Ninety-Ninth

Community Health

Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Weekly Message from the Executive Director

Tony Anderson



By the Numbers

This week we reported 10 new positive cases for consumers (another 50% drop from the prior week) and 11 positive cases for direct support professionals. Of the 10 consumers 2 were vaccinated, one was admitted into the hospital (unvaccinated), this week there were no deaths and Wednesday was the first time we reported no positive tests in our area. We are also getting close to a regional positivity rate that would allow us to return to the widespread face to face unannounced visits to licensed homes. Our rates this week as of March 3, 2022 was:

• San Joaquin – 4.5%
• Stanislaus – 5.2%
• Amador – 3.3%
• Calaveras – 4.2%
• Tuolumne – 6.9%

It was really nice to see so many regional center staff in the buildings this week. While we are excited to see the numbers move in the right direction each week, we know we only got here because of the hard work and sacrifice of our staff and community. We are also excited to report that we made the 100% Booster threshold for our staff and we are so fortunate to not lose any employees from the booster mandate.

Amador Housing Element

Amador County and several of it's cities are updating their housing elements and they're needing to hear from you, our consumers and families, to get clear on what your housing needs are and will be through 2029.

They also need help from service providers, community organizations, housing developers, and other stakeholders to help in three areas:

1. respond to the stakeholder survey (see blue text below) to assist in identifying the primary housing needs facing the County and each of its cities as well as constraints to providing housing or addressing housing concerns,
2. help disseminate the community survey and workshop announcement (see green text below) via social media or other methods among your clients, neighborhood organizations, and to other folks you think would be interested in identifying their housing priorities and concerns in the County, and
3. respond to the community survey, if you live in the County or would like to live in the County, to identify your household’s preferences and priorities related to housing.

Bridge to the Future V

This year the keynote for the Bridge to the Future conference features Holly Robinson Peete, and Joey Travolta and many other but the big headline is our very own PJ who will be the featured speaker on the 8th in the Youth leadership strand.

The conference will be virtual again this year but it will be free for youth ($100 for all others). It starts on Monday March 7th and goes through Wednesday March 9th. It will be another inspiring and educational event by the California Institute on Secondary Transition.

Check out this important event sponsored by the African American Chamber Foundation in Stockton. The event will take place Monday night March 7th and will focus on healthy interactions with law enforcement. Register for free by clicking the button above.

The Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA) Presents a Public Webinar on Intake

The Association of Regional Center Agencies is pleased to announce our second public webinar, meant to help families and people seeking regional center services better understand the first steps in becoming part of the regional center service community! This event is set for Thursday, March 10th, from 3-4pm, and we’ll be talking about the “intake process” for entering regional center services. Regional centers and how service starts! We’ll learn about what to expect during the regional center intake process, including a family perspective, regional centers' intake philosophy, and the specifics of getting into both Early Start and Lanterman Act services.

And Now for Some Fun...

Check out this piece by a talented group of artists with disabilities who receive their training in the film industry at Future Films (Futures Explored) in Stockton. This short nicely uses the chiaroscuro lighting technique and teases the audience for more. You'll want to watch this for sure... To learn more contact Hester Wagner, Film and Media Services Director; Futures Explored and Futures Films

Clinical Services Updates

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

Director of Clinical Services

New Mask Guidance from CDPH

The California Department of Public Health has released a new mask guidance for those that are working in health care facilities and health care personnel. Here is the link

Masking Requirements [1]

Masks are required for all individuals in the following indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status. Surgical masks or higher-level respirators (e.g., N95s, KN95s, KF94s) with good fit are highly recommended.

• Indoors in K-12 schools[6], childcare[7] (through March 11, 2022)*
• On public transit[5] (examples: airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares) and in transportation hubs (examples: airport, bus terminal, marina, train station, seaport or other port, subway station, or any other area that provides transportation)
• Emergency[8] shelters and cooling and heating centers[9]
• Healthcare settings[10] (applies to all healthcare settings, including those that are not covered by the State Health Officer Order issued on July 26, 2021)**
• State and local correctional facilities and detention centers[11]
• Homeless shelters[12]
• Long Term Care Settings & Adult and Senior Care Facilities[13]

Additionally, masks are  strongly recommended for all persons, regardless of vaccine status, in indoor public settings and businesses (examples: retail, restaurants, theaters, family entertainment centers, meetings, state and local government offices serving the public). Surgical masks or higher-level respirators (e.g., N95s, KN95s, KF94s) with good fit are highly recommended.¹

The CDC also relaxed its mask guidance according to the community level. Here is the link to see what level your community is: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/community-levels.html

FDA SAFETY COMMUNICATION:

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning people not to use certain Celltrion USA Inc. DiaTrust COVID-19 Ag Rapid Tests, a product of Celltrion HealthCare. People should not use the Celltrion DiaTrust COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test that is in green and white packaging (see image below). This test has not been authorized, cleared, or approved by the FDA for distribution or use in the United States. The FDA is concerned about the risk of false results when using this unauthorized test.”[2]

[1] CDPH. February 28, 2021. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/guidance-for-face-coverings.aspx

[2] FDA. March 1, 2022. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/do-not-use-certain-celltrion-diatrust-covid-19-tests-fda-safety-communication

SPOTLIGHT ON SUZANNE JASPER

Suzanne is an incredible woman! She has lived independently for the last 32 years!! She does so much and is so strong. Right now, Suzanne lives with her boyfriend and is an avid bowler. She is on 2 leagues and has been bowling since 1994!!

Suzanne took care of her Mom when she was ill until she passed away in 2006. She has worked at the Resource Connection Preschool since 2001, celebrating her 21^st work anniversary. Suzanne plays a very important role as a housekeeper. She must clean up after the kids at the preschool and keep the area clean and safe from Covid. Suzanne is making a big impact in our community.

Suzanne attends the ARC of Amador and Calaveras! She helps out with office work and enjoys spending time with friends and staff at the ARC. She learns new skills and ways to take care of herself. It’s a fun place – she does artwork and interacts with other people. Suzanne is the treasurer of the People First group at the ARC. 

Suzanne is also a member of the Self Advocacy Council 6 and serves as their Vice Chairperson. She is a great self-advocate, sharing information about important issues with the ARC and helping the self-advocacy movement grow!

An amazing fact about Suzanne is that she is a breast cancer survivor. She had a tumor removed in 2020 and completed radiation therapy for about 2 months. She sees her doctor every other month for check-ups and mammograms. There is no sign of cancer and Suzanne encourages you to see your doctor and be safe! Suzanne says don’t be afraid – see your doctor as soon as you think something isn’t right. The sooner they detect cancer, the better.

Keeping Our Families Health and Together

Check out this flyer about the Tribal TANF Program in Calaveras, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne Counties. This resource highlights monthly cash aid, childcare assistance, job search services, youth programs and much more.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March is developmental disabilities awareness month. This campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live.

Stanislaus Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance (S.E.A.P.A)

Scams Targeting Seniors (flyer 1 and flyer 2)

Check out these flyers to get information to protect yourselves against the latest scams targeting seniors. You'll learn about the Top 5 Scams, How to Protect Yourself, and more.

When: March 8, 2022 @ 11:00AM

Join via Google Meets: 

meet.google.com/kbz-ctxw-qkx

Or by Phone:

(US) 1+ 631-616-9288

Pin # 560 829 023#

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) Recreation Social (Spanish)

Community Services Update

Brian Bennett

Director of Community Services

VMRC Community Services will be hosting an Informational Session for Prospective HAL- Home At Last Providers



Thursday, March 10^th from 10:00 am to 11:30 AM via Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 838 3539 3059 Passcode: 609432

What is a Family Home Agency (FHA)?

Howard Prep’s Family Home Agency—Home-At-Last—offers an opportunity for inclusion into a “family” relationship for an individual with varying abilities. Individuals with disabilities are matched to families who are interested in opening their homes to a person with a disability. The Family Home Agency screens and assesses applicants to determine characteristics and attributes critical for matching a person with a disability and a family. The Family Home Agency also provides training and support to all family members to ensure the success of the new relationship.

Howard Prep FHA - Home At Last:

Howard Prep is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) organization that provides services which support adults with developmental disabilities in being as independent as possible at home, on the job, and in the community. HP has been serving Stanislaus County participants since 1953.

If you have a room in your heart and your home to help an individual with intellectual or developmental disabilities live a full and satisfying life, please join us in the Home At Last Program. We are looking for stable homes that can offer supportive, clean, safe, and comfortable accommodations for individuals looking for a family-style living environment. Supportive staff, vacation/respite days, and a monthly stipend are included. If you are interested, call Howard Prep at (209) 538-4000 or info@howardprep.org.

For more information about this event please contact:

VMRC FHA Coordinator, Linda DeLaurenti at 209-955-3642

Virtual Dental Home

Difficulties accessing dental services has been a long-standing problem for the Valley Mountain Regional Center (VMRC) and for children and adults that it serves. There are very few dentists willing to accept patients with developmental disabilities. This is exasperated by the fact that many VMRC consumers have Denti-Cal coverage which most dentists do not accept as a form of payment. In addition, many dentists feel they are not adequately trained to serve this population. VMRC plans to improve access to oral health services and improve oral health for children and adults that it serves by the securing of qualified Dentist’s and/ or Hygienists to implement the Virtual Dental Home (VDH) model. The VDH model of support is designed to offer customizable oral health supports for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities who reside in licensed support settings in VMRC’s five county catchment area (Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus Counties) . Services will be authorized under Service Codes 115, 117 and 715 VMRC and Dr. Paul Glassman will be hosting information sessions during the month of February to provide specific rate information.

VMRC plans to improve access to oral health services and improve oral health for children and adults that it serves by the securing of qualified Dentist’s and/ or Hygienists to implement the Virtual Dental Home (VDH) model. The VDH model of support is designed to offer customizable oral health supports for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities who reside in licensed support settings in VMRC’s five county catchment area (Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus Counties) .

Special Incident Report Training



VMRC’s Quality Assurance Team will be providing Vendor SIR Training on Thursday, March 24^th from 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. Please watch for the email blast if interested.

If you can't see all of the pictures click here} Valley Mountain Regional Center, Quality Assurance Department Presents: Special Incident Reporting (SIR) Training via Zoom.

Please check with your CSL to ensure that VMRC has the correct: Contact Name, Phone number, Cell number, Emergency contact number, Email address, and Fax number. If there are any changes to this information, contact your CSL and provide the updated contact information so VMRC can update our system.

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:                                   

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

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

March 17^th, 2022, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

March 22^nd, 2022, 10:00am – 11:00am

HCBS Trainings for Day Type and Employment Services

March 15^th, 2022, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

April 5th, 2022, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

May 4th, 2022, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

HCBS for Day Program and Employment Providers January through March 2022

HCBS for Residential Providers January through March 2022

Case Management Update - Children

Tara Sisemore-Hester

Director of Consumer Services - Children

Spotlight on: Victoria Palacios

Hi! My name is Victoria Palacios, and I am 8 years old. I live at home with my loving parents and siblings, and they all take very good care of me. My favorite colors are purple and pink, I love playing with and dressing up my dolls, and I enjoy singing. When the weather is nice, I like to play outside and ride my tricycle. When I am learning something new, I always try my hardest and I keep trying even if I feel frustrated! I am a very friendly person to those I see regularly; I love giving people compliments and telling my mom when she looks beautiful. 

One thing that many people do not know about me is that I pay a lot of attention to detail. If someone I know changes their hair or anything about them, I notice right away and compliment them. At school, I am making very good progress and my parents are very proud of me. My mom is also very happy with how much Valley Mountain Regional Center has helped us. My mom said that VMRC has always listened to her needs and concerns, guided her, and showed her various resources. All the therapists have also benefitted me greatly! My mom also says that I am where I am now because of all the help that VMRC has given us!

CDC’s Developmental Milestones

Español (Spanish)

CDC’s milestones and parent tips have been updated and new checklist ages have been added (15 and 30 months). Due to COVID-19, updated photos and videos have been delayed but will be added back to this page in the future. For more information about the recent updates to CDC's developmental milestones, please view the Pediatrics journal article describing the updates.

Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye bye” are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move (crawling, walking, etc.).

Click on the age of your child to see the milestones:

·        2 months

·        4 months

·        6 months

·        9 months

·        1 year

·        15 months

·        18 months

·        2 years

·        30 months

·        3 years

·        4 years

·        5 years

Print the milestone checklists (PDF) or click on your child’s age above to complete the checklist online.

Special acknowledgments to the subject matter experts and others who contributed to the review of data and selection of developmental milestones, especially Paul H. Lipkin, MD, Michelle M. Macias, MD, Julie F. Pajek, PhD, Judith S. Shaw, EdD, MPH, RN, Karnesha Slaughter, MPH, Jane K. Squires, PhD, Toni M. Whitaker, MD, Lisa D. Wiggins, PhD, and Jennifer M. Zubler, MD. Sincere gratitude to Natalia Benza, MD and José O. Rodríguez, MD, MBA for their thoughtful review of the Spanish-language translation of these milestones.

In this video, parents of young children share their personal experiences of using CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” tools and resources to learn about child development, recognize the milestones their child should be reaching, and guide them about what to do if they ever become concerned.

In this Spanish-language video, two families share personal stories of how using CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” resources helps them learn about their child’s developmental milestones and support their children’s development.

We are excited to announce the following self determination orientation opportunities:

Tuesday, April 19, 2022 9AM-12PM Spanish

Thursday, June 16, 2022 1PM-4PM English with Spanish Translation

Monday, August 8, 2022 1PM-4PM English with Spanish Translation

The Department of Developmental Services has posted FAQs for the Participant Choice Specialist positions at the following link: Self-Determination Program – Frequently Asked Questions - CA Department of Developmental Services

North Valley Hills Update

Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930

Senate Bill 639 was signed by Governor Newsom, and it says there will be a process to put a plan together on how to phase out sub-minimum wage in California. In the legislation it also says the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) will have a stakeholder group put together a phaseout plan, respond to the data, resource, and recommendations that will be put together to share with and inform the legislators by January 1, 2023.

To do this we are asking you to join the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) and others to talk about how California will move away from sheltered workshops and increase Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). CIE means the employee works full or part time, the employee is paid at or above minimum wage, the employee gets benefits if available to all employees, the employee works at a place with others without disabilities, and the employee has opportunities to move up at their job.

JOIN THE CONVERSATIONS TO SHARE

YOUR IDEAS ON HOW TO DO THIS

SCDD Regional Offices Community Conversations on Zoom

Please Join any of these dates/times! Regional Office numbers included below.

ALL TIMES ARE Pacific Time (US and Canada)

APRIL 2022

Tuesday, April 5

North Valley Hills Regional Office: 209-473-6930

10:00am-12:00pm

English/Spanish interpretation upon request/Captioning

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArf-mqqjItG9ZcWPdg_PpDlcOGq7thtLyA 

Join the Conversation in Other Parts of the State

Monday, March 14

North Coast: 707-463-4700 & North State: 530-895-4027 Regional Offices:

3:00pm-5:00pm

English/Spanish/ASL/ Live Captioning

Click here to register.

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsc-muqzMqHNP3l1Zu8boeKqDS2_fC-mIe

Orange County 714-558-4404 & Sequoia Regional Office: 559-222-2496

10:00am-12pm

Vietnamese/English/Spanish

https://bit.ly/CommunityConvoCIE

Friday, March 18

San Bernardino Regional Office: 909-890-1259

10:00am-12pm

English

https://bit.ly/3LSUECZ

Saturday, March 19

Sacramento Regional Office: 916-263-8134

10:00am-12:00pm

English/Spanish/ ASL upon request/Captioning

https://bit.ly/3GWW8bx

Tuesday, March 22

Central Coast Regional Office: 408-324-2106

4:30pm-6:30pm

English/Spanish

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwoduyvqTMuGtaBBeXphu_-vbGsTxxzbDfO

Wednesday, March 30

San Diego Imperial Regional Office: 619-688-3323

3:00pm-5:00pm

English/Spanish/ASL

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89198325617?pwd=RXY2RTBBN1h5Rk0xY3BpZUxhS2RVZz09

Friday, April 8

Los Angeles Regional Office: 818-543-4631

10:00am-12:00pm

SPANISH ONLY

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83952285461?pwd=akZZNzBIK3V3L2pJR2crY1BTQzE4dz09

Meeting ID: 839 5228 5461

Passcode: 123902

Tuesday, April 12

San Bernardino Regional Office

10:00am-12:00pm SPANISH ONLY

https://bit.ly/33OpwTX  

Wednesday, April 13

North Bay: 707-648-4073 & Bay Area 510-286-0439 Regional Offices

6:00pm-8:00pm

English/Spanish/Captioning

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEuceCgpjgoHdVjMSSiPNrraEbvvgny4jDQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Thursday, April 14

North Bay: 707-648-4073 & Bay Area 510-286-0439 Regional Offices

10:00am-12:00pm

English/Spanish/Captioning

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ude-oqjwrHtEcO5bv1o3rh5uL9CWcRGBH

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

How to connect to SCDD through Social Media

Self-Advocacy Council 6 (SAC6)

Weekly Virtual Chat

Come hear from Gabriela Lopez–VMRC 

Cultural Specialist on the Purchase of 

Services (POS) spending and share YOUR 

thoughts and ideas about it!



WHEN: Friday, March 4, 2022

TIME: 11:00 AM -12:15 PM

WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 826 7662 7732

Passcode: 653419

PDF Version of the SAC6 Flyer Here

Family Resource Network (FRN) Update

Lisa Culley, Executive Director

Project DATA 

Family Resource Network (FRN) is still taking referrals for the Project DATA technology lending program! If it would be helpful to use a tablet to access services for virtual day program, Early Start services, medical appointments, appointments with your Service Coordinator, and more.

Please complete the referral by clicking the link on the flyer, or speak with your Service Coordinator, or call the FRN office at 209-472-3674. We can also help you connect to internet services in your home.