Fifty-Fifth
Community Health Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)
|
|
weekly message from the Executive Director
By the Numbers
This week we reported to DDS that 7 consumers tested positive for COVID-19 but no DSPs (last week 6 DSPs tested positive). However, sadly we learned this week that another consumer lost their life to this deadly virus and passed away while isolating at home with their family. We grieve for this family as we do so many we have lost. Next week we hope to see the trends continue to decrease, the deaths to stop, and that our community has everything they need to be safe. This is one more reason why we are asking you to please take advantage of this generous opportunity we have for you all to participate in our free drive through vaccination clinics starting next week (click here for our registration webpage and view our TikTok video for more information and inspiration).
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
It feels like each week we have good news to report, but that it is always tempered with bad news or setbacks. This is why, though, the Governor announced this week that he is planning on ending the tier system and fully reopening the economy soon (June 15th). This will only happen if there continues to be enough vaccines available to those 16 and older and if hospitalization rates stay low and stable. Even then, the Governor says our fully reopened economy will still include using common-sense health measures such as masking, testing, and vaccinations.
With all this good news and hopeful trends, we are all looking to early summer for a return to many of the activities we all love, and to the emotional reunions of families and friends. We are aware that state and local officials are currently working through policies for reopening day programs and other non-residential services. There are no dates certain for the release of these new policies, but everyone from our DDS Director and all of us at your Valley Mountain Regional Center are doing all we can to turn the page on this chapter of our lives and return to fully delivering services and supports that rebalance the "important for you" with the "important to you", to borrow the phrase from Person-Centered Thinking ("Important To" work sheet).
However, we cannot ignore the fact that the country is averaging about as many new cases each day as it was when our national downward trend stopped last February. Much of the Northeast and Midwest in our country is bracing for rapid increases of cases of infection rates with Michigan, New York, and New Jersey leading the way. And though "about three million people are receiving a vaccine every day", we are nowhere close to herd immunity experts say we need to stop this spread (see this recent NY Times article for more information).
|
|
Tony Anderson
Executive Director
Valley Mountain Regional Center
|
Case Management Update
Vaccination Outreach
In preparation for the Vaccination Clinics being held at our Modesto and Stockton sites, case management staff have been getting the word out to our consumers and their families.
Over the past month, Service Coordinators have been reaching out in an effort to determine of those 16 years of age and over, who has received the COVID-19 vaccine and who may need assistance in obtaining it. We have kept documentation of the status and this week began contacting all of those who had not received the vaccine.
VMRC staff accomplished these needed connections in various ways, but due to our electronic information system we were able to generate lists to assist in follow up. We also used the Everbridge system, sending out mass notification of the clinics to consumers and families. The system was able to identify those interested in the vaccine which prompted additional calls to those families. Upon contacting, staff advised them of the upcoming clinic schedules, asked of interest and transportation needs, and assisted with registration.
If you want and need a vaccine, please contact your Service Coordinator who will assist in guiding you through the process. You can also register yourself at our website:
Self-Determination Program Orientations Scheduled
If you are interested in being part of the Self-Determination Program (SDP) when all are eligible, it is time to prepare. All participants must begin the process by attending an orientation webinar. Spanish translation will be provided.
Register in advance for all webinars:
· Saturday, May 15, 2021 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
· Wednesday, May 19, 2021 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
· Tuesday, June 29, 2021 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining.
Please contact Angelique Shear at (209) 955-3294 or ashear@vmrc.net for questions.
ABLEnow Accounts May Assist with Stimulus Payments
Many of you are receiving a stimulus payment from the federal government and may be concerned about how these funds will impact your public benefits. Although stimulus payments are not treated as income by most federal, state and local programs, funds not spent within 12 months will count as a resource — and could impact benefits.
ABLE-eligible individuals can consider saving all or a portion of their payment in an ABLEnow account. Funds in an ABLEnow account do not affect eligibility for most benefit programs, such as MediCal and SSI.
Opening an account for yourself or an eligible individual as an authorized representative has no enrollment fee and no minimum contribution. To obtain information on the program, call 1-844-NOW-ABLE or visit www.able-now.com.
|
Cindy Mix
Director of Consumer Services
|
Clinical Update
We still have slots! Register Now!
We are partnering with Safeway Pharmacy (part of Albertson’s) in hosting vaccine clinics that start next week. This is a registration only drive-thru vaccine clinic. We will vaccinate 16 years and older. Details below:
1st dose Clinic Dates and Times (Pfizer)* 2nd dose Clinic Dates and Times (Pfizer)*
4/13/21 10am-5pm (Tuesday) 5/4/21 10am-5pm (Tuesday)
4/14/21 10am-5pm (Wednesday) 5/5/21 10am-5pm (Wednesday)
4/15/21 10am-5pm (Thursday) 5/6/21 10am-5pm (Thursday)
1st dose Clinic Dates and Times (Pfizer)* 2nd dose Clinic Dates and Times (Pfizer)*
4/23/21 9am-4pm (Friday) 5/14/21 9am-4pm (Friday)
4/24/21 9am-4pm (Saturday) 5/15/21 9am-4pm (Saturday)
4/25/21 9am-4pm (Sunday) 5/16/21 9am-4pm (Sunday)
If you see the dates grayed out when you register, click the back arrow or backspace and the system will ask you if you want to start over. Start over and it usually lets you pick out dates and times after that. This is a glitch that sometimes happen. If you don’t have SSN and the system is asking for one (sometimes the system does not ask for SSN), write “0000” on the space asking for this.
Important Reminders:
-
Participants are seen by appointment only.
- This will be a DRIVE-THRU event.
- Please only come 15 minutes early to your appointment.
-
Fill out the COVID-19 Immunization Consent Form prior to your appointment (attached is the consent form English and Spanish).
- Bring your driver license, medical and prescription insurance card and bring it to the appointment (Recommend making a photocopy of ID and insurance).
- Wear short sleeve shirt if possible.
- Do NOT attend clinic if you are feeling unwell or experiencing COVID symptoms.
Modesto Drive-thru flow of traffic:
|
Stockton Drive-thru flow of traffic:
|
Latest number on how many of our consumers who got vaccinated. We have 780 consumers who got the first dose, 1,095 who got the final dose, for a total of 1,875 consumers who got vaccinated.
|
With more people getting vaccinated, this is not the time to let your guard down. With the news of “double strain” here in California that could be more infectious and might be resistant to the vaccine,[1] we need to continue safety precautions of wearing mask, hand washing, physical distancing and avoiding crowds.
|
Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, FNP-C
Director of Clinical Services
|
Early Start and Education Updates
Early Start
Early Start In-Person Meetings - Any requirements of the California Early Intervention Services Act or Title 17 requiring in-person meetings for determining eligibility or service coordination are hereby waived. To the extent requested by a parent, guardian, or other authorized legal representative of the child due to concern related to exposure to COVID-19, and to the extent the integrity of the intake process is not compromised, a regional center may conduct evaluation and assessment activities and provide Early Start coordination by remote electronic communications, including Skype, Facetime, video conference, or telephone conference. This waiver was extended to 5/6/21.
Early Start Remote Services - The requirements of the California Early Intervention Services Act, Title 17, or a child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) requiring the delivery of services in-person are hereby waived. This waiver was extended to 5/6/21.
Extension of Early Start Services - the waiver for extending Early Start Service beyond the age of three was extended to 5/11/21. Under this waiver regional centers may consider extending Early Start Services for children who have not been offered an IEP date or FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) from the school district
Wednesday, April 21
3:00 - 6:00 pm
St. Katharine Drexel Church - parking lot
Celebrating National 'Week of the Young Child!' This year's event will look a little different. Drive through to wave at Chewy the Tooth, and get your child's car seat checked for safety. While you're there, pick up a free bag for your family, filled with lots of fantastic goodies... including a children's book, crafts, activities, and local resources! Designed for Amador County families with young children.
Education
Early Intervention Special Education Resources - Here is a shared resource from the California Department of Education (CDE) that details three projects, Desired Results (DR) Access Project, Seeds of Partnership Project, and Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP). To read the overview, see the blog post here.
Autism
California Autism Professional Training and Information Network – CAPTAIN – is a statewide network comprised of nominated representatives from regional centers, family resource centers, and special educational local planning areas (SELPAS). The goal of CAPTAIN is aimed at supporting the use of Evidence Based Practices (EBPs) for individuals with Autism in the state to improve academic, social and vocational outcomes. CAPTAIN focuses on implementation of EBPs with fidelity across settings as well as collaboration between agencies at the local level. The CAPTAIN website includes a great deal of information and resources for parents and professionals to access to increase their knowledge and understanding of EBPs. Please check out the website at http://www.captain.ca.gov/
|
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Assistant Director - Clinical Services
|
Community Services Department Update
Weekly Service Provider (ZOOM) Informational Session hosted by VMRC’s Community Services Department EVERY FRIDAY at 9:00 a.m.
Meeting ID: 921 3684 6701
_________________________________________________________________
Resource Development
Please go to our website to see current needs and Community Resource Development Program Grant projects https://www.vmrc.net/rfps/
Current Needs Includes:
· Behavior Instructional Services
· Occupational Therapy Services
· Functional Vision Assessments
· Early Start Autism Intervention Programs
· Specialized Children’s Residential Group Home – Calaveras or Tuolumne County
· Specialized Children’s Residential Group Home-Stanislaus or San Joaquin County
|
The Community Services Department |
April is Autism Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is both “National Autism Awareness Month”, as well as “National Child Abuse Prevention Month”. As an agency that serves thousands of individuals with Autism, as well as thousands of children, we strongly feel the need to support these awareness’.
|
San Joaquin County Transition Fairs
- Spanish - Tuesday, April 13th, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Webinar ID: 950 8508 2301
Passcode: 100159
US: +1 669 900 6833
- English - Thursday, April 15th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Webinar ID: 934 7641 7158
Passcode: 365745
US: +1 669 900 6833
|
Stanislaus County Transition Fairs
· English - Tuesday, April 27th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Webinar ID: 994 6107 7808
Passcode: 945239
US: +1 669 900 6833
· Spanish - Thursday, April 29th, 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Webinar ID: 952 1136 1938
Passcode: 814425
US: +1 669 900 6833
|
Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne County Transition Fair
· Thursday, May 6th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Webinar ID: 977 7016 1596
Passcode: 759652
US: +1 669 900 6833
|
April COVID-19 Drive Through Testing
VMRC will be hosting another COVID-19 Drive Through Testing Event on Thursday, April 29th, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at our Stockton Office, located at 702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202. Registration is required, and will open in our Health Advisory that comes out on Friday, April 23rd.
|
Self Determination Advisory Committee (SDAC) Update
VMRC's Self Determination Advisory Committee invites you to join us at our 1st quarterly "Meet and Greet" to talk about the Self Determination Program! This is open to current Self Determination participants, and anyone interested in learning more about the Self Determination Program!
We will share ideas, struggles and successes.
DATE: Monday, April 26, 2021
TIME: 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
On Zoom
Meeting ID: 996 2300 2784
Passcode: 604313
Dial by your location +1 669 900 6833
Spanish interpretation will be available.
|
North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930
CHOICES Registration flyer & the link to Eventbrite is now LIVE!!
We encourage early registration. Eventbrite registration link:
|
Update from Family Resource Network |
Diaper Distribution #2
With a generous grant from Junior League of San Joaquin County, The James R. Popplewell Fund, and community donations, Family Resource Network, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities-North Valley Hills, and VMRC are partnering to offer a second Diaper Distribution Event for infants and toddlers with special needs in San Joaquin County, on Saturday, April 24, 2021. This event is by invitation only and requires registration.
Please click link on flyer to register. While supplies last. We will be planning distributions in Stanislaus and Amador, Calaveras & Tuolumne Counties in coming months. Watch for more details!
|
Project DATA
Family Resource Network (FRN) continues to assist consumers and families with Project DATA registration to provide devices and internet services to those in need. Please see the flyer for more information or contact the FRN office for assistance at 209-472-3674.
|
Lisa Culley
Executive Director
Family Resource Network
|
Self-Advocacy Council 6 (SAC6)
Join SAC6 for Our Weekly Chat!
Let’s Check In with each other!
WHEN: Friday April 9, 2021
TIME: 11:00 AM -12:15 PM
WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 832 2095 9498
Passcode: 762292 (MUST ENTER PASSCODE) OR you can call in:
TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CALL IN 877 853 5257 US Toll-free
Topic: R&D Transportation, Inc.
ALSO at each CHAT: A VMRC update by Tony Anderson, Executive Director and a Mental Health Tip of the Day by Dr. Dave Demetral!
|
|
Five County Data Update
as of April 8, 2021
San Joaquin County
· 70,609 total positive cases and 1325 deaths
· 10.1 new cases per 100,000 people and 4.0% positivity rate (Substantial/Red....2nd Most Restrictive)
Stanislaus County
· 53,249 total positive cases and 1012 deaths
· 12.4 new cases per 100,000 people and 4.8% positivity rate (Substantial/Red....2nd Most Restrictive)
Tuolumne County
· 4051 total positive cases and 64 deaths
· 2.5 new cases per 100,000 people and 1.2% positivity rate (Moderate/Orange....2nd Least Restrictive)
Calaveras County
· 2033 total positive cases and 51 deaths
· 7.1 new cases per 100,000 people and 4.1% positivity rate (Substantial/Red....2nd Most Restrictive)
Amador County
· 1717 total positive cases and 38 deaths
· 7.1 new cases per 100,000 people and 4.1% positivity rate (Substantial/Red....2nd Most Restrictive)
State of California
· 3,690,031 total positive cases and 60,129 deaths
· 5.1 new cases per 100,000 people and 1.8% positivity rate
Valley Mountain Regional Center
· 719 positive consumer cases and 25 deaths
· 34 positive VMRC staff cases
· 4 positive volunteer cases
· 288 positive provider cases and 1 death
|
|
Department of Developmental Services Directives
Extensions
The Director of the Department of Developmental Services (Department) waives the requirement that the cost of the financial management service is paid by the participant from his or her individual budget as described in Welfare and Institutions Code section 4685.8(c)(1).
April 30, 2021 (new expiration date) - Department Directive 01-100220: Waiver of Half-Day Billing Requirements for Day Services (date issued: 10/2/2020)
The Director of the Department of Developmental Services (Department) waives the half-day billing requirements of Welfare and Institutions Code section 4690.6 when a vendor is providing traditional services. This waiver does not apply when a vendor is providing Alternative Services, as described in the Department’s August 31, 2020 Directive.
· Allows Early Start meetings and assessments and services to be remote
· Allows Lanterman Act meetings to be remote
· Gives regional centers authority to set temporary rates for residential services and and/or supplemental services under Health and Safety Waiver Exemptions
· Residential Facility Payments
o c. The following paragraph under section “Residential Facility Payments” is hereby amended to read: “The Department hereby modifies any requirements of the Lanterman Act or Title 17 regarding payments to a residential facility when a consumer is temporarily absent. If the temporary absence from the facility is for the purpose of preventing or minimizing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and the regional center is in agreement that the absence is related to this purpose, the regional center shall continue to pay the established rate as long as no other consumer occupies the vacancy or until it is determined the consumer will not return to the facility and the facility retains and continues to pay staff during this time. Any claims made for these absences are subject to audit and review. Regional centers shall report to the Department by December 15, 2020, all current approved payments for temporary absences in accordance with this section. The Department will issue a subsequent communication regarding the process and format for reporting.” (Amendment effective 12/1/2020)
· Health and Safety Waiver Exemptions for Alternative Residential Model (ARM) Homes
· Vendor Fiscal Audits
o Amendments to Directive
o a. The following paragraph under section “Vendor Fiscal Audits” is hereby amended to read: "The requirements of Article III, Section 9, paragraph (c) of the Department’s regional center contract are waived for Fiscal Year 2019-20. To the extent feasible, regional centers shall continue to conduct fiscal audits in accordance with this paragraph.” (Amendment effective 7/15/2020)
· Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Final Rule Compliance Information
o b. The following sentence under section “Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Final Rule Compliance Information” is hereby amended to read: “Regional centers shall post this information on their websites by July 1, 2020 August 31, 2020.” (Amendment effective 6/8/2020)
· EBSH/CCH Registered Behavior Technician Certification
o Section “EBSH/CCH Registered Behavior Technician Certification” will be deleted from this Directive, effective January 10, 2021. (Amendment effective 1/10/2021)
· Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Incentive Payments
· Parental Fees
Any requirements of the California Early Intervention Services Act (CEISA)…mandating early intervention services end at age three are hereby waived. This waiver only applies for children who have received Early Start services through regional centers and reached their third birthday during the COVID-19 State of Emergency.
· Allows Lanterman Act services to be provided remotely or from an Alternate Locations
· Supplemental Staffing for Residential Providers
· Day Program Services
o Amendments to Directive
o a. The following paragraph under section “Day Program Services” is hereby amended to read: “The Department reiterates the March 12, 2020, directive to regional centers, “State of Emergency Statewide,” authorizing regional centers to pay vendors for absences that are a direct result of the COVID-19 outbreak, pursuant to Title 17 section 54326(a)(11). As indicated in the Department’s July 17, 2020, directive, “Providing and Claiming for Nonresidential Services During the State of Emergency,” retention payments to nonresidential providers for consumer absences are authorized through August 31, 2020. The Department will issue a directive outlining the structure for subsequent reimbursement of claims for providing nonresidential services using alternative service delivery approaches during the State of Emergency. (Amendment effective 8/10/2020)
· Public Meetings
· WIC §4731 Consumers’ Rights Complaints
o b. Effective immediately, section “WIC §4731 Consumers’ Rights Complaints” is hereby deleted from this Directive. The 20-working day requirement for investigating and providing a written proposed resolution to a complainant pursuant to W&I Code section 4731(b) is reinstated. (Amendment effective 7/15/2020)
· Departmental Audits and Programmatic Monitoring Reviews
· Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Self Assessments
o c. The following sentence under section “Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Self Assessments” is hereby amended to read: “The requested completion date for provider HCBS self-assessment has been extended to June 30, 2020 August 31, 2020.” (Amendment effective 6/8/2020)
· Lanterman Act Eligibility
o Amendment to Directive: a. The following paragraph under section “In-Home Respite Workers” is hereby amended to read: “To increase available workforce and support consumers and families at home, the Department waives Title 17 section 56792(e)(3)(A) requirements for in-home respite workers to possess first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training prior to employment when the consumer receiving services does not have chronic or presenting health concerns. Training must be obtained within 30 days of starting work.” (Amendment effective 7/15/2020)
· In-Home Respite Workers
· Family Cost Participation Program and Annual Family Program Fee
· Added the additional Participant Directed Services models
Personal assistance • Independent living skills • Supported employment Currently (while this was a statewide add on VMRC previously had no PDS so we added the respite, day care, transportation, nursing and day services)
|
|
Local County, State and National Public Health Resources |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
