Fifty-Ninth
Community Health Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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weekly message from the Executive Director
By the Numbers
We only had two reported positive cases this week that involved our consumers, and none for their DSPs. This is the best report all year. The state is continuing to move towards the threshold the Governor has identified for ending the tier system, and California has now fully vaccinated 42% of our state population, and another 18.6% are listed as partially vaccinated having received only their first shot, and VMRC is reporting 33% of our consumers have received their vaccines. These numbers are important because they are all related to the program's ability to open back up fully one day, and they get us closer to the president's goal of 70% vaccination rate by July 4th.
Indicators to a Reopening
Last week we highlighted the latest directives from DDS that requires regional centers to begin face to face meetings and modifications to the visitor rules for care homes. These are signs that we are moving closer to reopening day programs and other similar programs. In addition to the impending return of regional center monitoring, community care licensing is also developing plans for the eventual return to larger scale face to face monitoring. Also, DDS published edits and extensions to a variety of previous directives with some helping to ease the way to day program reopening. One of the directives removes an old reference to a Department of Public Health guidance that was used to close gyms, theaters, sporting events, and public gatherings. The language was changed to "Day program services must be provided in accordance with local county public health orders and relevant guidelines issued by the California Department of Social Services and/or California Department of Public Health.” (Amendment effective 5/5/2021).
With 46 of the California counties being in the moderate to minimal tier level and the positivity rate down to 1.3% the trends are looking good for the reopening. With all these positive things occurring you might be wondering how close are we to answering that most popular weekly questions "when will the day programs reopen"? While we are definitely getting closer, our largest counties (San Joaquin and Stanislaus) remain at the Red "Substantial" level along with only 9 other counties, and though our regional center is seeing a large proportional participation with the vaccinations our local counties are at close to what our county officials would like to see. So as for now the process is (1) day programs have submitted their mitigation plans to licensing for approval, (2) upon approval they will send to our community services department, (3) our consumers will have a planning team meeting to decide whether or not they are ready to return to in person services at the site, (4) the transportation broker will coordinate with the day programs and consumers, and (5) services begin at a reduce level. The DDS vulnerable health conditions directives and the VMRC policy and procedures (published in our November 16, 2020 Health Advisory) are still in place at this time.
And Finally
A special congratulations to Juliana Urtubey who was named the National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers. This recognition is particularly special for all of us as she is one of our partners in disability services as a Special Education Teacher. Congratulation to Juliana and thank you to all our teachers and especially our special education teacher in our local area.
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Tony Anderson
Executive Director
Valley Mountain Regional Center
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Case Management Update
Mother’s Day is Right around the Corner
Mother’s Day is being celebrated this coming Sunday, May 9. It is a special day to honor all Moms.
Our friends at JBallelos Community Integration Program (JBCIP) have done an amazing job by expressing their gratitude and appreciation to their moms by saying a few words about them and developing posters to share their thoughts. We want to share their creations for these special people in their lives.
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Stand for Children 2021
This year’s Parent Voices Stand for Children 2021 virtual advocacy event on Wed., May 12th from 3-4:30pm is an opportunity for all working parents to share their stories with legislators about how child care assistance allowed them to remain in the workforce, and what that meant to them and their families during such uncertain times. Their stories will collectively shape policy decisions made in California for families to be able to access affordable, quality child care in the future. This is also a great event for our stakeholders to participate in understanding child care needs in San Joaquin County.
Registration link to attend:
If parents have any questions about this event, they can call Christina Figueroa, SJC Parent Voices Organizer, at (209) 461-2619 or visit https://www.parentvoices.org/ .
Planning for Community Re-Engagement
Changes to COVID-19 restrictions are happening in communities across the state. Californians with developmental disabilities may soon be able to safely participate in more in-person programming. To meet individual needs, organizations who provide disability services can continue to offer remote or alternative services while re-engaging site and community programs.
Disability Thrive Initiative’s FREE webinar to learn how organizations providing transportation, residential, and day services are preparing for the next phase. This will include:
· Flexibility for changing service and support needs
· Safety changes to transportation services
· Combined site, community, and remote services
Self-Determination in your Future?
Enrollment in Self Determination will soon be open to anyone eligible for regional center services. To prepare for this, we continue holding virtual Self Determination orientation meetings. These meetings are required to initiate enrollment. The process to enroll and initiate services includes:
· Complete an orientation
· Develop a Person-Centered Plan/IPP
· Development and certification of an individual budget
· Obtain a Financial Management Service (FMS) provider
· Complete a Spending Plan
If you are interested, please let your VMRC Service Coordinator know and register for one of the following orientations being provided. Spanish translation will be available.
· Saturday, May 15, 2021 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
· Wednesday, May 19, 2021 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
· Tuesday, June 29, 2021 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining.
Please contact Angelique Shear at (209) 955-3294 or ashear@vmrc.net for questions.
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Cindy Mix
Director of Consumer Services
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Clinical Update
Onwards to Heard Immunity!! 😊
Second dose COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Modesto office went well. This is made possible because of the tireless efforts of our volunteers who show up on each of these vaccine clinics. Enormous “THANKS!!!” to our volunteers: VMRC staff, Board of Directors, and community partners: DRAIL, B.E.S.T., UCP, SCDD, FRN, SAC6, DRC, ICC, SNAP, Fuerzas Unidas and CLASP, who helped make it possible. As always, VMRC is grateful to Safeway Pharmacy (Albertson’s Companies) and their staff who served as our vaccine provider and partnered with us during these 3-day COVID-19 Vaccine Drive-thru Clinics at our Modesto Office! We vaccinated a total of 540 individuals 16-year-old and over for their second dose. On Tuesday, we administered 180 vaccines, 168 on Wednesday, and 192 vaccines administered on Sunday.
Below are photos of our second dose Drive-thru COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at the Modesto Office:
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VMRC COVID-19 VACCINE TRACKING
Latest data for the regional center tracking of vaccine shows we have about 2,671 consumers who have gotten at least one shot of the COVID-19.
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The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released new guidance on mask wearing, being in line with the latest guideline from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Below is an excerpt from the CDPH guidance:
Guidance
1. For fully vaccinated persons, face coverings are not required outdoors except when attending crowded outdoor events, such as live performances, parades, fairs, festivals, sports events, or other similar settings.
2. For unvaccinated persons, face coverings are required outdoors any time physical distancing cannot be maintained, including when attending crowded outdoor events, such as live performances, parades, fairs, festivals, sports events, or other similar settings.
3. In indoor settings outside of one's home, including public transportation, face coverings continue to be required regardless of vaccination status, except as outlined below.
o Visit, without wearing masks or physical distancing, with other fully vaccinated people in indoor or outdoor settings; and
o Visit, without wearing masks or physical distancing, with unvaccinated people (including children) from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease in indoor and outdoor settings
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Claire B. Lazaro, MSN, RN, NP, PHN, FNP-C
Director of Clinical Services
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Early Start and Education Updates
Early Start
Early Start Publications, Resources, and Program Guidance
The Early Start program has a variety of materials, products, multilingual brochures, booklets, publications, and other free resources for parents, professionals, and others. These resources help to support a statewide, comprehensive and coordinated system of child find, public awareness and outreach. Outreach materials increase appropriate referrals, increase the community’s knowledge and understanding of early intervention services, and support families’ role in early intervention. To access the variety of materials available copy and paste the following website.
Early Start Webinar Series
- Early Intervention “Post COVID”: Navigating Blended Service Delivery and Maintaining Mental Wellness
Tuesday May 25, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
For more information and to register for these events please go to: CPEI Online
Early Start In-Person Meetings- Any requirements of the California Early Intervention Services Act or Title 17 requiring in-person meetings for determining eligibility or service coordination are hereby waived. To the extent requested by a parent, guardian, or other authorized legal representative of the child due to concern related to exposure to COVID-19, and to the extent the integrity of the intake process is not compromised, a regional center may conduct evaluation and assessment activities and provide Early Start coordination by remote electronic communications, including Skype, Facetime, video conference, or telephone conference. This waiver was extended to 6/5/21.
Early Start Remote Services- The requirements of the California Early Intervention Services Act, Title 17, or a child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) requiring the delivery of services in-person are hereby waived. This waiver was extended to 6/5/21.
Extension of Early Start Services- the waiver for extending Early Start Service beyond the age of three was extended to 6/10/21. Under this waiver regional centers may consider extending Early Start Services for children who have not been offered an IEP date or FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) from the school district.
Outreach- Please continue to help us get the work out regarding Early Start services. Check out this PSA with Dr. Nadine Burke Harris https://vimeo.com/514553837
First 5
First 5 and CSSC Webinar Collaboration. We are excited to share part two in our Reaching Underserved Communities Webinar Series which will focus on hearing from Native American family voices about they find helpful and what they want to see improved in services for their infants and toddlers. Please join us on Thursday, May 20th, 1-2:30pm
Autism Services
California Autism Professional Training and Information Network is a valuable resource regarding the importance of evidence based interventions for children with autism.
CAPTAIN Website
CAPTAIN video for families
CAPTAIN video for family support
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Tara Sisemore-Hester
Assistant Director - Clinical Services
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Community Services Department Update
Community Services Zoom Info Session for Supported Living and Independent Living Service Providers
Friday May 14, 2021
Join Zoom Meeting
Weekly Residential/SLS/ Day Program Informational Zoom Session hosted by VMRC’s Community Services Department EVERY FRIDAY at 9:00 a.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 921 3684 6701
Service Providers are invited to join to learn about important changes and trends as it relates to the COVID pandemic – this is a great opportunity to ask questions and to share helpful tips with peers and colleagues.
Day Program Providers please submit your CCL approved COVID Mitigation Plan to your Community Services Liaison (CSL) or Robert Fernandez at Rfernandez@vmrc.net as this is required to begin having ID Team Meetings in preparation for re-opening.
Last week we had a fire that impacted two zip codes in our catchment area (near Valley Springs, CA) This brought awareness that during emergencies or disasters it is important to have updated vendor contact information so that we can support you and our consumers. Please check with your CSL to ensure that we have the correct Contact Name, phone number, cell number, emergency number, e-mail address and fax number.
Unfortunately, it is only May and Fire Season is HERE!
To best stay informed when a Disaster or Emergency occurs, VMRC encourages all Service Providers to follow us on Twitter – this is the most efficient means of getting the most accurate information about any emergency in your geographic area- VMRC’s Community Services Department will be discussing the benefits of using Twitter at the May 14th Friday Information Session Meeting- Please follow VMRC on Twitter in the meantime
Emergency / Disaster Preparedness Resources
Resources By County:
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Brian L. Bennett
Director of Community Services
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Happy Retirement to Debbie Winchell and Mara King
Last week we bid farewell, congratulations, and happy retirement to 2 long time VMRC employees, Debbie Winchell (on right) and Mara King (on left).
Debbie is retiring after 28 years with Valley Mountain Regional Center. Her time began as a Service Coordinator and then a Senior Service Coordinator. In 2000, Debbie moved to the Clinical/Intake Department where she was a valued staff member, friend and mentor. Debbie plans to spend her retirement with her husband in Arizona!
Mara is also retiring after 28 years at Valley Mountain Regional Center. She began as a Service Coordinator in Early Start, and then became a team leader. For two years she served as the Supported Living Liaison. For the past 18 years Mara was the Program Manager of the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs, which she says was "the best job ever"!
"Thank You to everyone who attended my Drive By retirement celebration. I appreciate all of the well wishes, flowers, certificates, gifts and especially the friendships that I’ve made while working for VMRC. I want to Thank Chrissy Lopez, program coordinator who assisted me in managing the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companions Programs seamlessly and I will especially miss all of the volunteers who made our programs so successful. Thank You, Mara King"
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930
Know Your Fair Housing Rights: A Workshop for the IDD Community in California
Join the Department of Fair Employment and Housing in partnership with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities for an overview of fair housing rights and issues impacting the intellectual and developmental disabilities community.
Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Time: From 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
Please register by clicking the flyer below. For accommodations and access needs, contact bayarea@scdd.ca.gov or 510.286.0439 by May 12th.
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Update from Family Resource Network |
Family Resource Network is providing the workshop “The Birds, the Bees, and Your Child with Special Needs” on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, from 6:30-8pm virtually on Zoom. David Demetral, Ph.D., LCSW, Professor, Division of Social Work, CSU-Sacramento, will lead information sharing and promote discussion around the sensitive topic of issues related to sexuality. This workshop is for parents and family members, caregivers, or professionals living and working with children, youth, and young adults with disabilities or special needs. Registration is through Eventbrite and can be found at this link:
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Lisa Culley
Executive Director
Family Resource Network
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Self-Advocacy Council 6 (SAC6)
Join SAC6 for Our Virtual Dance Party!
Let’s Check In with each other!
WHEN: Friday May 7, 2021
TIME: 11:00 AM -12:15 PM
WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 922 8839 1638
Passcode: 713529 (MUST ENTER PASSCODE) OR you can call in:
TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CALL IN 877 853 5257 US Toll-free
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Five County Data Update
as of May 6, 2021
San Joaquin County
· 8.2 new cases per 100,000 people and 3.1% positivity rate (Substantial/Red....2nd Most Restrictive)
Stanislaus County
· 10.8 new cases per 100,000 people and 3.9% positivity rate (Substantial/Red....2nd Most Restrictive)
Tuolumne County
· 2.7 new cases per 100,000 people and 1.2% positivity rate (Moderate/Orange....2nd Least Restrictive)
Calaveras County
· 7.4 new cases per 100,000 people and 4.1% positivity rate (Moderate/Orange....2nd Least Restrictive)
Amador County
· 4.1 new cases per 100,000 people and 1.5% positivity rate (Substantial/Red....2nd Most Restrictive)
State of California
· 4.2 new cases per 100,000 people and 1.3% positivity rate
Valley Mountain Regional Center
· 733 positive consumer cases and 27 deaths
· 34 positive VMRC staff cases
· 4 positive volunteer cases
· 293 positive provider cases and 1 death
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Local County, State and National Public Health Resources |
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