To View this Email in a Web Browser Click Here

VMRC Horizontal Color Logo JPEG.jpg
CONVID19Image.jfif

Seventy-Third

Community Health

Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Tony Anderson.jpg

By the Numbers


This week we reported 31 positive cases of COVID-19. This is our worst report since early February 2021. Fifteen of these reported were consumers, 13 were direct support professionals, and three of these positive cases were Valley Mountain Regional Center Service Coordinators. Please help us all be safe while we implement our obligations under the Lanterman Civil Rights Act for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here is the "Risk Stratification" message to our staff as they work throughout the community:

 

Risk stratification: the more precautions taken, the lower the risk of getting COVID-19. While virtual meetings provide the least risk to health and safety of consumers, their families, providers, and our staff than in-person meeting, restricted monitoring of consumers home settings also pose a risk. This latter risk is so severe throughout the state that our Department of Developmental Services has determined the mitigation is essential to preventing abuse and neglect that can be prevalent throughout our community. Things we will do to reduce the risks to health and safety of our consumers, their families, their providers, and ourselves:


·        We actively encourage and incentivize all staff to get vaccinated. If you have questions about the vaccinations and your health, we will ensure you get those questions answered by a qualified healthcare professional. You will be granted time on duty to get your vaccine. If you need assistance locating the vaccine, we will assist you in finding the proper facilities.


·        For those not vaccinated we have provided for monthly voluntary COVID-19 testing and beginning September 1, 2021, weekly testing will be required of all non-vaccinated employees without exception.


·        Limit the face-to-face engagement with consumers and providers and families to 15 minutes.


·        Wearing mask, face shield/goggles, require others to wear face coverings if they are to engage with you in the course of your work.


·        In case others do not have a face covering, be sure to bring extra masks with you while in the community conducting these face-to-face meetings.


·        Ask to use soap and water in the consumers home and if not granted use hand sanitizer provided to you at no cost by VMRC.


·        Maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet away even in an open area while having an in-person meeting outside the home.


All these precautions are proven activities that will lower risk of acquiring COVID-19, which can make or others around you gravely ill.

 


DDS Correspondence


This week DDS sent a summary notice to our community showing the most recent advisories and directives from California Department of Public Health and the Social Services. While no guidance was provided regarding the regional center employees, most regional centers are at least conforming to the Department of Social Services provider information notices that require weekly testing of all nonvaccinated employees. VMRC is currently working on our logistics for implementation, and we plan to have our regular mandatory testing in place by September 1st.

 

The California Department of Public Health recently issued the following Orders and guidance:


Order of the State Public Health Officer – Health Care Worker Protections in High-Risk Settings (7/26/2021)


Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings (7/28/2021)


Order of the State Public Health Officer – Requirements for Visitors in Acute Health Care and Long-Term Care Settings (8/5/2021)

 

Order of the State Public Health Officer – Health Care Worker Vaccine Requirement (8/5/2021) Additionally, the California Department of Social Services issued the following Provider Information Notices (PINs):


Updated Facility Staff Testing and Masking Guidance for Adult and Senior Care Residential Facilities (7/27/2021)


Adult Day Program Infection Control Guidance (7/27/2021) Please share the Orders, guidance and PINs with providers and your community, as necessary.



 

Service Coordinator Caseload Ratios


By the end of the month Valley Mountain Regional Center will be reporting back to the Department of Developmental Services about our plan of correction for failing to meet the ratio requirements in three out of seven categories. The largest group of consumers are those over 3 years old who are not on the Medicaid waiver (8171), and the next largest is the remaining population on the Medicaid Waiver (5,371). For people not on the waiver, the state expects regional centers to maintain a ratio of 1 service coordinator for every 66 consumers, but the state average is 1 to 81, and VMRC is 1 to 82. When it comes to the consumers on the waiver, the state expects regional centers to be at a 1 to 62 ratio, but VMRC is at the state average of 1 to 77.  

Caseload Ratios.jpg

While we currently employ 379 employees (last year we had 328) and over the past year we have decreased the size and budget allocation of our management team, we continue to not meet the ratio requirements for caseload size due. We are, however, close to the state average in each category and we were provided enough funding in our contract to add 13 case carrying staff, and maybe up to another 14-17 specialized case carrying staff. However, given our growth rate (we've added over 1000 consumers from March 2019 to March 2021 and the current intake activity has rebounded) we anticipate the additional staff may not have much of an impact on our ratio problem.

 

We are very proud of the quality service from our case managers and the tremendous effort and dedication they show everyday. Please let us know your experience with our case management service and any thoughts and ideas for improving service:


https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PGSQBHQ

Tony Anderson

Executive Director

Tara  2.jpg

Opportunities for Low Cost or Free Parent Training Information


VMRC continues to offer our Hands On Behavior Parent Training (HOBPT) classes. The classes are being offered virtually right now in both English and Spanish. Please contact your Service Coordinator if you are interested in attending an upcoming training.  (Flyers attached)

 

 

UC Davis MIND Institute offers the Autism Distance Education Parent Training (ADEPT) modules online. This is an interactive training that you can complete at your own pace. It is available in multiple languages and is an excellent resource. 

 

https://health.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/centers/cedd/adept.html

 

The Latino Association of Behavior Analysis (LABA) is hosting a webinar titled ‘The Evolution of Effective Behavioral Parent Training’ There is a minimal cost associated with this event. 

 

 https://LABAAugust2021.eventbrite.com/

Behavioral Parent Training.jpg

Education

 

With a new school year beginning while COVID still poses an issue for some returning to campus, schools are now required to offer Independent Study as an alternative to in person instruction. Independent Study will not look the same as the distance learning format we all became familiar with this past year. The following article from EdSource goes into great detail on what exactly Independent Study is https://edsource.org/2021/quick-guide-what-is-independent-study-in-california/659197

 

 

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


Tara Sisemore-Hester

Director of Consumer Services - Children


Case Management Update - Adults

Christine.jpg

JBCIP (JBallelos Community Integration Program) Gratitude Poster Contest – A great way to show how grateful we are for everything people do!! According to MentalHealthAmerica, “When you are kinder towards others you ten to treat and think of yourself in a kinder way too. These acts do not need to be big, but they will help you, and someone else, to feel better.” 

Gratitude Tree.jpg
Spencer_s Gratitude Tree.jpg
Paul_s Gratitude tree.jpg
Cody_s Gratitude Tree.jpg
Will Gratitude Tree.jpg

If you have a story to share, please send it to me! We value these stories and want to celebrate you! Email your stories, announcements and updates to Christine, ccouch@vmrc.net

The National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making: EVERYONE has the Right To Make Choices, http://www.supporteddecisionmaking.org/webinar-series-p2p

 

Study after study has shown that when people with disabilities have more control over their life and make more decisions for themselves – when they have more self-determination – they have better lives. People with disabilities who are more self-determined are more likely to live independently, work, be integrated into their communities, and avoid abuse. This session will introduce the audience to the theory and practice of Supported Decision-Making (SDM). When people with disabilities use SDM, they work with friends, family, and professionals so they can understand their choices and make their own decisions. As a result, SDM can help people be self-determined, have better life outcomes, and avoid unnecessary guardianship. Please look at the resources to help you explore ways to use Supported Decision-Making to help make important decisions.

2021 Young Mental Health Leaders Council Application

 

YMHLC identifies young adults (18-25) who have created programs and initiatives that fill gaps in mental health resources in their communities. From policy to apps and peer support to sports, MHA’s young adult leaders are making a difference to meet the needs of their peers. Selected applicants participate in a six-month cohort to connect and share ideas with other leaders from across the US. Learn more about the program here.

 

In addition to attending monthly 90-minute meetings over the six-month term, YMHLC members will:

 

Receive one-on-one mentoring for their programmatic and professional growth

Gain leadership opportunities at MHA and with MHA partners

Highlight their work and ideas via MHA’s social media and young adult mental health resources

Present at MHA local and national events and with MHA partners

Join a network of young mental health leaders and MHA affiliates

Receive a $1,000 stipend

Please complete and submit the form on the website, https://mhanational.org/get-involved/2021-young-mental-health-leaders-council-application?eId=5930b591-a358-4e0f-a45e-e9659c477593&eType=EmailBlastContent&sl_gr=grp_youthandyoungadultissues, to submit your application for the 2021-2022 Young Mental Health Leaders Council.

 

Applications are due by August 20, 2021.

National Library Service for the Blink and Print Disabled, Library of Congress (NLS)


https://www.loc.gov/nls/

 

NLS gives you access to bestselling and classic books in braille and audio formats. NLS is a free braille and talking book library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical or perceptual disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page. NLS works to ensure that all may read by providing eligible people access to reading material regardless of age, economic circumstances, or technical expertise. Share the gift of reading and spread the word about NLS so that all may read. Check out this free resource!

The Steering Committee of the Indigenous People with Disabilities Global Network (#IPWDGN) celebrated the International Day of the World's #IndigenousPeoples on August 9, 2021. Olga Montúfar, Manase Ntutu and Pratima Gurung wanted to share their thoughts on the importance of this day and how ensuring their human rights help to leave no one behind, https://bit.ly/2VNvxvu

Nothing About Us.jpg

Remember to stay safe when you have a face to face meeting with your Service Coordinator! Your SC will call you to schedule a meeting – make sure to tell them if you don’t feel well, if someone in your house doesn’t feel well or if you’ve been around someone who wasn’t well. Let’s help each other stay safe and stay well. It is important to help protect ourselves and others from COVID-19.

Protect Yourself.jpg

When you see your Service Coordinator, please remember no handshaking, no hugging, no fist bumps. We can SMILE, EMAIL, CALL and leave messages! We value you, you matter to us. When you protect YOU, it helps to protect US.  


Christine Couch (she, her, hers)

Director of Consumer Services - Adults

claire_lazaro.jpg

Clinical Update



FDA: THIRD Dose for Immunocompromised Individuals!


Today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized 3rd dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) for individuals with certain immunocompromised states.[1] Those identified are solid organ transplant recipients or those with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise. The FDA has amended the emergency use authorization for Pfizer and Moderna to reflect these updates. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet today to discuss further clinical recommendations for immunocompromised individuals.


CDC ACIP meeting information: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/index.html

 

Why vaccinated people need to wear mask in public indoor places

 

With the release of updated CDC guidance for vaccinated individuals recommending to wear mask, some are asking what is the reason for this. Below is the link to the CDC guidance and a short video explain the reason.


https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nbh3VawgeAFK-0GrYew5n4fhdoRP1Kxp/view



As of July 27, 2021 – CDC Updated guidance for Vaccinated People


  • Added information that fully vaccinated people might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission, particularly if they are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19, or if they have someone in their household who is immunocompromised, at increased risk of severe disease or not fully vaccinated.






[1] FDA. August 13, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-additional-vaccine-dose-certain-immunocompromised

SANDIS COVID-19 Tracking Data (Prepared by Jessica Pate):

Claire_ HA 73 Table 1.jpg
Claire_ HA 73 Table 2.jpg
Claire_ HA 73 Table 3.jpg
Claire Signature.jpg

Please continue to stay safe and healthy.


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

Director of Clinical Services

Brian Glamour Shot.jpg

Community Services Department Updates



When reporting Special Incidents (SIR) for STAFF / Service Providers who have tested POSITIVE for COVID-19 please include the following information:

 

·       Include the staff’s first and last initials (ONLY)

·       Include the date symptoms appeared, date tested and date you received results.

(What is available at time of reporting)

·       Include the date the staff last worked

·       Include any steps you will be taking which may include testing all staff and consumers,

adhering to safety protocols, contact tracing, etc.

·       Please include if you have a sufficient supply of PPE

·       Please include which outside agencies have been notified. (For Covid – 19 cases VMRC requires notification to CCL and the local DPH)

·       Indicate whether the staff provides supports for any other VMRC service provider

·       Indicate if/ when/ how the SC has been notified

·       Indicate whether Conservator/ Guardian/ Family of exposed consumers has been notified

 

                   SIR Form


_______________________________________________________________________________

 

 

                                Home and Community Based Services

 

HCBS for Day Program and Employment Services Training


HCBS for Residential Providers Training

  

 ______________________________________________________________________________

                                         

 Resource Development

 

Please visit VMRC’s Resource Development Letter of Intent page if you are interested in supporting persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities who need care and supervision in residential care settings.

This section describes some of our current residential needs.


https://www.vmrc.net/letter-of-intent/


______________________________________________________________________________


Community Care Licensing Day Program Update

 

PIN 21-336-ASC Informational Call Regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Guidance on Infection Control for Adult Day Programs


 

Community Care Licensing will be hosting an informational call for Adult Day Program providers related to INFECTION CONTROL.


 

This call will take place via Zoom Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 1:00 PM –2:00 PM.

 

 ________________________________________________________________


American Red Cross Offering CPR Training

 

https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr use this link and find a training based on your preferred City of Zip Code



Brian L. Bennett

Director Of Community Services

EJ.jpg

State Internship Program (SIP)


Finding Competitive Integrated Employment for our individuals is a grueling process, which was true before the Covid-19 pandemic. This is why I am so excited to announce the State Internship Program (SIP). The SIP brings DOR, VMRC, and state agencies together to provide an opportunity for our individuals to achieve The Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) Certification.


Our SIP candidates this year are Ramon Ortiz and Elizabeth Bradford. Each interviewed for the EDD office in Modesto, CA, and was offered the internship opportunity. Please join me in congratulating our SIP candidates for this year!


As mentioned above, this process required a tremendous amount of effort behind the scenes between DOR, VMRC, and EDD. I want to give a special thanks to DOR representatives Ardria Weston, Mahalia Gotico, Brandi Balkema, Robert Kleyn, Brian Chambers, and Karen Brown. Our VMRC Supported Employment Vendor UCP of Stanislaus County, Ignacio Chavez is providing the Paid Internship Program component to this partnership. Our State Agency EDD where our interns will be working on-site, thank you to Margarita Cabalbag, Maltide Pena-Hernandez and Michal Clutter.


Once again congratulations Ramon and Elizabeth on this amazing opportunity! It was a pleasure participating behind the scenes with everyone above, truly a great team!!! 




Enos Edmerson Jr (E.J.)

Employment Specialist 

SCDD8 Logo.jpg

North Valley Hills Update

Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930


Register Today for the August Self-Advocacy Chat


The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) invites you to join the next monthly California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chat.


What/Why: The “California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chats” are intended to give self-advocates throughout California the chance to talk about topics that matter to them. Resources and information on chat topic(s) will be shared with participants in an email following the chats.


When: The third Wednesday of each month.

The August 2021 California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chat will be held on Wednesday, August 18th @ 11:00 A.M.

This month’s topic: Benefits of Supported Decision Making 


With the help of a self-advocate educator, the August Statewide Self-Advocacy Chat will provide advocates with the opportunity to learn more about Supported Decision Making (SDM). Advocates are encouraged to share any questions they might have about Supported Decision Making. Also, here are some questions to think about for this month’s Chat: 



1.    How do you make decisions?


2.    What does supported decision making mean for the disability rights movement?


3.    Do you see yourself sharing information about supported decision making with your friends, family or communities?


This month’s Chat will be facilitated by Riana Hardin, Self-Advocacy Coordinator for the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities.


If you are interested in sharing your advocacy story, need accommodations, and/or have questions related to the California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chats, please email riana.hardin@scdd.ca.gov or call 916-263-8196.


Zoom session details and registration:

https://bit.ly/ca_selfadvocacychats2021

Meeting ID: 961 9651 9177

Passcode: 882136

Toll Free Number: 888-475-4499

Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930


How to connect to SCDD through Social Media

Facebook SCDD.jpg
Twitter SCDD.png
Instagram SCDD.png
YouTube SCDD.png
Linked SCDD.png

Family Resource Network Update from

Lisa Culley, Executive Director


colorlogoFRN Logo.jpg

Family Resource Network is hiring-current opening is for a Bilingual (Spanish) Family Resource Specialist. Assist other parents with your knowledge about IEPs, Regional Center services and more to provide parent-to-parent support in a well established, community-based organization. Please click here for more information.

FRN Flyer HA 71 bilingual.jpg

PDF Version Here

Project Data.jpg
Lisa U.jpg

Self-Advocacy Council 6 (SAC6)

 

Weekly Virtual Chat

 

Let’s Check In with each other!



WHEN: August 13, 2021

TIME: 11:00 AM -12:15 PM

WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone

SAC6.jpg

Come and Meet the NEW VMRC Compliance


Manager, Mr. Jason Toepel


Join Zoom Meeting



https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81567609944?pwd=WStOY2VucnpFcmdrci9BRDI0eXdTQT09


Meeting ID: 815 6760 9944


Passcode: 474395


You must enter the Password


OR you can call in:


TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CALL IN


888 475 4499 US Toll-free

877 853 5257 US Toll-free


Also – VMRC Update by Tony Anderson and Mental Health Tip of the Day by Dr. Dave Demetral and Peter Hackett of Person Centered Services!


PDF Version of the SAC6 Flyer Here

COVID-19 Update



Valley Mountain Regional Center



·    773 positive consumer cases and 29 deaths

·    37 positive VMRC staff cases

·    4 positive volunteer cases

·    334 positive provider cases and 1 death

Local County, State and National Public Health Resources

amador_county.jpg
calaveras_county.jpg
tuolumne_county.jpg
SanJoaquin_Logo.jpg
StanislausCo_Logo.jpg
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  YouTube  LinkedIn
Subscribe to our Email List