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Eighty-First

Community Health

Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Weekly Message from the Executive Director

By the Numbers

This week we saw a total increase of 20 consumers and 10 direct support professionals testing positive. Also, this week we learned that one of our consumers who originally tested positive for COVID-19 in January just passed away early last month. This week we also had our first termination of an employee who refused to participate in our mandatory COVID-19 testing policy for unvaccinated staff. This employee was otherwise an experienced and dedicated staff person who did a lot of good work for consumers and families and we wish this person well in their next steps in their career. Management and Human Resources tried several times to encourage this employee to stay on our mission but we were unable to retain the staff member. We are currently working with a few others regarding the testing policy and even more regarding the vaccination policy. On a positive note, regarding staffing, we're now over 76% fully vaccinated and human resources is being notified regularly by staff getting their first dose. Thank you to Mary Jane Flores and our managers for their diligent work in bringing in new staff every week. Last month they averaged 3 new employees a week. Interested in joining our dedicate team checkout our openings at: https://www.vmrc.net/job-opportunities-at-vmrc/

Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Latest Directive: Restoration of Camp... October 7, 2021

Yesterday evening we received notice from DDS regarding the latest expectations and procedural requirements for the new statute that restores several services that were eliminated for the recession of 2008-2009. Starting on July 1, 2021, the state changed its ban on the following services:

· camping services, and associated travel expenses;

· social recreation activities;

· educational services for children three to 17, inclusive, years of age; and

· nonmedical therapies, including, but not limited to,

· specialized recreation,

· art,

· dance, and

· music.

VMRC will continue to tell the community about the changes and give our Service Coordinators the information they’ll need to tell their consumers and families. Our team has been working on this exciting “new way” of supporting our consumers and families and has completed a draft policy to be vetted internally first, then we’ll seek feedback from the community. We’ve been awaiting the final direction from DDS so we can incorporate any required parts of the policy that we were not aware of yet. Prior to a full policy we’ve been processing requests through the exceptions process because we had no authority for a service standard but we had authority to fund the service.

The letter from DDS directs VMRC to conduct outreach to consumers, families, providers, and local community organizations so people will know about the services. Our plan is to make sure we reach out to people who aren’t familiar with these services and their benefits and let them know about the changes. In developing outreach activities, we’ll plan for activities that will increase awareness and share information with non-English speaking individuals and communities of color. We’ll also have a process to make sure consumers and families learn about this in their IPP meetings. By December 15th we will send in our plan to DDS that will include the Service Standards and report on the outreach and information sharing outcomes.

Tony Anderson

Executive Director

Case Management Update - Children

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!!

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

Evidence-based Intervention Practices for Young Children 0-3 with ASD and Their Families & Learn The Signs Act Early Resources

with Jennifer Fisher, MA and Diane Storman

Friday November 5, 2021

1:00pm - 2:30pm

Virtual Event

Can't attend the event live?

Are you aware of CAPTAIN or Learn the Signs Act Early? The California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) hosts a website full of resources for professionals including the ASD Toddler Initiative. The Learn the Signs Act Early Initiative provides free resources for families and providers and an in-depth look at developmental milestones, with the aim of improving early identification of children with autism and other developmental disabilities in order for children and families can get the services and support they need.

· Learn about how CAPTAIN promotes evidence-based strategies to support toddlers with autism and their families.

· Delve into the CAPTAIN website to access information and resources and go into detail in selected modules.

· Hear about the Learn the Signs Act Early Initiative and free resources for families and providers.

· Gain strategies for integrating the Milestone Moments materials into your work with families.

Come away with an understanding of the current research on early intervention and strategies to use with families of very young children identified with ASD or related social-communication delays.

Learning Objectives:

· Identify the self-learning modules for parents and evidence-based practices for young children ages 0-3

· Identify at least 3 resources obtained from the CAPTIAN website to support families and young children with ASD

· Describe two prompting procedures from the Evidence-Based Practice of the Prompting module

· Describe how to use “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” resources in early care and education work with children and parents.

· Describe two communication strategies to use when talking with families about their child’s development.

Jennifer Fisher participated as a teacher in the National Professional Development Center (NPDC) project as part of the demonstration site in Southern California at LAUNCH Preschool in Torrance, Ca. She is part of the leadership team for the California Autism Professional Training and Information Network project, which provides training, coaching and resources in evidence-based practices to district and SELPA wide educators as well as for parents and other local agencies within California.

Ms. Fisher provides support and training as part of the leadership team for the Desired Results Access Project (DRDP). Jennifer holds an Early Childhood Special Education Credential as well as an Administrative Credential.

Diane Storman has been navigating the developmental disability service system as the mother of a son with ASD since 1997. In 2000, she joined the Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC) as a Resource Parent. As her position evolved, she has managed EFRC contracts with First 5 San Diego, Imperial County Children and Families First Commission, California Children Services and Early Start Plus.

More recently, she has coordinated participation in Disparity and Service Access and Equity projects, as well as, conducting Early Start child find and outreach activities on EFRC's behalf.

Ms. Storman is a member of the statewide leadership team for California Autism Professionals Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) and the Family Resource Center Network of California Steering Committee, and a trainer of the Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening and Support. She completed the Learning and Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program at University of Southern California.

Non-Member: $50

IDA Agency or Individual Member: $35

IDA Parent or Student Member: $25

IDA CE Hours: Nursing, PT, Speech and Language $15

CDI CE Hours: LCSW, LMFT, LEP, LPCC

(you will be invoiced)

Limited number of scholarships available

‌

Join us for the 27th Annual Early Start Symposium Webinar Series...Fridays, 10/22, 11/5 & 11/19. Parents/guardians of children 0-5 years old who receive Early Start or Special Education services are able to register at no charge. Professionals/agency staff registration is $60, which includes all three sessions! Registration is required, click link in flyer to register. Topics include resilience and wellness in the family (10/22), parenting children with disabilities (11/5), and challenging behavior (11/19). Any questions, or to register by phone, contact FRN at 209-472-3674 or by email at FRNfamilies@frcn.org

Click Here to Register

Tara Sisemore-Hester

Director of Consumer Services - Children

Case Management Update - Adults

The theme for the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 2021, “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion,” reflects the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

NDEAM is held each October to commemorate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy.

Americas Recovery Powered by Inclusion.jpg

SPOTLIGHT ON PJ Swan

When PJ graduated from the young adult program, she wanted to work at her school, Needham West, because she had a lot of experience and wanted to share that with others. To get a job here she had to fill out job applications and work at lots of different places to get experience. Her first job was at VMRC as a student. She learned how to fold paper, stuff envelopes, and collate documents. She had fun working at VMRC with the other staff. She got lots of work experience.

Next PJ went to Goodwill. She learned some basic skills, like stocking shelves and dusting. These skills contributed to PJ becoming competitively employed in our community. Her school helped her get this job. When this ended, the school workability program helped her get a job at CVS and she learned to scan barcodes so she could stock the shelves. She helped keep the store looking good by dusting and cleaning up so the customers would want to shop there.

After the job at CVS ended, PJ went to Marshall’s with the help of the workability program. At this store, she had to make sure the tags on the merchandise were right, fold things, hang things and put everything where it belonged. She learned to break down boxes at Marshalls. During this job, PJ had a bad day. She felt like the employees at Marshalls were staring at her, not encouraging her and not being team players. PJ learned that she had to work with different personalities and not everyone wants you to be a success. She has a plan to use stress techniques, like a stress ball or stress pad to help get through the tough times. It’s ok to talk to people you trust to help you!

PJ then got a job at the Lodi Unified School District Office with the superintendent and the payroll department. She does filing, shredding, alphabetizing and stuffing envelopes. She also helps with putting together powerpoint presentations. She practices teamwork and helps others get the work done! PJ enjoys working with people in the office. The office employees shared that “PJ is the best worker!”

PJ wants you to know that you can achieve your goals and dreams – you can get a job. You can earn competitive wages. It’s hard work and you must be willing to ask for help. PJ says to use your support team to help you achieve your goals. If you need something to make working easier or better for you, you have to speak up. For example, PJ likes to make sure that the people she works with know she likes to have clear directions and examples. PJ encourages you to learn to use transportation, all types of transportation! She says that Uber, Lyft, VanGo are all options.

PJ is engaged and feels happy. She likes to make other people happy. She looks forward to being a wife and a mom. She understands that it takes time, and she has to be patient to accomplish her goals. PJ wants to encourage you to fill out the job applications, dress up for your interview, and be on time for your interview. Good luck – you can do anything!!

ASAN is asking for videos of self-advocates talking about getting the COVID-19 vaccine!

COVID-19 changed the way we live. We do things differently to stay safe from COVID-19. We stay in our homes a lot. We have to wear masks when we go out. It can be harder to get the services we need.

The COVID-19 vaccine is our best way to stay safe from COVID-19! The COVID-19 vaccine is a shot that keeps people from getting sick with COVID-19. Learn more about the vaccine here!

The vaccine helps protect us from Covid-19. The vaccine helps protect our family, friends and communities. Some people can’t get the vaccine because of their disabilities. Kids under 12 can’t get the vaccine yet. People who can’t get the vaccine are counting on everyone else to get vaccinated to keep them safe.

COVID-19 is especially dangerous to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities — but too often, the facts about COVID-19 are not shared in ways that are accessible to us.

Our community needs resources that everyone can understand about the vaccine. The vaccine can seem scary. Sometimes it is hard to find a place to get the vaccine. Stories about self-advocates getting the vaccine can help! You can learn what getting the vaccine is like.

We are asking self-advocates to tell us about getting the vaccine. These stories will help other self-advocates! You can record a short video telling us about getting the vaccine. You can also tell us about signing up for the vaccine.

We will combine the videos together and share with our community! Getting the vaccine can seem scary, but by helping our community learn more, we can help each other to stay safe!

How to participate:

You can record on your phone or computer! You can record yourself or ask someone to record you.

Talk about your vaccine experience for 1-3 minutes

If you are struggling to know what to talk about, here are some questions you can answer –

Why is it important to get the vaccine?

What steps did you take to get vaccinated?

What was the day you got vaccinated like?

Where did you go?

Who gave you the shot? A doctor or nurse?

How did you feel after receiving the vaccine?

For help with filming you can refer to our tip sheet!

Send your video to info@autisticadvocacy.org

Email us at info@autisticadvocacy.org if you have any questions.

JBallelos Community Integration Program is Out There, Enjoying the Community, Working Hard and Giving Back!!!

Are you a client of a regional center or think you may be eligible for regional center services?

Do you live or want to live in supportive housing?

Share your voice and perspective in

a paid virtual focus group!

Corporation for Supportive Housing & Lanterman Housing Alliance, are hosting 2 focus groups in October 2021 for self-advocates who are in supportive housing or who want to be in supportive housing (NOTE: can be scattered-site or site-based supportive housing). The focus group will be on what is most helpful when trying to get housing and ways housing assistance services can improve. The focus groups will happen on Zoom.

If you are interested, please contact Stephanie as soon as possible by no later than Friday, October 15th: Stephanie Sideman via stephanie.sideman@csh.org or phone 332-6690 ext. 2825

Do you live in San Joaquin County? Do you need support with your energy bills??

LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP is a federally funded program aimed to assist low-income households that pay a high portion of

their income to meet their energy needs. LIHEAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services.

There are several components of the program that help accomplish this goal, such as:

· The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides one-time financial assistance to help

balance an eligible household's utility bill.

· The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) provides assistance to low-income households that

are in a crisis situation. Such an example would be a household receiving a 24-48 hour disconnect

notice or service termination by their utility company. Another example would be a household

facing an energy-related crisis that could be deemed potentially life-threatening in the household,

such as a combustible appliance.

· LIHEAP Weatherization provides free energy efficiency upgrades to low-income households to

lower their monthly utility bills while also improving the health and safety of the household's

occupants.

· Education on basic energy efficiency practices and instruction on the proper use and maintenance

of installed weatherization measures.

· Energy budget counseling.

WHO MAY APPLY

To be eligible to apply, a person must:

· Be a US citizen or legal resident.

· Meet income eligibility based on the number of people in the household.

· Be responsible for energy costs in the home.

ACCESS TO SERVICES

A person may access services several ways:

· By Phone: Call 209-468-1500 to request an application by mail.

· In Person: Pick up an application at the Human Services Agency located at:

333 E. Washington Street, Stockton CA 95202

· Online: Visit www.sjchsa.org and click on FORMS to print an application.

KUDOS to Carol Hensel!!! A family shared, “…THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU’VE DONE. I /we are so grateful this is really everything to us, being able to get Carrie around and out helps me ( physically and mentally) as well as her. I just hope you know what a blessing you are and thank you for everything.”

Christine Couch (she, her, hers)

Director of Consumer Services - Adults

Clinical Update

Partnership Works!

A huge THANK YOU to our partner Safeway (Albertson’s) Pharmacy, our staff volunteers, and our volunteer community partners (California State Council on Developmental Disabilities North Valley Hills Office, Disability Resources Agency for Independent Living – DRAIL, Family Resource Network-Stockton, Integrated Community Collaborative) who helped make our drive-thru Flu Clinic yesterday a success!!! We had almost a hundred individuals get their flu shots (95 regular flu and 4 high dose flu shot) and less than a handful who had the Pfizer COVID-19 Booster shot.

Flu Shot Clinic Drive Through with Safeway Pharmacy

Open to all!

October 14 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm – VMRC Modesto Office

Pre-registration is Required: http://mhealthsystem.com/VMRCModesto

Please bring your medical card AND prescription card to the clinic.

· Participants not insured or covered will have to pay out of pocket at point of service

· $35 for Regular flu vaccine

· $69 for Senior dose flu vaccine

· We will accept check or credit card

Pfizer Booster Shots Available!!!

We will have Pfizer COVID-19 Booster shots available at our Drive-thru Flu Clinic next week, October 14^th, 9 am to 12 pm at the Modesto office.

________________________________________________________________

Dental Clinic coming in November!

FREE Mobile Dental Clinic for ALL Medi-Cal Members. By appointment only: 9 am to 6 pm. Register here: https://ib4.me/u34hUcr. Or Call at (408) 809-9500.

WHEN & WHERE:

November 3, 2021 – VMRC Stockton Office, 702 North Aurora Street, Stockton, CA

November 10, 2021 – VMRC Modesto Office, 1820 Blue Gum Avenue, Modesto, Ca

_________________________________________________________________

NEWS on COVID-19 VACCINE and Testing

· Pfizer/BioNTech is seeking approval for the COVID-19 vaccine for 5 – 11 year old.[1] In anticipation of this, the FDA Advisory committee has scheduled a meeting on October 26^th to review this. Once approved, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet to review and give their recommendations.

· The FDA is set to meet on October 14 and 15^th to discuss possible booster shots from Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.[2]

· The FDA has released a precaution that Ellume COVID-19 Home Test Kits has a potential for false positive results.[3] It has been found that certain lots of the said test kit could give false positive results. Below are recommendations from FDA on what to do.

Recommendations for Test Users and Caregivers

Check if your Ellume COVID-19 Home Test is included in Ellume’s product recall by comparing the lot number on the test carton to the lot numbers on Ellume’s website External Link Disclaimer.
Contact your health care provider, urgent care facility, or other COVID-19 testing site and request a COVID-19 molecular diagnostic test if you received a positive test result with one of the affected lots of the Ellume COVID-19 Home Test in the last two weeks and have not already had a follow-up molecular diagnostic test to confirm the positive test result.
Contact your health care provider, urgent care facility, or other COVID-19 testing site if:
You received a positive test result using one of the affected lots of the Ellume COVID-19 Home Test more than two weeks ago, and
You did not receive a positive result from a different COVID-19 test at the time of the original Ellume positive test result. A health care provider can help you decide what next steps you should take. You should not assume that you had COVID-19 or have immunity to COVID-19. You should continue to take recommended precautions, including vaccination, to avoid COVID-19 infection, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines.
If you have an unused Ellume COVID-19 Home Test from an affected lot, use the Ellume COVID-19 Home Test App or follow the directions on Ellume’s website External Link Disclaimer to request a product replacement.

[1] KCRA. October 7, 2021. https://www.kcra.com/article/pfizer-seeks-fda-authorization-of-covid-19-vaccine-for-younger-children/37893776#

[2] The New York Times. October 6, 2021. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/01/us/politics/fda-pfizer-children-boosters-moderna-johnson.html

[3] FDA. October 5, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/potential-false-positive-results-certain-lots-ellume-covid-19-home-tests-due-manufacturing-issue-fda?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Please continue to stay safe and healthy.

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

Director of Clinical Services

Community Services Training Opportunities and Service Provider Information

Training Opportunity- HCBS

Please help SPREAD THE WORD to the disability community in your region about our next FREE webinar on Wednesday, October 13 at 3:00 p.m. about “Alternative Services & Beyond: The Home and Community Based Settings Rule”! This webinar, featuring speakers from Department of Developmental Services and others, is suited for service providers and their staff, but also will be informative for IDD clients, and families/caregivers.

Spanish Training Information

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Seminario-web-GRATIS-dia-13-de-octubre--Aprenda-m-s-sobre-la-Regla-de-Dise-o-de-Servicios-basados-en-el-hogar-y-la-comunidad.html?soid=1135101415655&aid=x20tyzMY4gI

Weekly Community Services Department Provider Informational Session

Please join VMRC staff and other partner agencies via ZOOM every Friday morning at 9:00 AM! Question and Answer session and opportunities to hear about important vendor changes!

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 961 6884 2952

https://zoom.us/j/96168842952

Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Update

HCBS Compliance Grant Information

DDS has announced a new round of HCBS Compliance Grant Funding for the 2021-2022 Fiscal Year! Vendors with eligible service codes (see below) are strongly encouraged to apply for grant funding to assist with bringing your programs into compliance with the federal regulations by the compliance deadline of March 17^th, 2023. Vendors are encouraged to thoroughly read previously approved grants, available on DDS’s website, to get ideas for their own grant submissions. The deadline for submission of grant proposals to VMRC is November 12^th, 2021. No proposals submitted after that date will be accepted.

DDS will be hosting two informational sessions regarding the grant funding. The sessions will take place on October 6^th, 2021 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm and October 8^th, 2021 from 11:00am – 12:00pm. Registration for these sessions as well as all available documentation related to the grant are available on DDS’s webpage at https://www.dds.ca.gov/initiatives/cms-hcbs-regulations/hcbs-compliance-funding/

HCBS Funding Letter FY 2021-2022

HCBS Funding Guidelines FY 2021-2022

HCBS Funding FY 2021-2022 Attachment C Documents

HCBS Funding FY 2021-2022 Budget Template

HCBS Funding FY 2021-2022 Attachment D (for informational purposes only, document to be completed by VMRC)

Eligible Service Codes List

VMRC will be hosting two HCBS Grant Informational Sessions. They can be accessed at the following links:

Monday, October 11^th, 2021 from 1:00pm-2:00pm

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81900133628?pwd=enlBUkRpNXVzQlRRMFNlQUVZUllBZz09

Meeting ID: 819 0013 3628

Passcode: 430467

One tap mobile

+16699006833,,81900133628#,,,,*430467# US (San Jose)

+12532158782,,81900133628#,,,,*430467# US (Tacoma)

Tuesday, October 12^th, 2021 from 10:00am – 11:00am

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85958869274?pwd=NmdrTzRmUGlvQ0tadGxoTlNZVzNXdz09

Meeting ID: 859 5886 9274

Passcode: 547357

One tap mobile

+16699006833,,85958869274#,,,,*547357# US (San Jose)

+12532158782,,85958869274#,,,,*547357# US (Tacoma)

ADULT AND SENIOR CARE FACILITY WORKER CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/PINs/2021/ASC/PIN%2021-44-ASC.pdf

FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COVID-19 PROVIDER RELIEF FUND ASSISTANCE

https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/CCLD/PINs/2021/CCLD/PIN_21-19-CCLD.pdf

Brian L. Bennett

Director Of Community Services

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). I will be highlighting one of our many success stories each week. This week I wanted to congratulate James Espinoza for obtaining Competitive Integrated Employment with Mountain Retreat Resort. A few weeks ago, we highlighted our new community partnership with Mountain Retreat Resort located in Arnold, CA (Calaveras County) and here we are congratulating our first hire. Congratulations James on your new job!!!

Special thanks to Ellen Case Owner and Chrissie O’Bar General Manager Mountain Retreat Resort and Arc of Amador and Calaveras our supported employment vendor for providing the job coaching. Left to Right Chrissie O’Bar, James Espinoza.

Enos Edmerson Jr.

Employment Specialist

PDF Version Here

Free Mobile Dental Clinic for Medi-Cal Members!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

PDF Version Here

North Valley Hills Update

Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930

How are you planning to observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)?

Held each October, NDEAM aims to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.

NDEAM is led by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, but its true spirit lies in the many observances held at the grassroots level across the nation every year.

Learn how you can support NDEAM by visiting the ODEP website: www.dol.gov/NDEAM