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116th
Community Health
Advisory
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Weekly Message from the Executive Director
Tony Anderson
By the Numbers
This week we saw a slight increase of 10 more direct support professionals and the same number of consumers. We reported 48 consumers with positive tests and 36 direct support professionals. While it is an increase in positivity rate we're not too far from the state rate of 13.2% and the national rate of 13.6% and most importantly this week we have not reported any hospitalizations or deaths.
Office Building Site Status (June 28th):
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San Joaquin 13.7% (up 2%) – Exceeds 5% - Remote Quarterly Visit Recommended, Masks in the Office required.
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Stanislaus 15.2% (up 1.2%) - Exceeds 5% - Remote Quarterly Visit Recommended, Masks in the Office required.
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Calaveras 16.6% (up 5%) – Exceeds 5% - Remote Quarterly Visit Recommended, Masks in the Office required.
Amador is at 9.8% (up 2.3%) and Tuolumne is at 13.3 (up.3%).
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The Awesome Spot in Modesto Breaks Ground in a Couple Weeks
Valley Mountain Regional Center is excited to announce that the Awesome Spot, an accessible community playground, is finally breaking ground at 1524 Sylvan Meadows Drive in Modesto on Thursday July 14, 2022 at 9 am. Play is a universally important way for all children to learn and play in an integrated setting where everyone can access all the playground equipment is not only great for kids with disabilities but equally great for kids who don't have disabilities.
VMRC is a partner for the Awesome Spot Accessible Playground project and Eric Carson has done a wonderful job providing administrative support to the project and Amy Browning and many others in our Modesto office have have promoted and participated in countless fund raising events to make this dream a reality. Come out and join us as we celebrate this important milestone in creation of the Awesome Spot Playground.
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LEAD-K Family Services
This week I just learned about LEAD-K Family Services. They provide Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) in the state to connect families with school districts, "Early Start home visit teachers, parent mentors, Deaf coaches and other supports as outlined in an Individualized Family Support Plan." They work with the state departments of Education, Developmental Services, and Social Services to make sure families get the services they need. Beginning July 20th, they will be hosting a monthly webinar series for Spanish speaking families of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children.
It will be on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 11am. To RSVP and receive the zoom link for the sessions reach out to Irma: irma@leadkfamilyservices.org. This is for families only so please pass this resource along to families of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children.
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Case Management Update - Children
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Director of Consumer Services - Children
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Meet Ares!
The special needs journey has some very difficult times with lots of uncertainty, especially with the future of your child. As a parent and going through a diagnosis, you are not given a list of all the things that your child will be able to accomplish or handed an outcome of positivity. You are welcomed with all the things that your child is going to struggle with and low percentages of success. There are days that you feel completely defeated from setbacks or behaviors to days of immense pride and joy because of the milestones that your child made, doing a task that you were told they would never be able to do, or to just being shown gestures of love.
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Ares has non-verbal Autism and throughout the years has been told that he would have little to no communication because he was not interested in utilizing PECS. Ares has been in school since he was 2 years old and had been doing ABA services since he was 7 years old. This past year he went from doing ABA services to having a Personal Assistant who was his Behavioral Technician previously. Through having a Personal Assistant, especially as his previous Behavioral Technician, we have seen a lot of growth with Ares. Ares is beginning to expand his vocabulary utilizing sign language and his iPad through Proloque2go. He has even used YouTube as a way to let us know his wants, especially going to Disneyland. Having a Personal Assistant that is able to work with Ares more naturally to foster his communication, build on social skills, and to work on community goals has been incredibly important with Ares continuing growth. We have begun seeing a maturity happening with Ares with being more comfortable around others and more tolerable of being out in the community.
Ares favorite place to visit is Disneyland. We have been fortunate enough to have taken him 4 times this year so far. Before Ares had his Personal Assistant, Jorge, taking him to somewhere like Disneyland could be challenging. Though as parents you try and implement as much as you can, that relationship with your child can have a certain dynamic of defiance. Having the service we do now, has allowed Ares to have a buddy; someone to look up to and hang out with. We see Ares not wanting to disappoint and be goofy and pal around. This all has helped Ares to grow more confidence and wanting to express himself. Being out in the community and bonding in an environment that can be chaotic and loud can be a lot sometimes, but because of that comfortability with Jorge, Ares is starting to blossom and is wanting to take more risks. When Ares went to Disneyland this last time with his dad and Jorge, Ares was more relaxed and confident. He was willing to try more things because Jorge would be there with him like a friend, encouraging him and making Ares comfortable.
Ares’ dad and I are so proud of the person that he is becoming and how hard he works every day. Services and having the right people in your corner are so important for the continuing success of your child. We see a brighter future for our son because we have been able to have people in his life that have been dedicated to his success and we see the determination, strength, and stubbornness in Ares. Thinking about what life will be like for your child who has special needs is terrifying as a parent, but we are seeing him fighting against the odds and see the potential for his future.
Ares' Mom
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The Importance of Parent/Child Attachment in the Latino Community
with Edgar Sierra, LMFT &
Leslie Manriquez-Jimenez, LMFT
Monday August 15, 2022
12:00pm-1:30pm (PDT)
Virtual Event
Can't attend the event live?
Register to receive access to the recording!
Session will describe the basic concepts of attachment theory. Attachment theory emphasizes the importance of having a healthy early attachment between a child and their main caregiver(s) during the first five years of life. We will also discuss the overall negative ramifications on the child’s behavioral health due to poor attachment patterns.
Presenters will characterize how healthy attachments look within the Hispanic/Latino community. Lastly, we will present examples of how to incorporate cultural factors while implementing attachment theory as a therapeutic approach with Hispanic and Latino families.
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Learning objectives:
1. Identify current attachment patterns and trends in the Latinx community.
2. Explore mental health views in the Latinx community and common barriers.
3.Demonstrate interventions for building trust in the therapeutic relationship with Latinx community within context of an attachment based therapeutic approach.
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Infant Development Association is committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and in support of this mission
we are launching a series of events
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Non-Member: $50
IDA Agency/Individual Member: $35
IDA Parent/Student/New Clinician Member: $25
IDA CE Hours: Nursing, PT, Speech and Language $15 (1.5 hours)
CDI CE Hours: LCSW, LMFT, LEP, LPCC
(you will be invoiced)
ADA Requests: Contact IDA @ mail@idaofcal.org
with ADA request by August 1, 2022
Limited number of scholarships available
REGISTER NOW
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Being a Welcome Guest in Prismatic Homes: Understanding and Supporting LGBTQ+ and Other Marginalized Families
with Linda Banks and Jill Stansbury
Wednesday August 3, 2022
1:00pm-2:30pm (PDT)
Virtual Event
Can't attend the event live?
Register to receive access to the recording!
Prismatic is a descriptor coined by the artist and healer Michaela Harrison to speak to the varied experience of parents in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Asexual, and Intersex (LGBTQ+) community. Early care service providers may be working to create welcoming environments for prismatic families and youth but perhaps struggle due to the conscious and unconscious negative messages they received about LGBTQ+ and other marginalized people.
To provide early care services in homes and offices where all kinds of families experience partnership, belonging, and optimal outcomes, ongoing self-examination and healing of the negative impacts of providers’ socialization is essential. This presentation introduces adults that provide services to LGBTQ+ families to self-healing strategies to create psychologically safe service spaces for LGBTQ+ families. Prismatic people have always been a part of the human family. Learn ways to show them you value their family experience to create dynamic partnerships for optimal youth outcomes.
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Learning Objectives:
1. Provide basic definitions for understanding the experience of prismatic families
2. Explore the demographics of the LGBTQ+ parent population and intersectional pressures faced by the majority of this community parenting young children.
3. Understand the issues that LGBTQ+ families face in working with caregivers during home and office visits.
4. Learn in community best practices for including this group in processes, procedures, mindsets, and daily interactions.
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Linda Banks is a SEL consultant and coach with over 20 years’ experience as a leader in culturally responsive family advocacy, youth development, as well as curriculum and training design. While working in diverse school settings in K-12, community-based organizations, residential facilities, and spiritual centers, she has created a unique framework that is trauma informed, inclusive, and strengths based for radical transformation and healing. Read more HERE
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Jill Stansbury is a social and emotional learning consultant based out of Blaine, Washington who works with schools all over the world to holistically integrate social and emotional learning into their organizations. Her advocacy work for all kinds of students, families, teachers, and other employees spans her 25-year career where she has been a classroom teacher, social and emotional learning specialist, school leader, and parent and teacher facilitator. She is an award-winning researcher in the field of Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Read more HERE
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Infant Development Association is committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and in support of this mission
we are launching a series of events
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Non-Member: $50
IDA Agency/Individual Member: $35
IDA Parent/Student/New Clinician Member: $25
IDA CE Hours: Nursing, PT, Speech and Language $15 (1.5 hour)
CDI CE Hours: LCSW, LMFT, LEP, LPCC
(you will be invoiced)
ADA Requests: Contact IDA @ mail@idaofcal.org
with ADA request by July 20
Limited number of scholarships available
REGISTER NOW
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Case Management Update - Adults
Christine Couch
Director of Consumer Services - Adults
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JBallelos Community Integration Program (JBCIP) individuals were given a certificate of appreciation from Emergency Food Bank! So proud of them! | |
What is 988? In 2020, Congress designated 988 as the new dialing code to operate through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) network of local call centers, which are staffed by trained crisis counselors. 988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number—it is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible support for anyone experiencing mental health related distress, including thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need these types of crisis supports, beginning July 16, 2022. | |
Community Services Update
Brian Bennett
Director of Community Services
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HCBS Compliance Assessments – Validation and Remediation Process Announcement
DDS in cooperation with Regional Centers is preparing for the implementation of the HCBS Final Settings Rule by assessing vendor settings that provide services to more than one individual in the same setting. This includes providers of residential, day program and employment programs. Between January and August of 2020 vendors were asked to complete an HCBS compliance self-survey. Then in 2021 DDS contracted with Public Consulting Group (PCG) to complete a full HCBS assessment for a representative sample of regional center vendors. VMRC had 60 providers who received this full assessment. Those reports have been received back from DDS and were emailed to providers on May 2nd, 2022.
DDS has released a directive to regional centers on the validation and remediation process that our vendors with eligible service codes will need to complete. Emails will be sent to providers to advise whether they are to complete the validation process or the remediation process. Vendors will have 30 days to complete the process that they are assigned to complete. Validation forms and supporting documents are due to VMRC no later than June 30th, 2022. Remediation plans and supporting documents are due to VMRC no later than July 22nd, 2022. You have until March 17th, 2023, to complete the work you outline in your remediation plan including receiving updated IPP information from Service Coordinators.
DDS Assessment Validation and Remediation Forms
VMRC hosted two trainings on the validation and remediation process on May 31st and June 3rd, 2022. Providers can access the Power Point Presentation below and includes the updated due date for vendors assigned to remediation:
HCBS Validation and Remediation Training for Vendors
VMRC will also be hosting virtual office hours for our vendors to drop in via Zoom to ask questions related to the validation and remediation process. The three links below will take you to the zoom session.
Monday’s from 2:00-3:30pm through July 18th
Wednesday’s from 10:00-11:30am through July 20th
Friday’s from 1:00-2:30pm through July 22nd
Please do not wait to get started on your validation and remediation plans. An email will be sent to providers advising them of what step of the process, validation or remediation, they will be starting on. All documentation must be submitted electronically through email. Paper copies and handwritten documents will not be accepted. Your vendor # must be included in the file name of every document you submit, documents that are not named with the vendor number will be rejected.
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Upcoming Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Trainings for Vendors
The HCBS Final Settings Rule applies to all vendors who provide services in a setting that serves more than one regional center consumer. The intent of the Final Settings Rule is to ensure that people with developmental disabilities receive services that integrate them fully into the community to the same degree as people without developmental disabilities. It ensures quality of life! They also ensure that the residential settings that services are received in are home environments rather than institutional environments. All settings must optimize and enhance choice rather than regimenting it. The HCBS Final Settings Rule protects consumers rights including the right to privacy, dignity, respect and freedom from coercion and restraint. The Final Settings Rule goes into effect March 17th, 2023, all providers with the service codes listed below, must be compliant by that date.
VMRC will continue hosting trainings for Residential Providers, Day Type Services Providers and Employment Services Providers. Service providers under the following service codes are strongly encouraged to sign up for one of the trainings provided. It takes time and effort to implement these requirements. Eligible service codes are Residential: 096, 113, 904, 905, 915, 910, 920; Employment Services: 950 and 954; Day Type Services: 028, 055, 063, 475, 505, 510, 515, 855
The attached flyers have registration links on them for the following trainings. You must register to take the training. Once you have registered you will receive a link for the zoom session on the date you have chosen. For attendance purposes please have each staff taking the training register with their own contact information including their email address. Any last-minute changes to the scheduled trainings will be communicated to the registered individuals by email at the email address they have provided.
HCBS Trainings for Residential Providers
July 7th, 2022, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
July 12th, 2022, 10:00am – 11:00am
HCBS Trainings for Day Type and Employment Services
July 12th, 2022, 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Contact Anna Sims, SCSL, HCBS Program Evaluator with questions: (209) 955-3353, asims@vmrc.net
HCBS for Residential Providers April through July
HCBS for Day Program and Employment Providers May through July
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Please notice that VMRC has extended our request for proposal deadlines – see links for VMRC 2021-2022 Community Resource Development Plan projects- each project has $150,000 in startup funds available
Specialized-Children’s-Children’s-CDRP
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Community Care Licensing has released a new Provider Information Notice
Pin 22-21-ASC
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On September 2, 2022, from 10-11:30 am VMRC and CAPTAIN (California Autism Professional Training and Information Network) will host a webinar related to the use of Visual Supports- participants will receive 1 CEU
Prior registration is required – see flyer and register HERE:
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Employment Update
Enos Edmerson, Jr.
Employment Specialist
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Please See This Important Message from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Call for Employment Grants Applications
Notice to Prospective Applicants
Date: June 29, 2022
The Developmental Services Budget Trailer Bill, AB 136 (Chapter 76, Statutes of 2021), effective July 16, 2021, authorized additional funding to advance competitive integrated employment. Enacted as W&I Code Section 4870.1, DDS, received $10 Million in funding to increase pathways to employment. Through grant opportunities, entities can develop and implement innovative and replicable strategies and practices to increase paid work experiences and employment opportunities for individuals who are served by regional centers.
The Department is now accepting applications from organizations with strong ties to the developmental services system, including, but not limited to community-based organizations, colleges and universities, and employment providers for grant funds available in 2022 and are invited to respond to this call for applications for the Employment Grants. Applicants must follow the instructions contained in the Grant Guidelines for Applicants located on the Department’s website: Employment Grants - CA Department of Developmental Services. To be considered for funding, applicants must apply online through DDS’ online grant management system, GrantVantage, no later than 5:00 p.m. PDT on August 24, 2022. A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will be posted to the Department’s website.
The Department will host a Bidder’s Conference via Zoom to answer questions regarding the grants on:
Thursday, July 7, 2022, from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
https://cal-dds.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zKi4WhElT2CBs5Z2AUUu9g
Interpretation will be provided in ASL, Mandarin, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit questions in advance to:
EmploymentGrant@dds.ca.gov
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Emergency Services Update
Aaron McDonald
Emergency Response Coordinator
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Firework Safety Tips
Independence Day is known for barbecues, parades, and fireworks. The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home. They may be legal, but they are not safe. Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and nearly 17,000 other fires. If consumer fireworks are legal to buy where you live and you choose to use them, be sure to follow the following safety tips:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.
- Never light them indoors.
- Only use them away from people, houses, and flammable material.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
- Never ignite devices in a container.
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire.
- Never use illegal fireworks.
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Sparklers Are Dangerous
Every year, young children can be found along parade routes and at festivals with sparklers in hand, but sparklers are a lot more dangerous than most people think. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under 5 years of age, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the total estimated injuries. Consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers.
Tips for keeping pets safe and happy during Independence Day Celebrations
- Keep your pet safely away from fireworks. Pets are more sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights and strong smells. On Independence Day, and other days people are likely to set off fireworks, it's best to leave your pets safely indoors, preferably with a radio or TV turned on to soften jarring noises. If you're unable to leave your pet unattended at home, keep them leashed and under your direct control at all times.
- If your pet is scared by fireworks, ask a veterinarian for help. There are medications and techniques that might help alleviate your pet's fear and anxiety.
- Safeguard your pet with a collar and ID tag. All pets, even those kept indoors full-time, should always wear collars with ID tags. Indoor-only pets can become so frightened during fireworks displays that they may take desperate measures to escape the noise, including breaking through windows or door screens. If your pet is microchipped ensure the chip is working properly and registered with your current, contact information. If your pet does become lost, contact your local animal control and surrounding shelters for assistance . If you find a lost pet, either take them to the address on their tag or take them to a local animal shelter so they can be reunited with their family.
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930
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From our Partner’s - Disability Rights CA (DRC)
The RULA Manual website is now updated, live, and available in English and Spanish!
What is the RULA? RULA stands for “Rights Under Lanterman Act,”
and our RULA Manuel explains:
• The Regional Center system and the rights under the law;
• How to get and use regional center services; and
• What to do if you disagree with regional centers.
Check out this new page for full instructions on how to use DRC’s RULA Manuel, with step-by-step instructions and an information video by DRC’s supervising attorney and self-advocate Bebo Saab.
Learn more here: http://ow.ly/FFQu50JGa8K
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How to connect to SCDD through Social Media | | |
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Family Resource Network (FRN) Update
Lisa Culley, Executive Director
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Family Resource Network (FRN) is growing! FRN has many new projects that need energetic and empathetic staff! Job openings are for Family Resource Specialists 1 & 2. The Family Resource Specialist positions are a wonderful way for a family member of a person with disabilities to share the information they have learned over the years, and to learn so much more about our community and what it has to offer! Please see the attached flyer and request the job description to learn more about this fantastic opportunity. | |
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There is Not a SAC6 CHAT This Week.
We Wish Everyone a Safe and Happy 4th of July!
We Will See Everyone on July 8th!
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Local County, State and National Public Health Resources | | | | |
