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"The VMRC Newsletter"
Friday, September 22, 2023
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Message from the Executive Director
Tony Anderson
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Recognition of the California Memorial Project Remembrance Day:
Because All Lives Matter
Last Monday about 50 people, self-advocates, local service providers, representatives from Disability Rights California, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities North Valley Hills, and employees of Valley Mountain Regional Center came together in recognition of the California Memorial Project Remembrance Day. Since 2010 California has set aside the 3rd Monday in September to honor those who passed away while in state care in institutions because their lives were not properly and respectfully memorialized. From the mid-1800s to the 1960s, it is estimated that more than 45,000 individuals died while residents in state institutions. For the most part, the remains of the individuals were placed in unmarked or numbered graves in mass sites, where numbered markers long ago disappeared. Many records identifying where bodies were buried have been misplaced or destroyed.
We all hope that when our time on earth is over that our family and friends will remember us for some time and that we’ve made an impact on the lives of others. Our lives are memorialized through the stories others tell about us and with some type of artifact like a plaque or tombstone in perpetuity and we talk about “paying our respect” to those who pass. Last Monday we continued this payment of our respect and shared some tears for those we’ve recently lost like Mark Collins and various other family members whose lives we reflected on that day. Most importantly we all recommitted to each other that we will never again allow the lives of people with developmental disabilities to go unnoticed, to go unappreciated, and to go memorialized again. All lives matter, and all of us deserve at least a small recognition that we were here and it mattered.
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VMRC Executive Committee Meeting (Hybrid)
Wednesday, October 11, 2023, 6:30 PM
702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202, Cohen Board Room
Click Here for Zoom Information
VMRC Self-Determination Advisory Committee (SDAC) Meeting (Hybrid)
Thursday, October 19, 2023, 3:30 PM
702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202, Cohen Board Room
Click Here for Zoom Information
VMRC Board of Directors Meeting (Hybrid)
Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 6:00 PM
702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202, Cohen Board Room
Click Here for Zoom Information
VMRC Consumer Services Committee Meeting (Hybrid)
Wednesday, November 1, 2023, 5:00 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 988 Lifeline has added 24/7 text and chat services for people who speak Spanish. Text or call 988 or chat at linea988.org
to connect with a Spanish-speaking trained crisis counselor.
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Clinical Update
Dr. Claire Lazaro
Clinical Director
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UOP Events
There will be an Intergenerational Multicultural Fair on 9/29. This includes International Cuisine, a fashion show, and some fun music from around the world. This is in partnership with UOP International Programs & Services and inviting pharmacy students, graduate students, international undergraduate student and community members to this Social event. It will be a time where different generations can enjoy the festivities and hopefully enjoy some time together. In addition, There will be an Intergenerational Event- Succulent Nite on 9/22 where there will be decorating, planting a succulent and having dinner. This event will be with Medicare students, faculty, staff and community members. The flyer has instructions about how to RSVP.
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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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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
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Social Recreation Opportunities! (Ceres, CA) | |
Made possible by a Grant from the Department of Developmental Services | |
Please see VMRC’s current Request for Proposals (RFP)
https://www.vmrc.net/rfps/
We have the current need for a service provider to deliver Adult Enhanced Behavior Supports in Stanislaus County
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The Direct Support Professional Training Stipend Program is here!
https://www.dds.ca.gov/initiatives/workforce-initiatives/
Join VMRC’s Community Services Team on Microsoft Teams on Friday September 22nd at 9:00 am to learn more about it.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Click here to join the meeting
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Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Residential and Day Program opportunities
Dear Residential and Day/Work Program Vendors,
Our Remediation Support Grant Project through Campbell Solutions is ready to begin.
This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for our vendors to learn skills and tools for implementing the HCBS Final Settings Rule and Person Centering Planning Practices in your day-to-day operations! Below is a letter from Campbell Solutions explaining the program and how to sign up. Space is limited and is first come first serve! If you are interested in joining the classes and taking your programs to the next level of service please reach out to them immediately at the contact listed in their letter. Your information will not be shared with them directly, you must contact them to sign up.
Sincerely,
Anna Sims
HCBS Program Evaluator/ Valley Mountain Regional Center
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The DEI Corner
Mark Crear, DEI Manger
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Hello Community and Stakeholders:
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
Please find a list of events happening in San Joaquin County to promote this month long celebration.
Additional online resources can be found here:
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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.
Make a Plan
In the event of a disaster could you make it on your own for several days? After a disaster you may not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore. It’s crucial to plan for your daily needs
(https://www.ready.gov/plan ) know what you would do if they become limited or unavailable. Additional planning steps include:
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Create a support network of people who can help you in a disaster. Keep a contact list in a watertight container in your emergency kit ( https://www.ready.gov/kit) or on your electronic devices.
- Inform your support network where you keep your emergency supplies. You may want to consider giving a trusted member a key to your house or apartment.
- Plan ahead for accessible transportation that you may need for evacuation or getting around during or after disaster. Check with local transit providers as well as with your emergency management agency to identify appropriate accessible options.
- Many city and county emergency management agencies maintain voluntary registries for people with disabilities to self-identify in order to receive targeted assistance during emergencies and disasters. Contact your local emergency management office to find out more.
- If you are on dialysis or other life-sustaining medical treatment know the location and availability of more than one facility that can help you.
- If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your doctor or health care provider about what you may be able to do to keep it running during a power outage. You can also ask your power provider to put you on a list for priority power restoration.
- About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
- Wear medical alert tags or bracelets. Also add pertinent medical information to your electronic devices.
- If you have a communication disability, consider carrying printed cards or storing information on your devices to inform first responders and others how to communicate with you.
- If you use assistive technologies, plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if lost or destroyed.
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Locate and access your electronic health records from a variety of sources by using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' online tool (https://www.healthit.gov/topic/patient-access-information-individuals-get-it-check-it-use-it/blue-button ).
- Plan for children and adults who may have difficulty in unfamiliar or chaotic environments. Consider your service or support animal or pets and plan for food, water and supplies. If you need to evacuate, you’ll need to know whether your shelter allows pets or not, since some shelters only allow service or support animals.
- Keep a list of the nearest medical facilities, local hospitals and nearest accessible transportation.
Get Your Benefits Electronically
A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or weeks. If you depend on Social Security or other regular benefits, switching to electronic payments is an easy way to protect yourself financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:
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Direct deposit to a checking or savings account. If you get federal benefits you can sign up by calling 800-333-1795 or sign up online ( https://godirect.gov/gpw/ ).
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The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper checks. Call toll-free at 877-212-9991 or sign up online ( https://godirect.gov/gpw/ ).
|  | Tell us about your experiences getting specialty care from a doctor for your child. We have put together a short survey (10-15 minutes) that you can complete on a phone or computer. For completing this survey, we’ll send you a $30 electronic gift card. Your voice is important! Please contact Lisa Culley or Nicki Moss at 209-472-3674 or FRNfamilies@frcn.org for more details. | |
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930
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Students with disabilities are more likely to use generative AI (Artificial Intelligence): 72% said they’ve used the technology. Parents of students with disabilities are more likely to say that their students have been disciplined for their use of artificial intelligence. The report calls higher rates of discipline among vulnerable communities “particularly worrisome.”
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