Thirty-Third
Community Health Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)
weekly message from the director...
This week we were sad to report another positive test of one of our consumers and one report of a death of one of our consumers. This reminds us all to keep diligent on keeping focused on the safety protocols the public health officials are giving us. While we continue to focus on our health, remember to focus on maintaining our mental health. Follow the guidance of tips and helpful ideas that are based on brain science and social science to maintain our health and mental health. Here are a few resources:


·        Mental Health Wellness Tips for Quarantine (English Version) and (Spanish Version)

·        How To Thrive During The Pandemic: 10 Strategies For Resilience Based On Brain Science

 
Waiver Extensions

Below are the Extensions that were approved last week by the Director of Department of Developmental Services, Nancy Bargmann, in an effort to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide for the health and safety of people with developmental disabilities and their families and their service network.
 
Extension to November 7, 2020 from March 12, 2020

·        Early Start Remote Meetings - waives in person requirements for Individual Family Service Plan (IFSPs etc.)

·        Early Start Remote Services - waives in-person assessments etc.

·        Lanterman Act In-Person Meetings - waives in person requirements for Individual Program Plan (IPPs etc.)

·        Health and Safety Waiver Exemptions - authority to grant rate adjustments for residential services and/or supplemental services
 

·        Lanterman Act Remote Services or Alternate Locations - expands definition of remote and alternate locations.

·        Supplemental Staffing for Residential - delegation to regional center Executive Directors to grant rate adjustments for residential services and/or supplemental services in residential settings.

·        Public Meetings Providers - waives in-person public meetings

·        Day Program Services - this is the basis for "Traditional Services"

·        Etc.

 

·        Lanterman Act Eligibility - allows intake meetings, evaluations and assessment to be done remotely.

·        Family Cost Participation Program and Annual Family Program Fee - suspends both of these payment programs.

 

·        Extension of Early Start Services - 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. Regional centers must continue to work with local schools to transition children to educational services."

 

As several of the waivers above show, services today during the COVID-19 safety protocols are being provided in so many different ways and many of those ways are remote requiring internet access and reliable technology devices. We have learned from our consumers and families that an estimated 1000 consumers either have no device and or internet access to participate in Zoom meetings, home based learning, or even the ability to participate in IPP or IFSP planning and strategizing. We are currently working on developing a policy and process to address this problem and in the meantime go to our website to learn about low cost internet access that has been developed for people with disabilities. Click here.


Tony Anderson
Executive Director
Valley Mountain Regional Center
Case Management Update


Alternative Service Confirmations

Valley Mountain Regional Center (VMRC) is committed to ensuring day services continue to meet the needs of consumers served, as well as their families. Services may be delivered similarly to those being provided to you prior to COVID-19, although in a different location. We call those traditional services and you can continue using those if preferred and if they meet your needs. However, there is now a new way of providing service known as the “Alternative Service Delivery Model” that may allow for more flexibility. Confirmation letters will be sent out in the near future to all who have opted to receive the Alternative Service Delivery Model being offered by specific vendors for day services.

All services may be delivered via telephone, video or other electronic communication. And, if it is determined to be safe, in-person services may be provided at your home or in the community. Prior to providing any in-person services, you and your planning team must decide if it can be done safely and all providers must train you and your family, as well as their staff, on how to safely provide in-person services. They must also comply with all required protective state or local COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Your preferred provider must discuss the methods of service with you and agreement reached to receive services through the “Alternative Service Delivery Model”. The letter from the regional center will confirm your agreement with the chosen program to provide the Alternative Services. The provider will then create an Individual Service Plan (ISP) during the month of October that reflects the agreed upon services and includes the type and amount of services to be provided. VMRC will include all of the information in the Individual Program Plan (IPP) and your service can begin on November 1.

If you have any questions, you may reach your Service Coordinator or Program Manager at the phone numbers or e-mails listed in the letter you receive. 



VMRC’s Self-Determination Program Advancing

The Self Determination Program (SDP) at VMRC is progressing at an impressive pace. To date 73 of the 110 individuals selected for the “soft roll-out” have attended the mandatory Self Determination Orientation.  A total of 55 people have completed their Person Centered Plan and IPP process. Of those 55 individuals, 23 are in the process of transitioning onto SDP and 32 individuals have already started the program. 

Those 32 individuals are now directing their own service delivery and we are hearing of very positive experiences.  The Self Determination team is seeing varied services being put into place—everything from the arts, like music and dancing, to technology skills in computer building and coding. Individuals in the program are choosing their own support staff and ensuring they are trained to focus on their individual needs. Additionally, individuals are hiring others to help them develop employment and other skills in an effort to promote growth.

The VMRC Self Determination team has been excited and thankful to be a part of the process for all of these individuals. The team will continue to assist leading the way for our consumers to experience this new way of service delivery. We have one last orientation for 2020, scheduled for October 20 from 9am to 12noon. If you are not part of the “soft roll out” but want to take part in SDP effective July 1, 2021, when all can take part, please feel free to participate in the orientations. You will then be armed with the information needed to begin the process. 

If interested, please register at:


and be watching for the 2021 schedule of Self Determination Orientations (offered monthly starting in January) and Person Centered Thinking trainings (offered in May and June). You can find the upcoming schedule on www.vmrc.net. We look forward to you joining our charge into Self Determination!



Census 2020 Abruptly Ends

After an earlier extension of the Census 2020 data collection deadline of October 31, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled this week that officials must end counting individuals as of October 15, 2020. Online responses were accepted up until 11:59pm (Hawaii Time) on October 15 and that same date became the deadline for collecting phone responses, door knocking, and postmarks for paper forms. The campaign to add those who were still to be counted has now concluded.

The process was initially extended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters occurring in some states (like the wildfires in California). Many people were unable to fill out their census information and door to door census data collection was halted for a period of time due to these unavoidable issues.

Complete and accurate census data is considered critical because it only happens once every ten years and the data is used to inform key policy decision for political representation, redistricting, and amount of federal funding allocated to states and local communities, state and local planning, emergency response and a base for federal surveys.  It has been reported that over 99.9% of housing units have been accounted for in Census 2020. 



Cindy Mix
Director of Consumer Services
A Message from the Board President


The Board of Directors, as well as the various committees made up of Board Members, continues to regularly meet as scheduled, via Zoom video conference. We are still receiving weekly updates from Executive Director Tony Anderson every week through his “Directors Travels”, and are able to conduct business and take action on all items pertinent to the continued operation of Valley Mountain Regional Center. Please see the VMRC website calendar for the times and dates of the various meetings. These meetings are all open to the public for anyone to attend, and Spanish translation is available for all of these meetings. Our next Board Meeting is scheduled for this coming Monday, October 19th, at 6:00 PM via Zoom. You can find the agenda and reports here. Prior to the Board Meeting, we will be receiving training on “Regional Center Board Governance” from VMRC attorney Matthew Bahr. The Board also met for a special “virtual retreat” on Saturday, 09/26, to begin to put together the Strategic Plan for the agency for the next three years. 


Margaret Heinz
Board President
Valley Mountain Regional Center
Non-Residential Services / Alternative Services Update

VMRC recently requested that nonresidential service providers complete an online service assessment form for all consumers that they serve. Some vendors have requested a list of the consumers that they completed forms for. If your agency would like a list, please email RD@vmrc.net with your agency name and the vendor number or numbers that you would like a list for.


Brian Bennett
Assistant Director, Resource Development
Clinical Update


One of the favorite holidays of children is coming… Halloween. During this time that we have two viruses in our community – Influenza and SARS-CoV-2, we need to continue to practice safety precautions to enjoy events with families while continuing to be safe. Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly is highly discouraging the traditional trick or treating celebration on Halloween.[1],[2] Holiday gatherings make it a high-risk environment for spread of COVID-19. Modified activities for Halloween such as pumpkin carving or setting up treats at home with your household.[3] The State of California has allowed up to three households in a gathering, should be done outdoors, and to continue observing precautions such as wearing mask and physical distancing.[4]
Update on COVID-19:

·        There is now a first documented case of COVID-19 re-infection in the U.S. This is a 25-year-old man who got infected in April 2020, then got reinfected in June 2020 with a distinct virus by genomic analysis.[5] The symptoms were described as more severe during the second infection. This is a reminder that all individuals should continue to take all safety precautions regardless if you have been infected with COVID-19 or not.5

·        SARS-CoV-2 virus may survive on certain surfaces up to 28 days when the effect of UV light is removed.[6] The virus has a reduced survivability to 24 hours when exposed to increased temperature on surfaces such as glass, stainless steel, and paper/polymer banknotes.6

·        The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has released updated guidelines for the management of COVID-19.[7] The use of Dexamethasone in mild cases not requiring hospitalization or supplemental oxygen is not recommended.7 For those hospitalized patients requiring oxygen supplementation, there are various doses of either Dexamethasone alone or Dexamethasone with Remdesivir is recommended.7

·         The vaccine trial from Eli Lilly has been paused due to a safety issue.[8] Similarly, the vaccine trial from Johnson and Johnson has been paused as well due to an unexplained illness in a study participant.[9] This gives the public some reassurance that they are not skipping steps on the race to having a COVID-19 vaccine.

With the flu season here within us, please get your flu vaccine, continue to wear mask, practice physical distancing, and wash your hands often to help prevent the spread of virus. Now more than ever, your action matters to each and everyone in the community. Protecting each other through safety precautions will help us all get through this together.
Please continue to stay safe and healthy.

Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, FNP-C
Director of Clinical Services
Education and Early Start Update


Education Services

Per San Joaquin County Office of Education's Health and Safety update page: "On October 13, 2020, state health officials announced that San Joaquin County had reached the two-week benchmark, allowing public, charter, and private schools to resume in-person instruction beyond the limited options available for schools in the purple tier". Schools are in the process of developing plans to reopen and it is up to the individual schools/districts to implement those plans. Schools must still adhere to state guidance. Please read the full update at:



Early Start

WHAT IS EARLY START?

Early Start is California’s system of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. It is a multiagency effort by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and the California Department of Education that encourages partnerships between families and professionals, family support, and coordination of services. The statewide system of early intervention services is available throughout California and can be accessed through regional centers for developmental disabilities, county offices of education, local school districts, health or social service agencies, and family resource centers and networks in your community.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Infants and toddlers from birth to 36 months of age may be eligible for early intervention services if, through documented evaluation and assessment, they meet one of the criteria listed below:

  1. Have a developmental delay in either cognitive, communication, social or emotional, adaptive, or physical and motor development including vision and hearing.
  2. Have established risk conditions of known etiology with a high probability of resulting in delayed development.
  3. Are at high risk of a substantial development disability due to biomedical factors.

WHAT ARE EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES?

Early intervention services are provided based on the developmental needs of the child, the concerns and priorities of the family, and the resources available to them. Services are provided within the context of the child’s and family’s daily activities and routines. Eligible children and families may receive a variety of early intervention services; some children may need only one or two early intervention services. Early intervention services may include:

  • Assistive technology
  • Audiology or hearing services
  • Family training, counseling, and home visits
  • Health services necessary for a child to benefit from other early intervention services
  • Medical services for diagnosis and evaluation only
  • Nursing services
  • Nutrition services
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Psychological services
  • Service coordination (case management)
  • Social work services
  • Special instruction
  • Speech and language services
  • Transportation and related costs necessary



Tara Sisemore-Hester
Assistant Director, Clinical Services
Employment Update

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month


The second week of October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month is almost complete. This past Friday, I had the honor to present to SAC6 Zoom Chat on the topic of Employment and YOU! I received lots of great feedback and excellent questions. Thank you SAC6 for having me as a guest speaker!!! This week I attended some excellent virtual presentations pertaining to hiring individuals with developmental disabilities and SSI. Irene Maka from DRAIL did an amazing job presenting on Working while Receiving State Benefits. Irene’s presentation was recorded and the link is shared below. Shared a virtual hiring event for C&S Family of Companies who were looking to hire Selector’s. The events I attended this week are below and a few will have links to the recording. Thank you all for helping promote National Disability Employment Awareness Month!!!

October 13, 2020 ~ 10-11:30am DOR Student Services & Career

October 13, 2020 2pm College of Columbia Careers in Fire

October 14, 2020 C&S Family of Companies, Selector Virtual Hiring Event 11am to 2pm

October 14, 2020 3pm College of Columbia Working While Receiving State Benefits

October 15, 2020 5pm to 7pm Columbia College Virtual Job Fair visit




Enos Edmerson Jr.
Employment Specialist
North Valley Hills Update

Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager
Monthly California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chats


The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is excited to announce the first in a series of monthly California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chats and encourage those who are interested to join in the conversation!

What/Why: The “California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chats” are designed to provide self-advocates throughout California the opportunity to speak about topics that they want to talk about. After each meeting, participants will receive a follow-up email with resources and information related to the topics discussed. Information and resources shared will be designed to help advocates learn about issues important to them and advocate for change in their communities.

When: The third Wednesday of each month.

The first California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chat will be held on Wednesday, October 21st @ 11:00 A.M.

This month’s topic is Mental Health and Isolation during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Some questions to think about for the first California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chat:

1. What issues or problems do you know of in your region, city or town that are due to mental health or isolation during COVID-19?

2. What have you been doing during COVID-19 to continue your advocacy work?

3. What have you been doing during COVID-19 to find resources about COVID-19?

4. What have you been doing to stay connected to families, friends and important contacts?

5. What topics would you like to see in future Statewide Self-Advocacy Chats?

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

For accommodations and/or questions related to the California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chats, please email riana.hardin@scdd.ca.gov or call 916-263-8196.
Zoom session details:
Meeting ID: 981 9974 0338
Passcode: 787707
Toll Free Number: 888-475-4499

Have a question or concern- feel free to contact me at 209-473-6930 or dena.hernandez@scdd.ca.gov


The deadline to mail in your voter registration ballot is Monday, October 19th. VMRC wants to help you register to vote. So if you have not yet registered and would like to, or need assistance filling out your registration form and sending it in, please contact your Service Coordinator.
Self-Advocacy Council 6
 
Lisa Utsey - Self Advocacy Council 6 chairperson invites you to join the SAC6 Friday CHATS!
 
With so much happening because of the virus SAC6 wants to hear how you are doing and share information so we can all get through this together!
 
Health and Wellness
 
Join us on a SAC6 ZOOM CHAT!!

Let’s Check In with each other!
WHEN: Friday October 16, 2020
TIME: 11:00am-12:00pm
WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone
 
The next SAC6 CHAT:

·    Friday, October 16, 2020 -  National Core Indicators (NCI) and SCDD State Plan with George Lewis of SCDD, North Valley Hills
 
Join Zoom Meeting on your computer, tablet or phone
 



Meeting ID: 920 9800 5525

Password: 538515

You must enter the Password or you can call in:
 
TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CALL IN:
·    1-877-853-5257 US Toll-free
 
Five County Data Update
as of October 15, 2020

San Joaquin County
  • 21,138 total positive cases and 483 deaths
  • 6.6 new cases per 100,000 people and 4.1% positivity rate (Substantial/Red....2nd Most Restrictive)

Stanislaus County
  • 17,160 total positive cases and 389 deaths
  • 6.3 new cases per 100,000 people and 3.7% positivity rate (Substantial/Red....2nd Most Restrictive)

Tuolumne County
  • 244 total positive cases and 4 deaths
  • 1.4 new cases per 100,000 people and 4% positivity rate (Moderate/Orange....2nd Least Restrictive)

Calaveras County
  • 331 total positive cases and 16 deaths
  • 1.0 new cases per 100,000 people and .08% positivity rate (Moderate/Orange....2nd Least Restrictive)

Amador County
  • 272 total positive cases and 15 deaths
  • 1.9 new cases per 100,000 people and 2.1% positivity rate (Moderate/Orange....2nd Least Restrictive)

State of California
  • 868,723 total positive cases and 16,840 deaths

Valley Mountain Regional Center
  • 186 positive consumer cases and 13 deaths
  • 11 positive VMRC staff cases
  • 1 positive volunteer case
  • 74 positive provider cases and 1 death
Local County, State and National Public Health Resources
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