News at a Glance
Talking
Books Program
ADA Minnesota will again be awarding grants from $500 - $2000 per
project that meet their mini-grant criteria. They have recently increased
the number of grants to be awarded and encourage interested non-profit
organizations to review the RFP and contact them with any questions.
Talking
Books is a free library service available to eligible people of
any age whose low vision, blindness, or physical handicap make reading
a standard print page difficult. The National Library Service (NLS)
mails books and magazines on cassette and in Braille, as well as
audio equipment, directly to enrollees at no cost.
The Talking Books catalog has more than 400,000 titles. Books are
selected based on their appeal to people with a wide range of interest.
Some of the most popular items include bestsellers, biographies,
fiction, and how-to books.
Every library within the NLS network has access to the entire collection
and the resources of cooperating institutions.
Enrollment information is available online at www.loc.gov/nls or
by calling 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323).
Chain of Hearts Campaign
South Metro Federal Credit
union invites the public to stop by their main branch in the Dakota
Mall, across from Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, to make a donation. This
annual fundraiser benefits Gillette Childrens’ Specialty Healthcare.
The campaign encourages members, local residents, and area businesses
to contribute by purchasing paper links. The campaign runs through
February 18, 2006. For more information contact Don Crofut at 952-445-0888,
ext. 16 or visit www.southmet.com.
Minnesota Diversified Industries
Awarded United States Postal Service Contract. Minnesota Diversified
Industries, Inc. (MDI) has been awarded contracts for the production
of six million bulk mail trays and four million letter mail trays
for the United States Postal Service’s (USPS)
mail handling operations. The contracts, valued at over $35 million,
represent a 40% increase over last year’s contracts.
Last year MDI’s trays enabled the world’s
largest mail handler to deliver more than 212 billion pieces of
mail to over 134 million delivery addresses. MDI extrudes plastic
for production of the trays at its newly-expanded facility in Grand
Rapids, Minnesota, and assembles the finished products at operations
in Hibbing, Minnesota. MDI has produced over 60 million trays for
the USPS since 1993.
For more information on MDI, visit www.mdi.org or contact Jenny
Peters, Communications Manager, Minnesota Diversified Industries,
651.999.8409 jenny.peters@mdi.org
Lifelong Learning Via Hennepin
County Library
Almost 2 million books, magazines,
newspapers, CDs, and other materials, plus more than 1,000 computer
workstations, are available to you free of charge at the libraries.
Library cards are free. Apply at any of the 26 suburban Hennepin
County libraries (bring a form of identification) or fill out your
application online at www.hclib.org. For information about upcoming
activities and current services as well as access to the library’s catalog, electronic
data bases, the Internet, and other resources, go to www.hclib.org.
Wireless Internet access is available at all 26 libraries.
Recreation and Volunteer Opportunities
SMILES
Miracle League Baseball program is available to youth with disabilities
between the ages of 7-18, or upon graduation of high school. The
season runs from April 22 - June 24. Practices and games are generally
scheduled Saturday mornings from 10 am to 12 pm at Wallyn Field
in Lower North Mankato.
The philosophy of our program is to provide the framework for every
young person to experience a structured athletic activity uniquely
adapted to his or her ability. Each child is provided the opportunity
to build upon their individual skill levels. Along with teaching
skills, we focus on teamwork, building self-esteem, and having a
lot of fun.
The Registration deadline is March 1, 2006. Players, coaches, and
buddies must be pre-registered. Limited scholarships are available.
To request a registration packet or for more information contact
Joanne at 507-345-7139 or via e-mail at jhovey@smilescil.org.
Mankato Area Adaptive Sit-Ski Program
ACCESS, SMILES CIL, and volunteers
from the community work together to provide adults and youth with
disabilities an opportunity to experience the “thrill of
the hill.” Do you have a
physical disability? Have you considered skiing, but haven’t
followed through with the desire? We have adaptive equipment and
instructors to teach you to ski. To pre-register for a lesson or
to volunteer contact Dalaine Remes at 507-345-5222 or Joanne Hovey
McBride at 345-7139, or check out our Web site at www.smilescil.org.
PACER Launches Exciting, New,
First-of-a-Kind Bullying Prevention Web Site
Children in second through
sixth grades now have an entertaining, safe way to learn how to
respond to bullying. PACER’s new Kids
Against Bullying Web site includes a cast of 12 animated characters,
celebrity videos, kid videos, Webisodes, games, contests, stories,
artwork, poems, information, and much more. The site is for all children.
Children with disabilities are integrated throughout the Web site.
Visit www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org and then let us know what
you think. Please send comments to bullying411@pacer.org.
Creative Kidstuff Selects PACER
as its Charity Partner
Creative Kidstuff, the award-winning
children’s
store that caters to parents, teachers, daycare providers and children,
will be selling coupon books at each of their 6 Twin Cities store
locations to benefit PACER Center. Each book contains discounts on
a variety of Creative Kidstuff toys, gifts, and services. Coupon
books are $5 and can be used throughout 2006. Customers may purchase
multiple coupon books.
The February proceeds will be directly donated to PACER. In turn,
these funds will help PACER continue providing services and resources
to parents of children with disabilities at no charge. Learn more
about how Creative Kidstuff and PACER are working together.
Children with Disabilities
in America: A Historical Handbook and Guide
Images of disabled children
are found throughout well-known works of literature, film, and even
opera. Their characters range from sweet, to brave, to tragic. Disabled
children are also a part of the reality of life either in personal
ways or as poster girls and boys for drives and causes. Behind
these images is a historical presence that has been created by
the societies in which these children live and have lived. This
work examines current knowledge about children’s
experience of physical, cognitive, and emotional/behavioral impairments
from the Colonial period to the present, while revealing the social
constructions of both disability and childhood throughout American
history. Just as disability has been advanced as an essential consideration
in other historical inquiries, such as that of gender, this is a
work intended to demonstrate the critical role of disability with
respect to the history of childhood.
ISBN: 0-313-33146-4, Greenwood Publishing Group, 88 Post Rd W.,
Westport, CT 06881, 203-226-3571 ext. 3379, Fax 203-222-1502
ADHD Research Study Opportunity
The Behavioral Health Department
at Regions is conducting a research study of an investigational medication
for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They are looking
for patients age 6-17 with ADHD. No previous diagnosis of ADHD is
necessary. There is no cost for study medication, doctor’s visits or procedures. Study participation
period is about 8 weeks, with the opportunity to continue until
the FDA reaches a decision as to whether this medication will be
available for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents.
Participation is voluntary. If you are interested in learning more
about this research opportunity, please contact Brian, study coordinator,
at 651-254-1587.
National Alliance on Mental
Illness: Support Groups
The National Alliance on Mental
Illness of Minnesota (NAMI-MN) sponsors free support groups for families
who have a relative with mental illness. Led by trained facilitators
who also have a family member with mental illness, the support
groups help families develop better coping skills and find strength
through sharing their experiences. A family support group meets in
Roseville, at 6:30 pm on the second Wednesday of the month. For more
information, call Anna Mae at 651-730-8434 or Sue at 651-736-2291.
PCA
Stakeholder Focus Group Meetings
The Minnesota Department of
Human Services (DHS) needs your help to identify key issues to improve
the quality of the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program. We are
holding three focus groups to gather input on what is working and
not working in our current system.
The groups will consist of:
1.
PCA providers—either traditional or PCA Choice
2. PCA consumers—adult
consumers who direct their own care
3. PCAs—who work full-time
or part-time
Please pass this information on to others in the above categories
who might be interested. Since space is limited, please RSVP as soon
as possible. If you need a disability accommodation, please specify
that with your RSVP. You need to register at least one week prior
to the focus group. Each focus group will be limited to 20 participants.
Participation by telephone is also an option.
Focus Groups:
PCA Consumers:
Thursday, February 16 from 1:30 - 3:30 pm; RSVP by February 9
PCAs:
Wednesday, February 22 from 1:30 - 3:30 pm; RSVP by February 15
PCA
Providers: Monday, February 27 from 1:30 - 3:30 pm; RSVP by February
20
All meetings held at: DHS, 444 Lafayette Rd, Conference Rm 1A
PCA consumers and PCAs are eligible for reimbursement of expenses.
This includes travel, child care, and $25 for time and expertise.
DHS staff will provide forms and assistance after the focus groups
for requesting this reimbursement.
We look forward to working with our community partners in making
quality improvements to this very crucial program. Thank you very
much for your interest.
To RSVP or for more information contact: Linda Wolford at 651-431-2377
or e-mail linda.wolford@state.mn.us
Northwest Youth & Family
Services: PREP Program and Youth Run Business / Penny Pinchers
Thrift Store Program
Overview
The main purpose of the Youth
Run Business/Penny Pinchers Program is to prepare hard-to-employ
youth ages 13-17 for employment. The Youth Run Business program utilizes
an experiential learning design where youth develop skills through
structured activities and on-the-job coaching while performing retail
operations at Penny Pinchers Thrift Store. Within this framework
NYFS operates a smaller, more focused program called the PREP program.
Purpose:
To help youth develop
skills necessary to transition into post high school employment
opportunities.
Features:
• Occurs during
the school year in conjunction with High School Practical Readiness
Education Programs
• Involves youth in grades
10-12
• Youth participate on
location at Penny Pinchers Tuesday-Friday, 12pm-1:30pm
• Program
operates during two sessions: Session I: September-December, Session
II: January-June
• Students who successfully complete the program
earn a $300.00 stipend per session
Desired Outcomes:
As a result
of their experience youth develop: Positive work habits; Job seeking
skills; Leadership and teamwork skills; and Experience in retail
operations.
Registration Process:
Ideal
candidates are identified by high school staff. Prior to involvement,
school personnel (and preferably the student) must meet with
the Program Coordinator at Penny Pinchers Thrift Store to identify
learning goals, and determine the appropriateness of the program
and program setting. Parental permission to participate in the
program is the responsibility of the host school. For more information
on this program contact: Sunnie Kaufmann at 763-783-3626.
Is Your Disabled Child ‘Transitioning’ To
Adulthood?
People who are disabled and
between the ages of 16 and 21 and their parents or legal guardians
may want to attend free information sessions that explain “Changes at Transition: Ages 16 to 21.”
Sponsored by Hennepin
County’s Human Services and Public Health
Department, the information sessions will outline decisions that
need to be made, including guardianship, graduation, exploring future
work and vocational plans, residential options, Social Security and
more.
To register, call 612-596-6631
or go to www.hennepin.us and type in “adsinfo” in the
search box, click on the link and follow directions.
When and where:
Thurs., Feb.
16, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Jordan New Life Community Church, 1922 – 25th
Avenue N., Minneapolis. Call 612-522-8624 for directions.
Wed., Mar. 1, 6:30 to
8:30 pm, Plymouth Library, 15700 – 36th
Avenue N., Plymouth. Call 952-847-5825 for directions.
Mon., Apr. 10, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Eden Prairie Library, 565 Prairie
Center Drive, Eden Prairie. Call 952-847-5375 for directions.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory: Current Volunteer & Internship
Opportunities
More than 1,300 adult and youth volunteers support programs at Como
Park Zoo and Conservatory. Volunteers enhance the experiences of
every visitor. You can help do this by getting involved. Volunteers
must be at least 16 years of age if working independently. Youth
under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. We do have a
special summer volunteer program for youth age 13-17 called nature
walk. With some exceptions, volunteers commit to a regular schedule
usually one three-hour shift once per week or twice per month for
six months. Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is open 365 days a year.
Volunteers join us every day.
The following are volunteering opportunities:
Camp assistant
Ed. Program assistant
Intern-Education
Intern-Government Relations
Interpreter in Conservatory
Interpreter in Zoo
Japanese Garden Interpreter
Outdoor Gardener Aide
Visitor Greeter
Youth, Nature Walk Interpreter
Many benefits are offered
to our volunteers and interns. As a Como volunteer or intern you
will:
• be invited to attend
free classes on a variety of Zoological and Botanical topics,
• learn
more about the relationships between plants, animal and humans,
• gain
access to select non-public areas of the zoo and conservatory,
• enjoy
volunteer appreciation events,
• meet new friends,
• develop
resume building skills and gain valuable experience, and
• make
a difference in your community.
For more information and registration
contact Como Volunteer Services at 651-487-8247, or download an application
off the Web at: www.comozooconservatory.org/jobsvolunteer.
Waiver for Mental Retardation
/ Related Conditions Explained
People who are developmentally
disabled, their families and service providers may want to attend
free information sessions that explain services and programs for
people enrolled in the Mental Retardation/Related Conditions (MR/RC)
waiver. The waiver provides funds to teach life skills in the home
and community.
Sponsored by Hennepin
County’s Human Services and Public Health
Department, the sessions will review the menu of services and discuss
the similarities and differences between services.
To register, call 612-596-6631
or go to www.hennepin.us and type in “adsinfo” in the
search box, click on the link and follow directions.
When and where:
Mon., Feb.
13, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Maple Grove Library, 8351 Elm Creek Blvd.
N., Maple Grove. Call 952-847-5550 for directions.
Thurs., Feb. 23, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Arc Hennepin-Carver, 4301 Highway
7, Suite 140, Minneapolis. Call 952-920-0855 for directions.
Wed., Mar. 8, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, Linden Hills Center, 3100 W. 43rd
St., Minneapolis. Call 612-370-4913 for directions.
Tues., Apr. 18, 10:00 am to noon, Golden Valley Library, 830 Winnetka
Ave. N., Golden Valley. Call 952-847-5475 for directions.
Free Tax Assistance for
Seniors and Low-Income People
If you’re a senior or person with low
income, you can receive FREE assistance filling out your income tax
forms (including electronic filing —faster and more accurate!)
through the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Tax Aide
Volunteer Program. Be sure to bring all your W2 forms and other necessary
papers, including photo ID and Social Security cards for you and
your dependents.
Where: Hennepin County
Government Center, A Level, 300 S. Sixth St. and Minneapolis City
Hall, Room 11, 350 S. Fifth St. (use 4th Street entrance)—both
in downtown Minneapolis
When: Now through April 15
from 9 am - 1 pm, Monday through Friday, except holidays
Every year, Hennepin
County Taxpayer Services and the City of Minneapolis participate
in AARP’s Tax Aide Volunteer Program,
offering space in which AARP volunteers help seniors and low-income
people with their tax returns.
AARP’s Tax Aide Volunteer Program is the nation’s
largest, free, volunteer-run tax counseling and preparation service.
Last year volunteers at the Government Center and City Hall sites
helped more than 5,000 people file their tax forms. The sites together
are the largest AARP income-tax assistance center in Minnesota
and believed to be the largest in the country. Tax assistance is
available year-round (at the Minneapolis City Hall location only),
but most customers come during tax season.
Program Helps People
with Disabilities Gain Control, Flexibility
If you are eligible for
Medical Assistance (MA) or MA Home Care and want more control,
flexibility and responsibility for your care, there are free
information sessions that explain the Consumer Support Grant (CSG).
To be eligible for the CSG, you cannot be on an MA waiver.
Supported by Hennepin
County’s Human Services and Public Health
Department, the information sessions, “Consumer Support Grant,” will
answer questions such as “How do I receive funding through
this grant?” “What types of services may I buy?” “How
do I receive this grant?” and “What is my responsibility?”
To attend, you must
register. Call 612-596-6631 or go to www.hennepin.us, type “adsinfo” in
the search box, click on the link and follow directions.
When and Where:
Tues., Feb.
14, 2006, 10:00 am to noon, Golden Valley Library, 830 Winnetka
Avenue N., Golden Valley. Call 952-847-5475 for directions.
Thurs., March 2, 2006, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Arc Hennepin-Carver,
4301 Highway 7, Suite 140, Minneapolis. Call 952-920-0855 for directions.
Tues., Apr. 25, 2006,
noon to 2:00 pm, Jordan New Life Church, 1922 – 25th
Ave. N., Minneapolis. Call 612-522-8624 for directions.
MURDERBALL
Nominated for 2005 best documentary Feature Academy Award®
“TWO THUMBS WAY
UP.”
-Ebert & Roeper
“GRIPPING. FAST-PACED
AND FLUID. UNUSUALLY DEEP.”
-New York Times
The critically acclaimed
Murderball, from independent distributor THINKFilm, has been nominated
for a Best Documentary Feature Academy Award® by the Academy
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Murderball features fierce
rivalry, stopwatch suspense, and larger-than-life personalities
while smashing every stereotype associated with the disabled in
this in-depth look at a group of tough, highly competitive quadriplegic
rugby players. The film is currently available on DVD.
Synopsis: From the gyms of
middle-America to the Olympic arena in Athens, Greece, Murderball
tells the story of a group of world-class athletes unlike any ever
shown on screen—they are forced to live life sitting
down. In their own version of full-contact rugby, these athletes
smash the hell out of each other in custom-made gladiator-like
wheelchairs. The film demolishes every stereotype about the disabled.
It is a film about family, revenge, honor, sex and the triumph
of love over loss. But most of all, it is a film about standing
up, even after your spirit—and your spine—has been
crushed.
More information about THINKFilm can be found online at www.thinkfilmcompany.com.
