|
Words
Of Wisdom
Dawn LaRue Wittwer
MRA President
Wow! A word that doesn’t nearly describe the Spring Conference.
It was a great event, well attended, and had fantastic presentations.
It was a great honor for me to have our National Rehabilitation
Association President, John Lui, in attendance and as one of the
presenters. I hope that everyone attended came away from it with
more knowledge than they had before, and that it was enjoyable as
well. But there’s no rest for the planning committee, as they
are already busy with the details for the Fall Conference. Now is
the time to let them know your ideas for topics and speakers. You
can access the committee by sending an email to them through the
web site: mnrehab.org or by contacting a board member.
As of this writing, the legislature is still in session. To keep
yourself up to date, feel free to join MRA’s list serve. And
one last item to keep in mind when it comes to politics this year
– most posts are up for reelection this November. We’ll
be busy next year educating and reeducating our elected officials.
And of course it is a busy time of year in general for state agencies
and those that have dealings with the state. It’s that time
of year where budgets are being reviewed and determining how funds
should be spent for the remainder of the year. In this busy time
in our work lives, we may be missing the beauty of the spring around
us. Don’t forget to take some time out for yourself to enjoy
life and the freshness that the season brings. Remember to put some
of that back into your work and personal lives so that you stay
energetic and enthused about what we do.
Enjoy the rest of your spring and have a wonderful summer!
Spring
Conference 2002 Recap
Abbie Wells-Herzog
Conference Committee Co-Chair
Hope you made it to Owatonna! The Spring Training Conference, “Taking
Care of Business” really had something for everyone. It was
great to meet all the first time attendees. And of course the MRA
regulars make it fun. There was so much to do during free time it
was difficult to choose. Some shopped Cabella’s or the Medford
Outlet Mall. Others floated in the Great Serengeti Water Park, a
really amazing place!
Wednesday dinner and keynote address by Kyle Uphoff kicked off the
conference. Kyle did a wonderful job of making labor market information
interesting. I think we all have a better grasp on the changing
trends. Following dinner, we had a chance to catch up with old friends
and meet new ones at the MRA hospitality room.
Thursday began with a general session with Karen Moore and Mike
Chevette discussing “The Minnesota Business Leadership Network”.
Karen and Mike helped us understand the BLN’s commitment to
promoting best practices in the employment of people with disabilities.
Thursday morning concurrent sessions were diverse and had something
for everyone. Katherine Hill and Carrie Sword from the “Connecting
to SUCCESS” reviewing their e-mentoring program that targets
transition age youth. Brad Kuhlman reviewed current research, the
diagnosis, treatment and vocational implications of fibromyalgia.
Jim Thalhuber discussed techniques and strategies for nonprofit
organizations to merge organizational missions with effective business
practices and revenue generation.
Deborah Atkinson’s noon general session covered the 14 functions
of leaders and leadership. Deborah focused on methods of leadership
development and organizational roles in creating leaders from within.
Joining Deborah for a panel discussion were Kelly Matter, Paul Bridges,
and Tom Davis. It was difficult to choose which concurrent session
to attend on Thursday afternoon. Geno Pichette presented on “Career
and Community Maturity Assessment”. This session focused on
designing interventions that assist consumers build success identities
in the world of work and inclusion into their communities. Tom Modahl
provided a informative overview of psychometric instruments used
in assessment and planning. Tom also touched on the use of psychometrics
in court. Ryan Blackman reviewed “Contracting with NISH”.
Ryan discussed the JWOD Act and federal government contracting opportunities
for not-for-profit rehabilitation organizations. Late Thursday afternoon,
NRAA and rCAM co-sponsored “Strategies and Techniques for Leadership
Development”. Deborah Atkinson discussed strategies and techniques
for leadership development. Emphasis was placed on mentoring and
creating empowering organizational environments.
Thursday evening dinner was followed by the wonderful Charlie Harles.
Charlie updated us on political and legislative trends at the national
level. Congratulations to Jason Dornbusch and Trish Cady, who were
the recipients of the RCAM scholarships. Following dinner, we put
on our grass skirts, Hawaiian shirts, and flip-flops and danced
away the evening to the tunes of “City Mouse”. Thanks
to MARSS for turning the ballroom into a tropical getaway.
Friday morning arrived quickly. What a better way to meet the morning
than a hot breakfast and Ellen Dahn presenting “From Burnout
to Beachcombing: Stress Management and Relaxation”. Following
Ellen’s pick-me-up session, we moved to more academic pursuits
in the concurrent sessions. Andrea Harles provided valuable updates
through her presentation “Ticket to Work: Can it Work for You”.
Linda Munson’s presentation, “Multiple Sclerosis from
a Management Perspective” provided a overview of medical, social,
and vocational factors as well as info on Operation Job Match and
the TBI Waiver. “A Review of the New Code of Professional Ethics
for Rehabilitation Counselors” was by Glen Peterson. Got to
get those ethics credits!
We were very pleased to welcome John Lui, NRA President, as our
closing session speaker. John reviewed NRA restructuring, and relationships
with divisions and state associations. He also discussed NRA’s
position on legislation and governmental initiatives. Wrapping up
the conference was the big door prize drawings. Congratulations
to all the lucky winners of the gift packages, resort and hotel
stays and the inflatable palm trees. I am sure those inflatable
palm trees look great in your office!
Thanks
to all those who attended! We hope to see even more of you at the
conference in Grand Rapids, October 2-4, 2002.
A
Letter from John Lui, NRA President
April 22, 2002
Dawn
LaRue-Wittwer, M.S., CRC
Career Rehabilitation Counselor
State Services for the Blind
2200 University Ave W #240
St. Paul MN 55114-1840
Re: MRA Spring Conference
Dear Dawn and MRA Board:
Thank you for inviting me to your Spring Conference. Your hospitality
was much appreciated!
It was a GREAT event - lots of opportunities for learning, networking,
not to mention socializing. Noted also were the dedication and hard
work of the Board, the Conference Committee and members.
Wishing you continued success this and future years. I look forward
to seeing you again in the Fall.
Sincerely,
John W. Lui
President - NRA
MRA
AWARDS NOMINATIONS WANTED!
Although
it’s only spring, it’s already time to start thinking
of your nominations for MRA awards. A variety of awards are available
each year for nomination. Awards will be presented at the Fall MRA
Conference, October 3, 2002, at Ruttger’s Sugar Lake Lodge.
The MRA Awards Committee reserves the right to withhold an award
based on lack of nominees. Let’s not let this happen! We hope
to have a number of nominations in each category. The Awards Committee’s
decision on all nominees is final.
The deadline for award nomination is Friday, September 6, 2002.
Nomination letters describing how the nominee meets the award criteria
should be sent to:
Rick Gubash
Rehabilitation Services
14551 County Road 11, Suite 140
Burnsville, MN 55337
Phone: (952) 431-9415
FAX: (952) 431-9403
E-Mail: rgubash@ngwmail.des.state.mn.us
Mary
Carlson Award
Presented to a person with a disability who has been successfully
employed for a period in excess of one year. Particular attention
will be paid to individuals whose accomplishments serve as examples
of determination and application of special skills to overcome a
vocational impediment. Stability of work, severity of disability
and uniqueness of the placement will be factors used in judging.
Meritorious Service Award
Presented to individuals who have demonstrated faithful service
to the association through their contributions to their profession
as well as to the community. This is an MRA internal award. Consideration
will be given both to quantitative and qualitative aspects of the
leadership and service provided.
Minnesota Citation
This award is presented to a public sector individual or organization
of State prominence who/which has made significant contributions
toward enrichment of the lives of people with disabilities. The
award may apply to professionals delivering service, volunteers
or any other individual who has championed the cause of people with
disabilities.
The President’s Award
Given to an individual or organization in the private sector who/which
has demonstrated outstanding achievement on behalf of people with
disabilities. The recipient of this award must have been involved
in activity over the preceding years which has resulted in major
and significant contributions to the rehabilitation of persons with
disabilities on a statewide basis.
The Hubert H. Humphrey Distinguished Service Award
This award is presented to an outstanding political figure who has
demonstrated leadership in improving the service system for people
with disabilities in the State of Minnesota. Consideration will
be given to persons with long-standing commitment to rehabilitation.
Special attention will be given to individuals who have dealt creatively
with problems in the tradition of Hubert H. Humphrey.
MRA
DIVISION AWARDS
(For more information or nomination forms, please contact the representative
listed. Please also note that each division has their own awards
committee.)
MINNESOTA
ASSOCIATION OF REHABILITATION SUPPORT STAFF (MARSS)
Kristen Quaal
Phone: (651) 649-5725
E-mail: kquaal@ngwmail.des.state.mn.us
Service to MARSS
Presented yearly to a MARSS member who has far exceeded standard
performance in their work for MARSS and the Rehabilitation field.
Support Staff Person of the Year
Presented to any support person, who has exhibited a dedication
to the field of rehabilitation through outstanding performance on
the job and/or related outside activities.
MARSS Courtesy Award
Presented to a person who has shown support for MARSS or contributed
to rehabilitation in general.
REHABILITATION
COUNSELOR’S ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA (RCAM)
Jodi Lindsay Prange
Phone: (952) 431-9409
E-mail: jprange@ngwmail.des.state.mn.us
Rehabilitation Counselor of the Year
Presented to a rehabilitation counselor for doing exceptional work
in the field of vocational rehabilitation
JOB
PLACEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT (JPD)
Doris Illies
Phone: (320) 656-5608
E-mail: dorisillies@hotmail.com
Small Metro and Small Non-Metro Employer
Presented to employers with less than 100 employees which actively
recruits, demonstrates a willingness to make necessary accommodations
and seeks out assistance for their employee with a disability.
Large
Metro and Large Non-Metro Employer
Presented to employers with over 100 employees which actively recruits,
demonstrates a willingness to make necessary accommodations and
seeks out assistance for their employee with a disability.
JPD
Placement Person of the Year and Non-JPD Placement Person of the
Year
CALL
FOR PROPOSALS
The
MN Rehabilitation Association (MRA) invites your participation in
the Fall Training Conference October 2-4, 2002 at the Ruttger’s
Conference Center, Grand Rapids, MN.
Any
interested individuals, facilities, agencies and organizations are
invited to submit proposals for presentations. The Program Committee
works to provide quality programming as the primary focus of the
conference. They look for proposals that represent public and private
rehabilitation agencies, facilities, hospitals, schools, etc. Some
examples of topics include, but are not limited to, ethics, managed
care medical developments, technological advances, rehab in industry,
school-to-work transition, employment, training and education.
Your
presentation is an opportunity to share your ideas with a large
number of rehabilitation professionals and you will contribute to
improving the quality of rehabilitation training.
If
you would like to submit a proposal for the fall conference, contact
the Program Chairs:
Abbie Wells-Herzog
Rehabilitation Services
60 E Marie Ave #209
West St. Paul MN 55118
Phone: (651) 552-5031
E-mail: awells@ngwmail.des.state.mn.us
Glen
Peterson
MN State University, Mankato
Armstrong Hall #103
Mankato MN 56001
Phone: (507) 389-5184
E-mail: glen.peterson@mnsu.edu
Spotlight
On...
Driving for Independence, Inc.
Driving
is viewed not only as a "privilege" but also as a necessity
in today’s society. The independence associated with being
able to get into your vehicle, drive to doctor appointments, pick
up a prescription at Target, go to work, or drop the kids off at
school is often taken for granted. Think of the hassle and interruption
that ensues when your vehicle is in the shop and you have to rely
on others to get around. Imagine this annoyance continuing for days
or weeks, and you can imagine the daily frustration for many people
with disabilities. Fortunately, barriers to independence can be
lifted with assistance of driver rehabilitation specialists, through
specialized training and the use of adaptive equipment.
Karma
Greenly, a registered Occupational Therapist, specializes in driver
rehabilitation services. She has the educational and medical background
needed to support people with disabilities. She has traveled the
nation to train with the best of the profession in driver rehabilitation
and has brought an impressive level of expertise home to Minnesota.
As an active advocate for the rights and independence for persons
with disabilities, she has founded Driving for Independence (DFI),
which offers driver rehabilitation services, as well as customized
training and assistive technology assessments.
When
a client contacts DFI for driver rehabilitation services, an initial
assessment is completed at the client’s home to identify areas
that may interfere with safe driving. After a screening of visual,
cognitive and physical abilities, a behind-the-wheel assessment
is completed. The behind-the-wheel assessment is completed in a
fully equipped and adapted company vehicle. A comprehensive report
with recommendations for further training, adaptive equipment or
restrictions is completed following the assessment. If further training
or adaptations is needed, the client is assured one-on-one attention
and individualized training. A final fitting and inspection of adaptive
equipment installed in the client’s vehicle is completed to
ensure prescription compliance. Instruction for vehicle use for
non-adapted/secondary drivers is available as needed.
Customized
training and in-services are at your fingertips by contacting DFI.
Examples of trainings previously presented by DFI included subjects
such as “Understanding Sensory Integration: for the Care Giver”
and “Aging, Medications and Driving.” Contact us for a
customized onsite in-service. As part of our commitment to improving
the quality of life through increasing independence, DFI offers
assistive technology and safety assessments for home environments.
These assessments are completed one-on-one with the client in their
home to identify areas of concern and make recommendations to increase
safety and independence.
Driving
for Independence, Inc. is an independently operated and owned company.
Currently located in the Minneapolis / St. Paul area, DFI’s
services are available throughout the state of Minnesota and surrounding
areas.
For
more information, please contact Karma Greenly at 651-226-3768 or
email at karmag@juno.com. Visit DFI on the web at www.driver-rehabilitation.com
|