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"The VMRC Newsletter"
Friday, October 13, 2023
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Message from the Executive Director
Tony Anderson
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Moving Forward: Only 11 Days Away
The Moving Forward conference by the Coalition of Local Agency Service Providers (CLASP) is only 11 days away and it is shaping up to be another amazing learning and networking opportunity. In addition to several local and statewide service providers and direct support professionals, Valley Mountain Regional will have an opportunity to have a couple dozen staff in attendance learning from some of the country’s most innovative and inspirational leaders in the field of developmental services. If you’re a service provider, a person receiving services, or a family member looking to learn about the latest innovations and best practices in services to people with developmental disabilities you won’t want to miss this conference. The conference includes a light breakfast and lunch, raffles, valuable information and important networking and fellowship opportunities. CLASP members pay only $95, and nonmembers pay $125.
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First Annual Disability Awareness Day
Come on out and join us in Modesto for the Disability Resources Agency for Independent Living (DRAIL) First Annual Disability Awareness Day. This is going to be a great awareness event celebrated in the middle of National Disability Employment Month. DRAIL’s mission is to partner with individuals with disabilities, their families, and their support teams to increase their independence, advocate for their rights, and create fully inclusive communities. The event will be on October 17th, 2023, from 9am - 4pm at the Modesto Centre Plaza, 1000 L St, in Modesto.
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VMRC Self-Determination Advisory Committee (SDAC) Meeting (Hybrid)
Thursday, October 19, 2023, 3:30 PM
702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202, Cohen Board Room
Click Here for Zoom Information
VMRC Board of Directors Meeting (Hybrid)
Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 6:00 PM
702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202, Cohen Board Room
Click Here for Zoom Information
VMRC Consumer Services Committee Meeting (Hybrid)
Wednesday, November 1, 2023, 5:00 PM
702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202, Cohen Board Room
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 - Children
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Director of Consumer Services - Children
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The registration deadline is October 6th for the October 10th training date, and deadline is October 13th for the October 17th training date. | |
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Clinical Update
Dr. Claire Lazaro
Clinical Director
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SAVE the DATE! FREE Vaccination Clinic at the VMRC Stockton Office
What: Flu Shots, and other vaccines such as Hepatitis B, TDaP, Shingles, and Pneumococcal. And Health Fair with Medicare Part D Enrollment, medication review, Naloxone nasal spray, Health screenings and health supplies such as blood glucose monitor, blood pressure monitor, etc (while supplies last).
When: October 27th, 2023 at 1 – 5 pm
Where: 702 N Aurora Street, Stockton, CA
Make an appointment: call (209) 687-4014
Bring your Medical and Prescription card, Medicare Card (if you have one), and ALL your medications.
Members of Kaiser will have to go to Kaiser as UOP don’t have the ability to bill Kaiser.
| Take a Look at the Rest of the 2023 University of Pacific Health Fairs | |
Calaveras County Flu Clinic
Calaveras County Public Health will be coordinating co-cost flu clinics throughout the county in October. If you or someone you know is interested in receiving a flu shot, please register online at https://myturn.ca.gov/ or call (833) 422-4255.
The flu clinic schedule is as follows:
· Angels Camp (at Sierra Hope): 10/17 from 1-4pm
· Rail Road Flat Community Center: 10/18 from 3-6pm
· Arnold (at Big Trees, MD): 10/20 from 3-6pm
· Valley Springs (at Sunrise Pharmacy): 10/25 from 1-4pm
· San Andreas (at HHSA): 10/27 from 3-6pm
The flu vaccine is provided to anyone age 10 and up at no-cost. COVID-19 vaccines, nasal spray, and Fluzone high dose flu vaccines approved for 65 and older will NOT be provided at these clinics.
Link to the flu clinic press release that has more information about the flu clinics.
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National Dental Hygiene Month
Week 2 – from Karissa McGuffin, RDHAP, VMRC Dental Coordinator
A big part of National Dental Hygiene Month is celebrating the work of a dental hygienist. Did you know there is a type of dental hygienist who does not work in a traditional dental office? They are called a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP). They are a dental hygienist qualified to see patients who have a difficult time getting to the dentist due to health or mobility concerns. They are able to see their patients in many different settings including schools, care homes, skilled nursing facilities, and in a patient’s house. In some areas, RDHAPs can own their own dental hygiene office as well. They are able to provide patient’s with oral cancer screenings, preventative dental cleanings and deep cleanings, sealants or temporary fillings, fluoride varnish, nutritional counseling, and oral health education. It is the same care your dental hygienist provides in a dental office, but in a more comfortable setting.
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Community Services Update
Brian Bennett, Director of Community Services
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DDS’ NEW Direct Support Training STIPEND PROGRAM
Eligible DSPs* who work 10 or more hours a week for a RC provider can now receive up to two $625 stipends (before taxes) – just complete the online training courses approved by DDS before June 30, 2024.
Other Important Information:
• Stipend payments are considered taxable income
• Online training courses are about one hour long & can be taken at any time
• Online courses can be paused & resumed at your convenience
• Training courses count towards Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Community Care Licensing
• Register for classes online at https://bit.ly/ARCALearn
For More details on the stipend program & eligibility requirements, visit:
https://www.dds.ca.gov/initiatives/workforce-initiatives
to watch a pre-recorded video overview click here: DDS Webinar
Click Here for the DSP Training Stipend FORM
Return the signed Stipend Agreement Form with the vendor # (s) to Brian L. Bennett bbennett@vmrc.net, Katina Richison krichison@vmrc.net or Robert Fernandez rfernandez@vmrc.net
Questions?
Email: mailto: workforce@dds.ca.gov
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Social Recreational Opportunity in Stockton | |
Made possible by a Grant from the Department of Developmental Services | |
JOIN US AT THE 16TH ANNUAL INNER SAFARI CAREGIVER CONFERENCE! | |
PASSION, PURPOSE, PERSISTENCE,
AND RESILIANCE
ALL FOR THE CAREGIVERS!
Are you a caregiver looking for inspiration, support, and guidance? Look no further! The 16th Annual INNER SAFARI Caregiver Conference is just around the corner. Join us on November 3rd and 4th, 2023, at the Robert Cabral Ag Center, and listen to our keynote speaker, Kate Washington, the author of Already Toast, Caregiving and Burnout in America. We will provide you with all the tools and resources you need to take care of yourself while taking care of your loved ones. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with other caregivers and gain valuable insights that will change your life for the better!
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San Joaquin County Residents! The San Joaquin County Council of Governments wants your feedback!
SJCOG will attend VMRC’s upcoming Consumer Services Meeting on November 1st to discuss the unmet needs survey and to answer questions from community partners about Public Transportation in San Joaquin Co.
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Employment Update
Enos Edmerson Jr, Employment Specialist
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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) State Capitol Job Fair and SJ WorkNet
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In an exciting celebration of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 2nd week, I attended two big events, the Sacramento State Capitol NDEAM Job Fair and San Joaquin County Worknet Job Fair. Sacramento State Capitol, the event brought together government officials, community leaders, employers, and individuals with disabilities to raise awareness and encourage employment opportunities.
San Joaquin County WorkNet hosted a successful job fair at the Lathrop Community Center. The event was a huge success as our community partner WorkNet continues to reach more cities in San Joaquin county.
Both the Sacramento State Capitol NDEAM event and San Joaquin County WorkNet job fair are an excellent example of NDEAM bringing together key stakeholders and promoting dialogue between employers and individuals with disabilities, these events successfully promoted disability employment awareness and opportunities for a more inclusive workforce in the region. Please check our VMRC LinkedIn page for photos of each of these events at https://www.linkedin.com/company/valley-mountain-regional-center/
Thank you all so much and stay tuned for more NDEAM updates!!!
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Emergency Services Update
Aaron McDonald, Emergency Response and Safety Specialist
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October is Fire Prevention Month
October is Fire Prevention Month! Fire Prevention Month (and the week of October 8th - 14th) aims to raise fire safety awareness and help protect homes and families. In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, we celebrate Fire Prevention Week and Month by spreading fire safety awareness and educating families, students, and communities across the United States with help from our partners and local fire departments. The NFPA's 2023 campaign for Fire Prevention Month is "Cooking Safety Starts with You”. Did You Know?
Did You Know?
Installing reliable protection and being proactive is important to help keep your loved ones safe from a fire or carbon monoxide emergency.
- Almost 3 of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms (NFPA)
- Carbon monoxide is the #1 cause of accidental poisoning in the US (CDC)
- Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of home fires (NFPA)
- A fire department responds to a fire every 23 seconds in America (NFPA)
Help Protect Your Moments
Everyone is urged to practice whole home safety, so you and your family are prepared not only during Fire Prevention Month but throughout the entire year. Having functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed throughout your home is a vital piece of fire safety month and is the first line of defense. They work around the clock to provide your family with an early alert in the event of an emergency, helping to give you time to safely escape. Smoke and CO alarms should be installed on every level of the home, including the basement, as well as inside and outside each bedroom for whole home protection. Maintain alarms by testing them regularly, changing the batteries every 6 months, and replacing alarms at least every 10 years.
Be prepared with fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers help stop small fires from causing more damage and should be kept easily accessible on every level of the home, especially in the kitchen and garage. Ensure you know how to operate a fire extinguisher before needing to use one.
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Great ShakeOut Day 2023 is Thursday, October 19th!
International ShakeOut Day is every third Thursday of October, when most schedule their ShakeOut drills and other earthquake preparedness activities. This annual date was selected back in 2009, when most schools agreed this was the best time. In 2023, International ShakeOut Day is October 19. Everyone everywhere should know how to protect themselves during an earthquake! Thus, anyone can participate - ShakeOut is for everyone.
You or your organization, however, may hold your ShakeOut drill on another day of the year that you find most convenient. This means that wherever you are at the date and time you designate—at home, at work, at school, anywhere—at the very least you should practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On as if there were a major earthquake occurring at that very moment and stay in this position for one minute (or more, as you see fit).
How do I protect myself in an earthquake? I have heard about Drop, Cover, and Hold On, but what happened to the "Doorframe" or "Triangle of Life" theory? Why shouldn't I run outside?
The safest thing to do during an earthquake is "Drop, Cover, and Hold On," as described at www.EarthquakeCountry.org/step5 . This special report describes how the "Triangle of Life" is promoted with greatly exaggerated or wrong information and is potentially very dangerous. Running outside or getting into a doorway is not recommended as objects that are falling and flying can injure you , even cause you to trip and fall, as you move and are upright.
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If you use a cane:
DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON or sit on a chair, bed, etc. and cover your head and neck with both hands. Keep your cane near you so it can be used when the shaking stops.
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If you use a walker or wheelchair:
LOCK your wheels (if applicable). If using a walker carefully get as low as possible. Bend over and COVER your head/neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow. Then HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
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The DEI Corner
Mark Crear, DEI Manger
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During this month's mental health awareness day, let’s consider the intersection point between Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and mental health in the workplace. It is critical for employers to support employees in their journey to strike a balance between emotional well-being, overall health, belongingness, and productivity each day at work. The balance is where DEI and mental health live and thrive. Achieving this balance relies on proven, readily available, culturally competent mental health care. In other words, promoting DEI should include the promotion of mental health. When employers fully embrace both DEI and mental health together they are one step closer to prioritizing a healthy work environment for all.
The pandemic brought mental health in the workplace into the spotlight in the midst of job loss, remote work, filled-beyond-capacity hospitals, isolation, Covid-related anxiety, etc.
Meanwhile, a number of social movements; #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter, #StopAAPIHate were gaining traction at a time when we were all home and paying attention to the reality that we are not all treated equally.
Companies responded with an urgency to implement more visible DEI and mental health initiatives in response to social demand. But imbalance at that DEI mental health intersection can spell disaster for the individual affected and the company alike at anytime. The initial push to prioritize mental health and DEI need not slow down as we approach post-pandemic status.
Employees from diverse backgrounds can face lack of representation, microaggressions, unconscious bias, and other stressors that impact their mental health and psychological safety at work.
Valley Mountain Regional Center is truly invested in supporting DEI and mental health. We will welcome the opportunity to look back over the years to understand what DEI and mental health priorities were unmet pre-pandemic, peak pandemic and in the present day. VMRC strives to be a place where everybody belongs.
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Tell us about your experiences getting specialty care from a doctor for your child. We have put together a short survey (10-15 minutes) that you can complete on a phone or computer. For completing this survey, we’ll send you a $30 electronic gift card. Your voice is important!
Please contact Lisa Culley or Nicki Moss at 209-472-3674 or FRNfamilies@frcn.org for more details.
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930
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Supported Decision-Making
Week of Community Conversations
The Supported Decision Making-Technical Assistance Program
(SDM-TAP) is hosting a week-long series of Community Conversations to engage with the public and gather feedback that will influence the direction of the grants available through the program.
These Community Conversations are open to anyone who has an interest in supported decision-making.
Each conversation focuses on an area of importance, but you are welcome to participate in one or more. If you are unable to attend the conversation of most interest to you, please attend one of the others.
Registration is Required
Link to register for these conversations:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIud-6hqzgrHdW-eUjIYftbmLrdHO9pu-h-
Schedule of Conversations
· Monday, October 23 from 4-6 p.m.
Supported Decision-Making in Educational Settings
· Tuesday, October 24 from 4-6 p.m.
Supported Decision-Making in I/DD Services Settings
· Wednesday, October 25 from 4-6 p.m.
Supported Decision-Making in Legal or Judicial Settings
· Thursday, October 26 from 4-6 p.m.
Supported Decision-Making in Medical or Healthcare Settings
· Friday, October 27 from 4-6 p.m.
Supported Decision-Making in Financial Settings
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The Supported Decision-Making
Community Input Survey
Needs Your Feedback!
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The results will influence the direction of grants administered by the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities' Supported Decision-Making Technical Assistance Program (SDM-TAP).
For details about the survey visit: https://bit.ly/3ZFxCqs
If you have additional questions, need language translations or additional support please email the SDM-TAP team at sdmtap@scdd.ca.gov.
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