Ninety-Seventh

Community Health

Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Weekly Message from the Executive Director

Tony Anderson



By the Numbers

This week we reported another drop in the number of positive cases for consumers (40 people) and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs - 15 people). This is the third consecutive week reporting a decrease since topping out at 270 total cases which is an 80% decrease since the end of January. Last week we learned from our elected provider leadership team that several local service providers are starting to get concerned about not reaching 100% compliance with their booster requirements for staff. VMRC is also concerned about meeting the mandate on time, we still have 30 individuals who have not received their boosters, but we are hopeful to be at 100% by March 1st. We all rely on these incredible employees to provide direct service, coordination, and a variety of direct and indirect support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families so they can fully participate in their communities and we can't afford to lose any of them.

This week Governor Newsome revealed the latest on the state's COVID-19 response plan which is the country's first Endemic Plan. Instead of "defeating the virus" the approach is to live safely with the changing virus among us. The Governor is calling this the SMARTER approach (stands for Shots, masks, awareness, readiness, testing, education and Rx) and requires the state to be flexible with its approach to each variant. Many mask requirements were rescinded and he will announce an update regarding schools etc. on the 28th of February. (related article)

Masks and Visitation Policies (the Letter)

Last week Pete Cervinka, Chief, Data Analytics and Strategy, of DDS, sent the regional center directors an update on the Masks and Visitation Policies. Given the new stories this week regarding the lifting of mask mandates we thought it might help to make this section a little more plain language.

Mask Policy Since February 16th:

• For people fully vaccinated, do not have to wear masks in many indoor public settings and businesses; and
• Masks are still required on public transportation, schools or child care, emergency shelters and cooling and heating centers, healthcare settings, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, long-term care facilities, and adult and senior care facilities. (Masking shall remain required in only the above settings - regional centers and several licensed providers are classified as health care settings).
• Fully vaccinated individuals are recommended to continue indoor masking when the risk may be high.

Visitors

Hospitals, SNFs, ICFs, and our Adult and Senior Homes (all are licensed facilities) must verify vaccination status. If a visitor is not fully vaccinated they must show a negative COVID-19 test:

• Within one day of a visit for antigen tests
• Within two days of a visit for PCR tests Or,
• documentation of recovery from COVID-19 within the past 90 days

The latest mask rules This change takes effect February 16, 2022, after the current guidance expires. The State’s Public Health Officer also issued several revised public health orders,

New Support Group Organized by Local Leaders

"I am writing to inform you that Valley Mountain Regional Center Board Member Alicia Schott and Mohamed Rashid of Advocacy is Success are partnering to start a Spina Bifida Peer Support Group. Attached is the flyer of the Announcement for the peer support. Please share so we can get the word out."



Mo

Inclusion Films Wins Recognition

Congratulations to Joey Travolta and Inclusion Films for being part of a team that won the a gold and silver prestigious Anthem Award for their Public Service Announcement (PSA) "campaign that brings awareness to the contributions people with autism, intellectual, and/or developmental differences can bring to the workplace through employment and leadership opportunities. Ninety percent of the cast and crew who created the PSA were neurodiverse." The Anthem Awards are judged by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS).

In addition to this award winner PSA (featuring Kevin Valdez, one of our own local actors) they also produced three more PSA. Way to go!

SPOTLIGHT ON Kimo Kamakaalohaamailkalani (James Briones)!!  

Meet Kimo! He has been independent and on his own, since his mom passed away. His family was supportive and sometimes got in the way to tell him he can’t have a cell phone or have a checking account. When he asked questions about his money, his family would tell him he didn’t have enough money to buy things he needed.  He was living with his sister, but she had rules that didn’t make sense for him. So, Kimo decided he needed to get his life in order and do things his own way. His sister helped him move into a care home. He didn’t really like the structure of the care home and the cost of the care home. Kimo made a decision – he needed to be more independent and live his life his way!! 

After living with other family members and not living life on his own terms, he finally moved into his own place! He met a friend who had a place that Kimo could move into. He’s become even more independent while living on his own. He attends day program to learn advocacy skills and make his own choices! He manages his money, works, and takes care of his home. 

Kimo encourages you to practice your self-advocacy skills, speak up and live your best life!

Original Artwork by Kimo Kamakaalohaamailkalani (James Briones) 

Disability Rights California

15 Tips for Self-Advocates

Disability Rights California shared 15 tips for self-advocates!! Check it out – you are the most important person!!! This resource is available n multiple languages. Learn how to prepare for meetings, resolve conflicts and make sure your voice is being heard.

10 Tips for Finding the Right Transition Program

Comprehensive Transition Post-Secondary (CTP) programs "are not the only type of college-based transition program available. There are also community-based transition programs that provide services to young adults with disabilities. Whether you decide to pursue a CTP program, another college-based transition program, or a community-based program, use this checklist to find your best options.

1. Start early.

2. Do your homework.

3. Begin with an online search.

4. Talk to other families of children with disabilities.

5. Consult with school district personnel. 

6. Contact special needs summer camp directors.

7. Consider hiring an independent educational consultant.

8. Go to transition fairs and disability conferences. 

9. Ask program representatives about outcome data.

10. Involve your student in every step.

Check out this great graphic poster of advocates and inspirational leaders with disabilities. MaxiAids is owned and operated by individuals who are Deaf, Blind and Autistic. We also hold on-site training workshops for the blind in conjunction with certain organizations, offering the blind marketable skills that they can use to attain gainful employment. (We're not endorsing the compant, it just seemed like a neat resource to share.)

Community Services Update

Brian Bennett

Director of Community Services

Community Services Training Opportunities and Service Provider Information

Weekly Community Services Department Provider Informational Session

Info-Sessions will occur 1x per Month on the FIRST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH

Zoom Link to upcoming Monthly Sessions:                     

March 4^th 2022, 9-10 am                 

April 1 2022, 9-10 am                        

May 6^th 2022, 9-10 am  

June 3^rd 2022, 9-10 am  

July 1^st 2022, 9-10 am   

August 5^th 2022, 9-10 am    

October 7^th 2022, 9-10 am  

November 4^th 2022, 9-10 am  

December 2^nd 2022, 9-10 am  

Zoom Link to upcoming Monthly Sessions

January 2022 Minimum Wage Increase Notice

Effective January 1, 2022, the minimum wage in California will increase based on the number of employees an employer has. Many vendors may be eligible to request a rate increase in order to adjust employees’ pay to comply with the new minimum wage. Please see the attached directive from the Department of Developmental Services for information on how to submit a request to VMRC.  See the VMRC “About US- Announcements” page for the worksheet specific to your services. https://www.vmrc.net/in-case-you-missed-it/

All rate adjustments must be submitted to VMRC no later than March 1, 2022. Should you have any questions about this notice, please contact Corina Ramirez in Resource Development, via email CRamirez@vmrc.net or phone (209) 955-3398.

Minimum Wage Letter

Upcoming Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Training Opportunities

The HCBS Final Settings Rule applies to all vendors who provide services in a setting that serves more than one regional center consumer. The intent of the Final Settings Rule is to ensure that people with developmental disabilities receive services that integrate them fully into the community to the same degree as people without developmental disabilities. It ensures quality of life! They also ensure that the residential settings that services are received in are home environments rather than institutional environments. All settings must optimize and enhance choice rather than regimenting it. The HCBS Final Settings Rule protects consumers rights including the right to privacy, dignity, respect and freedom from coercion and restraint. The Final Settings Rule goes into effect March 17^th, 2023, all providers with the service codes listed below, must be compliant by that date.

VMRC will continue hosting trainings for Residential Providers, Day Type Services Providers and Employment Services Providers. Service providers under the following service codes are strongly encouraged to sign up for one of the trainings provided. It takes time and effort to implement these requirements. Eligible service codes are Residential: 096, 113, 904, 905, 915, 910, 920; Employment Services: 950 and 954; Day Type Services: 028, 055, 063, 475, 505, 510, 515, 855

The attached flyers (insert here) have registration links on them for the following trainings. You must register to take the training. Once you have registered you will receive a link for the zoom session on the date you have chosen. For attendance purposes please have each staff taking the training register with their own contact information including their email address. Any last-minute changes to the scheduled trainings will be communicated to the registered individuals by email at the email address they have provided.

HCBS Trainings for Residential Providers

March 17^th, 2022, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

March 22^nd, 2022, 10:00am – 11:00am

HCBS Trainings for Day Type and Employment Services

March 15^th, 2022, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

April 5th, 2022, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

May 4th, 2022, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

HCBS for Day Program and Employment Providers January through March 2022

HCBS for Residential Providers January through March 2022

VMRC Community Services will be hosting an Informational Session for Prospective Mentor Providers (Family Home Agency) 

Friday, February 25th from 9:00-10:30             

Join Zoom Meeting 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89914908555?pwd=OE1oazF0Z2hpSkd0K1lzeENCMUw2Zz09 

Meeting ID: 899 1490 8555 

Passcode: 138901 

What is a Family Home Agency (FHA)?

A residential service model for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

• Unique shared living experience 
• Services provided in private family homes 
• Nurturing, comfortable setting with individualized support 

Who is California MENTOR?

• Most experienced & largest FHA Provider throughout California 
• Enhancing lives through quality FHA services since 1997
• Personalized services and family connections
• Trusted Regional Center and DDS partner
• Comprehensive recruitment & matching process 
• Exceptional support for Mentors & Clients
• Mentor support and networking groups
• Exciting social events

For more information about this event please contact: 

VMRC FHA Coordinator, Linda DeLaurenti at 209-955-3642 or ldelaurenti@vmrc.net

Community Care Licensing Adult and Senior Care Provider Information Notice Regarding Visitation, Testing and Vaccination Verification for visitors (PIN 22-07-ASC)

"PIN 22-07-ASC informs Adult and Senior Care (ASC) residential licensees the State Public Health Officer Order of December 31, 2021 is being amended at this time to reflect indoor visitation requirements that were in place, prior to December 31, 2021, with the elimination of the six feet distancing requirement, in all covered settings. This amended Order is effective February 8, 2022."

(Click here)

Clinical Services Updates

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

Director of Clinical Services

There are a lot of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests available now. You want to make sure you know what to do with the result you get. When it is positive, you isolate. How about when it is negative? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided an algorithm as to what to do, based on whether you live in congregate settings (long-term care facilities, correctional and detention facilities, homeless shelters, and other group shelters) or in the community.[1] A study from JAMA Internal Medicine has shown that people “may fail to self-quarantine or may quarantine unnecessarily because they misinterpret the implications of test results.”[2] It is important that the public knows what is the right thing to do depending on the result of the COVID-19 rapid antigen test to be safe and healthy.

Speaking of vaccines, the latest CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) has shown that COVID-19 vaccines may be protective of infants due to associated lower risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations.[1] This is good to know that infants can be protected even though there is no vaccine for them yet. With regards to boosters, latest CDC study is showing that the mRNA booster effectiveness diminishes from 87% to 66% in preventing emergency room/urgent care visits, and from 91% to 78% in preventing hospitalizations.[2] This further emphasizes the importance of making sure your vaccination and boosters are up to date to get the most protection against COVID-19 related emergency room/urgent care visits and hospitalizations.⁴

Image from CDC¹ – Figure 1: Antigen test Algorithm for Congregate Living Settings

[1] CDC. Jan. 20, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/resources/antigen-tests-guidelines.html#anchor_1631295114633

[2] JAMA Internal Medicine. Jan. 31, 2022. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2788656

Case Management Update - Children

Tara Sisemore-Hester

Director of Consumer Services - Children

Spotlight on: The Nunez Family

My name is Ramon Nunez, dad to Monika Nunez,. My wife and I are very happy with the services from the regional center in Stockton; mainly Stephanie Cravan, she is my daughter's case worker. Stephanie has helped us with obtaining the covid vaccines and with many other services. We are very, very thankful with everyone in general that makes the regional center function with efficiency and professionalism.

I've been able to meet and talk with others from the regional center like Mr. Tony and many other people that I do not remember their names. Thank you for everything.

Ramon Nunez

Mom, Interrupted: Evaluating and Supporting Postpartum Trauma and Mood Disruption 

Friday February 25, 2022

12:00pm - 2:00pm

Virtual Event

with

Courtney Palm, LMFT

Can't attend the event live? 

Register to receive access to the recording!

This training will explore variables that contribute to postpartum mental health, both protective factors and risk factors. We will discuss how to evaluate postpartum needs of mothers and their partners involved in the early intervention program. Attendees will learn about neurological changes related to pregnancy, birth, and birth trauma and how those changes create new mood, sleep, and relational patterns. Finally, we will examine case studies to understand the variety of perspectives and symptoms for women coping with postpartum mental health needs.  

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will discuss risk factors leading to postpartum mood disruption to better recognize the need for maternal mental health support.
• Attendees will examine postpartum evaluation tools to incorporate screening materials into the therapy session. 
• Attendees will evaluate case studies to understand the broad spectrum of impact caused by postpartum mood disruption

Non-Member: $50

IDA Agency/Individual Member: $35

IDA Parent/Student/New Clinician Member: $25

IDA CE Hours: Nursing, PT, Speech and Language $20 (2 hour) 

CDI CE Hours: LCSW, LMFT, LEP, LPCC 

(you will be invoiced)

ADA Requests: Contact IDA @ mail@idaofcal.org 

with ADA request by Feb 10

Limited number of scholarships available

We are excited to announce the following self determination orientation opportunities:

Tuesday, April 19, 2022 9AM-12PM Spanish

Thursday, June 16, 2022 1PM-4PM English with Spanish Translation

Monday, August 8, 2022 1PM-4PM English with Spanish Translation

The Department of Developmental Services has posted FAQs for the Participant Choice Specialist positions at the following link: Self-Determination Program – Frequently Asked Questions - CA Department of Developmental Services

North Valley Hills Update

Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930

SCDD Statewide Self Advocacy Network (SSAN)

Robert Balderama is the representative from our region. He will be speaking at the Self-Advocacy Council 6 CHAT on February 25, 2022, about SSAN. 

How to connect to SCDD through Social Media

Self-Advocacy Council 6 (SAC6)

Weekly Virtual Chat

Come hear from Kholoud Rashid about DRAIL’s New Community Center! 



WHEN: Friday, February 18, 2022

TIME: 11:00 AM -12:15 PM

WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 826 7662 7732

Passcode: 653419

PDF Version of the SAC6 Flyer Here

Family Resource Network (FRN) Update

Lisa Culley, Executive Director

San Joaquin County (SJTEETH) Project

Family Resource Network (FRN) is able to assist families of children with special needs and disabilities with dental care coordination. Our staff can help with things like choosing an appropriate dental provider, making appointments and assisting with follow-up, if needed. Please contact FRN at 209-472-3674 or FRNfamilies@frcn.org