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"The VMRC Newsletter"
Friday, September 29, 2023
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Message from the Executive Director
Tony Anderson
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NDEAM: The Key to Success is a Strong Partnership with Parents
This Sunday marks the beginning of NDEAM, the National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is “Advancing Access and Equity”. Historically people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face tremendous barriers to being able to achieve their job and career goals and to be active full participants in their local communities. Some of these identified barriers include “discrimination, stigma, employers' attitude, and management style, feeling unappreciated, and working environment such as culture to accommodation, understanding and strengths” (Udeme Samuel Jacob, Jace Pillay, Olukemi Esther Adeoye, and Temiloluwa Kehinde Oni, 2020).
Surprisingly, one of the most significant barriers people with IDD face comes from the people who care about them the most, their families and in particular their parents. However recent research has indicated that parents are also the most powerful influencers and determinants of whether or not someone with IDD works competitively in a job within their community. It turns out that parents are extremely effective in ensuring their sons and daughters pursue their dreams in employment when the schools, regional centers, and vocational rehabilitation professionals provide them with training and accurate information about working with public benefits.
Researchers have found that people with IDD are more likely to be employed when their parents want them to be employed and believe that they can work (Dixon & Reddacliff, 2001; Freedman & Fesko, 1996; Taylor & Hodapp, 2012). If we all work together to provide important support, coaching, and planning, as well as practical help like transportation and planning activities we will be able to access the most significant predictor of paid work, parental expectations (John Kramer, Jennifer Bose, John Shepard, and Jean Winsor, 2020).
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Words Matter, I’m Sorry
Last week after writing my article about the California Memorial Project I was trying to make the closing point that people with developmental disabilities deserved the same respect in memorializing their passing as everybody else in society. Unfortunately, I titled the article “All Lives Matter” which in today’s society carriers with it hurtful sentiments toward our Black and Brown neighbors and seeing that title in bold to kick off our newsletter was triggering and hard to look past. Thank you to all those who let me know in a kind and sincere way and please accept my sincere apology. I meant no harm and I am sorry for any pain I may have caused. Tony
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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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The registration deadline is October 6th for the October 10th training date, and deadline is October 13th for the October 17th training date. | |
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Join us!
Thursday
October 26, 2023
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We are cordially inviting you to our 4th Annual Early Child Development Virtual Conference!
It is an all day event on October 26th, 2023.
To register with your email, please click the link below and fill out your information.
Follow your registration, you will receive a link on how to attend the event.
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Case Management Update - Adults
Christine Couch
Director of Consumer Services - Adults
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Join us for the Buddy Walk on Saturday October 21st from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Micke Grove Park, 11793 Micke Grove Road, Lodi, CA, 95240.
For more information, please visit Buddy Walk 2023- Saturday October 21st — The Brighterside of Down Syndrome (tbods.org)
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FREE Library Events and Program in San Joaquin County!! This is a great resource for free social recreation and community integration activities. These activities are held at the libraries throughout San Joaquin county. They offer a Lego Club, neurodiverse story time, chess club, access to tech equipment (3D printer, VR, Circuit), and tons of other cool programs/events.
https://m.engagedpatrons.org/Events.cfm?SiteID=3406
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Clinical Update
Dr. Claire Lazaro
Clinical Director
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In honor of September being Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, please see this article prepared by our staff psychologist, Dr. J. Roxann Wright.
Suicide Prevention Awareness for those with Developmental Disabilities
Developmentally disabled populations are vulnerable to physiological, psychological, social, economic, and environmental stressors which are associated with suicide risk. Due to these stressors those with developmental disabilities attempt or complete suicide and frequently manifest suicidal behaviors or thoughts. The hope is that with their proximity to families, caregivers, and providers, suicide should be a “never event” among persons with developmental disability. For those who are experiencing these distressing thoughts, the goal is for families, caregivers, and providers to help guide them to the appropriate resources.
What could be the cause of these feelings in the developmentally disabled? An intense desire to end one’s life may come from the belief that one is a burden to others and/or the belief that one does not belong. Burdensomeness arises from a sense that one is a liability and not fulfilling expectations or obligations. This may lead to thinking that one’s death is more valued than one’s life. Developmental disabilities can cause problems with communication, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living. Psychosocial factors that are characteristic of some developmental disabilities may directly contribute to the emergence of a sense of burdensomeness and failed belongingness. An individual’s sense of being a burden may begin at a very young age with early attachment experiences and vary with how accepting and supportive parents and/or siblings are of the disability.
Looking more closely at age range differences, adolescents with developmental disabilities tend to focus on being accepted by their peers and not being seen as “different”. Social rejection and stigma are often experienced while in school and in the community. Those with developmental disabilities often acutely recognize the negative social aspects of their disability and tend to interact in small social networks made up of peers, family members, and provider staff. This may make them vulnerable to feelings of failed belongingness brought on by misunderstanding social norms and the consequences of personal behavior. The concurrence of perceived burdensomeness and failed belongingness is often sufficient to produce an intense desire to end their life. Developmentally disabled persons may have a significant exposure to these beliefs from others who feel similarly. They may be exposed or engage in self-injurious behaviors. Victimization may habituate some persons with developmental disability to pain and foster an ability for lethal self-harm.
These reasons, along with exposure to continued trauma, indicate a need for more investment in preventing suicide and raising awareness of risk in people with developmental disabilities. One way to tackle the issue is by the participation of family members, consumers, advocates, and providers to continuously participate in suicide prevention education. Knowing some of the phrasing and warning signs over this issue can greatly decrease incidents. Some warning signs: Sudden withdrawal from family or loss of interest in enjoyable activities • Decreased response to reinforcers • Change in appetite or refusing to eat • Current traumatic event • Persistent crying or sadness or increased agitation or irritability • Regression in skills of daily living or showing an uncharacteristic inability to learn new skills as expected • Perseveration or rumination on suicide or talk about death • Making plans for suicide or seeking means for suicide • Making statements about having no reasons for living or wishing to not be alive or “not here” • Hopelessness • Making negative self-statements such as being a “bad person,” expecting punishment, self-blame, or excessively seeking reassurance of worth
If you or anyone you know has been experiencing any of these symptoms, please notify someone and seek immediate support. If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Hotline number 988.
Suicide Prevention Month
As we start our fall schedules, it is important to watch out for signs of mental health struggles in our family, friends, and co-workers. Our schedules will soon be heavy with school, work, and family/faith-oriented celebrations. As work and school schedules increase it may feel like there is less time to spend outside, doing pleasurable activities, and getting rest. These can all contribute to feelings of stress, discomfort, and sadness. Anyone can be affected by these feelings regardless of age, gender, or position in life.
Talking about suicidal thoughts or feelings is often stigmatized. It can sometimes cause fear that talking about it will make the person attempt or complete suicide. The very opposite is true. A person who is feeling or thinking of ending their life often feels like they are unable to come up with any other solution to their problems. Talking about it with a trusted loved one or friend, or qualified counselor can help them process difficult emotions and feel heard, which is often the source of distress.
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According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, four times as many women attempt suicide than men although men more often complete (79%). Approximately 46% of people who have ended their life have had a diagnosable mental health condition. The highest rates are among the Indigenous and Non-Hispanic white individuals. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14, the 3rd leading cause of death among those aged 15-24 and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
- Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth. Transgender adults are nearly 9x more likely to attempt suicide at some point in their life compared to the general population. Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails.
- Some warning signs: they may have thoughts of killing themselves, feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, being a burden to others, feeling trapped, unbearable pain. Behaviors may look like increased use of substances, looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods, withdrawing from activities, isolating from family and friends, sleeping too much or too little, visiting or calling people to say goodbye, giving away prized possessions, aggression, fatigue. Their mood may look like they are depressed, anxious, have a loss of interest in things, irritability, humiliation or shame, agitation or anger, relief or sudden improvement of symptoms for no reason.
Suicide prevention is important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month can prompt a dedicated time to come together to address this difficult topic. We can all benefit from honest conversations about mental health conditions and suicide. One conversation has the possibility to change a life.
If you or anyone who has been struggling, please call the national suicide and crisis hotline: dial 988.
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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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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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Direct Support Professional (DSP) Training Stipend Program
https://www.dds.ca.gov/initiatives/workforce-initiatives/
Beginning September 1, 2023, DSPs may receive up to two $625 (before taxes) stipends when they complete online training courses approved by the Department of Developmental Services available in the ARCA Learning Center. The DSP Training Stipend Program runs through June 30, 2024, and all courses must be completed by that date.
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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.
Build a Kit
In addition to having your basic survival supplies, an emergency kit should have items to meet your individual needs in various emergencies. Consider the items you use every day and which ones you may need to add to your kit.
Tips for Medications:
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medicines.
- Keep a list of your prescription medicines. Include information about your diagnosis, dosage, frequency, medical supply needs and allergies.
- Store extra nonprescription drugs, like pain and fever relievers, antihistamines and antidiarrheal medicines.
- Have a cooler and chemical ice packs available to chill medicines that need to be refrigerated.
Tips for People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing:
- Weather radio (with text display and a flashing alert)
- Extra hearing-aid batteries
- Pen and paper (in case you have to communicate with someone who does not know sign language)
- Battery operated lantern to enable communication by sign language or lip reading, especially when the electricity is out and it’s dark.
Tips for People Who are Blind or Have Low Vision:
- Mark emergency supplies with Braille labels or large print. Keep a
- of your emergency supplies and where you bought them on a portable flash drive or make an audio file that is kept in a safe place where you can access it.
- Keep communication devices for your particular needs, such as a Braille or deaf-blind communications device as part of your emergency supply kit.
Tips for People with Speech Disability:
- If you use an augmentative communications device or other assistive technologies plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if it is lost or destroyed. Keep model information and note where the equipment came from (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, etc.).
- Plan how you will communicate with others if your equipment is not working, including laminated cards with phrases and/or pictogram.
Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities:
- Keep handheld electronic devices charged and loaded with videos and activities.
- Purchase spare chargers for electronic devices and keep them charged.
- Include sheets and twine or a small pop-up tent (to decrease visual stimulation in a busy room or to provide instant privacy).
- Consider a pair of noise-canceling headphones to decrease auditory stimuli.
- Have comfort snacks available.
Tips for People with a Mobility Disability:
- If you use a power wheelchair have a lightweight manual chair available as a backup if possible.
- Show others how to assemble, disassemble and operate your wheelchair.
- Purchase an extra battery for a power wheelchair or other battery-operated medical or assistive technology devices. If you can't purchase an extra battery, find out what agencies, organizations or local charitable groups can help you buy one. Keep extra batteries charged at all times.
- Consider keeping a patch kit or can of sealant for flat tires and/or extra inner tube if wheelchair or scooter is not puncture proof.
- Keep an extra mobility device such as a cane or walker if you use one.
- Keep a portable air pump for wheelchair tires.
- If you use a seat cushion to protect your skin or maintain your balance and you must evacuate, consider keeping an extra cushion on hand.
- Communicate with neighbors who can assist you if you need to evacuate the building.
Tips for Individuals with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia
- Do not leave the person alone. Even those who aren’t prone to wandering away may do so in unfamiliar environments or situations.
- If evacuating, help manage the change in environment by bringing a pillow and blanket or other comforting items they can hold onto.
- When at a shelter, try to stay away from exits and choose a quiet corner.
- If there is an episode of agitation, respond to the emotions being expressed. For example, say “You’re frightened and want to go home. It’s ok. I’m right here with you.”
Additional Items:
- Several days supply of prescription medicines
- A list of all medications, dosage and any allergies
- Extra eyeglasses, contacts, hearing aids and batteries
- A backup supply of oxygen
- A list of the style and serial number of medical devices (include special instructions for operating your equipment if needed)
- Copies of insurance and Medicare cards
- Contact information for doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt.
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Pet food, extra water, collar with ID tag, medical records and other supplies for your service or support animal (https://www.Ready.gov/pets)
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930
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