The VMRC Newsletter #22

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"The VMRC Newsletter"

Friday, June 9, 2023

Message from the Executive Director

Tony Anderson

The National DSP Shortage Hits the Valley Mountain Region Hard

A National Crisis

Across the country the developmental services system is struggling to return to the level of support and services prior to the global pandemic. There are many reasons the states are struggling to return which include people are fearful of returning to group settings, many workers were laid off and haven’t returned or went to new careers, and many still have not returned to the workforce all together. In a quick scan of of the workforce shortage you will find the following stories over the past 6 months:

FOX 5 New York; Advocates warn of direct support professional shortage amid low wages. Direct support professionals (DSP) can have an enormous impact on the lives of people living with autism and other disabilities. .Apr 5, 2023
ABC Action News; 'We are their family': Caregiver shortage affects those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Without Direct Support Professionals, many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities would be institutionalized. .Mar 30, 2023
WXXI News; Discussing the staffing crisis for nonprofit direct support professionals. Leaders of nonprofit organizations that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities say their staffs are facing a crisis... .Feb 13, 2023
RCPA; Letter to the Editor by Arc of PA’s Sherri Landis on DSP Workforce Crisis. By The Times-Tribune. Editor: Providers who care for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism are pummeled by a workforce shortage... .Jan 18, 2023
Disability Scoop; Nation's Disability Services At Breaking Point, Report Finds. After warning for years of an impending collapse in the disability services system, advocates say that the crisis is here with a new report...“Threats to community-based services due to workforce and funding shortages have existed for decades, but the threat has escalated to dangerous levels, forcing providers to deny access to crucial care and other support services for people with IDD,” said Armando Contreras, president and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. .Mar 2, 2023
Iowa Capital Dispatch; House panel considers tax exemptions for direct care workers. As Iowa faces a shortage of care providers for people with disabilities, lawmakers hope a tax exemption will attract and retain workers. .Apr 3, 2023
NC Health News; Not enough support staff for people with disabilities. Advocates have long predicted that these labor conditions would one day lead to a workforce crisis. That day, they say, is now here. .Feb 13, 2023
NorthJersey.com; NJ proposes $165 million for group home, disability program staffing. Disability advocates welcomed a proposal by Gov. Phil Murphy this week to spend $165 million more to address the staffing crisis plaguing... .Mar 17, 2023
Morning Sentinel; Pandemic, staff shortages take toll on education services for students with disabilities. A lack of ed techs in particular has prompted a rising number of complaints that students aren't getting legally required services in Maine... .Nov 13, 2022
Concord Monitor; With staffing shortages at area agencies, assistance for people with disabilities put on hold. When Carol Chumak thinks of her son sons' graduation, like any proud parent, she remembers what a momentous day it was for both of them. .Feb 25, 2023
Daily Local; Staffing crisis hits organizations caring for people with intellectual disabilities in Chester County. .Jan 30, 2023
Idaho Capital Sun; New report shows Idaho's shortage of direct care workers is worse than national average. An Office of Performance Evaluations report found Idaho needs an additional 3000 direct care workers to keep up with national levels. .Mar 16, 2023

The State's Response

In California our state Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has been working so hard on a variety of fronts to focus on the factors to stop this dangerous trend and to help our provider community rebound. Under the leadership of Director Bargmann DDS has amended laws and secured budget allocations to improve the quality of workforce, expand the workforce language capacity, and gather necessary information for inform our efforts as to the scope of the problem. This approach is a multi-year, multi-million dollar effort to bolster the California DSP workforce in support of people with developmental disabilities. Here are a few of the most significant efforts to date:

DSP Training Stipend Program WIC 4699.2 o DSP Internship Program WIC 4699.3 o Tuition Reimbursement Program for Regional Center Employees WIC 4699.4 o Pilot Remote Supports Using Technology Solutions WIC 4511.6
DSP University Three-tiered training and certification program for DSPs, including frontline supervisors • Support the workforce, establish a career pathway.
Monthly pay differential to DSPs who can communicate in a language or medium other than English.
DSP Training stipend Authorized in the 2022 Budget • DSPs may receive up to two training stipends ($500 each) following completion of authorized training courses.
DSP Internship program
Pilot to test feasibility of remote supports to individuals using technology solutions.
Quality Incentive Program including payments to providers who complete the DSP survey.

Our State Association's Response

The Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA) and it’s member directors have committed tremendous time and resources to support policy proposals that will help our provider community move forward and sustain themselves long term. Here are a few actions we’ve taken as an association to support our provider community:

ARCA provided political support for the newly proposed rate adjustments for Independent Living Services (ILS) and Family Home Agencies (FHA). Including legislative advocacy for the State Assembly and State Senate for a $15 Million correction of the ILS rate effective beginning of the new calendar year.
We’ve been working diligently on fixing the 90/10 Quality Incentive Program approach that actually reduces provider funding and we are advocating for all providers to earn the full 10% quality incentives
ARCA has also worked on fixing some of the clinical and early intervention rates.
And, finally, we have continued (past 2-3 years) to advocate for automatic adjustments to the rate models for providers.

The VMRC Response

Locally, our resource development team, though severely understaffed, has been working hard to update all our new provider rates because we know how important these adjustments are to the survival of our partners in the field. The team put together two campaigns to get 637 proposals to allow us to go around the state rates through this extensive legal process. In working closely with DDS they approved our psychologist 637 for many of our providers but changed their recommendations for the transportation providers. We are still working with some qualifying providers to help them through the Health and Safety process. Our resource team worked overtime again to make sure our providers would be compliant for HCBS and to continue to stay in business and to get paid.

One of the big things we’re working on is the DSP Collaborative. The collaborative includes promotion activities with providers, an interactive website for recruitment, and a robust public relations campaign to promote the good work of DSPs and to attract new DSPs to our community. We’ll do everything we can to build up our provider community partners so they can provide quality services to the people with IDD that we all serve.

Big "DICE" Event Next Thursday in Lodi

Next Thursday is the big event, the Disability Industry Career Expo (DICE), and we're really hoping our providers have a very successful day of finding and hiring new DSPs to support people with disabilities in our community. Hopefully you've seen our commercials on television and if not they run until next Thursday on channel 3, KCRA. If you or someone you know has not registered yet to participate, please click on the link or use the QR code to register. Our collaboration is fully committed to trying everything we can to increase the workforce of Direct Support Professionals supporting people with disabilities and their families.

The Director's Travels

The June 12, 2023 board communication on the director's activities...

Now Accepting Nominations for the 2023 Communitas Award Recipient

Presented by the Valley Mountain Regional Center Board of Directors to those who have demonstrated an exemplary and sustained commitment to the principle that people with developmental disabilities should live and work as full fledged members of their home communities.

Eligibility. In order to be eligible, an individual or organization must be physically present in VMRC’s five-county service area and providing support to one or more VMRC consumers during the year preceding the award. For-profit businesses and organizations as well as not-for-profit entities are eligible.

Current VMRC employees are ineligible for this award.

Past winners include:

Holly White - 2022

Presentation Church - 2021

Janice Leary - 2019

Gina Berlin - 2018

Paul Billodeau - 2017

Dena Hernandez - 2016

David Simerley - 2015

Doreen Bestolarides - 2014

Brad Putz - 2013

Kristi Franzone - 2012

Richard W. Jacobs - 2011

James R. Popplewell -- 2010

Floyd Bohnett - 2009

Elbert Simpson - 2008

Howard G. Cohen Ph. D. - 2007

Donald Roberts - 2006

Heather Brooks - 2005

Ann Cirimele - 2004

Bill Ramos - 2003

Criteria. The organization/individual:

1. Clearly stands out among organizations, volunteers, professionals in the field of developmental disabilities.

2. Demonstrates long-term and sincere commitment to supporting people in real homes, real neighborhoods, and real jobs.

3. Has an impressive record of achievement in helping people become more independent and active participants in their home communities.

We are accepting applications for award recipients. The application deadline is the close of business on Friday, June 23, 2023. Applications will be reviewed and the recipient chosen by the Board of Directors. The award recipient will be presented at the Annual Board Dinner and Award Ceremony on Friday, July 21, 2023.

Click Here to Submit Your Nominee

VMRC Executive Committee Meeting (Hybrid)

Wednesday, June 14, 2023, 5:00 PM*

* PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A NEW TIME, THIS MEETING HAS CHANGED FROM 6:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Click Here for Zoom Information

Self-Determination Advisory Committee (SDAC) Meeting (Hybrid)

Thursday, June 15, 2023, 6:00 PM

Click Here for Zoom Information

VMRC Board of Directors Meeting (Hybrid)

Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 6:00 PM

Click Here for Zoom Information

Save the Date!

Coalition of Local Agency Service Providers (CLASP) Presents

"Moving Forward"

Professionalism and Education 2023 Conference

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

San Joaquin County Agricultural Center

6 Live CEUs

Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

Contact Candice Bright at candice@brightfuturesres.com

Registration to Come!

Case Management Update - Adults

Christine Couch

Director of Consumer Services - Adults

Path-Now is a unique mobile application that connects individuals with disabilities with service providers throughout California last week.

This is a needed resource to the IDD community, and to help ensure organizations can claim and manage their profiles on Path-Now, they are hosting webinars for organizations on how to get started on Path-Now every Tuesday in June starting on June 6^th.

People can register HERE or scan the QR code below. The zoom link will be emailed prior to each webinar to those registered.

Case Management Update - Children

Tara Sisemore-Hester

Director of Consumer Services - Children

We are currently in the process of recruiting input for future training topics around Special Education. If you currently have a child between the ages of 3-22 and they are receiving special education services through their local school district, please take a few minutes to fill out the survey below.

https://forms.office.com/r/fNcrr8KzhS

Thank You!!!

Clinical Update

Dr. Claire Lazaro

Clinical Director

Community Services Update

Brian Bennett, Director of Community Services

Caltrans 5310 Federal Transit Administration competitive Grant Program to support individuals with disabilities; To improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding the transportation mobility options available.

5310 Program Fact Sheet

Social Recreation Opportunities for VMRC participants ages 12 and older! In Ceres, CA, Transportation is not provided to MMTC.

Hi, I’m John Barney. Welcome to The PB Network!

My brother Patrick and I created The PB Network. Patrick was born with Spina Bifida and high functioning autism. Patrick passed away in 2020.

It was Patrick's vision to create a network exclusively for our community. The PB Network allows individuals to participate in a trivia-based game show. Create and host a game, express themselves and meet others on our community page and write stories in our story section. We also have a daily PB Network Program!

It’s been an absolute joy to see how much fun the participants are having!!!

I would like to meet with you to discuss bringing The PB Network to your community. Please email me at john@thepbnetwork.com or call me at 310-463-9649.

Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) is required of Respite (862), Supported Living (896), Personal Assistance (62) and Home Maker Services (860) service providers:

DDS will host office hours during the month of June. Use this link to see the dates/ times and to register:

https://www.dds.ca.gov/services/evv/

VMRC has awarded our Community Placement Plan (CPP)/ Community Resource Development Plans (CRDP) for the 2022-2023 Fiscal Year; here is a full listing of projects and awardees:

EBSH=Enhanced Behavior Supports Home

CCH=Community Crisis Home

RCFE=Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly

SLS=Supported Living Services

Emergency Services Update

Aaron McDonald, Emergency Response and Safety Specialst

California’s Uncharacteristic Weather Patterns

The cooler than normal springtime temperatures have so far protected the San Joaquin valley from the “BIG Melt” and what could have been catastrophic valley flooding. Due to these uncharacteristic weather pattern we need to continue to be prepared for possible flooding, especially with the thunderstorms we have experienced this week. These types of intense and quick moving rain events can cause flash flooding. At the same time the official first day of summer is just weeks away and we also need to keep in mind to be “water safe” when sues our waterways for recreation activities as well as to be “fire safe” and to make sure that our homes for prepared for the increased potential of wildfires. You may say with all this year’s rain how could we possibly need to be concerned about fire season? So glad you asked.

How California’s historic wet winter could lead to even bigger wildfires

More rain in California means more vegetation growth, which sets up the possibility of another active wildfire season in the state.

As of April, California has seen above 145% of the statewide average amount of rain normal rain, said Chris Bruno, Fire Captain at California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

“As you go up and down the freeways, you’ll see that vegetation that is normally not this large is thick and tall,” Bruno told USA TODAY. “As we move forward with the change from the springtime and the wetter months to the drier months here in the next couple few weeks, then you're going to see that those fires are going to be a little more receptive than they had in the past.” Bruno said it’s still too soon to understand the type of fires the state will see but that they will depend on the condition they start in how quickly fire officials can use their resources around those incidents.

Is wildfire season still a thing?

Fire season is an idea of the past as periods with intense wildfires tend to be more inconsistent, Bruno said. He referenced the several major wildfires that spread through Southern California, including the Rye, Creek and Liberty Fires. “In 2017 we had a million-and-a-half acre wildland fire that destroyed a large portion of our Southern California area. And so that happened in the month of December. So not really a wildfire season,” Bruno said.

What part of California is most affected by wildfires?

Bruno said the areas most affected in California are seasonal and often depend on their level of vegetation and moisture content. He also said that how well California citizens prepare for wildfires impacts the presence of a blaze.

How to prevent wildfires in California?

These few simple steps that are probably familiar to most homeowners can make a big difference in what happens when a wildfire hits, experts say.

Create a defensible space: Remove leaves, branches and yard litter from around the home, creating a 100-foot barrier between your house and any potential fire fuel.
Harden your home with ignition-resistant roofing, decks, vents and windows.
Enclose your foundation to prevent wind-blown embers from getting underneath your home.
Seal gaps around openings in exterior walls and roofs with fire-resistant caulk, mortar or fire-protective expanding foam.

“Making sure they have those reduced fuel type plants and those types of resources around their homes is going to also give us a little bit of time before those fires, gain in size,” Bruno said. “Making sure that they're doing their part to get those woodpiles away from those decks and those lateral fuels away from their homes”.

The DEI Corner

Mark Crear, DEI Manger

North Valley Hills Update

Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930

CA NEON Competitive Integrated Employment Community of Practice

Staff development is the most critical element to quality services. Development opportunities are available in many formats. A Community of Practice (CoP) is a powerful and effective means to support our staff. The CoP will provide a forum for sharing best practice while allowing members to problem solve with colleagues. Customizing the experience to the needs of the group, while supporting the individual team member provides for sustainable improvement in the quality of services. A CoP can be a “lifeline” for staff to stay engaged in their work and remain in a position.

SCDD secured national technical assistance through the U.S. Dpt. Of Labor NEON grant (National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network) and Administration of Community Living’s Disability Employment TA Center. The focus is on California’s transition out of subminimum wage by maximizing national best practices in California. These include focused, national subject matter expert (SME) led technical assistance on how to leverage state and federal funding for braiding and sequencing competitive integrated employment funding and the developing of our CoP. Optimizing braided funding between government agencies is rooted in value-based purchasing which focuses on funding services that secure desired outcomes like competitive integrated employment and job retention.

The CA CoP, led by a national SMEs, targets diverse stakeholders like employment providers, regional center employees, and other direct service staff involved in 14-c transition. The content includes work incentives/benefits planning, change management, customized employment, individualized services, business bottom-line enhancing employer education and outreach, and self-employment. CoP content is strategically designed to respond to CA stakeholder areas of interest identified in SB 639 phase-out focus groups and other disability employment related initiatives. The CoP provides an opportunity to introduce new resources, share national best practice, identify CA innovation, explore challenges and celebrate achievements in real time as services evolve.

Community of Practice Session Calendar

You may submit questions ahead of time for each Community of Practice session here.

Sessions

Date/Time

Session 1

Benefits-Paid employment does not necessarily mean people lose their benefits. A certified Work Incentives Planner explores how earned income may impact SSI and Title 2 Benefits (SSDI & Childhood Disability Benefits CDB/SSDI) for people who have disabilities and how people typically earn more money when employed.

Zoom Registration Link

6/28/2023

9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Session 2

Customized Employment/Discovery/job shadow as a tool for discovery. There is often a disconnect between best practice and implementation-How do you meaningfully engage in discovery? Explore these issues and how it becomes manageable for an organization.

Zoom Registration Link

7/12/23

9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Session 3

Job development/job customization/business bottom line: How to supervise and implement employer development efforts.

Zoom Registration Link

7/19/23

9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Session 4

Job retention coaching and systematic instruction are important. Reconcile the need for support with the reality that it is hard to find.

Zoom Registration Link

7/26/23