NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 4766
Volume 34, Number 10
October 2023
WWW.ACCESSPRESS.ORG
Boosters available just in time
NEWS DIGEST
COVID To page 5
Time to vote! Page 3 What are institutions? Page 4 ISTOCK
Minnesotans are seeking the newest COVID-19 vaccine boosters as they prepare for the long fall and winter virus season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gave approvals to new boosters in mid-September, allowing millions of doses to be shipped to pharmacies, hospitals and other providers. That’s welcome news for people with disabilities, who health conditions can make them more vulnerable to illness. Anyone who has not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past two months should get an updated vaccine to protect themselves this fall and winter, according to public health officials. The vaccines are for peoples ages six months and older. But if online forums and news accounts are any indication, finding vaccines is easier said than done. The Minneapolis Vaccines Hunters Facebook group, which was set up by volunteers a few years ago to provide tips for vaccine seekers, has had several posts from frustrated families whose children could not get vaccines yet. Some children were taken to appointments, only to be told that vaccines weren’t available. Another issue that Minnesotans must check is whether or not vaccines are covered by their health insurance providers. Most insurance will cover vaccine costs. People who don’t have health insurance or are with health plans that do not cover the costs can get a free vaccine from their local health centers, or state, local, tribal or territorial health departments. Pharmacies participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program are another resource. Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program may also receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program. The Minnesota Department of Health offers resources to help people without insurance to find vaccines, at https://www. health.state.mn.us/people/immunize/basics/ vaxfinder.html Another resource is the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-833-431-2053. Or try www. vaccines.gov to find other locations for free vaccines to people who don’t have insurance. “We have more tools than ever to prevent the worst outcomes from COVID-19,” said CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen, in a news release announcing her official signoff. "CDC is now recommending updated COVID-19 vaccination for everyone six months and older to better protect you and your loved ones.” COVID-19 vaccines and the people who need them face the same challenges that flu vaccines and their recipients face. Flu vaccines are designed for what quickly can become the previously prevalent strain of disease. By the time a new flu season rolls around, new variants have likely emerged. The current COVID-19 booster was designed to fight a variant called XBB1.5, which has waned in its spread. The new boosters have been found to be generally effective against the new-commonly circulating variants of EG5 and FL 1.5.1, and against the emerging BA.2.86
Use of restraints in schools is controversial.
Debate over using restraint goes on in state’s schools Use of restraints in schools continues to generate controversy throughout Minnesota. There may be a move toward some student resource officers returning to schools with the latest state legal opinion, but that remains to be seen. At issue is a new state law that places limits as to how students can be physically restrained. The law change was part of the 2023 education bill passed by the Minnesota Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz. But how the law is interpreted has generated weeks of controversy, with many law enforcement agencies statewide removing student resource officers or SROS from schools.
Use the Access Press Directory to find services and supports Pages 6-7 Learn about settlement Page 8
Under the law, no Minnesota student can be held in a prone position. Nor can students be subjected to what is called “comprehensive restraint” on the head, neck and across most of the torso. The law does include exceptions for the safety and health of students and officers. The change has support from many disability advocacy organizations and was the focus of a high-profile effort at the 2023 Minnesota Legislature. Advocates have worked for years to keep students with disabilities safe from restraints that can injure them. Prone restraint use against special education students has been outlawed for almost a decade. But
Attend art show Page 11
DEBATE To page 4
Don't miss the November 3 celebration and fundraiser As the leaves turn and the weather turns chilly, don’t let time slip away! Make reservations today for the annual Access Press Celebration and Fundraiser on Friday, November 3. You don’t want to miss this chance to honor the 2023 Charlie Smith Award winner, U.S. District Court Judge Donovan Frank. Newspaper board members and staff will also pay tribute to the late Tim Benjamin, longtime executive director of Access Press. The event, emceed by KARE-11’s master storyteller Boyd Huppert, is a great way to connect with members of our community. Huppert is a great speaker and has done many stories about Minnesotans with disabilities. The event is at McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak Street SE, Minneapolis, in Memorial Hall, first floor. The venue is on the East Bank campus of the University of Minnesota. The fun starts with 5:30 p.m. registration and reception. The dinner and program start at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person, or $600 per table of eight. Purchase tickets online at www.accesspress.org
Getting There and Scheduling Located on the University of Minnesota
campus, the Alumni Center is accessible by public transportation. It is near Green Line light rail and several bus routes. Check www.metrotransit.org for route and time
Access Press Celebration & Fundraiser Nov. 3! Be there! www.accesspress.org
information. The facility has a drop-off entrance for Metro Mobility users. It’s recommended that EVENT To page 10