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"The VMRC Newsletter"
Friday, July 28, 2023
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Message from the Executive Director
Tony Anderson
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Closing Out Disability Pride Month 2023: In Appreciation of our own Brad Putz
This is our last post for Disability Pride Month and in looking back and thinking about our region’s influence on the self-advocacy movement I started thinking of our dear friend and advocate Brad Putz. Brad's voice was strong and thoughtful in representing the concerns and feelings of people with disabilities in the Valley Mountain Regional Center catchment area. The first time I met Brad was in a meeting in San Francisco on my first day on the job working as an appointee from Governor Gray Davis, for the governor's council on developmental disabilities (SCDD). The meeting was contentious because of reason I was unaware of but Brad, who was representing the Area Board VI (now known of SCDD North Valley Hills Office), showed me grace and was not concerned not about the politics but focused genuinely on the issues impacting his peers with disabilities in his area. His questions focused on their concerns and we connected for many years after that moment.
Brad spent many many years focused on the needs of people with disabilities and when he spoke he was sincere and knew the needs for his constituents. He could have easily been one of the finest elected officials because he knew the needs of the people he was elected to represent. Thank you to Brad and countless of others who ensure there is no public policy decision without the voices of people with disabilities.
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Our fight for disability rights -- and why we're not done yet | Judith Heumann | In honor of Disability Pride Month please take 15 minutes to listen to one of our most famous disability rights advocates talk about the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Convention of the Rights of People with Disabilities and a history of disability in our country. | | | |
Judith Heumann - Defying Obstacles in "Being Heumann" and "Crip Camp" | The Daily Show | I came across this more light hearted interview of Judy Heumann with Trevor Noah from the Daily Show in March 2020 . As many of you know we lost Judy in March 2023 but her legacy will live on forever. So again, in honor of Disability Pride Month, check out this short 10 minute interview as she covers so many topics important to Disability Pride Month. | | | |
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Clinical Update
Dr. Claire Lazaro
Clinical Director
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NADD Mobile Crisis Intervention Study
NATIONAL RESEARCH STUDY SEEKS INPUT REGARDING CRISIS INTERVENTION SYSTEMS AND BEST PRACTICES FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH
INTELLECTUAL/DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND CO-OCCURRING MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS
THE STUDY
The National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD) has partnered with the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) to conduct a study investigating services provided to teens and young adults who have intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) and co-occurring mental health conditions (dual diagnosis).
The goal of this study is to identify best practices and improvements needed to ensure responsive, individualized, and effective treatment and support for teens and youth with a dual diagnosis who are experiencing a crisis. NADD will utilize the information obtained from this study to identify strategies that build capacity within communities to better meet the needs of teens and youth who have intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health conditions.
We are seeking volunteers to complete a short survey and participate in a follow-up phone or video interview.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
- Must be a behavioral health/mental health professional, parent/advocate, educator, emergency services personnel or first responder
- Must reside within the United States
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must work with or have provided services to teens and youth with intellectual//developmental disabilities
- Must be able to read and understand English
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Survey, phone interviews, and video sessions will be completed through Monday, July 17, 2023.
Participation is voluntary and all responses will be kept confidential. You may exit the online survey or interview at any time. Before you participate, you will be asked to electronically sign an adult consent form. To protect your privacy, no names or any personally identifiable information will be collected outside of coordinating your phone interview or video session.
Please use the QR Code below or follow the link to participate: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CrisisInterventionResearchStudy
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A Big THANK YOU to ALL that Have Already Agreed to be a Sponsor! | |
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VMRC Executive Committee Meeting (Hybrid)
Wednesday, August 9, 2023, 6:30 PM
Click Here for Zoom Information
VMRC Self-Determination Advisory Committee (SDAC) Meeting (Hybrid)
Thursday, August 17, 2023, 3:30 PM
Click Here for Zoom Information
VMRC Board of Directors Meeting (Hybrid)
Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 6:00 PM
Click Here for Zoom Information
Coalition of Local Agency Service Providers (CLASP) Meeting (Hybrid)
Monday, August 28, 2023, 10:00 AM
Click Here for Zoom Information
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Announcing Our Provider Community's Third Professional Conference, Moving Forward
We are so excited to announce that our local provider coalition, the Coalition of Local Agency Service Providers (CLASP), has been hard at work to put together their third provider conference. This one will be called “Moving Forward” 2023 and will be their first major provider conference in three years. This is an opportunity for our provider community to come together to learn about policy issues and innovations in providing person-centered services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families.
The event includes one of the national thought leaders on Person-Centered Thinking, Carol Blessing of Cornell University and John Raffaele and Joe Macbeth from the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, talking about the important role of Direct Support Professionals in connecting people with disabilities to their communities. We were also very excited to learn that one of our most popular speakers on creative approaches to person-center supports for people with complex needs, Lynn Seagle, will be one of the featured morning keynotes and our DDS Director Nancy Bargmann will cap off our morning with a lunch keynote.
CLASP does so much to support the provider community and it’s an honor to work with these leaders who have dedicated their careers to serving people with IDD and their families in our region. This conference is an excellent example of how our providers focus on continuous improvements in service delivery in our community. Special thanks to Candice Bright and Liz Herrera Knapp for their leadership in making this happen.
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Case Management Update - Adults
Christine Couch
Director of Consumer Services - Adults
| Spotlight on Tim Collie! | Courtesy photo / Sherry Pratt Photography | Check out last week's article that came out in The Union Democrat on Tim Collie! | |
Case Management Update - Children
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Director of Consumer Services - Children
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NEWS FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD
ICYMI: Last week in the Neighborhood, we featured a Zero to Three podcast: How Babies Begin to Develop Self-Control in the First Three Years of Life. If you haven’t had a chance yet to check it out, please do so. Dr. Brenda Jones Harden, an associate professor at the University of Maryland College Park, offers useful insights on how parents can support their young children's social and emotional development. The parents you serve might also be interested in listening, too. There’s also a transcript you can download.
ENROLLMENT CLOSING SOON! Project ImPACT's research study will be closing for enrollment at the end of July (that’s next Monday)! They want to make sure you have an opportunity to participate. Please visit https://www.project-impact.org/course-overview/ or email hs-bridgestudy@ucdavis.edu for more information.
· FREE TRAINING AVAILABLE! Participating providers will receive free training over approximately one year. Most participation occurs during a provider's existing intervention sessions. The timeline may vary depending on the availability of eligible families who agree to participate.
· Project ImPACT CERTIFICATION! Participating providers will have the opportunity to be certified in Project ImPACT after the study. Certified providers can train others in Project ImPACT at their own agencies.
Finally, please note that registration for the Fall session of Early Start Online opens SOON! Make sure you sign up early to reserve your spot!
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Community Services Update
Brian Bennett, Director of Community Services
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Social Recreation Opportunity | |
Made possible by a Grant from the Department of Developmental Services | |
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Attention All Service Providers! VMRC’s Community Services Team will host a monthly information session to provide updates and to respond to questions related to all service types. These meetings will be held on Microsoft Teams and will be on the fourth Friday of each month , from 9-10 am. If there are topics of interest, please notify your Community Services Liaison or Division QA Manager, Katina Richison krichison@vmrc.net or Division Resource Development Manager, Robert Fernandez rfernandez@vmrc.net
to join, click HERE:
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer, mobile app, or room device
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 281 428 411 222
Passcode: fEcVsj
Upcoming discussion items:
Friday July 28, 2023:
· The change of ownership process for all vendors
· Administrator/ Director changes
· Consultant changes in residential settings
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Employment Services Update
Eno Edmerson, Jr., Employment Specialist
| A Heartfelt Thank You to SETA: Empowering Support for the Disability Industry | |
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In a world where finding the right job can often be a challenging and arduous journey, organizations like Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA) serve as beacons of hope and catalysts for change. As the dust settles on the recently concluded job fairs, it is with immense gratitude and admiration that we extend our sincerest thanks to SETA for their unwavering commitment to connecting job seekers to the Disability Industry!!!
The job fairs, orchestrated by SETA, showcased an impressive display of professionalism, efficiency, and dedication. From the moment attendees walked through the doors, it was evident that no stone had been left unturned in ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. The meticulous planning, well-structured booths, and the presence of a diverse range of Direct Service Professional vendors were testaments to SETA's meticulous attention to detail.
What truly sets SETA apart, however, was their genuine concern for both job seekers and employers. Throughout the events, the SETA team was readily available to address inquiries, offer guidance, and provide valuable resources. Their warm and approachable demeanor created an atmosphere of comfort, fostering meaningful connections and encouraging participants to showcase their unique skills and talents. SETA's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment was truly remarkable.
A Special Thank You to the individuals below for their professionalism and dedication with organizing our Disability Industry Career Expo’s!!!!
Archiwal Muhibullah, SETA, Workforce Development Professional III
Gregory Williams Sr. SETA, Workforce Development Professional Supervisor
Janet Vargas, California Human Development, Center Manager
Eileen Prince, Manager III
Rachel Hickey, Employment Program Representative
Miracle Matthews Green, Employment Program Representative
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Emergency Services Update
Aaron McDonald, Emergency Response and Safety Specialist
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 27, 2023
Governor's Press Office: (916) 445-4571
California Ramps Up Wildfire Prevention Work
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: California is scaling up work to prepare, prevent, and mitigate the threat of wildfire – investing in more projects throughout the state to help protect underserved communities and stop wildfire in its tracks.
SACRAMENTO – California continues to prepare communities against the devastating impacts of wildfires, with Governor Gavin Newsom announcing new investments today that will ramp up defenses around homes, reduce overgrown vegetation, improve evacuation routes for rural communities and more.
The $113 million in new funding, made possible by the $52 billion California Climate Commitment budget, will support 96 wildfire prevention projects across the state – with more than 8 in 10 grants directed towards vulnerable or underserved communities.
What Governor Newsom said: “These kinds of projects save lives and livelihoods, and we’re scaling it up. It was work like this that helped communities like South Lake Tahoe and Pollock Pines avert unknowable destruction. Our goal is to stop devastation before it happens – to keep Californians safe, and preserve our communities and shared history.”
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An example of a wildfire prevention project supported by CAL FIRE's Wildfire Prevention Grants Program
CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants Program funds programs to protect people, structures, and communities. This year’s investment adds to the 144 ongoing projects funded last year and includes hazardous fuels reduction and wildfire prevention planning and education. These projects support the goals and objectives of California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, as well as the Strategic Fire Plan for California.
What CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler said: “Investing in communities before a wildfire strikes is a critical component of California’s wildfire strategy. These proactive investments support local projects that protect, engage, and educate communities to increase wildfire prevention and resiliency efforts throughout the state. Wildfire is a year-round reality in California, and even though a historically wet winter was the exception this year, we are always ready for when conditions change and to continue our charge of creating a more wildfire resilient California. We are proud to help further this important and proactive work.”
What grant recipient Trinity County Resource Conservation District said: “This investment is critical for increasing the resiliency of our rural community against catastrophic wildfire, and we’re excited to get to work. This timely funding will provide critical defensible space support for low-income, disabled, and senior community members. In addition, it gets us closer to fulfilling the goals of our fire protection plan while helping to protect the communities of Weaverville, Junction City and Lewiston—strategic areas that have all been threatened by major wildfires in the past decade. These projects help complete critical projects underway, improve evacuation routes, and add strategic fuel breaks around our homes and communities.”
EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS: The Trinity County Resource Conservation District will receive nearly $2 million for fuel reduction work in rural, low-income communities and grant funding will assist in providing defensible space work around 100 homes for vulnerable residents in Weaverville, Junction City and Lewiston.
In San Diego County, the Pala Band of Mission Indians is one of many tribal organizations receiving funding for wildfire prevention efforts. Their projects will include fuels reduction efforts to prevent roadside fires and provide safe evacuation routes near the community of Pala, which includes a 10-acre fuel break, planned as a result of the Mesa Fire which ignited on June 21, 2021.
View all the projects and awards here.
The Wildfire Prevention Grants Program is funded as part of California’s Wildfire & Forest Resilience efforts with a portion of the program funded through California Climate Investments (CCI), which puts cap-and-trade dollars to work.
For more information about CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants, please visit CAL FIRE Grants.
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930
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Experienced Problems Related to
Social Security Benefits?
We Want to Hear from You!
This is a statewide survey for individuals living in California.
The Orange County Local Partnership Agreement (OCLPA) is heading a statewide project to collect situations experienced by people with intellectual or developmental disabilities related to issues with Social Security benefits and employment.
We are reaching out to California residents to determine who may have experienced barriers related to Social Security benefits. We want to hear from you.
The survey is anonymous, but you may include your information if you want someone to follow up. The OCLPA intends to collect these stories to help determine how widespread these problems are—and whether the existing systems to help people with disabilities who receive benefits are working effectively.
All survey results will be collected, and any stories shared will have all identifying information removed before sharing publicly.
This survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Please share your experience with us and complete the survey using this link: https://ocasg.aidaform.com/ssa-benefits-issues-survey.
If you have questions about this survey—please email oneal@chapman.edu.
Relevant Social Security programs include:
1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
2. Title II Benefits - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
3. Title II Benefits - Childhood Disability Benefits aka Disabled Adult Child (DAC)
Problems may include:
1. Problems reporting wages
2. Receiving an overpayment letter
3. Lack of opportunities to report the use of work incentives on the job
4. Notification of benefits termination
5. Notification of Medi-Cal or Medicare termination
6. Lack of assistance in dealing with benefit issues
7. Difficulties in contacting Social Security Administration (SSA) representatives
8. Other
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SCDD is a proud sponsor of this important event! Get a team together and join us!
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