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"The VMRC Newsletter"
Friday, September 15, 2023
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Message from the Executive Director
Tony Anderson
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Closing Out National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week: September 10th - 16th
DSPs as Allies with People with Disabilities
This week I read countless inspiring stories about Direct Support Professional and the gratitude from people with disabilities, families, and community service providers. As a DSP early in my career I thought I was going to teach people with disabilities to develop living skills but actually I learned so much more from people I worked with than they probably ever learned from me. They taught me practical skills from how to do my laundry or cook dinner to life lessons like the importance of showing up and being consistent and revealing to me the “hidden” hostilities and disrespect some people would express in public. I learned to stand side by side in solidarity not as the protector but as an ally, as a person who could help facilitate connections in community and get out of the way, to focus on what brings someone I served joy and what supports their health (known as good to and good for), and many other valuable lessons DSPs learn in service to people with disabilities.
Thank you again to all the DSPs in our area as we close out the National Direct Support Professional Week, just know that many leaders in the field of developmental services, including regional center directors and the DDS director, were once DSPs and we know what your good days look like and your most challenging days and we recognize your daily contributions as a critical touch point in our community system. Thank you.
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"Direct Support Professionals build close, respectful, and trusting relationships, becoming integral in the day-to-day lives of the people and families they serve."
Governor Gavin Newsom recognizes Direct Support Professional Week September 10 – September 16, 2023, with an official message from the Governor.
In the same week the Department of Developmental Services several new workforce development initiatives they’ve been working on for awhile.
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Workforce Initiatives - CA Department of Developmental Services | DDS's Workforce Initiatives aim to recruit, train, and retain workers from diverse communities who support individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Several Workforce Initiatives promote career advancement for Direct Service Professionals (DSPs) through competency-based training, training stipends, bi-/multi-lingual/medium pay differentials, and ongoing professional development. | | | |
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Valley Mountain Regional Center would like to thank everyone that supported and entered our Art Contest for the 2nd Annual Disability Resource Fair. Our sincerest apologies for the delay in announcing the results of this contest. We experienced several unforeseen technical challenges in making sure that the winning submission would be able to be reproduced on the tote bags correctly/ and in the appropriate way to share this information with all of you. Again, our sincerest apologies for the delay.
We received over 50 AMAZING submission which made it very difficult to choose a winner. We would like to acknowledge 2 honorable mentions:
The first runner up being: Manuel Cruz. IV
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The second runner up being: Chandra Crane
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Drum Roll Please for this Year’s 1st Place Winner:
Elena Victor
Congratulations Elena!
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We look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s fair.
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VMRC Self-Determination Advisory Committee (SDAC) Meeting (Hybrid)
Thursday, September 21, 2023, 3:30 PM
702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202, Cohen Board Room
Click Here for Zoom Information
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Don't Wait Until the Last Minute to Register for the Premier Service Provider Conference in the Area! Spots are Filling up Fast! | |
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Announcing Our Provider Community's Third Professional Conference, Moving Forward
We are so excited to announce that our local provider coalition, the Coalition of Local Agency Service Providers (CLASP), has been hard at work to put together their third provider conference. This one will be called “Moving Forward” 2023 and will be their first major provider conference in three years. This is an opportunity for our provider community to come together to learn about policy issues and innovations in providing person-centered services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.
The event includes one of the national thought leaders on Person-Centered Thinking, Carol Blessing of Cornell University and John Raffaele and Joe Macbeth from the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, talking about the important role of Direct Support Professionals in connecting people with disabilities to their communities. We were also very excited to learn that one of our most popular speakers on creative approaches to person-center supports for people with complex needs, Lynn Seagle, will be one of the featured morning keynotes and our DDS Director Nancy Bargmann will cap off our morning with a lunch keynote.
CLASP does so much to support the provider community and it’s an honor to work with these leaders who have dedicated their careers to serving people with IDD and their families in our region. This conference is an excellent example of how our providers focus on continuous improvements in service delivery in our community. Special thanks to Candice Bright and Liz Herrera Knapp for their leadership in making this happen.
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Case Management Update - Children
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Director of Consumer Services - Children
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New on the Neighborhood!
NEWS FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD
ICYMI: Last week on the Neighborhood, we featured a study demonstrating that signed language supports early cognitive development for hearing infants who had never been exposed to American Sign Language (ASL) before. Read more about the fascinating findings on the Neighborhood here.
| Happy September to all! We hope that you are healthy and well, and that you enjoy these latest updates from the National Autism Center at May Institute. | |
We are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the next virtual Pathways for Parents training session, to be held on Thursday, September 28th at 5:15pm!
This is the first of a 10-month training series provided virtually by experts at the National Autism Center at May Institute. In this edition, presenter Erica Kearney, M.A., LABA, BCBA, will discuss effective tools and resources for transitioning school-aged children from their summer routines back to the classroom.
Don't miss out on this free online training - register today!
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A Closer Look: Identifying and Helping Adults with Special Needs and Dementia Symptoms
Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disability (IDD), as well as older adults in the general population, are at risk for Major Neurocognitive Disorder, commonly called dementia. Adults with Down syndrome, a subset of IDD, are even more at risk (Bram et al., 2019). This is especially the case for early onset Alzheimer’s disease (Janicki & Dalton, 2000).
Before a diagnosis can be made, however, all other diseases need to be ruled out since they can cause similar symptoms. [Read more]
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In Celebration of our Direct Service Professionals!
September means many things, from back to school, to the start of autumn and the holiday season. For May Institute, September also signifies Direct Service Professionals Month, a month-long celebration of the incredible, dedicated employees who care for the children and adults in all our programs and centers.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the DSPs at May Institute, who go above and beyond to enhance the lives of the individuals in their care. And please enjoy our video tribute to them, by clicking the image above!
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Case Management Update - Adults
Christine Couch
Director of Consumer Services - Adults
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The Valley CAPS PLUS location held their annual Talent Show on Friday, September 8, 2023.
The theme this year was Broadway Musicals with performances from Grease, High School Musical, The Wizard of Oz, and more!
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Clinical Update
Dr. Claire Lazaro
Clinical Director
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COVID-19 Vaccines
On September 12, 2023, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released recommendations that everyone 6 months and older should get their COVID-19 vaccines updated, especially if it has been 2 months since the last dose.[1],[2] Below are some details from CDPH:
WHO SHOULD GET VACCINATED
- Everyone Age 5 and Up: Everyone 5 years of age and older, regardless of previous vaccination, is eligible to receive a single dose of the updated COVID-19 vaccine as long as it's been at least 2 months since the last dose.
- Younger Children and Infants: Infants and younger children, 6 months through 4 years of age, who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive one or two doses of the updated vaccine. The timing and number of doses depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received.
- Unvaccinated Younger Children and Infants: Unvaccinated infants and younger children, 6 months through 4 years of age, are eligible to receive three doses of the updated Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or two doses of the updated Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
WHEN & HOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR UPDATED COVID-19 VACCINE: Initial supplies of updated COVID-19 vaccine are expected in California in the coming weeks. For added convenience, COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines can all be administered in the same visit. Schedule a vaccine appointment by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov or contacting your local pharmacy or health care provider.
HOW TO PAY FOR A COVID-19 VACCINE: COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be free for most people through their health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal and regular health care providers.
The CDC's Bridge Access Program will provide limited quantities of COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults through December 2024.
[1] CDC. September 12, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0912-COVID-19-Vaccine.html
[2] CDPH. September 12, 2023. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR23-027.aspx
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Cal-InSPIRE
The San Joaquin County Public Health Office encourages families with children with special healthcare needs ages 0-21 years old to fill out this survey. Cal-InSPIRE needs your input to make a difference!
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Dental Events
Smile California – Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal - is having FREE dental events at San Joaquin County, Calaveras County, Tuolumne County and Amador County. They will be doing sealants at the Mobile Dental Van Event at Calaveras. More information at their website: https://smilecalifornia.org/events/
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FREE Vaccination Clinic at the VMRC Modesto Office
What: Flu Shots for 3 years and older (regular and senior formulation) and COVID vaccine
When: October 7th, 2023 at 11 am – 2 pm
Where: 1820 Blue Gum Avenue, Modesto, CA
Register here: https://www.safeway.com/vaccinations/group-clinic/VMRCModesto
Bring your Medical and Prescription card.
o Members not covered or not insured (e.g. Kaiser Members) will have to pay out of pocket at point of service. Please see price below:
· We will accept check or credit card for payment
COVID Vaccine (Anticipated to be the new XBB COVID Vaccine) = $160 for those uninsured or have Kaiser or MediCal (for people under 18 years old) plans.
Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine (<65 years old formulation) = $40
Senior Dose Flu Formulation (>65 years old) = $72
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SAVE the DATE! FREE Vaccination Clinic at the VMRC Stockton Office
What: Flu Shots, and other vaccines such as Hepatitis B, TDaP, Shingles, and Pneumococcal. And Health Fair with Medicare Part D Enrollment, medication review, Naloxone nasal spray, Health screenings and health supplies such as blood glucose monitor, blood pressure monitor, etc (while supplies last).
When: October 27th, 2023 at 1 – 5 pm
Where: 702 N Aurora Street, Stockton, CA
Make an appointment: call (209) 687-4014
Bring your Medical and Prescription card, Medicare Card (if you have one), and ALL your medications.
Members of Kaiser will have to go to Kaiser as UOP don’t have the ability to bill Kaiser.
| Take a Look at the Rest of the 2023 University of Pacific Health Fairs | |
Community Services Update
Brian Bennett, Director of Community Services
| Social Recreation Opportunities! (Modesto, CA) | Made possible by a Grant from the Department of Developmental Services | |
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Home and Community Based Services Final Settings Rule
Vendor Training opportunities for Residential and Day Program providers October - December 2023
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Social Recreation opportunities! (Stockton, CA) | |
Made possible by a Grant from the Department of Developmental Services | |
Social Recreation Opportunities! (Ceres, CA) | |
Made possible by a Grant from the Department of Developmental Services | |
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The DEI Corner
Mark Crear, DEI Manger
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DEI is the most common acronym in the diversity space. D for diversity, E for equity — not equality — and I for inclusion. Why the difference?
Equality suggests that treating everyone equally will solve the diversity problem, yet that has resulted in little to no change. Equity by contrast is about meeting the needs of individuals that are systemically marginalized because of factors outside their control — race, ethnicity, class, age or gender most commonly — yet many more.
There are three key differences between equity and equality.
Equity means:
- Providing resources to those that need them the most first.
- Educating the majority group on their role in inclusion.
- Proactively communicating the importance that DEI is not a zero-sum game.
Provide resources to those that need them the most first
Equity is about putting the needs of those most marginalized first. That means those that have been systemically disadvantaged due to their gender identity, race, ethnicity or other dimensions of diversity are prioritized with resource allocation. Resources such as education, mentorship opportunities and sponsorship need to be allocated to those that reflect the general population. Too often, promotion and representation rates dwindle for women, people of color, those with disabilities and the LGBTQ+ community. Equity seeks to right that wrong.
Educate the majority group on their role in inclusion
However, these programs will fail if the majority group doesn't understand their role in facilitating an inclusive environment where diverse talent can thrive. Panel discussions that bring to life the real experiences of underrepresented groups in a thoughtful pragmatic way can help bridge the gap.
Equity is about meeting leaders where they're at and equipping them proactively with tools and information to combat these missteps.
Proactively communicating the importance that DEI is not a zero-sum game
As with any shift in culture or change, the why is pivotal. People need to understand why equity is necessary. Equality is the goal - equity is how we get there. DEI is about doing things differently and challenging the status quo. We can't solve a problem by doing things the same way that created the problem. That's where equity comes in.
Many people get overwhelmed with diversity language. Just two letters in the difference between equality and equity mean two very different approaches. As leaders, it's critical that we understand that equity is the path to equality and be willing to do things differently to achieve real diversity.
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Emergency Services Update
Aaron McDonald, Emergency Response and Safety Specialist
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September is National Preparedness Month
The Ready Campaign’s 2023 National Preparedness Month theme is “Take Control in 1, 2, 3”. The campaign will focus on preparing older adults for disasters, specifically older adults from communities that are disproportionally impacted by the all-hazard events, which continue to threaten the nation.
We know older adults can face greater risks when it comes to the multitude of extreme weather events and emergencies we now face, especially if they are living alone, are low-income, have a disability, or live in rural areas.
Emergency managers and all those who work with and support older adult communities to access the new webpage available in English and Spanish languages at www.Ready.gov/older-adults and www.Ready.gov/es/adultos-mayores . For more information on preparing with disabilities visit www.Ready.gov/disability or www.Ready.gov/es/discapacidad in Spanish.
Disability intersects every demographic group—there are people with disabilities of all ages, races, genders or national origin. And disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways—both visible and invisible. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters.
Get Informed
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930
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SEPTEMBER NEWS & EVENTS
SCDD - Self Advocates Advisory Committee (SAAC) Meeting
The Self-Advocates Advisory Committee is comprised of self-advocate members of the Council. The Committee advises the Council on policies, programs and other matters which affect self-advocates in California.
The next meeting is Monday, September 18 at 1:30 p.m.
Meeting details: https://scdd.ca.gov/self_advocates_advisory_committee/
SCDD - September Council Meeting
The next meeting is Tuesday, September 19 at 10:30 a.m.
Meeting details: https://scdd.ca.gov/councilmeetings/
SCDD - Statewide Self-Advocacy Chat
The next meeting is Wednesday, September 27 at 11:00 a.m.
Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/2023_caselfadvocacychats
Meeting ID: 876 8443 5270
Passcode: 834773
Call-in Number: 669-900-9128
SUBSCRIBE TO THE SCDD CALENDAR
Never miss an SCDD Regional meeting, training or event again! The SCDD Calendar contains most regional office events and is compatible with Google Calendar, iCalendar, Outlook 365 and Outlook Live.
Subscribe Today!
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CHOICES Institute
Save the Date!
CHOICES Institute will be holding its 36th ANNUAL Conference on FRIDAY, April 12, 2024
Our planning team met on August 16 and is working on all the details for the conference. CHOICES wants to hear from YOU!
Theme:
We need your help!!!! Share your idea(s) for a theme!!
Email or call Dena Hernandez before 9/20/23
Dena.hernandez@scdd.ca.gov
209-473-6944
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