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TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO. 4766
Volume 34, Number 9
September 2023
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Seasonal changes? Precautions are urged
NEWS DIGEST
Meet our award nominees Page 3 SUBMITTED PHOTO
Leaves turning color, cooler days and nights, and the return to school are among the signs of fall. Another sign health officials are watching for is whether Minnesotans will see another autumn surge in cases of COVID. Surges in illness have been seen in the fall for the past few years. Health officials say that’s a good reason to get a booster vaccine at this time of year. Keeping vaccines up-to-date and testing for COVID symptoms is still urged. 2023 will be the first fall and winter seasons without a federal public health emergency in place. That will mean being vigilant about COVID, as well as flu and RSV. Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. It's so common that most children have been infected with the virus by age 2, according to the Mayo Clinic. In adults and older, healthy children, symptoms are mild and typically mimic the common cold. Self-care measures are usually all that's needed to relieve any discomfort. But it can cause severe infection in some people, including babies 12 months and younger (infants), especially premature infants, older adults, people with heart and lung disease, or anyone with a weak immune system (immunocompromised). People with disabilities need to be aware of RSV. So, what to do with three diseases to think about? Many people routinely get flu shots every fall. RSV vaccines are also becoming available. And of course, many people with disabilities are advised to keep up on COVID booster shots. Health care providers and local health departments can provide information. The risks of COVID are not over and everyone is advised to continue to take precautions. Just as a surge in cases was seen after this year’s July 4th holiday, surges could also be seen after the Minnesota State Fair. Fair attendance was strong as this issue of Access Press went to press, and fewer people were seen taking precautions. Minnesota hospitalizations after July 4th increased from 41 on July 3 to 93 after the holiday. Increases in viral material were also found in wastewater samples. What health officials are watching closely is the new EG.5 coronavirus variant, which became the dominant source of COVID this summer. EG.5 was found in May in Minnesota. Those wanting a booster shot should watch for a new vaccine booster that specifically targets that variant and other shifts in the dominant coronavirus strain. Around the nation, health officials have emphasized that while COVID hospital admissions have inched upward in the United States since early July, it is in a small-scale version of the past three summers. And the surges are not nearly as great as those in the past. Still, it is a reason to be vigilant and take precautions. COVID To page 5
Judge Donovan Frank
Judge Donovan Frank is honored with 2023 Access Press award by Access Press staff United States Federal District Court Judge Donovan W. Frank is the winner of the 2023 Access Press Charlie Smith Award for 2023. The award will be presented at a celebration Friday, November 3 at McNamara Center at the University of Minnesota’s East Bank campus. Tickets for the event are now available. The award is given to Minnesotans who provide outstanding service to people with disabilities. Nominations come from community members. The winner is chosen by the Access Press Board of Directors. Board members agreed that they had a strong field of nominees to choose from,
but that Frank is uniquely qualified. He has presided over some of Minnesota’s most important cases that involve people with disabilities and their rights. “Judge Frank’s work has been crucial in matters that affect the daily lives of Minnesotans,” his nomination stated. “He has been fair and thoughtful, and has been able to advance critical needs through his work. He sees the needs of the community and his rulings back that up. Recognition is long overdue for rulings that protect people with disabilities.” Frank has been involved in several high-profile cases involving people with JUDGE FRANK To page 4
Deaf printers sought Page 5 Lopez is remembered Page 7 Campus is sold Page 8 Made in the Shade Page 11 Partners graduates speak out Page 6
Voters with disabilities need to know their rights Susan lives with a traumatic brain injury. She makes her home with her sister, who is also her legal guardian. Susan follows public affairs and is interested in voting for her next state senator. She and her sister don’t agree on politics. Can Susan’s sister prevent her from voting? Craig lives with developmental disabilities. He resides in a group home, holds a job at a grocery store, and take part in community activities. He has met some city council candidates and wants to vote for one of them in the next election. He has a conservator who oversees his financial affairs. Should Craig vote? The answer to both questions is yes. Persons under guardianship and conservatorship in Minnesota can vote. This is often misunderstood, by people in those roles, family members of people with disabilities and even election officials. Ramsey County provides useful information outlining guardianship and conservatorship issues. Guardianships or conservatorships are designed for those RIGHTS To page 5
Access Press Celebration & Fundraiser Nov. 3! Be there! www.accesspress.org