ARRM News and Public Relations

Meet With Legislators On Your Own Terms

Site Visit Updates!

Since January, ARRM has assisted members in facilitating roughly 30 site visits and there are 12 others on the calendar for April. These visits have allowed members and ARRM staff to discuss issues such as the 7% cut to disability waiver rates, the wage gap for DSPs, and the workforce crisis. Legislators are able to see firsthand how these issues negatively impact those who are supported and their supports.

L-R: ARRM Grassroots Organizer Madeleine Lerner, Representative Ruth Richardson,
Executive Director of ResCare Sandy Rosbacka

What Should a Visit Entail?

You might be wondering, "What should I discuss with a legislator during a visit?" or, "What materials should I provide a legislator with?"

Start off the visit with a tour! This is a great way for a legislator to become more familiar with the services you provide and it will allow them to interact with other staff members and residents. Try not to focus solely on the negative topics like staff turnover. Mention resident progressions and the bond formed between staff and those they support. It can be far more impactful to discuss your wins.

Representative Kristin Robbins meets with Regional Director Scott Rodwell and persons served
at a REM Hennepin location

Here are some helpful handouts to have available during a site visit:

Best Life Alliance Policy Agenda

ARRM's Policy Agenda

Telling Your Story One-Pagers

Also make sure to review the Best Life Alliance Site Visit Toolkit!

Have More Questions?

ARRM's Grassroots Organizer, Madeleine Lerner, has been helping members set these up! If you have questions or would like assistance setting up some visits, please contact her at mlerner@arrm.org.

2019 Day at the Capitol Button Contest Winners!

ARRM is happy to announce we finally selected the winners of the 2019 Day at the Capitol Button Contest! ARRM Grassroots Organizer Madeleine Lerner was lucky enough to talk to both designers and learn about their inspirations and passions. Keep on reading to learn about these two talented artists!

Quinn Metcalf - MRCI

ML: How did you come up with your design?
QM: I love the colors of the rainbow and I think they're really cool. I'm legally blind in one eye but I can still see colors and shapes. I drew from my brain and my heart.

ML: Your design is very colorful! Do you have a favorite color?
QM: I like pink and purple.

ML: What did you think when you first found out that your design was chosen?
QM: I was surprised and excited! I'm really proud of myself.

ML: What do you hope people will feel when they see or wear your button?
QM: I want them to feel happy and proud.

ML: What excites you the most about Day at the Capitol?
QM: Getting to meet people and talk to them.

ML: Is art a big part of your life?
QM: Yes, I draw every day. (She even had a drawing pad and markers while I was talking to her)!

ML: What is your favorite thing about MRCI?
QM: My friends. I introduced myself right away and met my friend Heather. I get to socialize with everyone and sit with them during breaks.

Faith Hanson - Opportunity Partners

ML: How did you come up with your design?
FH: I have art class on Fridays and during one our teacher printed out pictures of the Capitol Rotunda. I wanted to do a circular design with lots of people.

ML: I like how inclusive your design is and that it resembles the Rotunda! Have you been there before?
FH: Yes, once for the ARRM/MOHR Day.

ML: What did you think when you first found out that your design was chosen?
FH: I felt great.

ML: What do you hope people will feel when they see or wear your button?
FH: I want everybody to be happy together.

ML: What excites you the most about Day at the Capitol?
FH: Getting to look at the building and be with people.

ML: Is art a big part of your life?
FH: It is my life!

ML: What is your favorite thing about Opportunity Partners?
FH: Getting to work and take classes. I take a community walking class and an art class.

 

Please join us in congratulating our winners, and a sincere thank you to everyone who submitted a design. They were all truly wonderful and it was a difficult decision. WE look forward to seeing you all wear these buttons on March 12th!

 

SHARE these incredible designs -- post this blog to your favorite social media site with the hashtag #supportyoursupports
Click to share on Facebook, Twitter

“Inclusion is Within Everyone’s Ability”

ARRM/MOHR Day at the Capitol 2018

ARRM wants everyone to attend Disability Services Day at the Capitol on March 12, 2019! However, we understand it is not easy for everyone to make the drive to the Minnesota State Capitol. From Duluth, it takes over two hours, from Grand Rapids, it takes over three hours, and from East Grand Forks, it takes nearly five hours.

If you plan to make the trip to the Capitol from outside the metro area, we are looking forward to seeing you! If the trip is just too long, you can still participate! At 10;00 a.m., we will be live-streaming the rally on Facebook! On the day of, check in here and watch the rally live! Make sure you mark yourself as “Going” to the Day at the Capitol event so you’ll get a notification when we go live.

No matter how you participate, you can still support your supports!

 

If you're in Greater Minnesota, SHARE this post with your friends, family and colleagues to make sure they know how they can support DSPs even if they can't make it to the State Capitol.

Hi all, Madeleine here with some legislative updates and reminders regarding Disability Services Day at the Capitol!

Day at the Capitol (DAC) is your opportunity to make your voices heard and advocate to strengthen the disability services workforce. Howeer, we are not limiting our discussions with legislators to just DAC. ARRM members and other advocates are constantly pushing for change!

Live From the House

Yesterday, the House Health and Human Services Policy Committee held hearings on HF168, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Schultz (07A), and HF179, sponsored by Rep. Laurie Halverson (51B). The goal of HF168 is to address the wage gap for direct care providers and the goal of HF179 is to address that gap as well as add a competitive workforce factor to DWRS. Many members of the Best Life Alliance attended the Committee meeting and a couple, such as chair and parent Judy Marder, even testified. Footage of the Committee meeting can be found here, on the Best Life Alliance Facebook Page.

Live From the Senate

Yesterday, the Senate Committee on Human Services Reform Finance and Policy also held a hearing. The Committee, led by Senator Jim Abeler, allocated time for the Best Life Alliance to testify with regard to the workforce crisis. After nine testifiers, the Senators were willing to have an open discussion about the workforce shortage of DSPs. Footage of the hearing can be found here on the ARRM Facebook page.

It is Time to Gear Up

With exactly one month until Disability Services Day at the Capitol, it is time to make sure that you have registered and submitted all designs for the Button Contest! To register, click here!

However, it is crucial that we always remain active participants in the legislative process.

 

If you have questions about DAC or the updates listed above, please contact me at mlerner@arrm.org.

What Can DAC Do For You?

March 12, 2019 is Disability Services Day at the Capitol and you should be there!

Advocates meet with Sen. Susan Kent during Day at the Capitol 2015

Rally in the Rotunda

At 10am, we will begin by rallying in the Capitol Rotunda. This is the time where DSPs, advocates, and families can gather to raise awareness for community-based disability services.

During the rally, we want to recognize the crucial nature of DSPs' work and celebrate their achievements. Twenty-one legislators will attend the rally to join us in that effort!

Meet Your Legislators!

After the rally, advocates have the opportunity to meet with their legislators and converse about pertinent issues. This is the time to talk about the 7 percent cut to the reimbursement for community-based disability services and the significant wage gap between DSPs and other similar professions. It is the time to encourage support for the Best Life Alliance. These appointments are crucial for discussing problems the Minnesota legislature needs to address!

Make a Lasting Impression

Many voices are stronger than one. The more meetings we have with legislators, the more attention our issues will receive. Disability Services Day at the Capitol is your chance to speak up and have a voice! Attend to initiate change!

Help spread the word, invite friends and family - SHARE

 

For questions about DAC, please email me at mlerner@arrm.org.

Legislative Candidate Breakfasts Recapped

Last week, advocates from around the state took part in meeting with their local candidates for the Minnesota House of Representatives to educate and highlight the challenges that the disability community is facing.

These “Legislative Breakfast” events, co-hosted by ARRM, MOHR and the Best Life Alliance were held in the South Metro, Brainerd, Red Wood Falls and Willmar and featured a total of 13 current legislators or legislative candidates coming out to listen and learn more from members of their communities about disability services.

Discussing 7% cuts

Not surprising, the main topic at every meeting focused on the workforce crisis and specifically, the recent 7% cut that began to take effect on July 1^st for waivered rates. Members of the community were able to share stories of the direct impact of the 7% cut and moreover, the workforce crisis that their organizations are facing. While many current legislators were already familiar with this issue and the need to address the 7% cut in the 2019 legislative session, hearing directly from constituents and arming them with first hand stories of the impact of rate cuts will better prepare them to advocate on our behalf in St. Paul.

Other topics discussed at the meetings included issues specific to day services, transportation needs, ARRM’s technology initiatives and the need to continue to innovate the way services are delivered.

Keep the conversation going

As we move through this election cycle and draw closer to the start of the legislative session, it is critical that we are having these kind of conversations with current legislators and legislative candidates across the state. ARRM’s ability, in partnership with the Best Life Alliance to address and fix the 7% rate cut will highly depend on the advocacy work that is done prior to session beginning in January.

To assist you in starting a conversation with your local candidates or elected officials, the Best Life Alliance has put together a reverse doorknocker that provides high level talking points about the 7% cut. This tool is meant to hang on the inside of your door and can be used if a candidate comes knocking on your door looking for your vote. Take this door knocker and use the talking points to educate them about the 7% cut and ask them what they will do to fix the cut if elected.

For additional resources you can visit ARRM’s Election Resource center or contact Sara Grafstrom at sgrafstrom@arrm.org and don’t forget to vote in the upcoming primary on Tuesday, August 14^th!

Coffee and Candidates

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. That couldn't be more true this week as ARRM hosts several legislative candidate breakfasts in districts projected to have some of the most competitive State House races this fall.

 

This morning, ARRM members, MOHR members and The Arc of Minnesota sat down with State Representative Roz Peterson (R-56B) and candidate Hunter Cantrell (DFL-56A) over coffee and muffins to discuss critical issues for Home and Community-Based Support providers, staff, and people with disabilities.

 

Candidates experienced With home and community based services

Both Rep. Peterson and Cantrell discussed their records of working in support of Minnesotans with disabilities, Direct Support Professionals (DSP), and provider organizations.

 

Rep. Roz Peterson talks about supporting people with disabilities.

For Rep. Peterson, she was a strong supporter of legislation during the 2018 Legislative Session to stop the 7 percent cuts to Disability Waiver Rates. She also shared that she has been an advocate on local government issues, pushing back publicly against a proposal City of Burnsville officials to restrict housing density and options for people with disabilities receiving HCBS services.

 

Hunter Cantrell, candidate for House District 56A, shares his experience of being a DSP.

 

Cantrell knows the HCBS world from close personal experience, working as an in-home support staff over the past six years for ARRM members Dungarvin MN and Lifeworks, currently. He spoke passionately about the need to support DSPs and ensure we can provide stability to the direct support workforce for the benefit of people with disabilities and their families.

Working together to make change

Attendees shared with the two candidates the strain on providers and staff which come from rate cuts and changing regulatory policy, most recently the surprise 7 percent rate cuts. Both expressed the need to do more to make progress for the critical supports for people, and that the work should very clearly be a bi-partisan issue.

Supporting Advocacy, Empowering Independence

By Ashly Wiczek, Home and Community Options (Ashly is also a member of the ARRM Public Relations Committee)

Brock Mosher has used Home and Community Options services for most of his adult life. Home and Community Options (HCO) offers support and residential services to children and adults with developmental disabilities who need assistance in the Winona, MN area.

“These services are training them for life and helping them grow as people,” Jan Mosher, Brock’s mother said. “Every year they learn something new.” When Brock began working with HCO, he needed support 40 hours per week. Over the years, he has seen that number fall to a mere three hours per week. Not only did Brock learn to live more independently via his supports, Brock met his wife, Nikki, as well.

Needs For Support Can Be Just Around The Corner

Brock and Nikki's story is unique, because the know both the value of lifelong daily support services that many people with disabilities and their families understand. But two years ago, they went through the kind of unexpected trauma that changed their lives dramatically, an experience the broader public often forgets can happen to anyone. Luckily for them, it was only temporary.

“I got hit by a car on my bike and it broke my leg,” he said. “With my leg being broken, I was pretty much stuck so I couldn’t do much of anything.” Brock’s injury required a several month hospitalization and rehab stay, and just like everyone else he needed some additional help during his recovery. “My staff took over paying my bills. It was hard because I wanted to do the bills myself, but my staff had to take over because I was stuck...”

Brock’s injury also had an enormous impact on his wife. Nikki has Cerebral Palsy and needs assistance with many daily tasks like bathing, cleaning, and cooking – tasks that her husband would normally have assisted her with. Nikki was also able to receive additional support from HCO, which enabled her to continue living in their apartment while her husband was recovering. “I couldn’t have lived there without the help of PCA’s. I would have been sent to live in a group home,” she said.

The Importance of Advocacy

That unexpected need for direct care assistance, and the potential consequences for Brock and Nikki had it not been available right when they needed it, energized them to become more involved in public policy advocacy for direct care staff and the supportive services they provide. That advocacy is even more important for those who don't have a partner, or other friend, family member, or guardian (what are called "natural supports") to help support them. “Many individuals don’t have family or a guardian," Jan says. "If they lose services, they can end up in the correction system or medical system because they aren’t cared for properly.”

Since his recovery, Brock and Nikki have been passionate in talking with HCO’s Grassroots Advocacy Task Force about this challenging time in their lives and the profound impact of the additional care they received. The Grassroots Advocacy Task Force helps individuals advocate for themselves with state legislators, addressing issues like where they want to live, the critical impact of the services they receive, and the importance of funding those services.

“If the funding doesn’t get better, I could lose my staff which would affect my life drastically,” Brock says.

Building Voices, Building Energy

The Task Force meets monthly and leads a large group of self-advocates, family, and staff on yearly trips to the State Capitol to attend rallies and meet with local legislators.

The popularity of HCO’s Grassroots Task Force and corresponding Capitol trips has grown substantially in recent years - so much so that HCO recently had to request a larger, 56-passenger bus and use an additional van to accommodate everyone. As the self-advocacy efforts of HCO individuals continue to grow, it provides a strong message of empowerment for those who have begun to find their voice. When asked about her personal goals with HCO and Grassroots, Nikki said, “I want to make a difference, get my voice out there, and become more independent.”

The Grassroots Task Force attended the “ARRM Day at the Capitol” on March 13, 2018. Attendees were excited and eager to join over 1,000 fellow Minnesotans advocating for disability services from across the state.

 

Many ARRM members support or assist people in engaging with self-advocacy organizations. ARRM provides grassroots advocacy tips and resources for organizations, staff, self-advocates and family members. Visit the ARRM website for more.

Tips for Advocating with Local Governments

Of all the ways government impacts our lives and businesses, the decisions made at the local government level (municipal and county) tend to have the most direct day-to-day significance. These are the policies that affect public safety, the quality of local roads, property rights and taxes, and increasingly business regulation, to name just a few.

This is why Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) providers work with ARRM to connect with local officials about the value these organizations bring to their communities and the impacts policy decisions have on organizations and the people they support. Luckily, there are a couple of experts within ARRM’s membership who shared best practices for outreach at this year’s Fall Business & Finance Forum.

Mayor Mary Gaasch (left) and City Council Member Josh Berg (right) share how to best connect with local elected officials during ARRM's 2017 Fall Business & Finance Forum.

Mayor Mary Gaasch of Lauderdale and City Council Member Josh Berg of Elko New Market spoke to ARRM members about how to best engage with local government offices such as theirs, as well as new issues local governments are taking on that could have a major impact on all community-based services. (Mary is also a Program Director for Hammer Residences, Inc., and Josh is Director of Program Services for Accessible Space, Inc.)

Reach Out Before There’s a Problem

One of the most important messages they shared was to reach out to your local officials before there’s a problem that needs to be addressed. Build a relationship over projects that are in development and impact the community, or while educating them on issues that are important to your organization’s success and the success of the people you support.

In almost every case, local officials won’t be experts on community-based supports for people with disabilities, but they know they are hyper-accountable to community leaders. If they are engaged in a way they can be proactive, they will often listen and work hard to find solutions once they know how best to be helpful.

Educate On New Appearance for HCBS

While ARRM members have been adapting to newer support models where greater numbers of people are supported in more independent and “mainstream” settings, many local governments are just now realizing that more people living in increasingly diverse and individualized, independent settings has new impacts on their communities. Facing their own resource restrictions, some are turning to restrictive zoning ordinances that limit or redefine housing where supportive services can be provided to people, in most cases not understanding the potentially significant negative impacts of such policies.

As local officials themselves, Mayor Gaasch and Council Member Berg identified that with a prior understanding of the outcomes for their citizens and local businesses, city and county staff and elected officers would be able to better respond and collaborate with local providers to address potential issues.

Continue the conversation: SHARE your tips for engaging with your local officials in the comments below.

ARRM Members: Download the full set of slides from Mayor Gaasch and Council Member Berg’s presentation from the Members’ Area of the ARRM website (log-in required).

Meet Legislators at the Great Minnesota Get Together

It's that time of year again! The barns are abuzz, the Pronto Pups are popping, and if it's not on a stick it's not actually food. Yes, the Minnesota State Fair is here and is in full swing!

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/why-the-minnesota-state-fair-is-unparalleled

What you might not know is that the State Fair is a very important event for politicians of all levels. Many of Minnesota's elected officials visit the Fair to talk to voters from across the state, and in this most grassroots-y of grassroots events, its a key moment to ensure they hear from Minnesotans that disability issues are top priorities for the coming legislative sessions and elections.

Using the schedules below, make sure you include a visit with your local representatives during your trip to the State Fair, in between Sweet Martha's and winning prizes on the Mighty Midway of course. Talk to them about your local issues and let them know that community-based services for people with disabilities are a vital part of who Minnesota is, and ensuring strong and sustainable foundations for these services needs to be a top priority for our elected officials.

Both the House and Senate booths are located in the Education Building, north of Dan Patch on Cosgrove St.

State Senate Schedule

Monday, August 28th
Noon to 2 p.m.: Senator John Marty (Senate District 66)
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Senator Jerry Relph (Senate District 14)

Tuesday, August 29th
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Senator Mary Kiffmeyer (Senate District 30)
10 a.m. to Noon. Senator David Osmek (Senate District 33)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Senator Roger Chamberlain (Senate District 38)
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Senator Charles Wiger (Senate District 43)
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Senator Dan Hall (Senate District 56)

Wednesday, August 30th
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Senator David Tomassoni (Senate District 6)

Thursday, August 31st
10 a.m. to Noon. Senator David Osmek (Senate District 33)
Noon to 2 p.m.: Senator Carrie Ruud (Senate District 10)
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Senator Greg Clausen (Senate District 57)
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Senator Jim Abeler (Senate District 35)

Sunday, September 3rd
Noon to 2 p.m.: Senator Carla Nelson (Senate District 26)

Monday, September 4th
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Senator John Hoffman (Senate District 36)

State House Schedule

Monday, Aug. 28
10 a.m. to noon: Rep. Lyndon Carlson, Sr. (DFL-Crystal), Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL-Mpls)
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Rep. Drew Christensen (R-Savage)

Tuesday, Aug. 29
10 a.m. to noon: Rep. Mike Freiberg (DFL-Golden Valley), Rep. Paul Torkelson (R-Hanska)
Noon to 2 p.m.: Rep. Dave Baker (R-Willmar)
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Rep. Cheryl Youakim (DFL-Hopkins)

Wednesday, Aug. 30
10 a.m. to noon: Rep. Andrew Carlson (DFL-Bloomington), Rep. Peter Fischer (DFL-Maplewood)
Noon to 2 p.m.: Rep. Randy Jessup (R-Shoreview)
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Rep. Clark Johnson (DFL-North Mankato)

Thursday, Aug. 31
10 a.m. to noon: Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL-International Falls)

Friday, Sept. 1
10 a.m. to noon: Rep. Tony Jurgens (R-Cottage Grove)
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn (DFL-Roseville), Rep. Liz Olson (DFL-Duluth)
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Rep. Sandra Masin (DFL-Eagan)

Saturday, Sept. 2
Noon to 2 p.m.: Rep. Duane Quam (R-Byron)

Sunday, Sept. 3
Noon to 2 p.m.: Rep. Duane Sauke (DFL-Rochester)
2 p.m.to 4 p.m.: Rep. Duane Quam (R-Byron)
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Rep. Paul Rosenthal (DFL-Edina)

Monday, Sept. 4
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Rep. Paul Rosenthal (DFL-Edina)