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"The VMRC Newsletter"
Friday, March 31, 2023
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Message from the Executive Director
Tony Anderson
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An Intersection of Developmental Disabilities and Baseball
I love the smell of that fresh cut grass, hot dogs, and the snack bar nachos with cheese that has a shelf life of 30 years. The families in the stands, the volunteer coaches from the community, and kids shagging fly balls. This week we kicked off the baseball season with new rules and high hopes for each of our teams. I wanted to use this occasion to share with you a documentary called "The Best We've Got: The Carl Erskine Story". Carl Erskine was a champion for so many people with developmental disabilities and on a broad scale his profound social impact in diversity and inclusion is celebrated in this wonderful story. He and his wife Betty were one of those early parents who kept their child at home with them during a time when many children with disabilities ended up in state institutions and as a family, they overcame the obstacles of the day. As a close friend to Jackie Robinson, he was described as a “White Ally” who played an important role in the integration of baseball. If you got an hour and half, check out this movie, you’ll be glad you did, but if you don’t, at least check out this trailer, it might change your mind. Play Ball!
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Little League and Challenger Baseball
Hopefully all those who want to play America's past time get the chance to play at any level they want to play. "The Little League Challenger Division® founded in 1989, is Little League’s adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges." Little league is great program for little boys and girls of all abilities and for those wanting an adaptive program click on the button below to find your local league:
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"The Best We've Got: The Carl Erskine Story"
I watched the full movie last night and I found it very moving and inspirational. It not only tells a great baseball story of success in competition but it is an excellent telling of the history of developmental services in America. Touching on the parent movement, deinstitutionalization, and Special Olympics, and so much more, it's a perfect movie to start this year's opening day.
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
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In honor and celebration of the great work of Cesar Chavez, all VMRC offices will be closed today. Office will reopen on Monday, April 3, at 8:00 AM. | |
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March 31 is César Chávez Day, a holiday recognized in the State of California starting in 2001. César Chávez is an important figure in American politics; he was a champion of farm workers’ rights and approached his work with the same commitment to non-violence as Martin Luther King, Jr.
Celebrating César Chávez Day means recognizing his influence as a labor organizer and workers’ rights champion.
Fun Fact: A junior senator from Illinois named Barack Obama using a modified version of the Cesar Chavez rallying cry, “Si, se puede” or “Yes, we can” as his campaign slogan.
Celebrate Cesar Chavez Day today! Today is a U.S. federal commemorative holiday, proclaimed by President Barack Obama in 2014. The holiday celebrates the birth and legacy of the civil rights and labor movement activist César Chávez on March 31 every year.
Cesar Chavez born Cesar Estrada Chavez, an American farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist, who, with Dolores Huerta, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, later the United Farm Workers union, UFW.
It is commemorated to promote service to the community in honor of Cesar Chavez's life and work. Chavez left a legacy as an educator, environmentalist, and a civil rights leader.
We at VMRC recognizes and applaud the works of César Chávez… Enjoy your day off!
Gabriela Lopez, Cultural Specialist and Mark Crear, DEI Manager
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Upcoming VMRC Public Meetings
Executive Committee Meeting (Hybrid)
Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 6:30 PM
702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202
Click Here for Zoom Information
Board of Directors Meeting (Hybrid)
Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 6:00 PM
702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202
Click Here for Zoom Information
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Case Management Update - Adults
Christine Couch
Director of Consumer Services - Adults
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Let's Talk About It: Sexual Health!
A Sexual Health and Wellness Workshop for Parent/Guardians of Students with IDD, Educators, and Professionals
April 24 & 25, 2023
REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/3ksYHNw
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are often not included in discussions around sexual health and wellness. In fact, many people don't view individuals with IDD as sexual beings, but we are all sexual beings.
It is critical for youth with disabilities to develop self-care skills, cultivate social skills, gain an understanding of appropriate behaviors, increase personal safety, and work toward becoming a more independent adult.
This training will provide information for parents/guardians of students with IDD and the professionals that work with them to offer practical tools and strategies along the journey.
* THIS TRAINING HAS 2 SESSIONS. REGISTRANTS SHOULD PLAN TO ATTEND BOTH THE APRIL 24th AND APRIL 25TH VIRTUAL SESSIONS.
* EACH SESSION WILL BE HELD FROM 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
* This virtual training will be hosted via Zoom and will NOT be recorded.
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2023 Transition Fairs are on Schedule! | |
Calaveras/Amador/Tuolumne Counties | |
Case Management Update - Children
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Director of Consumer Services - Children
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Considering the Sibling Experience When Supporting Families in Early Intervention and Beyond Using a Culturally Competent Approach
with Nikki Donnelly, Kalyn Farris and Liza Stack
Parents: Are you ever concerned about your typically developing child and what they might be feeling?
Adult Siblings: How does being a sibling of someone with a disability affect life experiences and choices? How do you see yourself in the context of your family and your role in future care?
Professionals: Do you work with families of infants and toddlers who have delays and who have other children?
Join us for this informative EVENING Event
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
6:00pm-7:30pm (PDT)
Virtual Event
Can't attend the event live?
Register to receive access to the recording!
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The sibling relationship is the longest relationship most of us will experience in our lives. When one sibling has a disability, it creates a more complicated dynamic that evolves and changes throughout life. Join us to learn what it means to be a sibling to someone with a disability (Sib) and the impact across the lifespan. We will share what the research tells us, explore personal Sib stories, and engage in planning how to best support families in early intervention and beyond, keeping the experiences and perspectives of siblings in mind.
Presented by Board members of the California Sibling Leadership Network, this presentation will focus on the unique needs of Sibs. We will share information about:
· Commonalities between Sibs, including what social science research tells us about their needs at different life stages (e.g. the importance of a trusted adult relationship for child Sibs, the ways in which adult Sibs want to participate in future planning, etc);
· Resources available to families seeking support for their Sibs, and to Sibs directly.
· Ways in which all professionals, extended families, and parents specifically can support Sibs.
Learning Objectives:
· Understand the impact of having a sibling with a disability on the individual and the family. Identify where this is the same and different from family cultures without disability.
· Understand how professionals can help support families as a whole unit, including the siblings.
· Learn how life stages affect the sibling experience differently.
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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"!
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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"!
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Liza Stack has worked in Special Education for eighteen years in the roles of a teacher, consultant, and now a content specialist. She sits on the Board of the California Chapter of the National Sibling Leadership Network as treasurer and represents the Central Valley.
Click to read more
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Non-Member: $55
Agency/Individual Member: $40
Parent/Student/
New Clinician Member: $30
IDA CE Hours: Nursing, PT, Speech and Language* $15
(1.5 hour)
ADA Requests: Contact IDA @ mail@idaofcal.org
with ADA request by May 1, 2023
limited scholarships available
REGISTER NOW
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Clinical Update
Dr. Claire Lazaro
Clinical Director
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FDA Approves First Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray[1]
On March 29th, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Narcan, 4 milligram (mg) naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for over-the-counter (OTC), nonprescription, use – the first naloxone product approved for use without a prescription.1 Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdose and is the standard treatment for opioid overdose.1 This action paves the way for the life-saving medication to reverse an opioid overdose to be sold directly to consumers in places like drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores and gas stations, as well as online.1
[1] FDA. March 29, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-over-counter-naloxone-nasal-spray
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Community Services Update
Brian Bennett
Community Services Director
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Re: COVID-19 and Monkey Pox Special Incident Reporting
Dear Service Providers,
This letter serves as notification that effective Monday, April 3, 2023, this Directive ends all COVID-19 and Mpox reporting requirements, through special incident reports. This Directive supersedes the directives issued September 27, 2022; March 10, 2022; May 22, 2020; and March 25, 2020, regarding reporting on these topics. The federal public health emergency for Mpox ended on January 31, 2023. The state public health emergency for COVID-19 ended on February 28, 2023. The federal public health emergency for COVID-19 will expire May 11, 2023.
Effective Monday, April 3, 2023, and considering ongoing reporting requirements established for facilities licensed by the California Department of Public Health and California Department of Social Services, mandatory reporting to the Department through special incident reports regarding Mpox and COVID is ended. This includes reporting of COVID-19 and Mpox cases, hospitalizations, and deaths specific to COVID-19. Reporting of vaccination status information also is ended.
Please continue to follow safe hygiene and handwashing practices and encourage staff and consumers served to stay home when sick. Here is a helpful link related to flu and general illness prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/business/prevent-flu-workplace.html
Thank you all for your dedication over these last three years and ongoing efforts and support.
Sincerely,
VMRC’s Community Services / Quality Assurance Team
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All Regional Center Vendors are responsible for reporting “Special Incidents,” in accordance with Title 17 Section 54327;
VMRC’s Quality Assurance Department is
offering virtual Vendor Special Incident Report Training
on April 13th from 10:00am -12:00pm
and on April 20th from 1:30pm - 3:30pm.
Click Here to register for your preferred date
Prior registration required.
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The DEI Corner
Mark Crear, DEI Manger
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Ramadan
Wednesday, 22 March to Friday, 21 April
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This begins the first day of the Islamic month of Ramadan, a month of fasting and the holiest month of the Muslim year. The fast of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and mandatory for every Muslim who has reached puberty except those who are ill, pregnant, or on a journey. During this month, no water or food may be taken from sunrise to sunset. Worshippers eat a light meal, called suhoor, early in the morning prior to daybreak. After sunset, Muslims break the fast with the evening meal called the iftar. Those who miss days of fasting in Ramadan due to exempted conditions must make up the missed fasting days prior to the next Ramadan. The festival of Laylat al-Qadr occurs during Ramadan and commemorates the beginning of the revelation of the Qur'an (the holy book of scriptures) to the Prophet Muhammad. Observant Muslims pray, read the Qur'an, and worship at home or at a mosque. The feast of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. | |
Recognizing the Festival/Holiday: During this month, Muslims who have reached puberty may take no food or drink from sunrise to sunset. Observant Muslims pray and read the Qur'an, and are encouraged to give generously to charity during the month of Ramadan. After sunset, Muslims break the fast with the evening meal called the iftar. Before inviting someone to lunch or hosting a meal, check to see whether invitee is observing the fast for this period. Common greetings include Ramadan Mubarak, "Wishing you the blessings of Ramadan," and "Congratulations on the arrival of Ramadan." | |
Thank you to City of Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln for coming to our office yesterday for the "Mayor's Roundtable on the American with Disabilities Act (ADA)"! | |
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Valley Mountain Regional Center (VMRC)
Self Determination Advisory Committee (SDAC)
EVERYONE is WELCOME At Our Meetings!
We meet each month on the 3rd Thursday from 3:30pm-5pm on Zoom
(until we are able to meet in person at the VMRC Stockton Office)
Our Meeting Dates for 2023
January 19 February 16
March 16 April 20
May 18 June 15
July 20 August 17
September 21 October 19
November 16 December 21
For the zoom links for each meeting these are posted 10 days before the meetings at https://www.vmrc.net/self-determination-advisory-committee/
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930
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SCDD Los Angeles Office presents:
RELATIONSHIP SERIES
Love, Support, & Let Go: Join us for a conversation with self-advocates
as they share tips on their journey to independence and self-advocacy
Monday, April 3 at 10:00 a.m. — English
Monday, April 10 at 10:00 a.m. — Spanish
Building Supportive Relationships: Join us for a conversation with self-advocates about building positive relationships between persons who receive support and the staff who support them
Monday, April 17 at 10:00 a.m. — English
Monday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m. — Spanish
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82982307774?pwd=Y0dTOG5JVVA0TzE4YXVSeHpZUUIwUT09#success
Meeting ID: 829 8230 7774
Passcode: 123456
To participate by phone, call (888) 475-4499 and enter the Meeting ID# and Password
For questions or more info visit: https://scdd.ca.gov/losangeles/
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SCDD — Statewide Self-Advocacy Chat
These open forum sessions provide a safe space for self-advocates throughout California to talk about topics and issues that are important to them. Resources and information on chat topic(s) are shared with participants through email.
The next meeting is Wednesday, April 26 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Zoom registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrf-2srT4oHdT62CWozc3OOTQ5_P1pRRmG
Meeting ID: 876 8443 5270
Passcode: 834773
Call in number: 669-900-9128
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The California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) is looking for Autistic adults to share their unique perspectives to better inform the work we do. CAPTAIN is a multi-agency network dedicated to sharing information about evidence-based practices to support the needs of individuals with Autism. If you or someone you know would be interested in joining our team, please see the attached flyer and join us for a virtual recruitment event on April 19th, 2023 at 10am. The link to attend this event is located on the flyer. | |
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Family Resource Network (FRN) Update
Lisa Culley, Executive Director
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Is your child turning 3 soon? Join Family Resource Network for a parent workshop on Building Bridges: Transitioning Your Child From the Early Start Program! Learn about the process of advocacy, what's happening during the months leading up to your child's 3rd birthday, the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process, and ongoing services available through VMRC. You will walk away from this training with knowledge that will give you a great foundation for the next stage of parenting your child with special needs. Attendees will receive a Building Bridges workbook to complete to prepare for your child's transition. Spanish interpretation will be available upon request. This training is on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, virtually on Zoom. Register by clicking the link on the flyer, calling the FRN office at 209-472-3674 or by email at FRNfamilies@frcn.org | | | | |
