Ninety-Third

Community Health

Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Weekly Message from the Executive Director

Tony Anderson



By the Numbers

This week we reported 68 consumers with positive COVID-19 tests and 58 direct support professionals and a quarter of our workforce at Valley Mountain Regional Center (VMRC) are going through protocols for exposures, symptoms, or positive COVID-19 test results. The virus is now extremely pervasive throughout our community and three of our consumers who tested positive in December have now been hospitalized (half were vaccinated half were not) and have the people with positive tests were vaccinated and half were not.

A Letter to Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the CDC

Last week several national disability rights organizations wrote a letter to Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention demanding a formal apology for her damaging remarks and demanding the CDC make changes to their approach to public health threat of COVID-19 and that there be greater respect and dignity in referencing our community.

The letter makes three simple demands of Dr. Walensky:  

1. Commit to regular ongoing meetings and consultation with disability stakeholders and CDC Leadership; 
2. Base isolation guidance in public health evidence and data with an understanding of the impacts on those most at risk; and 
3. Center people with disabilities–and other communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19–by ensuring that all CDC COVID-19 guidance is inclusive of the needs of people with disabilities. 

...describing the deaths of people with four or more comorbidities as “encouraging” because they were “unwell to begin with” encapsulates the exact problem that we, people with disabilities and our family members and allies, have faced the entire pandemic: The public health response to COVID-19 has treated people with disabilities as disposable. download the letter here. 

Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) Hears a Report Focused on Tribal Early Care and Education

This week the ICC is meeting in Sacramento and aside from the many important updates the council they receive, including a description on the rate study for Early Start providers, the council hosted several different presentations focused on tribal communities. Susan Ducore, Indian Health Services, provided an overview of their outreach efforts in Maternal and Child Health-Part C. The shared the findings from the Bipartisan Policy Center, "There should be a concentrated effort to ensure programs that yield notable benefits for participants, such as tribal Head Start, Tribal Home Visiting, and tribal child care receive a more equitable distribution of federal funding as they shape strong foundations for children and families alike. However, the U.S. also needs to focus on more intentional data collection both on these programs and into general tribal demographics to understand the full impact of these programs and to better understand the scale of the need for early childhood services within tribal communities. Without more comprehensive data collection, it is difficult to realize the full impact of these programs or how to reform them if necessary."

DDS Guidance on Self-Determination Goods and Services

Last week VMRC got information from DDS about the rules for buying "goods and services" in the Self-Determination program. DDS said that when VMRC is deciding if a cost may be included in the SDP Budget the person's team must decide how the item or the service you are paying for is going to meet your need or your goals listed in the IPP. DDS made these helpful guides to explain the details:

Enclose A: This one tells you how you and your team decides if it helps meet your goals or your needs in your IPP. You cannot use the money for things and services that:

• have not been approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; and,
• are available through sources available to people without developmental disabilities (e.g., Medi-Cal, In-Home Supportive Services, schools, etc.)

Enclosure B: This one gives help in explaining what things and services you can buy with your individual budget in the spending plan, and what will be paid for outside of the individual budget. It tells yo what is allowed and what is not.

Enclosure C: This is a "flow chart" (seen below) that helps you and your team see when a something you want to buy can be paid for using Participant-Directed Goods and Services, Service Code 333.

VMRC Drive Through Testing Clinic for Our Community

We are hosting a testing clinic at our Stockton and Modesto offices on January 31^st and February 2^nd which is open to our staff, consumers, families, and providers. Drive through clinics are helpful because none of us should have to go into indoor settings to get tested especially when we're not feeling well, especially if we have any of the listed COVID-19 symptoms. Sometimes we just have to do it because we have no other choice so we're trying to hep our communities by hosting this testing event. Our Clinical Director, Claire, our nurse Angela, and our contract nurse Daphine (she does weekly testing of VMRC staff) will be doing the tests and we can process about 150 tests total. If you and or your family needs a test, please register using the link for the clinic you will attend and please complete the consent form for yourself (if needed) and anyone else with you. 

Monday, 12 pm to 5 pm, January 31, 2022, 702 N. Aurora St., Stockton Clinic: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KPXQ9YD

Wednesday, 9 am to 1 pm, February 2, 2022, 1820 Blue Gum Avenue, Modesto Clinic: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/88RVMFR

Consent Form in both English and Spanish: Download Here

Case Management Update - Children

Tara Sisemore-Hester

Director of Consumer Services - Children

Limitless Judah

Judah Martinez is an energetic five-year-old boy, who’s full of spirit! His bright brown eyes and vibrant smile brings joy to everyone around him. Although he is only five years old, he’s battled and conquered more challenges than most of us encounter in a lifetime.

Like most children his age, Judah enjoys spending time with his family, watching Blippi, and visiting various amusement parks. However, Judah is a remarkable survivor. Upon birth, Judah was born prematurely weighing only two pounds and two ounces with a Grade 1 intraventricular hemorrhage. He is diagnosed with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, chronic lung disease, cortical vision impairment, congenial deficits, hypertension, hydronephrosis, with substantial difficulties with his motor skills and seizures. Fortunately for Judah, he is surrounded by a nurturing and endless circle of support. 

Through the years, it was unknown if Judah was able to stand, let alone walk. He struggled with his speech and faced countless health scares. However, through it all, Judah and his family remained resilient. With his family support and positive outlook, he became a warrior. Today, Judah is a thriving preschooler. His mother describes Judah as a charming, fearless, and intelligent young man. He is extremely talkative and is always ready to make a new friend. Although he experiences fatigue and continues to build his stamina, nothing holds him back from living a full and fun life. He can be found visiting Disneyland and participating in his karate and Hip-Hop classes. Though Judah only stands at 3ft 5 inches, he is the true definition of extraordinary. His mother and father encourage Judah to be limitless. To put it simply, he is nothing less than a “miracle”.

Some Great Self-Determination and Participant Directed Services Resources Shared by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

This week we attended our monthly meeting with Tim Travis, our liaison regarding Self-Determination and Participant Directed services and during the course of our meeting Tim shared some great resources we feel would be helpful to pass along to our community:

• The link to order 4 free (per household) in-home COVID tests can at COVIDtests.gov - Free at-home COVID-19 tests

• The extension for the COVID related directives including the waiving of FMS fees for participants in SDP now extended through 2/12/2022 can be found at Department Directives - CA Department of Developmental Services. This was posted 12/22/2021.

• The comments received regarding the expansion of PDS to include personal assistance, ILS, and employment supports can be found at View Comments on ‘Participant Directed Services Regulations’ - CA Department of Developmental Services. The proposed regulations can be found at Participant Directed Services - CA Department of Developmental Services

• The job posting for the Ombudsperson for the office of Self-Determination Program can be found at CalCareers.

• Information about EVV can be found at Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) - CA Department of Developmental Services. The most recent FAQ is in the resource box on this page or through by clicking here Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) FAQs - November 2021.

• The SDP waiver renewal can be found at SDP 2021 Renewal Approval Letter and Application.

• The guidance regarding goods and services can be found at Program Directives - CA Department of Developmental Services. We are in the process translating these into other languages and will post them when we get them back.

Self Determination Quarterly Meet and Greet

VMRC Self Determination Advisory Committee invites you to join us at our Quarterly 

MEET & GREET to talk about the SELF DETERMINATION Program! This is open to ALL!! 

Come Listen & Learn all about the Self Determination Program 

• DATE: Monday, January 24, 2022 
• TIME: 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
• WHERE: On Zoom (download the flyer for zoom link)

IDA 7th Annual Policy 2022 Update

Monday January 24, 2022

8:30am-12:30pm

Virtual Event

Join us to hear and discuss current policies and regulations that providers need to know in 2022 at the Federal, State and Local Levels

Topics that will be discussed

·    CA Early Start - Part C - What's ahead for 2022?

·    Rate adjustment, Child Find, and Transition, New Lanterman 3-4 ages services, Virtual services, 

·    How to support families/children who are Homeless

·    ECE related CA / Federal legislation for 2022

·    Recommendations from CA Master Plan on Early Learning and Care

·    CA Budget- Department of Developmental Services, California Department of Education, California Department of Social Services and relevant legislation

Presenters

Maricris Acon

Deputy Director of the Federal Programs Division at the Department of Developmental Services

Focus: Early Start Update 

 For Maricris Acon's bio click here

January Crane 

Assistant Deputy Director of the Federal Programs Division

Focus: Part C Options 

For January Crane's bio click here

Sonja Petek

Principal Fiscal and Policy Analyst at the Legislative Analyst’s Office of the California State Legislature

Focus: CA Budget 

For Sonja Petek's bio click here

Karmina Barrales

Services for Homeless Children, Education Programs Consultant, Homeless Education Program, California Department of Education

For Karmina Barrales's bio click here

Michele P. Sartell

Child Care Planning Coordinator, Los Angeles County Office for the Advancement of Early Care and Education

Focus: ECE CA Budget and Legislation

For Michele Sartell's bio click here

Christina Nigrelli

Zero to Three Senior Director, Western Office

Focus: Federal Level ECE Policy and Funding

For Chistina Nigrelli's bio click here

What's Going on at CA Department of Education: California Preschool, Transition, Part C and Low Incidence services in

Special Education

Heather Calomes

Director of Special Education, CA Department of Education

For Heather Calomes bio click here

Sarah Neville-Morgan

Director California Department of Education Early Education and Support Division 

More Presenters:

Jim Knight, Deputy Department of Developmental Services - Status of Rate Adjustment Process

IDA Panel, Early Intervention trends and Actions

More information coming soon

Non-Member: $75

IDA Agency/Individual Member: $50

IDA Parent/Student/New Clinician Member: $40

ADA Requests: Contact IDA @ mail@idaofcal.org

with ADA request by January 10, 2022

Register NOW

SPOTLIGHT on 

Kourtney Alcantara

Friends, meet Kourtney Alcantara!! Kourtney wants everyone to know she is an independent gal! She like to clean and keep things organized. She has 6 stuffed animals which she adores!

Kourtney likes to bowl, hang out with friends, see movies and meet new people and make new friends. She is on a bowling team and it’s a lot of fun.

During the day Kourtney watches tv, listens to Christian music and attends the ARC. She is learning a lot at the ARC – especially about relationships and self-esteem.

Kourtney has goals to become more independent, and find a job to make money!! 

Kourtney loves the Friday Zoom Chats with SAC6 and encourages you to listen to Dr. Dave’s mental health tip of the day. These tips help you express your feelings and learn to let things go. If you want to join us on a Friday at 11am, check out the SAC6 facebook page for the zoom info!!

Inspirational Story "Being Me: Eamon

Check out what Joel Demattei, VMRC Service Coordinator, shared with me!! This is an amazing group of people from New Zealand! They encourage us to watch, learn and be inspired. Attitude is the world's leading producer of award-winning documentaries and video content showcasing possibilities for people living with disabilities and chronic health. Their work shapes attitudes and changes lives.

A big thank you to Joel for sharing this incredible resource to inform my attitude and impact my interactions with people.

Wheelchats

Center for Independent Living – Berkeley has Wheelchats! Bring your wheelchair inquiries and answers to this virtual event!! https://www.thecil.org/events/wheelchats-3

Check it out on Wednesday, February 9 at 11am.

Social Recreational Activities and Camping Services

Effective July 1, 2021, changes to Welfare and Institutions (W&I) Code section 4648.5 restores regional center authority to fund camping services and associated travel expenses and social recreation activities.

Got your attention? Download these flyers to learn more Social Recreation (English) Recreacion Social (Spanish)

Provider Support Group

Wide Horizons Inc., located in Manteca, has a provider support group for those caring for someone with an intellectual or developmental disability. This group meets virtually and in-person on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30pm. For more information call/text Jennifer at 925-858-2801 or email paretnsupport@widehorizons4u.org. Check out their website,  Widehorizons4u.org

They welcome you to join their Special Needs Parent Support Group of San Joaquin to discuss the issues of caregiving children, teens, and adults with special needs or learning differences. They offer a chance to learn from and support one another, sharing ideas, strategies, and resources. Join their private FB group for access to meeting information. https://www.facebook.com/groups/6701898739850527

Are you looking to be self-employed and gain financial independence?

Lending Works, Inc. is a non-profit organization that lends interest-free loans to people with disabilities in California who want to start or grow their small businesses. You can get more information on their website www.lendingworksinc.com. You can email them at lendingworksinc07@gmail.com. Take a few minutes to watch their video.

https://youtu.be/0Txe_Uj_mAc

What is the Little League Challenger Program? 

The Little League Challenger Program is Little League’s adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges.

Who can participate in the Little League Challenger Program?

Any individual with a physical or intellectual challenge may participate. If an individual can participate in the traditional Little League Baseball or Softball program with reasonable accommodations they should do so. The Little League Challenger Division accommodates players ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in school. The Senior League Challenger Division accommodates players ages 15 and above (no maximum age).

Learn more...

content from from the Little League

Community Services Updates

Brian Bennett

Director of Community Services

(Resource Development and Quality Assurance)

Community Services Training Opportunities and Service Provider Information

Weekly Community Services Department Provider Informational Session

Info-Sessions will occur 1x per Month on the FIRST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH

Zoom Link to upcoming Monthly Sessions:

February 4^th 2022, 9-10 am                       

March 4^th 2022, 9-10 am                 

April 1 2022, 9-10 am                        

May 6^th 2022, 9-10 am  

June 3^rd 2022, 9-10 am  

July 1^st 2022, 9-10 am   

August 5^th 2022, 9-10 am    

October 7^th 2022, 9-10 am  

November 4^th 2022, 9-10 am  

December 2^nd 2022, 9-10 am  

Zoom Link to upcoming Monthly Sessions

Y.A.I. Awarded VMRC's Latest Request for Proposal

for the 2021-2022 Crisis Prevention and Intervention / Center for START Services. VMRC has awarded our Request for Proposal for the Center for START Services (click here to learn more about what “START” is https://centerforstartservices.org/about-us )

to Y.A.I. https://www.yai.org/who-we-are

VMRC is excited to work with Y.A.I. and the Center for START Services to support persons diagnosed with intellectual/ developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs to optimize their independence and to secure appropriate support options in our five-county catchment area. 

Valley Mountain Regional Center Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist

VMRC is looking for a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist to join the Community Services Team! The position will ensure that VMRC will successfully address systematic discrimination against deaf persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities who may have been denied the accommodations they need for effective communication. Please see the link and share with those that are qualified or may be interested



https://www.vmrc.net/job-opportunities/

January 2022 Minimum Wage Increase Notice

Effective January 1, 2022, the minimum wage in California will increase based on the number of employees an employer has. Many vendors may be eligible to request a rate increase in order to adjust employees’ pay to comply with the new minimum wage. Please see the attached directive from the Department of Developmental Services for information on how to submit a request to VMRC.  See the VMRC “About US- Announcements” page for the worksheet specific to your services. https://www.vmrc.net/in-case-you-missed-it/

All rate adjustments must be submitted to VMRC no later than March 1, 2022. Should you have any questions about this notice, please contact Corina Ramirez in Resource Development, via email CRamirez@vmrc.net or phone (209) 955-3398.

Minimum Wage Letter

Upcoming Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Training Opportunities

The HCBS Final Settings Rule applies to all vendors who provide services in a setting that serves more than one regional center consumer. The intent of the Final Settings Rule is to ensure that people with developmental disabilities receive services that integrate them fully into the community to the same degree as people without developmental disabilities. It ensures quality of life! They also ensure that the residential settings that services are received in are home environments rather than institutional environments. All settings must optimize and enhance choice rather than regimenting it. The HCBS Final Settings Rule protects consumers rights including the right to privacy, dignity, respect and freedom from coercion and restraint. The Final Settings Rule goes into effect March 17^th, 2023, all providers with the service codes listed below, must be compliant by that date.

VMRC will continue hosting trainings for Residential Providers, Day Type Services Providers and Employment Services Providers. Service providers under the following service codes are strongly encouraged to sign up for one of the trainings provided. It takes time and effort to implement these requirements. Eligible service codes are Residential: 096, 113, 904, 905, 915, 910, 920; Employment Services: 950 and 954; Day Type Services: 028, 055, 063, 475, 505, 510, 515, 855

The attached flyers (insert here) have registration links on them for the following trainings. You must register to take the training. Once you have registered you will receive a link for the zoom session on the date you have chosen. For attendance purposes please have each staff taking the training register with their own contact information including their email address. Any last-minute changes to the scheduled trainings will be communicated to the registered individuals by email at the email address they have provided.

HCBS Trainings for Residential Providers

January 25^th, 2022, 10:00am – 11:00am

January 28^th, 2022, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

February 10^th, 2022, 9:00am – 10:00am

February 15^th, 2022, 2:00pm – 3:00pm

March 17^th, 2022, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

March 22^nd, 2022, 10:00am – 11:00am

HCBS Trainings for Day Type and Employment Services

February 8^th, 2022, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

March 15^th, 2022, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

HCBS for Day Program and Employment Providers January through March 2022

HCBS for Residential Providers January through March 2022

Clinical Services Updates

Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, NP-C

Director of Clinical Services

Omicron Variant

The American Medical Association has released an article discussing “what doctors wish patients knew about the COVID-19 Omicron Variant.” This was through an interview with Stephen Parodi, MD, an infectious disease physician.1 The Omicron variant is the dominant variant here in the US.1 It is a world-wide variant of concern due to being more transmissible up to two times the Delta variant, and 4 times the original strain of covid.1 Breakthrough infections are happening and it could present more like a “common cold” and mild symptoms.1 The vaccines and boosters still help reduce the hospitalizations and death.1 “According to Dr. Parodi, ‘There's a fair amount of data now to suggest that you do significantly decrease your chance of getting infected at all if you have been boosted. And that if you do have a breakthrough infection, even with boosting, you're much less likely to be hospitalized or die from Omicron.’ ‘The key message with Omicron is it’s still important to get the vaccines,’ said Dr. Parodi. ‘If you haven’t received a series yet, you need to, and if you’re five months out from your Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccination, you should get a booster. And if you are two months out from the J&J shot, you should get a booster.’ The CDC, though, recommends that individuals receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine over Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine.”1

Another emphasis is the fact that previous infection does not mean protection from the Omicron variant.1 And let us remember that COVID-19 has long-term complications for up to 50% of infected people, affecting the brain and nervous system.1

[1] AMA. January 14, 2022. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-covid-19-omicron-variant

Masks Have Different Levels of Protection

The CDC has updated their mask guidance, clarifying that different type of masks have different levels of protection.[1] The well-fitted NIOSH-approved respirators, including N95, offer the highest level of protection.² The protection from least to most would be: loosely woven cloth face covering < layered finely woven mask < well-fitting disposable surgical mask and KN95 < well-fitted NIOSH-approved respirator, including N95.² CDC clarified that people can choose respirators such as N95s and KN95s, including removing concerns related to supply shortages for N95s.² CDC further clarified that “surgical N95s” are a specific type of respirator that should be reserved for healthcare settings.²

[1] CDC. January 14, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html

Mental Health Resource

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Joaquin https://www.namisanjoaquin.org/

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free, 8-session education program for family, friends and significant others of adults with mental health conditions. NAMI Family-to-Family provides information about anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. Other topics covered include communication, problem solving, treatment and recovery. The course is designed to increase understanding and advocacy skills while helping participants maintain their own well-being. The program is taught by trained family members who have a loved one with a mental health condition. NAMI Family-to-Family is an evidence-based program (EB). For information on the research base for the program, visit nami.org/research.

·        Class 1: Introduction to NAMI Family-to-Family

·        Class 2: Understanding Mental Health Conditions and Preparing for Crisis

·        Class 3: Getting a Mental Health Diagnosis and Sharing Our Stories

·        Class 4: Overview of Mental Health Conditions

·        Class 5: Treatment Options

·        Class 6: Communication Skills and Problem Solving

·        Class 7: Empathy and Recovery

·        Class 8: Moving Forward

When: Saturday February 5, 2022, through March 26, 2022, from 10:00am – 12:30pm.    

Where: Zoom

No Cost to Attend: All materials are provided

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-to-family-8-session-education-course-starts-february-5-2022-tickets-242560654447 

North Valley Hills Update

Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930

Disabling segregation: Dan Habib at TEDx

In this TedX talk, Dan Habib, dad to Samuel, shares about how segregation is disabling and inclusion benefits everyone. Check it out!

"Photojournalist Dan Habib didn't give much thought to disability — until his son Samuel was born with cerebral palsy. In this emotional talk, the disability-rights advocate explains his family's fight to ensure an inclusive education for Samuel, and how inclusion benefits not just Samuel and those who are included, but all of us."

Family Resource Network (FRN) Update

Lisa Culley, Executive Director

Family Resource Network is Hiring



Are you a parent or other family member of someone with special needs or disabilities? We need you! Family Resource Network (FRN) is recruiting staff for current and upcoming projects. The current need is for Spanish speaking Family Resource Specialists, who provide information, education and parent-to-parent support to other parents of children with special needs or disabilities. Ideal candidates will have experience with IEPs, the Regional Center system and other services within the community. Please see flyer for additional information, and how to apply. Share your knowledge with others and join a great team of family advocates!   

Many Thanks,

Lisa

Self-Advocacy Council 6 (SAC6)

Weekly Virtual Chat

Meet the New Emergency Coordinator



WHEN: Friday, January 21, 2021

TIME: 11:00 AM -12:15 PM

WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone

Come and meet the NEW VMRC Emergency Coordinator Aaron McDonald.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86124958598? pwd=cnZBSnBSQTY0QVhhSUVVTXZxTGU2Zz09

Meeting ID: 861 2495 8598 Passcode: 575429 You must enter the Passcode OR you can call in: TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CALL IN888 475 4499 US Toll-free 877 853 5257 US Toll-free Also–VMRC Update by Tony Anderson & Mental Health Tip of the Day by Dr. Dave & Peter Hackett

PDF Version of the SAC6 Flyer Here

And this happened...

Lisa Utsey is presenting to the Board of Directors of the Association of Regional Center Agencies (Board Representatives and Executive Directors) on this Friday morning on "Honoring the Voices of Self-Advocates" and she shared with the Executive Directors her presentation on facilitation for people people with developmental disabilities on the regional center board and committees.

How to connect to SCDD through Social Media

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)

Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!