Disability Rights Activists Take Over MN Senate Gallery; Disrupt Session

St. Paul, MN, May 11, 2011- Members of ADAPT Minnesota, a grassroots disability rights organization have taken over the public gallery of the Minnesota State Senate. They are chanting phrases such as “Our Homes, Not Nursing Homes!” and “Cuts Kill!”. Today the Senate leadership insists on voting on a bill that would harm families by further restricting marriage rights. People with disabilities want the Senate to instead focus on strengthening families and communities by passing a budget that protects services that keep people with disabilities in their communities and out of institutions.

Members of ADAPT Minnesota will continue this nonviolent action until their demands are met! The activists are demanding that Senator David W. Hann, the chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee support a funding plan for Health and Human services that cuts no more that 2% from the overall budget. ADAPT Minnesota expects the legislature to raise new revenue from those who can afford it and opposes the legislature’s cuts-only approach to balancing the state’s budget.
The proposed budget for the Department of Human Services eliminates or reduces programs, which allow people with disabilities of all ages to live in their own homes rather than being forced into more costly institutions. “We we will continue demonstrating until Minnesota State Senator David W. Hann, commits to continued funding home and community-based supports including the ‘Community First ChoiceAct’ and the ‘Money Follows the Person’ programs in Minnesota”, said Chris Bell, a member of ADAPT Minnesota.

Senator David W. Hann, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, would cut over $1 billion in spending for medical necessities for the health, safety and freedom of those with disabilities of all ages. These cuts would be devastating to the disability community, which would include home-and community-based attendant services, habilitation and rehabilitation therapies, prescription medications, prescription glasses, dental services, prostheses, mental health services, and durable medical equipment, like communication devices and wheelchairs.

“Senator Hann’s bill threatens our liberty and very lives,” says ADAPT Minnesota organizer Galen Smith.

"Without this funding, we would not be able to live where we choose and hold the job we choose," said ADAPT Minnesota member Darrell Paulsen.

For more information on the effect of the cuts see DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson’s letter to the Health and Human Services Conference Committee: http://www.mnprogressiveproject.com/upload/4.27.11%20HHS%20to%20Conference%20Committee.pdf

ACTION ALERT: Demand Accessible Transportation at ALL Minnesota State Fair Park-and-Rides!

Sign our petition telling the Minnesota State Fair: Provide accessible transportation at ALL State Fair park-and-rides!

For the 2011 Minnesota State Fair, 27 out of 35 park-and-ride options (80%) have vehicles that are not wheelchair-accessible. Although, 7 park-and-ride options (20%) do use accessible vehicles, only 1 park-and-ride guarantees consistent availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.  The remaining 6 park-and-ride locations indicate wheelchair-accessible vehicles will be used when they are available, but do not tell us when they will be available, thereby making it nearly impossible to plan our trips.  Most of these accessible locations are relatively close to the fairgrounds; they are not equally distributed geographically. Therefore, individuals and families experiencing disability, chronic illness, or aging -- especially those living further away from the fairgrounds -- do not have an equal opportunity for equal participation in the Minnesota State Fair park-and-ride benefit. We believe this violates the Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects the civil rights of Americans experiencing disability.

ADAPT Minnesota, the sponsor of this petition, is a chapter of the national ADAPT. ADAPT is a grass-roots community that organizes disability rights activists to engage in non-violent direct action, including civil disobedience, to assure the civil and human rights of people with disabilities to live in freedom.  Originally, ADAPT was an acronym that stood for Americans Disabled for Accessible Public Transit.  In the early-80s, ADAPT's initial issue was to get wheelchair accessible lifts on buses.  Since then, the group has expanded to address all disability-related rights.

Metro Chapter Structure and Process Meeting -- Sat, 8/20 at 10 a.m. at Location to Be Determined

ADAPT Minnesota - Metro Chapter Structure and Process Meeting
Time: Saturday, August 20 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Location: To Be Determined

Description:We will discuss the creation of a structure and process for ADAPT Minnesota moving forward. Some of the agenda items will include:

• Decision making structure
• Legal Structure
• Leadership Structure

If you are interested in attending this meeting please RSVP please e-mail adapt.mn@gmail.com. If you are interested in attending but this date doesn't work for you let us know via e-mail as well. We may not be able to accommodate everyone's schedule but if this date doesn't work for the the majority of people who want to be a part of the meeting we will look for another date. We want to make sure we know how many people to expect so that we get a room that will accommodate all of us.

Scent-Free and Safe Spaces:  Please remember that all our activities are scent-free and safe spaces to offer equal opportunities for equal participation for everyone.

Metro Chapter Meeting -- Wed, 8/10 at 6:30 p.m. at Griggs-Midway Building

ADAPT Minnesota - Metro Chapter Meeting
Time: Wednesday, August 10 from 6:30pm until 8:30pm
Location: Griggs-Midway Building
1821 University Avenue; Saint Paul, MN
Map: http://bit.ly/lxzY9P

Description: Everyone is welcome!  We will discuss the following items:

• Potential Action Re: Lack of Equal Access to Minnesota State Fair Bus -- We will discuss potential actions and people who are interested can volunteer to work out the details.

• Fundraising -- We will discuss where we are now, what our goals are, and how we want to move forward with fundraising.

If you want to propose additional agenda items for the August 10 meeting, please e-mail adapt.mn@gmail.com. You can always bring additional items to the meeting and we can try to make time for them.

Scent-Free and Safe Spaces:  Please remember that all our activities are scent-free and safe spaces to offer equal opportunities for equal participation for everyone.

ADAPT Minnesota Raising Funds for Washington, DC National Rally Trip

Three of our ADAPT Minnesota members and one personal care assistant (PCA) will be traveling to Washington, DC from September 17th through Thursday, September 22nd, 2011 to participate in the National ADAPT Fall Action.  The trip includes participating in the Demand Responsible Medicaid Reform rally being held Wednesday, September 21, 2011. During the rally, ADAPT will join other disability, aging and civil rights groups as we demand responsible Medicaid reform that supports our civil right to live in the most integrated setting. We need Medicaid reform that not only contains costs, but also protects the civil rights of seniors and people with disabilities.

In order to make the trip, we need to raise nearly $6,000.  Therefore, we are asking individuals, families, and organizations throughout our communities for assistance raising funds plus spreading the word.  One very ambitious member has already raised nearly $500!  We invite you to join with us in solidarity in this struggle as we go to Washington DC to work for change.  Each dollar counts.  Please let your family, friends, colleagues, and vendors know about the opportunity to support the disability community through this event.  For more information, please e-mail adapt.mn@gmail.com.

ADAPT Minnesota is the local chapter of a national organization advocating for the rights of people with disabilities to live in and contribute to our communities. ADAPT has a proud history of fighting for accessible transportation; affordable, accessible, and integrated housing; plus, living, working, and serving in our chosen communities.

Metro Chapter Meeting -- Wed, 7/20 at 6:30 p.m. at Griggs-Midway Building

ADAPT Minnesota - Metro Chapter Meeting
Time: Wednesday, July 20 from 6:30pm until 8:30pm
Location: Griggs-Midway Building
1821 University Avenue; Saint Paul, MN
Map: http://bit.ly/lxzY9P

Description: Everyone is welcome!  We will continue our discussion of fundraising, organizational planning, and discussing the recent budget agreement.  Become part of our growing ADAPT Minnesota Metro Chapter plus be a part of upcoming actions and events to get our state leadership and citizens to focus on what matters -- assuring the civil and human rights of people with disabilities to live in freedom -- instead of voting to limit equal opportunities throughout our communities for our allies and taking away funding essential to our independence.  Support equal opportunities for equal participation in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for everyone!

Scent-Free and Safe Spaces:  Please remember that all our activities are scent-free and safe spaces to offer equal opportunities for equal participation for everyone.

Metro Chapter Meeting -- Wed, 7/13 at 6:30 p.m. at Griggs-Midway Building

ADAPT Minnesota - Metro Chapter Meeting
Time: Wednesday, July 13 from 6:30pm until 8:30pm
Location: Griggs-Midway Building
1821 University Avenue; Saint Paul, MN
Map: http://bit.ly/lxzY9P

Description: Everyone is welcome!  Become part of our growing ADAPT Minnesota Metro Chapter plus be a part of upcoming actions and events to get our state leadership and citizens to focus on what matters -- assuring the civil and human rights of people with disabilities to live in freedom -- instead of voting to limit equal opportunities throughout our communities for our allies and taking away funding essential to our independence.  Support equal opportunities for equal participation in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for everyone!

Scent-Free and Safe Spaces:  Please remember that all our activities are scent-free and safe spaces to offer equal opportunities for equal participation for everyone.

FUTURE MEETINGS: We'll meet 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20th at the Griggs-Midway Building.

Metro Chapter Meeting -- Wed, 7/6 at 6:30 p.m. at Griggs-Midway Building

ADAPT Minnesota - Metro Chapter Meeting
Time: Wednesday, July 6 from 6:30pm until 8:30pm
Location: Griggs-Midway Building
1821 University Avenue; Saint Paul, MN
Map: http://bit.ly/lxzY9P

Description: We'll discuss the draft letter to the legislature regarding our opinion about the shutdown and/or special session.  We'll also start putting together a group to perform the strategic planning and creating the more formal legal structure/existence for our group.  Everyone is welcome!  Become part of our growing ADAPT Minnesota Metro Chapter plus be a part of upcoming actions and events to get our state leadership and citizens to focus on what matters -- assuring the civil and human rights of people with disabilities to live in freedom -- instead of voting to limit equal opportunities throughout our communities for our allies and taking away funding essential to our independence.  Support equal opportunities for equal participation in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for everyone!

Scent-Free and Safe Spaces:  Please remember that all our activities are scent-free and safe spaces to offer equal opportunities for equal participation for everyone.

FUTURE MEETINGS: We'll meet 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays on July 13th and 20th at the Griggs-Midway Building.

Personal Story: Living Life with having to depend on Personal Care Attendants!

I have lived in Minnesota for over 30 years, coming from ND and I lived in many institutions in my time. Some institutions were very bad and some not so bad.

My dream was always to live independently, but had so many people against it. Some were afraid that I couldn’t live by myself or they knew I could do it, but were afraid I would be bored and hate it and I would have to wait for a while to get back into an institution again.

Much to people’s dismay, I loved living independently and loved my own independence.

I couldn’t have done it without the help of the Personal Care Attendant Program. Without this wonderful program a lot of people would be stuck in some type of nursing home.  

Now my husband and I live together and we use shared PCA services.

My husband, Jim built our home from ground up in 1996. We both have very involved cerebral palsy. although we are very active people. We can be very active because of our Personal Care Attendants. Without these people, we would not be able to live in the community. We would be in nursing homes rotting away and costing taxpayers a lot more money.

Many of us (people with disabilities) are taxpayers, too. Having these attendants is not a luxury, it is a necessity! If the state starts cutting our hours you are taking away our willingness to live!

This Personal Care Attendant Program allows us to be a part of society in which we live in. We are able to work, go on vacations and all that a person would do if they didn’t have a disability.

~Claudia Carlisle

Minnesota Government Shutdown Activities Thursday

There are several government shutdown events going on from 10 a.m. until midnight Thursday that ADAPT members (especially as informed Minnesota citizens) may wish to participate in as a show of solidarity and active citizen participation even though the events are not directly organized or sponsored by ADAPT...

1.      Invest in Minnesota Action at 10 a.m. [ More Information on the Web ] [ More Information on Facebook ]

2.      Welfare Rights Committee Action at Noon [ More Information on Facebook ]

3.      USuncutMN FIGHT BACK!  Minnesota!  Shutdown Eve Parade and Rally at 1:30 p.m. [ More Information on the Web ] [ More Information on Facebook ]

4.      MAPE Pre-Vigil Cookout at 6:30 p.m. [ More Information on the Web ]

5.      AFSCME / MAPE Shutdown Eve Vigil at 9:00 p.m. [ Flyer from AFSCME ] [ More Information from MAPE ]

NATIONAL ADAPT: Say "NO" to Massive Medicaid Cuts, Block-Granting

URGENT ACTION NEEDED: Contact Representative Bachmann, Representative Ryan, and Speaker Boehner to say "NO" to massive Medicaid cuts and block-granting. 

ACTION OPTIONS:

·         Most Effective Yet More Time-Consuming: Call the following US Congressional Officials:

o   Representative Bachmann -- 202-225-2331 / 651-731-5400

o   Representative Ryan -- 202-225-3031

o   Speaker Boehner -- 202-225-6205

o   Senator Hatch -- 202-224-5251

o   Senator Baucus -- 202-224-2651

o   Your US Representatives and Senators

·         Less Effective Yet Less Time-Consuming:

o   Generic Fax, Letter, or E-mail Generator to US Representatives

o   Generic Fax, Letter, or E-mail Generator to US Senators

MORE INFORMATION:

·         US Representatives Action

·         US Senators Action

NATIONAL ADAPT: Urge Speaker Boehner to Meet with ADAPT

URGENT ACTION NEEDED: Contact Speaker Boehner to urge him to meet with ADAPT.

ACTION OPTIONS:

·         Most Effective Yet More Time-Consuming: Telephone Speaker Boehner at both his Troy, Ohio and Washington, D.C. offices [Talking Points]

o   Troy, Ohio Office:  937-339-1524

o   Washington, D.C. Office:  202-225-6205

·         Less Effective Yet Less Time-Consuming: Generic Letter or E-mail Generator

MORE INFORMATION

Metro Chapter Meeting -- Wed, 6/29 at 6:30 p.m. at Griggs-Midway Building

ADAPT Minnesota - Metro Chapter Meeting
Time: Wednesday, June 29 from 6:30pm until 8:30pm
Location: Griggs-Midway Building
1821 University Avenue; Saint Paul, MN
Map: http://bit.ly/lxzY9P

Description: We will discuss our thoughts around the awards ceremony for the Governor.  What went well?  What could be improved next time?  Everyone is welcome!  Become part of our growing ADAPT Minnesota Metro Chapter plus be a part of upcoming actions and events to get our state leadership and citizens to focus on what matters -- assuring the civil and human rights of people with disabilities to live in freedom -- instead of voting to limit equal opportunities throughout our communities for our allies and taking away funding essential to our independence.  Support equal opportunities for equal participation in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for everyone!

Scent-Free and Safe Spaces:  Please remember that all our activities are scent-free and safe spaces to offer equal opportunities for equal participation for everyone.

Personal Story: The Impact of Previous Years' PCA Service Cuts (Jim Carlisle)

To Whomever Has The Power:

Living independently would be impossible for my wife, Claudia, and I without the help of the Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) who allow us to stay in our own home and be a part of the taxpaying community. This is why it is so frustrating to hear about possible additional cuts in PCA rates and hours.

Many legislators say that they will not raise taxes. Yet, in 2009 they reduced the rate of PCA Services by 2.75% and in 2010 there were similar cuts. And now this year the State is threatening to make a third reduction in PCA Services. In reality, this is equivalent to more than a 6% GROSS REVENUE tax on PCA providers. Income taxes are usually imposed on NET PROFIT. If the State would put a 6% gross revenue tax on all industries in Minnesota, three things would happen:

1. The State hoppers would be overflowing.
2. Most State industries would be bankrupt.
3. Many legislators wouldn’t be re-elected.

Do you realize that a 6% cut in gross revenue equates to a 70% reduction in an already low net margin? On top of this, the Department of Human Services has implemented many new required regulations on PCA Services that take additional administration staff to achieve compliance. Thus, the State Legislature is asking for much more work for much less pay in the PCA Industry that cares for:

1. Some of the most vulnerable Minnesota Citizens in the State.
2. Minnesota Citizens who must live below poverty income levels to receive PCA and medical services.
3. Minnesota citizens who need reliable quality care by reasonably paid care givers.

PCA care givers are among the lowest paid employees in Minnesota and are expected to be reliable, responsible and honest, working independently in private homes. They also must be intelligent enough to deal with complex physical and mental disorders along with keeping track of hours worked, employment limitations, and timesheet requirements to satisfy the State Auditors. State reimbursement rates and county care assessments dictate that all this must be done with no morning and afternoon breaks, no sick pay, no vacation pay, and no other fringe benefits. And now these dedicated care givers will have to take an hourly wage reduction if the State slashes reimbursement rates further.

The thousands of PCAs employed in Minnesota are helping to drive the economy by spending their entire meager wages within the State and, therefore, should not be penalized with wage cuts. Minnesotans, who probably spend some earnings on yearly out-of-state vacations, should be able to make ample (federally tax deductible) contributions to protect the State’s vulnerable citizens with decently compensated care givers. Please put your full support behind this critical need for quality PCA services.

Thank you,

Jim Carlisle

Public Accountant

Governor Dayton's Response to Free Our People Award

[A PDF containing an image of the letter is available at http://bit.ly/iFZe2J ]

[Printed on letterhead reserved for the State of Minnesota's Office of Governor Mark Dayton.]

June 21, 2011

Dear members of ADAPT Minnesota:

Thank you for inviting me to attend ADAPT Minnesota's First Annual Free Our People Award Ceremony.  It is truly an honor to be recognized by your organization and Minnesotans with disabilities.  I am sorry I am not able to join you today.

On May 24, 2011, I vetoed the Legislature's Health and Human Services budget bill, which proposed severely damaging cuts to the services needed by many Minnesotans with disabilities.  When I vetoed that bill, I sent a letter explaining my reasons and in that letter I wrote:

This Health and Human Services bill, passed by the House and Senate, would cause devastating harm to many thousands of Minnesotans, which I will strongly oppose.  I cannot support a $1.8 billion reduction in health and human service spending.  A reduction of this size jeopardizes the progress Minnesota has made in providing health coverage for the uninsured, supporting our seniors in their communities, offering treatment and community support for people with mental illness, and establishing a public health infrastructure that protects all Minnesotans.  I understand the need for belt-tightening and I embrace the need for reform.  But I do not accept that Minnesota must go backward in the support we provide to our most vulnerable citizens.  We are better than that.

The state budget is about values and priorities as much as it is about dollars and cents.  It remains my priority to protect the most vulnerable Minnesotans from devastating cuts to the services they rely on for day-to-day living.

Once again, thank you for your invitation to today's ceremony, and thank you for your continued efforts to build a better Minnesota for ALL Minnesotans.

My best regards.

Sincerely,
Mark Dayton
Governor

Press Release: Free Our People Award to Governor Mark Dayton

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (UPDATED 2011-06-25 1:13 AM CDT)

ADAPT MN Presents Free Our People Award to Governor Mark Dayton

SAINT PAUL, Minnesota (June 23, 2011) -- ADAPT Minnesota presented its first Free Our People Award to Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton during a short ceremony at the Governor's office during the afternoon of Thursday, June 23.  Around 50 individuals, families, and allies were present; many wearing their standard red shirts to show their support for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities to live in freedom.

After a few brief presentations, including the sharing of Jim Carlisle's personal story and Claudia Carlisle's personal story, ADAPT Minnesota thanked Governor Dayton for vetoing several finance bills that would have created significant harm throughout Minnesota.  Plus, ADAPT expressed support for him to continue standing firm for a fair budget that isn't balanced on the backs of individuals and families experiencing disability.   

Although the Governor was unable to attend, Dan Pollock, Dayton's Policy Advisor, shared a letter from Governor Dayton.  Then, the group presented the Governor with a few tokens of appreciation, including a standard red ADAPT t-shirt displaying an individual in a wheelchair breaking free of shackles and chains with the logo "Free Our People".

As Darrell Paulsen pointed out, "Throughout the legislative session, Governor Dayton stood up for us.  Another great example of his understanding and fight for civil rights happened earlier this week when he expanded the list of critical services from the one he had submitted to the court earlier.  He expanded the list to be sure that the organizations we rely on for personal care assistance, homecare, transportation to our medical appointments, and so on would get the payments they need to pay their employees so they can continue delivering the services we depend on."  Paulsen is a disability rights advocate and nonprofit executive who experiences the effects of cerebral palsy.  He relies on personal care assistance, public transportation, and special transportation to help him ensure that his health, safety, security, and dignity needs are consistently and reliably satisfied.

ADAPT Minnesota is statewide chapter of a national grass-roots community that organizes disability rights activists to engage in nonviolent direct action, that may or may not include civil disobedience, to assure the civil and human rights of people with disabilities to live in freedom; equal opportunities for equal participation in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

QUESTIONS AND PRESS INQUIRIES:

     Please e-mail adapt.mn@gmail.com