ARRM News and Public Relations

Voting: Importance and Knowing Your Rights

Hello there, Grassroots Organizer Madeleine Lerner here with all you need to know about voting in 2020! Each month from now until November, I will be writing about a different aspect of voting. If you have further inquiries please reach out to me via email or visit the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.

 

Election 101

What do I need to know about voting and elections?

Dates of Interest:

• Primary Election: August 11, 2020
• General Election: November 3, 2020

Who can vote?

• Citizens of the United States over the age of 18
• Those who have been Minnesota residents for 20+ days
• Those who have completed their felony sentence
• Those under guardianship

Where can I register?

• Online at the Secretary of State's website
• On Paper; download and print your application
• At you Polling Place; view this handout for more information

Registration/Voting During COVID-19

• View the statement on COVID-19 Voting Precautions
• Vote early by absentee ballot
• Election Day curbside voting
• If you have more questions, contact the Secretary of State's office

 

Why is Voting Important?

Being able to participate and vote in elections is a privilege. Citizens of the United States have this right and the state of Minnesota is working to ensure you have every opportunity to get to the polls. If eligible, taking part in this process is your civic duty.

At ARRM we always talk about making your voice heard. Voting gives you the opportunity to make your voice heard on a local and national level. Your vote makes a difference by:

• Electing officials into State and Federal offices
• Leading to the adaptation and implementation of new laws
• Leading to changes in infrastructure
• Impacting overall society

 

Vote graphic from Forbes Magazine

 

When One Vote Makes a Difference

EVERY vote matters! And in quite a few cases, very few or just one vote decided an election.

In 2018, NPR's Domenico Montanaro wrote the piece, "Why Every Vote Matters -- The Elections Decided By A Single Vote (Or A Little More)". Montanaro made note of over twenty elections that were decided by a slim margin from the 19th Century to 2018. In 1847, George G. Dunn of the Whig Party won the Indiana District 6 seat by one vote. In 2008, Al Franken won the U.S. Senate race for Minnesota by 312 votes.

This article truly details not only the importance of voting, but the impact one vote can have on an election. Your voice deserves to be heard and you can make that happen by voting in 2020!

 

Know Your Rights!

You have the right to vote but what other rights do you have?

• Register on Election Day
• Get time off work to vote
• Sign in orally
• Bring your children
• Ask for assistance
• Vote in private, without assistance
• Bring a sample ballot or the Voter's Bill of Rights

What are my rights concerning accessibility?

According to the U.S. Government, polling places must have:

• Wheelchair-accessible entrances and voting booths
• Voting equipment for the visually impaired
• Accessible voting machines

You can also:

• Participate in curbside voting
• Seek transportation to the polls
• Vote by mail or absentee ballot

 

Vote graphic from the Polling Place Photo Project

 

There are many more rights on the list! Minnesota is working hard to ensure that every eligible voter can come to the polls and feel comfortable while participating in the election. If you have more questions about accessibility and voter assistance, take a look at this one-pager.

 

Want to get more involved? Take a look at this New York Times article and learn more about voting, lobbying, donating, and running for office!

Commentary: Focus greater attention on structural barriers to inclusion for people with disabilities

By Sue Schettle

Published by the Minneapolis Star Tribune on 12/14/2019 (original publication here)

The latest article in the Chaotic Care series (Disabled Minnesotans Often Live in Costly Isolation, 12/08/2019) had the opportunity to continue the series’ constructive look into the current challenges Minnesotans with disabilities face in having the opportunity to live their best lives. Unfortunately, several core issues were glazed over, and some ignored, in exchange for painting a negative picture of group homes where hundreds of Minnesotans in fact do receive the support and services they need for a high quality of life.

Minnesota’s relatively large number of group homes is a manifestation of being one of the first states to close all state institutions housing people with disabilities. Beginning as early as the late 60’s and early 70’s, Minnesota led the nation in a commitment to the community integration of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Minnesota closed its institutions, establishing the alternative of group homes as the most individualized and community-based support setting conceived at the time. To this day, Minnesota is one of only 17 states with no state institutions.

However, this history is just for context, because progress never stops. Fifty years ago, the list of options for community-based services was short. Today, group homes are part of a spectrum of residence and support options for people with disabilities. This is a great advancement that offers the potential for people to customize the support they need with the independence they want.

I say potential because as the article calls out, too many still lack access to those opportunities. Yet centralizing group homes as the problem is a disservice to addressing the true factors preventing more people from living their best lives. 

The article failed to address the lack of affordable housing or discriminatory zoning ordinances and tenant policies which limit options even in the most progressive of counties.

It failed to discuss that direct support staff shortages covered in the article affect people in ALL housing situations, not just group homes. Access to stable staff is a key factor in whether a person can have the confidence to live in a more individualized setting.

The article glazed over the central role of counties and case managers in supporting transitions to more individualized homes. As the ultimate administrators of waiver funding, they are not being held accountable for their responsibilities to ensure people can access the most independent setting possible.

In the overwhelming majority of cases, structural barriers like these take the choice and opportunity out of the hands of people with disabilities. 

Finally, the article misleadingly states group homes are more costly than individualized services. Yet the scope of services being provided is drastically different in a group home setting. The majority of people living in group homes require some level of 24-hour support, while people living on their own are utilizing a fraction of that. Making this comparison is like suggesting that the retail store minute clinic is a better health care investment because getting a flu shot there costs less than a hospital stay for pneumonia.

This all boils down to two main points which the article had the chance to make, but instead, overly focused on a handful of negative group home experiences.

First, group homes do not deserve the overall negativity portrayed by this article. While they are not the right home and support setting for some, they are extremely positive options for others and exist on a spectrum of services designed to maximize a person’s independence and avoid more expensive and restrictive care settings.

Second, lack of public awareness, or will, to take action on systemic issues is the root cause of the fact that many who want to live in a different setting and have greater access to their community are not currently receiving that choice. It must be addressed. The services sector is shifting, with significant and growing numbers of programs supporting a variety of living situations for people, from organizations using a combination of innovative tools, above-and-beyond resourcefulness, and in some cases, pure grit. Yet, they are capped in their growth not because there are too many group homes, but by inconsistent county administration and case management, lack of affordable housing stock, and the demographics of those needing support outstripping those providing support by a factor of five to one.

We in the disability service sector have openly and deliberately communicated these concerns to both state officials and the media. Opportunities for Minnesotans with disabilities to live lives based on their abilities will continue to be limited until we as a state stop looking for where we can place the easy blame and start taking responsibility for addressing the real barriers.

Sue Schettle is the CEO of the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota (ARRM), an association of more than 200 organizations representing the Home and Community-Based Services industry, from intermediate care facilities to individual home support.

LSS-MN CEO Jodi Harpstead Selected To Lead DHS

SAINT PAUL, MINN. – ARRM, an association representing more than 200 direct support providers and associated service providers for people with disabilities in Minnesota, today released this statement from CEO Sue Schettle regarding the selection by Gov. Walz of Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota CEO and ARRM Board Member Jodi Harpstead to be the next commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services:

"I want to congratulate Gov. Walz on such a strong choice to lead the Department of Human Services in Jodi Harpstead. As a leader of one of the largest private-sector human services organizations in Minnesota, Jodi has the breadth of experience to not only return stability to the department, but effectively manage the complex and critical agency. She has the credibility of a leader who has worked with, and improved the lives of, the people she will ultimately serve as commissioner.

"Moreover, Jodi is well positioned to take on the significant challenges which now face Minnesota’s human services systems, with her track record of driving innovative thinking to efficiently allocate resources and achieve the outcomes which matter most to vulnerable populations. Our association looks forward to working with her and her team to address issues like the critical shortage of disability support professionals and continue supporting greater inclusiveness and independence for Minnesotans with disabilities."

The Power of Activism: Tammy Duckworth

Senator. Veteran. Trailblazer.

Who is Tammy Duckworth?

Tammy Duckworth, the Junior Senator from Illinois, is not afraid of change. As a teen, Duckworth's family emigrated from Thailand to Hawaii. She lived there through college, where she attended the University of Hawaii. She went on to earn her Master's degree in International Affairs from The George Washington University and in 2015, she completed her PhD in Human Services at Capella University.

Senator Duckworth faces her challenges head-on and demonstrates her willingness to fight for her beliefs. Tammy Duckworth is:

• The first Thai-American woman to be elected to Congress
• The first woman with a disability to be elected to Congress
• The first female double amputee to be in the Senate
• The first Senator to have a child while serving as a Senator

Suffice it to say, Senator Duckworth is the real deal.

 

Senator Duckworth and her daughters, Maile and Abigail;
Picture from Vogue

 

Serving Her Country

In her mid-twenties, Tammy Duckworth joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps with the Illinois Army National Guard. She continued her service into her thirties and in 2004, she was deployed to Iraq. She flew as a Blackhawk pilot in Operation Iraqi Freedom. During one of her missions, she was hit by an RPG, resulting in the loss of both her legs and the use of her right arm. For her service, she was made a Major and awarded a Purple Heart.

Her service and battle wounds propelled her into the arena of activism. She quickly became a strong voice in regards to human services. And after her recovery, she made it a goal create a better platform for and elevate the importance of veterans' affairs. 

Entering the Battlefield

In 2006, Tammy Duckworth lost the election for an Illinois Congressional seat. She instead went on to serve at the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. After working there for three years, President Obama appointed her to the position of Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs. "At VA, Duckworth coordinated the joint initiative with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to end Veteran homelessness. She also created the Office of Online Communications to improve the VA's accessibility..."

In 2012, Duckworth ran for Congress again and won, making her the first ever woman with a disability elected to Congress. She served as the Representative for the 8th Congressional District of Illinois from 2013 to 2017. During her service, she strengthened her platform and put forth legislation regarding women's rights, veterans' rights, and accessibility. In 2016, she beat out incumbent, Mark Kirk, making her the Junior Senator of Illinois.

As a Senator, she has taken a firm stance on disability rights. In early 2018, she spoke out against House Resolution 620, which sought to remove certain protections guaranteed in the Americans with Disabilities Act. She stated that passing this legislation would, "send a disgraceful message to Americans with disabilities: their civil rights are not worthy of strong enforcement and they can, once again, be treated like second class citizens." In December of 2018, she introduced legislation to increase accessibility at fitness centers. The goal of the Exercise and Fitness for All Act is to "ensure people with disabilities have the same opportunity to use fitness facilities as their able-bodied peers, and it would allow small businesses to use the Disabled Access Tax Credit to help cover the purchase of accessible exercise equipment." Her dedication to providing a voice for all has dubbed her a trailblazer.

Be More Like Senator Duckworth!

DSP Appreciation Week is just a few weeks away! September 8 - September 14 is your chance to convey how much you value the DSPs in your life.

When talking about her accident, Senator Tammy Duckworth said, "That day, and so many others when I served, illustrated the two most important lessons the military taught me. Never leave anyone behind - not on the battlefield and not in our country."

So, you should...

• Review the 2019 DSP Appreciation Week Toolkit - contribute to our recognition video or request a city proclamation
• Join the Facebook event for DSP Week
• Share your stories and events with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! Remember to tag them with #DSPRW2019 and #SeeOurDSPs

Key Victory for DSP Wages in Minnesota

Session is Over, Now What?

The 2019 legislative session ended last weekend after the convening of a special session. The final Health and Human Services Omnibus Bill was released on Friday, May 24. Included in the final legislation was a Competitive Workforce Factor of 4.7%. What this means in everyday-speak is a nearly $70 million dollar investment in DSP wages and benefits over the next four years.

ARRM members can find more detailed analysis on the Competitive Workforce Factor and the overall HHS bill on our members' blog, the Daily Dispatch.

We had big wins this session, but the work isn't done yet! ARRM is already looking towards the next legislative session.

Say Thank You!

You called, you emailed, you rallied, and Minnesota's elected leaders received your message! Legislators and Gov. Walz said, "We are going to make Home and Community-Based services a priority in Minnesota." This commitment to passing a Competitive Workforce Factor for DWRS is a big step in addressing the 17 percent wage gap for DSPs.

Additionally, remember to thank yourself! Staff, family members, and self-advocates all came together to demand change. Your voices made a difference. Your stories inspire Minnesotans every single day. Thank you for your hard work and your dedication to supporting the disability services workforce!

Display your appreciation by thanking those who helped us to support your supports!

Cool Tools for Saying Thank You!

ARRM created this Thank You Video as a token of our appreciation for the efforts of both legislators and ARRM members. We had record attendance at Disability Services Day at the Capitol, there was massive turnout at the Best Life Alliance Town Hall Forum, and over 50 site visits with ARRM members were held this year. Thank you for enabling ARRM staff to make your priorities known and valued by the Minnesota government.

Share this video on Facebook and Twitter and remember to tag your legislators.

Want to say more? Well, look no further. The Best Life Alliance prepared thank you letterhead for you to send!

Communication is key and establishing strong relationships with local legislators is critical to future success at the Capitol. For more information, check out our Thank You Campaign page!

The Power of Activism: Elena Hung

Lawyer. Mother. Lobbyist.

Who is Elena Hung?

Elena Hung is a woman who was destined for public service. After her graduation from Northeastern University School of Law, she moved to Washington DC for work. Beginning in 2006, she began practicing immigration law, focusing on reuniting families and encouraging sponsorship for workers. However, this focus shifted several years later and she became an "accidental activist". In 2014, Elena had her daughter, Xiomara, which means "ready for battle". She was born with Tracheobronchomalacia, a condition that causes the trachea to collapse when one breathes. Xiomara was hospitalized for the first five months of her life and now at age 5, requires a tracheostomy tube, ventilator, feeding tube, and medical stroller. Although she enjoys the same activities as any other child, Xiomara needs far more medical care and attention. In 2017, Elena and close friend, Michelle Morrison, were casually discussing their concerns for children with complex medical needs. Both women were worried about cuts to programs such as Medicaid and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It was this conversation that led to the creation of Little Lobbyists.

Elena and Xiomara, Photo from Little Lobbyists

A "Little" Bit of Activism

Elena, Michelle, and others with children who have complex medical needs began meeting frequently. In June of 2017, the group took their first trip to Capitol Hill. They hand-delivered letters, photographs, and literature to legislators, hoping for a positive response. The group quickly realized that much more needed to be done. Since that initial visit, the Little Lobbyists have frequently returned to the Hill to talk to legislators and discuss their mission. The group consistently encourages those from across the country to submit stories and photos to bolster their message. All submissions are personally delivered to elected officials by members of the Little Lobbyists.

Now in 2019, the Little Lobbyists can often be spotted on the Hill. They hold educational workshops and rallies, protest in front of the Capitol, and continue to hand-deliver letters of personal stories to legislators. On the group's "Our Story" page, the aim is clear. "Our goal is for the United States to become a place where the government does not repeal, but rather advances and champions, policies and laws that protect the livelihood and future of our children."

Elena Today

Elena Hung, although still a practicing lawyer, has become a champion advocate for inclusivity and accessibility. Her mantra is that all people, regardless of ability, should have the same rights. Elena is the current President of Little Lobbyists and the Co-Chair of Health Care Voter. She also guest writes for the Huffington Post. In 2018, she won the Speak Up for Health Award from The Center for Consumer Engagement in Health Innovation. Her belief in the power of personal stories gives hope to all who advocate for health care and disability rights.

From this, it is evident that many of the best advocates are parents. Elena and her Little Lobbyists are always ready for battle.

Sponsored content: visit Dose Health for more information

Be More Like Elena!

With the legislative session coming to a close, now is the time to speak up. Conference Committee members were just announced. Those members are Senators Benson, Abeler, Jensen, Utke, and Marty and Representatives Liebling, Moran, Schultz, Halverson, and Hamilton. If any of these legislators represent your home district, please read the action alert that went out this morning from the Best Life Alliance and reach out to them.

Share your story and state why the inclusion of a Competitive Workforce Factor for disability services is important to you. As Elena has said, personal stories have great power and you should share your's.

The Power of Activism: Anita Cameron

Community Organizer. Protester. Promoter of Social Change.

Who is Anita Cameron?

Anita Cameron has been involved in community organizing for over thirty years. She began her career working for the Chicago Transit Authority as a Transit Information Agent. In this position, she experienced firsthand how transportation issues affect members of the disability community. She saw the accessibility issues and the lack of accommodations, and she noticed those issues were dissuading individuals from taking public transit. Her job at the Chicago Transit Authority kick-started her career as an activist.

Anita Cameron, Photo from the Disability
Visibility Project

Transportation Accessibility Activism Spreads

After Anita realized there was a problem with Chicago transit access, she posited there were problems with public transportation systems in other U.S. cities. She went on to work with individuals in multiple states to address transportation issues. In Indiana, she assisted in training facilitation for riders with disabilities. She has since served on committees in New York, Colorado, and Washington D.C. regarding transportation accessibility for individuals with disabilities. She even worked with the American Association of People with Disabilities on "Get Out The Vote" efforts and went on to work in other fields of activism.

Encouraging Social Change for People with Disabilities

In 1986, Anita joined ADAPT, a grassroots disability rights organization. Members of ADAPT participate in civil disobedience and nonviolent action to bring awareness to the issues faced by the disability community. Anita has been a member for thirty-three years and has participated in numerous demonstrations, for some of which she chained herself to the gates of the White House.

Anita Cameron's work is a reminder that we can all do more to better the world for all people. For more information about Anita, check out her personal blog biography and this feature on ADAPT's website.

Be More Like Anita!

Minnesota has many grassroots groups and resources for individuals who want to become more involved in advocating for disability rights. The Arc Minnesota has many great resources listed on their website. Their Public Policy page outlines how you can take action and lists other information about the current legislative session.

The Best Life Alliance is a coalition comprised of over 130 organizations and individuals. It was founded in 2014 and aims to advocate for home and community-based services in the state of Minnesota. You can find information about the Best Life Alliance and how to get involved on this page.

Budget Surplus Must Address Rate Cuts By Feds

NEWS RELEASE

Decision by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services hurts direct care workforce

ARRM, an association representing more than 200 direct care providers and supporting service providers for people with disabilities in Minnesota, released this statement from CEO Sue Schettle regarding the 2018 February Budget and Economic Forecast released by the Minnesota Office of Management and Budget: 

“The positive state budget forecast is an important opportunity to focus on significant health and human services needs for Minnesota. Particularly, taking additional action to address the pressing workforce shortage impacting the entire sector and invest in continued progress for people with disabilities to achieve independence and community integration.

Sue Schettle, ARRM CEO

“Prioritizing this has been made even more important with breaking news yesterday from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) denied an amendment to the home and community-based services rate setting system for people with disabilities. This will result in a seven percent cut to the rates people with disabilities receive to access supportive services, resulting in a loss of up to thousands of dollars per person each year going towards critical supports.

“The state will need to address this cut by the federal government to honor investments in supportive services designed to improve quality and support more competitive wages for direct care staff. Not only do people with disabilities access these services to remain independent and active members of their communities, many rely on them for essential health and safety support.

"According to the Office of Management and Budget, average wages for all positions are expected to rise 5.5 percent next year and there is less than one job seeker per open position in our state. To experience a rate cut in such an economic environment could prove devastating for providers’ and individuals’ ability to hire and retain direct care staff.

“We call on the State Legislature to aggressively push back on this decision by CMS and take actions that will protect people’s ability to access critical supportive services on which they rely. Our industry supports the Best Life Alliance, which will be making recommendations to legislative leaders.”

Overcoming Different Relationship Challenges

Jon and Stacey have a beautiful partnership. They know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. They know when their partner is having a bad day and how to help them feel better. Most importantly, they make each other happy and fulfilled every day.

Like any couple, it took work to get to where they are today. But as single people with traumatic brain injury and other disabilities receiving significant daily care supports, they faced a different, and in many ways more challenging, path to achieving their dream life together.

Developing co-support, co-independence skills

Jon and Stacey will tell you their connection was almost immediate when they met. They were lucky enough to find each other as they both received supportive services from Mary T., Inc. and developed their bond through ongoing interactions.

They knew they belonged together and planned for marriage and living on their own. However, both Jon and Stacey did have needs related to their disabilities requiring regular daily support and supervision, including some personality traits that could make maintaining their relationship challenging. But their goal and wishes were clear, so they worked hard with support from staff at Mary T. to develop the skills they would need to live together on their own, including how to use their bond and individual skills to help support each other in their unique needs.

Why can’t I live with my partner?

But that wasn’t the only barrier Jon and Stacey faced. As many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities know, the very care plans created to support them can at times be hurdles to building relationships. Staff and providers are held tightly to following those plans, so if someone wants to spend the night at their significant other’s home, or even have a dinner date alone with a romantic interest, those interactions can be subject to strict scheduling or even the presence of support staff.

In such situations, it’s extremely important that staff and case managers, as well as guardians if they are in the mix, listen and appreciate the interests of those seeking relationship goals, and work proactively with them to achieve the lifestyle they want while also providing the supports to promote health, safety and happiness.

A happy home this Valentine’s Day

This is what Mary T. and its team did, working with Jon and Stacey to support their relationship but also to help them advocate for their goal of living together independently in their own home. On August 21, 2010 their union was blessed in the backyard of the group home where they met. In March of the following year, Jon and Stacey moved to their own townhome.

Jon and Stacey now have that happy home, celebrating their sixth Valentine’s Day together there this year, and because they have such a strong relationship built on supporting one another they rely much less on the support of direct care staff.

Their relationship advice to others, “Take it slow. Get to know each other. Look for something you want in your life and keep going. Have faith and trust in the other person.”

Happy Belated Valentine’s Day, Jon and Stacey!

A Valentine's Day Story With Meaning

It's important for those of us who support people with disabilities or advocate on their behalf fully embrace all aspects of community integration and independence that an individual may aspire to. Around Valentine's Day, an appropriate aspect of this to highlight is ensuring people have the opportunities and support to find partners and build safe, loving relationships, and to build those relationships to their fullest potential. The following story was provided by Residential Services, Inc. (RSI) and highlights both the challenges people with disabilities can face in engaging in relationships, but how their successful union not only enhances their lives but also reduces their need for staff support.

Married, but not together

When Jim and Mardell first got married, Jim was living at RSI’s Oregon Creek home and Mardell was receiving services from a different provider in Duluth. Their married relationship started with brief visits for an hour or two, then to visits a few times a week, to overnight visits once or twice a week, to weekend stays. Sharing a home was always their dream. It wasn’t always easy for Mardell, Jim, and their support teams because they lived in different homes owned by different providers and had their own unique medical and emotional needs, but they never lost focus of their ultimate goal. They continuously pushed to increase their independence and build skills so when the time came, they would be ready to support each other.

Thanks to their ability to self-advocate and work with RSI administrators and their support teams, they achieved that goal.

Overcoming barriers, building skills

Moving in together came with barriers and some unique challenges, but now Jim and Mardell share a living space and spend as much time together as they would like (which is a lot!).

Matt Koski, RSI Program Coordinator, says “I am so happy that they are able to fulfill their dreams and be there for one another on a daily basis. They never stopped believing in the process and their love for one another and I firmly believe it's what made this whole transition possible. They put in the hard work and we followed to where they pointed us.”

Together and supporting each other

Now that Mardell and Jim are living together, Mardell is able to assist in caring for her husband, which brings her joy and strengthens the connection they share. They also enjoy playing card games at home, movie nights, and shopping together. 

“We both struggle with mental illness, and it’s like we’re just so good for each other," says Mardell. "There’s purpose in my life. I’ve got something I can look forward to every day, waking up and making my husband’s day the best I can make it.”

We should all be so lucky.