 15 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, (612) 373-5831.
Ñ College Credit for Sign Language Practicum
If you are preparing for employment in a human service occupation related to deafness, you may be interested in a practicum that could enable you to have supervised, one on one contact with hearing impaired people in a professional-client context. You can receive under-graduate or graduate credit for your participation. Mankato State University will offer an Extended Campus Sign Language Practicum. It will be offered first summer session, 1986. Classroom activities will take place in Richfield and practicum sites are developed according to student interest. For further infommation contact Don Clark, MSU at (507) 387-5439 or Paul Bridges (612) 869-5226 (evenings).
Ñ Support Group Meetings
A number of support groups for persons with physical disabilities: cerebral palsy, post-polio, etc., are being conducted in various locations in Hennepin County by Independence Crossroads. Professional staff from this organization conduct the meetings. They are interested in organizing new groups for specific needs. They also invite your comments on proposed changes in Minnesota's personal care attendant program. Currently the program is an independent contracter system and the Department of Human Services is considering changes to make the program a vendor or agency system. Readers are invited to call for more infommation about the support groups or to discuss changes in the personal care attendant programs: Leah Welch, (612) 822~5655.
Ñ Future Corporate Grant Priorities
Increased or a constant level of financial commitment to the community is foreseen by corporate leaders, accordine to the Minnesota Project on Corporate Responsi'6ility's leadership study. Youth and education will probably see increased funding. Conversely, culture
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and the arts, may see less.
When asked "What direction do you expect the company's involvement in community affairs to take in the next few years?-, CEOs and community affairs executives responded somewhat differently in some areas, but generally agreed on those trends. The support of youth and education may reflect current interest in quality of education, or its role in the quality of life for most Minnesotans, said the study.
Twenty-two percent of the community affairs people expect increased focus or targeting of grant recipients, and 22 percent foresee emphasis on social action programs. Eleven percent see a shift in funding toward health and human services.
Ñ Master's Program in Supported Employment
Virginia Commonwealth University announces a School of Education Master's Program in Special Education with a major concentration in Supported Employment. The program will focus on training Special and Vocational Educators to become Supported Employment Coordinators. A limited number of full-time and part-time fellowships will be awarded based on academic merit and potential for success in the program. Fellowships are $8,000 each for full-time students and $1,750 each for part-time students. Financial aid forms, application forms, and more information may be obtained from: Dr. John Kregel, School of Education - Oliver Hall, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284-0001, (804) 257-1305 or (804) 257-1851.
Ñ Rules for Transition Demonstration Programs
On January 30th, the U.S. Department of Education issued final regulations for the funding of special projects and demonstrations for providing transitional rehabilitation services to handicapped youth. (FR pg. 3894) The new regulations define ~transitional rehabilitation services. to include job search assistance, on the job training, job development including work site modification,' and follow up services for individuals placed in competitive or supported employment.
On an annual basis the Department of education will announce the availability of funding on a competitive basis for one or more of the following six priorities:
Ñ projects that demonstrate exemplary community-based transitional rehabilitation service delivery;
Ñ projects that demonstrate statewide transitional service delivery;
Ñ projects targeted to handicapped youth between the ages 12 and 26 who present unusual and difficult
rehabilitation problems;
Ñ projects targeted to institutionalked youth to expedite the retum to their home community;
Ñ projects targeted to recent graduates of special education programs; and
Ñ projects targeted to the delivery of home-based transitional rehabilitation services.
For further information, please contact Albert Rotunda, U.S. Department of Education, (202) 732-1299.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Twin Cities Society for Autistic Children and Adults (TCSAC) wishes to hire experienced people, part-time, to provide waivered services to autistic children and teenagers. The services would be in-home client training ($6.50 per hour) and respite care ($5.50 per hour). Clients live in the Metro Area. Mail resumes to Sandra Bump, 1436 Ashland Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104. For more infommation call (612) 644-2514.
REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE
n Volunteer Advocates are needed for the residents of Cambridge Regional Human Services Center (formerly called ~state hospital-). The 400 people currently have only one Resident Advocate. The volunteers will be given a three-day orientationitraining on advoca~ services and the regional center program. For mL
information: John Waldron, Resident Advocate, Cambridge Regional Human Services Center, 1235 Highway 293, Cambridge, MN 55008, (612) 689-2121, ext. 254 between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m.
Ñ Staff and volunteers for the 1986 camping session are needed by Camp Friendship, a camping program sponsored by the Association for Retarded Citizens of Minnesota. Volunteers are needed to work a minimum of one to two weeks during the summer. Older high school or college students who have physical stamina, emotional stability, an interest in working with persons who are mentally retarded and previous experience in human services make excellent volunteers. For more information about staff qualifications or volunteer openings: Georgeann Rumsey, Camp Friendship, RUQI Route 2, Annandale, MN 55302, (612) 274-8376.
Ñ Foster and respite care providers are needed by Adapted Living Programs, Inc., on a full and part-time basis. The program provides waiver-based services in Ramsey County for persons who are mentally handicapped. The agency is asking a one-year commitment for both services. To apply call Luanne at (612) 642-0174 or (612) 641-0041.
Ñ HEATH (Hi~her Education and the Handicappe~` needs your help to expand their existing Cam~
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Resource File to include current transition programs. The HEATH Resource Center is the National Clearinghouse on Post-secondary Education for Handicapped Individuals funded by the Office of Special Education.
';ATH provides free information to parents, consumers, and professionals about post-secondary program opportunities available nationwide.
HEATH would appreciate any or all of the following information about your transition programs: abstractibrochure/publicity, list of transition resource persons in your state, type of transition services provided and by whom, and type of setting of transition program/services. The U.S. Department of Education has made it a national priority to improve the transition from school to working life for all individuals with disabilities. The transition period includes preparation at the secondary school level, coordinated support efforts needed upon graduation, additional post-secondary education or adult services, and initial years of employment.
Please mail transition information to Mona Hippolitus, HEATH Resource Center, 1 Dupont Circle, Suite 670, Washington, D.C. 20036-1193.
RECREATION/LEISURE ACTIVITIES
e 1986 Trip Schedule: Wildemess Inquiry II is a non-profit organkation that brings together people who differ widely in physical abilities, personal backgrounds and levels of outdoor skills for summer and winter
cunions. A person who is deaf may bring an .nterpreter at no cost. Trips this summer include canoeing on the St. Croix, Namekagen, Mississippi, Boundary Waters, and in Ontario, Quebec, and Alaska. For more information write or phone: 1313 Fifth Street SE, Suite 327A, Minneapolis, MN 55414, (612) 379-3858, V/rDD.
Ñ Camp Buckskin - Ely, MN, ages 6-17, mild MR, learning disabled. Two sessions of 5 weeks each. Intensive readingiself-development programs. Contact: Ralston "Duffy" Bauer, 3811 w. Broadway.
Ñ Camp Friendship - Annandale, MN, ages 5 and up, all levels of MR. Sessions of 5 1/2 days and one 11 day session. Cost: $225 per session. Contact: Ed Stracke, Rt. 3 Box 162, Annandale, MN 55302, (612) 274-8376.
Ñ Camp Edenwood - Eden Prairie, MN, ages 5 and up, all levels of MR. Sessions of 6 days. Offerings include Theatre in the Woods, Boundary Waters Canoe Trip, Day Camp. Cost: $1 90 residential camp session, $90 day camp. Contact: Kim Keprios, ARC Hennepin County, 2344 Nicollet Av. S. #370, Minneapolis, MN 55404, (612) 874-6650.
Ñ Camp New Hope - McGregor, MN, ages 6 and up, all levels of MR. Sessions of 5-6 days. Cost: $165.
ntact: Kim Johnson, Route 3, McGregor, MN 55760,
(612) 788-8592, (218) 426-3560.
Ñ Camp Winnebago - Caledonia, MN, ages 6 and up, all levels of MR. Sessions of 6 days. Cost: $175 per session. Contact: Karen Murray, Rt. 1, Box 44, Caledonia, MN 55921, (507) 7242351.
Ñ Camp Hand-in-Hand - Marine-on-St. Croix, ages 7-21, autistic and similar disabilities. Two one-week sessions. Contact: Julie Brown, Twin Cities Society for Adults and Children with Autism, 253 E. Fourth St., St. Paul, MN 55101, (612) 228-9074.
Ñ Camp Courage - Maple Lake, MN, ages 8-12, physical/speech/language/hearing impaimments. Cost $200. Contact: Bob Polland, CouQge Center, 3915 Golden Valley Rd., Golden Valley, MN 55422, (612) 588-0811.
Ñ Camp Ozawkeniba for Children with Epilepsy - Lake Independence, ages 7-12, primary diagnosis of epilepsy, June 17-22. Cost: $155 financial assistance available. Contact: Vicki Florine, Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, 2701 Unviersity Av. SE #106, Minneapolis, MN 55414, (612) 376-5031.
INTEGRATION IMPERATIVE - MNASH THEME
The Minnesota Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (MNASH) has chosen ~Integration Imperative!- as its theme for 1986-87. This theme will provide a focus and framework to MNASH's efforts to improve the quality of life for persons with severe handicaps.
In keeping with the overall theme of integration, a major focus involves advocating for the right and opportunity of all students in Minnesota to attend regular public schools, with their nonhandicapped peers. Public Law 94-142 specifically included provisions for the education of handicapped children in the least restrictive environment in order to appropriately meet the educational needs of such children. Yet, ten years after the enactment of P.L. 94-142, the only educational alternative available in Minnesota for many students with severe disabilities is a segregated school with very limited opportunity for interaCtion with their nonhandicapped peers. MNASH has begun to initiate plans for working with the Department of Education to establish such an option for all students.
Integration can provide numerous benefits for both the students with disabilities and their nonhandicapped peers. MNASH is asking for a commitment from its membership and the educational community to achieve genuine integration. Plans regarding the facilitative role that MNASH might play in such a venture are currently being fommulated. Readers are invited to suggest strategies to increase MNASH's impact in this area.
There is a new Bulletin Board* called Programs Involving Parents (PIP) on SpecialNet which provides subscribers an opportunity to receive the latest information on projects around the country involved in parent and family issues. This bulletin board service also provides subscabers an opportunity to post questions on some relevant topics about which other subscribers may have information. If you would like further informaffon regarding this service please conbct Betty Binkard, PACER Center, 4826 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55407.
*(Ed. note--Bulletin Boards are computer networks linked by phone. It requires that you or someone you know have a computer terminal, a modem, and a subscription to the bulletin board service).
Speaking of PACER, did you know that PACER stands for Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights? It is a Minnesota organization which informs and trains parents of handicapped children about special education laws, their rights and responsibilities, and the procedures used by school districts and other agencies serving handicapped students. Their services offer: public information, basic information workshops, communication sUlls workshops, special topics workshops, the training of trainers, resource materials, TAPP (Technical Assistance to Parent Programs~which offers guidance to parent training organizaffons in 13 other midv~estern states), bilingual and bicultural services, transition projects, a surrogate parent program, a child abuse program, Count Me In (Pacer's handicap awareness project), and individual assistance. They also have a new publications list prepared which provides information on the various materials they have developed related to parent and educational issues. They are particularly knowledgeable about Minnesota educational laws. For more information, please conbct PACER at the above address or call (612)827-2966 TDD or Voice.
CONFERENCESNVORKSHOPS lune 20.26, 1986 Minnesota Hosts National Conference on Rehabilitation Technology
A national conference focusing on the latest developments in rehabilitaffon technology will be held June 20-26 at the Radission South Hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota. The conference is sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Rehabilitation Technology and is supported locally by Courage Center, the University of Wisconsin--Stout, and other local rehabilitation facilities, agencies and university-based programs.
With a theme of "Employing Technology," the conference will feature the latest developments in rehabilitation technology through instructional courses, seminars, clinical and technical papers and post~, presentations. A wide variety of products and exhit
on technology for people with disabilities will also be displayed including an intemational roster of invited presentors in the areas of voice recognition systems, robotics and technology transfer.
The conference has been developed especially for rehabilitation and health care professionals, disabled consumers and their families, equipment providers and others interested in technology and the needs of people with disabilities. Exhibits will be open to the general public Tuesday, lune 24 from 10 to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, lune 25 from 10 am.-noon and 2-5 p.m. Registration materials and more infommation are available from Ray Fulford at Courage Center; 3915 Golden Valley Road; Golden Valley, MN 55442; (612)588-0811.
IUIY 8~11, 1986
Vinland National Center is conducting a national conference designed to encompass a wide variety of wellness information and topical discussion. Titled "Achieving A Bahnce", the 1986 version will incorporate 11 major areas of selective sessions each relating to the central topic theme which allows individuals the opportunity to gain the greatest amount of knowledge in a particular area. In addition to the specific discussion groups, one general session will h~ conducted Wednesday and Thursday momings. Fri'
will be spent exploring a variety of healthsports activities and equipment adaptations at Vinland. Al1 disabled/able-bodied persons are encouraged to attend. Included in the participation will be individuals with a variety of backgrounds--health care professionals, educators and students, family members of disabled persons, and others interested in learning how wellness can enrich their lives.
Normandale Community College will award 2 Continuing Education Units to participants in this conference. One CEU is defined as 10 contact hours in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. Participants who wish to receive CEU credit are expected to attend all scheduled sessions of the conference.
The conference fee is $115.00 prior to June 15; $135.00 after this date and includes all sessions, lunches, social hours, and transportation between Radission Hotel, Nommandale College, Vinland National Center, and the Kaiser Roll race. For more infommation: Vinland National Center; P.O. Box 308; Loretto, MN 55435; (612)835-7800.
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INFORMATION EXCHANGE
SIATE SUPPLEMENT,
~velopmental Disabilities Program z01 Capitol Square Building Minnesota State Plann~ng Agency
550 Cedar St. Roger Strand, Ed~tor
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 612/296-4018
Member of National Association of Developmental Disabilities Councils
May 1986
GOVERNOR LENDS SUPPORT TO EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAMS
Govemor Rudy Perpich recently released a special proclamation in support of existing early intervention programs and strongly encouraged other school districts and health and human service agencies to replicate such programs for young children and their families. Currently, early intervention programs for children with handicaps from birth to three years old are voluntarily provided in 243 school districts in Minnesota, or more than half of all districts. This year, there was a legislative effort to make these programs mandatory in all districts. This effort did not succeed, due primarily to pressing budgetary constraints.
In his proclamation, Perpich underscored the value of starting vvith specialized services as early as possible. "Educational psychologists, researchers, and various ^ther professionals have demonstrated that the earlier a intervenVon, the greater the ultimate dollar savings and the higher the rate of educational attainment, n Perpich stated. "Furthermore," Perpich continued, "it is estimated that for every one dollar invested in high quality preschool programming, there is a three-dollar reduction in public education costs (in later years)..
A special promotional packet relating to early intervention programs in Minnesota has been prepared by the Govemor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities. This packet contains not only a copy of the Govemor's proclamation but also an attractive poster that infomms communitie,s how they can go about establishing early intervention programs by replicating existing models.
To receive an early intervention packet (including poster), please contact: Govemor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, 201 Capitol Square Building, 550 Cedar Street, St. Paul, Minn. 55101. Tel. (612) 296-401 8.
PILOT PARENT PROGRAM EXPANDS
The Blandin Foundation of Mlnnesota recently awarded a grant of $82,000 to three cosponsoring organizations to expand the Pilot Parent Program of Northeastern '';nnesota. The participating organizations are: the sociation for Retarded Citizens of Minnesota, United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota, and the Epilepsy
Foundation of Minnesota. The expanded project will serve communities in central and northem Minnesota. Other funding sources are being sought to expand services to the remainder of the state.
Pilot Parents are volunteer parents of children with disabilities or chronic illnesses who are recruited and trained to offer one-to-one information and support to other parents who need help in dealing with the feelings and frustrations that occur when a child has special needs.
Local groups who are interested in forming coalitions of disability groups to develop Pilot Parent programs should contact: Lynne Frigaard at Pilot Parents of Minnesota, 201 Ordean Building, 424 West Superior Street, Duluth, Minn. 55802. Tel. (218) 726-4725.
MCKNIGHT INITIATES NONMETRO SUPPORT
Grants to nonurban organizations working to solve outstate Minnesota problems vvill become available in upcoming months, the result of a $15 million initiative recently announced by the McKnight Foundation. ~dditional money will probably be forthcoming from the foundation as it continues its fve-year commitment to this initiative," said Nancy Latimer, staff member who led the development of this new focus for the foundation.
"The grant program will be administered by six (nonmetro) regional coalitions, each with a coordinator and board members knowledgeable about the region's needs. Once established, the coalitions will administer funding to organizations working with the rural economy, health and human services, quality of rural l~fe, community development, natural resources, leadership development, and other program areas pertinent to each region, n said Latimer.
When the coalitions are ready to disburse funding several months from now, they will announce proposal guidelines and gQnt application infommation through local media and other means.
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Some advantages seen by Latimer in this approach to funding vvill be:
Ñ Decentralized funding decisions can be made that will address regional issues;
Ñ Local regional leadership development will be fostered;
Ñ Cooperative and collaborative planning and service delivery among private, public, and nonprofit sectors can be encouraged across geographic boundaries; and
Ñ The Foundation's grant making in Greater Minnesota will be improved by allocating funds according to priorities and strategies of people living and working in the regions.
(Adapted from Giving Forum, Minnesota Council on Foundations, April 1986.)
HOME ACCESSIBILI1-Y DEFERRED LOAN PROGRAM ANNOUNCED
Starting May 19, 1986, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) and participating local administrators will begin operating an "Accessibility Deferred Loan Program." This program will make funds available for modifying existing single- and two-family homes occupied by disabled persons. "Disabled person" is defined as an individual with a permanent, uncorrectable physical condition that substantially reduces ability to function in the home setting. Eligible modifications must be permanent and built in (no freestanding equipment or appliances) and directed at priority need areas involving mobility and basic self-care. Among typically eligible modifications are constructing ramps, widening door~vays, relocating switches and outlets, changing bathroom layouVfixtures, and installilng grab bars and railings. Specialized modifications like a "chair lift" or a room addition may be approved in certain circumstances.
Maximum funding available is $10,000 which is provided in the form of a "deferred. loan. This loan has no interest charge nor monthly payment, but it does require that the amount of assistance must be paid back if the home is sold or its title is transferred within the five-year period follovving the date of the loan. This obligation is secured against the property's title as a written agreement filed with the county recorder. If these conditions do not occur once the fiveyear limit is passed, the agreement expires and the household has no further obligation to the state. Foster family homes are also eligible for these loans with special regulations.
For eli~ibility criteria and for more information, contact: MHFA, Twin Cities Region. Tel. (612) 296-2257 or (800) 652-9747.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Director, Minnesota Council for the Handicapped. Applications/resumes are being requested and must be received by June 2, 1986, from qualifi
persons to provide administrative support for the State Council for the Handicapped. This position also provides administrative leadership to implement activities established under statutory mandate. For further information, contact: Mary O'Hara, Council Chair, Minnesota Council for the Handicapped, Suite 208, Metro Square Building, 7th and Robert Streets, St. Paul, Minn. 55101. Tel. (612) 296-6785, or (800) 652~9747, toll-free, (voice and TTY).
GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP OPENINGS
The University of Minnesota Consortium Institute for the Education of Severely Handicapped Leamers will have three openings in September 1986 for graduate research assistants. Graduate or doctoral students in these 50% FTE positions will receive tuition waivers for attending classes. Applicants must have current graduate standing in special education, communication disorders, therapeutic recreation, child psychology, or closely related field. Also desired is direct field experience in working with learners who have severe handicaps. For further information, contact: Ralph McQuarter, Consortium Institute for the Education of Severely Handicapped Learners, 6 Pattee Hall, 150 Pillsbury Drive Southeast, Minneapolis, Minn. 55455. Tel (612) 373-5608.
PUBLICATIONS
Ñ 1986 Clinic Schedule: Services for Children with Handicaps, Minnesota Department of Health. This publication describes a variety of diagnostic services provided in clinics scheduled throughout the state of Minnesota. Any Minnesota child or adolescent under 21 years of age v~ith handicapping or potentially handicapping conditions may be examined without charge at a clinic regardless of the financial eligibility of the parents. The focus of these clinics include: comprehensive, orthopedic, cardiac, speech and hearing, hearing, facialidental, school diagnostic, and juvenile diabetes clinics. For more information and for copies of the schedule, contact: Administrative Secretary, Services for Children with Handicaps, Minnesota Department of Health, 717 Delaware Street, Southeast, Minneapolis, MN 55440. Tel. (612) 623-5150.
Ñ Proceedings from National Individual Justice Plan Symposium, April 29-May 1, 1985, Omaha, Nebraska. This document is the result of a discretionary grant from the Office of Human Development Services to disseminate information on Nebraska's model Individual lustice Plan for offenders with disabilities. In Nebraska, it was estimated that 6 out of every 100 people that were incarcerated may have some kind of developmental disability. The Individual Justice Plan was developed
an attempt to establish interagency coordination ar.a
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accountability toward the successful habilitation of incarcerated individuals with disabilities. Copies are ava~lable on a limited basis from: Jean Morton, Crime and Community, 129 North Pence, Room 437, Lincoln, "b. 60508. Tel. (402) 474-7619.
Ñ Computer Resource Book for Special Education, D. Hagen, 1984. This is a resource book for parents and teachers that is devoted to the microcomputer and how it can be used to help children with handicaps. Practical considerations and educational applications are explained in nontechnical terms. An in-depth appendix fumishes information on products available on the market. This publication has been reviewed and is recommended by the Council for Exceptional Children. Cost: $17.95, plus $2.00 for postage and handling, made payable to Closing the Gap, P.O. Box 68, Henderson, MN 56044.
Ñ Transitional Service Centers: Assisting Students with Developmental Disabilities into Employment and Community Life, Association for Retarded Citizens of the United States, 198G. This is a series consisting of two documents: 1) A Procedural Handbook, and 2) A Workshop Trainer's Guide. The handbook is designed to assist agencies serving persons with developmental disabilities in establishing Transitional Service Centers. The purpose of such centers is to help persons with disabilities find employment and become a part of the communities in which they live. The trainer's guide is based upon the handbook and may be used in conducting a one-day workshop on establishing a ~-ansitional Service Center. For copies and additional ormation, contact: Dr. Sharon Davis, Director, Department of Research and Program Services, ARC of the United States, 2501 Avenue "I-, Arlington, Texas 76006. Tel. (817) 640-0204.
Ñ Discover the World of Independent Livin': An Independent Living Skills Curriculum (S15.00) and Guide to Implementation of the Curriculum ($5.00). This teaching manual and accompanying guide for administrators is designed to teach individuals with disabilities the needed skills to live successfully in the community. The curriculum encompasses social skills, health, travel, clothing care, home management, cooking, leisure time activities, money management, and career development. To order, send check payable to: Services for Independent Living, 25100 Euclid Avenue, #105, Euclid, Ohio 44117.
Ñ The Periodical List: A Guide to Disability: Related Journals and Newsletters is a compilation of the wriffen literature in the field of rehabilitation. The 320 listings are a part of the collection of the National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC) of the Catholic University of America (CUA). Cost: $15.00. To order, make check payable to: CUA, 4407 Eighth Street, Northeast, Washington, DC 20017. Tel. (202) 635-5826.
INTEGRATED RECREATION PROJECT OFFERS WORKSHOPS
The Project for Integrated Recreation in the Community (P.l.R.C.) at the University of Minnesota is nearing completion of a two-year grant from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education. P.l.R.C., under the direction of Stuart J. Schieien, Assistant Professor, has worked with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board in the development of an integrated recreation program for persons with disabilities.
In an effort to disseminate the knowledge gained over the two years to recreation professionals throughout Minnesota, two workshops have been scheduled on the following days:
May 7 - Cragun's Resort, Brainerd; and
May 21- Faribault Community Center, Faribault.
For more information, contact: P.l.R.C., Cooke Hall, Room 207, 1900 University Avenue, Southeast, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Tel. (612) 625-3870.
CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS
May 19~21
"Empowerment: Actions through Choices" is the theme of the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM) Annual Conference and Program Share. The conference will take place at the Sheraton Park Place ;n St. Louis Park, Minnesota. For more information, contact: ARRM, 1885 University Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104. Tel. (612) 644-8181.
May 25-29, 1986
"One Hundred Years Plus 10" is the theme of the 110th Annual Meeting of the American Association on Mental Deficiency (AAMD) that will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Denver, Colorado. This meeting will offer special courses, debate groups, seminars, workshops, exhibits, a field theater, an opening session, and a banquet. For further information, contact: MMD, 1719 ICalorama Road, Northwest, Washington, DC 20009. Tel. (800) 424-3688, tollfree.
LENDING LIBRARY SELECTIONS
The State Deve1Opmental Disabilities (DD) Program Office has acquired several education, training and resource materials. The followinl materials may be borrowed from the State Office only, located at the address on the front sheet of the State Supplement section of this newsletter. Tel. (612)296~4018.
Belonging to the Community: Options in Community Living, Madison, Wisconsin. This notebook contains a series of six infomnational papers that describe Options in Community Living, a supported apartment program for people in Madison, ~'sconsin, who experience developmental disabilities. This document provides detailed, practical information about supported apartment programs and reflects how traditional service models can be challenged and changed. This service model portrays how a wide repertoire of responses can be generated through creative, flexible uses of staff time, technologies, and financial resources. Copies may be purchased for S23.95, payable to: Options in Community Living, Inc., 1954 East Washington Avenue, Madison, Wisc. 53704. Otherwise, a copy is available on loan from the State Developmental Disabilities Program.
Metropolitan Council DD Program 300 Metro Square Building 7th and Robert Streets St. Paul, MN 55101
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, ptease ca/l (612)291-6364, or write to the DD Program, Metropol~bn Council 300 Metro Square Bldg., St. Pau/, MN 55701
(TIME-DATED MATERIAL)
The Right to Grow Up: An Introduction to Adults with Developmental Disabilities, l^. Summers (Ed.), Brookes Publishin' Co., 1986. This book revievvs issues and services needed by persons with developmental disabilities throughout their lives. Part I examines the needs of people with developmental disabilities as they move through the various stages of the adult. Part II of the book looks at the services necessary (including a chapter on independent living programs) to provide the training and support needed by adults with developmental disabilities to participate successfully in their community, at home, at work, and in recreation and leisure activities. Part lil explores the policy/legal issues with chapters on self-advocacy, federal legislation, and administrative and policy trends. The Right to Grow Up can be ordered by prepaying $21.95 to Brookes Publishing Co., P.O. Box 10624, Baitimore, Maryland 21285, or calling toll free: (800) 638-3755. A copy is also available on loan from the State Developmental Disabilities Program.
Bulk Rale
U5. Postap PAID
51. Paul, Minn.
Permh No. 7029
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INFORMATION EXCHANGE
4~ Published monthly by the Developmental Disabilities Program of the Metropolitan Council
Metropolitan Council 300 Metro Square Building St. Paul, Minnmote 55101 Toni Lippert: 291~6364
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL DD PROGRAM NEWS
This news letter is a joint effort by the Metropolitan Council and the State DD Planning Office to bring useful intorrnation to our readers. The primary focus has been on Minnesota resources and events. The news items are gleaned from other newsletters, directly submitted press releases, and general circulation media.
It is intended to cover information of interest to people with various developmental disabilities and those who have a concem for them. Coveraee also includes news coming from the multitude of d-'fferent agencies with responsibilities to our population. This ~s done so providers from the different service categories: special education, vocational training, develoomenta achievement centers, residential facilities, healtl1 care, advocacy, etc., become more avvare of the multiple
?rViCe needs of the people they serve and of advances service technologies ~n disaplines other than their ovvn. This awareness should translate into increased cooperation and coordination among providers of discrete services.
Another level of awareness is also needed. That is the need for consumers and providers to be more knowledgeable about federal initiatives, both legislative (US Congress) and administrative (federal agencies) which may have significant impacts on the lives of Minnesotans who are developmentally disabled. As consumers, parents, providers, advocates and concemed members of the general public, we ought to learn more about what is being proposed or happening at the federal level so that we can better ~nfluence future outcomes.
Beginning with this issue we will feature summuies of actions and events originating in the US ConRress, federal agencies and national consumer organizations. Look for Federal Highlights in this and subsequent issues. Your comments on this new feature or other aspects of the newsletter are invited. Write: DD Information Exchange, Metropolitan Council, 300 Metro Square Building, St. Paul, MN 55101.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Job Coaches
Ñ Several openines are available for part-time, temporary work for the Metropolitan Council's ~ supported employment project. Must be available
Vol. 11 No. 6 June 1986
through September 30, 1986. Prefer experience in direct training of adults who are developmentally disabled. $4.75 to $6.00 ner hour. DAC substitutes, residential services staff, and others are invited to apply. Call Toni Lippert at (612) 291-6364.
RESOURCESISERVICES
Ñ Transportation Grants Available
Private, non-profit organizations interested in applying for federal grants to purchase vehicles and facilities for use in transportina persons who are elderly or handicapped should immediately request information and 16(b)(2) forms from Dennis McMann; 16(b)(2) Program Coordinator; Office of Transit; 815 Transportation Building; St. Paul, MN 55155; (612) 297-2067. Application due June 27, 1986.
Ñ After School Programs
The Life Enrichment pro~ram at Courage Center is interested in offering alter-school mus~c and arts activities for physically disabled children ages 8-12 and 13-16. If you are interested in an after-school arts program for your child, please contact Cindy Raynor at 588-0811, extension 137.
Ñ Free Newsletter
A free newsletter, Personal Comouter Opportunities for the Handicapped, is being oRered by km Nichols. Nichols' enthusiam for computers is based on his experience as a person with a disability who found that masterine the computer expanded his horizons and enriched~ his life. For more infonnation about this newsletter, write km Nichols,Post Office Box 374, Spicer, MN 56288.
Ñ Family-Centered Care
The Association for the Care of Children's Health (ACCH) received a grant to develop a national resources center on family-centered care for children with chronic illness and handcapping conditions. The goal of the project is to promote family support policies and programs in all types of health care delivery and setUngs. ACCH is sponsoring parent networking sessions in San Francisco on June 7-10. Several parents from Minnesota vvill be attending these sessions, sponsored
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in part by the Minnesota Association of Persons with Severe Handicaps (MNASH). Metro Area organizations interested in hearing a presentation about the San Francisco conference by these parents should send requests to: MNASH, Box 1837, Pioneer Stations, St. Paul, MN 55101.
Ñ Another Family Support Organization
Sick Kids (need) Involved People, Inc. (SKIP) is another national organization with a Minnesota affiliate whose purpose is to give parents opportunities to keep and care for their children at home. SKIP's focus is on children who have survived high-risk births due to medical advances but have serious illnesses or disabilities which make them dependent on continuing technology after they leave the hospital. SKIP and its affiliates' objectives include development of educational materials, identifyinE available resources or promoting new ones and assisting families to access serveces or by providing support. For more information on the national organization write SKIP, Inc., 216 Newport Drive; Severna Park, Maryland 21146; (301) 647-0164 or local affiliate: Dana I. Krause, Director, SKIP of Minnesota 810 Tenth Street; Intemational Falls, MN 56649, (218) 283-9364 after 5:00 PM.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Ñ Partial Stipends Available for Course
New Directions ;n Infanf Programming is a course designed for teachers, nurses, technicians and others working with infants who are handicapped. The course will be offered June 16-20 at the Colleee of St. Benedict in St. Josenh, MN. as an activity of the Rural Infant Institute. The ~nstitute comprises seven Minnesota colleges and universities who were jointly awarded a federal grant to focus on professional personnel preparation specifically directed to the needs of young handicapped children. The course will feature speakers, panel d~scussions, small group sessions and clinical application of specific methods, equipment and materials.
Partial stiDends ($60) to cover student costs are available. Tuition is about $80-$90. Lodging/meals will cost $105 per student. For registration forms or more information on stipends: Joan Blaska, Center for Family Studies; Education Building; St. Cloud State University; St. Cloud, MN 56301; (6120 255-3251.
Ñ Integrated Recreation Course
Recreation and Menta/ Retardation (Recreation 5230) will be offered in the first summer session (rune 17-luly 18, 1986) at the University of Minnesota. The course wDI address several inteerated recreation issues as well as developing leisure skills in the home, school and community and data-based behavioral methodoloeies. The focus is on persons with severe handicaps. The course will be taught by Dr. Stuart I. Schleien who has directed several innovative integrated projects in conjunction with the Minnesota Museum of Art, local elementary schools and city park and recreation programs. For specific information on registration, tuition, location, eligibility, write or call Dr. Stuart J.
Schleien; Division of Recreation, Park and Leisure Studies; School of Physical Education and Recreation; Cooke Hall; 1900 Un~versity Avenue SE; Minneapolis, MN 55455; (612) 625~4073.
Ñ Award Nominees Sought
Courage Center is now accepting nominations for the 23rd annual Rose and Jay Phillips Awards. The awards are presented each year to five men and women with phys~cal disabilities who have achieved exemplary vocational success. Phillips Award recipients will receive commemorative plaques and $500 honoraria at a public ceremony Thursday, September 11, at Courage Center. This year's Phillips Awards presentation program will be held in conjunction with ceremonies dedicating the Stage lil addition to Courage Center.
The Durpose of the Phillips Awards proeram is to stimulate interest in and encourage the employment of oeople with disabilities bv recognizina individuals who have achieved vocational success. ~he awards are sponsored by Courage Center and made possible by a gift from Rose and Jay Phillips of Minneapolis. Deadline for nominations is June 16. For more information or nomination forms, contact Bill Hookins at Courage Center, 3915 Golden Valley Road; Golden Valley, MN 55422; (612) 588-0811.
Ñ Hearing Society Summer Sessions
The Hearing Society of Minnesota is offering a variety of courses for persons with hearing impairments and for those who wish to leam to communicate with individuals in the deaf community. For a brochure detailing courses offered, dates of sessions and fer
The National Easter Seal Society and its affiliates have launched a public education campaign to eliminate negative, sterotyping attitudes toward people with d~sabil~bes. nie Sooety has produced a senes of illustrated brochures, posters and resource Ruides that deal with various aspects of attitudinal problems. For illustrated brochure of posters, price list and order form: Communications Department; National Easter Seal Society, 2023 West Ogden Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60612; (312) 243-8400.
CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS
June 16 and 17
A Good Basiness Workshop
Readers should inform business people/employers about an upcoming workshop entitled~ Employing the Person with Disabilities: A Wise Strategy. The University of Minnesota and District 916 Area Vocational Technical Institute, are presenting this training workshop for business and industry personnel. The workshop is oart of a three-year, federally funded project to enhance t~
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transition of persons with disabilities from postsecondary vocational education programs to gainful employment.
The primary emphasis will be on how to develop productive relationships between supervisors and orkers with disasbilities. The presentors of this .'orkshop will be a number of experts in the field of supervision and management, disabilities and rehabilitative services. University of Minnesota c;edit (1) and 11 QRC continuing education credits are available to participants.
This two day workshop will be held June 16 and 17 at the Radisson Univers~ty Hotel, 615 Washinaton Ave. S.E., Minneapolis, Minnesota from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. The fee per participant is $25.00 which includes the cost of materials and two lunches. Enrollment is limited.
The lune workshop will be followed by another presentation on September 18 and 19, 1986. For registration forms and other information: Dr. James Brown; University of Minnesota; MRDC; R 460 Voc. and Tech. Ed.; 1954 Buford Avenue; St. Paul, MN 55108; 624-7754 or 624-1214.
RECREATIONtLEISTURE ACTIVITIES
Integrated Overnight Camping
Summer Camping programs for children of mixed abilities are now available at Eden Wood Camping & Retreat Center in Eden Prairie IUIY 27 through August 14. Operated by the Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) of Hennepin County, Eden Wood offers three ssions of one-week overnight camping for children ~d young people ages 5-17.
All three sessions will be an integrated experience joining children with and without handicaps in outdoor recreation activities. For registration materials and information: Tom Gode, ARC Hennepin County; 2344 Nicollet Avenue; Minneapolis, MN 55404; (612) 874-6650.
FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS
Ñ National DD Coalition
The Consortium for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (CCDD) was formed in 1973 as a coalition of a number of organizaffons with Washington offices. There are forty-four groups who join forces to cover issues that are important to persons with developmental d~sab~l~bes.
Coalitions are quite common on the Washington scene. Many issues can best be explored and explicated when groups work together rather than separately. Coalitions reduce the amount of leg work for each group and enable Congressional and federal staff to become infommed without requiring them to meet with each individual group.
What does a consortium do when all of the members do not aeree? Since each member's loyalty is first to e integnty and interests of its own organ~zation, it is andard practice to agree to disagree at these times. When a consensus cannot be reached, the issues in dispute are pursued by the member groups independently or in smaller clusters that evolve around the ~ssue.
CCDD meets as a whole group only once a year. The annual meeting is a culmination of a tremendous joint effort. Twelve Task Forces work throughout the year, meeting as often as necessary to address important issues, to share information, and to plan strategy.
Congress often looks to The Consortium for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities for advice. It has prepared statements for hearings in the House and the Senate on such issues as Medicaid, Handicapped Children's Protection Act and Housing. The Gramm-Rudman Deficit Reduction Bill; the Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act, PL 94-142, Medicaid and Social Security legislation are areas in which CCDD will continue to r>rovide Conaress and federal agencies with input for successful policy development.
Ñ Proposed ICFIMR Regulations
On May 5, the Consortium for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (CCDD) submitted 12 pages of comments to the Health Care Finanang Administration (HCFA), which began with, Jhe CCDD supports the approach taken by ~CM to shift the focus of the regulaVons in the direction of program outcomes. The emphasis on active treatment services and the attempt to give facilities more flexibility to address the individuaP needs of clients is a welcome mod)fication from the current standards. /n addition the proposed standards are clearer, and more representative of current professional standards.
Among the issues recommended for change are: 1) a revision of the active treatment section buildina upon the new definitions of habilitation in the Omn~bus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1 g85 (P.L. 99-272); 2) a requuement that the interdisciplilnary team cannot recommend the elimination of habilitation services or the prevention of regression or maintenance services without "documented evidence. through the Individual Program Plan (IPP) which proves "that the individual is currently incapable of further positive Rrovvth in a particular area or areas," 3) clarification in tfie protection of the client's right to file complaints or grievances with the intemal adm~nistration procedures of the facility, or with any advocacy, licensinE or law enforcement agency. It also ~ncludes a new sechon informing all such parties of their right to an advocate and the availability of such services under applicable state and federal laws and programs; 4) modifications on the mandates of physicians and nursing services so they are based on appropriate individual needs; 5) improvements in record keeping and proRrarn documentation for monitoring purposes' 6) mandated recording of significant behavior ~ncidents as currentiY required; 7) strengthening the section on the IPP and the IPP process; 8) strengthening the requirements for a qualified mental retardation professional (QMRP); and 9) a complete revision of the sections on behavior mana~ement and drug usage, to better protect individual rights and to better rettect current best practices.
Final regulations are not expected until Fall.
Ñ NIHR and RSA Funding Priorities
The Department of Education published in the April 25th Federal Register proposed FY 86 funding priorities for the Rehabilitation Long-Temm Training Program (pg. 15665) and final National Institute of Handicapped Research (NIHR) FY 86 funding priorities for research fellowships (pg. 15663).
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Awards, under the Rehabilitation Long-Term Training Program, will be made to state vocational rehabilitation agencies and other public or nonprofit agencies, including institutions of higher leaminR. Absolute preference in FY 86 will be given to Rehabilitation Counseling proposals designed to help counselors place individuals with severe disabilities in competitive employment. All training must include job development and placement components in one of the following areas:
1) develop traininR to prepare students for direct involvement with business and industry to provide rehabilitation services to persons with severe disabilities;
2) develop training curriculum to prepare rehabilitation personnel to provide supported employment
services
3) develop training, at the doctoral level, to prepare rehabil~tation personnel to develop jobs and place persons with severe disabilities in competitive
employment.
For more information, contact Delores Watkins, Office of Development Programs, RSAS, 202/732-1332.
The purpose of awarding fellowships for NIHR research is to enable highly qualified individuals to conduct needed studies to help develop programs, methods, procedures and devices to provide rehabilitation services to individuals. The final FY 86 funding priorities for these fellowships are in the following areas:
1) utilization of rehabilitation technology; 2) review funding resources for technological device purchase, maintenance and support services; 3) analyze funding options; 4) review "orphan technologies"; 5) rehabilitation research tra~ning and utilization 6) medical rehabilitation finance policy; 7) rehabilitation informafion technoloRy 8) rehabilitation services statistics, and 9) mental retardation research.
For further information on research fellowships, contact Rheable Edwards, NIHR, 202/7321200.
Weicker Introduces B.5 Education Amendment
Legislation to amend and extend the provisions of the Education of the Handicapped Act (S.2294) was introduced by Senator LoweU Weicker (CT). The b;" contains a major new $200 million initiative in the ar
of early education for children with disabilities from birth to age five.
The new initiative consists of two sections. The first will create a new state grant program authorized at $100 million in FY 87, to enhance services for handicapped children from birth to age two. There is wide agreement in education circles that the earlier services to handicapped children begin, the greater the benefits are in the long run, both in human and economic terms.
Each state will be required to develop a plan describing an interagency system to deliver services to all eligible children ~n their first two years of life. It is anticipated that services would be provided by the local education agency and other public or private community-based aRenaes or groups. The governor in each state must designate a lead agency to administer the program. S. 2294 makes it clear that "early intervention services" includes special education services, social services, and health services, hospitalization as
but does not include surgery or a health service.
The second part of the initiative is an amendment to Part B of the Act which will require all states to provide sDecial education and related services to all hand~capped children bet~veen the ages of three and five years. this provision shall take effect two years after the date of enactment of S. 2294 and is estimated to bring services for the first time to 239,000 children. The cost ^` mandatinE special education proRrams beRinninR at a
three is expected to be an add".tional $f00 million o,, an annual basis.
In addition to reauthorizing each of the discretionary grant programs in EHA for three more years, the bill would raise the 12 percent ceilinE set by P.L. 94-142 on the number of handicapped children a state may serve and receive federal cost sharing. S. 2294 will allow a state to calculate the number of handicapped children served with the inclusion of the three to five and 17 to 21 aRe Rroup. States like Minnesota will no longer be pena~zed for serving additional children.
No similar leRislation has yet been introduced in the House of kepresentatives. The Administration has recommended a simple extensTon of EHA for one year. With the support of the education and disability communities, ~t is still conceivable that the House could take up S. 2294 before the end of the 99th Congress and be signed into law by the President. If this happens, the early education initiative would be the first new federal funding stream for individuals with disabilities since 1978.
4
INFORMATION FXCHANGE
SI ATE SUPPLEMENT
Developmental Disabilities Program
201 Capitol Square B~ld~ng MinnesQta State Planning Agency 550 Cedar St. Roger Strand, Editor St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 612/296-4018 _ _
- lune 1986
Member of National Association of Developmental Disabilities Councils
MINNESOTA GOVERNOR'S PLANNING COUNCIL CITED IN NATIONAL STUDY FOR EXEMPLARY PLANNING EFFORTS
The Minnesota Govemor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities was recently highlighted in a national study as one of ten exemplary models effective planning in human services. The study is contained in a report entitled, Exemplary Human Services Plannin': Perspectives and Planning, conducted by Urban Systems Research & Engineering, Inc., Washington, DC.
"This is a report of a study of ten selected, exemplary human services organizations that have dared to be innovative in the face of substantial pressure to curtail spending," the authors state. Planning was defined as taking the initiative to change the future instead of simply reacting to events that happen. Besides recognizing excellence, the report provides a set of -actical tools for human service managers at all levels _nd encourages them to improve the performance of the programs for which they are responsible. ~Finally,H the authors state, Nwe seek to rekindle an enthusiasm for planning in human services, an enthusiasm free from the faddish pressure for orthodoxy which was burdened such efforts in the past."
Attributes about Minnesota's planning processes, described in the report, included several features: 1) the Council's ability to take on controversial issues regarding deinstitutionalization and the accompanying shift to community-based care for persons with developmental disabilities, accomplished primarily through objectively conducted policy analysis studies and throu~h educational approaches to policy makers; 2) the Council's orientation toward identifying possible courses of action in an environment of thinking big, not saying it can't be done, and not saying that it can only be done with more money; and 3) the leadership role, as designated by the legislature and the Govemor, to serve as staff to an interagency board to study the state hospital system.
"The Deve/opmental Disabilities Council has moved *om the periphery to the center of the policy process, " the authors observed, "and the work of the Council is a classic example of networking." "Perhaps the most ~table effect of the Council's work has been to evate and shape the course of public policy in Minnesota. In the /ong-run their work should beneft
persons with developmental disabilities in the State. Ultimately, however, the responsibility for policy implementation rests with others, ~ the authors concluded.
Free copies of the Executive Summary of the report are available from: Marlys Gustafson, Office of Program Development, U.S. Office of Human Development Services, Department of Health and Human Services, 220 Independence Avenue, Southwest, Washington, DC 20201. Tel. (202) 472-3026.
AVERSIVE AND DEPRIVATION PROCEDURES 'HOTLINE' AND PAMPHLET AVAILABLE
A special 24-hour toll free hotline has been established by the Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) of Minnesota. this is a new service that is intended to answer anyone's questions or concems about the use of aversive and deprivation procedures. The hotline number is: 1-(800)233-7027
In addition to this service, a pamphlet is now available entitled, "Questions to As/~: Aversive & Deprivation Procedures. " Authors of the pamphlet define aversive procedures as, "those procedures which consist of the application or threat of application of noxious, painful, or unpleasant conditions or activities in response to problem behaviors." Deprivation procedures are "those which consist of withdrawal, witholding, or delay of goods, services, activities, interpersonal contacts, or other rights and benefts to which a person is otherwise entitled in response to maladaptive behavior. n
The authors warn the readers that aversive and deprivation procedures should only be used when
programs based on positive reinforcements have proven to be ineffective, when they represent the least intrusive, least restrictive altemative, and when they address a specific need of an individual. The authors conclude that, "Aversive and deprivation procedures should not be used for the convenience of staff." For more information and for copies of the pamphlet, contact: ARC Minnesota, 3225 Lyndale Avenue, South, Minneapolis, MN 55408. Tel. (612) 582-5641.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Administrator/Program Director. Minimum qualifications includes a Bachelor of Arts Degree in management or in human services field. Experience
5
preferred. Salary is dependent on qualifications. Please send resume to: East Polk County Developmental Achievement Center, Box 178, Fosston, MN 56542.
Executive Director. Half-time position available to qualified person to plan, organize, and supervise the United Developmental Achievement Center, Duluth, Minnesota. Requires B.A. Degree, preferably M.A. in the human/behavioral sciences or related study. Experience in working with persons with mental retardation and management also desired. Send resume and letter of application by July 16, 1986, to: Duane Elven, Ramon L. Stave & Associates, 4140 West 44 Street, Minneapolis, MN 55424.
PUBIJCATIONS
Ñ Minnesota Adoption Resource Directory: A Guide to Statewide Resources for Children with Special Needs, Minnesota Department of Human Services, 1986. This three-ring notebook is a comprehensive resource for social work professionals and organizations. Included are: extracts from state and federal law, placement service agencies, support groups, available services for children with special needs, and a bibliography of materials. Cost: $12.45, plus 6 percent sales tax (Minnesota residents only), and $1.50 for shipping and handling. Send check payable to: Minnesota Documents Division, 117 University Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55155. Tel. (612) 2973000, or (800) 6529747, toll free.
Ñ Federal Funding Inquiry Series~The publications are recent editions from the National Association of State Mental Retardation Program Directors which focus on federal policies governing the financing of services for persons with mental retardation and other disabilities. These reports explore the implications of new and emerging federal assistance programs and policies:
Federal Policies Impacting on Developmentally Disabled Citizens: 1985: A Year in Review, R.M. Gettings, March 1986. One of the major purposes of this report is to review the provisions of key bills considered by the First Session of the 99th Congress. The passage of the GrammRudman-Hollings budget balancing law was seen by the author as substantive legislation which may result in a diminished federal presence in the social policy making arena. The body of the text is devoted to changes and debates that took placse regarding each major federal program including litigations. Cost: $15.00.
Federal Look.Behind Initiatives: Impact on the Shtes, R.E. Katz & R.E. Gettings, February 1986. This volume describes results of the federal effort to directly survey facilities receiving Title XIX funding for compliance with federal standards regarding Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally
Retarded (ICFs/MR). The surveys focused primarily on the provision of "active treatment~ services to residents. The author outlines several benefits which have resulted from the lookbehind surveys, su
as: 1) the shift in focus from paper compliance ano instrumental compliance to a facility's actual performance in delivering active treatment services; 2) the impact on state govemments to allocate increased resources to facilities to help them implement plans of corrections, and 3) the cause for state officials to reconceptualize their approaches to quality assurance. Several issues are identified in the report and recommendations are made for future policy considerations. Cost: $13.00.
To obtain copies of the above publications, send a check payable to: National Association of State Mental Retardation Program Directors, Inc., 113 Oronoco Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
Supplemental Security Income Publications Improved
The 1986 editions of Social Security's Supplemental Security Income (SSI) publications have been simplified and improved by becoming more readable. Each booklet is aimed at a specific audience. The revised SSI publications now available are:
Ñ SSI for Aged, Disabled, and Blind People is intended for potential SSI recipients. This booklet explains who is eligible for SSI, the income resource limits, and how to apply. It also describes food stem,
Medicaid, and other help available to SSI recipients.
Ñ What You Have to Know about SSI is the "rights and responsibilities" booklet for current recipients. Sent to each new SSI recipient, this publication explains what changes may affect the amount of or eligibility for checks. It tells recipients how and when to report changes and gives them other important information about receiving checks.
Ñ A Guide to SSI is intended to be used by groups and organizations that deal with SSI recipients. Detailed explanations of eligibility conditions, provisions to help recipients work, payment amounts, state services, and periodic reviews are included. It also explains how SSI claims are processed and briefly describes the recipient's responsibilities.
Copies of these publications can be obtained at any local Social Security office, or write to: Social Security
Administration, Office of Infommation, Room 4-1-10 West
High Rise, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235.
6
CALL FOR PAPERS: ISSUES RELATED TO MINORITY CITIZENS WITH DISABILITIES
Papers are being solicited for presentation at a national onference on issues related to minority citizens with ~isabilities entitled, "People Bulidin,, Equal Access: We-you-us, " to be held at the Red Carpet Hotel, Madison, Wisconsin, September 18-19, 1986. For application form and for more information, contact: Coalition for Minority Citizens with Disabilities, 1 West Wilson Street, Room 434, P.O. Box 7851, Madison, Wl 53707. Tel. (608) 266-8276.
CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS
June 18
"A Dialogue on Integration...Tell Me What's New about the lob, lake!" is the title of a workshop of the American Association on Mental Deficiency (MMD), Minnesota Chapter. This one-day workshop will be held at the Radisson-Plymouth, 2905 North Annapolis Lane, Plymouth, Minnesota. For more information, contact: Dorothy Lunnebord, 400 West Marie Avenue, West St. Paul, MN 55118. Tel. (612) 455-1286.
September 12-14
"Family Resource Movement: Changing Families, Chan~sing Responses" is the theme of this national conference, sponsored by the Family Resource Coalition, to be held at the Palmer House in Chicago. For further formation, contact: Family Resource Coalition, 230 ,north Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601. Tel. (312) 726-4750.
September 25-26
"Positive Alternatives for Behavior Mangement" is the theme of a workshop to be presented by Gary W. Lavigna, ~vho will emphasize positive, non-aversive techniques in behavior management. The workshop will be sponsored by Region X Developmental Service Providers and will be held at the Raddisson Hotel in St. Paul. Contact: Region X Developmental Service Providers, 919 James Avenue, Albert Lea, MN 56007. Tel. (507) 373-6064.
September 29-30
"Transitions" is the theme of the Region Vlil American Association on Mental Deficiency (MMD) Conference to be held at the Thunderbird Motel in Bloomington, Minnesota. Featured speakers include: Gerald Provencal, Director of the Malcolm-Oakland Center in Michigan, and Rutherford (Rud) Turnbull, Immediate Past National AAMD President. For further information, contact: Herman Horrreel, Hiawatha Homes, Inc., 1820 Valkyrie Drive, Northwest, Rochester, MN 55901. Tel. (507) 989-7222.
FREE MEDIA ARTS WORKSHOP OFFERED TO EDUCATORS
This summer, Film in the Cities, one of the nation's largest media arts centers, is offering an opportunity for educators to work ~vith media artists to develop ways to integrate media arts into their teaching. One-week workshops will be held in four locations: Austin (luly 7-12), Hutchinson (June 16-21), Mora (July 14-19), and St. Paul (August 4-9). Three graduate and continuing education credits are available which have been approved by the Minnesota Department of Education.
Media Arts Workshops for Educators are part of the Minnesota Arts Experience (MAX), a program of the Minnesota School and Resource Center for the Arts. This project is made possible in part with funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, contact: Karon Sherarts, Youth and Community Programs Director, Film in the Cities, 2388 University Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55114. Tel. (612) 646-6104.
SPECIAL TRAINING FOR SPECIAL TRAINERS OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE
The Exceptional Training for Caregivers (ETC) Project of the Minneapolis Day Care Association is sponsoring a practical workshop for those interested in training caregivers of young children with special needs. This workshop will be held in Portage, Wisconsin, September 25-27, 1986. Project ETC is federally-funded to develop competency-based training modules for caregivers of preschoolers v~ith special needs. The September training-for-trainers workshop will provide a base for expanded field-testing and evaluation of the materials before final revision in 1987. Registration will be limited to thirty people. For more information, contact: Kathleen McNellis, Project ETC, Greater Minneapolis Day Care Association, 1006 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408. Tel. (612) 823-7243.
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LENDING LIBRARY SELECTIONS
The State Developmental Disabilities (DD) Program Office has acquired several education, training and resource materials. The following materials may be borrowed from the State Office only, located at ~~ the front sheet of the State Supplement section of this newsletter. Tel. (612)296~4018.
the address on
Habilitation of Severely and Profoundly Retarded Adults: Volume lil (Reports from the Specialized Training Program). R.H. Homer, and G.T. Bellamy, Center on Human Development, University of Oregon, 1980. Third in a series, this monograph provides strategies for increasing vocational opportunities for adults with severe and profound mental retardation. Papers in this volume address multiple service delivery issues, such as: projected policy decisions toward systems change, behavioral research on variables that affect task performance, and assessment instruments for evaluating the effects of vocational services.
Boating for the Handicapped: Guidelines for the Physically Disabled. E. Hedley, Human Resources Center, Albertson, New York, 1979. This text encouraged boating opportunities for persons with physical handicaps. Written in print and Braille, its
Metropolimn Council DD Program 300 Metro Square Building 7th and Robert Streets St. Paul, MN 55101
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please call (612)291-6364, or write to the DD Program, Metropolitan Council 300 Metro Square Bldg., St. Paul, MN 55101
(TIME-DATED MATERIAL)
content includes boating safety, emergency procedures, and accessibility problems. "Boating is an opportunity to experience unexcelled pleasure of functioning indpendently," the author stated.
The Melwood Manual: A Planning and Operations Manual for Horticultural Training and Work Co~op Program, Melwood Horticultural Center, Maryland, 1980. This guidebook was developed under a grant from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This manual advocates the use of horticulture as therapy, based on the benefits of engaging in socially sanctioned activities that put clients into a care-giving role rather than the usual care-receiving role. Basic information is provided on how to develop training and contracting programs. Greenhouse operation and grounds maintenance production are described.
Buik Rate
U S. Postage PAID St. P.ul, Minn. Peanit No. 7029
8
INFORMATION EXCHANGE
- Published monthly by the Developmental Disabilities Program of the Metropolitan Council
Metropolitu~ Council 300 Metro Square Building St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 Toni Lippert: 291.C364
METROPOUTAN COUNCIL DD PROGR - 1 NEWS
The Metropolitan Council was awarded a grant for FY85 for its proposal "To Improve the Quality of Casemanagement Services for Persons Who Are Developmentally Disabkd." This muks the fifteenth, successive year that the Council's DD Program has received such grants. The Metropolitan Council not only supports these DD projects with a share of its own revenues but also funds program activities such as publication of this newsletter, presentation of public forums on topical issues, policy development, etc.
The immediate impact of these activities is not always readily apparent. But once in a while news reaches this office of how one of these activities affects the lives of our constituency. This editor would like to share a recent event with our readers. Various attempts were
1ade to summarize this story but none could convey it as eloquently as the man to whom it happened. Robbie Chalmers is an individual with cerebral palsy who has overcome a significant disability. His recent letter to me follows.
"I read about the 1985 Intemational Symposium on Youth & Disability, to be held in Jerusalem, Israel, in the Metro DD Newsletter. Although the Symposium was soliciting papers on programs and research, I wrote to them suggesting I deliver a keynote presentation. A letter describing my presentation on labeling and categorizing people was answered with very much interest. After an exchange of a few more letters and phone calls with the Symposium chairman in Israel, 1 found myself on a flight to lerusalem.
A couple of weeks before my departure, I was somewhat hesitant to travel, since the TWA airliner had recently been hijacked to Athens, Greece. 1, of course, was scheduled to fly on a TWA flight with a scheduled security stop in Athens. After calling lerusalem and learning that none of the conference participants had cancelled their reservaffons, I decided as long as I was scheduled to speak, ltd be there, too.
An interesting and amusing incident occurred on the flight. The story loses some of its impact when told on paper rather than verbally, but I'll briefly describe it for
Vol. 11 No. 6 July 1986
you: The security stop in Athens was to search all carry-on baggage. I had with me a large case containing my magic props which I use in my presentations. I was very nervous and apprehensive about these props being searched. What if the language barrier prevented security from understanding what they were searching? What would I do if the props were confiscated? As it fumed out, after pulling out a string of colored scarves, the guard yanked out a life-size rubber chicken, which immediately sent the entire security area, Greek soldiers, guards, airport personnel and American tourists, into hysterics. They immediately let me go with my bag of tricks, with the incident actually easing the tension that existed because of the recent hijacking.
There is no way I can relate my feelings and experiences during the week I spent in Israel. Aside from being able to see many of the historic sites of the country, my trip resulted in being a professional success as well. Althougk I received many compliments on my presentation throughout the week, the best, unbeknownst to me, was yet to come. At the closing banquet, a poolside affair attended by almost 300 participants from 26 countries, I was mentioned in the closing remarks as being the "highlight" of the entire conference. This was followed by a rousing ovation. All I could think was, "All these people, from all these countries, applauding me, while I was half-way around the world." Needless to say, I was quite choked up.
Another incident at the banquet, which was held on the evening of the Fourth of July, was when the hotel wheeled out a huge cake in the shape of the American flag. Before it was served, the U.S. delegation, about fifteen of us, stood in front and sang the Star Spangled Banner. Not to be outdone, the Canadian delegation stood and sang their national anthem. About twelve of the other countries followed, making for quite an emotional and fun gathering. Without anyone speaking a word, it was obvious that the common thought held by all of us was how we were ail respecting and understanding each other, while the rest of the world "out there" was experiencing confrontation and terrorism.
Just think, if it wasn't for your newsletter, this never would have happened! Thanks!! Robbie Chaimers."
1
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Recent additions to the Metro DD Curriculum Library:
Integrating Persons with Developmenhl ~;sabilities into Community Leisure Services - ',leien, Stuart J., M. Tipton, Ray (Eds.), 1986.
Ñ A Basic Course in American Sign Language. Humphries, Tom, Carol Padden and Terrence I. O'Rourke, 1981.
Ñ Passages to Careers: A Framework for Transition Policy for Mildly Handicapped Young Adults. Weathemman, Richard F., Linda J. Stevens and Gordon C. Krantz. University of Minnesota, 1986.
These books were given to our library by Dr. Schleien, Vickie Byrne and Dr. James Brown respectively. They are available for 3 weeks on a lending library basis.
MINNESOTA SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT PROJECT
Two major intentions were included in the Minnesota Supported Employment Project:
Ñ Significant energy and resources will be directed to serve persons with the most severe disabilities as indicated by the Disability Index developed by the Division of Rehabilitation Services' Functional Assessment Inventory.
Ñ Major systems change will be sought that includes supported work rather than continuing or expanding current service models.
To assure realization of these intentions, four major initiatives will be implemented:
Ñ Fostering the development of exemplary supported employment projects to serve persons vvith the most severe disabilities;
Ñ Developing and implementing a marketing plan for supported employment aimed at the employer community of Minnesota;
Ñ Generating legislative support for supported employment;
Ñ Developing an information base and management tool for reporting impacts of supported employment.
In order to assure good communication about the project, John Flander, Project Director, and Ed Boeve, Program Specialist, have begun issuing a newsletter called Minnesota Supported Employment Project Vpdate and have installed a toll-free line. For information: Minnesota Supported Employment Project, 5th Floor; 390 North Robert Street; St. Paul, MN 55101; (612) 296-5629 or 1-800-328- 9295 VJTDD.
PACER PUBLISHES NATIONAL EDUCATION STUDY
A national study of state education services for students with handicaps has been published by PACER Center, Inc. of Minneapolis. The report is entitled: "S
Classifications of Handicapped Students: A Naffonal Comparative Data Report." The report focuses on the classification of students according to disability categories set by federal and state funding pattems. The study shows the variance that exists among states in the way students are classified. A series of charts illustrate these variances as weli as consistencies that do exist. Betty Binkard, author of the study, poses questions that may explain the variations. These include the possibility that some states may serve more students with a given disability because there is an adequate supply of teachers credentialed in that specific disability. Or an unusually high percentage of children in a certain category may be served because a very strong consumer advocacy organization affiliated with it has strongly promoted services in this disability area.
This is a very ffmely and important study because the federal govemment is currently questioning the unusually high proportion of students in certain disability groups. At the same time many states are examining their current classification systems to detemmine where and if flaws exist. Single copies of "The Comparative Data Report~ are free from: Thó PACER Center; 4826 Chicago Avenue South; Minneapolis, MN 55417; (612) 827-2966.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Job coaches are needed to help implement an innovative supported employment project. Work full-time and provide on-thejob training and support to persons with severe disabilities. Minimum qualifications include a two year degree in a human service-related field or two years of experience working with persons vvith developmental disabilities. Send resume to: Kaposia, Inc.; 179 E. Robie St.; St. Paul, MN 55107.
RESOURCES/SERYICES
Toll-Free Telemessage Service
TECH TAPES is a telemessage service of the Council on Exceptional Children's Center for Special Education Technology which users can access by calling toll free. TECH TAPES include over 100 individual messages covering 17 topics such as national resources, special educaffon organizations, networks and data-bases, computers and learning disabled children, as well as teacher and administrator resources in technology. Individual messages include: Parents' primer on buying software (#353), Overview of assistive devices (#341) and Searching for LD software (#325). To use TECHTAPES, call 1-800-345.TECH 24 hours a day. To talk to a staff person, call between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. EST.
2
To receive a TECH-TAPES menu, write the Center at CEC, 1920 Association Blvd., Reston, VA 22091 or call 1-800.345-TECH.
(:ampus Resource File
~ ne HEATH Resource Center maintains a Campus Resource File (CRF) of successful strategies, equipment, accommodations, policies, and exemplary programs currently in use to assist disabled students to succeed on American campuses. Recently the CRF has been expanded to include not only colleges and universities, but also postsecondary business, trade and technical schools, independent living centers; and transition-training programs for disabled high school students. Infommation from the CRF is used in newsletter stories, in topical fact sheets, and to assist those who ask HEATH staff specific questions. Those involved with such postsecondary education programs which include disdabled students are cordially invited to send brochures, newspaper articles, faculty or student handbooks, access ideas, equipment lists, and other pertinent materials to HEATH, Campus Resource File, One Dupont Circle, Suite 670, Washington, DC 20036.
Grants For Women With Disabilities
The Minnesota Women's Fund (MWF) is a designated area fund of the Minneapolis Foundation and is the first statewide grant fund designed to address the fundamental issues affecting women and girls. MWF is now making special efforts to solicit grant proposals from women with disabilities. MWF is organking ~formational meetings in the Metro Area, St. Cloud Rochester, and Duluth to discuss funding guidelines and MWF activities. For more information: Margot Imdieke; (612) 724-5118 evenings and weekends. Collect calls, voice and TDD/ll Y calls are welcome. Brochures in braille are available from Communications Center at (612) 296-6723 or 1-800-652-9000.
Technology Adaptation
ABLENET is a non-profit network that provides information and services to support the use of automated reaming devices for persons with handicaps. In addition it provides educational material, consultation and in-service training to families and service providers.
Currently ABLENET is offering a Battery Device Adapter (sDA) for use in battery-operated toys and appliances. Prices are under $5.00 plus shipping costs. ABLENET products are assembled by individuals at the Cerebral Palsy Center, Inc. For information about services, equipment purchase or rental: Cerebral Palsy Center, Inc.; 360 Hoover Street N.E.; Minneapolis, MN 55413; (612) 331-5958.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Education for 3 Year Olds
dieginning in September 1986, school districts will be responsible for ensuring that 3 year old children ~th handicaps receive a free and appropriate education. Specific eligibility criteria have been established by each
local school district. The special education department of your school district can provide specific information about eligibility. It will also provide or arrange for screenings and assessments of children who may qualify for services. Special education services will be based on the individual needs of the child. An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is developed for each child by the school and parents. It specifies goals for the child and the amount, type and provider of services. School districts can provide these services directly or contract with existing agencies, including DACs. If a child doesn't qualify for eitl her special education or DAC services, there are othe r programs through the school, county and private soun ces that may meet the needs of young children. Please c :ontact your local school district, your county social w~ ~rker or DAC staff for more specific information.
PACER Center WATS Line
PACER Center now has i a free WATS line for use by parents of children with any type of handicap who live in Minnesota. The numb er is 1-800-53PACER.
Braille Service for Religious Materials
Lutheran Braille Worke r, Inc., a non-profit Christian organization, will bans' :ribe religious material of any denomination into braill~ e fnee of charge. Also available free of charge are Cl hristian braille materials in 40 languages. Write Luther an Braille Workers, Inc., 11735 Peachtree Circle, Yucaipa `, CA 92399.
Handicap Parking.Certi
icates Available
Volunteer transportation programs throughout the State of Minnesota are eligil ~le to apply for Handicapped Parking Certificates. The re is a limit of five certificates that can be issued to an agency or organization. An application must be completed by un authorized member of the organization. Instead of a physician's statement, a statement is required from the county agency, church, etc., sitating that it has a driver or drivers who frequently trunsport physically handicapped individuals who qualify f' ~r puking certificates as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section 169.345. To obtain application, write to: Deputment of Public Safety, DriverNehicle Services ~ ~ivision, Transportation Building, St. Paul, MN 55155, (612 1296- 1841).
Focus on Fathers
F.ocus on Fathers is a new newsletter published four times a year by the Fath. the University of Washi infommation for and by fa interested in increasing
children with special ne ~ to receive the newsletl t Outreach Project, Exper i University of Washington~
~rs Program Outreach Project of ngton. The newsletter features thers and professionals who ue program options for fathers of ~ds. For more information und er, write to: Fathers Progrun imental Education Unit WJ-10, Seattle, Washington, 98195.
CONFERENCESNVORKSHOPS/COURSES
August 8~10, 1986
"WE'RE THE TEAM...FOR BUILDING EFFECTIVE COMMUNITIES" is the theme for the 1986 ARC Minnesota Convention to be held at Hamline University in St. Paul.
Dorothy Skamulis, a member of the Metropolitan Council's DD Advisory Committee, vvill be the keynote speaker for the convention. Her topic will be Hl Have A Dream" and vvill tell of her own dreams for her 16 year old son, Michael who has mental retardation. She will focus on ways parents can work with professionals to develop services appropriate to their children's special needs. A variety of workshops for parents, professionals, and consumers will be held Friday aftemoon, Saturday and Sunday moming.
Registration for the convention is $20. Lodging is available on campus. For registration infom~ation: ARC Minnesota, 3225 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55408; (612) 8275641.
August 21, 1986
A seven-hour course, "Physical Intervention Techniques" vvill be offered by David Pfreim on nonviolent ways of dealing with aggressive behavior. The course will also address client vulnerability (The Minnesota Vulnerability Adult law) and issues related to aversive procedures under the proposed rules of the Department of Human Services. Various course credits are available. The course will be offered again in Duluth on September 5, in Austin on September 18 and in Alexandria on September 24. For further information: David Pfreim, REM, Inc.; 6921 York Avenue South; Edina, MN 55435; (612) 925-5067.
FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS
Continuing SSI After Employment
Two bills have been introduced in Congress to make Section 1619 of the Social Security Act permanent. Section 1619 allows recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (a) to continue to receive this income after they begin working and earning a relatively substantial income and (b) to keep Medicaid benefits if they don't eam enough to buy private health insurance or if they need such benefits in order to work. S 2209 also requires the Social Security Administration to notify persons who are disabled about the availability of Section 1619 when they first receive SSI benefits and provides for automatic reinstatement of SSI benefits when a person loses a job. HR 4471 is the related bill in the House of Representatives. To be eligible, a separate application must be filed with the local Social Security Administration office. To date not many people have applied but with the new thrust for employment of persons with disabilities in community businesses and industries, this legislation is very important.
Targeted Jobs Tax Credit (TJTC)
Both the US House and Senate Tax Bills contain reinstatement of the TlTC This legislation provided a fiscal incentive in the fomm of tax credits to employers of persons who are handicapped. The House ver'
passed with a clause making TJTC retroactive to Janu.,y 1, 1986. The Senate version does not contain this provision. This and other disparities in the two chambers will be negotiated in the Tax Refomm Act Conference Committee in late August or September.
PL 94-142 Reauthorization
Hearings were held in both the House Subcommittee on Select Education and the Senate Subcommittee on the Handicapped on P.L. 94-142. The authority for the discretionary programs expires October 31, 1986, and as in the Rehabilitation Act, Congress will either reauthorize the programs or allow the Act to continue under an automatic one-year extension. The main issue before Congress now is whether or not to allow an automatic one-year extension of the bill without Congressional action until 1987, or to reauthorize the bill during 1986. Being an election year may have an impact on the timing of this reauthorization.
Handicapped Children's Protection Act
In early December, bills were sent to Conference after the House of Representatives adopted HR 1523 without opposition. The Senate had earlier adopted a different version of the bill that would reverse the 1984 Smith v Robinson Supreme Court decision. At issue is the awe
of attomey's fees under P.L. 94-142. Smith v. Robinson placed such awards in jeopardy. This bill, HR 1523, strongly supported by disability groups, restores protection intended with the passage of the Education of the Handicapped Children Act (P.L. 94-142) ten years ago. It is hoped that the conferees will come to an agreement soon and send a measure to the President for signature.
- Member of National Association of Devdopmental Disabilities Councils
OWN YOUR OWN HOME CONCEPT AS A NEW MODEL FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING
An article appearing in The ~ceptional Parent (December 1985), written by David and Mugot Wkunsky, reveals a breakthrough in solving some of the common problems experienced in group home living for persons with developmental disabilities. The authors observed that adults with developmental disabilities, regudless of setting, were living lonely, isolated lives. They also observed that their clients were often subject to the whims of landlords, agency or public policy, creating great insecurity for their cilients and for their families. As a result of a project in Brookline, Massachusetts, persons with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to own their own property. Personal growth has occurred through increased pride and by having greater control over their own lives.
During the last three years, through a joint venture of parents, residents, uchitect/developer, and un attomey,
Nenty-two units of condominium housing have been established. Each resident owns a unit which includes a private bedroom and a share of common space, such as dining, living, recreation, guest rooms and a large kitchen. These "chaperoned" condominium homes combine the opportunity for residents and their parents to own their own homes while enjoying the friendship and support of other unit owners and around-the-clock trained staff. "Residents actually approve the hiring of staff," the authors emphasized.
No public funds were used; the condominiums were developed with private funds. Residents andlor their parents purchased the units and made their own financial arrangements, such as outright purchase or through a bunk mortgage. Some residents were able to pay their own way with income from employment or govemment support programs.
According to the authors, "Owning property which serves as a primary residence does not affect eligibility for various government support programs." Owners of these units can benefit from the income tax deductions available from interest payments und taxes. The owners build equity in their property and can sell if they decide to move.
Best of all, residents get to experience self-determination, often for the first time. They plun heir own schedules und ue free to come and go as
they wish.
A copy of "Owning Your Own Home: A New Model for Independent Uving" is available at the cost of $3.00 from: The Exceptional Parent, 605 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS OF MODEL PROGR~S
The program office of the Govemor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities is requesting nominations of programs and services for persons with developmental disabilities which are exemplary and can be recommended to other states and countries as models or as having the best practices. Frequent calls for such infommation are received, and your assistance will be greatly appreciated. Current requests often relate to the integration/assimilation of persons with disabilities in community life. For example, are there definitive model programs you could recommend that are serving persons who are severely or profoundly mentally retuded or persons with other disabilities, e.g. autism, cerebral palsy, or dually diagnosed individuals with mental retardation and mental illness or deaf-blind? Other requests may relate to specific age groups, such as preschool, the transition yeus from school to work, or persons who are elderly. Other examples might relate to geographic location or special populations, such as rurallurbu. and minority groups, respectively. Certain problems/solutions might also be considered, e.g.: transportation, architectural barriers, work accommodations, technological innovations, funding, and administrative remedies. A file of programs will be maintained und updated for inclusion in future surveys. Please send your nominations, accompanied with a brief descnption of the merits of the specific service, to: Govemor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, 201 Capitol Squue Building, 550 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55101.
WORD PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY AIDS WRITERS WITH LEARNING DlSABILmES
Preliminuy research on the writing skills of college students who have leuning disabilities strongly supports the benefits of using word processing over traditional writing methods. The use of commercially available word processing softwue on microcomputers for developing the v~nting skills needed for success in college courses und the job muket is the focus of a special project of the General College of the University of Minnesota, under a three-year grant from the U.S. Deputment of
s
Education.
After its first year, the project has found that word processing provides several advantages to writers who have a learn ng disability, such as, the ease of making corrections, :larity of the visual display, and the availability o-- ~pelling checkers. Use of word processing can bridge the gap between previous failure and new-found success.
The project includes an innovative "transition-to-work. component which provides for career exploration and an assessment of the student's strengths, interests, and needs. Prospective employers are provided infommation about learning disabilities in order to promote better understanding and alleviate common misconceptions.
The overall goal of the project is to create a replicable program of intervention which can be implemented in other postsecondary settings. For further information, contact: Terence Collings, Associate Professor and Project Director, University of Minnesota Leaming Disable Writers Project, 106 Nicholson Hall, 216 Pillsbury Drive, SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Tel. (612) 625-8384.
(Adapted from Closing the Gap, June/July 1986, p. 24.)
NEW JERSEY EMBARKS ON PREVENTION OF MENTAL RETARDATION
By the yeu 2000, the State of New Jersey plans to decrease the incidence of mental retardation by half the current number. This is the goal stated in a plan issued by the New Jersey Govemor's Council on the Prevention of Mental Retardation. A key proposal of the plan is the creation of a state office to oversee prevention efforts. The plan also calls for more than $2 million of new and expanded programs in medical care, education, and research into the effects of environmental contaminants.
Another proposal includes greatly expanded genetic counseling programs. There is to be better screening of infants deemed at risk of mental retardation with more thorough follow-up. More educational programs will wam of the dangers of fetal damage from drug and alcohol use by pregnant women. A single, free copy of the plan may be obtained by contacting: Prevent Project, Association for Retarded Citizens/New lersey, 985 Livingston Avenue, North Brunswick, Nl 08902.
JOB ACCOMMODATION CONSULTA1 ION SERVICE AVAILABLE
Making the necessary accommodations in order to hire individuals with disabilities is often interpreted by a potential employers as being too expensive or unrealistic. Such conclusions are usually based on inadequate infommation and false preconceptions. There is now a service available that will help to take the guesswork out of hiring practices. The Job Accommodations Network (IAN) can help to develop
Executive Director. Half-time position available to qualified person to plan, organize, and supervise the United Developmental Achievement Center, Duluth, Minnesota. Requires B.S. Degree, preferably M.A. in the human/behavioral sciences or related study. Experience in working with persons with mental retardation and management also desired. Send resume and letter of application by luly 16, 1986, to: Duane Elven, Ramon L. Stave & Associates, 4140 West 44 Street, Minneapolis, MN 55424.
PRIVATE FUNDING RESOURCES
Public Media Center's Index of Progressive Funders, San Francisco, CA: Public Media Center, 1985. This book lists more than 130 funding sources, foundations or church-related programs, which make grants for social change. This resource might be particularly helpful to small non-profit organizations that are active in socially or politically controversial fields and feel that the foundation community is either too conservative or cautious to fund their programs. Contact: Public Media Center, 466 Green Street, San Francisco, CA 94133.
Guide to Minnesota Foundation and Corporate Giving Programs, 1986 Edition, Minnesota Council of Foundations. This directory lists more than 4C
Minnesota funders. Each entry contains data to hel,~ nonprofit organizations match their funding needs to the interest of grantmakers, e.g.: the grantmaker's purpose, areas of interests, when and how to contact, geographic requirements, whom to contact for information, the size and number of grants given, and a listing of recent grants awarded. Cost: $25.00, plus $1.50 sales tax or tax exempt number. Send check payable to: Minnesota Council on Foundations, 1216 Foshay Tower, Minneapolis, MN 55402. Tel. (612) 338-1989.
Where to Find More Information on Foundation Giving
Connected with the New York-based Foundation Center, a national service organkation established and supported by foundations, there are several house collections available in Minnesota that can help in the grant seeking process. These infommation centers are listed as follows:
The Foundation Center Regional Collection Sociology Department Minnesota Public Library and Infommation Center 300 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55401
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The F-oundation Center Affiliate Collection Reference Department 90 West Fourth Street St. Paul, MN 55102
The Foundation Center Affiliate Collection Reference Department Duluth Public Library 520 West Superior Street Duluth, MN 55802
The Rochester Public Library Reference Department Broadway and First Street, SE Rochester, MN 55901
Southwest State University Library Marshall, MN 56258
CONFERENCEStUtORKSHOPS
September 23-25, 1986
"National Community Integration Forum" is the theme of a conference to be held at the Inn on the Park in Madison, Wisconsin. The conference is intended for those who are committed to a vigorous effort toward community integration of persons with developmental disabilities. For more information, contact: Derrick r)uiresne, Executive Director, New Concepts, Inc., 7425 Jniversity Avenue, Middleton, Wl 53562.
September 26~28, 1986
The Epilepsy Foundation of America will hold its 1986 National Conference, "Epilepsy & Life Sfyles, ~ at the Radisson Mark Plaza Hotel in Alexandria, Virginia. Contact: EFA, 4351 Garden City Drive, Landover, MD 20785. Tel. (301) 459-3700.
PUBLICATIONS
Moral Issues in Mental Retardation, R.S. Laura, 8` A.F. Ashman (Eds.), Croom Helm Ltd., 1985. The moral questions canvassed in this book of essays spill over into questions of law, politics, economics, customs, and attitudes. For example: If mental retardation can be prevented, can society legislate the necessary genetic engineering? If environmental conditions, such as lead paint or malnutrition, contribute to mental retardation, should society eliminate or ameliorate those conditions? Should society reconstruct itself or reconstruct the individual with a disability? The book is a reminder that our technological gains may exact a heavy human price, and even our clearest accomplishments have the potential to go awry. Available for $25.00 from: Croom Helm Ud., 51 Washington Street, Dover, New Hampshire 03820. (Adapted from a review by Stanley S. lerr, The ARC, SpringlSummer 1986, p. 5.)
Family Based Services Handbook, Family Based Services Task Force and the Division of Social Services of the Minnesota Department of Human Services, 1985.
This manual, assembled by social service personnel in Minnesota, provides innovative approaches to helping the increasing numbers of families at risk of abuse and neglect. The intent of family based services is to strengthen families so that they can eventually meet their own needs independently and to avoid out-of-home placements of children. Content includes information on how to conduct community needs assessments and how to design, implement, manage, and evaluate a family based service program. A bibliography and directory of family based services in Minnesota are also included. Copies are available on a limited basis from: Henry Lindskag, Family Based Services, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Centennial Building, Fourth Floor, St. Paul, Minnesota 55155. Tel. (612) 296-3910.
Interagency CooperativetCollaborative Agreements, S. Rhodes, National Association of Developmental Disabilities Council, February 1986. This paper discusses the incentive that promote cooperative activities between human service agencies as well as the constraints. Several classifications of cooperative agreements are presented along with the necessary steps involved in planning, developing and implementing cooperative agreements. This paper also summarizes relevant literature and provides a sample matrix of services which often crosscut agency jurisdictions. Cost: $5.00. Send check payable to: National Association of Developmental Disabilities Council, 1234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 103, Washington, DC 20005. Tel. (202) 347-1234.
Counseling Mentally Retarded Adults: A Procedures and Training Manual. L. Jageman & J.E. Myers, University of Wisconsin-Stout. This text provides approaches in counseling that are appropriate for working with adults who have mental retardation. Emphasis is upon the special needs of adults. Steps in counseling methods are provided as well as various approaches to problem solving, e.g. Iistening, contracting, reality therapy, role playing, and logical consequences. Methods have been field tested. The text can be used for training of personnel and may be used as a self-instruction manual. Cost: $17.75. Payable to: Materials Development Center, School of Education and Human Services, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, Wl 55475.
lob Match: A Process for Interviewing and Hiring Qualified Handicapped Candidates, R. Bragmun and F. Couch Cole, American Society for Personnel Administration. This booklet suggests using a process called ~lob Match" to assist interviewers in their efforts to hire qualified handicapped individuals. When used as a part of the career development process, this book can give the prospective applicant an idea of how interviewers structure the job interview, and will help job seekers to prepare accordingly. The focus on work requirements in this process reduces the likelihood of discrimination because of disability factors. Cost: $8.50. Send check payable to: ASPA Muketing Department, 606 North Washington Street, Alexundria, VA 22314.
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LENDING LIBRARY SELECTIONS
The State Developmental Disabilities (DD) Program Office has acquired several education, training and resource materials. The following materials may be borrowed from the State Office only, located at the address o the front sheet of the Shte Supplement section of this newslener. Tel. (612)296~4018.
Achievin~ the Complete School: Strategies for Effective Mainstreaming, D. Biklen, Columbia University, 1985. This book describes the principles and strateggies that have been tried and proven effective when integrating children vvith disabilities in school semngs. Case examples illustrate the complexities of integration. Each element is based on two research projects that were carried out simultaneously over three years. Urban, suburban, and rural school districts were represented, as well as a range of types of disabilities. Also, the various levels of education are covered, including preschool, elementary, and secondary. The essence of the book is the experience and lessons to be learned from integration as observed in America's schools.
Metropolitan Council DD Program 300 Metro Square Building 7th and Robert Streets St. Paul, MN 55101
If you no longer wish to receive this news/ester, please call (612)297-6364, or write to the DD Progran,, Metropolitan Council 300 Metro Square Bldg., St. Paul, MN 55101
(TIME.DATED MATERIAL)
A Comprehensive Program for Multi-Handicapped Children: An Illustrated Approach, S. Jegard, L. Anderson, C. Glazer, & W. A. Zaleski, Unviersity of Saskatoon, Canada, 1980. This publication is the result of a special project conducted at the Alvin Buckwold Centre in a university hospital setting. Project objectives included: a) to provide instruction for parents and child-care workers in the development and implementation of programs suited to the individual child, b) to provide educational guidance and emotional support to parents and childcare workers, and c) to utilize and integrate available services in the community. The curriculum developed (comprising a major portion of the text) was successfully used in helping each child with multiple handicaps to develop skills beyond initial expectations.
Bulk R - . U.S. Po - 6e PAID St. P ul, Minn.
Permh No. 7029
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INFORMATION EXCHANGE
Published monthly by the Developmental DisabiliVes Program of the Metropolitan Council Metropolitan Council 3~8 Metro Square Buibling St. Paul, Mi_ota 55181 Toni Lippert: 2S1C3C4
METROPOUTAN COUNCIL DD PROGRAM NEWS
In an earlier issue of this newsletter there was an article describing the Metropolitan Council's new Developmental Disabilffles Resiond Policy Plan. Th
article also resorted the Council's DD. Advisory Committee's pFan to promote its implementation through personal contacts with key organizations and decis~on-makers. The committee members have prepared a padcet of materials to be distributed during these contacts. Among the materials is a series of poetry written in blank verse by commmee member, Shannon McCarthy-Bidha The poetry depicts application of the orinciples in the policy plan and how they have affected the lives of actual people with different develapmental disabilities who live in our Metro Area. Each of these poems will be published in forth-coming issues of the DD Infom~ation Exchange.
your organization wishes to receive a copy of the ,~oetry senes and other materials explaining the DD Resionai Policy Plan, please cail 291-6364 and a DD Advisory Committee member will contact you.
PRINCIPLE OF COMMUNllY INTEGRATION
A term we've heard many times Throughout the past twenty Years.
A term which stands for The right of all people To Uve according to their Personal beliefs and pursuits, Rulin' out ail fomns of Discnmination based upon the Color of one's sWn, nationality, Political convictions and Economic stability.
A term which oniv recently Our society decided to apply To persons with developmental Disabilities.
And why?
It's because we made such People irndsible by housing Them in Institutions.
Vol. 11 No. ~ August 19J6
We didn't think it was Our responsibility to examine How and why we were the cause Of discrimination they Struggled with.
we took it upon ourselves To feel sorry for them, Never asking if they would Uke to pursue personal Goais and leam skills that Would enable progress.
We, we, we.
Time is long overdue for Us to prachce community Inteeration as it is taught, And~eliminate the handicap Of our conscience caused by Ignorance.
How do we go about it'
By providing them a home With a backyard, trees, and Flowers in a community neighborhood, Rather than an institution. By providing their parents sufficient Financid support to purchase Equipment necessary to raise them at Home, so they can grow with love, Laughter, security, and parentd, Not dinicd, supervision.
By giving them an education at a Neiphborhood school with their Brother, sister, and neighborhood kids, Rather than shippin' them off to a Clinical sUhool speadizing in Specid education.
8y giving them the training and a job In t e real world of business and Industry where they can eam a decent Sdary, rather than encourage them To enjoy the boredom of a hobby or Instruct them how to appreciate a Manud entlded, ~The loy of a Career In a Developmentd Achievement Center..
By giving them access to heath
1
Services in physicians' offices, Community cimics or hospital, rather Than make them dread the long bus ride Or make their parents, guardians go out Of their way investing bme and money For Ras because certain doctors, Adm~nistrators prefer not to open Their doors, doors displayinR the Invisible siRn "For non-hand'Tcapped People only..
By givinR them a religious nurture Alongside of us in our church or Synagogue where they can have a choice To s~ng in the choir, to serve as an Usher, to assist the clergy person in Services, rather than rece~ve private Religious nurture secluded from others Because those without developmental Disabilities somehow failed to apply the Golden rule to all of God's children.
YB givinR them the excitement of leisureTime activities not only in their homes But in public parks, theaters, Ubraries, and sports facilities Rather than the ritual, Unstimulating boredom of a Television, a few nights a Month at a bowling alley, and
Ñ Nothing other than an ImaRination of what- it would Be ilke to see a play at Chimera Theater, to head for Orchestra Hall and feeling their Anticipation mount as the lights Dim and whispering voices quiet, To be able to tell others how Much they enjoy library programs, And to score the winn~ng points In a basketball game.
They're not asking for much
Only what we take for granted.
Legal rights.
Community integration.
Their time has finally come.
-Shannon McCarthy Bicha
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Ñ "Program Director for Therapeutic Preschool - DAC." Courage Center, an intemationaily recognized leader in providing rehabilitative services to indiv~duals with physical disabilities, is seeking a Program Director to direct the operation of our comprehensive, family-oriented therapeutic preschool proRram servinR 70 + children. The Director is responsi61e for S1.4 million revenue, nine direct reports, and proRrarn development. The successful candidate for this position vvill have at least a bachelor's degree in education or rehabilitative specialty, four years pediatric rehabilitation
or DAC experience and one year supervisory experience. Excellent speaking and writing skills are essential. For confidenffal consideraffon, please send your resume and salary requirements by August 7^ 1985 to: Todd lohnson, Director-Human Resour~
Courage Center; 3015 Golden Valley Road; Golden Valley, MN 55422; (612) 588-0811 x 249; EOE.
Ñ "ProRram Director for SILS in Hennepin County.. College Begree in human services plus two full years' expenence working with adults who are mentally retarded. QMRP preferred. Knowledge of ICF-MR and Medicaid Waiver services helpful. Send resume and salary requirements to P.O. Box 1249, Minnetonka, MN 55343.
KEY TO SERVICE COORDINATION
The erowth of community services for developmentally disabl~ed persons in Minnesota has had a significant impact on the service coordination system. Case management in Minnesota is in a state of flux as a result. ~ conference on Case ManaRement vvill be held on Thursday, September 18 at the Sheraton MidwaY St. Paul to address this issue. Noted authorities in the field, including Dr. John McKnight of Northwestem University, Illinois and Allan Bergman of United Cerebrai Paisy Association, Maryland, will offer new theories in case management as well as a forum for sharinR ideas among developmental disabilities professionals. The program ~s being sponsored by the University of Minnesota Affiliated Program; Conffnuing Edu"ffon in Social Work, Professional Development and Conference Services through Continuing EduQtion and Extension at the University of Minnesota and the Govemor~s Plannir~ Coundl on Developmental Disabilities. For furtl
informaffon, contact Neil nit, Conffnuing EduQtion ~n Social Work, University of Minnesota, 107 Armory, 15 Church St. S.E., Mlnneapolis, MN 55455, phone (612)625-3020.
AWARDS FOR ACCESSIBLE VOTING LOCATIONS
The National Organization on Disabilities announced that two of the top three awards for expanding the participation of persons with disabilities went to organeations in Illinois and Massachusetts that improved voter accessibility. Even though all pollinR places in Minnesota must meet accessibility standards, many loQtions are still inaccessible. Minnesota's politi"I parties also are somewhat remiss in planning all local precinct, district, and county meetings and events in totally accessible places. Even though assistance to vote is made available for persons with handimps (see following article), there is no excuse for not makin' full politi"I participation possible. Next time you partiapate ~n a political activity in a non-accessible loQtion, introduce a resolution to correct this at that event or write your party officers to plan ahead for an accessible loQtion for future meetings.
VOTER 86 INFORMATION
loan Growe, Secretary of State, urges organizations for and of persons who are disabled to request free copies of the new brochure ~EIection '86 in Minnesot Register and Vote.. Ihe brochure describes vot
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eli~ibility requirements, advance registraffon dates, pnmarv and general election dates, and assistance available to voters with handicaps. QuanWes of the
-ochure are available from: Election Division; Office of retary of State; 180 State Omce Building; St. Paul, mN 55155; (612) 296-2805.
U.S. SUPREME COURT DECISION ALLOWS DlSCRIMINAnON
Claimed as a victory by the Reagan Administration, on June 27, 1986, the U.S. Supreme Court handed dovvn a decision allowing airlines the riRht to discriminate a~ainst persons vvith disabilities. The Court ruled that a~rlines not receiving direct federal aid do not have to comply with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act passed by Congress, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap. Accordins to Kurt Strom, Acting Director of the Minnesota State Council for the Handicapped, .Airlines can now decide for themselves whether they choose to serve disabled travelers. In today's world, with two-thirds of all disabled Americans unemployed, access to air travel is essential if individuals are to compete equally.. Persons affected by this ruling are uracd to contact their congressional representaffves in Washington, D.C. uraing them to enact legislaffon to reverse th~s unfair U.S. Supreme Court decision.
RESOURCEStSERVICES
Special Worko~n Senes
A #rieS of videotapes dmigned for persons vvith handicaps have been produced bY the Naffonal
~ndicapped SDorts and Recreation Association
~HSRA). The tares focus on building flexibilitv, strength and other types of conditioning. Each 30-m~nute tape features workouts by both a person vvith a handicap and an able-bodied person. Some tapes ue disability-specKic, i.e., they are designed for individuals vvho ue paraplegic or quadraplegic or for tho# who have cerebral palsy. For more information on tapes for persons with other disabilities vvrite: NHSRA, cto Wyse Public Relations; 24 Public Square; Cleveland, Ohio 44113.
New Pacer Vocational Videotape
"Vocational Rehabilitation and You" is a 17-minute color videotape for secondary students or young adults
with handicaps and their parents. It explains the services that vocational rehabilitat~on counselors can provide. It porbrays a counselor's involvement in the lives of two young adults, one who is mentallY retarded and phvs~cally handicapped and another who has epikpsY and a learning disability. The tape was produced by PACER Center for the Minnesota Division of Rehabilitation Services. It can be rented for one month for S10 or purchased for S35. For more infommation: PACER Center; 4826 Chicago Avenue; Minneapolis, MN 55417; (612) 8272966, voice or TDD.
Metro on the Move
The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL)
ls launched its new newsletter, Moving
PInde endently. The first issue extensively features two of ~ts many services: POWER (People OrganizinR Wheelchair Education and Repair) and UERS (Use
En.uipment Referrai Service). If you vvant more information about these services or wish to receive a copy of the newsletter MCIL; 1821 University Avenue; Suite N350; St. Paul, MN 55104; (612) 64~8342 or (612) 646-6048 TDD.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION Communiq Intensive Program
A recent TASH Newsletter notes a 3 year demonstration prolect has begun at San Francisco State University to apply a ~best practice. model used for students with severe disabilities to students vvho are deaf and blind. Three local school districts will participate in an instructional model that teaches students of various ages functional life skills in many different nonclassroom and non-school natural environments. The project's expected impact will be to demonstrate the educational validity of usinR community-based settin~s for students who are deaf and blind. For further ~nformation: Lori Goetz, Project Director; 612 Font Blvd; San Francisco, CA 94132.
Seizure Research Indicat" No Reduction in IQ
Sekures in childhood do not: lower children's intelligence, as some experts had suspected, a new study indicates. Some earDer.studies had indicated that, on an average, chikiren- with epilepsy tend to score somewhat lower on IQ tests than other children. Some researchers have theorked that sekures might be causing this effect. However, the new research sugaests that lower intelligence scores might be explained by brain abnormalities that existed in some children before the seizures occurred or by the effects of anticonvulsant medication. The sewres themselves, according to the new study, can not bc blamed.
The reseuch was directed by Dr. Ionas H. Ellenberg of the National Institute of Health and published in the April 24 New England lournal of Medicine. The researchers compared the IQs of 98 7-yeu olds who had had one or more seizures not trig~cred by a fever with the IQs of their brothers and s~sters. They also exernined 62 children whose sekures occurred between the ases of 4 and 7, when IQ tests had been administered. They chedced their IQs aBainst a comparison group. In both groups, they conduded sekurcs were ~not associated with a significant change in full-scale IQ..
One of the many factors imolved in doctors' decisions about how agRressively to treat seizures with medication is whether they believe seizures can cause mental deterioration. The results of the 14-year study should be useful to parents and doctors tryinR to decide how to treat children with epilepsy, especially considerinR the side effects anticonvulsants can have, said Dr. Deborah Hirtz, one of the researchers involved in the study. "It's also a reassurance to parents that they don't have to wony that each seizure is costing the child some degree in IQ..
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Training for Education Hearing Officers
An academy to train and support the hearing officers vvho decide what education will be provided to handicapped children is being established at San Francisco State University. The Naffonal Academy of Hearing Officer Training will be co-directed by S. James Rosenfeld, managing editor .of Education for the Handicapped Law Report, and Antony J. Lepire, Professor of Special Education at San Francisco State.
The Academy is being established in the expectation of reducing the amount of court litigation now faced by parents of handicapped children and the education agencies that provide special education programs. If that can be achieved, increasingly scarce financial resources can be directed to serving handicapped children, and to serving them sooner.
Federal law enfftles handicapped children to a hearing when their parents and school are unable to agree on an appropriate educational program. But neither Federal nor most state laws require minimum training and support for the persons vvho make these decisions - the hearing officers. The result, according to Rosenfeld, is that there is a wide variation from state to state in the training provided to hearing officers and the quality of their aecisions.
The Nationai Academy of Hearing Officer Training will assist- states in providinR top quality trainine and support at a reasonable cost. Rosenfeld noted, .We hooe that s~tes vvill recognke the efficiencies available by focusing their tra~ning activities in one facility.. He pointed out that creating training programs on an ~ndividual state-by-state bas~s is both expensive and time consuming; centralizing that training in one facility shouW both improve overall quality and reduce costs. The Academy is being established as an independent, private non-profit organization vvith the expectation that rt will eventually be self-supportinR. Initial support is beine provided by San Francisco S~tate Univers~ty and the San Francisco State University Foundation. For more informaffon contact Antony J. Lepire, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132.
REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE
Un~versity Study Needs Children
Parents interested in receivine a current and detailed intellectual assessment of their child with Down Syndrome or autism are invited to participate in a study at the University of Minnesota. The study is examining behavioral copinR strategies of children with Down Syndrome and children with autism. Behaviorai and intellectual assessments will be conducted during a two-hour visit to the university. Parents of 5-10 year olds interested in learning more about this study are asked to contact Cynthia Troy at (612) 347-5745 (days) or (612 788-0984 (evenings).
Schoa~ dus Accmsibilty
Infommaffon on vvhat dHferent communities have done to make ~standard. school buses accessible in local school districts is needed. Do not supply information on
soecially equipped vehicles for students with handicaps. \htat is needed is information on how to adapt or retrofit the ~eneral-use school bus. Write to: Gary Handschumacher HAIL; 1249 E. Colfax Avenue; Suite 107; Denver, Co~orado 80218; (303) 831-6381.
Low Incidence Syndromes
Any infommation about ~Rett Syndrome. or" Lowe's Syndrome. would be greatly appreciated by Paula K'ndell; 838 E. Moses; Cushing, O1< 74023.
CONFERENCESNVORKSHOPS
September 25~26, 1986
~Positive Altematives for Behavior Management." Radisson Hotel, St. Paul, MN. Sponsored by Region X Developmental Service Providers. Contact: leannie Snyder; 919 lames Avenue; Albert Lea, MN 56007; (507) 373-6064.
September 26~28, 1986
~Lifestyles and Epilepsy: The Family and Beyond.. WashinRton, D.C. The Epilepsy Foundation of America's 1986 National Conference. Contact: EFA, 4351 Garden City Dr.; Landover, MD 20785; (301) 459-3700.
September 29~30, 1986
~Transitions.- Thunderbird Motel, Bloomington MN.
PS onsored by the Region Vlil American Association on Mental Deffciency (MMD). Contact: Herman Hormel; Hiawatha ChiWren's Homes, Inc.; 1820 Valkyrie Dri
N.W.; Rochester, MN 55901; (507) 289-7222.
October 17~18, 1986
~Transportaffon for the Physically Handicapped: New Challenges in Occupant Restraint.. Thunderbird Motel Bloomington, MN. Co-sponsored by the Minnesota Occupant Restraint Program and a coalition of advocacy organizaffons, health insurers, regional health center and interested citkens. Supporting 7unds provided by the National HiRhv~ay Traff~c SafetY Administration. Contact: Stanton B. Shanedlina; 555 Wabasha St., Suite 102; St. Paul, MN 55102; (61~ 291-9150 or (612) 646-7588.
November 7-8, 198C
~RecharRing the Fam~y Batte~y: A Look at Ways to Replenish, Refuel and Rejuvenate Families v~th a Difference.- Earle Brown Center, St. Paul, MN. Sponsored by Conffnuing Education in Social Work of the University of Mlanesota, the Govemor's Planning Coundl on Developmental Disabilities and the Minnesota Assocation for Persons with Severe Handicaps. Contact: Neil Tift; Continuing Education Department; 107 Armory; 15 Church Street, S.E.; Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612) 625-3020.
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FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS
Status of Rehabilitation Act
luthorizaffon of the Rehabilitation Act for five years vvas passed by the House of Representatives in MaY. HR 4021 vvas amended vvith five major changes in Tltle I. Provisions indude:
* S1.3 billion authoruation for state grants programs (S.2 billion more than 1986 actual appropriation)
* Revision of definition of "severely handicapped. by adding autism, bum injury and head injury to the categorical lisffng, addinR interpersonal skills to the current list of functional limitations vvhich indudes mobility, communication, self~care, self-direction, vvork tolerance or vvork sWlls. A client must have at least one functional limitation in order to be considered ~severely handicapped..
* Requiring that a fair hearing board be established by each state to review detemminations of ineligibility.
* Requiring state plans to indude a comprehensive, state-wide assessment of the rehabilitation needs of ail people with severe disabilities and the state's response to tne assessment.
* Requiring state plans to contain plans, policies and methods t-o help in the transition of students vvith handicaps from education to employment related activities.
RequirinR the state agency to conduct ~oublic ~etings throughout the state to give the public an opportunity to comment on the state plan and to indude a summary of such comments and the agency's response in the state plan..
* Requiring the state plan to jusfffy the order in vvhidh people are selected to receive vocational rehabilitaffon seMces when the state lacks funds to serve all those eligible. This prioriffzaffon must be a matter of public record.
* Providing specific short-term post employment services and supported employment for peopk with severe disabilities. Such sendces could be paid for out of special project funds tTitle lil), funds from other federal programs or non-federal sourc - .
* A study on health insurance policies which affect handicapped people. The study is to be done by the National Institute of Handicapped Researeh and submitted to Congress by February 1990.
A newly added Title lil establishes a supported employment demonstration grant program.
The Senate bill (S.2515) provides expanded opportuniffes for persons with disabiliffes to benefit from supported employment and rehabilitaffon engineering. Title I state arant funds could be used for supported employment. ~he new Ti~e lil creat" a upported employment demonstration Rrant program hich corresponds to HR 4021. In addition, S. 2515
adds a new S25 million authority for a Title Vl demonstration program to assist states to develop ~collaborative programs with appropriate public agencies and private, nonprofit organeations for training and short-term post employment services leading to suDported employment for severely handicapped individuals.. Services available under this Title Vl option would include:
* Sicilled job trainen to accompany the woricer for intensive on~thejob training;
* lob development;
* Follow-up senrices including regular contact with the employer, trainee, and parents;
* Reguiar observations or supervision of the severely disabled individual at the training site; and
* Any other services needed to support the individual in employment.
S.2515 for the fint time indudes in the Rehabilitation Act a definiffon of engineering to mean ~the systemaffc applicaffon of technologies, engineering methodologies, or sdentific principles to meet the needs of and address the barrier confronted by individuals with handicaps in areas which indude educaffon, rehabilitation, employment, transDortaffon, independent livins, and recreaffon.. This critical amendment to exisffng l~aw will be of Breat benefit to Dersons with disabilities who with the apDlicaffon of technology can become productive and self-sufficient.
tThk information vvas compiled from tvvo publicaffons: Washinaton Watch Dublished by United Cerebral Palsy Associat~on and the National Spokesman published by the Epilepsy Foundbtion of America.)
Final Rule: ICF.MR Eligibility
The May 28th (1986) issue of the Federal Re~ister gives the ffnal regubffons on eligibility for ICF-MR services by deflning, besides mental retardaffon, what ~other relited condiffons. (or dbabiliffes) enfflle a person to receive service in such facilities. The nule states that persons v~ autism and mental illness are snedficaily excluded. It also modifies the federal deHnition of developmental disabiliffes by eliminatinR the functional criteria regardine ~esinful employment.. Persons vvith a developmental d~lity as newly defined who have substantial functional limitations in three or more ueas of rnyor Iffe ac~ity would meet the deffnition of "persons with reiated condiffons.. The complete deffni~don in the ffnal reguhtions of ~persons with related conditionsa is: ~Persons who have a severe chronic disability that meets all of the following conditions: (1) ~he disability is attributable to - (a) Cerebrai palsy, epilepsy, or (b) Any other condition, other than mental illness, found to be closely related to mental retardation because this condition results in impairment of generai inteilectuai functioning or adaptive behavior similar to that of mentaity retarded persons, and requires treatment or services similar to those required for these persons. (2) It is manifested before the person reaches age 22. (3) It is likely to
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continue indefinitely. (4) It results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: (a) Self-care. (b7 Understanding and use of language. (c) Learning. (d) Mobility. (e) 3eif-direction. (f) Capacity for independent living..
Proposed Medicaid Cuts
Ñ The Naffonal Association of Counties and 43 national organizations recently formed a new ~Medicaid Coalition. to oppose future efforts to convert the Medicaid entitlement program to a block grant. This would result in further reductions or a cap on the amount to be spent for individuals who are chronically ill or disabled and need health care. The Coalition noted that Medicaid spending. has already been cut by S4 billion since 1981. Since 1969, the portion of poor and near-poor eligible for Medicaid has fallen sknificantlY. The Coslition noted that ~CoveraRe is shrinking at a time when an increasing number o] Americans have no hesith insurance and poverty rates among families with children are astonishingly high.
The Coslition represents a broad-based constituency, counffnR among its members such diverse groups as the Children's Defense Fund and the American Assoclation of Reffred Persons, the Naffonai Mental Health Associabon, the American Public Hesith Association, the National Rural Health Care Associaffon, the National Urban League, the City of ChicaRo and naffonal organizations of and for persons with handicaps. The Nabonal Associaffon of Counties has opposed the Medicaid "cap" concept since it was first proposed as a cost containment measure, reeiizing that sucih nsavings. would impose a greater burden on counffes whose resources are already stretched to the limit.
Ñ A recent article on more proposed Medicaid cuts was published in the luly 1 3th issue of the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Dispatch, the Minneapolis Star Tribune and the New York Times. AccordinR to the article, ~The Reagan Adminisbraffon is working on Droposais that would delay or deny Medicaid benefits for ~nany people with h'Rh medical costs, including disabled ch~ldren and elderly people needing long-term cue.
Under one proposal, people with high health care costs would have to pay their enffre share of the medical bills before unything could be paid by Medicaid, a program that was set up to assist low-income people who did not have enough money to pay all their medical bills. Another ~roposal would sharplY restrict Medicaid eligibility or people vvho set aside money to help support their disabled or retarded children..
Details of the plun are set forth in confidenffal documents prepued bY the Department of Health and Human Services for Congressional consideration. The documents ac cnowiedge that some proposals are ~draconiun. and could cause ~hudship. But they say ~the threat of harciship is essential" to maice people spend more of their own resources on nursing homes and institutions for handicapped children.
Under current law, people may quailfy for Medicaid if
they have incurred but not yet paid luRe medical expenses. The law pemmits people to pay their shue of the medical costs in installments wh~le Medicaid pays the rest of the bill. Under the proposals, states cou ' deny Medicaid benefits to people needing long-se
cue if their parents or spouses were able to defray put of the cost but failed to do so. This would reduce federal and state spending on Medicaid und would require the fumilies of Medicaid applicunts und beneficiaries to pay more. In a description of its plan, the deDartment says: ~Pronosin_ to increase family financiaf resDonsibllity for lonR-term care is likely to be controversid, espeasily as ''t affects parents whose children face years of insfftutionai care. Family refusal would lead to the loss of eligibility. The severity of these consequences provides the incentive for the spouse or parent to pay the required arnount.
In its proposals, the administration said, "Relatively affluent families are currently permitted to rely on Medicaid for the lonR-temn care of a chronically disabled spouse or minor child.. The administration says the current rule tends to ~encourage institutionaiization~ and contributes to escalating Medicaid costs. by shifting the burden from parents and spouses to taxpayers. The propsai would require substantial contributions, on a slid~nR scale, by any familly with income of more than S22,0~0 a vear. For a family with income of S50,000, for example, the maximum contribution would be $5,600. ~Failure to make the required contribuffon would result in loss of the chiW's or spouse's Medicaid eligibility," according to the proposals.
The administration proposal would ~require states to restrict Medicaid eligibiRty. of people who set up truste for their relatives even where the relatives were disabl,
or retarded. Under the proposal, states would have to count such assests as be~na available to the person who established the trust if that person later applied for Medicaid. Thus, the money leRally earmarked for support of a disabled child would be treated as if it were available for support of the Medicaid applicant.
Before such strinRent approaches are mandated by law, there is a need~ to f~rst consider positive incentives rather than penalizing ones. To date, requests for ina eased appropriaffons for more families to provide home care for disabled children, spouses or parents have been largely ignored at both the state and federal levels. One also may qufftion the logic of setffng the income threshhold at S22,000 per year, particularly if this refers to gross income and does not cons~der support for other children in a family. These proposals would be even more punitive in Minnesota, since parents of disabled minor children receiving long-term care already contribute to the state and county cost of those services. If a federal contribution was also required, this would double the financial burden. Perhaps Congress needs to be better informed about the more positive approach mentioned above. This becomes the responsibility of each of us v~ho advocate for persons with developmental disabilities.
lThe major porffon of this arffde is reprinted from the newspaper articles referred to earlier.)
Member of Nsffonal Asoocisffon of Devdopmental Di~bilities Councils
August 198C
GRANTS ON CASE MANAGEMENT AWARDED
The Govemor's Pianning Council on Developmental Disabilities at its meeting on August 1, 1986, completed action on grants for the coming federal fiscal year (October 1, 1986, through September 30, 1987. This grant program vvas designed to address case management services vvhich the Councii has selected as a priority for its activities during the coming year. A Request For Proposais (RFP) vvas disseminated in lanuary 1986, and 16 applications were received in resDonse to the RFP. Proposais were solicited that would address few possible funding categories: (a) research, (b) improving the efficiency of case manager, (c) empowering consumers to receive quality case management services, and (d) volunteer monitoring committees. - ~
Following are summaries of the projects that were funded:
"sociation for Retsrded Citi~ens, Minnesota. This project will establish a process for voluntary, citizen~based review of services and programs for persons with disabilities. A stateuvide advisory committee vvill be . established that will be responsible for establishing local committees, developing training materials and programs, developing a monitoring process, providing technical assktance to the local process, providing technical assistance to the local committees, and working with state agencies. ApproximatelY 60 volunteers v~ill be trained. lhe prokct wlil be implemented in six areas of the state.
Associatbn for Retarded Citkens, Suburban. This project v~ll address a leadenhip issue by empowering the parent and/or guardian to act as case manager. This will be done by adapting the Orange County, California Regional Services Center Client/Parent Program Coordinator Program. Parents will be trained to be case manager for their children who are developmentally disabled, and a voucher system will be developed in which parents coordinate services that best meet the needs of children and families.
Dakota County Department of Social Services and Itasca County Department of Social Services. Each county was a~varded a grant to develop a microcomputer-based infommation system to assist
case manager. The two counties will work together; but because of the divene nature of the two counties, the final systems will probably be dfflerent.
Metropolitan Council. This project will focus on a strategy to instruct all memben of the interdisciplinary team on state-of-the-art ideas and practices in case management. It will identify, develop, and provide infommational materials (a manual, an audiotape, and a videotape) for counties to use with their teams. Ways to better plan, implement, and evaluate quality service plans will be demonstrated. The material will be tested in one urban and one rural county and then disseminated.
University Affiliated Program, University of Minnesota. The grantee will undertake research to determine the current status of case management practices in Minnesota. In addiffon, barrier to effective delive~y and gaps in case management services will be identified. Perceptions of consumer will also be sought. Strategies that contribute to effective delive~y of services as well as those that could be used to improve the effectiveness of services will be addressed.
STATE CONFERENCE ON CASE MANAGEMENT PUNNED~SEmMBER 18
The Govemor~s Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Minnesob Univenity Affiliated Program on Developmental Disabilities are jointly sponsoring a conference, ~Case Management: Cllenthood to Citizenship,- on September 18, 1986, t8:00 am. to 4:00 p.m.). The conhrence will be held at the Sheraton Midway Hotel in St. Paul, loQted at Hamline Avenue and Interstate High~vey 94.
The conference should be of particular interest to case manager, supervisors, parents, and othen interested in case management sendces. The conference pro~arn will include: (a) new theories and ideologies in case management service delivery; (b) opportunities for conference participants to share ideas; (c) methods for encouraging me role of citizenship rather than clienthood for pemons ~hth developmental disabilities; and (d) the role that advocacy plays in case management in the red community.
Conference presenters will be coming from Minnesota as well as Illinois, Maryland, and Canada John
McKnight, Ph.D., Northwestem University in Illinois, will be the opening speaker and will discuss vvhat has happened to citizens and communHies. He will also explore the possibility of a new vision for Ncommunity." Allan Bergman, Director of Govemmental Affairs, United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc., will discuss the services coordination system and its relationship to direct service provision. Then, Bob McDonald, a parent from Edmonton, will introduce the concept of one-stop shopping in the planning of individualized, community-based services to persons with developmental disabilities.
The aftemoon will be organized into breakout sessions in which persons from Minnesota will act as fadlitators. These group sessions will provide the following options for the participants: (a) standard practices and legal requirements of case management; (b) family and advocates; (c) waivered services development; and (d) supervision in case management. The second session in the aftemooon will offer the opportunity to find out vfhat each of the grant recdpients from the Minnesota Govemor's Planning Council have planned and how they will address the spedfied issues in case management. The conference will end with a poster session and reception.
For registration and other information, contact: Neil Tift, Continuing Education in Social Work, University of Minnesota, 107 Armory, 15 Church Street, SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Tel. (61i) 625-3020.
"FUU STATUS" GIVEN TO MINNESOTA UNIVERSITY AFFILIATED PROGRAM
Recently, the Minnesota University Afflliated Program (UAP) on Developmental Disabilities applied for and was awarded full status as a University Affiliated Program by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities in Washington, DC. The Minnesota UAP was oriRinally established in 1985 as a Satellite Center with the University of lowa UAP as its host.
The Minnesota UAP represents the collective efforts of the University of Minnesota and Gillette Children's Hospital, Developmental Disabilities Program, St. Paul, to improve the quality of life of persons with developmental disabilities. The UAP activities are structured around an interdisciplinary approach which fadlitates the delivery of services through a collaborative and interdependent team concept. These activites are organized into three program areas: training, exemplary services, and research and infommation services. Emphasis of the UAP will be to build and expand interdisciplinary training programs to meet the pre-service and in-service training needs of personnel in the field of developmental disabilities in Minnesota
The training plan of the Minnesota UAP addresses several priority needs in Minnesota (a) managing problem behaviors, (b) transition for school to work (supported and competitive employment), (c) case management, (d) child and adult evaluation services, and
. ~
*
*
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(e) community integration. Following are samples of some of the activities currently underway at the Minnesota UAP:
* Training materials are being assembled ? developed on managing problem behaviors w.... plans to offer a training conference on this topic in late spring, 1987.
* Two projects are underway in the area of transition: (a) a three-year federally-funded preservice training project will train teachers of students with severe handicaps in transition sWII development; and (b) another project will consist of conducting a state-wide needs assessment on transition services and service planning v~hich will be done for the Special Education section of the State Department of Education.
In the area of case management, the UAP is developing a case management resource module v~hich will contain a review of the literature on case manaSement systems and pracffces,.descriptions of case management functions, and information on case manaSement delive~y systems used in different states.
The UAP and the Govemor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities are joindy sponsoring a conference on Sephmber 18, 1986, entitled, "Case Management: Clienthood to Citizenship" (see feature article in this State Supplement section).
The UAP was the recipient of a grant award offer~ by the Govemor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities to conduct research on case management (see article in this State Supplement Secffon).
The Developmental Disabiliffes Program at Gillette Children's Hospital is managing a project on the development of an adult evaluaffon services model which will culminate with a training module and several workshops offered in different geographic locaffons in the state.
A training module is being developed which will focus on the integration of persons with developmental disabiliffes and physical/medical needs.
A new brochure is available that describes the purpose and scope of acffviffes of the Minnesota UAP. For a copy of the brochure or for other information, contact: Minnesota UAP, 6 Pattee Hall, University of Minnesota, 150 Pillsbury Drive, SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Tel. (612) 624-1349.
Dl JBUCAnONS
A National Directory of Programs Servin'S Elderly Mentally Retarded Persons, 1986. M.W. Krauss, M. M. Howard, L. Litchfield, ~ D. Post, Brandeis University, 1986. This directory is the result of a national project to explore the range, styles, and contexts in which older persons with mental retardation receive residential and nonresidential services in the United States. The project identified and surveyed 325 community-based and 202 institutionally based programs which met the study's criteria and agreed to participate. These programs provide a substantial number of services to persons who are over 55 years old and have mental retardation. Cost: $5.00. Send check payable to: Starr Center for Mental Retardation, Florence Heller Graduate School, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02254.
Programs Demonstrating Model Practicff for Integrating People with Severe Disabilities into the Community is the result of a national search conducted by the Community Integration Project at Syracuse University. After careful screening and evaluation against a set of eight principles, 41 programs were selected for inclusion in the listing. The programs are symmarized, and contact persons are listed for acquiring additional information. Contact: Community Integration Project, Center on Human Policy, Syracuse University, 123 ~ollege Place, Syracuse, NY 13244-4130. Tel. (315)
3-3851.
SIBSHOPS: A Handbook for Implementing Workshops for Siblings of Children with Special Needs. SIBSHOPS represents a first step in addressing the largely underserved needs of brothers and sisters of children with special needs. Based on research done at the Child Development and Mental Retudation Center at the University of Washington, the authors hope to shue with the reader what they have reamed from three years of working with eight to thirteen yeu old siblings and their parents: the special problems and benefits sibs often experience, the program goals that their concerns imply, und suggested activities to meet these goals.
The authors suggest that the thoughts and activities presented are not all inclusive since there is still much more to leam about how best to address the needs of siblings of brothers and sisters with special needs. This population has been overlooked for so long; this handbook is offered as a starting point that might be used for an expanded program designed to address the unique concem of these special siblings.
Siblings are the primary audience for these workshops, but in the parer.'" discussion activities, the authors try to share information on sibling concems with the puents. The Handbook will be of particulu interest to the staffs
intervention programs who ue seeking ways to meet .ne needs of families with special children. This audience will include special education teachers, program administrators, social workers, psychologists, and other hospital and clinic staff who work with families of children with disabilities. In addition, the
audience will include students in special education, social work, and other fields who ue reaming how to work with the fumilies of the clients they will be serving. Price is $14.95 plus $1.50 for postage and handling. Send to: University of Washington Press; P.O. Box C-50096; Seattle, WA 98145.
CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS
August 26~28
~Families Together" is the theme of a National Conference for Families and Citizens with Developmental Disabilities to be held at Madden's on Gull Lake, Minnesota. Featured speakers wil indude: Dee Everitt, past president of the Association for Retuded Citizens--US, Tom Powell, Vanderbilt University, and Karen Green McGowan, who specializes in programming for persons with severe handicaps. For more information, contact: Brainerd Area Chamber of Commerce, Sixth and Washington, Brainerd, MN 56401. Tel. (800) 233-2934 (National WATS).
October 23-25
The fourth annual Closing the Gap Conference on ~Microcomputer Technology for Special Education and Rehabilitation. will be held at the Radission South Hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota For more information, contact: Closing the Gap, P.O. Box 68, Henderson, MN 56044. Tel. (612) 248-3294.
October 24-26
The Fourteenth Annual National Down Syndrome Congress Convention, "Follow the Yellow Bridk Road to Success,. will be held at the Ramada Broadway Hotel in Wichita, Kansas. Scholuships ue available by calling NDSC at (800) 232-NDSC. For more infomiation, contact: MDSC Central Office, 1800 Dempster Street, Park Ridge, IL 60068-1146.
November 6~S
"Creating Options and Making Choices" is the conference theme of The Associaffon for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH) to be held in San Francisco, Califomia. Sessions ue for professionals and families concerned with school, vacational, and community integration v~ith a special emphasis on social and sexual development of individuals who ue severely disabled. For additional information, contact: TASH, 7010 Roosevelt Way, NE, Seattle, WA 98115. Tel. (206) 523-8446.
g
LENDING LIBRARY SELECTIONS
The State Developmental Disabilities (DD) Program Office has acquired several education, training and resourc~- I materials. ~e following materials may be borrowed from the State Office only, located at the address c the front sheet of the State Supplement section of this newsletter. Tel. (612)296 4018.
Project Share Resource Kit: Press and Public Relations, 1986. This kit contains two packets of materials: (a) public relations, and (b) press relations. The introduction to the public relations section outlines the steps necessary for planning an effective public relations program. This packet also covers topics such as maldng the most out of special events, working with volunteers, and the ABCs of public relations. The packet on press relaffons covers: publicity and the media, ways to manage and measure your media relations, when ~Sixty Minutes. comes knocking, media action handbook, and resource organization profiles. Persons interested in purchasing this kit may contact: Project Share, P.O. Box 2309, Rockville, MD 20852. Tel. (301) 231~9539. Otherwise, this kit may be borrowed from the State Developmental Disabilites Program, (612) 296~4018.
Metropolitan Council DD Program 300 Metro Square Building .7th and Robert Streets St. Paul, MN 55101
If you no longer wish to rece/ve this newsletter, please call (61V291-6364, or write to the DD Program, Metropolitan Council 300 Metro Square Bldg., St. Paul, MN 55107
(TIME-DATED MATERIAL)
\~íOuu 986~ ~ ~ 071~
.~3 h\~8
Strategies for Achieving Cc~mmunity Integration of Developmentally Disabled Citizens, K.C. Lakin and R.H. Bruininks, Paul H. Brooks Publishing Company, 1985. This volume attempts to bridge the gap between what research and theory suggest contemporary services should be, and the character of these services in their everyday implementation. Its impetus grew out of discussions at a working conference on deinstitutionalization and education held in Minneapolis in 1983. A common perception held by participants was that future services for persons with developmental disabilHies would be influenced more by effectively implementing existing programs and policies and of utilizing resources in current allocations than by the creation of new programs or substantially increased services.
lick Rat.
US. Postage PAID St. Pwl, Minn. Permh No. 7029
DIRECTOR DEV DlSABILmEStSPA 201 CAPITOL SQ BLDG ST PAUL MN 55101
10
INFORMATION EXCHANGE
$~
Published monthly by the Deveiopmental DisabiliVes Program of the Metropolitan Council
Mdropolhan Council 300 Metro Square Building St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 Toni Lippert: 291C3C4
The following poems are from a series written to emphasize how the application of new principles, derived from the Nommalization philosophy, can help an individual with developmental disabilities participate in community life rather than merely be present in the community.
PRINCIPLE OF ULTIMATE FUNCTIONING
He has autism and is seventeen years old.
Ultimate function for Eric Was learning how to put his Hands to good use and Appreciate his ability to Control his behavior in a Parttime job at a mstaurant Working ~vhh non~handicapped People, rather than be taught ~ow to prevent self-injury by ming his hands in his Pockets or by folding them Without an opportunky to Progress in the real world Showing his ability to do so.
Eric thrives on going to the banl`, Meeting people, and talking about how He controls his behavior at woric.
Way to go Eric.
Congratulations to his parents and Employer.
RESOURCES/SERVICES
Fall Classes
PRINCIPLE OF PARTIAL PARTICIPATION
At the age of fifleen she became A person with epilepsy. Within One year memory loss began, a Learning disabilky caused by Anti~seizure medication.
Partial participation for Sheila Was learning how to adapt to Her learning disability by udng A tape recorder in class to serve As a backup for her memory.
During the first year of her Learning disabilRy, Sheila's Gradk point average fell from 3.10 To a 1.Ca
Because a teacher was abk to Idkntify her karning disabilRy and Sheila had the courage to use a Tape recorder, her grade point Average managed to reach a 3.0.
The Hearing Society of Minnesota began Fall classes the week of September 15, 1986. Classes are offered in Introductory, Continuing, and Individual Speechreading/Lipreading and Advanced Practice Lipreading; American Sign Language - Levels I, II and lil; and Continuing ASL: ASL in Poetry. Silent Night Sign Language practice is held every Wednesday from 7:00 ~ 9:00 p.m. throughout the year. There is no charge and this practice is open to all levels and skills.
Vol. 11 No. 9 September 1986
Her hope to attend college is not lost.
Way to ';o, Sheila.
Congratulations to her teacher.
Partial Participation affirms Each person's right to Adaptdions needed To participate in the same Opportuniti" that everyone else Uses to develop and become Valued members of their communities.
-Shannon McCarthy-Bicha
The Hearing Society is located at 2100 Stevens Avenue South. Please call for more information and class schedules: 870-0321 (voice or 11Y).
New Day Treatment Program
SPAN is a new program designed for adults with mild intellectual impairments who also have mental health problems. The individualized, goal-setting program addresses prevocational needs, use of leisure time, independent living, problem-specific behavior management, interpersonal relations, community awareness, etc. The program is offered by the Creative Living Center, a division of Multi Resource Centers, Inc.
1
For further information: Creative Living Center; 1900 Chicago Avenue; Minneapolis, MN 55404; (612) 871-2402.
Second Annual lob Success Fair
The second annual Job Success Fair for mentally handicapped teens and adults who live in South Hennepin Area will be held on Thursday, October g from 8 am-noon at the Bloomington National Guard Armory, 3300 W. 98th Street (just east of France Avenue). This event will provide an opportunity for participants to meet employers, leam more about jobs in this particular area, and find resources available to assist with vocational training and placement. Participants can also pre-register for a variety of mini-sessions on employment related topics. The Job Success Fair is co-sponsored by Bloomington's Office of Special Services and the Leaming Exchange, a Community Education program for handicapped adults. For further infommation: Lynn Dennis, Leaming Exchange Coordinator, 8900 Portland Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55420; (612) 887-9226 or TDD 887-9144.
For Persons with Hearing Impairments
Ñ DIRECTORY: The National Association of Hearing and Speech Action has published a directory listing public -places equipped with special devices to help individuals who are hearing impaired listen to speeches, sermons, and other events. The directory costs $12.95 for professionals and groups and $7.95 for individuals. It can be ordered from the NAHSA; 10801 Rockville Pike; Rockville, Md. 20852.
Ñ FREE LOAN SERVICE: Captioned Films for the Deaf Program of the Modem Talking Picture Service has a free-loan service of video tapes and films (captioned). This service is available to groups which have six or more hearing impaired persons. For more information, contact: Modem Talking Picture Service; Captioning/Selection Division; 5000 Park Street North; St. Petersburg, Florida 33709.
Ñ CUED SPEECH: A new information and support group has begun for those interested in the Cued Speech system. For more information, contact Mary Elsie Sbaiti, President; National Cued Speech Association; P.O. Box 31345; Raleigh, NC 27622.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
MNASH Forum on Integrated School Options
Parents, educators, allied service providers and those with an interest in persons with severe disabilities are invited to this public forum at the Jewish Community Center, 1375 St. Paul Avenue, St. Paul on Monday, October 6, 1986 from 7-9 p.m. The fonum is sponsored by the Minnesota Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (MNASH) to inaugurate its "Integration
Imperative" activities for 1986-87. Other cooperating groups include the Consortium for the Education of Severely Handicapped Leamers, Twin Cities Society for Children and Adults with Autism, PACER and several other organizations.
Rather than debating the merits of education integration, the purpose of the forum is: 1) to fomm a community-based group to address issues related to ensuring integrated educational options for children currently served in educational facilities which do not include same-age, nonhandicapped children; 2) to introduce and provide integration resources (e.g., people, materials); and, 3) to discuss strategies for achieving successful integration. Please call 6246300 for further information or to pre-register. This forum is free and open to all persons interested in promoting and developing integrated educational opportunities for students with severe handicaps.
Fall lob Coach Course
The course, "Worksite Training for Persons with Disabilities" will be offered again through the Vocational Education Special Services Program of the University of Minnesota. The course is scheduled for 10 Mondays from September 29 to December 1, 5:45 - 8:45 p.m., at the Minneapolis Vocational Technical Institute. Students will eam 3 credits. Fee is $52 per credit. For further information and registration materials: (612) 624-3472.
It Pays to Hire Ability
Earlier this year the one-year old Best Westem Skywood Inn in Fridley was voted one of the best Best Westem Motels in the nation, an honor which most motels take years to achieve. The award is based on the motel's general appearance, cleanliness, atmosphere and consistency with the national organization's policies and regulations.
What is notable for our readers is that the Skywood Inn contracts with Rise, Inc. to provide housekeeping services. The quality of those services obviously contributed both to guest satisfaction and the exacting standards of the company inspection. Congratulations to Rise, Inc. and to the housekeeping staff.
Supported Employment Videotape Available
A 19-minute videotape on employing persons with developmental disabilities is now available. It features an introduction by Dr. Iean K. Elder, Acting Assistant Secretary for Human Development Services. Produced in Grand Rapids, Michigan by HOPE Rehabilitation, the videotrape is suitable for training purposes or showing to potential employers. It would also fit a 30-minute broadcast format, with "wraparound" programming using local guests and interviewers. The program is available in VHS cassette or 3/4" tape format. Send your blank tap
1
for reproduction at no cost to you to: Raymond Sanchez, Director, Employment Initiative Staff, Room 347D.1, Humphrey Building, Washington, D.C. 20201.
orkshop List for 1986~87 Available
Professional Development Programs has prepared a list of over a dozen workshops it will be presenting in Minnesota and other states this year and next. The workshops are directed to professionals who serve people with developmental disabilities. For further infomnation: Eileen W. Richter - MPH, OTR, Director; 12015 N. July Avenue; Hugo, MN 55038.
CONFERENCESIWORKSHOPS
October 1-3, 1986
Minnesota Rehabilitation Association's Annual Fall conference will be held at Arrowood in Alexandria, MN and its theme is '1raining Keeps Services on Track." A new format will be offered which provides two training sessions in each of five broad categories. Keynote speaker, Dr. Thomas Fish, will present ideas on "The Importance of Lifelong Leaming." For registration information: Becky Fink, RISE, Inc.; 8406 Sunset Road; Spring Lake Park, MN 55432; (612) 786-8334.
October 15~17, 1986
Minnesota Developmental Achievement Center ~ssociation will hold its annual conference at Madden's
n, in Brainerd, Minnesota. The conference theme is "Minnesota Models: Independence, Productivity, Integration." Workshops, panel discussions and solo presentations will provide attendees with infomnation on the wide array of topics related to persons who attend Developmental Achievement Centers as well as to the changing trends in these services. For further information: MN DACA; 1821 University Avenue, S-277; St. Paul, MN 55104; (612) 647- 9200.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Voc-Rehab Teacher Substitutes needed in Work Activity Center for adults with multihandicaps. Minimum requirements: high school diploma and direct experience working with adults who are developmentally disabled. For further information: Marci Moore-Foster; Cerebral Palsy Center, Inc.; 6300 Walker St.; St. Louis Park, MN 55416; (612) 922-2500.
REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE
Call for Respite Care Providers
Respite foster care providers are urgently needed in Hennepin County to give birth families or foster families a break from the constant caretaking needs of children ~ith disabilities. There is particular need for respite care
for hyperactive children. Because these children need constant supervision, homes with two caretakers present are preferred. Most of the children needing respite care are school age children who are developmentally delayed. Some have special medical needs. Placement one or two weekends each month or perhaps for an occasional week is needed. Hennepin Community Services Department is especially interested in recruiting respite foster parents who have a family member with special needs or who are professionals working in this field. Experienced providers seem best able to cope with the demands of caring for a child with disabilities. Respite care providers can choose the type of special needs children they work best with and can always say "no. if the child or the timing is not right for them. Persons who are interested in using their skills while supplementing their income are encouraged to call (612) 348-KIDS.
RECREATION/LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Weekend Respite Opportunities
Eden Wood will again this year offer pilot respite weekends at its camp in Eden Prairie on October 31-November 2 and November 21-23. These weekends are designed so that safety and the individual's needs and interests are the priorities. Staff-participant ratio is high to assure quality care and individualized programming. There are options for being indoors and out, in small groups or alone with a friend, choosing hiking, campfires, picnics, star gazing, sledding, snowshoeing, new games, team sports, singing and crafts--as well as special holiday celebrations.
Fees for respite weekends are $110 and include lodging, around-the-clock staffina and recreation programs. Check-in is 5-7 pm Friday and check-out is 3-5 pm Sunday. Arrangements may be possible for part-time care during these weekends. For information and registration forms: Eden Wood; 6350 Indian Chief Road; Eden Prairie, MN 55344; (612) 9342771.
PUBLICATIONS
Ñ The third edition of The Mentally Disabled and the Law updates this major reference book. It offers a comprehensive treatment of the laws relating to mental disabilities supplemented by a review of the legal and medical literature. Its reputation has been built on its usefulness to both lawyers and non-lawyers. Cost is $75.00 plus $3.50 shipping and handling. For further information: American Bar Foundation; 750 N. Lake Shore Drive; Room 400; Chicago, IL 60611.
Ñ "Northwest Report" is a new, free periodical published by Northwest Area Foundation to infomm the public and prospective grant applicants about the foundation's interests and activities; to help grantees disseminate lessons they leam as they pursue goals, and to contribute to discussion of issues of public concem.
To be added to the mailing list, contact Northwest Report, Northwest Area Foundation, West 975 First National Bank Building, St. Paul, MN 55101-1373, Att: Phyllis Sherman.
FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS
Community and Family Living Bill
An Update: As the 99th Congress completed the final weeks of activity after a long summer recess, additional Members of the House and Senate continue to sign on as cosponsors of the Community and Family Living Amendments (S. 873 and H.R. 2902). In the Senate, there are now eight cosponsors for the bill introduced by Senator John Chafee (Rl). No Minnesota senators have agreed to support the bill.
In the House of Representatives, there are now over 70 cosponsors of the legislation introduced by Representative James Florio (NJ). These members represent 25 states. Congressman James Oberstar and Arlan Stangeland are the only Minnesota members of the House of Representatives who have signed the bill to date.
Although there is clearly a growing awareness by Members of Congress and their staff of the crisis in long-term care for persons with severe disabilities, there is little chance of further action on these bills this year. Despite the funding bias of Medicaid toward institutions and the lack of alternative services and resources, parents, professionals and community-based providers need to become even more determined in their efforts to educate their decisionmakers about the nature of the problem and its solution.
Proposed Amendments to DD Act.
In the July 17 Federal Register (pg. 25904), the Office of Human Development Services (OHDS) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published proposed regulations to amend the "Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1984" (P.L. 98527). The proposed rules make changes in reporting requirements for state DD Councils and Protection and Advocacy Systems. They also make significant changes in the criteria for University Affiliated Programs. For further information, contact Ms. Elsbeth Porter Syatt, 202/245-2897.
JTPA Amendments Being Considered
On June 13, the full Senate passed amendments (S. 2069) to the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Although the amendments are of some benefit to persons with disabilities, several national groups, representing people with severe handicaps will try to influence the House Education and Labor Committee to further refine the Act. One major goal is to add specific language in the definition to include youth who are
handicapped regardless of their parents' income if their handicaps are substantial obstacles to employment. A second amendment would require there be a detailed plan from every funding recipient as to procedures they will take to meet the special employment needs
persons with disabilities. Another concem is t. performance standards under JTPA, which limits the cost per trainee and the length of the training period. Persons with disabilities often require longer training periods and additional supports than the typical individual served with JTPA funds. At stake is the allocation of $3.8 billion annually in job training funds by Private Industry Councils (PlCs).
Federal Project on Respite Care Proposed
Senator Bill Bradley (NJ) introduced on June 23, a bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a four-year respite care demonstration project (S. 2586). The project would be conducted through the states' Medicaid plans and would provide services such as short term, intermittent, companion or sitter services, homemaker, personal care, adult day care, inpatient, emergency respite care, and peer support and training for family caregivers. Persons eligible for such care would be elderly and disabled individuals who are eligible for Medicaid in the state and other such persons who, but for these services, would be at risk of institutionalization. The services also would be available to otherwise eligible persons whose incomes exceed Medicaid limits, but a sliding scale fee would be charged according to their ability to pay. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finan~
where no action has been taken to date.
New Federal Appointments
Ñ Dr. Jean Elder, former Commissioner of Administration on Developmental Disabilities, has been named Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Human Development Services. In her work as Commissioner of ADD, Dr. Elder has managed the President's Initiative on Employment which has resulted since 1983, in the placement of 82,000 persons with severe disabilities into paid employment positions.
Ñ Dr. Thomas Bellamy has been appointed Director of Special Education Programs (SEP) in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). Within the Department of Education, SEP is the agency responsible for implementing P.L. 94-142 and discretionary programs under the Education for the Handicapped Act. Dr. Bellamy is a well known, respected leader in disability policy. He has presented at several Minnesota conferences in the past three years and was influential in development of the OSERS grants to states for supported employment. Minnesota is one of the state recipients. He is currently Associate Professor of Special Education and Rehabilitation at the University of Oregon in Eugene.
INFORMATION EXCHANGE
~e~relopmental Disebilities Program ,1 Capitol Square Bu~lting M'nnes ota State Planning Agency
550 Cedar St. Roger Stramt, Editor
St. Paul, M'nnesota 55101 612/296-4018
SIATE SUPPLEMENT
Member of National Association of Developmental Disebiliffes
Councils
September 1986
MINNESOTA'S SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT PROlECT * FACES CHALLENGE OF SYSTEM CHANGES
As announced last October in the Information Exchange State Supplement, Minnesota was one of ten states selected by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) of the United States Department of Education to receive a grant to demonstrate the establishment of a statewide system of supported employment opportunities for persons with severe disabilities. The Minnesota Supported Employment Project, which operates out of the Division of Rehabilitation, Department of Jobs and training, is now nearing the completion of its first year, under a five-year grant.
Ed Boeve, Project Director, explained that the purpose of the project is to hcilitate Minnesota's ability across all systems to uniformly provide quality supported employment services to persons requiring long-temm e-site support to obtain and retain employment. Our , ;imary interest is to serve people with the most severe disabilities, those who have traditionally been under-served, inappropriately served, or not served at all in the past,. said Boeve. He added, ~It is our assumption that there will not necessarily be more money in the system to accomplish our mission. It will be our challenge to convert existing resources to establish this new program. We can do a lot without spending more."
A major focus of the project will be to assist the existing providers to convert their services and provide supported employment opportunities. These providers include Developmental Achievement Centers (DACs), Sheltered Workshops, and Regional Center Day Programs. Conversion grants have been awarded to several agencies to demonstrate and implement supported employment services in their respective communities: (a) St. Paul Rehabilitation Center (serving persons with chronic mental illness); (b) Kaposia, Inc., St. Paul; (c) United DAC, Duluth; (d) East Polk County DAC, Fosston (acting as fiscal agent for a consortium of DACs in Northwest Minnesota, consisting also of Polk County DAC, Marshall County DAC, and Clearwater DAC); (e) Alpha DAC, Albert Lea; and (f) Faribault Regional Center. In addiffon, several initiatives are underway:
Market research is being conducted which will lead toward the development of a marketing plan aimed
at the employer community of Minnesota;
Legislation and administrative policy changes are being prepared, such as to introduce a uniform definition of supported employment; and
An information base and management tools are being designed for reporting impacts of supported employment in Minnesota. Furthermore, concluded Boeve, his staff will be available to provide infommation and technical assistance. A toll-free number is now available to people outside the metropolitan area: (800)328-9095. For those living within the metropolitan area, call (612) 296-5629.
PRESIDENT REAGAN SIGNS PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY LAW FOR PERSONS WHO ARE MENTALLY ILL
On May 23, 1986, President Reagan signed into law S.974, the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally lil Individuals Act of 1986. The new statute, P.L. 99-319, provides for the establishment of a protection and advocacy system for the mentally ill in each state. These agencies will afford mentally ill persons access to a system which will assist them in securing their rights guaranteed under federal and state statutes and the United States Constitution. It will also reaffirm the federal commitment to eliminate abuse and neglect of mentally ill citkens in residential facilities.
The Minneapolis Legal Society has been designated Minnesota's Protection and Advocacy agency. This agency has been serving persons with mental illness for several years under a McKnight Foundation grant. Now federal funds v~ill also be available to meet the existing need. Consumers of mental health services and others
are being sought for the project advisory committee. To volunteer or for more information: Susan Lentz, Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis, 222 Grain Exchange Building, 323 Fourth Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415. Tel. (612) 332-1441; (800) 292-4150, toll free, or TTY: (612) 332-4668.
GOVERNOR'S ISSUE TEAM SUBMITS TECHNOLOGY REPORT
A call for action vvas made recently to ensure that technological devices and services are made available and are accessible to people with disabilites. Results of the Govemor's Issue Team are contained in a nev~ly released publication entitled, Disabilities and
e
1
Technology: Governor's Report on Technology for People with Disabilities. In October 1985, Govemor Rudy Perpich announced the creation of a 19-member Issue Team to investigate the potential of high technology to improve the quality of life for Minnesotans with disabilities. He said, "I am convinced that thousands of Minnesotans with disabilities could have their lives greatly improved by technologies which currently exist or by technologies which we have the capability of developing. It is our moral and economic reponsibility to all that we can to get it to them."
During the past months, the issue team explored methods to increase awareness for users, the public and professionals; to provide access to appropriate technology-based products and services, and to fund research and development that addressed the critical needs in the field. The Issue Team provided illustrations in the report of how technology has already made improvements in the lives of many Minnesotans with disabilities, but phinted out how much more has to be accomplished so that more people can benefit from these advancements.
Significant gaps between the possibilities and the realities were identified. Restrictions toward progress are: lack of funds; lack of adequate, available information; and the need for more research and development. The Issue Team stressed in the report that all three of these areas must be addressed if Minnesotans with disabilities are to fully avail themselves of and benefit from appropriate uses of technology. Given sufficient funding and staff support, the following recommendations for action were made:
1. An ongoing Advisory Board on Technology for People with Disabilities should be established.
2. A mechanism should be established to gather information on existing technology for persons with disabilities and to dispense it through a central collection site.
3.
A statewide media campaign should be developed to heighten public awareness of available technology-based products and services and their implications for persons with disabilities.
4. A sequential strategy should be developed to provide technology-related training to professionals in special education, rehabilitation, county case management, and other areas of caregiving, as well as families.
Public agencies, private insurance carriers, and Health Maintenance Organizations should be required to expand their definitions of medical necessity, revise their definitions of prevailing community standard, and provide extended disability insurance coverage.
6. Rule 47 (of the Department of Human Services) should be revised so that it encourages, rather than
prevents technological advances.
The Medical Professional Services Advisory Committee should be expanded to include a subcommittee of persons familiar with new technological devices and services to advise t
Department of Human Services on appropriate technology matters.
8. A matching grant program should be enacted by the Legislature to encourage the use of public and private sector funds to support new program alternatives that promote the use of technologies by people with disabilities.
9. The Governor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities should study Pennsylvania's Assistive Device Loan Program and evaluate the advisability of proposing a similar program in Minnesota.
10. Grants, tax credits, and other incentives should be established and/or modified to encourage the development, modification, and transfer of technologies to meet the needs of disabled persons and to assist consumers paying for needed devices and services.
11. Assistance should be provided to companies to identify and document needs and existing technologies in order to help them design products usable by and accessible to people with disabilities.
12. A Proposal should be developed for a Minnesota Center for Technology for People with Disabiliti
that would coordinate, support, and advance technology uses and applications for people with disabilities through implementation and training, infommation dissemination, technical services, research and development, and technology transfer.
Rachel Wobschall from the Governor's Office who chaired the Issue Team provided the challenge when she said, "The cost and the effort we expend now will be far outweighed by future savings in productivity, economic growth, and human dignity and well-being. In this case, all of us share the responsibility in contributing toward the accomplishment of the goals that the Issue Team has so capably recommended. Copies of the full report and/or executive summary may be obtained by contacting: Govemor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, State Planning Agency, 201 Capitol Square Bldg., 550 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. Tel. (612)296~018.
GIFT BROADENS LOAN PROGRAM
Greater Minnesota nonprofits with cash flow problems may find reduced-interest short term loan help through a $500,000 grant recently made by Northwest Area Foundabon to the Minnesota Nonprofits Assistance Fund (MNAF).
MNAF, administered and staffed by The Minneapo',
Foundation, has made short-term, low interest loans and offered technical assistance in fiscal and cash management to metropolitan area nonprofits since 1980. The Northwest Area Foundation grant allow greater \1innesota organizations to participate in the program.
Loan applicants must be nonprofit, charitable organizations located within the state and serving Minnesotans. MNAF is presently lending for short term, cash flow loans; capital loans; earned income venture loans, and cash reserve loans.
For information, contact Minnesota Nonprofit Assistance Fund, Colonial Office Park Bldg., 2700 University Av. W., Suite 70, St. Paul, MN 55114, Tel. (612) 647-0013.
CON FE RE NCESNvO RKS H OPS
September 18
"Case Manacement: Clienthood to Citizenship" conference will be held at the Sheraton Midway Hotel in St. Paul. Changing concepts of case management will be the focus and will include: (a) new theories and ideologies in service delivery; (b) idea sharing to enable case managers to be on the cutting edge of creative possibilities; (c) the development of the role of citkenship, rather than clienthood, for persons with developmental disabilities; and (d) the role that advocacy plays in case management. This conference is sponsored by the Govemor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Minnesota University ~ffiliated Program on Developmental Disabilities, and the
ontinuing Education in Social Work of the University of Minnesota. For further information, contact: Continuing Education in Social Work, Professional Development and Conference Services, 315 Pillsbury Street, SE, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Tel. (612) 625-3020.
September 23-25
The first "National Community Integration Forum" will be held at Inn on the Park, Madison, Wl. It is sponsored by New Concepts. A pre-forum seminar on "Creative Financing" for communityintegrated residential programs will be presented on September 22 by Bob Laux, a consultant specialist. For registration information on the forum and seminar: New Concepts; 7425 University Avenue; P.O. Box 376; Middleton, Wl 53562; (608) 831-1221.
September 25-26
"Positive Altematives for Behavior Management: A Workshop on non~aversive Techniques in Behavior Management Programs" will be held at the Radisson Hotel, 11 East Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55101. Featured workshop leader is Dr. Gary LaVigna, who co-authored Altematives to Punishment. For more
~ormation, call: (507) 373-6064.
October 16~17
The Minnesota Council for Exceptional Children, Division of Early Childhood, will hold its FALL CONFERENCE at the Holiday Inn, St. Cloud, Minnesota. For further information, contact: Jill Haak, MNICEC-DEC Conference Chairperson, 1408 Sixth Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN 56301.Tel. (612) 252-8427, days; (612) 255-9994, evenings.
October 21-25
The fourth annual Closing the Gap conference on "Microcomputer Technology for Special Education and Rehabilitation" will be held at the Radisson South Hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota. For more information, contact: Closing the Gap, P.O. Box 68, Henderson, MN 56044. Tel. (612) 248-3294.
PUBLICATIONS
Selected Publications on Integration.
.
The Community Integration Project at Syracuse University has several publications available resulting from the first year of research:
Programs Demonstrating Model Practices for Integrating People with Severe Disabilities into the Community.
The Nonrestrictive Environment; A Resource Manual on Community Integration for People with the Most Severe Disabilities.
Site Visit Report: State of Michigan.
Site Visit Report: Macolm-Oakland Regional Center, Michigan.
Site Visit Report: Working Organization for Retarded Children, Flushin& New York.
Site Visit Report: Region V Mental Retardation Services, Nebrash
Site Visit Report: Seven Counties Services, Louisville, Kentucky
For more information, contact: Community Integration Project, Center on Human Policy, 123 College Place, Syracuse, NY 13244-4130. Tel. (315)423-3851.
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LENDING LIBRARY SELECTIONS
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The State Developmental Disabilities (DD) Program Office has acquired several education, training and resource materials. The following materials may be borrowed from the State Office only, located at the address on the front sheet of the State SuPPIement section of this newsletter. Tel. (612)296~4018.
'he Quality of IEP Objectives Assodated with ~acement on Integrated Versus Segregated School 5,tes", The lournal of The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps, P. M. Hunt, L. Goetz, & J. Anderson, (1986, Spring). This article describes research conducted at San Francisco University. Individualized education programs (IEPs) written for students with severe disabilities who attended either integrated or segregated educational sites were evaluated on the basis of the degree to which they included seven components identified as indicators of best practices. These seven indicators fell into three categories: age-appropriateness, functionality, and potential for generalization to a variety of environments. Teacher training and expertise were held constant. A difference was found between the groups on the overall quality of IEP objectives, with higher scores on those IEPs written for students who were integrated into regular school campuses. Opportunities available in integrated programs that may enhance IEP quality were discussed. For additional information, contact: TASH, 7010 Roosevelt Way NE, Washington 98115.
An Educative Approach to Behavior Problems: A Practical Decision Model for Interventions with Severely Handicapped Learners, I. M. Evans & L. H. Meyer, Paul H. Brooks Publishing Co., 1985. This book is about educational decision making as it relates to
Metropolitan Council DD Program 300 Metro Square Building 7th and Robert Streets St. Paul, MN 55101
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please call (61V291-6364, or write to the DD Program, Metropolitan Councd 300 Metro Square Bldg., St. Paul, MN 55101
(TIME-DATED MATERIAL)
behavior problems in the classroom. It was writt~ primarily for teachers of school aged children with severe handicaps. The procedures and ideas presented in this book represent instructional based strategies using standard behavioral techniques. Contents includes: (a) the teacher as decision maker; (b) analyzing excess behavior; (c) an overview of the decision model; (d) a sample progam design; (d) integrating behavioral interventions; and (e) educational validity and evaluating interventions. The appendix contains a helpful flowchart task book, blank forms, and data sheets.
Living and Learning in the Least Restrictive Environment, R. H. Bruininks & K. C. Lakin, Paul H. Brooks Publishing Company, 1985. This book examines a range of topics relating to the origins, implications, and substance of important social changes in the past decade that have granted citkens with handicaps a fuller share of legal equality and social participation in society. Primary focus is on services for persons whose handicaps are so substantial that they are likely to require some degree of lifelong support. While recounting the many accomplishments of the past decade, this book also delineates the multitude of tasks left to be accomplished. The authors have intended to assist in making the state-of-the-practice equal to the state-of-the-art and, in the process, contribute to the future improvement of both.
Bulk Rate
U5. Po~t&6e PAtD
St. Paul, Minn.
Permit No. 7029
D
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INFORMATION EXCHANGE
Published monthly by the DeveTopmenta' L)/sabu/t/es Program of the Metropol/tan c--ounce
Metropolhan Council 300 Metro Square Building St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 Toni Lipperl: 2916364
Vol. 11 No. 10 October 1986
The following poems are from a series written to emphasize how the application of new principles, derived from the Normalization philosophy, can help an individual with developmental disabilities participate in community life rather thun merely be present in the community.
PRINCIPLE OF UUIMATE FUNCTIONING
He has severe cerebral palsy.
Ultimate function for Paul Was reaming how to make it to The top by carrying his own Weight rather thun being Taught how to adapt to a Lifestyle almost 100% dependent On others.
After a year and a half of lard practice, Paul can carry His body up and down fifteen Stairs, around the house, Make his bed, wash clothes and Dishes, clear the table and Empty wastebaskets.
Way to go Paul.
Congratulations to his parents Brothers and sisters for taking The time to show their love.
INTRODUCING FY87 DD ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS
October, 1986, launches the 1 5th year of the Metropolitan Council's Developmental Disabilities Program. The Advisory Committee (DDAC) advises the Metropolitan Council on matters pertaining to the needs of Metropolitan Area residents who are developmentally disabled. We'd like to introduce our current DD advisory committee. They represent both Council Districts and one of the following groups--consumer
PRINCIPLE OF ULTIMATE FUNCTIONING
She is legally blind, has Mental retardation, a short Memory span, cannot read, and Lived in an institution for Forty years.
Ultimate functioning for Mary Began late, but not too late, Memorizing cuds picturing tasks Of her first job in domestic Services.
Within two weeks Mary had the Tasks cards memorized, proving to Herself that something associated With success can be memorized.
She earned a well-deserved raise In just six months Ultimate functioning gave her a Chance to become someone.
Way to go, Mary.
(C), provider (P) and general public (GP).
Dorothy Skarnulis, Chair (C), District 7 Jeanne Anderson (C), District 10 Shannon McCarthyBicha (C), District 2 Gerald Biese (P), District 13 Martha Dvvyer (C), District 2 Gerald Glomb (P), District 3 Betty Goodman (P), District 14 Eileen Harris (P), District 11 Jim House (P), District 9
Activities, notices, services, products, etc. mentioned in this publication are for information purposes only and
do not imply endorsement by the Developmental Disabilities Programs of the Metropolitan Council and the State Planning Agency.
Kay Kessel (P), District 5 Marijo McBride (GP), District 15 Diane Salo-McNeamey (C), District 16 Ralph McQuarter (P), District 4 Alfred (Bud) Morin (C), District 9 Mary Powell (C), District 7 Kristi Sannes (C), District 6 Eileen Schmokel (C), District 14 Joan Schoepke (C), District 12 Nancy Seiler (C), District 3 Rebecca Smith (P), District 1 Edward Sootsman (P), District 4 Katherine Svanda (C), District 8 Claudia Swanson (P), District 2 Karen Thimm (C), District 6
FY87 DD PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
The Council's FY87 DD activities begin October 1, 1986 and end on September 30, 1987. Half of the program time wili be devoted to continuing efforts to promote the Council's DD Regional Plan. This year the focus will be on county and state public officials and their administrative agencies so that the policies and services they develop will be more consistent with the Metropolitan Council's DD guidelines for the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. In addition, activities are planned to afford direct liaison of the Council's Development Disabilities Advisory Committee (DDAC) with related organizations in the region, and to sponsor, support or publicize events that bring information and understanding about emer~ine needs and new services and resources.
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The other half of the program will undertake a project to improve the quality of county casemanagement services. This project will focus on a strategy to instruct all members of the interdisciplinary team on state-of-the-art ideas and practices in casemanagement. It will identify, develop, and provide informational materials (a manual, an audiotape, and a videotape) for counties to use with their teams. Ways to better plan, implement, and evaluate quality service plans will be demonstrated. The material will be tested in one urban and one rural county and then disseminated.
The project is funded with a federal grant from the Minnesota Governor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities and matching funds from the Metropolitan Council. In addition, the Metropolitan Council provides the total funding for all the other planning activities of its DD Program. The DDAC members mentioned in the article above, provide either oversight or direct participation in all these activities.
DD PROGRAM NEWS
DD Curriculum Library Addition
Project Share, a national clearinghouse for improving
management of human services, has developed a "Press Public Relations" Resource Kit. This kit, described in detail in the August issue of the State Supplement, has been added to the DD Curriculum Library and may b' borrowed for up to three weeks by Metro Are" residents. There is no fee for the lending library but materials must be picked up and resumed by the borrower. Call 291-6364 for further information.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Provide In-Home Instruction and Respite Care
Part-time positions open for families in Prior Lake, White Bear Lake, Shoreview and Como area. Must have own transportation. For application or more infommation, contact: Renee Moen, Twin Cities Society for Children and Adults with Autism, Inc., 253 E. Fourth St., St. Paul, MN 55101 (Tel. 228-9074).
Residential Outreach Coordinator
The Twin Cities Society for Children and Adults with Autism, Inc./Outcomes, Inc. seeks to hire an individual with knowledge of the human service system to develop residential options for individuals with autism through providers, counties and the Department of Human Services. Resumes are due by October 20. For a job description of this part-time position, call 2289074.
Director of Public Affairs
Association of Retarded Citizens of Hennepin County (ARC) seeks professional to serve as class advocate in govemmental affairs, employment and residential services. Recruit and train volunteers, parent education, service model development and fund raising. B.S. degree minimum. Knowledge of mental retardation service system and issues, political system. Salary $18,000-$22,000 plus benefits. Resume to: ARC Hennepin County, 2344 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404. No phone calls. Deadline October 6. Equal Opportunity Employer.
Legal Advocacy Positions
Legal Advocacy for Developmentally Disabled Persons in Minnesota seeks to fill two Developmental Disability Professional positions in a one-year program to be funded by a federal grant. The purpose of this program is to develop a Program Review form which could be used both by professionals and by volunteer advocates to assess the adequacy of Individual Habilitation Plans. As part of this program, the persons hired will review sixty IHPs in community-based settings, develop materials for use in training volunteers to perform these reviews, and train 30 volunteers.
A full-time position (which would pay $24,500 a year) available for approximately 11 months. The person
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persons-job sharing will definitely be considered) filling this position should have at a minimum a Bachelor's degree (a Master's degree is preferred) with substantial experience programming for persons with developmental disabilities including communication training, behavior management, or a closely related area. The person should have actual experience in development and implementation of Individual Habilitation Plans or Individualized Education Programs for persons with severe developmental disabilities.
A part-time (60%) position (with a salary based on full-ffme pay of $21,500 a year) is also available for approximately 11 months. A particular degree will not be required for this position, but the person must have undergraduate course work in one or more of the areas above together with actual experience in the development or implementation of Individual Habilitation Plans or Individualized Education Programs.
Applicants for both positions should have good writing skills and be able to articulate the underlying principles and the practices to be followed in the development and implementaffon of functional individual habilitation plans. Applicants should submit a letter and resume no later than October 20, 1986 to Luther A. Granquist, Managing Attomey; 222 Grain Exchange Building; 323 Fourth Avenue South; Minneapolis, MN 55415. The Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
EHA FUNDS AVAI"BLE
The Education of the Handicapped Act, Part D, provides federal support to increase the quantity and improve the quality of personnel available to educate children and youth who are handicapped. The Training Personnel for the Education of the Handicapped Program (CFDA 84.029) was designed by Congress and is administered by the U.S. Department of Education through the Division of Personnel Preparation within the Office of Special Education Programs. Through this disaetionary grant program, the federal govemment helps meet the demand for well trained personnel created by P.L. 94-142.
Projects train special educators, related services personnel, volunteers, and parents, thereby augmenting the opportunity for children and youth with handicaps to receive free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. One of the competitions open for fiscal year 1987 is briefly described below.
The Preparation of Special Educators competition includes the preservice training of personnel for careers in special education. These individuals may be classroom teachers, speech language pathologists, or adaptive physical education instructors. Due December 12, 1986.
a receive a copy of the Announcement Package for fDA 84.029 Training Personnel for the Education of
the Handicapped programs, write to Dr. Max Mueller, Director, Division of Personnel Preparation, Office of Special Education Programs, Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Room 3511, MES 2313, Washington, D.C. 20202, or call (202) 732-1070.
RESOURCES/SERVICES
Mobile Ventilator Unit
Leah Welch and Associates has designed and manufactured a unit which mounts a battery operated Dositive pressure ventilator with a battery operated humidification system for the ventilator on a wheelchair. To her knowledge, there is no other system like this in existence.
The battery and the generator which operates the humidifer are mounted on a trailer which attaches to the rear of the wheelchair. Although it is a bit cumbersome, it provides users with the freedom and independence of traveling outside with all the respiratory equipment needed. For more information about this equipment: Leah Welch; Room 422; 4240 Fourth Avenue S.; Minneapolis, MN 55409; (612) 822-5655.
Free Catalogue for Non-Profits
'1he Grantsmanship Center Whole Nonprofit Catalogue" is a quarterly publication providing information on sources and resources for nonprofit agencies. Articles cover a variety of topics on practical issues faced by many human service agencies. The current issue, for example, explains the service of the National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources (NAEIR). This is a non-profit organization that acts as a broker betwen education and charitable associations and industry to provide surplus goods donated by businesses to groups that need them. These goods have included computers, copiers, tool kits, desks, brooms and brushes, typewriters, etc. To get the free catalogue on a regulu basis, send your name, agency name, address, number of agency employees and size of your budget to: The Grantsmanship Center Whole Nonprofit Catalogue; 650 S. Spring St.; Suite 507; PO Box 6210; Los Angeles, CA 90014.
Accessible Housing Mortgages
The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency has mortgage money for first-time home-buyers who have a physically disabled family member needing an accessible home. Interest rates presently are slightly under 9%. For more infommation: MHFA, (612) 296-7613 or 1-800-6529747.
Electronic Monitor for Wandering Children
Parents who have experienced the trauma of a disabled child wandering away for any period of time will be
;
interested in an electronic device called "Child Guardian." It is a small transmitter which can be clipped to the child's clothing. It transmits a signal to a receiver (which parents can carry or keep in the house) when the child wanders out of reach. The cost is $99. If you are interested in purchasing the device or want to see how it works, Rebecca Susag, a parent who is using it would welcome hearing from you. Write or call: 25075 Orlando Avenue; Cannon Falls, MN 55009, (507) 263-2725.
New Supported Work Program for Hennepin County
Vocational Transition Services (VIS) is a new supported work program for persons in Hennepin County who are mentally disabled. VI S serves consumers who ue at least 18 years old and eligible for Hennepin County MR services. Training services include building self-esteem through successful community work experiences, lob Club activities, skill building in assertiveness, money handling/budgeting, functional academic needs, interpersonal relations, personal care, use of leisure-time and public transportation, and providing on-the-job safety, training to reduce vulnerability, and referral services. Employment services include job exploration, job bank work opportunities, small work enclaves, and individual customized employment. The program is designed to provide individualked functional work training and employment services. VES is offered by Adapated Living Programs, Inc., a member of Cooperating Community Programs. For more information: Vocational Transition Services; 2650 Nicollet Avenue; Minneapolis, MN 55408; (612) 870-0346.
Silent Network Program Now Available
Silent Network, America's only TV network for deaf and hearing-impaired viewers, is making more than 150 programs available in VHS or Beta format for home enjoyment.
All of the programs are produced in sign language, normal sound and most have open captions. They are available in hour-long versions (two half-hour episodes) at $19.95 in either VHS or seta. Complete sets of an entire series are also available.
SN has a free catalog which can be obtained by writing to Silent Network, Dept. C.; PO Box 1902; Beverly Hills, CA 90213.
Gillette Children's Hospital
Gillette is a regional health care center at 200 East University Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55101. It offers the following programs for children and young adults with disabilities:
* Free screening...A free orthopaedic screening clinic for children, up to age 21, who live in the Twin
*
Cities metro area is offered the second Friday aftemoon of each month at Gillette. Parents or school personnel who suspect a child may have difficulty moving his or her arms, legs or back err encouraged to make an appointment. Ca. 291-2848, ext. 147, for information.
Infanf care...A new Birth Defects Program at Gillette and St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Center brings together professional and technological resources for the care of children born with serious physical disabilities. Services include newbom and pediatric intensive care, syndrome identification, genetic assessment and counseling, developmental evaluation, and medical and surgical treatment. Call Jean Kunz, program coordinator, at (612) 221 -8879 for infommation.
Task Force...The Task Force On Children With Disabilities, a consortium of advocates from disability organizations, meets monthly at Gillette to discuss health care, education, social, and legal issues that affect disabled children and their families. Call Joe Manion at (612) 221.2905 for infommation.
ISIS...A new ISIS computer system performs three dimensional topographic scanning for scoliosis. ISIS scans a patient with light and produces a 3D image of the spine. The system allows the patient to remain in a natural, comfortable position. Designed at Oxford University, it is one of nine in the worl~ and only the fourth in the U.S.
Legal Advocacy for Developmentally Disabled Persons in Minnesota seeks persons to serve as members of an Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee meets quarterly and will consist of nine persons, at least five of whom will be persons with a developmental disability or a parent, guardian, or sibling of such a person who has taken an active role in representing the interests of that person. The committee will be representative of both the various types of persons who have developmental disabilities and the statewide scope of Legal Advocacy work. The Advisory Committee's primary function will be to help set the general direction of Legal Advocacy work. Because the project has limited resources, the Committee will advise the Legal Advocacy staff of the priority needs of persons with developmentally disabilities and assist in developing work plans and strategies to address those needs. Persons who are interested in serving on the Committee should send a letter describing their background E
stating their particular interest in being a memb~..
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Anyone may propose another person as a member of the Committee. Letters proposing persons with developmental disabilities are specifically requested. Legal Advocacy will defray necessary travel and related expenses for Committee members. Write to Luther Granquist; 222 Grain Exchange Building; 323 Fourth Avenue South; Minneapolis, MN 55415.
Nominees Sought for Minneapolis Advisory Committee
Minneapolis residents have until Friday, November 14 to submit applications for appointment to the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on People with Disabilities. Seven positions on the 14 member committee are vacant. The appointments will be made by the Mayor subject to City Council approval. Members serve two-year temms which begin lanuary 1, 1987 and expire December 31, 1988. The Committee advises the City Council and Mayor on appropriate actions on issues affecting persons with disabilities and resolving conflicts involving persons with disabilities. Applications are sought from persons who have knowledge or expertise in one of the following areas: accessible housing, transportation, employment, or programmatical and architectural accessibility. Application materials are available from the Office of Public Infommation; Room 323M City Hall; Minneapolis, MN 55415; (612) 348-2491; TlY/lTD Voice: (612) 348-2157. Persons can apply on their own behalf or nominate persons for consideration.
UNASH Governing Board Nominations Sought
The Minnesota Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (MNASH) is seeking nominees for election to its Board of Directors. Nominees must be current members of both the intemational and state organizations. Please send name, address and phone number, TASH membership number, a brief statement about the nominee's involvement with persons with severe handicaps and specific goals the nominee would have MNASH achieve. By October 15, 1986, send this infommation to MNASH Nominations Committee; Pioneer Station Box 1837; St. Paul, MN 55101. For further infommation: Linda Kjerland, (612) 455-2335.
Meeting Schedule for Adults With Spina Bifida
Social meetings for adults with Spina Bifida are now scheduled on a regular monthly basis. They will meet the third Saturday of every month at the Winkley Orthopedic Laboratories, 740 Douglas Drive, Golden Valley, MN. from 2-4 p.m. The group is planning to be active in the National Conference of the Spina Bifida Association which will take place in St. Paul in 1988. For more information: Spina Bifida Association of Minnesota; PO Box 29323; Brooklyn Center, MN 55429-0323; (612) 222-6395.
New Casemanagement Project at ARC Suburban
ARC Suburban has been awarded a one year grant from the Govemor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities to fund a Parent Case Manager project. The goals of the project will be to train and support parents as case managers, establish an individual service plan model across three counties and develop a parenVcounty coordinated voucher system. The intent of the project will be to empower parents and/or guardians to act as case managers, with the county social worker maintaining the supporting role to the individual or family. For more infommation: loyce Lang, (612) 431-3700. ARC Suburban serves Dakota, Scott and South Washington Counties.
PEOPLE FIRST Meetings
PEOPLE FIRST, a self-advocacy group for adults with mental retardation, announces the following meetings in the East Metro Area:
October 21: "Residents' Rights,N 7-9 p.m. at the Kellogg Club, ARC St. Paul, 65 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN
November 18: "Relationships: Friends, Dating, Marriage," 7-9 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church; 535 20th Ave. N.; South St. Paul, MN.
Members' dues are $.25 per meeting to cover costs of refreshments.
New Film Available
The Epilepsy Foundation of Southwest Florida, Inc. has produced a new film about epilepsy.
"Who Can It Be Now?" is a docu-drama which depicts three types of seizures, the proper treatment for seizures, and the care and understanding of people with epilepsy.
The film is appropriate for ages 8 to 80, says the foundation's executive director, Elaine Deme, and can be used for School Alert programs, in-service training, and fam~l~es.
To review or purchase a copy, contact the Epilepsy Foundation of Southwest Florida, Inc. 230 Rawls Ave., Sarasota, Fla. 33577, or.call 1-813-365-1076.
RAINBOW WiDMEN Publish Newsletter
A quarterly newsletter will be published by RAINBOW WOMEN, an organization of and for women with disabilities. The first publication reports that each issue will be devoted to a single topic of concern to its membership. Currently, the group is seeking a name for the newsletter. If you have a suggestion, wish to be put
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on the mailing andlor want a brochure giving more information, write or call: Rainbow Women, Inc.; 731 21st Avenue South, #70; Minneapolis, MN 55454; (612) 330-1793 or TDD 3301140.
CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS
The "Transportation for the Physically Disabled Conference" originally scheduled for October 17-18, 1986 has been postponed. No new date has been determined at this time.
October 17, 1986
"Least Restrictive Environments" (LRE) is a workshop for parents that will feature Dr. Ian Pumpian. He will be speaking on the integration of children and youth in the mainstream of community life including work and education. Another workshop on Functional Skills in the IEP needed to live and work after school days are over will be presented as an evening workshop on November 11. For more infommation on these and other PACER activities and registration directions, call PACER at (612) 827-2966 (voice or TDD) or 1-800-53PACER.
October 23-24, 1986
"Work Minnesota" is a statewide workshop on employment sponsored by the Department of Human Services, Department of Jobs and Training and several state employment organizations. The conference will be held at the Holiday Inn Central; 1313 Nicollet Avenue; Minneapolis, MN. For further information: Pam McCrea, (612) 296-2684 or Larry Eisenstadt (612) 2966073.
November 7~8, 1986
"Learning to Learn" is the theme for the annual state conference of the MN Association for Children and Adults with Leaming Disabilities (MACLD) to be held at the Thunderbird Motel, 2201 E. 78th St., Bloomington, MN. Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information contact MACLD, 1821 University Ave., St. Paul, MN, Tel. (406) 646-6136.
November 13, 1986
"This Maze Is For You" is the theme of the annual fall conference of the Minnesota Rehabilitation Counseling Association to be held at the Minneapolis Marquette Hotel. To register or for further information: Tom Reese; HELP Placement Services; 3101 West 69th Street, Suite 244; Minneapolis, MN 55435; (612) 920-6014.
November 14, 1986
"Discrimination Seminar" will update participants on current discrimination laws. This will be a two-way informational seminar designed for all employers, human service providers and parents of disabled children. Erik
Nikolai of mployee Development People and Elaine Hanson, Mir.nesota Department of Human Rights, will present the seminar. They are interested in participants voicing their concems about discrimination on the basis of handicaps. Cost is $10 per person. The seminar wi6. be held at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute Auditorium; 301 19th Avenue South; Minneapolis, MN from 9:00 to 12:00 p.m. For more information: Eric Nikolai, (612) 777-9180 or 3795367.
November 21, 1986
"The Family: Public IssuesJPrivate Dilemmas" is the title of a conference to be sponsored by the Minnesota Council on Family Relations in cooperation with Continuing Education in Social Work, University of Minnesota. The conference will be held at the Sheraton Northwest in Brooklyn Center.
The keynote session features TONY ONNEN, IR Chair Minnesota House Health and Human Services Committee, and PETER MCLAUGHLIN, Co-Chair, Minnesota House DFL Committee on Families, who will discuss nThe Changing Role of Government: Of What SigniNcance for Families?" Concurrent sessions will focus on special problems of children and families induding such topics as unemployment, child care, parenting children with handicaps, discrimination, poverty, family/schoollcommunity partnerships, etc.
Guest resource leaders will help service providers, policymakers, educators, and others concemed abou the impact of the changing role of the feder, govemment on families identify issues and develop proposals and action strategies for change. For more infommation, program details, and registration materials, contact Lori Graven, Continuing Education in Social Work, 107 Armory, 15 Church St., S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, phone (612) 625-9023.
PUBLICATIONS
"Buildinc Access Survey Form" is a revised edition of this publ~cation by the Minnesota State Council for the Handicapped. This publication is a must for the constn~ction industry, architects, city officials, building code inspectors, employers and advocates for a barrier-free environment since it incorporates the Minnesota state building code accessibility requirements in a simple, easy-to-use format. Forms are available to individuals and groups in single or multiple copies. The first t~vo copies are free and a donation to the Council of $1.00 thereafter is requested. To order, contact: Minnesota State Council for the Handicapped; 208 Metro Square Building; St. Paul, MN 55101; (612) 296-1744 or 1-800-652-9747.
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: INFORMATION EXCHANGE
STATE SUPPLEMENT
Devdopmental Disabilities Progr ~ 201 Capitol Square Building Minne60ta State Plann~ Agency
550 Cedar St. Roger Strand, Editor
St. PauL Minnesota 55101 612/296-4018
Member of National Association of De~relopmental Disabilities Councils October 1986
NEBRASKA REPORT EX - 11NES AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO EMPLOYMENT TRAINING
As part of a series of monographs recently published by the Center for Applied Urban Research, College of Public Affairs and Community Service, University of Nebraska at Omaha, a helpful table was presented in Beyond Severe Disability: Models and Strategies for
COMPONENT
Change. This table describes the major flaws found in the "continuum of services" approach used in the past and points out the advantages of an altemative approach (the provision of an array of services) for helping people with disabilities to live productive lives and to be contributing citizens.
TRADITIONAL
ALTERNATIVE
Basic concept A continuum, steps or levels An array, multiple options, with of achievement. supports designed for each individual and employer. Goal Arbitrary concept of A specific job goal for a particular employability. business or industry. Location of training Segregated workshops. Actual work settings. Type of work Simulated work samples or Actual tasks performed using joblabor intensive subcontracts specific skills. Assessment process Focus on labels. Assess the Focus on functional abilities client, identify deficits. and limitations. Focus on functional requirements of job. Assess the individual and the job using a funcffonal approach. Planning Plan to correct deficits. No Plan provides supports in job written plan for job placement, setting to compensate for no functional limitations. A specific employment goals. written plan of indiv~dually designed supports for both the employee and the employer.
Support Services
Only while in the workshop Ongoing, continuous, and as and during the first few months needed. of employment. Client moves Staff is phased in and out as from location to location support is deemed necessary. as objectives are achieved.
Other documents contained in the series, Beyond DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES DOCUMENTS
Severe Disability include: ~ Ñ EmNT OF MALTREATMENT OF YULNERABLE ADUUS
* National Approaches and Networking Guide; -tx * Nebraska Service Guide; * A total of 2,006 reports of alleged adult * The Challenge of Private Enterprise; and maltreatment were received by Minnesota's social * A Functional Bibliggraphy. service agencies in calendar year 1985, five hundred more than in 1984 (p. 20). It is anticipated that the number of reports of maltreated adults will continue to rise every year for the foreseeable future. It is also expected that the percentage of those reports which concern adults living alone or in family settings will increase
opies may be obtained by contacting: Center for * Applied Urban Research, College of Nebraska at Omaha, NE 68132.
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significantly as the public becomes more aware of the concept of self-neglect and family abuse of elderly or impaired adults (p. i).
One out of every three adults reported to have been maltreated in Minnesota in 1984 and 1985 were mentally retarded (p. 41).
In 1985, there were 649 persons with mental retardation alleged to have been maltreated, 357, or 62.9%, of whom were between the ages of 18 and 34. Types of maltreatment alleged were: physical abuse, 38.7%; sexual abuse, 28.6%; emotional abuse, 17.4%; and neglect, 33.3% (p.41).
Reports of maltreatment of adults with mental retardation that were substantiated included: physical abuse, 41.8%; sexual abuse, 39.8%; emotional abuse, 48.7%; and neglect 49.1%(p. 42).
Place of residence of persons with mental retardation alleged to have been maltreated in 1985 included: private home, 196 persons (30.256); nursing home, 32 persons (4.9%); regional treatment center, 131 persons (20.2%); other licensed residence, 287 persons (44.2%) (p. 43).
Regarding the alleged perpetrators, just over half of the reports of alleged maltreatment of persons with mental retardation in 1984 were about persons living in community-based facilities. For them, 44% of the alleged perpetrators were facility staff, and 33%were trusted persons (often a friend or relative). About 25% of the reported adults with mental retardation in 1984 were living in a State Regional Treatment Center, where 83% of the alleged perpetrators were facility staff.
About 21% were living in family settings. For most of them, one alleged perpetrator was a trusted person, usually a friend or a relative. These profiles did not change appreciably in 1985 (p. 43).
The above findings are contained in a report entitled, Malereatment of Vulnerable Adults in Minnesota: t984 and 1985. Copies of the complete report may be obtained from: Operations Division, Department of Human Services, Centennial Office Building, Fourth Floor, St. Paul, MN 55155. Tel. (612) 296-2471.
RHODE ISIAND AIMS TO BE FIRST TO CLOSE STATE INSTITUTIONS
Govemor Edward D. DiPrete of Rhode Island announced on July 30, 1986, a five-year plan to close their State's institution for persons with mental retardation. With the eventual closing of the Dr. Ioseph H. Ladd Center in Exeter, Rhode Island hopes to be the first state in the country to eliminate multipurpose institutional care for its citizens who are labeled as being mentally retarded.
The decision to close the Ladd Center was the result of a study conducted by the Rhode Island Department of Administration's Office of Strategic Planning. "It's the beginning of the end of institutional care,. said Robert L. Carl, Ir.' who heads the Division of Retardation in the state Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Hospitals. "Institutions are not appropriate places for people to live. It's a banner day for retarded
people,. Carl added. Carl stressed that the doors would not close until all residents have been properly provided for and all Ladd employees have been integrated o. relocated.
Govemor DiPrete has directed an implementation planning group to consider a number of initiatives:
* to create a mix of additional group homes for 175 of the residents still at Ladd;
* to create a staffing plan which integrates personnel into these new arrangements and makes altemative provisions for continued employment of all current Ladd Center staff; and
* to create a land-use plan for the property which establishes limits and types of permissable development, takes into account environmental issues,and reflects the concems of the Town of Exeter.
For more infommation, contact: Dr. Robert L. Carl, Jr., Division of Retardation, 600 New London Avenue, Cranston, Rl 02920. Tel. (401) 464-3234.
CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS
October 19~21
The National Early Childhood Conference on Children with Special Needs of the Council on Exception Children will be held in Louisville, Kentucky. Contac' CEC, Department of Professional Development, 192 Association Drive, Reston, VA 22091-1589. Tel. (703) 6203660.
October 22-24
PROJECT IMPACT: Critical Data, New Approaches, Initiating a Vision: An Interdisciplinary Conference for Professiona/s Dealing with Sexual Abuse of Children will be held at Breezy Point Conference Center. For additional information and for registration fomms, contact: Project Impact, Govemment Training Service, 202 Minnesota Building, 46 East Fourth Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. Tel. (612) 223-5305, or (800) 247-1448, toll free.
October 23-25
The Association for Retarded Citizens--United States will hold its Annual Convention in Omaha, Nebraska. Contact: ARC, P.O. Box 6109, Arlington, TX 76011.
November 6~8
The 1986 Annual Conference of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH) will be held in San Francisco at the Cathedral Hill Hotel. The theme of the conference is "Creating Options and Making Choices." For further information, call or write: Hiroko Roe, Conference Coordinator, TASH, 7010 Roosevelt Way, Northeast, Seattle, WA 98115. Tel. (206) 523-84'
November 7-8, 1986
Recharging the Family Battery: A Look at Ways to
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Replenish, Refi~el and Rejuvenate Families with a Difference.- Earl Brown Center, St. Paul, MN. Sponsored by Continuing Education in Social Work of the University of Minnesota, the Govemor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Minnesota Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps. Contact: Neil nit; Continuing Education Department; 107 Armory; 15 Church St., SE; Minneapolis, MN 55455; (612) 625-3020.
STATEWIDE INTERPRETER SERVICE CONTRACT RENEWED
The Deaf Services Division, Department of Human Services, has renewed a contract with the Minnesota Foundation for Better Hearin~ and Speech to provide statewide interpreter referral services. This service provides access to qualified interpreters for persons with hearing impairments. A toll-free telephone number will be available to users. Plans to utilize a computerized system are expected to be completed by June 1987. For more information, contact the Foundation at (612) 222-6866.
NETWORK FOR EMPLOYMENT INNOVATION AVAILABLE
The Specialked Training Program, College of Education, University of Oregon, in Eugene, was recently awarded ~ two-year contract to establish The Network for employment Innovation (NEI). NEI will provide technical assistance to Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) demonstration projects in supported work. Close cooperation with each state will be emphasized to assure that all processes and procedures developed are targeted at customized state outcomes. Technical assistance and consultation to non-RSA projects will be possible on a time available basis. The project will compile and circulate a variety of materials. For more information, contact: David Mank, PH.D., Project Director, The NEI, College of Education, 135 Education suilding' University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403. Tel. (503) 686~5311.
PUBLICATIONS
On My Own: The Impact of Semi-lndependent Living Programs for Adults with Mental Retardation, A.S. Halpern, D.W. Close, & D.J. Nelson, Paul H. Brooks Publishing Company. This book contains insights about semi-independent living programs as told by the adults who have experienced success as well as the pitfalls of such programs. The administrators and direct service staff also speak candidly about their experiences. Available at the cost of $15.95 from: Paul H. Brooks Publishing Company, P. O. Box 10624, Baltimore, MD ~?1285. Tel. (301) 377-0883.
Handicapped Funding Directory: 1986-87 Edition. This directory lists over 700 foundations, corporations, and associations that grant funds to institutions for programs and services for persons with disabilities. Federal sources
of support are highlighted. Also provided are guidelines on how to obtain a grant, addresses of state agencies and their directors, and a bibliography of grant funding publications. Submit a check in the amount of $25.50, which includes shipping and handling, to: The Grantsmanship Center, P.O. Box 6210, Los Angeles, CA 90014.
Making a Difference: What Communities Can Do to Prevent Mental Handicap and Promote Lives of Quality. National Institute on Mental Retardation, Canada, 1986. This five-volume series describes not only how mental handicaps can be prevented but also how to promote lives of quality for individuals with mental handicaps. Volume 1: Planning for Change lays the groundwork for a change in attitudes and approaches to preventing mental handicaps. Volume Il: The Well.Being of Babies and Young Children describes how to provide a nurturing environment for children. Volume lil: Helping Children Live, Learn and Grow in Their Communities tells how all children, no matter how handicapped, can live and leam in their communities. Volume IV: Respected and Responsible Citizens outlines the rights and responsibilities of adults with a mental handicap and how they can ream, work, and participate in the community. Volume V: Lights, Camera, Action analyzes the discussions in the previous volumes and looks ahead to the ways that individuals, families, agencies, communities, and govemments need to work together systematically to bring about change. Available at $20.00, plus $2.00 shipping and handling, from: G. Allen Roeher Institute Publications, Kinsmen Bldg., York University, 4700 Keele Street, Downsview, Ontario M3J 1P3. Tel. (416) 661-9611.
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association Publication List. This is an order fomm that includes a handbook for parents, overview articles about Prader-Willi Syndrome, a book for siblings, conference papers, a national directory of services, newsletter, and brochures. It a Iso includes infommation about purchase or rental of a slide presentation and a video tape. For a publication order form and information about membership contact: Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, 5515 Mailbu Drive, Edina, MN 55436. Tel. (612) 933 0113.
Mealtimes for Persons with Severe Handicaps, R. Perske, B.M. McLean, and Ill. Stein. Rereleased by Paul H. Brooks Publishing Company. By popular demand, this book has been reprinted. Describing creative uses of mealtimes, this book can help to tum the mundane tiresome, or even distasteful event into one of the most vital and fruitful times in a day for person with a handicap. Although Mealtimes is not designed as a how.to handbook, it does explore the fresh attitudes and innovative approaches people have developed for the eating habits of persons with severe disabilities. A new annotated bibliography has been included, and lists a wealth of resources. For more infommation, contact: Paul H. Brooks Publishing Company, P.O. Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285. Tel. (800) 638-3775.
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LENDING LIBRARY SELECTIONS
~he State Developmental Disabilities (DD) Program Office has acquired several education, training and resource -naterials. The following materials may be borrowed from the State Office only, located at the address on 'e front sheet of the State Supplement section of this newsletter. Tel. (612)296~4018.
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Annie's Coming Out, Rosemary Crossley and Anne McDonald, Penguin Books, 1984. This is a true story about Anne McDonald, co-author, who was severely disabled at birth with cerebral palsy. Anne lived in an institution during most of her childhood where she met Rosemary Crossley, teacher and advocate. It was Rosemary who discovered Anne's intelligence and personality, cloaked by her substantial handicaps. Anne's battle for independence and freedom is revealed in an unfolding, suspense-filled drama . . . all the way to the Australian Supreme Court. (This is a book that you can't put down!)
Metropolitan Council DD Program 300 Metro Square Building 7th and Robert Streets St. Paul, MN 55101
If you no longer wish to recerve this news/ester, please call (61V297-6364, or write to the DD Program, Metropo/itan Councd 300 Metro Square Bldg., St. Paul, MN 55101
(TIME-DATED MATERIAL)
Proactive Vocational Habilitation, E. H. Rudrud, J. P. Ziamik, G. S . Bemstein, & J. M. Ferrara, Paul H. Brooks, 1984.The contents of this book are based both on the work of recent pioneers in vocational habilitation and on the authors' experiences in consultation with various communitybased habilitation programs. The intended audience for this text consists of persons responsible for designing and/or providing vocational habilitation services to adults with handicapping conditions. The authors are convinced that competitive employment is a realistic goal for most persons currently receiving vocational habilitation and day training services, and that nearly all other service recipients can expect at a minimum to obtain well-paid supported work.
Bulk Rate
U~. Po - ge PAID
St. Paul, Minn.
Permit No. 7029
INFORMATION EXCHANGE
Published monthly by the Developmental CJisabilities Program of fhe Metropo/itan Council Metropolitan Council 300 Metro Square Building St. Paul, Minnesota 55101 Toni Lippert: 291C364
Vol. 11 No. 11 November 1986
The following poems are from a serf" wrdten to emphasize how the application of new principl , derived from the Normalization
philosophy, can help an individual wNh developmental disabilities participate in ~ ~~~
the communNy.
PRINCIPLE OF UUIMATE FUNCTIONING
He has a serious form of Spina Bffida.
At birth, his spinal cord Resembled the flat shape of a Rubber band, whereas his Parents' resembled the circubr Width of one's finger.
himate functioning for Shane las learning how to use a Caster cart, rmembling a Mechanic's creeper or raft, Equipped with a backrmt, two Wheels at the end, a front Wheel, and ample space Surrounding his legs.
It is Shane's way to get Around the house, play Outside whh friends, and Haul his toys. With his Arms positioned over each Side, and hands placed On the floor, Shane is able to pwh wherever His caster cart can go.
At fffteen months, the dart And dash stage of development For most non~handicapped toddlers, Shane was able to dart with his Cart and dash with a lash securing His body.
At four years old, when most kids Are Saturday morning cartoon fans, Shane was able to turn channels
With a clothespin his parents Attached to the dial, a Challenge overcome through Creativity.
Several special education administrators Opposed Shane's enrollment in a Neighborhood school, claiming he would Do bener academically in a special Learning environment.
His parents wanted their son to Learn socialization behaviors through One on~one contact whh non~handicapped Students, rather than be taught how To do so through special education Teachers and books.
Shane's above average academic Performance just slightly droppped at The nei~hborhood school, whereas his Ability to socialize have scored sky High.
A promi$ing mixture of personal snills And behaviors to function in present And future environments which include Mo~tly non~handicapped people. Third grade teachers predict Shane will either serve as our nation's President or become a sales executive For a major firm
Figuratively speaking, he has his feet Well positioned on the ground, running In the right direction.
Way to Bí Shane.
Congratulations to his parents.
community life rather than merely be present in
PRINCIPLE OF ULTIMATE FUNCTIONING
She has mental retardation, and Is nine years old.
Ultimde functioning for Kristina Is learning how to count Using real life experiences Rather than be taught How to count blocks.
Ultimate functioning for Kristina Also is learning how to write her Name by practicing how to draw Lines between dots mapped out For the letters K,r,i,s,t,i,n,a Rather than be taught the More dfflicult way of drawing Leners.
She's proud to be able to Count and measure food and Water for her dog and cat.
She was thrilled to give her dad ~ valentine dgned "Love, Kristina.
Way to go, Kristina
Congratulations to her parents and Teacher.
Ñ Shannon McCarthy Bicha
Activities, notices, services, products, etc. mentioned in this publication are for information purposes only and do not imply endorsement by the Developmental Disabilities Programs of the Metropolitan Council and the State Planning Agency.
RESOURCES/SERVICES
A New Video-based Instructional Program
A training course is available to staff who work with people with autism. This course involves two separate training sessions, led by a trained facilitator, using documentary video, skilldevelopment exercises and discussions directed at individual situations. Course content covers the characteristics of autism and problems of persons with autism in speech and communication. These materials were developed by the Twin Cities Society for Children and Adults with Autism, Inc., through a grant from the Minnesota Govemor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities. For a brochure with more information, call TCSAC, (612) 2289074.
New TDD Directory Available
Northwestern Bell, in cooperation with HITAC, the Hearing Impaired Telecommunications Advocacy Committee, has recently published a "Directory of TDD Numbers for Minnesota Businesses and Organizations." Categories listed in the directory include: business numbers, emergency numbers, govemment offices, hospitals/health care, religious organizations, schools, and services. For further information, contact: Northwestem Bell Consumer Affairs, Room 158, 200 South Fifth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402; 1-800-223-3131 local and long distance.
For Parents of Children with Birth Defects
Gillette Children's Hospital offers a new support group for parents who have had a baby with a major problem or have--gone through a difficult pregnancy and are considering having another child. It meets at 7 p.m. every first and third Tuesday of the month at the hospital in St. Paul. Parents who may be anxious or afraid about having another child will share experiences and feelings, deal with emotional needs, and receive information for future decision making. Gillette Children's Hospital is a regional health center for children and young adults with disabilities. To register or for further information, contact Beth-Ann Bloom, M.S., genetic counselor, Gillette Children's Hospital, 200 East University AYenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55101, (612) 291 -2848.
The Minnesota Nonprofits Assistance Fund (MNAF)
MNAF, a program of the Minneapolis Foundation, was established in 1980 to increase the financial stability of non-profit organizations. The Fund is a loan pool of contributions from corporations and foundations used to provide reduced-rate loans and/or technical assistance in the fiscal and cash management areas to non-profit groups. To find out more about eligibility and terms for loans or about what technical assistance is available, you
may request a brochure from: MNAF; Suite 70, Colonial Office Park Building; 2700 University Avenue West; St. Paul, MN 55114; (612) 647-0013.
Specialized Phone Services
Northwestem Bell's SPECIAL NEEDS CENTER provides a variety of telecommunications products and services for customers with certain types of motion, vision, speech and hearing disabilities:
* FOR CUSTOMERS WITH MENTAL LIMITATIONS or with MOTION OR SIGHT IMPAIRMENTS, a discount is offered on the speed calling 8 feature, where available, (preprogrammed numbers can be called by dialing a single digit).
* Also, for SPEECH AND HEARING-IMPAIRED CUSTOMERS WHO USE TDD'S (Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf), discounts are available on direct dialed long distance calls within Bell Zones.
Through Northwestern Bell's Equipment Funding Plan, CERTIFIED DISABLED CUSTOMERS can borrow from $50 to $1600, without interest charges, to purchase special equipment to communicate by phone. The SPECIAL NEEDS CENTER is staffed with people who have the knowledge and ability to meet the special needs of people with disabilities. If you or someone you know could benefit from these special services, call 1-800-223-3131 (TDDNoice) or visit the Center at Roorn 158, 200 South 5th Street, Minneapolis. Hours ar'
a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A wheelcha~r accessible entrance with power doors is located on the 5th Street side of the building.
Scholarships for Rural Special Educators
Two rural scholarships will be awarded to outstanding individuals who are committed to careers as rural special educators. These national awards of $500 each will be granted during the 198788 academic year by the American Council on Rural Special Education (ACRES). Recipients of scholarships will be announced at the National Rural Special Education Conference in March, 1987. For additional information, contact ACRES Rural Student Scholarship; National Rural Development Institute; Westem Washington University; Miller Hall 359; Bellingham, WA 98225; (206) 676-3576.
Community Education Program
"Project Power" is a program for people 18 years and older who have special needs (physical, hearing, developmental or other disabilities). It is sponsored by a consortium of six school districts: Anoka-Hennepin (No. 11), Columbia Heights (No. 13), Frldley (No. 14), St. Francis (No. 15), Forest Lake (No. 831) and Elk River (No. 728). The program provides classes in a variety
basic skills and opportunities for recreation and SOL outings. For more infommation: Project POWER;
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Community Education Department; 11299 Hanson Boulevard NW; Coon Rapids, MN 55433; (612) 755-6835, T1YITDD or (612) 755-8220, ext. 245 voice.
renancial Assistance for Adaptive Equipment
A grant to the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) from the Minnesota Division of Rehabilitation Services will provide financial assistance to the increasing number of persons who need adaptive equipment but do not have the money to buy it. MCIL's Used Equipment Referral Service (UERS) is currently working on eligibility criteria and developing application forms to be available in December. The service will also coordinate vvith other organizations to share equipment costs in order to assist as many persons as possibJe. For more information: John Walsh; 1821 University Avenue, Suite N350; St. Paul, MN 55104; (612) 646-8342 or m (612) 646-6048.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Christmas Comes to Courage Center
The entire family can enjoy the fun and fantasy of "Christmas Comes to Courage Center" November 21-23 at Courage Center, 3915 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley. The free holiday festival vvill feature: a family brunch, music and dance by several metro area performing artists, a variety of handmade toys and gifts from Courage Center Homecrafters artisans, craft monstrations, an art show featuring selected Courage t:ards artists, free refreshment, and Santa Claus for the kids. Hours for the events ue 6-9 p.m., Friday, November 21; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, November 22; and noon-5 p.m., Sunday, November 23.
. . . . . . . . ... . . . .. ..
For information and brunch tickets contact Ellenmae Foslien at (612) 588-0811, ext. 256, Courage Center.
1986 Holiday Cards
Ñ The Multiple Sclerosis Holiday Cards and Al1 Occasion Cards are now available. For an illustrated brochure, write or call the Multiple Sclerosis Society; Minnesota North Star Chapter; 2344 Nicollet Avenue; Minneapolis, MN 55404; (612) 870-1500.
Ñ The Association for Retarded Citizens Holiday Cards,1987 calendars and butterfly bows are also available. For an order form or more information, vvrite or call the ARC Suburban; 14451 County Road 11; Bumsville, MN 55337; (612) 431-3700 or call your local chapter listed in the telephone directory under ARC.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
ITPA Education Coordination Grants
The Governor's Job Training Council has recommended that the education coordination funds be used to serve special needs groups through cooperative agreements between service delivery areas (DSAs) and education agencies. A request for pre-proposals (RFP) is being issued to invite interested parties to submit a pre-proposal. Specifically, this solicitation seeks service delivery areas, education agencies and special needs/community groups interested in joint efforts to provide better and more comprehensive services. The intent of this RFP is to focus on the needs of one specific special needs group, unless rationale is provided for including additional groups. Funds will be available statewide to operate projects from July, 1987 until June 30, 1988. Fund requests should not exceed $70,000.
To obtain a copy of the Education Coordination Pre-proposal application form or to obtain further infommation given at earlier Bidder's Conferences, please contact Steve Frantz, State Board of Vocational Technical Education (612/296-8493) or Jim Korkki, State Job Training Office (612/296-6061). Pre-proposal must be received by Arthur Vadnais, State Board of Vocational Technical Education, Suite 400 Gallery Professional Building, 17 W. Exchange Street, St. Paul, Minnesota 55102, by 4:30 p.m., Monday, January 5, 1987.
Free Workshop Registration for Parents
Registration fees will be paid for ten parents or family members of persons with severe handicaps to attend any of the workshops, "Get Out from Under" presented in - six locations throughout the state.- (See State Supplement in this issue for more information on these workshops.) These scholarships are offered by the Minnesota Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps. For more infommation or to analv. call Dorothy Skarnulis, (612)
433-27681hm.
For Parents with an Infant with Disabilities
626-1564hvk, (612)
A brief brochure entitled, "What Every Parent of an Infant with Disabilities Should Know about the Baby Doe Laws," is available from the ARC Minnesota. The brochure information was compiled by the Technical Advisory Committee to the Minnesota "Baby Doe" Implementation Project, Minnesota Hospital Education and Research Trust Fund, (Grant #5388-01) for the Minnesota Department of Human Services. For a free copy vvrite or call: The Association for Retarded Citizens Minnesota; 3225 Lyndale Ave. S.; Minneapolis, MN 55408; (612) 8275641 or toll free 1-800~582-5256.
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The Right Start
The program highlight of the annual membership meeting of the Minnesota Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (MNASH) will be a slide tape show riepicting an early intervention program that starts out the way it wants individuals to end - in integrated settings. Linda Kjerland, director of Project Dakota Outreach, will discuss ways infants and toddlers with handicaps can receive needed services tailored to them and their families and using the most natural and least restrictive settings in the community. The MNASH meeting is scheduled for Friday, December 12, 1986, 3-5 pm, at the Jewish Community Center, 1375 St. Paul Avenue, St. Paul. For information about the project: Linda Kjerland; Dakota, Inc.; 680 O'Neill Drive, Eagan, MN 55121; (612) 455-2335.
Consumer/Disability Information
New Metro Transit Newsletter
The Minnesota Public Transit Association (MPTA) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Office of Transit) will jointly publish "In Transit," a bi-monthly newsletter. This will be circulated to about 500 readers statewide. The purpose of the newsletter is to keep legislators, local policy makers, operators, providers and riders infommed about MPTA and MnDOT activities and issues that could provide future direction for transit in Minnesota.
Each issue will focus on a major theme and regular features will include news about MPTA, MnDOT and the Regional Transit Board (RTB); a calender of events, and a system profile featuring one of the transit systems. "In Transit" will welcome suggestions or comments on publication content as well as editorials. Address to "In Transit," 129 E. First Avenue; Shakopee, MN 55379.
A New Conference Center for Non-Profits
Wilder Forest offers non-profit organizations a new, natural setting for conferences, retreats and special programs about one hour's drive from St. Paul in Marine on St. Croix. A rate schedule, detailed maps and accomodation infommation may be obtained from:
Wilder Forest; 14189 Ostiund Trail North; Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047; (612) 4335198. Wilder Forest is owned and operated by the Amherst H. Wild~r Foundation in St. Paul.
Parents of Students in Transition Series
A series of meetings for parents of students in secondary special education is being presented by the ARC Suburban. The series includes the following dates and topics for 1987: January 15: "Personal Futures Planning" presented by lane Wells; March 19: "Vocation Opportunities" presented by a number of service providers; April 23: "Leisure Opportunities-Camps Plus" presented by Mary Ellen Everson and May 21: "Residential Services" presented by Marijo McBride and other service providers. The meetings vvill be held at Dakota County AVTI; 1300 E. 145th Street; Rosemount, MN 55068. ARC members free; $10 per program for nonmembers. For more information: Lory Perryman;
Ñ 'tcompuhbility'' has a catalogue featuring Apple 14451 County Road 11; Burnsville, MN 55337; (612) IBM - Compatible computer devices and software for 431-3700. use by persons with a variety of disabling conditions. The catalogue would be useful for teaching and training organizations. The cost is listed as $2.50 but an initial or sample copy may be free. Send request to: Computability, 101 Route 46 East; Pine Brook, N.J. 07058; (201) 8820171. Ñ "Special Education and Rehabilitation" is the 1986 catalogue of software and hardware published by Laureate Leaming Systems, Inc.; 110 East Spring Street; Wenooski, VE 05404; (802) 655-4755.
Name Change for Organization
Metro Deaf Senior Citizens, Inc. has officially changed its name to Metro Hearing Impaired Seniors, Inc. since its services are open to senior citizens with all types of hearing impairment.
Metro Hearing Impaired Seniors, Inc. continues tn provide services in the areas of peer counseling, s
language instruction, interpreting, volunteerism, information referral, workshops, and social and cultural activities, all adapted to the needs of senior citizens who have a hearing loss. For further infommation write or call the..organization at 1298 N. Pascal Ave.; St. Paul, MN 55108; (612) 647-9565; TDD: 647-0328.
Weekend Session for Siblings of Children with Handicaps
Brothers and sisters of children with mental retardation or developmental delay have a weekend retreat reserved just for them December 12-14 at Eden Wood Camping & Retreat Center in Eden Prairie. This session is sponsored by Association for Retarded Citizens. It will involve participants 10-14 years old in both indoor and outdoor recreation, and peer discussions dealing with the issues of disability and the role of siblings. Fee for the weekend from 6 p.m. Friday to noon Sunday is $20, and includes all meals, lodging and programs. Eden Wood Camping & Retreat Center is committed to bringing people together through shared camping and retreat experiences, and is accredited by the American Camping Association. Year-round programs are offered for special-needs groups and the general public. For further information, please call Tom Gode; (612) 874-6650.
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Picture Menus for Restaurants
Picture menus for McDonald's, Burger King, Rax and za Hut have been developed at Emerson School and ~ocated at selected restaurants in Minneapolis for persons whose speech is unintelligible or who are unable to read. Please consider asking for the picture menu if you visit these restaurants with family members. By using them on a regular basis, demonstration can be made that there is a need for visual-aid menus, and support is shown for cooperation of the establishment. For a list of restaurants that feature this menu, or for more information about how they work, please call the Community Health Education Network (CHEN) at (612) 827-5641.
REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE
MSCH Seeks Seven Members
The Minnesota State Council for the Handicapped is seeking seven members. Applications are being sought from the follovving Minnesota Regions: 1 in Region I (Northwest); 2 in Region lil (Northeast); 1 in Region V (North Central); 1 in Region IX (Southwest); and 2 in Region Xl (7County, Twin Cities Metro Area).
The govemor appoints the 21-member Council for the Handicapped from the general public and from organizations which provide services for disabled persons. The majority of the Council members must be sabled persons or parents or guardians of disabled persons with at least one member of the Council appointed from each of the state's eleven development regions.
Applicants should have knowledge -- of disability, consumer groups, community programs and/or advocacy groups. Council members are reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses as required by Minnesota law and, if eligible, with an additional per diem for activities approved by the Council.
Interested parties should obtain forms for application from the Office of the Secretary of State, 180 State Office Building, St. Paul, 55155; (612) 296-2805. Application deadline is November 25, 1986.
Foster Care Providers Needed
Scott County is seeking families who can offer their time, skills and homes to disabled adults or elderly persons who need household services. Please call Linda at Scott County Foster Care, (612) 445-7751, ext. 460.
Members Wanted
The Department of Human Services Advisory Task Force n Mental Retardation and Related Conditions will have ~penings beginning in December, 1986. The purpose of
the Task Force is to advise the Commissioner in matters relating to persons with mental retardation or related conditions and their families. Membership will be selected from providers and consumers of services for persons with mental retardation or related conditions and interested citizens. Membership terms are for two years. Interested parties are encouraged to apply before November 26, 1986. To apply, contact the Secretary of State's Office, Open Appointments Section, 180 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155. Telephone: (612) 2962805. For further information contact Karen Peed, Department of Human Services, at (612) 297-4980.
Volunteers Sought
Volunteer positions are currently available at Value Village Thrift Store in Richfield, an activity of the Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC) of Hennepin County. Assistance is needed sorting and arranging merchandise, and in receiving donations from the community. Books, clothing, women's accessories, children's merchandise and fumishings are some examples of areas needing assistance. Both individuals and civic groups are welcome to participate. Hours are available weekdays, evenings and weekends. Value Village has been in operation for four years bringing community groups, individuals and businesses together in support of programs for people with mental retardation. Donations of new and used merchandise in good condition are always welcome. Please call Erin Geiser, (612) 866-3633 to obtain more information.
Parent Support Groups
The National Information Center for Handicapped Children and Youth is compiling a list of parent suport groups. Any organization interested in being added is encouraged to send the following infommation: name of group, address, telephone, contact person(s), and who the organization serves. Send to Doreen Lewinski; 1555 llson Blvd., Suite 508; Rosslyn, VA 22209; (703) 522-3332.
Technology Update
HEATH monitors the rapid expansion of technologies which can assist persons with disabilities to manage their lives and participate in recreation, education, and work. Publishers, manufacturers, and users are urged to send information to Jay Brill, Resource Manager; HEATH Resource Center; One DuPont Circle, Suite 670; Washington, DC 20036.
CO N FE RE N CE S/WO RKSH OPS
PACER is sponsoring a workshop on "Functional Skills" on November 11, 1986; 7-9:30 p.m. at the Richfield Community Center; 7000 Nicollet Avenue South; Richfield, MN. Dr. Eve Gadberry will help parents of students who are disabled understand what is meant by
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"functional" skills and how to ensure that this type of skill development is included in their child's plan. Advance registration is required. Please call PACER at (612) 827-2966 (voice and TDD) or toll free 1-800-53 PACER.
CALL FOR PAPERS!
Presentations are being solicited for a conference entitled "Severe & Multiple Handicaps: Altemative Futures Conference," May 6-8, 1987, at the Fantasyland Hotelt\Nest Edmonton Mall, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The conference will be sponsored by Severe Handicaps Alliance for Public Education (SHAPE), a consortium of organizations and individuals working for improved life options. Proposals must be received by December 15, 1986. For a copy of the proposal application and for registration information, contact: Dick Sobsey; Altemative Futures Conference; 6-102 Ed North; University of Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada TOG 2G5.
PUBLICATIONS
Educational Integration Resource Available
"A Minnesoh Resource Guide to Public School Integration for Students with Severe Handicaps" has been compiled as a joint venture of the Minnesota Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (MNASH) and the University of Minnesota Consortium Institute for the Education of Severely Handicapped Learners. The guide lists publications, local centers and persons available to help develop, implement, and monitor integrated educational options from the system to the class levels. The guide is available for $3 which is the cost for copying and mading' To -obtain single- or multiple copies send name, retum address and a check to the Consortium Institute; 14 Pattee Hall; 150 Pillsbury Dr. S.E.; Minneapolis, MN 55455; (612) 624-6300 or send check to MNASH; Box 1837 Pioneer Station; St. Paul, MN 55101.
"Guidelines for Reporting and Writing about People with Disabilities" West Virginia University, is a brochure which advises on the currently preferred language and portrayal issues to reflect a positive attitude in the media. Its contents resulted from the input of over 50 national disability organizations and reviews by media and disability experts. Copies may be purchased for $0.15 each, or inquire about bulk orders from: University Affiliated Center; 508 Allen Hall; West Virginia University; P.O. Box 6122; Morgantown, WV 26506-6122. Tel. (913) 842-7694.
FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS
Rehabilitation Act Reauthorized/Amended
House and Senate negotiators reached agreement on legislation (HR 4021) to reauthorize programs established by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (PL 93-112). Several new provisions (including supported employment for persons with severe handicaps) were added.
As approved by House-Senate negotiators, HR 4021 would:
Ñ Authorize $1.28 billion in fiscal 1987 for basic grants to states for vocational rehabilitation programs, allowing increases geared to the rate of inflation in 1988-91.
Ñ Authorize $200 million in fiscal 1987 for an array of smaller related programs, such as joint training projects with industry, allowing 5 percent increases annually in 1988-91. Of the total, $25 million was earmarked in fiscal 1987 for new supported employment Rrants.
Ñ Gradually increase, beginning in fiscal 1989, the current requirement that states put up at least 20 percent of rehabilitation program costs to qualify for federal funds. By fiscal 1993, the bill would increase the matching requirement to 25 percent, but only on sums states receive in excess of their fiscal 1988 allotments.
Ñ Require states to spend no less on rehabilitation programs than the average of the amounts they spent in the three previous years.
Ñ Authorize states to use funds from the~r be-;r rehabilitation Rrants for supported employm
proRrams.
Ñ Authorize demonstration projects and a new proRram of Rrants _ help states provide training and on-the-job services of limited duration for severely handicapped individuals capab e . _ supported employment.
Ñ Require states _ include _ their rehabilitation plans, which are required en order to receive federal rehabilitation `<rants, assurances that theY have acceptable proposals _r using funds made available under the new supported-employment program.
Ñ Require the involvement of an impartial hearing officer in the process for resolving disputes over the provision of rehabilitation services, although that officer's decision will be subject to final review by a state rehabilitation director.
Ñ Authorize demonstration projects to provide incentives for the development and manufacture of devices to assist individuals with handicaps so rare that firms are not otherwise likely to market such devices.
Ñ Authorize grants _ help severelY handicapped youths make the transition from school _ work.
Ñ Specify that states are not immune from lawsuits if they violate anti-bias laws, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which bars discrimination against the disabled by recipients of federal funds.
INFORMATION EXCHANGE
STATE SUPPLEMENT
_evelopmental Disabilities Program 201 Capitol Square Bu~lding Minnesota State Planmag Agency
550 Cedar St. Roger Strand, Editor
St. Paul, M~nnesota 55101 612/296-4018
Member of National Association of De~relopmental Disabilities CouncUs -
November 1986
U.S. SENATE SUBCOMM'' I tE HEARING DOCUMENTS NEED FOR MEDICAID REFORM
On September 19, 1986, witnesses appeared before the Subcommittee on Health of the Senate Finance Committee calling for swift, decisive Congressional action to assure appropriate services to persons with developmental disabilities under the Title XIX, Medicaid program of the Social Security Act. The following statements provide only a brief summary of the issues presented before Senator David Durenberger (R-MN), Chaimman of the Subcommittee, Senator John Chafee (R-RI), Senator George J. Mitchell (D-ME), and John Heinz (R-PA). (For more complete coverage of these issues, readers are encouraged to request copies of texts which are listed at the end of this article.)
Senator Durenberger opened the hearing asking the witnesses to focus on the question of how federal
-ograms can assure that people with developmental ~'sabilities receive appropriate services in a manner that ensures their safety, development, and well being. Senator Chafee added that the Medicaid program is in basic need of refomn which will provide for a range of services based on the unique needs of persons with developmental disabilities.
Senator Lowell Weicker (R-CT), the first witness to testify, called for a totally different approach to the current institutionally biased program, an approach which would not ignore or neglect families who have kept their children with disabilities at home, rather than place them in institutions. Our goal should be to mainstream all developmentally disabled people, he remarked. He added that there was no disagreement that the way to go is the community. Senator Durenberger agreed and added that we have to tum the Social Security Act on its head and look at it in temms of 1986.
Glen Hackbarth, Deputy Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) of the Department of Health and Human Services, provided some background and current infommation. He pointed out that when the Intermediate Care Facilities for Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR) program was launched in 1974, most rJarticipating facilities were large public institutions.
~day, however, only 25 percent of all certified ICF/MR .acilities are public facilities, while private hcilities comprise 75 percent of the program and serve some
46,000 persons. He also noted that 35 states operate approved Medicaid home and community based waiver programs for persons with developmental disabilities.
It was later in the hearing that David Braddock of the University of Illinois at Chicago, said that he was distraught by the degree to which HCFA was unaware of statistics related to the Medicaid program as it impacts on recipients with developmental disabilities. As of June 30, 1986, he indicated there were 100,412 people with developmental disabilities residing in stateoperated institutions. In the past three years, he added, the proportion of Medicaid funding devoted to large state institutions has plateaued at 75 percent; if non-state operated ICF/MR facilities with more than 50 beds were taken into account, the percentage devoted to large facilities rises to 87 percent. Braddock pleaded for national leadership to move the states in the direction of community services. The problem with the ICF/MR program is its medicalization . . . and may have to be extricated from Medicaid, he stated.
James Conroy of the Developmental Disabilities Center at Temple University discussed the findings of the Pennhurst Longitudinal Study in Pennsylavania. The study concluded that former Pennhurst residents were much better off, in all of the dimensions measured, after they
--were placed in-~ntegrated community settings.- While 70 percent of the families were initially opposed to their relatives moving to the community, after the move, over 90 percent were pleased with the results.
Peter Benner, Executive Director of Council 6 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), recommended that alternatives to institutional care be obligated to meet quality standards and employ workers with skills and experience. He also stressed that all concemed parties must be involved in determining the path toward the future.
David Mank, Assistant Professor of Special Education and Rehabilitation at the University of Oregon, indicated that although supported employment is the most appropriate day service, the Medicaid program is rife with disincentives for the development of such services.
Edward Skamulis, Director of the Minnesota Division of Mental Retardation Services, noted that Minnesota has one-eighth of all the ICF/MR facilities in the nation. His primary recommendations centered on allowing states more flexibility to achieve their programmatic goals. He criticized the Medicaid disincentives to offering clients employment-related day services.
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Colleen Wieck, representing the Minnesota Governor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities and the National Association of Developmental Disabilities Councils, made four points. First, billions of dollars are being spent on ICF/MR services nationally, but the outcomes may be retarding environments and inactive treatment. The damaging effects of institutionalization on persons with developmental disabilities are well-documented. The positive impact of communty care in contrast has also been well-documented. Second, Medicaid is a powerful incentive for out-of-home placements, while family support programs have the lowest priority for funding. The Home and Community Based Waiver Program is an excellent beginning but needs to be expanded.
Third, Wieck continued, restructuring Medicaid means dealing with the tough issues, inevitable choices, and political heat. Tough issues include: what to do with vacant buildings and public employees; how to mitigate the economic impact on local communities; how to involve citizens in a public process; and how to address the costs of funding t~vo systems--institutional and community. Finally, she said that restructuring Medicaid means catchinR the new waves and funding what is needed and what is possible. Among the new waves she cited were supported employment and offering people with developmental disabilities the option of choosing their living environments.
Senator Chafee concluded that those present should bear in mind that we are not just talking about institutions versus community living but about human beings; we must remember this as we wrestle with the issues before us.
A complete summary of this hearing is available by requesting,. Senate Subcommittee Holds Hearings ton Medicaid Financing of Services for DD Persons Intelligence Report, Bulletin No. 86-75 from: National Association of State Mental Retardation Program Directors, Inc.; 113 Oronoco Street; Alexandria, VA 22314. Tel. (703) 683-4202.
A copy of Colleen Wieck~s testimony is available from: Governor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities; 201 Capitol Square Building; 550 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. Tel. (612) 296-4018, or (612) 296-9g62.
TRAINING AND CONSULTATION SERVICES AVAILABLE ON EARLY INTERVENTION
Project Dakota Outreach of Dakota, Inc. is offering training and assistance to parents and professionals who are creating, expanding, or implementing early intetvention services to children birth to four with sperial needs. Information about this Tailor Made Early Intervention project is being disseminated in a variety of ways:
Three to four hour orientation sessions and specially designed workshops;
Six-hour leadership seminars Two- to three-day intemships; Site visits and consultations; and Printed materials.
Emphasis is placed upon services that are: supportive of families, in least restrictive settings, and tailored to fit each child, family, and community. Expenses are subsidized by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Handicapped Children's Early Education Program. For a discriptive brochure and for more information, contact: Linda Kjerland, Project Dakota Outreach; 680 O'Neill Drive, Eagan, MN 55121. Tel. (612) 455-2335.
ADVISORY TASK FORCE MEMBERS WANTED
The Department of Human Services Advisory Task Force on Mental Retardation and Related Conditions will have openings beginning in December 1986. The purpose of the Task Force is to advise the Commissioner in matters relating to persons with mental retardation or related conditions and their families.
Membership will be selected from providers and consumers of services for persons with mental retardation or related conditions and interested citizens. Membership terms are for two years. Interested parties are encouraged to apply before November 26, 1986.
To apply contact the Secretary of State's Office; Open Appointments Section; 180 State Office Building;
Paul, MN 55155. Tel. (612) 296-2805. For furs. information contact Karen Peed, Department of Human Services, at (612) 297-4980.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNllY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Seeking experienced professional to be responsible for planning, programmatic development, and operational management of large, well-established developmental achievement center. Requires Bachelor's Degree in relevant field (Master's preferred); five or more years professional experience working with people with mental retardation, including three years supervisory experience in social service agency; and a capacity and desire to be an effective manager and leader. Starting salary to mid-$30,000 with excellent benefits. Send letter of application and resume (including references) by November 15, 1986, to: Stephen Rubenfeld, Search Coordinator; United Developmental Achievement Center; 2420 East Fifth Street; Duluth, MN 55812.
PUBLICATIONS
The Possibility Handbook: Adoptive Parent's Guide to Community Resources, Adoption Unit, Minneso+
Department of Human Services, August 1986. The int~
of this handbook is to assist parents who have adopteo children with special needs, as well as potential adoptive
8
parents. It provides general infommation about how to gain access to and use an array of community resources which can reinforce and help to maintain permanent
~mes for chidren. Besides listing services relating to Jucation, health, rehabilitation, and social services, this handbook also answers common questions, such as: Who are the children who are waiting for adoption? What kind of parents are child placing agencies looking for? What are the laws relating to minority heritage? and How can families afford to adopt a child with special needs? In addition, other resources are identified: adaptive clothing and equipment resources, independent living and recreation proRrams, and a biblioRraphy for further reading. Copies of the Possibility Handbook may be requested from: Minnesota Department of Human Services; Adoption Unit; Centennial Office Building; 658 Cedar Street; St. Paul, MN 55155. Tel. (612) 296-0584.
Metropolitan Center for Independent Livin~ Report: Living Independently in Minnesota 1986. This report summarizes several statewide studies conducted by the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living under contract with the Division of Rehabilitation Services of the Minnesota Department of Jobs and Training. Issues evaluated related to housing, transportation, attendant care, and nursing home residents under age 60. This report also summarizes other needs that were documented through a series of meetings held throughout the State of Minnesota. A concluding chapter considers altemative approaches that Minnesota could take relating to the administration of independent
ving programs. Other state programs are described and commendations are made which address the issues covered in this report. Copies of the report and Executive Summary may be obtained from: Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, Inc.; 1821 University Avenue, Suite N350; St. Paul, MN 55104. Tel. (612) 646-83d7.
CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS
November 7~8
"Recharging the Family Battery: A Look at Ways to Replenish, Refuel and Rejuvenate Families with a Difference" is a conference for family members and personnel who serve persons with disabilities. It will be held at the Sheraton Northwest in Brooklyn Park. For more information, contact: Continuing Education In Social Work; University of Minnesota; 107 Armory Building; 15 Church Street, Southeast; Minneapolis, MN 554s5-0139. Tel. (612) 625-3020.
November 19-20
"Community-Based Employment: How to Do It and Succeed," is a technical assistance program of the Minnesota Association of Rehabilitation Facilities IMARF). This workshop will provide practical hands-on training
~d experience to assist personnel who deliver supported employment services to persons with severe disabilities. The workshop will be held at the Holiday
Inn; 2540 Cleveland Avenue, North; Roseville. Fee: $55.00, which includes lunches, refreshments, and materials. For more information, call MARF at (612) 646-0900.
"Get Out From Under: A Workshop on Secrets to Developing Polditical Power" is a series of regional workshops being scheduled by the Govemor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Minnesota State Council for the Handicapped. These workshops are intended for anyone who hopes to make an impact on sodal change and to gain a better understanding of how the service system works. Al1 workshops are scheduled from 9:00 am. to 4:00 p.m. There will be an opportunity to meet with elected officials at a special reception from 12:45 to 1:30 p.m. Dates and places of the workshops are as follows:
November 18
St. Cloud , 600--25th Avenue, South, Suite 109. Local Co-Host: PEOPLE TOO!
November 20
Marshall, Southwest State University Learning Center, Building 217, Intersection of 59 & 23. Local Co-Hosts: Rural Enterprise for Acceptable Living (REAL) and Southwest State University.
December 1
Duluth, Duluth Public Library, Green Room, 520 West Superior Street. Local Co-Host: Handicapped Access Center.
December 8
Rochester, United Way Services Building, 903 West Center. Local Co-Host: Rochester Center for Independent Living (RCIL).
December 11
Crookston, University of Minnesota, Crookston, Dowell Hall, First Floor, U.S. Hwy. 2 and Hwy. 75. Local CoHost: Occupational Development Center, Inc.
December 15
Twin Cities, Abbott-Northwestem Hospital, Auditorium, 800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis. Local Co-Host: Developmental Disabilities Program of the Metropolitan Council.
For information about fees and registration, contact: the Minnesota State Council for the Handicapped; 208 Metro Square Building; St. Paul, MN 55101. Tel. (612) 296-6785, or 1800-652-9747, toll-free (voice & TDD).
g
LENDING LIBRARY SELECTIONS
The State Developmental Disabilities (DD) Program Office has acquired several education, training and resourc materials. The following materials may be borrowed from the State Office only, located at the address on the front sheet of the State Supplement section of this newsletter. Tel. (612)296-4018.
Integration of Students with Severe Handicaps into Regular Schools, S. Stainback & W. Stainback, Council for Exceptional Children, 1985. This book was written to outline ways of promoting integration between students with severe handicaps and their peers within current school organizational structures. It is the authors' personal belief that the special/regular education - ~!chotomy that now exists will one day be dissolved nd that natural, normalized integration of all students r~id teachers will be much easier to accomplish than it ~ at the present time. This book can serve as a guide for promoting as much integration as possible of all students within regular neighborhood public schools. (This book is also available for purchase at the cost of $15.00, payable to the Minnesota Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps, Attention: Dorothy Skamulis, P.O. Box 1 837--Pioneer Station, St. Paul, MN 55101.)
Metropolitan Council DD Program 300 Metro Square Building 7th and Robert Streets St. Paul, MN 55101
If you no longer wish to receive this news/ester, please call (612)297-6364, or write to the DD Program, Metropolitan Council 300 Metro Square Bldg., St Paul, MN 55107
D lME.DATED MATERIAL)
Integrating Persons with Disabilities into Community Leisure Services: Project for Integrated Recreation in the Community and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. S. J. Schleien, & M. T. Ray (Eds.), University of Minnesota, 1986. The authors of this manual maintain that there is little justification for limiting the recreational activities for persons with disabilities to segregated and potentially restrictive environments. There are currently many adaptations, prosthetic devices, and environmental modifications available that allow people with handicaps to fully participate in community leisure activities. The manual provides a field tested guide for planning, implementing, and evaluating integrated leisure programs. Specific case studies illustrate practical application of theoretical concepts and principles, and sample forms serve as guides for achieving accessible leisure services.
Bulk Rate
U.S. Postage PAID St. Paul, Minn.
Permit No. 7029
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INFORMATION EXCHANGE
. .. .
Metropolitan Council 300 Mdro Square Building St. Paul, Minnesot. SS101 Toni lippert: 2916364
Published monthly by the Developmental Disabilifies Program of the Metropoli⌡an Counci/
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL DD PROGRAM NEWS
The Developmental Disabilities Program and its Advisory Committee of the Metropolitan Council v~ll co-host a workshop on Monday, December 15, 1986, at Abbott-Northwestem Hospital Auditorium, 800 E. 28th Street in Minneapolis. The workshop is entitled "Getting Out from Under" and is sponsored by the Govemor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Minnesota State Council for the Handicapped. Registration is limited to 100 participants. For infommation: Minnesota State Council for the Handicapped, 208 Metro Square Building, St. Paul, Minnesota 55101; (612) 296-6785 or toll free
Ñ800-652-9747 (Voice/TDD).
OSERS CLARIFIES EDUCATION INTEGRATION
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services' recent newsletter clarifies what school integration really means. This is a reprint of an article from the Summer 1986 "OSERS Nev~s in Print" (Vol. 1, No. 2), U.S. Department of Education:
Integration DOES mean:
1.
2.
Educating all disabled children in regular schools 1
regardless of the degree of severity of their disabling condition(s).
Providing special services within the regular schools.
3. Supporting regular teachers and administrators.
4. Having students with disabilities follow the same schedules as nondisabled students.
5. Involving disabled students in as many academic classes and extra-curricular activities as possible, including music, art, gym, field trips, assemblies,
Vol. 11 No. 12 December 19ll6
and graduation exercises.
Arranging for disabled students to use the school cafeteria, library, playground, and other facilities at the same time as nondisabled students.
7. Encouraging helper and buddy relationships between nondisabled and disabled students.
8. Arranging for disabled students to receive their education in regular community environments when appropriate.
9. Teaching all children to understand and accept human differences.
10.
. Placing disabled children in the same schools they would attend if they did not have disabilities.
-1. Taking parent's concems seriously.
12. Providing an appropriate, individualized education program.
Integration DOES NOT mean:
"Dumping" students v~ith disabilities into regular programs without preparation or supports.
2. Locating special education c!asses in separate wings at a regular school.
3.
Grouping students with a wide range of disabilities and needs in the same program.
4. Ignoring children's individual needs.
5.
Exposing children to unnecessary hazards or risks.
6. Placing unreasonable demands on teachers and
Activities, notices, services, products, etc. mentioned in this publication are for information purposes only and I do not imply endorsement by the Developmental Disabilities Programs of the Metropolitan Coundl and the | State Planning Agency. I
1
administrators.
7. Ignoring parents' concerns.
8. Isolating students with disabilities in regular schools.
9. Placing older students with disabilities at schools for younger children, i.e., inappropriate placement.
10. Maintaining separate schedules for students in special education and regular education.
REHABILITATION FUNDING PROVIDES INCENTIVES FOR NEW DIRECTIONS
Minnesota's Division of Rehabilitative Services' new performance based funding rules, effective July, 1987, encourage sheltered workshops to place employees in community jobs. In addition to providing incentives for serving persons with more severe disabilities and for serving persons in community settings, the rules are designed to provide opportunities for new providers to enter the program. The rules also encourage the development of new and expanded programs for unserved and underserved consumer populations.
In the past, sheltered workshops were funded on a percent of net program costs. Under the new rules, rehabilitation facilities will be evaluated for performance in several categories:
Ñ the disability-adjusted, average hourly eamings paid to sheltered employees,
Ñ the fundamental personnel benefits provided to long- term employment program participants,
Ñ the rate of placement in competitive employment,
the rate of retention in competitive employment,
Ñ the rate of work and service in community based employment,
Ñ the opportunities for sheltered employees to contribute to decisions affecting their employment,
Ñ the responsiveness to grievances of long-temm employment program participants,
Ñ the increases in individual sheltered employee productivity,
Ñ the implementation of innovative ways to increase placement and retention in competitive employment of sheltered employees, or work and service in community based employment of sheltered employees, or innovative ways that increase sheltered employee wages,
Ñ program efficiency,
Ñ the disability levels of the sheltered employees served, as measured by the average of their disability index conversion scores, and
Ñ economic conditions,
Fifty-one percent of the dollars appropriated to each of the four subprograms in the long-term sheltered employment (long term employment, work activity, work component and communitybased employment) will be allocated based on the performance criteria. The remaining fortynine percent of the dollars appropriated to each subprogram will be allocated based on the number of full time equivalents served.
Administrative Law Judge Howard J. Kalbel, Jr. of Minnesota, who reviewed the proposed rules, praised the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS fommerly DVR) for convening an advisory committee representative of the various groups concerned about workshop programs. "In many ways, this was an example of the rule-making process at its best, and the Department of Jobs and Training has done an excellent job of reconciling the competing interests with legislative intent," said Kalbel.
RESOURCES/SERVICES
Prader Willi Syndrome Information
You may request an order form that includes a handbook for parents, overview articles abo'
Prader-Willi Syndrome, a book for siblings, conference papers, a national directory of services, newsletter, and brochures. It also includes information about purchase or rental of a slide presentation and a video tape. For a publication order form and information about membership, contact: Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, 5515 Malibu Drive, Edina, MN 55436. Tel. (612) 933-0113.
Recreation Course ~ Winter Quarter
"Recreation and Mental Retardation" (Recreation 5230) will be given during winter quarter, January 5 - March 13, 1987, by Dr. Stuart J. Schleien at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. The course will meet Tuesdays (4:15-6:30 p.m.) in Cooke Hall, Room 206. It will cover topics related to integrated leisure/recreation services for persons with severe handicaps in home, school and community settings. An emphasis on data-based behavioral methodologies will be covered. For registration or course information: Dr. Stuart I. Schleien; Division of Recreation, Park and Leisure Studies; University of Minnesota; 1900 University Avenue, S.E.; Minneapolis, MN 55455; (612) 625-4073.
Minnesota's Region Five DD Directory
For our readers in Region Five (Cass, Crow Win'
2
1t
Morrison, Todd and Wadena Counties), a new DD Resource Directory is now available from: Virginia MacArthur; Region 5 DD Program; 611 lowa Avenue;
aples, MN 56479; (218) 894- 3233. A salute to the ~egion 5 DD Advisory Council and all who staffed it in the past 14 years. Their steadfast determination to seek high quality services for persons with developmental disabilities, their families and care-givers is evidenced by their willingness to continue even as the federal support of the program has ended.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Executive Director
Experienced person to manage advocacy agency: planning, program development and fiscal management. Require top human relations leadership and communication shils and experience with volunteers. Bachelor's degree and 5 + years of professional experience in human services. Knowledge of mental retardation issues and services helpful. Salary low to mid $30's. Excellent benefits. Send resume by lanuary 19 to Association for Retarded Citizens Minnesota; 3225 Lyndale Ave. So.; Minneapolis, MN 55408.
Vocational Rehabilitation Substitute
Work Activity Center for adults who are multihandicapped needs part-time trainer. Minimum ~equirement: high school diploma plus expeAence with
ersons who are developmentally disabled. For more information: Marci Moore-Foster; 6300 Walker St.; St. Louis Park, MN 55416; (612)922-2500.
Part~time Recreation Assistants
The ARC St. Paul has several job openings for recreational/leisure-time assistants. These are part-time positions involving 5-20 hours per week. This would involve evening or weekend schedules. The recreational/social programs serve adults who are mentally retarded in a wide range of ages and abilities. These positions involve woric at a downtown St. Paul location and at several community locations. For more information: Celeste denDaes; ARC St. Paul; 65 E. Kellogg Blvd.; St. Paul, MN 55101; (612) 224-3301.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Courage Center's Therapeutic Preschool has a position open for an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher to serve as a member of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team. The teacher will work with children between the ages of 18 months and 4 years who have physical disabilities. Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The successful candidate wili have a bachelor's degree in early childhood special ?ducation. Recent graduates will be considered. For .onfidential consideration, please call: Debbie Wallack;
Human Resources Assistant; Courage Center; 3915 Golden Valley Road; Golden Valley, MN 55422; (612) 588-0811, extension 250.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
1g86 Christmas Calls of Cheer
The third annual Christmas Calls of Cheer project will again be sponsored by Twin Cities Handicapped Organized Women (HOW), on Wednesday, December 24, Christmas Eve, and Thursday, December 25, Christmas Day. Phone calls are placed by HOW members on an individual request basis to brighten the Christmas Holidays with special outreach to senior citizens, anyone spending Christmas alone, and persons who are hospitalized. Request a Christmas Call of Cheer for someone you know. Early requests bring good results. Contact Twin Cities HOW at (612) 222-6783 or (612) 771-5216. The service is free of charge.
Minnesota Ski Council
The Minnesota Ski Council is offering downhill skiing instruction to persons with hearing impairments at Hyland Hills in Bloomington (near 494 and Highway 100). Instructors are volunteers who have completed an intensive instructors' training and who will provide oneto~one lessons. For more information on the cost of lessons, ski equipment and schedules: Joyce Madison; 8354 W. 100th Street; Bloomington, MN 55438; (612) 941 -0966. Register early!
24th Annual Art Show
Sister Kenny Institute and the Abbott-Northwestem/Sister Kenny Auxiliary invite artists who are disabled to submit entries for their 1987 Art Show. All artwork must be original and available for sale. For eligibility criteria, application forms and further information: Mary R. Bensman; Sister Kenny Institute; 800 E. 28th Street; Minneapolis, MN 55407; (612) 8744400. Deadline for submitting entries is February 15, 1987.
International Exchange
Every summer thousands of young adults across America enroll in international educational programs and exchanges. Young adults with disabilities can and do participate in these intemational educational programs.
There are two.general types of intemational educational programs: educational exchanges and intemational workcarnps. Educational exchange programs enable young adults to live, study, or volunteer in another country while living with a host family or with other participants in a university dormitory. Intemational workcarnps bring disabled and able bodied people of many nationalities together to work on community projects in host countries. Projects range from
3
1
physicallmanual work to social work to workistudy combinations where the work performed complements the topic of study. Participants live together communally in houses, residences, or campgrounds. Disabled individuals have participated successfully in both kinds of international programs.
The primary source of information about these programs is Mobility International USA (MIUSA), a clearinghouse dedicated to promoting intemational education experiences for persons of all disabilities and ages. Contact MIUSA for information about their publications and newsletter at P.O. Box 3551; Eugene, OR 97403; (503) 343-1284 (Voice and TDD).
REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE
Ñ Camp Friendship needs two new or used snowmobiles. The camp also collects Campbell soup labels, so please mail them in. For more information: Camp Friendship; Route 3, Box 162; Annandale, MN 55302; (612) 274-8376.
Ñ Graduate research student is seeking help from hearing parents of children who are hearing impaired to determine what signing abilities they have and also to find what instructional methods are used in Minnesota to teach sign lanugage to parents of children up to age 12 who have hearing impairments. Parents are asked to write to: Ann Marie Schaffhausen; 612 N. 10th Street; Montevideo, MN 56265; (612) 269-6471. All information will remain confidential.
Ñ During the next year, HEATH will be developing material on strategies for enlisting faculty in accommodating their teaching to the needs of students with disabilities. Please send:
- reports from faculty on experiences in providing access,
- descriptions of faculty awareness programs - copies of articles about faculty initiatives,
- ideas for helping faculty to provide accommodations,
- information on organizational techniques for faculty involvement programs,
- reports from students about strategies they use to enlist faculty cooperation, or
- comments from students about classroom adaptations which were especially helpful,
Mail to: Dr. Martha Ross Ozer; HEATH Resource Center; One Dupont Circle N.W.; Washington, DC 20036.
Ñ ARC Minnesota needs volunteers Thursday, lanuary 8 and Thursday, January 15 from 6:00 p.m. to midnight for inventory at Dayton's Rosedale. The store uses volunteers during inventory and donates $3.75 per hour per volunteer to ARC Minnesota. Volunteers receive a 20% discount for one week after volunteering on all sale or regularly priced merchandise. Contact Joyce at ARC Minnesota, (612)827-5641, if you or your friends wish to donate six hours to ARC Minnesota.
CONFERENCE/WORKSHOPS
December 15-16, 1986
"Supported Employment: Department of Labor Standards, Payment Options and Employer Incentives." This training program will focus on community-site job information. While the program is designed for service providers engaged in supported employment, related service personnel such as vocational counselors, social workers, etc. will find this an informative event. The program is sponsored by the Minnesota Supported Employment Project's Technical Assistance Program and the Minnesota Association of Rehabilition Facilities. For registration information: MARF; 1821 University Ave.; Suite 376 South; St. Paul, MN 55104; (612) 6460900 or MN WATS: 1-800-643-5724.
January 8~9, 1987
The Minnesota Association of Rehabilitation Facilities will hold its 1987 Annual Training Conference at the Radisson Minnetonka Hotel. The theme is "Perspectives". Keynote speaker is Hank Bersani, Director of Research and Training Center on Human Policy, Syracuse University in New York. Dr. Bersani heads the "Community Integration Project" which provides technical assistance to selected states assisted by a federal grant. Sessions will focus on community integration, innovative service delivery strategies, quality control, dei nstitutionalizati on , case man ag e m ent, tre nd~ and challenges in community rehabilitation, Chapter 62
(new performance-based funding rules) and other related topics. For registration information: MARF; S-376 Griggs Midway Building; 1821 University Ave.; St. Paul,
MN 55104; (612) 646-0900 or MN WATS: 1 -800-643-5724.
PUBLICATIONS
"Severely Handicapped Youth Education: Issues and Concerns"
Exiting Public
Published by the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE). This report of a survey of state directors underlines a number of concems regarding the availability of adult {ervices and employment opportunities in our communities for individuals with severe disabilities who are leaving our nation's schools. This will remain a problem for the next several years. The solution to the need for continuation services can only be found in a coordinated approach by providers, advocates, parents and community leaders across the country. Limited copies of the report are available from NASDSE; 2021 K Street N.W.; Washington, DC 20061; (202) 296-1800.
"Rural Rehabilitation Technologies Database", published by the Medical Center Rehabilitation Hospital Engineering Experiment Station at the University c
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North Dakota, in Grant Fori~s. This catalog is designed to identify and help meet the needs of persons in rural ~reas, but is clearly valuable to persons with disabilities any geographical area. It contains information and ~nstructions for "do-it-yourself" technologies for such items as bed showers or sandwich holders to a handpropelled tricycle or water faucet control levels. It also lists helpful technological devices that are available from commerical companies, gives a comprehensive resource guide, and several concept papers on rehabilitation engineering. Free copies of the Data base (#86-02-02) are available (while they last) from ICRRT Headquarters; Attn: Publications Secretary; Box 8103 -University Station; Grand Forks, ND 58202.
"Toward Independence: An Assessment of Federal Laws and Programs Affecting Persons with Disabilities - With Legislative Recommendations (1986)." The National Council on the Handicapped's report to the President and the Congress. Includes an examination of ten major topic areas: equal opportunity laws, employment, disincentives to work under Sociai Security laws, prevention of disability, transportation, housing, community-based services for independent living, education of children with disabilities, personai assistance, and coordination of programs. Contact: Superintendent of Documents; GPO; Washington, DC 20402. Stock Number 052-003-01022-4. $3.75.
"From School to Working Life: Resources and Senrices (1985)," published by the National Library ervice for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. It r,rovides current, practical information to facilitate the transition of disabled students to higher education or directly to work. The information is arranged according to the concept of three basic transitional models presented by the Office of Spedai Education and Rehabilitative Services: (1) transition without special services, (2) transition with time-limited services, and (3) transition with ongoing services. A fourth section contains information relating to all three models. Individual/ multiple copies are available at no charge from the Reference Section, National Library Service for the Blind and Physicaily Handicapped; Library of Congress; 1291 Taylor Street N.W.; Washington, DC 20542; (202) 287-9287.
FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS
1986 Election Impact
Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) chose to bypass the chairship of the prestigious U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee to lead the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Resources. This is a key committee for health and human services legislation. It is expected that during this 100th session of Congress, Senator Kennedy will encourage stronE initiatives to reorganize Medicaid and to improve other sociailhuman service programs that will benefit persons ith developmental disabilities.
Tax Reform Act: Impact on Persons with Disabilities
Charitable contributions: Now - deductible for itemizers and nonitemizers. New law deductible for itemizers only.
Medical expenses: Now- expenses over 5 percent of adjusted gross income is deductible. New law - expenses over 7.5 percent of adjusted gross deductible but with inclusion of some disability-related expenses.
Architectural and transportation barrier removal for business: Now - up to $35,000 in expenses deductible (expired 12/31/85). New law - up to $35,000 in expenses deductible (permanent authorization: effective on enactment).
Targeted job tax credit for employers hiring disadvantaged and hard-to-place workers: Now tax credit up to 50 percent of first year's wages (up to $6,000) allowed; 25 percent of second year's wages (expired 12/31185). New law - tax credit of 40 percent of only first year's wages allowed (retroactive from 111/86).
Payment for foster care for children: Now - not considered income. New law - expanded to include foster care for adults who are disabled.
Housing development: Now - accelerated depreciation and special deduction and capital gains treatment. New law - replaced by a low income housing development tax credit including housing for persons with disabilities.
Employment related expenses for persons with disabilities: Now - deduction allowed for attendant care and special transportation expenses needed to maintain employment. New law retained as in current law.
It is estimated that when the changes in the law regarding charitable contributions are fully implemented in 1988, nonprofit groups will lose $11 million in income. The losses will be because nonitemizers will not be allowed to deduct their contributions, the appreciated portion of charitable gifts will be taxed, and the top marginal tax rate for individuals will be lowered from 50 percent to 28 percent. These provisions are disincentives to charitable contributors.
Other changes that may adversely affect some persons v~ith disabilities and their advocates are in income
averaging and adoption expense deductions. Current law allows taxpayers with dramatic fluctations in income to average their incomes to reduce their tax burdens. This provision is repealed in the new legislation, but its loss will have less impact under the two-bracket system than under current law. The compromise agreement also abolishes the $1,500 deduction allowed under present law for expenses related to the adoption of hard-to-place children. The expansion of a direct spending program to compensate for this change is
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being considered.
Effectiveness of Section 1619
Section 1619 of the Social Security Act allows Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients to earn more than the maximum ordinarily allowed by SSI and still continue to receive some cash benefits and Medicaid services, if necessary to maintain employment. Without Section 1619, persons on SSI rolls lose all benefits if they earn more than about $300 per month, and many people cannot afford to pay for needed medical service on their incomes.
On July 29, the Department of Health and Human Services/ Social Security Administration (SSA) released a report, as requested by the House Ways and Means Committee, to evaluate implementation of the Section 1619 demonstration program. The report's purpose is to determine the characteristics of persons benefiting from the program's protection and measure its effectiveness in removing work disincentives for persons with severe disabilities.
There are about 2.6 million persons with severe disabilities now on SSI rolls. About 132,000 of them (five percent) work and earn an income averaging $112 per month. The report reveals the following data about Section 1619 recipients from May 1982 through May 1985:
1) Of the working SSI recipients, 992 were receiving Section 1619 (a) cash benefits with an average income of $475 per month, and 8,132 were receiving Section 1619 (b) health care benefits with an average monthly income of $674 per month.
2) More than half of Section 1619 recipients were under 30 years old.
3) Persons who are mentally impaired or retarded constituted about 64 percent of Section 1619 (a) recipients, and 48 percent of Section 1619 (b) recipients.
4) Most participants were employed in the private sector with service occupations as the single largest employment category; about 27 percent of 1619 (a) and 15 percent of 1619 (b) participants were employed in sheltered workshops.
The study results indicated a high turnover rate in program participants. In any given month, participation rates were low; yet 55,000 persons attempted to use the program during the three-year period. Reasons for leaving the program varied: some persons had increased income that made them ineligible, others had a medical improvement or no longer needed benefits in order to maintain employment, and still others, after an unsuccessful work attempt, resumed to regular SSI rolls.
SSA's analysis of the cost of the Section 1619 program shows up in the Medicaid program; it resulted in a new savings to the federal government of $8.6 million in FY 86. Estimates show that net savings may increase
subsequent years.
The report concludes that Section 1619 has encouraged some blind and disabled SSI recipients to try working in spite of their disabilities. Other recipients, who may have tried working anyway, were further encouraged to do by the program. Although many working attempts have been of short duration, Section 1619 seems to have reduced SSI program costs and the expenditures for the Medicaid program have been smaller than expected.
A copy of the report may be obtained by writing to the Office of Public Inquiries; Social Security Administration; Room 4100; Annex 6401; Security Blvd.; Baltimore, MD 21235.
CLIENTS HAVE RIGHT TO BE SCREENED
The "Minnesota Disability Law Report" (November, 1986) notes that there is increasing concern about counties discouraging people from seeking services funded by the Title XIX Waiver. The waiver funds a variety of services for persons with mental retardation and related conditions, including in-home support services, day training and habilitation, residential services and case management. The waiver is currently restricted by the Legislature to serving only 1,000 persons i
Minnesota.
Because of the limit on the number of persons who can receive services, counties are given a specific number of "slots" they can use. If the "slots. are committed, some counties have told people they cannot be screened.
By law, every person with mental retardation or a related condition may request and should receive a screening to determine whether he/she is eligible for waivered services funding. The law requires counties to screen persons who need or may need the level of care provided by an intermediate care facility within 15 days of the request for service. Thus, if a person requests residential, day or in-home services, the county should screen the person for waivered services funding unless the needs are met by another funding source.
The Department of Human Services must apply within the next several months to the federal government to renew the Title XIX Waiver, which expires IUIY 1, 1987. It is imperative that people who need service but are not receiving it be screened in order to have reliable information for the waiver renewal request. It is clear there are many people with service needs who should be screened so that information can be used to obtain waivered services allocations to meet documented need.
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INFORMATION EXCHANGE
SIATE SUPPLEMENT
~evelopmental D'sabilities Program 201 Capitol Square Building Minnesota State Planning Agency
550 Cedar St. Roger Strant, Eddor
St. Paul, M~nnesota 55101 612/296-4018
Member of National Assoc~ation of Developmental Disabilities Counc~
December 1986
PRESIDENT REAGAN PROCLAIMS DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH: MARCH 1987
President Ronald Reagan recently signed House loins Resolution 741 into law (P.L. 99 483), proclaiming March 1 987 as Developmental Disabilities Month. This month will provide many opportunities at local, state, and national levels to coordinate observances and activities which will increase public awareness of the needs, contributions, and potential of Americans with developmental disabilities. Make use of this opportunity to increase public awareness and involvement in your community.
CANADIAN ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING PLANS FOR THE YEAR 2000
in the summer of 1985, the Canadian Association for ommunity Living (CACL), fommerly the Canadian Association for Mentally Retarded, established a Task Force to work toward an overall plan of action that would serve as a long-temm strategy for achieving its mission for people with mental handicaps. Culmination of the Task Force's work was published in September 1986 in Report to the Membership: Community Living 2000. The report documented several issues or problems as defined by the membership across Canada, articulated a vision, and outlined objectives for immediate action. The statements below are meant to apply to people who have mental handicaps, but they really apply to all people, the Task Force explained.
THE VISION
The vision we share for the year 2000 is that people will live interdependent lives. The abilities of people to contribute will be expanded, and everyone will have a
fair share. No person will be excluded because they never had a chance to develop their abilities or because their disabilities cause inconvenience.
Instead, in the year 2000:
Ñ eve~yone will be a member of a family and belong ~ a group of chosen friends;
Ñ all the children in the neighborhood will go to 6.
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school together and grow up to make their place in the same culture together;
Ñ all adults will have work to do, so that they can put back something into our communities, and will have jobs that pay fair wages in retum for the contributions made. Modern technology will extend the productive capacity of people who are constrained by disabilities in what they can do;
Ñ people who need support in order to carry on with daily life will have a say in how they get that support when it is paid for by government;
Ñ everyone can build their life without having to worry about others trying to change it or make them move; and
Ñ people who have disabilities will be able to rely on support to do their part, be a part of things, and gain the respect of others through being proud of themselves. (p. 5)
Toward this shared vision, the following objectives for 1992 were identified and seen as feasible, practical, and attainable:
1.
By 1992, all children will have a meaningful family-life.
2. By 1992, all children will go to school together with other children in the neighborhood, and get an age-appropriate program to match their needs in regular school classes.
3. By 1992, everyone leaving high school v~ill have the opportunity to get and keep meaningful work in integrated settings.
4. The number of people in sheltered workshops will decrease by ten percent per year from the 1986 level as a result of people becoming employed.
5. The use of tax dollars to meet people's needs will be decided between the person who needs help and the provincial govemment.
By 1987, admissions to institutions will stop and
evacuation will proceed at ten percent per year based on 1986 populations.
7. By 1992, a personal support network, securing the individual's place among family and friends, will be a commonplace approach to assuring one's future. (p. 6)
The remainder of the report describes each of the objectives stated above and emphasizes the following principles: A life of interdependence with family and friends is the way of life most valued by our movement. For ordinary Canadians, life is something shared with family and friends. Our most cherished relationships are worth more to us than wealth, health, or even life itself. This most basic fact of life in all human societies is no less true for people who live with disabilities. (p. 13)
Copies of this report and Supplementary Papers l-VIII may be requested from: Canadian Association for Community Living; Kinsmen Building; York University Campus; 4700 Keele Street; Downsview, Ontario, Canada M3J 1P3.
PUBLICATIONS
Making a Difference: What Communities Can Do to Prevent Mental Handicap and Promote Lives of Quality, National Institute on Mental Retardation, Canada, 1986. The last two reports of this five-volume series have recently been released. They describe not only how mental handicaps can be prevented but also how to promote lives of quality for individuals with mental handicaps. Volume IV: Respected and Responsible Citizens outlines the rights and responsibilities of adults with a mental handicap and how they can learn, work, and participate in the community. The report concludes, Citizenship is the key concept when we aim to make a difference in the lives of adults with a mental handicap. It underpins the legitimate and valued roles in which adults are expected to be involved. Volume V: Lights, Camera, Action analyzes the discussions in the previous volumes and looks ahead to the ways that individuals, families, agencies, communities, and governments need to work together systematically to bring about change. Focus is on bridging the gap between the current situation and what is known to be possible and desirable-the translation of a dream into reality.
The first three volumes in the series include: Volume l: Planning for Change which lays the groundwork for a change in attitudes and approaches to preventing mental handicaps. Volume Il: The Well.Being of Babies and Young Children describes how to provide a nurturing environment for children. Volume lil: Helping Children Live, Learn and Grow in Their Communities tells how all children, no matter how
handicapped, can live and learn in ther communities.
This complete series is available at $20.00, plus $2.00 shipping and handling, from: G. Allen Roeher Institt
Publications; Kinsmen Building; York University; 470u Keele Street; Downsview, Ontario, Canada M3J 1P3. Tel. (416) 661 -9611.
Warning Signals: Basic Criteria for Tracking At.Risk Infants and Toddlers, J. Blackman, National Center for Clinical Infant Programs, 1986. This publication outlines the criteria agreed upon by a group of seventeen individuals from a variety of disciplines, experts who are experienced in the identification and evaluation of high-risk infants and young children. The criteria were organized into two categories: 1) criteria applicable to a newborn or to an infant before discharge from the hospital to home, e.g., parental and psychosocial factors (for example lack of prenatal care and age of mother); and 2) criteria applicable to a child after discharge from the hospital, e.g., health maintenance, growth deficiency, or severe chronic illness. A copy is available from: National Maternal and Child Health Clearinghouse; 38th and R Streets, NW; Washington, DC 20057. Tel. (202) 625-8410.
Closing the Gap's 1986 Resource Directory is 128 pages packed with information about hardware, software, organizations and publications related to microcomputers in rehabilitation and special educatio
This Apple to Zygote annotated Directory is especially useful to those persons using Apple/Commodore/Tandy equipment with or without adaptive access equipment. Available at the cost of $12.95 from: Closing the Gap; P.O. Box 68; Henderson, MN 56044. Tel. (612) 2483294.
The Right Start, Children's Defense Fund--Minnesota Health Project, is a report proposing prepaid, comprehensive, sliding fee health coverage for pregnant women and children. It is estimated that there are currently 4,000 pregnant mothers and 17,000 Minnesota preschoolers who have no health insurance and have incomes too low to afford health care. For a copy of the report, send $5.00 to: CDF-MN Health Project, 316 University Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55103. Tel. (612) 227-6121.
The Disability Rag: A New Journal on Disability in America is a bimonthly publication that is described by its editors as something that won't please everybody. It can make you laugh. It can make you cry. Most of all, The Rag will make you think about what it's like to be disabled in America, the editors add. The cost is $9.00 for a year's subscription. Contact: The Disability Rag Box 5447, Louisville, KY 40205.
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1
Supported Employment Videos is a list of eighteen video cassettes which has been assembled by The Employment Network. The list includes titles, sources
~m throughout the country, and rental or purchase Tees. Examples of titles indude: Take this lob and Love It from Athens, Georgia; Winners at Work from Washington, DC; and Supported Employment: A New Day Dawning from Culver City, Califomia. Request a copy of this list by contacting: Minnesota Govemor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities; 201 Capitol Square Building; 550 Cedar Street; St. Paul, MN 55101. Tel. (612) 296-4018, or (612) 296-9962, TDD.
Ethics of Dealing with Persons with Severe Handicaps: Toward a Research Agenda, P. R. Dokecki, & R. M. Zaner (Eds.), Paul H. Brookes, 1986. This book focuses on moral and practical issues with chapters written by ethicists, theologians, special educators, psychologists, physicians, and lawyers. In addition to the Baby Doe issue, topics include genetic screening, prenatal diagnosis, abortion, sterilization, institutionalization, and guardianship. The book costs $21.95, payable to: Brookes Publishing Company; P.O. Box 10624; Baltimore, MD 212850624. Tel. (800) 638-3775, toll free.
CONFERENCES/WORKSHOPS
Team Trainin'; for Transition Planning will be offered three areas of the state during the month of rebruary. The workshops will be co-sponsored by the Division of Rehabilitation Services of the Department of Jobs and Training, Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER), and the Office of Transition, Minnesota Department of Education. Dates and locations are as follows:
February 11, 1987--Brainerd;
February 18, 1987--Metro Region;
February 25, 1987--Willmar Holiday Inn.
The training will focus on planning, transition resources, and writing transition goals and objectives for students' Individual Educational Plans. A planning guide will be provided. Five to eight persons from various local agencies will register as a team. Cost: $75.00 for a multiagency team. For more information, contact your Local Special Education Director, or Debra Olson, Office of Transition at (612) 297-1511.
March 25-29, 1987
The American Orthopsychiatric Association (ORTHO), North America's largest multidisciplinary mental health organization, will hold its 64th Annual Meeting at the
Jashington Hilton in the nation's capitol. This year's theme is "Toward Empowerment of Families: Strategies for Change". For further information,
including registration material, contact: ORTHO, 19 West 44th Street, Suite 1616, New York, NY 10036. Tel. (212) 354-5770.
Values Clarification Training Workshops will be conducted by Government Training Service under contract with the Supported Employment Project (OSERS Grant). Intended for personnel who work with persons with severe disabilities and parents, this training will explore the critical issues for providing integrated community services. Interactive process among workshop participants will facilitate an examination of personal values. Presenters include: lane Wells, Consultant, Creative Community Options, White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and Charles Hopkins, Chief, Community Development Services, Dalton, Georgia. The next two workshops are scheduled as follows:
February 23-24, 1987 - St. Paul Ramada Hotel; April 6-7, 1987 - Bemidii Holiday Inn.
Cost: $35.00 per person. For more information, contact: Govemment Training Service; Minnesota Building, Suite 202; 46 East Fourth Street; St. Paul, MN 55101. Tel. (612) 2227409.
CALL FOR PAPERS
The Minnesota Organization's Planning Committee has issued a CALL FOR PAPERS for its joint fall conference. The conference, "Back to the Future: An Interagency Odyssey" v~ill be held on September 1-2, 1987 at the Radisson South Hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota.
The topics to be presented should highlight and promote exemplary cooperative efforts by and among professionals, consumers, agencies or organizations who provide services to persons who are disabled and have special needs.
To obtain a form on which to submit your paper/presentation for the committee's consideration, please write or call Mary Tjosvold, Conference Chair; 11800 Xeon Blvd.; Coon Rapids, MN 55433; (612) 755-8174. Forms are due by February 1, 1987.
g
LENDING LIBRARY SELECTIONS
The State Developmental Disabilities (DD) Program Office has acquired several education, training and resource materials. The following materials may be borrowed from the State Office only, located at the address on the front sheet of the State Supplement section of this newsletter. Tel. (612)296-4018.
Belonging to the Community: Options in Community Living, Madison, Wisconsin, October, 1985. This notebook contains a series of six informational papers that describe Options in Community Living, a supported apartment program for people in Madison, Wisconsin, who experience developmental disabilities. This document provides detailed, practical information about supported apartment programs and reflects how traditional service models can be challenged and changed. This service model was based upon quality of life indicators as defined by the participants in the program, and it portrays how a wide repertoire of responses can be generated through creative, flexible uses of staff time, technologies, and financial resources. Copies may be purchased for $23.95, payable to: Options in Community Living, Inc., 1954 East Washington Avenue; Madison, Wl 53704. Otherwise, a copy is available on loan from the Govemor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, 201 Capitol Square Building, 550 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. Tel. (612) 296-4018.
Metropolitan Council DD Program 300 Metro Square Building 7th and Robert Streets St. Paul, MN 55101
If you no longer wish to receive this newsleKer, please call (612J291-6364, or write to the DD Program, Metropo/itan Council 300 Metro Square B/dg., St. Pau/, MN 55101
(TIME.DATED MATERIAL)
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The Right to Grow Up: An Introduction to Adults with Developmental Disabilities, J. A. Summers (Ed.), Brookes Publishing Co., 1986. This book reviews issues and services needed by persons with developmental disabilities throughout their lives. Part I examines the needs of people vvith developmental disabilities as they move through the various stages of adulthood. Part II of the book looks at the services necessary (including a chapter on independent living programs) to provide the training and support needed by adults with developmental disabilities to participate successfully in their community, at home, at work, and in recreation and leisu/e activities. Part lil explores the policy/legal issues with chapters on self-advocacy, federal legislation, and administrative and policy trends. The Right To Grow Up can be ordered by prepaying $21.95 to Brookes Publishing Co., P.O. Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285, or calling toll free: (800) 638-3755. A copy is also available on loan from the Governor's Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities, 201 Capitol Square Building, 550 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. Tel. (612) 296-4018.
