Removing Barriers, Promoting Choices
The April 2021 edition of Minnesota Physician includes the 52nd session of the Minnesota Health Care Roundtable. This roundtable includes MCIL Executive Director Jesse Bethke Gomez, and features a discussion about lessons learned from, and preparing for life after, the pandemic.
Click here to read the full article on the Minnesota Physician website.
(Please note we cannot guarantee the accessibility of outside links and resources)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Jesse Bethke Gomez, MMA, MCIL Executive Director 651-603-2012 | jessebg@mcil-mn.org
January 23, 2021 as “Ed Roberts Day”
Commendation honors disability rights activist and recognizes critical role of independent-living programs and practices
ST. PAUL, Jan. 23, 2021: Recognizing the lasting legacy of disability rights advocate Ed Roberts, and the vital role the Independent Living Philosophy—which he pioneered—plays in the lives of Minnesotans with disabilities, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued a Certificate of Commendation celebrating January 23, 2021, “Ed Roberts Day.” The Commendation is notable recognition of the critical mission Minnesota’s Centers for Independent Living share to ensure Minnesotans with disabilities and their families can achieve the same civil rights and control over choices in their own lives as people without disabilities.
“Ed Roberts made activism for disability rights his life’s work,” said Governor Tim Walz. “Few have done as much to advance the causes of expanding access for students with disabilities and creating communities that are barrier-free. He left an incredible legacy, and I’m pleased to offer this Certificate of Commendation honoring his contributions.”
Born on January 23, 1939, Ed Roberts contracted polio at age 14. Paralyzed from the neck down, he required an iron lung or respirator to breathe. After completing his high school education, he was the first student with significant disabilities to attend the University of California, Berkeley, where he founded the college’s Physically Disabled Students Program, which became the model for Berkeley’s Center for Independent Living. Today, there are more than 400 independent living centers across the country, including eight in Minnesota. Roberts was the first California State Director of Rehabilitation with a disability, was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship, and was co–founder and President of the World Institute on Disability.
Roberts spent his lifetime overcoming countless obstacles and fighting to ensure all people with disabilities could fully participate in society. The United States House of Representatives declared January 23, 2011, “Ed Roberts Day,” which is now recognized at federal and state levels across the country, including Minnesota.
"Ed Roberts was a trailblazer who made it his life's work to fight for the civil rights of people with disabilities," said Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman. "His incredible legacy and spirit serve as an inspiration in our work to eliminate barriers and improve the lives of Minnesotans with disabilities."
“Ed Roberts was truly a pioneer in changing perspectives about the disability community,” said President of the Minnesota Senate Jeremy Miller. “He’s responsible for much of the progress that’s been made, and I’m glad to see the state of Minnesota recognize his work and his leadership with this honor.”
Under Minnesota Statute 268A.01, Minnesota’s Centers for Independent Living assist Minnesotans with disabilities and their families in accessing supports designed for the unique needs of every individual and ensuring equal access, inclusion, and independence. The Centers are guided by the State Plan for Independent Living from the Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council MN (Statute 268A.02). In Minnesota, close to 600,000 individuals report having a disability.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly 220,000 people or approximately 4
percent of Minnesota’s population live with serious mental health conditions.
“We are honored Governor Walz offered the Certificate of Commendation for Ed Roberts Day, and thank House Speaker Hortman and Senate President Miller for their thoughtful remarks,” said Metropolitan Center for Independent Living Board Chair Jeff Bangsberg. “The Independent Living Philosophy is foundational to our work to ensure people with disabilities can live their most independent lives. Our commitment to Removing Barriers and Promoting Choices is rooted in Ed Roberts’ lifetime of advocacy and advancing opportunities for people with disabilities. In light of these difficult times and ongoing challenges facing members of the disability community, we are grateful to Governor Walz and our legislative leadership for shining a light on the enduring impact of Ed Roberts’ work and the critical role the Centers for Independent Living play in the lives of so many across our great state.”
Learn more about Ed Roberts’ life and legacy at https://www.edrobertscampus.org/about/
Learn more about Minnesota’s Centers for Independent Living at https://www.macil.org
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Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living 2200 2nd ST SW |Rochester, MN 55902 | www.macil.org
1-23-21 Ed Roberts Day Minnesota Commendation PDF Version (147 KB)
Distribution Plan for the COVID-19 temporary 8.4% rate increase
Metropolitan Center for Independent Living
This plan will be posted onsite at 530 Robert St North and online at www.mcil-mn.org from December 20, 2020 until at least January 30, 2021
In response to COVID-19, the Minnesota Legislature approved a temporary rate increase of 8.4% to begin tentatively on Dec. 1, 2020 and will be in effect until approximately February 7, 2021. The legislature is requiring that each PCA agency dedicate 80% of the temporary increase towards wages, benefits, and payroll taxes for PCAs. This amounts to 6.72%. As a result of this legislation, you will see a direct 6% increase in your wages (retroactive to 12/01/20). The remaining .72% goes toward increase in FICA taxes, Medicare taxes, state/federal unemployment taxes and workers' compensation premiums. The other 20% must be spent on the cost for activities and items necessary to support compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on sanitation and personal protective equipment.
This rate increase does not apply to Qualified Professionals or office staff.
If any PCA does not feel that they received the compensation related increase as required, you should contact Michelle Vrieze at 651-603-2030, and you may also contact the Department of Human Services:
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Community Supports and Continuing Care for Older Adults
PCA Temporary Rate Increase
P.O. Box 64967
St. Paul, MN 55164-0967
Email questions to dhs.ccarates@state.mn.us. DHS will direct the questions to the person who can best provide an answer.
By Phone
If -you have questions, you can call the DSD Response Center at 651-431-4300. DHS will direct the questions to the person who can best provide an answer.
Note: The telephone number listed is a voice number. TDD users may call the Minnesota Relay at 711 or 800-627-3529. For the speech-to-speech relay, call 877-627-3848.
WHAT: Seeking participation of wheelchair/scooter users anywhere in the U.S in a research project out of Virginia Tech (Research Project IRB # 20-629).
RESEARCH TITLE: Wheelchair accessibility in ridesharing through Uber and Lyft
STUDY PURPOSE: The purpose of this research is to develop a greater understanding of the accessibility of service hailed through Uber and Lyft apps from the perspective of wheelchair/scooter users and support informed policy making. The study is not affiliated with Uber or Lyft.
WHO: You are a wheelchair or scooter user (at some point in the past, currently, occasionally, sometimes, full-time) and live anywhere in the US. You may or may not have experience with Uber or Lyft. The study is interested in impressions too.
HOW: Eligible participants will complete an online survey that takes less than 10 minutes for those without experience with Uber and Lyft and about 15 minutes for those with experience.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please email ul_wheelchair@vt.edu or call 202-643-2474.
OTHER: You will be entered into a drawing for three $50 gift cards from Amazon in appreciation of your time and effort upon completing the online survey.
LINK: Click the link to go to the online survey: Wheelchair Accessibility of Ridesharing Hailed Through Uber and Lyft (qualtrics.com)
With more than 400 people registered to participate in the ADA 30th Anniversary / National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 75th Anniversary virtual event, participants experienced a new and novel way to celebrate. The free, online 90-minute event offered attendees a variety of presentations, education, artist works, and reason for celebration.
We are grateful to all those who served as presenters, providing expertise and insight, artistic inspiration, heartfelt commentary, and civic leadership. This truly successful virtual gathering was made accessible thanks to the technological expertise of a team from Minnesota State, Metropolitan State University, and the Assistive Technology Lab at St. Cloud State University. Thanks also to all the organizations who served as host sponsors and to the planning committee for their commitment to creating this important event.
This is the Thanks to the ADA Campaign introductory video created by the Great Lakes ADA Center.
Our mission at Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) is removing barriers, promoting choices. The Centers for Independent Living came about as a result of the struggle and pain of the civil rights era and the newly established civil rights laws from the 1960’s through the 1980’s. We are deeply anguished and troubled by the death of George Floyd by law enforcement in Minneapolis Minnesota.
Our hearts are filled with prayers for Mr. Floyd and his family. We acknowledge the current and historical injustices experienced by the African American community, by all diverse communities, by people with disabilities and all whose rights have been denied. We join our hope and our work, with the hope and work of all who seek that as a society, we become a more just, equitable and civil society.
Throughout my career I have worked on advancing the quality of life of marginalized people, social justice, equity, educational advancement and economic development for diverse communities, recruitment of diverse and women candidates for Minnesota’s Judicial Selection Commission, independent living for people with disabilities and ultimately the ability of people to care for one another.
We live in a time in which affirm these truths to be self-evident, that we all are made in the image and likeness of a Supreme Being and we are therefore endowed with the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
We remain committed to fully realize our mission of MCIL and that our work, our hope and our concerns may also contribute to the greater good in advancing freedom, safety and fairness for all as a civil society, so that ultimately we contribute to advancing the ability of people to care for one another.
In this moment we affirm the need for healing, of care for all and of hope in realizing a better future for all.
Sincerely
Jesse Bethke Gomez, MMA
Executive Director
Metropolitan Center for Independent Living
530 Robert Street North, St. Paul, MN 55101
Urgent action needed as people with disabilities are left out of State’s COVID-19 plans
March 18, 2020 (ST. PAUL, Minn.) The emergency package approved by the legislature earlier this week addressed hospitals, clinics and nursing facilities, but did nothing to address the needs of people with disabilities and the frail elderly who live at home. Many cannot get out of bed by themselves and need help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, going to the bathroom, eating and taking medications. Some rely on ventilators or other medical equipment, which in-home providers help them use and maintain.
Even if they do not get the virus, people with disabilities continue to need in-home services to get up every day, stay healthy and avoid costly complications that can cause them to need hospital or nursing facility care. Such care is much more expensive than in-home care and is practically unavailable due to COVID-19. For many people with disabilities, in-home services are necessary for their very survival!
The in-home care system was already facing severe workforce shortages due to low wages and low reimbursement of providers. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed further strain on critically needed in- home care services.
The Legislature must reconvene this week to include PCA and other services for people with disabilities, and the frail elderly living at home, in emergency response plans. Legislation is needed to provide regulatory flexibility and funding for overtime pay, extra staffing, protective equipment, and to ensure that unforeseen issues can be addressed as they arise.
Quick action by the legislature is critical to ensuring that people with disabilities are not abandoned as the COVID-19 crisis deepens with each passing day. Many lives depend on swift action to close this gap in emergency response laws.
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Metropolitan Center for Independent Living COVID-19 Preparedness
March 19 2020
Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) continues to operate all programs and services. We assist a vulnerable population and have an important role to play in mitigating emotional isolation and expect to continue to be of service to our clients and community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are also deeply committed to the safety and security of our Employees, and Direct Support Professionals and we are therefore making a necessary change to a remote work environment with essential personnel working out of the MCIL Offices until further notice.
Though our St Paul Offices will be closed to the public effective Wednesday March 18th, our main telephone number remains as a point of contact 651-646-8342. Disability Hub MN can be reached at 1-866-333-2466.
We encourage you to contact your healthcare provider should you have an urgent need, or 911. COVID-19 concerns please note the following:
Minnesota Department of Health, Community mitigation (schools, child care, business) questions: 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-35047 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Minnesota Department of Health, Health-related questions: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657- 3903 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Consistent with the Minnesota Department of Health Strategies to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota and CDC guidelines, MCIL encourages proper hygiene, personally and for your surrounding spaces, through increased hand washing, not touching your face, and frequent disinfecting of your spaces (phones, keyboards, door handles, etc.) and following other CDC and MN Dept. of Health recommendations as the best way to prevent the spread of illness such as social distancing.
MCIL takes these necessary social distance measures out of an abundance of caution to reduce the spread of disease, so as not to overwhelm our healthcare system, to protect all, our elderly, people with disabilities, and to protect high-risk individuals.
Jesse Bethke Gomez, MMA Executive Director
Metropolitan Center for Independent Living
Metropolitan Center for Independent Living
Receives Bush Foundation Community Innovation Grant
Funds will enable organization to shed light, bring solutions to severe PCA workforce shortage statewide
SAINT PAUL, Minn., (November 26, 2019) — Daring to “think big” to address factors behind a critical statewide shortage of Personal Care Assistants (PCA), the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) applied for and received, a significant Community Innovation Grant from the Bush Foundation. The $208,000 award enables MCIL to deeply explore issues confronting the direct care workforce shortage and to build upon Minnesota’s work thus far in advancing solutions to solve the PCA worker shortage crisis.
“MCIL is committed to removing barriers and promoting choices to help people with disabilities live their most independent lives,” said MCIL Executive Director Bethke Gomez, MMA. “We are at the forefront of engagement with the PCA workforce. Throughout Minnesota, those of us concerned about this issue witness daily the impact of the shortage on consumers and are mindful of the broader long-term implications on an aging statewide population. Our efforts will examine the importance of a third tier for Minnesota’s PCAs, a PCA Certification built on a credit-based curriculum that leads to a livable wage and a way forward that not only addresses the PCA worker shortage crisis, but also creates a pathway to prosperity for people who are PCAs. With the population of Minnesotans age 65 or above doubling to 1,262,000 by 2030, we must take this opportunity to work together toward a statewide solution that will address the increasing need and provide more Minnesotans a living wage in providing that vital support.” Bethke Gomez continued, “Answers will be found through engaging constituents, identifying needed changes in public policy, advocacy, education, partnerships, innovation and building upon work already underway. The Bush Foundation Community Innovation Grant encourages testing new solutions in addressing community challenges, devising thoughtful, realistic plans and making a significant, sustainable difference. It encourages participants to ‘Think bigger. Think differently.’ We embrace the challenge and are immensely grateful for the Bush Foundation’s trust in our work.”
In March 2018, the Cross-Agency Direct Care and Support Workforce Working Group hosted jointly by the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development submitted to the Olmstead Subcabinet a report that laid out a strategic vision for tackling the crisis in the direct care support workforce. A member of the Working Group, and a technical writer for the 2018 Report, Bethke Gomez provided insight into crucial issues, considerations behind the direct care workforce shortage, and the impact on individuals with disabilities.
With support from the Bush Foundation Community Innovation Grant, MCIL will provide leadership in addressing two key recommendations from the report: 1) assess credit-based education and the value of additional credentialing as part of the program that would enrich basic skills for direct care and support professionals and lead to improved pay or career advancement, 2) provide tiered credential options and career ladders for direct care and support professionals.
MCIL Board Chair, Jeff Bangsberg, who also served as a member of the Working Group, shared: “The Working Group’s report to the Olmstead Subcabinet brought a much-needed spotlight to the direct care crisis across our state. From rural communities to urban settings, the need is great, and the barriers to success are high. With the generous grant from the Bush Foundation Community Innovation Grant, as well as MCIL’s leadership and collaboration with our partners and policymakers, we’re determined to bring credible solutions.” Bangsberg continued, “Addressing wage disparity, along with education, enticement to join the direct care workforce, and retention efforts are paramount. We look forward to working on these difficult matters over the next two years and creating a more promising future for members of the disability community and those who provide direct care services.”
“Now more than ever there is a sense of urgency to address Minnesota’s PCA crisis and MCIL’s efforts to specifically solve this problem with its community and partners appears creative and forward-thinking,” said Awale Osman, Bush Foundation Community Innovation Associate.
About MCIL: The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) is a Twin Cities metro-based, nonprofit 501.c.3 consumer-directed organization founded in 1981. MCIL is dedicated to the full promotion of the Independent Living (IL) philosophy by supporting individuals with disabilities in their personal efforts to pursue self-directed lives. Being “consumer-directed” means that the majority of decision-making employees and members of our board of directors are individuals with disabilities. MCIL is committed to promoting this IL philosophy through innovative projects and direct services that meet the needs of MCIL consumers. MCIL is also one of eight Centers for Independent Living in Minnesota and is a member agency of the Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living. Visit mcil—mn.org
Metropolitan Center for Independent Living
530 Robert Street North
St Paul, MN 55101
Voice: 651-646-8342
Email: info@mcil-mn.org
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM
