June 2013 - Minnesota Rehabilitation Association

M inn e s o t a
Contents
Letter from the
President....................1
Settlement Study........2
2013 JPD Board.........3
2013 JPD Awards.......4
Gov. Affairs Report...5
Spring Conference
Schedule.................6-9
Spring Conference
Registration Form..10
Announcements.....11
MRA Board.............12
Backpage..................14
R e habili t a t i o n
A ss o cia t i o n
May 2013
A Note From Your President
For myself, and I would imagine many
others, the Spring Conference is one that will
go down in history with talk of budget cuts
due to federal sequestration and nearly a foot
of snow affecting travel. There were sweaters,
boots, talk of snowplows and cars in the
ditch but we stayed cozy inside amongst an
abundance of friends and great speakers.
We giggled and crinkled our eyebrows as
four male volunteers were asked to form a
connected square and then together perform
a pushup. With these gentlemen, keynote
speaker Mike Patrick demonstrated how we
can find solutions to any problem. When I
returned home from the conference, I had to
make the best of this April snow and built a
snowman.
Although attendance was lower than average, the overall feedback we received on
the conference was great. A special thanks to our program chairs Paul Jungers and
Kris Rauenhorst for planning the special event and to our speakers for sharing their
knowledge and talents. We are now planning the fall conference which will be held at
the Holiday Inn, St. Cloud, Nov. 6-8. We are always looking for input on speakers and
topics.
If you are interested in the wonderful opportunities available on the board and
committees, please contact me or Cassandra Avery. We have several positions open for
2014.
Christine Paul
Page 1
MRA: my tery theater
Page 2
2013 Governmental Affairs Summit
National Rehabilitation Association
March 17-20, 2013
Four MRA Members / Board Members attended the 2013 National
Rehabilitation Association’s Governmental Affairs Summit March
17-20 in Washington DC. The MRA delegation included Pat
Bienfang, Doris Illies , Ross Pringle and Sara Sundeen. Below is a
highlight of a variety of activities and topics, including meetings,
speakers, legislative issues, and visits with Federal Legislators.
Sara Sundeen, Immediate Past President of NRA started by attending
the NRA executive board meeting on Friday evening (3/15). On
Saturday (3/16) she was joined by Pat Bienfang and Doris Illies at
the NRA board meeting. The message from the Board meeting is
that NRA is moving forward. States are being paid rebates owed,
our membership stable and data is current. Saturday evening Sara
Sundeen and Doris Illies also attended the NRA JPD board meeting.
Ross Pringle joined the rest of the MRA delegation for the start of the G.A. Summit Sunday morning (3/17),
with a variety of speakers and sessions with updates on legislative issues. There were staffers from a few different
Congressional offices, whom provided insights into current trends and bills. The sessions continued Monday
morning (3/18), with time for a discussion on the NRA Issue Statements in preparation for Hill visits that afternoon
and Tuesday (3/19).
Our MRA Delegates visited the offices of the 10 Minnesota Congressional Leaders to provide information
and updates on MRA and Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Meetings were schedule and held with
staff from Michele Bachman, Rick Nolan, Keith Ellison, Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar’s offices.
Story Contributed by:
Pat Bienfang, Doris Illies, Ross Pringle, Sara Sundeen
Page 3
Noteable Speakers
Janet LaBreck, Commissioner-Massachusetts Commission for
the Blind. Ms. LaBreck is President Obama’s nominee for the next
Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA)
in the Department of Education. She shared her experience on using
internships in Massachusetts and how successful a tool that was
for them in their state. Ms. LaBreck will bring her education and
professional experiences to the role of commissioner, with expected
confirmation in 2013.
Lynnae Ruttledge, former Commissioner of the Rehabilitation
Services Administration (RSA). Ms. Ruttledge is a member of the
National Council on Disability (NCD) and has many years experience
in Rehabilitation leadership. In her presentation she recognized Ms.
LaBreck’s use of internships, and spotlighted what Minnesota had done
in using ARRA funds to support these internships, including statistics. It
was exciting having our work recognized for this with many states
throughout the country represented at the conference.
Page 4
Legislative Updates, Topics & Issues:
Workforce Investment Act (W.I.A.) Streamlining
• Rep. John Kline (MN) sponsored a bill that would combine more than 40 Work Training programs that
are ineffective or overlap (RSA not included in merge).
• One important point is the desire to downgrade the Commissioner of RSA from a Presidential
Appointee, to a Director position within the Agency. That would be a step backwards for RSA and
would really limit the political pull of the Commissioner.
Sequestration (presented by Sen. Harkin’s Appropriation Staff)
• The real impact won’t be seen until end of Spring/Summer – Federal Furloughs known, but the rest is
unknown at this point.
• 5.1% cut will feel like a bigger cut, since we are already through a portion of the fiscal year. • Sequestration will continue into next year at 5.1% if not changed
“The Big Deal”
• With the debt ceiling deadline looming this summer, the Sequestration issue will be pulled into the
discussion. That may help push the sequestration fix/ budget forward at that point, but no one is very
optimistic that Sequestration will end anytime soon.
What to Watch (in the House) --“Ryan Budget”
• Looking to balance budget in 10 years
• Searching High/Low to find areas to cut
• Staffers are still working through the details to see how it will flush out and potentially effect budget
The Political Environment in Washington
• There doesn’t seem to be any urgent push on the Hill to fix the situation at this point
• They say no one is yelling loud enough!!
• Reps & Senators are not feeling any pressure to get moving and so the Sequestration mess is slow moving.
Page 5
Congressional Visit Notes:
Michele Bachman’s Office
• Felt like we were able to say our message and share our services, but the main message was about the
need for cutting 47% of our Federal spending. The discussion on Return On Investment of VRS was
not even visited, as it was all about cuts.
Al Franken’s Office
• Very supportive of VRS Services and Programs, and very much understands the added benefits work
brings to people who have disabilities.
Amy Klobuchar’s Office
• Staff was very nice and stated that Senator Klobuchar is very supportive of our cause, but she doesn’t
have a focus in that area due to her committee appointments.
Keith Ellison Office
• Had a great conversation in a very busy office! Staff was interested in VRS and gaining a clearer picture
of services. She asked some good questions and really strove to give us her attention, even though the
office lobby was busy.
Rick Nolan’s Office
• We met with a Legislative Assistant who really didn’t know much about VRS and its programs. He was
eager to learn and took all the information we had to offer. He even asked for an email follow up with
contact for NRA’s Legislative Director.
Page 6
Meet Your
Co-Workers!
Name: Tanya Dyer
Employer: Courage Center
Professional Title: Work Readiness Coordinator
Educational Background: MS-Rehabilitation
Counseling
Description of Job:
What do you do?
I coordinate a program which evaluates clients’
readiness for employment. The Work Readiness
Program is an in-house assessment which
allows clients and staff to assess necessary
accommodations. The overall goal is to aid clients
in being successful in their work!
What population do you work with?
I work with all populations, with a highest
concentration being people with brain injuries.
How long have you been doing this?
Almost 5 years!
What is your favorite thing about your job?
My favorite thing is the diversity of clients. I also
appreciate the access Courage Center allows me
to professionals from all around the medical and
social service fields.
If you could change one thing about your job,
what would it be?
I would just like to be able to serve more clients. I
have seen such a need for the type of service Work
Readiness offers; it would be great to have the
space, time, and money to serve more clients.
Fun Stuff:
What are you really good at?
Shopping
What do you know really well?
I know the drive from my house to the lake cabin
really well, I feel like I could do it in my sleep.
What is something you’d like to learn about?
I love to learn about different cultures. Japan is
next on my list of travel spots, so I’d like to learn
more about the Japanese culture.
What is your favorite past-time?
All the fabulous traveling I have had the
opportunity to do.
What is something interesting about yourself?
I have the ability to land a small plane, in case of
emergency. My husband is a pilot, so I took the
training course in case anything was to ever happen
to him while we were in flight. I like to be prepared
and proactive. I just hope I don’t have to ever
test my flying skills out!
Page 7
2013
Save the date & make plans to attend the
Fall MRA
Conference
November 6th, 7th & 8th
Save the date for the fall conference in St. Cloud
at the Holiday Inn & Suites*
!
Hotel registration can be made at 1 - 888 HOLIDAY (1 888 465 4329)
Be sure to ask for the MRA rate.
Attention QRCs:
If you have received a notice from QBE North America about Rehab Audit Services you
should contact the Department of Labor and Industry, Workers’ Compensation Division,
for futher direction.
BUY MRA WEAR ONLINE NOW!
www.cafepress.com/+minnesota-rehabilitation-association+t-shirts
long link, great deals
Page 8
2013 MRA BOARD
OF DIRECTORS:
EXECUTIVE BOARD
PRESIDENT:
Christine Paul
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
7225 Northland Drive N.
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428-1516
Phone: 763-279-4438
Fax: 763-536-6004
christine.paul@state.mn.us
PRESIDENT-ELECT:
Mimi Schafer
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
777 E. Lake St. Suite 204
Minneapolis, MN 55364
Phone: 612-821-4016
Fax: 612-821-4427
mimi.collins@state.mn.us
PAST PRESIDENT:
Pat Bienfang
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
6630 Crown Circle, MN
St. Francis, MN 55070
Phone: 651-259-7353
Fax: 651-297-5159
pat.bienfang@state.mn.us
VICE PRESIDENT:
Cassandra Avery
Goodwill/Easter Seals
553 Fairview Avenue North
St. Paul, MN 55104
Phone: 651-379-5870
Fax: 651-379-5804
cavery@goodwilleasterseals.org
SECRETARY:
Erin Baumel
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
777 E. Lake Street, Ste 204
Minneapolis, MN. 55407-1519
Phone: 612 821-4479
Fax: 612 821-4427
Erin.baumel@state.mn.us
TREASURER:
Dawn LaRue-Wittwer
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
1201 89th Avenue N.E., Suite 220
Blaine, MN 55434
Phone: (763) 785-3368
Fax: (763) 785-3365
Fax: 651-297-5159
pat.bienfang@state.mn.us
DISTRICT
REPRESENTATIVES
DISTRICT A
Stephanie Legatt
Independent Lifestyles
215 N. Benton Drive
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
Phone: 320 420-6708
Cell Phone: 320 290-7037
stephaniele
@independentlifestyles.org
DISTRICT B
John Witzke
Witzke & Associates
324 W Superior Street # 915
Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: 218-722-1212
jwitzke@witzkeandassociates.com
DISTRICT C
Doreen Hoffman
Rehabilitation Services
318 9th Street
P.O. Box 816
Worthington, MN 56187
Phone: (507) 372-3782
doreen.hoffman@state.mn.us
Sherry Henrickson
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
12 Civic Center Plaza
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 507-389-6515
Fax: 507-389-6974
sherry.henrickson@state.mn.us
DISTRICT E
Amanda Jensen—Stahl
Goodwill Easter Seals
553 Fairview Avenue N.
St. Paul, MN. 55104
Phone: 651 379-5607
ajenson@goodwilleasterseals.org
Steve Kuntz
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
1200 Plymouth Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55411
Phone: 612-302-7063
Fax: 612-302-7062
steve.kuntz@state.mn.us
Don Ostenson
421 Queen Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
Phone: 612-308-4671
donandsharon@usfamily.net
ARTS PRESIDENT
Pat Bienfang
Phone: 651-259-7353
Fax: 651-297-5159
pat.bienfang@state.mn.us
MASPPR PRESIDENT
Carol Norris
Carol Norris QRC Inc
16526 W. 78th St, #315
Eden Prairie, MN 55346
Phone: 952-934-0108
Fax: 952-934-4769
carolnorrisqrc@earthlink.net
MEMBERSHIP
MRCEA PRESIDENT
COMMUNICATIONS
Ross Pringle
Opportunity Partners
5500 Opportunity Ct.
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Phone: 952-930-4285
Fax: 952-930-4279
rpringle@opportunities.org
Jennifer Beilke
State Services for the Blind
2200 University Ave. W. Suite 240
St. Paul, MN 55114
Phone: 651-643-3541
Fax: 651-649-5927
jennifer.beilke@state.mn.us
Laura Vitzthum – President-elect
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
2900 Cty Road 42 W., Suite 140
Burnsville, MN 55337
Laura.vitzthum@state.mn.us
DISTRICT D
DISTRICT F
JPD PRESIDENT:
VEWAA PRESIDENT
Cindy Larson
Goodwill Easter Seals
553 Fairview Avenue North
St. Paul, MN 55104
Phone: 651-379-5857
Fax: 651-379-5804
clarson@goodwilleasterseals.org
Beth Bartel
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
1200 Plymouth Avenue No.
Minneapolis, MN 55411
Phone: 612 520-3524
Fax: 612 302-7062
bartel.beth@state.mn.us
Jackie Siepker
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
4220 W Old Shakopee Rd
Bloomington, MN 55437
Phone: 952-346-4305
Fax: 952-346-4300
jackie.siepker@state.mn.us
PROGRAMS
Paul Jungers
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
7225 Northland Dr.
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Phone: 763-279-4439
Fax: 763-536-6004
paul.jungers@state.mn.us
HISTORIAN
STUDENT REPS
John Hotz
2969 Aurora Lane
St. Cloud, MN 56303
320-252-9126
jcgh2969@charter.net
ST. CLOUD
STATE UNIVERSITY
VICE CHAIRS & OTHER
BOARD ATTENDEES
Renee Young
104 10th Ave SE
St. Joseph, MN 56374
320-249-6069
yore1201@stcloudstate.edu
MN State
University-Mankato
Kourtney Wright
1612 Roe Crest Drive Apt. 5
North Mankato, MN 56003
Phone: 605-450-1440
kcwright88@hotmail.com
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
BY-LAWS/
CONSTITUTION
Pat Bienfang
Phone: 651-259-7353
Fax: 651-297-5159
pat.bienfang@state.mn.us
GOVERNMENTAL
AFFAIRS
Ross Pringle
Opportunity Partners
5500 Opportunity Ct.
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Phone: 952-930-4285
Fax: 952-930-4279
rpringle@opportunities.org
Page 9
COMMUNICATIONS
VICE CHAIR
Britny Polasek
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
777 E. Lake Street, Ste 204
Minneapolis, MN. 55407-1519
Phone: 612-821-4433
Fax: 612-821-4427
britny.polasek@state.mn.us
PROGRAMS VICE CHAIR
Kris Rauenhorst
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
6043 Hudson Rd Ste 170
Woodbury, MN 55125
Phone: 651-501-6354
Fax: 651-501-6377
kristina.rauenhorst@state.mn.us
GOVERNMENTAL
AFFAIRS
VICE CHAIR
Doris Illies
Productive Alternatives, Inc.
PO Box 371
Little Falls, MN 56345
Phone: 320-632-9291
Cell: 320-260-1401
Fax: 320-632-3879
dorisillies@hotmail.com
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DUE DATE
FOR THE NEXT ISSUE IS
AUG 16TH
Jody Homan
College of St. Catherine
601 25th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55454
A ss o ciat i o n
M inn e s o ta
R e habili tat i o n
S P OT L I G H T
Mark Your
Calendars
Mark Your Calendars!!
Due Dates for Upcoming Spotlight Issues
Deadline for the December Issue is August 16th
Advertising Rates
Option A - $75
Logo and Link on MNRehab.org
4”x1.75” Ad in 4 Issues of MRA Newsletter
Option B - $125
Logo and Link on MNRehab.org
4”x1.75” Ad in 4 Issues of MRA Newsletter
Vendor Booth at Fall and Spring Conference
without electricity
Option C - $150
Logo and Link on MNRehab.org
4”x1.75” Ad in 4 Issues of MRA Newsletter
Vendor Booth at Fall and Spring Conference
with electricity
For more information contact:
Britny Polasek
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Phone: 612-821-4433
britny.polasek@state.mn.us
WRITE US!
Please write! Space limitations may require editing
for length. Every effort will be made to maintain
original intent. Articles should submitted to:
Jackie Siepker
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
4220 W Old Shakopee Rd
Bloomington, MN 55437
Phone: 952-346-4305
jackie.siepker@state.mn.us
Britny Polasek
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
777 E. Lake Street, Ste 204
Minneapolis, MN. 55407-1519
Phone: 612-821-4433
britny.polasek@state.mn.us
CHECK US OUT
You can locate MRA on the
World WIde Web: www.mnrehab.org
OR send an email to MRA: info@mnrehab.org