Dear Members, Families, and Friends,

As the leaves begin to change and the chill of autumn approaches, we welcome the Fall issue of The Connection Newsletter. In this edition, we bring you the latest news from around Southern Tier Connect, including Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN), New Enrollee Orientation, and more! At the bottom of this newsletter, you will find upcoming webinars and the latest Your Rights in 10.

We wish all Southern Tier Connect members, colleagues, and partners, as well as our family and friends, a warm start to the fall season. As always, we hope you find this newsletter insightful and informative.

Sincerely,

Jess and Carey

Above: Nick Peters working at one of STC's offices.

Care Coordination Manager Nick Peters’ professional journey at Southern Tier Connect (STC) began two and a half years ago, transitioning from a role at a Residential Treatment Center for youth. His experiences there, though demanding, provided valuable insights and prepared him for his current role. Nick’s motivation stems from a personal connection to the field; his mother’s work with Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) exposed him to this line of work from an early age. The reward of seeing someone achieve their goals and the satisfaction of "closing the loop" has kept him driven in his role.

Above: Nick (right) taking a picture with Chad (left)

Chad's persistence, along with Nick’s consistent support, has helped him navigate complex situations, from securing stable housing to managing his legal and medical needs. Chad has also started participating in a Site-Based Prevocational program, which prepares him to return to work, an achievement that he is excited about as he continues to move forward.

Chad’s dedication to improving his life was instrumental in his success...

Click here to read the full story on our website. 

Southern Tier Connect employs care managers (also referred to as care coordination managers or CCMs) to coordinate the care of individuals. They oversee and assist in providing access to all services the member wants and needs. A CCM is assigned at the time of enrollment with STC and completes several assessments to inform and develop a Life Plan. Your care manager facilitates the Life Plan meeting and drafts the plan for your review and approval. Think of your care manager as your support system; whether your goal is big or small, they can help you find ways to achieve it.

A care manager is responsible for providing the six core services of a Health Home:

1. Comprehensive Care Management
2. Care Coordination and Health Promotion
3. Comprehensive Transitional Care from inpatient to other settings, including appropriate follow-up
4. Individual and family support
5. Referral to community and social services
6. The use of Health Information Technology (HIT) to link services

Additional details and examples of what constitutes the six essential services of Health Home are available here.

New Enrollee Orientation (NEO)

Did you know every month Southern Tier Connect holds a virtual session for individuals, family members, and advocates who are newly enrolled?

The NEO virtual session is run by STC Care Manager Supervisors. It focuses on what you need to know about the next steps after enrollment. Topics covered include developing a Life Plan, OPWDD service options, expectations of a care manager, helpful resources on the STC website, the 24-hour on-call line, and an open Q&A session.

If you are interested in attending, need more information, or need dates for upcoming sessions, email info@southerntierconnect.org. 

Every year, you and your care manager complete a Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) assessment to ensure we provide comprehensive, quality care to all of our members. These assessments help us identify challenges—such as housing instability, food insecurity, or lack of transportation—that can significantly impact your health and well-being. By identifying these needs, your care manager can help ensure you receive the support necessary to address concerns before they become serious.

In August, we updated our HRSN assessment to capture even more information by adding three new questions related to educational services. At Southern Tier Connect, we understand the importance of a child's success in school. Your care manager can connect you to appropriate support and ensure you have a positive school experience. Through this addition, we aim to identify your satisfaction with educational services, as well as any educational barriers that may affect your child's academic experience and performance.

By expanding our HRSN assessments to include these questions, we can connect families with valuable resources, such as educational advocacy services, to ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive in school. This is part of our ongoing commitment to providing holistic care that considers all aspects of our members' lives.

We encourage all members to participate in the HRSN assessment when contacted by your care manager. Your honest responses help us better understand your unique needs and connect you to the resources that can make a difference for you and your family.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the new school advocacy focus, please reach out to your care manager. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Did you know STC has created an Emergency Contact Magnet?

You can place it on your refrigerator for easy access. If you would like a magnet, please contact your care manager.

Did you know that OLV Human Services introduced New York State’s first Intensive Treatment Program for youth with disabilities and mental health issues?

This program offers a short-term residential placement for youth diagnosed with autism or an intellectual disability. Participants must also exhibit recurring behaviors that pose safety risks, including aggression, self-injury, or property destruction. While at the program, they collaborate with the youth's school district to ensure the continuity of each student’s IEP.

Interested in learning more?

STC is hosting an upcoming webinar where OLV Human Services staff will discuss this program in more detail and offer an opportunity for you to ask questions.

Visit https://www.olvhs.org/residential-intensive-treatment-program for more information!

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that provides rights to people with disabilities, similar to those granted based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments to ensure that people with disabilities have a full and equal voting opportunity. 

You have the following rights:

1. To participate in the political process. You can vote by mail, in person, or online. Talk to your care manager for information on how to register to vote in your area and where to find your nearest polling station.
2. To research candidates. Ask about alternative formats for literature, such as pamphlets and political guides about candidates and parties, to help inform your decision.
3. To access accessible voting stations.
4. To ask for assistance when voting. When you go to your nearest polling station, you have the right to bring someone with you to help you navigate the voting process. This can be a trusted friend, family member, care provider, or poll worker. Remember: This person does not have the right to tell you whom you should vote for or influence your choices.
5. Your vote belongs to you and not to anyone else. Your vote is personal and private, which means that no one has the right to know who you voted for or why.

To register to vote, visit https://elections.ny.gov/accessible-voting. The deadline to register is October 26. If you have any questions, please contact your care manager.

Your Rights in 10 video series is all about YOUR rights. It continues with Your Right to Avoid Financial Exploitation. You can watch the latest video above or access all of the videos in the series here.