131st

Community Health

Advisory

Weekly Message from the Executive Director

Tony Anderson



By the Numbers



This week we reported a total of 13 positive COVID tests (a slight increase of 3 people), seven were people with disabilities and six were direct support professionals, and like last week, there were no hospitalizations or deaths. As the cold and flu season approaches the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been reporting concerns about what they predict as an unusually severe flu season this year. For those with vulnerable health conditions in our community please talk with your health professionals about getting the flu vaccine. Check out the flyer in Claire's section highlighting the Health Fair (it includes flu vaccines) that will be part of the October 29th VMRC Disability Resource Fair. The CDC has identified California among five states that are already showing notably high numbers of flu cases. The flu season is usually from December through February. Read more...

Transportation Updates

The VMRC Transportation Updates meeting was held this week but very few people attended the meeting because the meeting notice had expired. We have now moved the updates meeting to every Second Thursday morning from 11 am to 12 pm at this zoom address:

Transportation Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85295662232?pwd=Z1NqYi9zRFpMbTJjZlpXMzJwZkZ2Zz09&from=addon

Meeting ID: 852 9566 2232

Passcode: 030358.

The meeting is for our consumers and families, community providers, and staff of VMRC to learn about the progress we are all making each week to return our community service system back to pre-pandemic levels. Today we learned we are now at 48% of original ridership for our commercial transportation providers and while we made good progress over last month we still have a long way to go. There is an urgency to this work because the state is set to end the "Alternative Services" model for day programs by the end of December 2022 and many programs are concerned about their ability to operate without the return of their consumers and the absence of the Alternative Services. The Department of Developmental Services will be convening a workgroup of transportation professionals from across the state to see how they might be able to impact this issue statewide. While there are other barriers to fully returning, such as workforce capacity issues and some reluctance to return to day programs (day programs are reporting 10-20% of their consumers are reluctant to return at this time), transportation is identified as the largest barrier to fully returning our community system back to our consumers.

Finally during the meeting today VMRC's transportation broker, R&D Transportation, expressed that it has become very clear to them that they need to make significant improvement to their communications with all their customers in our region and they praised the work of our transportation consultant, Melinda Gonser, for her efforts to understand and help VMRC address the current complaints related to our transportation services.

You Can Still Register for a Resource Table Until Wednesday, October 19th at 5:00 PM

Thank You to Our Platinum Sponsors

Thank You to Our Gold Sponsors

Thank You to our Silver Sponsors

Thank You to our Bronze Sponsors

Malonzo Eldercare

Valley Mountain Regional Center Recognized for our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Efforts

Earlier this week VMRC was recognized at the Growing Unity Inclusion Diversity and Equity (GUIDE) Awards from the Stockton Greater Chamber of Commerce for our dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in our organization and the community. It was a great honor to be recognized as we strive to continue to learn and discover on this journey we embark on together. Below is a short video that highlights our journey.

Clinical Update

Dr. Claire Lazaro

Clinical Director

Learn how safe your drinking water is! 

Ensure Your Protection! Get Immunized!

Stockton: October 29, 2022, together with the Disability Fair

Health Fair offers:

·       Dental Screening

·       Vaccinations: Flu

o  COVID bivalent booster available to the following:

§ Have had COVID-19 more than 90 days ago

§ Pfizer for 12 years and older, and last booster was 2 months ago

§ Moderna for 18 years and older, and last booster was 2 months ago

·       Bone Density Testing

·       Blood Pressure testing

·       Cholesterol testing

·       Diabetes testing

·       Opioid Risk Assessment/Narcan distribution

Give away FREE:

o  Diabetes testing supplies (e.g., Blood glucose monitor, test strips, lancets)

o  Blood pressure machine

Need to register for:

·        Medicare Part D Plan Review

·        Comprehensive Medication Review

·        Contact VMRC to register

Above Flyer in PDF

Case Management Update - Children

Tara Sisemore-Hester

Director of Consumer Services - Children

IDA 8th Annual Policy 2023 Update

New Presenters Added

Ryan Anderson

CA Budget- Department of Developmental Services, California Department of Education, California Department of Social Services, and relevant legislation

For Ryan Anderson's bio click here

Heather Calomese, State Director of Special Education, CA Department of Education | What's Going on at CA Department of Education: California Preschool, Transition, Part C and Low Incidence services in Special Education

For Heather Calomese's bio click here

Topics to be addressed

·    The New Congress: Federal Update and What We Can Expect for Young Children and their Families

·    CA Early Start - Part C - What's ahead for 2023? 

·    Implementation of CA Master Plan on Early Learning and Care

·    CA Budget- Department of Developmental Services, California Department of Education, California Department of Social Services, and relevant legislation

·    What's Going on at CA Department of Education: California Preschool, Transition, Part C and Low Incidence services in Special Education ( add to Heather)

ECE California Legislative Landscape

Presenters 

Sharon Walsh

Governmental Relations Consultant

Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children (DEC)

“The New Congress: Federal Update and What Can We Expect for Young Children and their Families”

This session will review the activities of the last 117^th Congress as well as plans for the new Congress convening in January 2023. This will include a discussion on funding, possible bills under consideration and federal policy activities related to young children and their families. 

Maricris Acon

Deputy Director of the Federal Programs Division at the Department of Developmental Services |CA Early Start - Part C - What's ahead for 2023

Focus: Early Start Update 

For Maricris Acon's bio click here

January Crane 

Assistant Deputy Director of the Federal Programs Division | CA Early Start - Part C - What's ahead for 2023

Focus: Part C Options 

For January Crane's bio click here

James Moses

Regional Director for the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC)

Focus: ECE California Legislative Landscape.

For James Moses's bio click here

Non-Member: $75

IDA Agency/Individual Member: $50

(discount rate if registering 3 or more, email Jennie at mail@idaofcal.org)

IDA Parent/Student/New Clinician Member: $40

ADA Requests: Contact IDA @ mail@idaofcal.org

with ADA request by December 29, 2022

Register NOW

Case Management Update - Adults

Christine Couch

Director of Consumer Services - Adults

Utility Assistance Programs in San Joaquin County

With the intense heat wave that hit San Joaquin County last month, we know that Stockton families will be affected by large utility bills. To help alleviate the financial burden, we compiled a list of community programs that provide utility bill assistance and green energy resources to residents.

Please share the list with all who may be eligible:

Payment Assistance Programs

Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH)

• The REACH program helps you pay for energy during a crisis by providing an energy credit for up to $300 based on the past due bill. In South Stockton, you may apply through the following agencies
• Dorothy L. Jones Family Resource Center (2044 Fair St.)
• Phone: (209) 444-5555
• The Salvation Army - Stockton Corps (1305 E Weber Ave.)
• Program Hours: Mon/Wed 9AM-12PM & 1-3 PM
• Phone: (209) 948-8955

CARE and FERA Programs With PG&E

• CARE and FERA are PG&E discount programs that help eligible customers pay their energy bills.
• California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE) - A monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity. Participants qualify through income guidelines or if enrolled in certain public assistance programs.
• Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA). A monthly discount of 18% on electricity only. Must be a household with three or more people. Participants qualify through income guidelines.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) with HSA

• The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can offer income-eligible residents of San Joaquin County a credit to their utility bill and valuable information about energy conservation.

Medical Baseline Allowance (MBL) with PG&E

• The Medical Baseline Program, also known as Medical Baseline Allowance, is an assistance program for residential customers who depend on power for certain medical needs.

Disability Resource Agency for Independent Living (DRAIL)

• DRAIL’s staff has been trained to assist low-income persons with disabilities with utility company applications for discounts on their utility bills. These application forms are available at all DRAIL offices.
• Stockton Office (1350 W. Robinhood Dr.)
• Phone: (209) 521-7260

Make A Payment Plan

If you have fallen behind on your energy, telephone, or water bills – or if you are afraid you might – the California Public Utilities Commission might be able to help you negotiate a payment plan depending on the type of utility*.

1. If you are unable to negotiate a payment plan with your utility service provider directly, call 1-800-649-7570 to speak to a CPUC representative.

*Only applies to privately-owned electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and sewer utilities (for example, Pacific Gas & Electric)

Green Energy

Green House Calls

• Rising Sun Center for Opportunity is offering full replacement of select appliances with more efficient options. If you qualify, Rising Sun will cover 100% of the costs associated with purchasing the appliance, including any labor and installation expenses.

Energy for All Program

• GRID Alternatives’ Energy for All Program provides NO-COST solar for families with limited or fixed incomes. Save up to 90% on your electricity bills!

 The Housing Justice Coalition is a resident-centered organization that empowers Stocktonians to advocate for policies and solutions that protect tenants and promote affordable housing through skill-building, education, organizing, and storytelling.

Visit our Website!

Older Californians or their caregivers may have feelings of loneliness or isolation and can connect with someone at Friendship Line California who can provide friendly support and a listening ear at 1 (888) 670-1360.

Institute on Aging’s 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. We also make on-going outreach calls to lonely older adults. While there are other organizations that respond to the needs of people who may be contemplating suicide, none provides the type of services that IOA’s Friendship Line offers to respond to the public health problem of suicide among the elderly. Knowing that older people do not contact traditional suicide prevention centers on a regular basis even if they are considering suicide, we created the only program nationwide that reaches out to lonely, depressed, isolated, frail and/or suicidal older adults. Our trained volunteers specialize in offering a caring ear and having a friendly conversation with depressed older adults.

Community Services Update

Brian Bennett

Director of Community Services

The Community Services Team will host Informational Sessions for all service providers of VMRC on the first Friday of each month- topics will be generated based on any recent DDS directive changes or other “hot button” topics related to the delivery of services and supports. The next meeting will be on Friday November 4, 2022.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88548962379

Meeting ID: 885 4896 2379

FREE statewide webinar, A Vision for a Thriving Direct Support Professional Workforce, on Wednesday, November 16th at 3:00 PM!

Register here:    https://scdd.ca.gov/iddthrive/



·    A detailed overview of the new DSP Training Program

·    Previews of other planned workforce efforts, including a DSP internship program

·    Results of the Direct Support Professional Workforce Survey

·    Reflections on the Disability Thrive Initiative 2022 Training Series

Employment Update

Enos Edmerson Jr

Employment Specialist

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this year’s theme is Disability: Part of the Equity Equation. Join me in celebrating NDEAM and continuing to celebrate the many contributions from our individuals with disabilities to the workforce. Please check out this upcoming event from our community partner The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) highlighted on our VMRC LinkedIn page at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-mountain-regional-center/posts/?feedView=all&viewAsMember=true

Emergency Services Update

Aaron McDonald

Emergency Response Coordinator

Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire and caused devastating damage. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape™”, educates everyone about simple actions they can take to keep everyone safe from fires.

In a partnership spanning more than 90 years, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)—the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week—unite to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape™”. Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15, 2022. This year’s theme brings quick action safety measures front of mind for residents to utilize in the event of a home fire.

CAL FIRE urges all residents to incorporate this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme because homes can burn fast. In some instances, you may have as little as two minutes or less to safely escape a home fire once the smoke alarm sounds. After all, you plan for vacations, holidays, and weekly meals, why not plan to save your life and those around you in the event of a home fire?

“Too many lives are lost in home fires each year in California,” said State Fire Marshal Chief Mike Richwine. “According to a newly-released report, U.S. home fire deaths hit a 14-year high last year, marking the critical importance of Fire Prevention Week and the reminder to plan and practice a home fire escape so that action can be taken when the smoke alarm sounds.”

There are two key factors critical to safely escaping a home fire: early warning from smoke alarms and advance planning. Accordingly, this year’s Fire Prevention Week concept offers a blueprint to guide you and yours safely and swiftly out of a home fire. Invest a little time now so that you and yours are ready for the fire that won’t wait.

Some action items you can take to equip your home and plan your escape are:

• Make the first Saturday of each month “Smoke Alarm Saturday” - a working smoke alarm will clue you in that there is a fire, and you need to escape.

• Strategically install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, every level of the home and the basement.

• Test the alarms regularly by pressing the test button and change the battery if there’s no sound or the sound is low. If your smoke alarm chirps, change the battery immediately.

• Develop a home fire escape plan and rehearse it with all family members at least twice a year!

• Map the escape route including windows and doors—make sure the route is free of obstacles.

• Predetermine an outside meeting place that’s a safe distance in front of your home.

• Everyone should know the fire department’s emergency number and how to call when they’re safely outside.

• For more information about Fire Prevention Week and general fire prevention practices, visit www.fpw.org

This year's International ShakeOut Day is Thursday, October 20, when millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home!

At 10:20 am (local time) on 10/20, you can join millions of people across California practicing earthquake safety. While we encourage you to participate with everyone, you can register your ShakeOut at: https://www.shakeout.org/california/index.html  drill for any day of the year, and drill at a time of your choice. You can also include people in multiple locations through video conferencing.

North Valley Hills Update

   Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930

Ableism and Implicit Bias-Just Say No!

By Peter T. Mendoza, SCDD Community Program Specialist II,

Sacramento Regional Office

When you think about the oppression or discrimination of people with disabilities what may come to mind is the lack of housing, employment opportunities, transportation, or services and supports not being there for our community. That may be true in many cases. However, I have been rolling in this life for a long time and I can share based on my own lived experience our community faces another form of oppression- ableism and implicit bias.

Access Living (an Independent Living Center in Chicago that has done a lot of work in this area) defines ableism as “the discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. At its heart, ableism is rooted in the assumption that disabled people require 'fixing' and defines people by their disability.”

The National Institute of Health defines implicit bias as “a form of bias that occurs automatically and unintentionally, that nevertheless affects judgments, decisions, and behaviors.” 

Imagine as a child being told, “look ‘normal’ for the camera”, “smile better”, or as a teenager over-hearing a conversation where your parents say that you will never have that many friends/have a relationship/experience intimacy/get married.  Ableism as well as implicit bias are directly linked. You can’t have ableism without implicit bias or implicit bias without ableism. People with intellectual and developmental disability experience ableism and implicit bias almost on a daily basis. Ableism and implicit bias are often unintentional however they may have huge consequences.  

To see other examples of ableism and implicit bias you need look no further than the unemployment rate of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). According to the National Snapshot of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities in the Labor Force for adults with IDD “the unemployment rate is more than twice as high as those without disabilities. 21% of working age adults with IDD are unemployed. This is compared to less than 8% of adults without disabilities who are unemployed. Think about the impact of medical rationing on our communities.” We heard, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, nationally people with disabilities were having care withheld. According to Disability Rights California, “people with disabilities already face pervasive negative biases and inaccurate assumptions among medical professionals about their quality of life.” Think about paying people with intellectual and developmental disabilities sub-minimum wage. Sub-minimum wage policies were adopted by the U.S. Department of Labor in 1938. Oh, did I mention the systematic institutionalization of people with disabilities throughout this country?

SCDD can take great pride in being a leader in California and throughout the country in advocating for the civil rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through systems change, capacity building, advancing self-advocacy, public policy and legislative initiatives that have made a difference. Every one of us can be ableist or affected by implicit bias in our interactions with others. We need to look within ourselves, our organizations, policies, and laws to ensure every day we are calling out ableism and implicit bias. 

Above Flyer in PDF Here

How to connect to SCDD through Social Media

Family Resource Network (FRN) Update

Lisa Culley, Executive Director

Family Resource Network (FRN) has several new & exciting projects in development. Join a team of fantastic parents who assist families as they navigate different systems of care, including: regional center, education, social services, and more. Use your skills and experiences as a parent, or close family member of a person with disabilities, to share that information with other parents and family members throughout our network. Every day is different and we encourage diverse individuals to apply. Flexible schedules and full and part-time positions available. See flyer for more details and how to apply!