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"The VMRC Newsletter"
Friday, March 3, 2023
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Message from the Executive Director
Tony Anderson
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We Need Your Opinion on Our Implicit Bias Training Program
Last July we submitted our proposal to the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to be endorsed to provide our own Implicit Bias training because the state was having difficulties securing a state contractor. Since we had already been working with Georgetown University on Cultural and Linguistic Competence and DDS invited regional centers to submit their own proposals, VMRC started to contract with the University of the Pacific (UOP) to develop our own program locally. One thing we need however, is community input on your thoughts for good regional center implicit bias program and your feedback on the topic in general. Please click on the button to take this short survey and let us know your thoughts on the our plan and on Implicit Bias, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
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Apply to be on our Board of Directors!
Valley Mountain Regional Center has 2 openings for representation from Stanislaus County to sit on our Board of Directors. If you are interested you can
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Upcoming VMRC Public Meetings
Executive Committee Meeting (Hybrid)
Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 6:30 PM
702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202
Click Here for Zoom Information
Purchase of Services (POS) Expenditures Community Meeting (Hybrid)
Wednesday, March 29, 2023, 2:00 PM
702 N. Aurora Street, Stockton, CA 95202
Click Here for Zoom Information
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Case Management Update - Adults
Christine Couch
Director of Consumer Services - Adults
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From Salvador’s Mom: “Salvador started participating in the Challengers team sports last year in 2022. He’s never played sports in his 27 years of life. Since he started his confidence & social skills have improved so much! | |
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He plays baseball, bowling, kickball & basketball. Watching these special needs adults play as a team & bonding with the parents has been one of the best experiences for me as a single parent.“
-Jennifer Correa Ramirez
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2023 Transition Fair Dates, Times, and Locations are Set! See the Flyers Here! | |
Case Management Update - Children
Tara Sisemore-Hester
Director of Consumer Services - Children
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Self Determination Orientation
Trainings
Would you like to know how Self Determination Works?
Come Learn About the Program
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Self Determination Trainings
3 CEU Units offered for vendors who pre-register
Register in advance for this webinar:
Thursday, March 16, 2023 from 1 PM-4PM via Zoom English with Spanish Translation
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_trTf_yyLTj2iCtn5dn0UNg
Friday July 7, 2023 from 9AM-12PM via Zoom English with Spanish Translation
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dHDzHcAxR26XftxhRdOqzg
Tuesday September 26, 2023 from 9AM-12PM via Zoom English with Spanish Translation
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UwYVV250TSiltd8kEiJJag
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Please contact Angelique Shear at (209) 955-3294 or ashear@vmrc.net for questions.
One session of training is mandatory if you would like to participate in Self Determination.
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Clinical Update
Dr. Claire Lazaro
Clinical Director
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Dental Training
Our Dental Coordinator, Karissa McGuffin, coordinated a hybrid dental resources training done for our Service Coordinators on March 1, 2023. We had almost 200 participants both in-person and virtual attend. Thank you to our presenters - Children’s Choice Dental, Bethel Kids Dental, Family Resource Network, Bughao and Chu Dental, and Burgos Behavioral-Dental – for sharing valuable information and resources.
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Community Services Update
Brian Bennett
Community Services Director
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The PB Network is an inclusive online community that celebrates people of all abilities through entertainment. They develop and publish web-based TV shows, digital games, stories, and more.
The PB Network was inspired by Patrick Barney, who despite his challenges, always made everyone he met smile, laugh and was always the first person to offer help.
The PB Network is a nonprofit 501c3.
https://thepbnetwork.com/
In recognition of National Disability Awareness, please share this site with others, test your trivia knowledge and most importantly HAVE SOME FUN!!!!
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Two of these CRDP proposals have been posted on the VMRC website https://www.vmrc.net/rfps/
The Specialized SLS and L4I ARF Request for Proposals will be posted no later than March 20, 2023 (DDS requires that RFPs are posted no later than 45 days from their approval-VMRC was granted approval on February 3, 2023)
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Department of Developmental Services Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) March Office Hours
The DDS EVV webpage has been updated to include upcoming March office hours focusing on ‘Verifying EVV Visits’. Office hour dates and times are located under the “Meetings” tab on the webpage and are listed below.
March 8, 2023, from 11:00am-12:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting (only available at the time/date above)
March 16, 2023, from 5:30pm-6:30pm
Join Zoom Meeting (only available at the time/date above)
March 21, 2023, from 1:00pm-2:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting (only available at the time/date above)
March 29, 2023, from 10:00pm-11:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting (only available at the time/date above)
Office Hours are a time to ask questions regarding the identified topic. Advanced registration is not required. People may join the link at any time during the call’s scheduled time to ask questions and do not need to remain on the call the whole hour.
If you have any questions, please email EVV@dds.ca.gov.
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The DEI Corner
Mark Crear, DEI Manger
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Women's History Month is a time to honor the women who have made important sacrifices and contributions to society in both the past and present.
Each year, a different theme is named for the celebration that is chosen by the National Women's History Alliance.
During the month of March, we give a little extra attention to all the amazing accomplishments of strong, determined women. Since 1987, the United States has formally recognized March as National Women’s History Month. Every woman has a story to tell and gifts to share with the world. So, get ready, because this month is about honoring magnificent ladies, and we are ready to celebrate it to the fullest. Celebrating this women’s month by supporting women chase her dreams and fulfilling her educational needs by finding her right scholarships from around the world.
Valley Mountain Regional Center celebrates ALL the amazing women staff and stakeholders that make VMRC what it is today. Thank you for your contribution.
Stay tuned for some exciting activities that will honor the Woman that make up VMRC.
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March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is observed in March in the U.S. This class of disabilities can refer to impairments in learning and behavior, such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and impairments in physical and/or intellectual functioning such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Down syndrome. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about including people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life. It also creates awareness of the difficulties that people with disabilities still face in fitting into the communities in which they live.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH
Before the 19th century, people with developmental disabilities were treated violently and lived in poor, unhygienic environments. Many were ‘passed on,’ a practice of carting off people to be dropped in another town. More awareness about developmental disabilities spread in this century both in England and in the U.S.
VMRC is an advocate and supporter for individuals with developmental Disabilities. In the month of March, we will highlight some amazing stories of these champions consumers.
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Emergency Services Update
Aaron McDonald
Emergency Services and Safety Specialist
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North Valley Hills Update
Dena Hernandez, Regional Manager (209) 473-6930
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Family Resource Network (FRN) Update
Lisa Culley, Executive Director
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As we near the end of the school year, it is a great time to review your child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to review services, accommodations and goals your child worked on. Family Resource Network can assist you by reviewing documents, answering your questions, providing before and after meeting consultations through Zoom, in person at our office in Stockton, or by phone. Call (209-472-3674) or email (FRNfamilies@frcn.org) today to schedule an appointment or speak to one of our helpful staff. | | | | |
