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Seventy-Ninth

Community Health

Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Weekly Message from the Executive Director

By the Numbers

This week VMRC reported 12 consumers testing positive, down from 16 last week and eight of our regional direct support professionals tested positive. This is the second week in row reporting a decline in numbers. One of the cases for consumers is a breakthrough case but all consumers are recovering at home. Unfortunately 83% of our consumers testing positive this week are young children and only one of them is eligible to receive the vaccine. Finally our current full vaccination rate at VMRC is 76% and three tested positive over the last two weeks. In California we're reporting a steady decline in the positive cases since August 9th from 31.6 per 100,000 to 15.7 per 100,000 and nationally the CDC is reporting that since September 1st the national 7-day average has continued to decline from 160,000 positive cases down to 120,000 positive cases.

The DDS Directives

As we reach the end of September we are beginning to prepare for the actual expirations of the Department of Developmental Services Directives. While California still has an active state of emergency, permitting department officials to waive statutes to secure health and safety, half the country has already let their emergency orders expire (including large eastern and mid-western states). The next directive scheduled to expire is the one that allows regional center directors to approve health and safety waivers and set enhanced rates for the local supplemental services using a service code 109. To see the latest on this directive see Community Services section by Brian Bennet, Director of Community Services below…).

Community Alert and Update: Information Technology

Recently several regional centers have been the target of very serious attacks to our information technology systems. Some regional centers have had to pay large ransom fees to hackers and many of us have had to be extremely diligent with quick responses to secure your information. Please be careful and cautious regarding any electronic communications. Below is a statement and description by Carlo Cacciatore our Director of Information Technology, about our current status of what we've been dealing with over the last few weeks:

Over the last few weeks VMRC has been the target of multiple phishing attacks. These attempts to compromise VMRC accounts and systems were reported and dealt with very quickly and no administrative accounts or systems were breached. There were a couple of non-administrative mailboxes that were temporarily compromised but they were reported and identified immediately and locked down.

Last week, VMRC enforced MFA (Multifactor Authentication) on all company email accounts which greatly reduces the risk of a future phishing attack being successful. MFA ensures that even if an employee’s password is compromised, no one can log into their account without a second form of authentication (Cell phone or work phone). This is the single greatest way to protect yourself and we are very excited to have this security feature finally in place.

And Finally…

Our very own local health advocate and family member Doreen Bestolarides, Executive Board member of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD), reports that the academy "recommends vaccine mandates for staff in organizations serving individuals with IDD including residential settings, day programs, home health providers, and any location where individuals regularly receive care. Notably, vaccine mandates must be implemented with care. Aggressive educational efforts must accompany the vaccine mandates in order to effectively combat vaccine hesitancy. Finally, the details of available exemptions need to be clear and should include religious exemptions, medical exemptions, and exemptions based on matters of conscience." Learn more…

Tony Anderson

Executive Director

Case Management Update - Children

Self Determination

Effective July 1, 2021, the Self-Determination program is available to all eligible individuals on a voluntary basis with no limit on the number of participants.

To be eligible for the program, you or your family member must:

1. Have a developmental disability and currently be receiving services from a California regional center, or be a new client of a regional center; and

2. Be over the age of three or, if under, be qualified for services through the Lanterman Act; and

3. Live in the community.

Our team is excited to share the following Self Determination orientation training including some trainings in Spanish!!

September 30, 2021 2 PM- 5 PM in English with Spanish Translation

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GlKCNsZ7RMeVs84yKVdIOg

October 8, 2021 1:30 PM-4:30 PM in Spanish

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d8UIzmNRTiWT-lnOPnrjbg

October 13, 2021 1:30 PM- 4:30 PM in English with Spanish Translation

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lb304BFvSMSOL0gWVPeo0Q

November 4, 2021 9 AM-12 PM in English with Spanish Translation

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_beHiVEXQSl6yH_ZzcG4HFw

November 5, 2021 9 AM – 12 PM in Spanish

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0ThCO7YURuSkLup8J8abTg

Modesto City Schools will be offering trainings for parents who want to learn how to use social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter, Fortnite, and Twitch); Trainings are done virtually; therefore, they don’t have to have a child attending Modesto City Schools. Families can join the training by going into the Modesto City School Calendar and doing click on the class link.

They will have trainings in English and Spanish.

https://www.mcs4kids.com/district/parent-engagement-and-outreach/training-calendar

Reasons for Concern Brochure

This brochure is a collaborative effort between the Department of Developmental Services and the California Department of Education. The brochure is designed to facilitate finding and identifying young children who may benefit from early intervention or specialized education services and to encourage appropriate referrals regarding these children to Early Start and special education preschool services. It can be ordered through the Publications Order Form.

For free downloadable resources please go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website and choose from a variety of resources:

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/freematerials.html#toolsfortrackingmilestones-2017

For more information regarding Early Start services and referrals, please contact the Early Start BabyLine at 800 – 515 – BABY (800 – 515 – 2229) or earlystart@dds.ca.gov

From our friends at the Infant Development Association (IDA)

Sept 25 ~ Saturday Morning Listen is back after our Summer Break! This is a free event!

Join IDA Board members to chat about the importance of the work that we do and ways to support our children, families, and ourselves. We are also interested in learning if this time still works for you and considerations for any changes in the coming year.

For more information and registration

Tara Sisemore-Hester

Director of Consumer Services - Children

Case Management Update - Adults

Case management is preparing for the COVID Patch to end on 10-03-2021, per the DDS directive. Regular supplemental Patch will start on 10-04-2021 and extend through 10-31-2021. Planning teams will begin meeting to determine any individual support needs after 10-31-2021. Please work with the Interdisciplinary Team to determine support needs and plans to meet these needs.

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SPOTLIGHT ON Lisa Utsey

Lisa Utsey is a well-known self-advocate. She advocates for her own needs and services. She also supports other self-advocates whenever they ask her for help. Lisa has been a member of the Self-Advocacy Council 6 (SAC6) for the last 8 years. She has represented her day program on the SAC6 board of directors. She was on the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Consumer Advisory Committee CAC) for 6 years, representing all VMRC self-advocates. This year Lisa has joined the ARCA (Association of Regional Center Agencies) CAC to represent self-advocates. She brings back valuable information to the VMRC Board of Directors and SAC6.

In the past, Lisa has traveled to Seattle, Washington to attend a weeklong training for self-advocates. She also traveled to Southern California to attend a self-determination meeting.

When the pandemic started and everyone had to be careful because of Covid, Lisa stepped up and volunteered her time to help VMRC hand out PPE (personal protective equipment). She also volunteered at the vaccination clinics and supported self-advocates to make sure they understood the vaccine and why it would help them.

Lisa has helped with the SAC6 Friday Zoom Chats and this week celebrates the 69th zoom chat. These chats help self-advocates express their voices, ask questions about what’s going on, learn important information about health and safety, and receive great mental health tips of the day from Dr. Dave. Lisa shared, “this is a great resource and helps with Covid and gives lots of information to self-advocates.”

Lisa is an amazing person. She is always ready to help anyone who asks. If you haven’t met Lisa, you should introduce yourself on the next Friday Zoom Chat!

The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services shared the public is invited to join ACL (Administration for Community Living) and CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ ) for their next installment in the Promising Practices Series: Expanding, Enhancing, and Strengthening Home and Community Based Services under Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act on Thursday, September 30th, 2021 from 3:00 - 4:30 PM ET.

This webinar will include an overview of Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan and presentations from Colorado and Massachusetts on innovative initiatives in their initial state spending plans. Register here for the webinar!

In an unpreceded opportunity to enhance and strengthen the HCBS system, The American Rescue Plan Act signed by President Biden in March provided $12.7 billion to increase access to HCBS for Medicaid beneficiaries. In May, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provided states with guidance to receive the enhanced funding.

COVID-19 has impacted older adults and people with disabilities in many ways. In addition to increased risk of serious illness or death, the pandemic also put additional demands on the support and service systems many people with disabilities and older adults rely on, bringing to light direct care workforce shortages and the increased need to further develop and strengthen home and community-based services (HCBS).

Mental Health America and IDONTMIND, in partnership with Youtube, present Our Future In Mind: Mental Health Summit, a live free two-day event this November 5 and 6. The first of its kind, this event will give you a front-row seat to the stories behind some of the biggest movements in mental health and the tools you will need to be part of the change.

Why attend?

Find your place in mental health advocacy

Whether you’re new to the world of mental health or already have the next great idea, our goal is to help you figure out where your voice and skills can fit in. Just bring your interest and passion to the table.

Nothing for us without us

For decades, young people have taken the initiative and fought for the mental health care they need and deserve. Young people just like you. This is your opportunity to hear their stories and join their fight for a better world.

Be inspired by diverse voices

Our sessions will cover a variety of topics like equity and disability in mental health, using social media for good, and LGBTQ+ leadership and wellness. You’ll learn from open and honest conversations with a diverse group of artists and actors, TikTokers, YouTubers, mental health experts, and more.

Join us from anywhere in the world

The entire two-day summit will be streamed live on Youtube on November 5 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm EST and November 6 from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST.

Christine Couch (she, her, hers)

Director of Consumer Services - Adults

Clinical Update

COVID-19 Booster for Selected Individuals

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given an emergency use authorization for the Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech) COVID-19 vaccine as booster shot at least 6 months after the primary series for selected individuals such as:

· 65 years and older

· 18-64 years that are at high risk of severe COVID-19

· 18-64 years with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 that puts them at high risk of serious complications of COVID-19, including severe COVID-19.[1]

For children 5-11 years old, Pfizer-BioNTech has plan to submit data to FDA for approval because their studies have shown that the 2-dose regimen of 10-ug doses have elicited similar antibody responses to those of the individuals 16-25 years who were immunized with 30-ug doses.[2]

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Time for Flu Shots!!

Flu Shot Clinic Drive Through with Safeway Pharmacy

Open to all!

October 7, 2021 at 9 am to 12 pm – V

VMRC Stockton Office

Pre-registration is Required: http://mhealthsystem.com/VMRCStockton

October 14 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm – VMRC Modesto Office

Pre Registration is Required: http://mhealthsystem.com/VMRCModesto

Please bring your medical card AND prescription card to the clinic.

· Participants not insured or covered will have to pay out of pocket at point of service

· $35 for Regular flu vaccine

· $69 for Senior dose flu vaccine

· We will accept check or credit card

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Dental Clinic coming in November!

FREE Mobile Dental Clinic for Medi-Cal Members. By appointment only: 9 am to 6 pm. Register here: https://ib4.me/u34hUcr

Or Call at (408) 809-9500

[1] FDA. September 22, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-booster-dose-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-certain-populations

[2] Pfizer. September 20, 2021. https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-and-biontech-announce-positive-topline-results

Please continue to stay safe and healthy.

Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, FNP-C

Director of Clinical Services

Community Services Training Opportunities and Service Provider Information

Residential Service Provider COVID 19 Supplemental Support (PATCH) Services Important Announcement

Dear all residential service providers who currently serve consumers receiving COVID 19 Supplemental Residential Program Support (PATCH) ; service code 109:

On March 12, 2020, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) granted regional center Executive Directors the authority to grant rate adjustments for residential services and/ or supplemental services in residential settings to protect a consumer’s health or safety as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19. DDS has extended this waiver since March 2020 , allowing persons residing in vendored residential settings to receive increased “PATCH” supports.

It is anticipated that the current end date of October 3, 2021, WILL NOT be extended.

VMRC’s approach , in an effort to continue to support consumers and residential service providers receiving the supplemental services COVID-19 “PATCH” rate, is to terminate all COVID 19 Supplemental Services (PATCH) authorizations (in alignment with the current DDS “extension” (see link) on October 3, 2021.

https://www.dds.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/DDSDirective_Extensions_08252021.pdf

Service Coordinators will create new authorizations, using the pre-COVID Supplemental Support Services (PATCH) rate from the time period of October 4^th thru October 31^st. Individual planning team meetings will occur to determine ongoing supplemental support needs.

Any consumer whose needs exceed the supplemental support services (PATCH) traditional rate should work with the consumer’s Service Coordinator and the Director of Community Services bbennett@vmrc.net to utilize the Health and Safety Wavier process.

VMRC Has Posted a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Transportation Service/ Competitive Procurement to our Website – Applications are Being Accepted from October 1^st through November 1^st

Valley Mountain Regional Center (VMRC) is seeking service providers to operate transportation services and transportation assistant services to serve people with developmental disabilities who reside in the counties of: Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Tuolumne, Amador, Calaveras. Developmental disabilities include intellectual disabilities, epilepsy, autism, and cerebral palsy. The applicant selected to provide transportation services and transportation assistant services in the VMRC service region will work closely with R&D Transportation services, Inc. (R&D) a full-service transportation broker, who provides scheduling, routing, quality assurance, and oversight of all contract transportation billing invoices.

Any inquiries regarding the application or requesting technical assistance should be directed to Robert Fernandez, Division Manager – Resource Development, at 209-955-3620, or Brian L. Bennett, Community Services Director, at 209-955-3309. Please note that technical assistance is limited to information regarding the requirements for preparation of the application packet Additional questions regarding the transportation service agreement or the transportation vendorization process may be submitted to R&D (VMRC transportation broker) via e-mail to: RFPQuestions@rdtsi.com

For full RFP Document:

https://secureservercdn.net/104.238.71.109/znc.7f6.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/RFP-Transportation-Services-Fall-2021.pdf

VMRC’s partner service provider Merakey is seeking qualified BCBA’s

https://recruiting.adp.com/srccar/public/nghome.guid?c=1148411&d=External&prc=RMPOD3&r=5000770108806#/

Weekly Community Services Department Provider Informational Session

Please join VMRC staff and other partner agencies via ZOOM every Friday morning at 9:00 AM! Question and Answer session and opportunities to hear about important vendor changes!

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 961 6884 2952

https://zoom.us/j/96168842952

Brian L. Bennett

Director Of Community Services

PDF Version Here

Free Mobile Dental Clinic for Medi-Cal Members!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

PDF Version Here

North Valley Hills Update

Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930

The Last Push to Make Sure People with Disabilities are Paid Fairly

SB 639, the SCDD-sponsored bill to end paying people with disabilities less than the minimum wage is now on the Governor's desk waiting for his signature. We hope you will share your support for this important bill.

It is legal for people with developmental disabilities to be paid less than minimum wage, sometimes for as little as $2 an hour.

The State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Disability Rights California, and Legal Aid at Work teamed up with Senator María Elena Durazo to ensure all workers are paid no less than minimum wage.

Send a comment to the Governor on SB 639

Share your support!

The Governor has through October 10th to sign SB 639. You can make sure your voice is heard by contacting the Governor's Office in one of the ways below:

1. Call the Governor's Office at 916-445-2841 and tell them you support SB 639. A good example for what to say is "I believe California should outlaw subminimum wage for people with disabilities as it is a civil rights issue. Please sign SB 639."

2. Send an email letting the Governor know you support SB 639 and believe subminimum wage should be outlawed in California to leg.unit@gov.ca.gov

3. Or, you can contact the Governor’s office by following this link and submitting a comment of support. A good example is “Please sign SB 639 and support the rights of individuals with disabilities.”

How to connect to SCDD through Social Media

Family Resource Network Update from

Lisa Culley, Executive Director

Building Bridges Workshop-Is your child turning 3 soon? The Building Bridges Training is all about transitioning from the Early Start Program to Special Education, pre-school or ? Learn about the process-timelines, the law, and rights of parents and children in the process. Register for the workshop using the link on the flyer. Virtual Workshop-Wednesday, September 29, 2021, from 9:30am-11:30am. This workshop will have Spanish interpretation.

PDF Version Here

Join us for the 27th Annual Early Start Symposium Webinar Series...Fridays, 10/22, 11/5 & 11/19. Parents/guardians of children 0-5 years old who receive Early Start or Special Education services are able to register at no charge. Professionals/agency staff registration is $60, which includes all three sessions! Registration is required, click link in flyer to register. Topics include resilience and wellness in the family (10/22), parenting children with disabilities (11/5), and challenging behavior (11/19). Any questions, or to register by phone, contact FRN at 209-472-3674 or by email at FRNfamilies@frcn.org