Seventy-Sixth

Community Health

Advisory Coronavirus (COVID-19)

By the Numbers



After three weeks holding at around 30 cases a week, we shot up to 48 positive COVID-19 cases. Nineteen of these cases were consumers and 19 were direct support professionals. Four of the consumers were hospitalized and none of these individuals were vaccinated. One of the cases was a breakthrough case of an individual who had been vaccinated though he is reported stable and resting at home. Eight of the 19 consumers were underage and three of these were children under three years old. This week our hearts were broken by the devastating story of one of our young children who died from COVID-19. She was a beautiful young child, and our hearts go out to the family who is suffering such a pain loss. VMRC is committed to doing everything we can to prevent the suffering and loss of life in our community. We have pushed back our reopening the buildings to the community another month, we have set strict health guidelines on face-to-face visits, we are engaging in weekly testing of unvaccinated staff and many vaccinated staff, we promote access to the number mitigation strategy (vaccination) every week, and we are talking with some of our healthcare partners about Flu Clinics and potential COVID-19 booster clinics. 

Mask Prohibition Violate the Rights of Children with Disabilities?

This week the U.S. Department of Education open investigations on whether limiting mask mandates in schools violate "federal laws prohibiting discrimination against students with disabilities." As we all know in our community section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act guarantees students with disabilities the right to a free appropriate public education. The federal government is looking into the question of do bans on universal indoor masking put disabled children at risk and prevent them from accessing in-person learning equally. According to the Disability Scoop, "Already families in Florida, Texas, South Carolina and Tennessee have filed suit alleging that the mask mandate restrictions violate disability rights. https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2021/08/31/ed-department-mask-mandate-bans-may-violate-rights-of-students-with-disabilities/29469/

The Association of Regional Centers Sponsored Bill, AB 445 (Calderon)

"Did you know that state law creates a barrier to regional center services? All Californians with eligible developmental disabilities are supposed to be able to access those services. But first, centers are required to ask for information about the parents of a person seeking services. A parent's Social Security number is one of those types of information. But for most people served by regional centers, this highly sensitive personal information isn't needed. Even if a parent doesn't want to share it, or doesn't have one, regional centers still have to ask for it. So some families make the choice to leave the center and turn down the critical services their family member needs. ARCA is proudly sponsoring AB 445 (Calderon), which will get rid of this service barrier. We're thrilled to report it has passed the Legislature, but now we need your help to convince Governor Newsom to sign it!" We need just one minute of your time. Call the Governor at 916-445-2841, and say "Please sign AB 445!"

Tony Anderson

Executive Director

SPOTLIGHT ON….George Doman

George Doman (otherwise known as “georgetragic”), accepted the Sports Emmy 2021 for Outstanding Music Direction. His song is featured in the credit scene of the Netflix documentary “Rising Phoenix”.

George has been creating music since 2001 and his music can be found on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music under the name (“georgetragic”). Gary Welch and Daniel Pemberton were searching for artists with disabilities for the soundtrack of the documentary and they came across three rappers. The song is a collaboration between Toni Hickman, Keith Jones, and George Doman. George would like to thank everyone involved in the documentary and to remind people to not give up on their dreams because of a disability.

George received his master’s degree in digital marketing from Full Sail University in December 2020. He currently has an internship as a brand campaign assistant with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). George assists with outreach to influencers with disabilities to form part of the #Wethe15 movement. The aim of the movement is to transform the lives of 1.2 billion people with disabilities who represent 15% of the global population. The campaign launched during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Due to COVID-19 the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic games were postponed and are currently taking place between August 24-September 5, 2021. George would like to encourage others to get involved with the campaign by resharing the activity posts from the @WeThe15 social media accounts. 

Links:

Sports Emmy Acceptance: https://youtu.be/b6WLTc6YTBE

Rising Phoenix documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Wa0Ta1pqu4&t=50s&ab_channel=Netflix

Wethe15: https://www.wethe15.org/

Thank you to Jose Arriaga, Service Coordinator, for sharing George’s story with us.

Are You an Advocate for Elder and Disability Justice? Join the CA Elder & Disability Justice Coordinating Council

The California Health & Human Services Agency (CHHS) and the California Department of Justice (DOJ) are seeking up to 15 stakeholder members from local government, advocacy and community-based organizations, and the public to serve on a statewide coordinating council focused on protecting older adults and adults with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. CHHS, supported by the Department of Aging and Department of Social Services and in partnership with the Department of Justice, will convene this coordinating council comprised of leaders from governmental, advocacy, and community organizations across the state. For more information about the coordinating council and how to apply to become a member, see the Elder & Disability Justice Coordinating Council webpage. View the full announcement here.

San Joaquin County Covid Assistance Grants

San Joaquin County will provide up to $10,000 to eligible low-income individuals and families for payment of rent, mortgage, and utilities costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more and apply visit: www.sjgov.org/covid19/grants.

San Joaquin County Covid Assistance Grants

San Joaquin County will provide up to $10,000 to eligible low-income individuals and families for payment of rent, mortgage, and utilities costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more and apply visit: www.sjgov.org/covid19/grants.

El condado de San Joaquín proporcionará hasta $10,000 a personas y familias elegibles de bajos ingresos para el pago de alquiler, hipoteca y costos de servicios públicos debido a la pandemia de COVID-19. Para obtener más información y aplicar, visite: www.sjgov.org/covid19/grants.

Need Help with Unpaid Rent or Utilities

The CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program provides financial assistance for rent and utilities to income-eligible California renters and their landlords who have been impacted by COVID-19.

Both renters and landlords can apply for assistance.

Depending on the address of your rental property, you may be eligible for a local program. Click Apply Now to determine which program is right for you.

As part of the ongoing efforts to provide help and assistance for customers to manage their bills, PG&E will auto-enroll eligible customers in new extended payment arrangements by the end of September. Learn more: PG&E Automatic Payment Plans

Return to Day Program

JBallelos Community Integration Program (JBCIP) utilizes community resources for community integration (volunteer site’s function space, library’s study area, volunteer sites, parks, adult and community centers) in the Stockton City areas. 

Since 2016 till March 2020, the group has volunteered at St Mary's Dining, Emergency Food Bank, Micke Grove Zoo, Hope Chest from Monday to Thursday; and Fridays are focused on special Olympics activities development and recreation. 

Excitement, non-stop talking and non-stop storytelling, was the feeling of return to day program!! They see each other daily on zoom but seeing each other in person after 18 months is overwhelmingly exciting. 

Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community

Now in its 32nd year, Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery, just as we celebrate improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. Recovery Month increases awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders and encourages individuals in need of treatment and recovery services to seek help. Recovery Month celebrates individuals living lives in recovery and recognizes the dedicated workers who provide the prevention, treatment, and recovery support services that help make recovery possible.

Each September, Recovery Month works to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible.

Join a Network of Parents, Caregivers and Providers of Black Disabled Children

PDF Version of the Flyer Here

Christine Couch (she, her, hers)

Director of Consumer Services - Adults

Clinical Update

BOOSTER SHOTS or THIRD DOSE?!?

There are questions whether one can get booster shot now or third dose. What is the difference? The third mRNA Vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) dose is the one that is approved by FDA and CDC as of this time.[1] This is specifically for those individuals with immunocompromised health.¹ There are specific conditions that can receive the third dose.¹ Here is what CDC said about the third dose:

Who Needs an Additional COVID-19 Vaccine?

Currently, CDC is recommending that moderately to severely immunocompromised people receive an additional dose. This includes people who have:

·       Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood

·       Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system

·       Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system

·       Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)

·       Advanced or untreated HIV infection

·       Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

People should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html

You want to check with your Primary Care Provider (PCP) if you can receive the third dose or not.

The Booster shot is one referred to as another dose of an mRNA vaccine such as the Pfizer or Moderna given to those who does not have compromised immune system. The FDA and CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has not given approval for any booster shots yet.¹ The announcement made by the Health and Human Services (HHS) was in anticipation of possible approval of FDA and CDC ACIP.[2]

And because the flu season is fast approaching, question on whether you can get your flu shot and COVID-19 Vaccine at the same time is safe are circulating. Here is what CDC says about it:

Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine with Other Vaccines[3]

You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines at the same visit. You no longer need to wait 14 days between vaccinations. Experience with other vaccines has shown that the way our bodies develop protection, known as an immune response, after getting vaccinated and possible side effects of vaccines are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines. Learn more about the timing of other vaccines.

CDC has some helpful tips on COVID 19 vaccines applicable to our clients: “Talking to Patients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities about COVID-19 Vaccination”.

It includes a social story, poster and a video in English and Spanish. Here is the link:

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/hcp/disabilities.html

Dental Resource

September Member Bulletin Save the Date: Smile, California Facebook Live Event, September 15th

https://smilecalifornia.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/member_bulletin_september_-2021.pdf        

Past Member bulletins https://smilecalifornia.org/members/#bulletin

Special July Provider Bulletin https://www.dental.dhcs.ca.gov/MCD_documents/providers/provider_bulletins/Volume_37_Number_17.pdf

Medi-Cal members can receive up to $50 a month to help cover their internet costs during COVID-19. All Medi-Cal members qualify, and it will not affect their health coverage. Funding is limited so apply today:

https://www.getemergencybroadband.org/

[1] CDC. August 27, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html

[2] Joint Statement from HHS, Public Health and Medical Experts. August 18, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0818-covid-19-booster-shots.html

[3] CDC. September 01, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect.html

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

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

Wildfire Prevention/ Safety Training Opportunity:

Public Safety Power Shut (PSPS) Off Informational Training Sessions

To reduce the threat of wildfires, public utilities may temporarily shut off power to a neighborhood.

PG&E will be providing customer care training sessions for all Regional Center Staff and All Service Providers. The session will be one hour long and will be recorded. Additionally, there will be a Q&A at the end of each session to help answer your questions and to provide the opportunity for the utility to hear from you about how they can improve their outreach and services to our populations.

Wednesday, September 22, 2021, 10-11:00 am

https://zoom.us/j/96038976797?pwd=MDU4VnpHMnUydHdyckZObDBhTzVJZz09#success

669-900-9128

Meeting ID: 96038976797#

Resource Development Updates

VMRC has posted a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Transportation Service/ Competitive Procurement to our website – Applications are being accepted from October 1^st through November 1^st.

Valley Mountain Regional Center (VMRC) is seeking service providers to operate transportation services and transportation assistant services to serve people with developmental disabilities who reside in the counties of: Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Tuolumne, Amador, Calaveras. Developmental disabilities include intellectual disabilities, epilepsy, autism, and cerebral palsy. The applicant selected to provide transportation services and transportation assistant services in the VMRC service region will work closely with R&D Transportation services, Inc. (R&D) a full-service transportation broker, who provides scheduling, routing, quality assurance, and oversight of all contract transportation billing invoices.

Any inquiries regarding the application or requesting technical assistance should be directed to Robert Fernandez, Division Manager – Resource Development, at 209-955-3620, or Brian L. Bennett, Community Services Director, at 209-955-3309. Please note that technical assistance is limited to information regarding the requirements for preparation of the application packet Additional questions regarding the transportation service agreement or the transportation vendorization process may be submitted to R&D (VMRC transportation broker) via e-mail to: RFPQuestions@rdtsi.com

For full RFP Document:

https://secureservercdn.net/104.238.71.109/znc.7f6.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/RFP-Transportation-Services-Fall-2021.pdf

Weekly Community Services Department Provider Informational Session

Every Friday - 9:00 AM

Please join VMRC staff and other partner agencies via ZOOM ; 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

_____________________________________________________________________

Valley Mountain Regional Center’s partner creative arts employment services and employment training program, Futures Explored has Landscaping Equipment available to a non-profit program looking for tools to enhance their program – (tools include (1) lawn mower, (1) blower, various types of shovels, rakes – multiple high quality landscaping tools) please contact Jayreid@futures-explored.org or call Brandi 916/317-4817 for details and for a complete listing of tools and materials available and to arrange pick up                        

Brian L. Bennett

Director Of Community Services

Updated Competitive Integrated Employment and Paid Internship Programs

Our 21/22 State Budget has included some wonderful new incentives to both the Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Incentive and Paid Internship Programs (PIP) that has taken effect on July 1st, 2021.

The Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) incentive payment program has increased milestone payments, meaning that our employment vendors who find a CIE placement for our consumers will qualify for the below concurrent milestones:

1 month = $2,000.00

6 months = $2,500.00

1 year= $3,000.00

Our Paid Internship Program (PIP) will set a maximum of 1040 hours per calendar year per internship. The Paid Internship program is now offering milestone payments for the first time to our employment vendors who successfully place our consumers in an internship at a competitive, integrated worksite. The milestone payments are as follows:

30 days = $750.00

60 days= $1,000.00

These new incentives will boost more interest in these programs and hopefully provide more employment vendors to help our individuals gain Competitive Integrated Employment. The DDS directives are attached below. Thanks!

GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF CHANGES TO COMPETITIVE INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT INCENTIVE PAYMENTS EFFECTIVE JULY 2021

Enclosure A

Enclosure B

Enos Edmerson Jr.

Employment Specialist

PDF Version Here

North Valley Hills Update

Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930

Join us for a series of Healthcare Workshops for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities!

This session (9/13/2021) will focus on keeping oral and dental health.

You must register for each session separately. https://bit.ly/31wL42N

If you have a question or need an accommodation, please contact Sarah May (sarah.may@scdd.ca.gov) at least 5 days in advance of the training. Closed Captioning will be provided.

PDF Version of the above Flyer Here

How to connect to SCDD through Social Media

Family Resource Network Update from

Lisa Culley, Executive Director

Sibshop-for brothers and sisters who have siblings with special needs or disabilities. A fun time for kids age 7-14 to meet and share time with other siblings who may have common experiences. Please contact FRN at 209-472-3674 for more information or to request a registration form. VIRTUAL EVENT-Friday, October 8, 2021, from 6:30pm-8pm! 

PDF Version Here

Building Bridges Workshop-Is your child turning 3 soon? The Building Bridges Training is all about transitioning from the Early Start Program to Special Education, pre-school or ? Learn about the process-timelines, the law, and rights of parents and children in the process. Register for the workshop using the link on the flyer. Virtual Workshop-Wednesday, September 29, 2021, from 9:30am-11:30am. This workshop will have Spanish interpretation. 

PDF Version Here

Self-Advocacy Council 6 (SAC6)

Weekly Virtual Chat

Let’s Check In with each other!



WHEN: September 3, 2021

TIME: 11:00 AM -12:15 PM

WHERE: ZOOM - computer, tablet, cell phone

Come and Learn About Being Safe in an Emergency!

From The Self Advocacy Council 6 Team

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83813755967?pwd=OUd0S1Y0K3NhWTZHbmtKSFByeEt0Zz09

Meeting ID: 838 1375 5967

Passcode: 511570

You must enter the Password

OR you can call in:

TOLL FREE NUMBER TO CALL IN

888 475 4499 US Toll-free

877 853 5257 US Toll-free

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

PDF Version of the SAC6 Flyer Here

COVID-19 Update

Valley Mountain Regional Center



·    822 positive consumer cases and 31 deaths

·    38 positive VMRC staff cases

·    4 positive volunteer cases

·    384 positive provider cases and 1 death