Tim Benjamin, Editor

The legislative session is coming to its final weeks and much of the budget cuts and their effects are still unknown. What is known is explained clearly in both front page articles in this issue. Anne Henry, Steve Larson, Bud Rosenfield and others have been kind enough to take time out of their busy roles as advocates for the rights of the disability community to keep us informed on what is happening to our programs and benefits. Everyone I talk to is still saying "Don't stop calling and writing your legislators with your concerns. It's the only way they can know how you expect them to vote and what the effects of their votes will be." Please, keep in contact with your officials at the Capitol.
***
It looks like the planned rebasing may be illegal! It seems the rebasing has disproportionately allocated funds to Minnesota's 87 counties. The Minnesota Disability Law Center and Arc Minnesota claim that this shortfall in funding to some counties is creating situations where individuals with disabilities could face irrevocable damage from the effects of the decreases in community-based funding. Don't overlook this article on page 1.
***
Unfortunately, last month we didn't have space to print Jeni Mundl's assistive technology column. So, this month we're giving you two of her columns--each deals with aspects of funding AT.
***
After reading this month's book review of "Tuesdays with Morrie," I put that title on my summer reading list. Check it out for yourself on page 8.
***
This month, Ken Anderson offers us Part II of his mini-memoir about life with an essential tremor--it was only recently diagnosed after affecting his life since birth. In the process of preparing for Deep Brain Surgery, Ken also received some unexpected health news that further changed his outlook on life as well as his life expectancy. Thanks, Ken. We sure appreciate that you shared your story with us.
***
John Barrett explains the expansion of Gillette Lifetime Clinic. The clinic is offering many more options to the adult disability community and a one-stop option for adults with spina bifida, cerebral palsy and other related conditions. All the professionals you need in one place on the same day--what a concept!
***
There are unwanted and inconvenient changes in the parking regulations in Minneapolis that will affect people with disabilities who work or visit downtown. Margot Imdieke Cross gives us the scoop on how to avoid a citation.
***
What is the most desirable city to live in if you have a vision impairment? The Livable Communities Project of the American Foundation for the Blind has chosen its top five cities. We congratulate our neighbor, LaCrosse, WI, for making it into this prestigious group.
***
See the short article on transit service outside of the Twin Cities. Wadena County deserves kudos for putting their system into place.

© All rights reserved to Access Press Inc.
Last updated on May 10, 2003
Created and maintained by Jehad Adwan, adwan001@netscape.net.