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Message from the Executive Director



Tony Anderson

In Search of the Next Director

Discrete and Public Input

The Executive Director Selection Committee (Search Committee) chaired by Margaret Heinz, VMRC Immediate Past President, is currently working on the recruitment for our next Executive Director. The committee intends to be fair and transparent about the process and of course discrete regarding who the applicants are including the status of the final candidates. The committee will receive anonymous input from staff and the community regarding the priorities of leadership characteristics and concerns and comments but we will remove any identifiable information so the candidates all have fair and equal chances to make their own case for selection.

Our Committee's Commitment

The board and this board committee is acutely aware that a change in the executive director position can be stressful for staff and the community but we all take this responsibility serious and will give it the care and intention appropriate for the level of consequence for what's at stake. Our committee has a well rounded background and the experience necessary to meet the task ahead of us. The Selection Committee Prospectus, is a document that describes the committee, its members, and their priorities and passions, and serves as a resource distributed to prospective candidates for the Executive Director position. It gives the candidates an understanding of who will be working on making the hiring recommendation to the board of directors and includes more insight into the organization and the position.

Our Process and How to Apply

The recruitment plan is a document setting out the procedural best practices for the selection process with target dates meeting various milestones. It is a guide for the committee to stay on on track with their assertive hiring goals. The recruitment plan is a document setting out the procedural best practices for the selection process with target dates meeting various milestones. It is a guide for the committee to stay on on track with their assertive hiring goals. How to Apply: Email your resume/cv and cover letter by November 13, 2023 c/o Margaret Heinz, Chair VMRC ED Selection Committee: ED Recruiting Process: EDRecruitingProcess@VMRC.NET

Come Out Today!

VMRC Executive Committee Meeting (Hybrid)

Wednesday, November 8, 2023, 6:30 PM

702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202, Cohen Board Room

Click Here for Zoom Information

Case Management Update - Children

Tara Sisemore-Hester

Director of Consumer Services - Children

Research Findings: "Bilingual babies listen to languages - and don't get confused"

October 23, 2023 by Jennifer Driver

UC Davis MIND Institute Distinguished Lecturer Series

MIND INSTITUTEOctober 19, 2023

Lecture to focus on culturally grounded approach to supporting parents of autistic children

By Marianne Russ Sharp

Camille Proctor of The Color of Autism Foundation to speak at UC Davis MIND Institute’s Distinguished Lecturer Series

(SACRAMENTO)

The UC Davis MIND Institute will host Camille Proctor, founder of The Color of Autism Foundation, as part of its Distinguished Lecturer Series on Nov. 8. Proctor’s talk will be titled “A Culturally Grounded Approach to Parent Training.”

Proctor, a leading autism advocate, will focus on the foundation’s programs that are tailored to the needs of racially and ethnically diverse communities, helping parents with resources and advocacy for their autistic children.

“We are teaching them how to support an autistic person through the lifespan,” explained Proctor, who has a teenage autistic son. “We also talk in depth about creating a good network of what we call the self-esteem network, where they’re instilling values in their child and always letting the child know how important they are and how much they’re loved and cared for.”

Proctor will also present research she co-authored about the effectiveness of The Color of Autism Foundation’s parent training programs for parents of Black children with autism. The study found that parents who took part in the program were highly engaged and empowered. The work also highlighted the need for more Black medical providers.

“We just want people to feel comfortable enough to share their culture with their providers and we want their providers to be culturally competent. If they’re not, we want them to at least ask the right questions of their patients,” Proctor explained.

In addition to leading the foundation and publishing research, Proctor was recently appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, a federal advisory committee. She has also served as a diversity and inclusion advisor for both television and film and earned a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University this year. Proctor also serves on the Michigan State Disability Council.

The in-person lecture is Nov. 8 at 4:30 p.m. at the UC Davis MIND Institute, 2825 50^th St. in Sacramento. No registration is required, and the event is free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first served.



See the full Distinguished Lecturer Series lineup.

Trunk or Treat Fun!



The Stockton Little Giants Early Childhood 0-5 team delighted in participating in Walton Special Center’s Trunk or Treat festivities  this past Halloween. The event was filled with approximately 150 happy and eager families and students who wowed in their spooktacular costumes. The kiddos enjoyed walking and wheeling in their Halloween parade and visiting each Trunk or Treat themed vehicle. It was a frightening good time. 



Case Management Update - Adults

Christine Couch

Director of Consumer Services - Adults

The Junior League of San Joaquin County hosted “Festivale Wickedly Wild” at the Stockton Golf and Country Club for young adults over the age of 18 with the help of sponsors on Monday, October 30^th. The event was attended by several transition programs from throughout San Joaquin County and adult day programs.

The event started as “Festivale” in 2013 by the Junior League of San Joaquin County.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Update



Dr. Mark Crear

DEI Manager

November DEI Calendar

In November, Native American Heritage Month celebrates the long history of Indigenous people and communities. During this month we acknowledge the rich culture, unique traditions, and ongoing contributions of Native Americans. Also, see what other DEI events during the month of November.

Community Services Update

Brian Bennett, Director of Community Services



Attention DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS (in licensed residential care)!

San Joaquin County Office of Education will be having another In-Person Year 1 DSP Training starting November 6, 2023. Please see dates and time below:

In-Person (Year 1 DSP Training)

November 6, 7, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 2023

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a 1-hour lunch



Registration is open at www.dsptrain.org

!!!Special Incident Report Training (SIR) !!!!

Date: Tuesday, November 14^th

Time: 9 AM to 11:30 AM

Location: Valley Mountain Regional Center – Stockton Location

(702 N. Aurora St.)

Fee: $15 per registrant (only participating registrants may attend) – non-refundable

Registration Link: https://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=pnnut8zab&oeidk=a07ek1i6ie2cf128370

Date: Wednesday, November 15^th

Time: 1 PM to 3:30 PM

Location: via Dialpad (online)

Fee: $15 per registrant (only participating registrants may attend) – non-refundable

Registration Link: https://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=pnnut8zab&oeidk=a07ek1i6iek2cdb1a4e

VMRC’s revised CPP / CRDP Proposals for 2023-2024

PUBLIC NOTICE: VMRC 2023-2024 COMMUNITY PLACEMENT PLAN (CPP) AND COMMUNITY RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT PLANNING (CRDP)

Valley Mountain Regional Center has been collecting input over the past year related to potential unmet Community Placement Plan / Community Resource Development Planning service needs; VMRC generates “unmet” resource information from Case Management staff on a routine basis. All project requests are dependent on Department of Developmental Services (DDS) approval and will be developed through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, in accordance with VMRC’s Administrative Policy 200-11-01.

VMRC is proposing the following projects as priorities for CPP/CRDP resource development for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

1. $1.5 million to support renovation or acquisition of affordable, supportive housing predevelopment or renovation

2. $250,000 Start Up Funds to support:

(1) Adult Day Program to support persons requiring significant (sometimes 1:1) staffing support from well-trained direct support staff and with support from a licensed BCBA (consultant) in San Joaquin County

3. $250,000 Start Up Funds to support:

(1) Adult Day Program to support persons requiring significant (sometimes 1:1) staffing support from well-trained direct support staff and with support from a licensed BCBA (consultant) in South Stanislaus County

4. 150,000 for renovation to VMRC’s EBSH for persons with Acquired Brain Injuries. To improve the exterior property, to renovate existing “out building” and to add calming and relaxation paths, outdoor activity areas

We invite you to email your comments related to these project proposals (and any suggestions ) for CPP/CRDP development to the Director of Community Services, Brian L. Bennett bbennett@vmrc.net no later than Monday November 6th.

This is not a Request for Proposal but rather VMRC’s planned projects for 2023-2024

Social Recreational Opportunity in Stockton

Made possible by a Grant from the Department of Developmental Services

!!! Attention! Children’s Residential Providers!!!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for the Congregate Care Provider Session

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for the FFA and Adoption Agency Session

Emergency Services Update

 

Aaron McDonald, Emergency Response and Safety Specialist

End Of Daylight-Saving Time Can Be Dangerous!

Early Sunday morning most of us living in the United States will turn our clocks back one hour for the end of Daylight-Saving Time. Most of us think: “Fantastic! I get another hour of sleep”; and yes, you will. However, there is a huge difference between the “society clock” and the “biological clock” we all work from. During such time changes there is statistically an increase in safety incidents.

With the end of daylight savings time comes an increase of darkness around the time of rush hour, when traffic is at a peak, and many are making our way home from work. Drivers aren’t used to the decreased visibility – nor are pedestrians, who might take chances crossing roads when they shouldn’t.

Pedestrians walking around at dusk are nearly three times more likely to be struck and killed by cars in the days following the end of daylight-saving time than just before the time change. A study of seven years of nationwide traffic fatalities was conducted at Carnegie Mellon University, calculating the risk per mile walked for pedestrians. The study found that the per-mile risk jumps 186 percent from October to November.

The National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF) has done studies proving that auto accidents increase after the clocks fall back an hour. Besides the lack of visibility, the NRSF notes that commuting in the dark can also make drivers drowsier than usual. According to some health studies, changes in waking time coupled with the earlier onset of darkness throws off our internal clocks. These increase driving risks, primarily because in our 24/7 society, we have a fundamental problem of already being sleep deprived.

The end of daylight-saving time can leave many feeling fatigued, which can pose safety risks both at home and in the workplace. Some things to keep in mind when switching back to standard time are:

Fatigue -- Studies suggest that it takes people who work traditional hours several days to fully readjust their sleep schedule after the time change. While it may seem a welcome gift to get an extra hour of sleep as opposed to losing an hour in the spring, there is a physiological consequence to changing our clocks. Don’t be surprised if you feel a bit sluggish during the first week or so of November.

Accidents -- Evidence suggests that time changes increase safety problems both at work and at home. Just being aware of the increased risk of accidents in the period immediately following the time change may help you stay alert. Try to avoid building up a sleep debt in the days before the change.

Safety professionals have long used the start and end of daylight-saving time as reminders for performing recurring safety tasks. Use the occasion of setting your clocks back as a cue to:

• Check and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Ensure they are working properly and replace the batteries. As the cold sets in and many start up their gas-fired furnaces, fireplaces, portable unit heaters, and the like for the first time, carbon monoxide poisoning risks increase dramatically during this time of year. Replace any smoke alarm unit that is older than 10 years. Replace any CO alarm unit that is older than 5 years.
• Prepare a winter emergency kit for your automobile. Such kits can be a lifesaver if you are stuck out in bad weather while driving. They can include items such as warm clothes, blankets, flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable snacks, a shovel, flares, reflective hazard triangles, jumper cables, cat litter or sand for traction, ski hat, and gloves.
• Check to see if your fire extinguishers need recharging. Check the small gauge at the top of the extinguisher. If the needle in that gauge is in the green, chances are, the extinguisher is okay. If it is in the red, you need to have the extinguisher recharged.

North Valley Hills Update

   Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930

NOVEMBER NEWS & EVENTS

The Council is your go to source for information to keep you and your family informed. Check out the events happening this fall where SCDD is the host, co-sponsor, or participant. 

November is Native American Heritage Month

Sunday, November 5 — Daylight Saving Time Ends

This month Daylight Saving Time ends, and we change from Pacific daylight time (PDT) and return to Pacific standard time (PST). Remember to fall back and move your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 5 at 2:00 a.m.



Tuesday, November 7 — Election Day California County Elections

Friday, November 10 — Veterans Day Observed** (SCDD offices are closed)

**When November 11 falls upon a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed. ​

Thursday, November 23 — Thanksgiving Day (SCDD offices are closed)

Friday, November 24 — Day After Thanksgiving (SCDD offices are closed)

Native American Heritage Month, celebrated in the United States throughout the month of November, is a time dedicated to recognizing and honoring the rich and diverse cultures, histories, contributions, and achievements of Native American, Alaska Native, and Indigenous peoples. The celebration provides an opportunity for everyone to learn more and celebrate their enduring traditions and resilience.

Times are Pacific Time unless noted otherwise.

Times, events, and hyperlinked information are subject to change.

SCDD - Self Advocates Advisory Committee (SAAC) Meeting

The Self-Advocates Advisory Committee is comprised of self-advocate members of the Council. The Committee advises the Council on policies, programs and other matters which affect self-advocates in California.

The next meeting is Monday, November 27 

Meeting details: https://scdd.ca.gov/self_advocates_advisory_committee/

SCDD — November Council Meeting

The next meeting is Tuesday, November 28 at 10:30 a.m.

Meeting details: https://scdd.ca.gov/councilmeetings/

SCDD — Statewide Self-Advocacy Chat

The Statewide Self-Advocacy Chats were started as a way to give self-advocates throughout California a safe space to connect with each other and talk about topics and issues that are important to them.

The next meeting is Wednesday, November 29 at 11:00 a.m.



Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/2023_caselfadvocacychats

Meeting ID: 876 8443 5270

Passcode: 834773

Call-in Number: 669-900-9128

SUBSCRIBE TO THE SCDD TRAININGS CALENDAR

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