Dear Lanterman Community,
With the reopening of California on June 15, and the lifting of most restrictions by the State and Los Angeles County, we know you may be wondering when Regional Center activities will return to pre-pandemic practices.
Since COVID-19 rates are at the lowest levels since the start of the pandemic:
The Center, however, has not yet reopened to the public at this time. We are in the process of preparing our offices and planning for gradually and safely resuming in-person meetings, resource center visits, etc. in the coming months. These plans will be consistent with all current directives from the CDC, California Department of Public Health, Cal/OSHA, and the appropriate local departments of public health.
We have also asked our service providers to work with us in planning for resuming in-person services that are reflective of these directives as well, taking into account all individual clients’ needs, so that their clients will be safe and successful in returning to onsite activities.
We continue to encourage everyone who is not yet vaccinated to do so. Vaccinations have played a crucial role in allowing this reopening and it’s never been easier to get a vaccine locally. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, free and effective, and are now available to everyone age 12 and up.
Let’s end this pandemic. If you have not yet received your vaccine, check for available appointments and book your vaccination as soon as you can.
Please let your Service Coordinator know if there is any assistance the Center can provide as we move into the next stages of this pandemic.
We hope that you and your family remain healthy and are able to enjoy the summer months.
Kind Regards,
Melinda Sullivan
Executive Director
Enroll Before June 30 — No Doctor’s Signature Needed
There is nothing more important than your health. That’s why we created the Medical Baseline Allowance program. Specifically designed for households that rely on in-home medical equipment, this program allows you to use more electricity at our lowest rate, which can lower your overall monthly energy costs, assuming consistent electricity use.
Enroll Before June 30 — No Doctor’s Signature Needed
The COVID consumer protections which waived the need for a medical professional’s signature to apply for the Medical Baseline Allowance program expire on June 30 (a signature will be required after that date). A wide range of medical devices and equipment are eligible, so qualifying is easier than ever. Apply today and start saving!
When you depend on in-home medical equipment, outages can be even more critical. We’re here to help. Sign up for Outage Alerts and learn more about creating an Emergency Back-Up Plan.
Marc returned to SCRS-IL Employment Services Program in November 2020 after being separated from LAUSD as a Food Service Worker. After Marc was separated, he reached out to SCRS-IL for assistance in obtaining his next job.
Marc felt that if SCRS-IL Employment Services could help him find his first job, then it would make sense SCRS-IL can help him find his next opportunity. Marc returned to our Employment Services Program in November of 2020 and immediately got to work on searching for his next opportunity and learning any new skills needed.
After two months of training, Marc was offered an opportunity for a Paid Internship at Blaze Pizza in Monrovia. At first, Marc was hesitant since it was a bit further than he would have preferred. However, Marc decided to take the opportunity with the understanding that we would provide him technical assistance on site. Since Marc began his training during the Pandemic, he did encounter some hiccups at the beginning due to COVID lockdowns; however, Marc and his manager were patient with the ever changing restrictions.
After the initial month of training, the manager felt that Marc should be training directly with him and that the Blaze Pizza employees could help Marc in transitioning into the workplace. Marc was able to slowly make the transition; however, he faced yet another barrier with Access Transportation and punctuality. Marc needed assistance in learning about Friday traffic with or without a Pandemic. SCRS-IL staff worked with Marc to help him understand how tardiness can cost him his job. Soon Marc was able to arrange his trips with enough time to make it to work on time.
SCRS-IL staff also worked with Blaze Pizza Management so that Marc can have a set schedule, this minor change allowed for Marc to join the “Access to work” Program through Access Paratransit. Marc continued to do well in adapting to a restaurant setting and also learning about their peak times and down times. His adapting also included mastering the dough press, washing dishes and building pizza boxes. The Blaze Pizza Manager, Marco, did a great job with including Marc in all aspects of the job and truly making Marc feel as a member of the Blaze Pizza Team. As of May 2021, Marc joined the Blaze Pizza Team as a permanent employee!
SCRS will always be here for you, Marc – Great work!!
Cameron began the SCRS-IL Employment Services Program December of 2019 with a desire to work as a gardener. In the past, Cameron had mowed his neighbors’ lawns throughout the City of Pasadena. As Cameron began to attend SCRS’ Employment Program, he decided to learn how to take public transportation to help him become more employable.
Cameron’s biggest barrier was that he was a man of very few words, mostly responding with a few words. However, he always carried a friendly smile to offer everyone he came in contact with.
Cameron was very dedicated to his training and when he began work with the Employment Specialist he was placed rather quickly to a Paid Internship with a local church as a gardener. In this position, Cameron learned general lawn maintenance which consisted of pulling weeds, using the leaf blower and filling up the bags with trash. His Internship also consisted of maintaining the church with the help of his mentor Brother Walker. Cameron was doing amazing until the Covid-19 pandemic hit California.
Since his Internship was cut short, Cameron decided to not let this opportunity of training pass him by. He continued in person training during the shutdown. Cameron became more comfortable and began to open up to staff and his social skills began to improve. After some dedication and time, Cameron applied to an open custodian position here at SCRS-IL.
The Program Director and Manager were able to interview Cameron so he can showcase his new skills. Cameron was able to get through his interview and as of May 3, 2021, Cameron has been working with SCRS Monday through Friday! Cameron has been doing an exceptional job and SCRS-IL staff has noticed a huge difference in Cameron’s personality and his skills have made a great difference in keeping the office sanitized and presentable!
WELCOME ABOARD CAMERON!!
Sean C. began attending the SCRS-IL Employment Services Program on November 6, 2020. Previously, Sean was employed by the Glendale Community College Book Store. However, when the Covid-19 Pandemic impacted California, all colleges began remote education and Sean was left unemployed as a result.
Sean stated that he needed assistance in seeking stable employment after his “on call” status at Glendale College and no work availability. He began working with SCRS-IL employment services staff in areas such as enhancing his resume, improving his interview skills, and job searching.
During Sean’s introductory assessment, he expressed his difficulty with time management, which is essential in retaining employment. Due to this need, the employment services team was able to work with Sean and provide him with time management and workplace etiquette trainings. Sean was able to learn the importance of time management and workplace Etiquette. Soon after, Sean began his job searching and was able to obtain employment working at Dodger Stadium as a Stadium Sanitation Associate, per diem. Shortly after accepting this position, he was asked if he was interested in working for FedEx Ground as a package handler in the city of Arcadia. Sean stated that he was definitely interested in making the move and SCRS-IL staff was able to work with Sean complete his application, assessment and new hire forms.
Sean was required to participate in a two-part orientation on May 6 and May 7 which would finalize his onboarding process. Sean is really happy about his new employment opportunity working for one of the largest delivery express transportation companies in the United States.
Way to go Sean!!
After a year like no other, we wanted to give every client and family served by Lanterman Regional Center an opportunity to provide the Center with feedback on how we’re doing and how things are going.
We invited the 11,000 clients and families we serve to participate in a mail-in survey sent out in their primary language to evaluate our performance and processes, and received an above average response, hearing back from 20 percent or more of you in each of the four languages – English, Spanish, Korean or Chinese.
So, what did you have to say?
Overall, 93% of clients and families reported that they were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the services and support that Lanterman provides. And then we broke it down into 10 different aspects of service and support for which responses were given along a 5-point scale:
We asked survey recipients questions in the following 10 areas and we’re sharing the percentage satisfied/extremely satisfied:
In 9 out of the 10 areas, 90 percent or more were satisfied or extremely satisfied. Our lowest mark at 87 percent satisfied/extremely satisfied was how easy, or perhaps not easy, we are to reach by telephone. Overall percent satisfaction by ethnicity was also over 90% among 7 self-identified ethnicities.
While there is a small percentage that is unsure, dissatisfied or extremely dissatisfied, in each of these areas, overall it was reaffirming after this extraordinary year to hear back from our community that we’re mostly meeting or exceeding your expectations. Also, respondents who had expressed a question or concern in their survey response, and chose to provide contact information, received a follow-up phone call.
The takeaway is there is always room for improvement. And your feedback will help us deliver an ever-better experience with the regional center to our clients and families.
Are you worried because you received the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine recently? Are you concerned because you do not have access to health care or a primary care physician you can consult with about your health and the COVID-19 vaccine? Are you not sure who to call to get medical advice and are concerned you may be experiencing side effects of the J&J vaccine, or may have symptoms/side effects that are concerning with any of the other vaccines?
Please know that the majority of people who received the J&J vaccine should be fine, you don’t need to see a doctor right away just because you recently received the vaccine, you just need to know what to watch for and report (symptoms and time frame specified below). It's important not to worry or panic as anxiety and fear can cause you to feel "symptomatic."
There are resources available to help with both medical and mental health concerns in case you need someone to talk to about you concerns, or develop unexpected or adverse side effects. LA County Public Health directs people to 2-1-1 (if you don’t have a health care provider). If you have Medi-Cal or Medicare, call your health plan or primary care physician if you have concerns. If you are having a medical emergency, do not wait, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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Lo que necesita saber sobre la pausa de la vacuna Johnson & Johnson
¿Está preocupado porque recibió la vacuna Johnson & Johnson (J&J) recientemente? ¿Está preocupado porque no tiene acceso a atención médica o un médico de atención primaria con quien pueda consultar sobre su salud y la vacuna COVID-19? ¿No está seguro de a quién llamar para obtener asesoramiento médico y le preocupa que pueda estar experimentando efectos secundarios de la vacuna J&J, o que pueda tener síntomas / efectos secundarios preocupantes con cualquiera de las otras vacunas?
Tenga en cuenta que la mayoría de las personas que recibieron la vacuna J&J deberían estar bien, no necesita ver a un médico de inmediato solo porque recibió la vacuna recientemente, solo necesita saber qué observar e informar (los síntomas y el período de tiempo para monitorear se explicará a continuación). Es importante no preocuparse o entrar en pánico, ya que la ansiedad y el miedo pueden provocar que usted se sienta mal o creer que siente síntomas.
Hay recursos disponibles para ayudar con problemas médicos y de salud mental en caso de que necesite hablar con alguien sobre sus inquietudes o si desarrolla algún efecto secundario precupante o inesperado. El Departmento de Salud Pública del Condado de Los Ángeles dirige a las personas que llamen al 2-1-1 (si no tiene un proveedor de atención médica). Si tiene Medi-Cal o Medicare, puede llamar a su plan de salud o llamar a su médico personal si tiene inquietudes. Y por supuesto, si tiene una emergencia médica no espere, llame al 9-1-1 o vaya a sala de emergencia más cercana.
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More Details are Available from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
View the press release: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubhpdetail.cfm?prid=3070
View the FAQ handout: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/coronavirus/docs/vaccine/FAQ_JohnsonAndJohnsonPause.pdf
On 4/13/21, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended a temporary pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine because 6 cases of a severe type of blood clot have been reported in people who received the vaccine in the US. The blood clot is called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). The 6 cases were in women ages 18 to 48 and their symptoms started 6 to 13 days after they received the vaccine. These side effects are very rare. There have been almost 7 million doses nationally of the J&J vaccine administered in the U.S. and only 6 reported cases. The pause is being recommended out of an abundance of caution while the FDA and CDC complete their review of the cases. This is expected to take several days.
Key points for patients who got the J&J vaccine:
General vaccine info:
How should I report a side-effects from the vaccine? If you experience side effects after any vaccine, please report them to the FDA/CDC Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The VAERS toll-free number is 1.800.822.7967 or report online to https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html.
Here is the statement from the FDA: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/joint-cdc-and-fda-statement-johnson-johnson-covid-19-vaccine
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Más detalles están disponibles del Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Los Ángeles
Ver el comunicado de prensa: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubhpdetail.cfm?prid=3071
En 4/13/21, la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA) y los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) recomendaron una pausa temporal en el uso de la vacuna Johnson & Johnson (J&J) porque 6 casos de un tipo grave de coágulos de sangre se han informado en personas que recibieron la vacuna en los EE. UU. El coágulo de sangre se llama trombosis del seno venoso cerebral (CVST). Los 6 casos ocurrieron en mujeres de 18 a 48 años y sus síntomas comenzaron de 6 a 13 días después de recibir la vacuna. Estos efectos secundarios son muy raros. Ha habido casi 7 millones de dosis a nivel nacional de la vacuna J&J administradas en los EE. UU. y solo se han reportado 6 casos. Se recomienda la pausa por precaución mientras la FDA y los CDC completan su revisión de los casos. Se espera que esto lleve varios días.
Puntos importantes para los pacientes que recibieron la vacuna J&J:
Información general de la vacuna:
¿Cómo debo informar los efectos secundarios de la vacuna? Si experimenta efectos secundarios después de cualquier vacuna, infórmelo al sistema de notificación de eventos adversos de vacunas (VAERS) de la FDA / CDC. El número gratuito de VAERS es 1.800.822.7967 o informe en línea a https://vaers.hhs.gov/reporteventspan.html.
Aquí está la declaración de la FDA: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/declaracion-conjunta-de-los-cdc-y-la-fda-sobre-la-vacuna-contra-el-covid-19-de-johnson-johnson
As of April 15, COVID-19 vaccine eligibility will be expanded to include individuals aged 16-64. Please have families/clients who are Pasadena residents fill out the Pasadena Vaccination Inquiry Form for People with Severe Health Conditions to receive notification when vaccine appointments become available through the City of Pasadena. For assistance with completing the form, please contact the Pasadena Citizen Service Center at 626.744.7311.
At this time, the City is waiting for vaccine supply from the State and will offer appointments once vaccine is available. We encourage you to continue to check with other vaccine providers because they may have appointments available before the City of Pasadena. More information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including a list of other providers is available on the City’s COVID-19 Vaccine webpage.
Pasadena's plan for the distribution and administration of a COVID-19 vaccine follows the guidelines and requirements of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Where can I get the vaccine?
Pasadena residents should contact their healthcare provider or local pharmacy for vaccine availability.
California Department of Public Health My Turn: https://myturn.ca.gov
For more information on vaccine availability at local pharmacies, visit:
Rite Aid: https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/covid-qualifier
Vons: https://www.vons.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html
Pavilions: https://www.pavilions.com/pharmacy/covid-19.html
Ralphs: https://www.ralphs.com/rx/covid-eligibility
CVS: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine
Walgreens: https://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/covid-vaccine.jsp
To view more information on COVID-19 vaccination locations by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/covidvaccinedistribution/.
Vaccines may be available at Kaiser Permanente locations for members and non-members. To view appointments and determine if you are eligible, visit https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/coronavirus-information/covid-vaccine/vaccination-eligibility.
For those without access to a computer or the internet, or with disabilities, the call center is available to help schedule appointments.
Pasadena Citizen Service Center 626.744.7311: open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Los Angeles County 833.540.0473: open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
California COVID-19 Hotline 833.422.4255: open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
LAUSD Student Health and Human Services has a Student and Family Wellness Hotline that can be reached at 213.241.3840 on school days Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Caregivers, parents and staff can call for consultation, support and referrals:
Learn more at https://achieve.lausd.net/shhs.
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Servicios Humanos y de Salud Estudiantil del LAUSD tiene una Línea Directa de Bienestar Estudiantes y Familias a la que se puede llamar al 213.241.3840 los días escolares de lunes a viernes, de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m.
Los cuidadores, los padres y el personal pueden llamar para consultas, apoyo y referencias:
Obtenga más información en https://achieve.lausd.net/shhs.
Meet Rachelle C., The Campbell Center's (TCC) Art Academy Instructor. Rachelle has gone through such a tremendous journey with TCC from graduating college to becoming an art teacher at several nonprofits and schools.
One of the most important things for Rachelle is not to be defined by her disability and to be treated like everyone else. Rachelle's story is an important one because it reinforces the idea that every individual with a disability is exactly that: an individual. We must treat each individual with the respect and dignity they deserve.
From ARCA - Association of Regional Center Agencies: Reflecting on a Year in the Pandemic: One Year of COVID, in Under Three Minutes
It's been just over a year since California's shelter-in-place order started. Regional centers have transitioned to new ways of working to meet the new - and continuing - needs of the people and families they serve.
It hasn't been easy, and we're not through it yet. But we still want to salute the regional center staff who remain committed to over 350,000 Californians with developmental disabilities.
Your regional center is committed to supporting you and your loved ones during this challenging time. Support in the pandemic is not just new forms of service - it's distributions of critical personal protective equipment, school supplies, food, diapers, and finally, vaccines.
This work was made possible through community partnerships, both those that have formed in response to the pandemic, such as with pharmacies, and those that have strengthened in the past year, such as with local public health departments and the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities.
In this three-minute video, ARCA salutes and honors the diverse ways regional centers and community partners have come together in a renewed focus on the needs of those we are all committed to serving!
Help is just a phone call away! Call the Early Start BabyLine
800-515-BABY (800-515-2229)
(Disponible en español)
The California Department of Developmental Services and the Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Intervention have free information for parents and professionals so they can learn more about early intervention and learn how to get the BEST help for our babies and toddlers.
How your baby or toddler plays, learns, talks, acts and moves give important clues as to how they are developing. If you have any questions or concerns about whether your baby or toddler’s development is on track, call 1-800-515-BABY to get connected with free resources near you.
If your child is already receiving Early Start services, congratulations! They are on their way to a better future, and your support is making it possible. It's important to remember you're not alone. Other parents just like you can be a great resource. Your fellow parents can offer the support that only someone who's been where you are can provide.
That's why your regional center partners with "Family Resource Centers." These centers are operated by parents and family members, and are meant to provide peer support, guidance, and information to help you focus on being the best parent possible for your child. Once you've connected with your regional center, think about reaching out to the local Family Resource Center, too!
Developed by Children's Hospital Los Angeles' (CHLA) Early Childhood Interdisciplinary Assessment Clinic team, this 2-page handout features tips for parents, teachers, and early interventionists on virtual learning for young children. It includes tips for setting the stage, and what to do both during and after learning sessions.
Throughout the past year, referrals to the Early Start program have declined, and it's not because there are not as many children who need services. The pandemic, as with so many aspects of life, has affected the many avenues through which children who may be in need of Early Start services are referred to the program. So one year into this, there is an active effort to reach parents and early childhood caregivers to increase awareness of how to get help and access available resources. So check out Lanterman's PSA in the most recent edition of LA Parent online and in-print that was distributed to over 150,000 readers.
The first three years of every child’s life are critical. How your baby or toddler plays, learns, talks, acts and moves give important clues as to how they are developing. If you have any questions or concerns about whether your baby or toddler’s development is on track, call 1-800-515-BABY to get connected with free resources near you.
The California Department of Developmental Services and the Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Intervention have free information for parents and professionals so they can learn more about early intervention and learn how to get the BEST help for their babies and toddlers.
State Health and Human Services Leaders Issue Joint Statement on Federal Public Charge Changes
SACRAMENTO – California’s health and human services leaders today issued the following joint statement on the Biden Administration’s announcement that it will no longer enforce the 2019 public charge final rule.
Joint statement from California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly; California Department of Social Services Director Kim Johnson; California Department of Public Health Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás Aragón; and California Department of Health Care Services Director Will Lightbourne:
“Immigrants and their loved ones across California can seek and accept medical care, food assistance and public housing without fear or confusion, thanks to changes in federal policy. They won’t be forced to choose between getting help for basic needs and their ability to stay with their families in the United States.
To immigrant families in California, we want you to know that California fought to end this shameful policy and you should continue to use available public services that help you and your family thrive and be healthy. Remember that medical testing, treatment and preventative services for COVID-19, including vaccines, will not be considered for public charge purposes. If you have questions, you can find a list of nonprofit organizations providing legal immigration services on the California Department of Social Services website here: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/immigrationcontractors.
To providers across California administering health and social services programs, thank you! We are grateful for all you do to ensure that everyone has access to basic services. Your efforts further our collective work to build a healthy, vibrant, and inclusive California for All.”
Click here for more information on federal changes to the public charge rule: https://www.chhs.ca.gov/blog/2021/03/15/alert-important-change-to-public-charge-rule/
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The following statement is from Jacey Cooper, State Medicaid Director and DHCS Chief Deputy Director for Health Care Programs:
“We welcome the federal decision to stop treating Medi-Cal as a public charge. Diseases, including deadly pandemics like COVID-19, ignore borders and legal distinctions between people, so it’s in everyone’s best interest that all individuals get the care they need.”
PLEASE READ THIS VACCINE UPDATE
Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Become Eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine tomorrow, Monday, March 15.
Read our latest bulletin for more information, including sites where you can try and schedule a vaccine appointment: https://mailchi.mp/lanterman/lanterman-e-bulletin-vaccine-eligibility-update-access-services-second-community-meeting-plus-upcoming-trainings-workshops-1461410
Please note that while you may qualify for a vaccine, vaccines are in short supply and it may take some time and multiple attempts to schedule an appointment.
California's 21 regional centers, represented by ARCA, are supporting a number of Budget proposals to help our community.
For one of them, ARCA is partnering with Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Together, they're pushing for new money to hire enough service coordinators to meet both your needs and the promises of the Lanterman Act.
Having too few service coordinators harms service delivery and people served, especially diverse communities. The pandemic drove that point home, with new crises overstretching staff resources. Budgeted costs for service coordinators, unchanged for two decades, have dropped from 285% to 117% of minimum wage. This has led to a shortfall of 850 service coordinators as of March 2020.
Fortunately, Assemblymember Jim Frazier, from the East Bay, has once again risen to the challenge of fighting for our community. He will be formally requesting California provide up to $55 million to fix this. Asm. Frazier has a long history of championing the needs of people with developmental disabilities. So it's no surprise he'd see how important it is to provide excellent service coordination!
ARCA, SEIU, and Assemblymember Jim Frazier are working hard to fix this. ARCA's Budget advocacy goes beyond just service coordination. ARCA's full Budget position (https://arcanet.org/pdfs/202122budgetletter.pdf) covers a wide range of needs, including:
Beginning February 22, 2021, if you have an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination, Access riders can book next-day trips to their COVID-19 vaccination appointments at approved drive-thru vaccination sites.
Call 626.532.1616, select your preferred language, and then select option 2 to make a reservation. Reservations can be made daily between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Make sure you have an appointment to be vaccinated before booking a drive-thru trip. Visit VaccinateLACounty.com for more information about when and where you can be vaccinated. Access riders without computer access can also call 833.540.0473 to make a vaccination appointment. Drive-thru vaccination trips should only be booked to an approved location and are limited to pick-up locations within 20 miles of the vaccination site. Click here to see a list of approved drive-thru locations. Regular fare applies for vaccination trips.
If you book an Access trip to a drive-thru vaccination, you will not need to get out of the vehicle to get your vaccination. The same vehicle and driver will be with you for the entire trip, and enough time will be built into the schedule for the post-vaccination observation period. After the observation period, the same driver will complete the return trip.
For more information on Access’ COVID response, click here.
It should be noted that availability of vaccines remains a global challenge, so while this step does provide our community with a better position for access, supplies remain the major limiting factor. Following are some of the steps and actions that have been taken to facilitate vaccination, but vaccine demand continues to outpace vaccine supply.
Our best advice is to check back on the websites or call centers mentioned below several times a day, because new slots are made available if there are cancellations or if more vaccine is scheduled to arrive.
Following is new information compiled from the last several days, but there is still a lot that we don't know. As we get more details and info we will share that, however, we encourage you, if you haven't already to read the following past bulletins we have sent out to stay informed:
5 Point Plan for Vaccination Equity
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released a five-point “equity plan” noting efforts the state is pursuing to ensure equity in communities including people with disabilities.
Click here to read the plan
DDS Directive About Helping Clients 65 and Older and Their Families Access COVID-19 Vaccines
On February 12, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) issued a Directive to regional centers about helping clients 65 and older and their families access COVID-19 vaccines. Regional centers will be contacting people age 65 and older to determine their vaccination status and assist them in obtaining vaccination when needed.
Click here to read the Directive
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) has websites that tell you who is eligible at this time to receive the vaccine and will let you know when you are eligible to receive the vaccine. Click here and here to see these websites.
You can also sign up for a newsletter to receive updates about the vaccine. Sign up for this newsletter
If you want to register to be contacted when it is your turn to receive the vaccine, you can register at myturn.ca.gov.
Getting Vaccinated at Your Local Pharmacy or Health Care Provider
Local pharmacies recently began COVID-19 vaccine programs after receiving vaccine directly from the federal government. See the links below for more information.
You can also contact your health care plan to see if they are offering vaccinations. Some are, including Kaiser.
Getting Vaccinated at CSULA
The state of California is proud to partner with the Biden-Harris Administration to open COVID-19 community vaccination clinics, including one at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA)
(5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, 90032)
Beginning on Tuesday, this site will be able to administer up to 6,000 vaccines a day. The mass vaccination site will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Staff will be at the site to direct traffic and assist with questions and translation. The focus of this vaccination site is to provide equitable access to safe, life-saving vaccines to California communities that have been heavily impacted by COVID-19.
The State Council on Developmental Disabilities has informed us today that the State is putting aside a block of appointments to ensure access and equity for black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and *people with developmental and other disabilities. (currently those age 65 and older or in long term care). These appointments will be accessible by a specific access code. This code will change periodically based on demand. We anticipate in the coming days that we may receive the access code about 24 hours before new appointments can be made. We will be disseminating this code via e-mail once we receive it. Click here to sign up to receive our e-mail newsletter for the latest vaccine access info
Beginning yesterday, eligible community members will be able to access vaccination appointment openings at CSULA by:
Thanks to all the self-advocates, family advocates and community members who urged making people with developmental and other disabilities a vaccine priority, your voices were heard.
Last week, the California Department of Public Health announced that beginning March 15, healthcare providers may use their clinical judgement to vaccinate individuals age 16-64 who are deemed to be at the very highest risk for morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 as a direct result of one or more of the following severe health conditions:
OR
If as a result of a developmental or other severe high-risk disability, one or more of the following applies:
At a press conference on February 8, Governor Newsom acknowledged that Californians with developmental disabilities have not received enough vaccines.
He said, “We’ve got to take care of the most vulnerable. And people in the developmentally disabled community, with all the unique challenges and opportunities that present them in their lives, these vaccines need to be prioritized. And I’m committing to doing that.”
Actualización de Salud Pública que Aclara la Elegibilidad de las Vacunas para los Cuidadores Familiares
We're sharing the CDPH and LACDPH clarification on the eligibility of family member caregivers of regional center clients and required documentation. / Compartimos la aclaración de CDPH y LACDPH sobre la elegibilidad de los cuidadores familiares de los clientes del centro regional y la documentación requerida.
On the evening of February 4, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) posted an update on their website clarifying that certain family member caregivers of regional center clients are eligible as healthcare providers for Phase 1A, consistent with the January 13, 2021 letter from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) (https://lanterman.orghttps://lanterman.org/uploads/miscellaneous/COVID-19_Vaccine_Phase_1A_Letter_for_Family_Members.pdf).
This post can be found here, and the relevant paragraph is a short way down the page and also copied below: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/VaccineAllocationGuidelines.aspx
“Are family member caregivers of regional center [clients] eligible as healthcare providers for Phase 1A?”
“Yes, family member caregivers with direct risk of COVID-19 exposure who care for regional center [clients] at high risk of COVID-19 complications and related fatalities including the following conditions:
are eligible. This does not include other family members within the same household who do not provide direct care to the regional center [client]. Eligible family members must obtain documentation from their regional centers, verifying the qualifying condition of the family member cared for and caregiver status.”
Consistent with this, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) is now directing its staff operating the vaccination clinics that family member caregivers are considered healthcare workers if they can present a letter from their Regional Center with the caregiver’s name(s) and the qualifying condition of the individual served by the Regional Center.
LACDPH has updated their guidance for what to bring to your scheduled vaccine appointment:
Please note:
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En la noche del 4 de febrero, el Departamento de Salud Pública de California (CDPH) publicó una actualización en su sitio web en la que se aclaraba que ciertos cuidadores familiares de clientes del centro regional son elegibles como proveedores de servicios de salud para la Fase 1A, de acuerdo con la carta del 13 de enero de 2021 del Departamento de Servicios del Desarrollo (DDS) (https://lanterman.orghttps://lanterman.org/uploads/miscellaneous/COVID-19_Vaccine_Phase_1A_Letter_for_Family_Members.pdf).
Esta publicación se puede encontrar aquí, y el párrafo relevante está un poco más abajo en la página y también se copia a continuación: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/VaccineAllocationGuidelines.aspx
“¿Son elegibles los familiares que cuidan a los [clientes] del centro regional como proveedores de servicios de salud para la Fase 1A?”
“Sí, cuidadores familiares con riesgo directo de exposición al COVID-19 que atienden a [clientes] del centro regional con alto riesgo de complicaciones del COVID-19 y muertes relacionadas, incluidas las siguientes condiciones:
son elegibles. Esto no incluye a otros miembros de la familia dentro del mismo hogar que no brindan atención directa al [cliente] del centro regional. Los miembros de la familia elegibles deben obtener documentación de sus centros regionales, verificando la condición de elegibilidad del miembro de la familia cuidado y el estado del cuidador."
De acuerdo con esto, el Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Los Ángeles (LACDPH) ahora está indicando a su personal que opera las clínicas de vacunación que los cuidadores familiares se consideren trabajadores de la salud si pueden presentar una carta de su Centro Regional con el nombre(s) del cuidador(es) y la condición de calificación de la persona atendida por el Centro Regional.
LACDPH ha actualizado su guía sobre qué llevar a su cita programada para vacunas:
Tenga en cuenta:
We are resharing this message from the Association of Regional Center Agencies: "People with Developmental Disabilities Need Vaccine Priority - Act Now!"
California's continuing to get vaccines distributed, based on a special set of priority "phases." It started with "Phase 1A," which included health care workers and first responders.
But people with developmental disabilities weren't part of that group. Even though they are often at extra risk because of their disability (or disabilities), the State still hasn't moved our community up the list.
YOU can help change this! We need to let Governor Newsom know that people with disabilities should be put in the very next group, "Phase 1B." When you do:
A sample letter is also provided, which you can copy and paste in your email. But personalizing your message is always better!
To contact Governor Newsom, use the official online contact form. Choose "COVID-19" as your subject in the drop-down box on that page.
SAMPLE LETTER
Honorable Governor Newsom,
Many people with developmental disabilities are at extra risk from COVID because of their disability. For instance, COVID can be 10 times more deadly for people with Down Syndrome. Because of this risk, it is critical that vaccines be prioritized for this community.
Currently, the state has prioritized people who live in institutional settings to get the vaccine. But most people with developmental disabilities live in the community, not institutional settings. This is both personal choice and a state goal. They get special services that make this possible. The biggest difference between these two groups is where they live. Their health risk factors are the same, and it is important that people with similar needs get similar treatment.
To make it clear that people with developmental disabilities should be prioritized for vaccines, I support a new definition being added to the vaccine priority list: “people with disabilities who receive services that allow them to stay out of institutional settings.” This matches with a federal definition of “Home and Community-Based Services.” It will make it easy to ensure that this at-risk population can get the protection they need.
Thank you for considering our community in Phase 1B of the COVID vaccine.
Sincerely,
_______
ARCA and the regional centers are working with community partners to help get our community prioritized for vaccinations. Yesterday, we co-sponsored a town hall webinar with Disability Voices United, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Disability Rights California.
Did you miss it? The town hall is archived on Facebook for you to watch!
We're sharing reports from family members regarding accepted documentation, plus getting an appointment, including tips.
Reports from Family Members Regarding Regional Center Documentation
Last week, we, and several other regional centers, developed a letter in response to family requests for a letter from their regional center. You may recall that the letter on regional center letterhead allowed you to insert the name of the individual family member/caregiver.
Please do not use the letter on regional center letterhead as documentation for your vaccination appointment. Late last Friday, we were told that the Department of Public Health would not accept this letter.
Please continue to use the following for your vaccination appointments. Some locations look carefully at this documentation, and some do not:
We are in communication with the Department of Public Health regarding some cases of families that were not allowed to proceed with vaccination due to misunderstanding by some LA County staff regarding eligibility of family member caregivers. The Department of Developmental Services and the LA County Department of Public Health are now aware of this issue and are trying to resolve it as soon as possible.
Regional centers do not have control over the distribution of vaccines, but we continue to stay in close communication with our local and state public health departments. We want to provide you with the most timely information we receive from the County and the State.
As this time, our clients with developmental disabilities themselves are not in an eligible tier to receive the vaccine, unless they are age 65 or older, or work in a healthcare worker category. We continue to work with our statewide agency and other advocates to add them to currently eligible categories.
How Can We Get an Appointment?? All the Slots are Taken!!
Unfortunately, everyone who is in one of the currently expanded eligible categories, (including Lanterman family members, service providers and staff), is experiencing challenges in finding available appointments right now due to the recent expansions of eligible persons. We are very pleased to hear from some of you that you have successfully obtained your first dose.
Here are some tips that have been offered
From the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health: "Vaccine supply is still extremely limited. While we are continuing to work with our state partners to improve the functionality of the website, we ask for the public’s patience as we build capacity and supply. We may add additional appointments later this week and additional slots may open if people cancel their appointments. We're increasing capacity in our call center, starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, to assist those without computer access. Residents can call 833.540.0473 between 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., 7 days a week."
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) has websites that tell you who is eligible at this time to receive the vaccine and will let you know when you are eligible to receive the vaccine. Click here and here to see these websites.
You can also sign up for a newsletter to receive updates about the vaccine. Sign up for this newsletter
If you want to register to be contacted when it is your turn to receive the vaccine, you can register at myturn.ca.gov.
This guide is easy to ready and explains the following:
The Department of Developmental Services released a COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions document that provides general information about the COVID-19 vaccine, including info about the two vaccines themselves, their safety, and how vaccination rollout will take place. This will be updated as additional information becomes available.
The Department of Developmental Services has issued the following letters indicating that family members of people with developmental disabilities, regional center direct service providers, and regional center employees are considered "health care workers" pursuant to the State of California's Vaccination Plan, and are thus prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination within Phase 1A.
They will be translated and posted on the Department’s website at: https://www.dds.ca.gov/corona-virus-information-and-resources/vaccine-testing/
Individuals in these healthcare worker categories in LA County can sign up for appointments by clicking here. Locations for vaccinations are also increasing.
We are aware that as of yesterday individuals over age 65 have also been made eligible. The LA County website should be edited to indicate that shortly (keep checking back and refreshing to watch for that).
Advocates are still working hard to expand the vaccination priority to individuals with disabilities/underlying health conditions as soon as possible.
Also, we reported on January 8 via e-mail bulletin (click here to read):
The Second Tier includes individuals who are IHSS providers. If you are a provider you can click on the link above and follow the steps to get an appointment for the COVID vaccine. Tier 3 includes speech therapists, physical therapists and occupational therapists.
Please note that the Regional Center does not have any direct influence over your access and ability to secure an appointment for the vaccine. You are encouraged to be persistent, in your efforts to get an appointment, and keep checking the website above for additional tiers to be added. LA County Public Health Department will continue to open up additional appointments in the days and weeks to come.
Anyone who is CURRENTLY registered as an IHSS provider in LA County may now sign up to be vaccinated. Signups are online and are first come, first served.
Lanterman Regional Center has been informed that the COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization and Allocation schedule established by the Public Health Department is currently in the Phase 1A Tier 1 and part of Tier 2.
The Second Tier includes individuals who are CURRENTLY registered as In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers, which includes parents and family members who are currently registered providers.
If you are a provider click on the link below and follow the steps to get an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine:
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/vaccine/HCWSignup/
Please note that Lanterman Regional Center does not have any direct influence over your access and ability to secure an appointment for the vaccine. You are encouraged to be persistent in your efforts to get an appointment, and keep checking the website above for additional tiers to be added. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will continue to open up additional appointments in the days and weeks to come.
Click here to learn more about the Los Angeles County Vaccine Distribution Phases
Following is information from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on the current vaccination scheduling for health care workers. Healthcare workers at high and medium risk who work in these settings can make an appointment to be vaccinated now:
Click here to learn more about vaccinations for health care workers
Note:
As we learn new information we will share it on our social media and in our e-bulletin. If you're not signed up to receive our e-mail newsletter directly, you can do so here: https://lanterman.org/subscribe and also like and follow us on Facebook for the latest updates here: https://www.facebook.com/lantermanregionalcenter.
We just wanted to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to our 2020 Holidays Are For Sharing (HAFS) campaign. Your generous contributions replenished our Help Fund and will allow us to continue to support those members of our community most in need in 2021.
Since April 2020, we have provided food boxes, food cards, and PPE to 1,600 clients and their families, totaling more than $50,000. And we know that food insecurity will continue to be an issue affecting our community for some time, so while our holiday fundraising campaign has ended, it is by no means too late to contribute.
Thank you again for your support, it's truly making a difference!
Mensaje del Directora Ejecutiva Sobre la Vacunación Contra COVID-19
Please read the following update with regards to the inquiries we have been receiving about COVID-19 vaccine distribution. / Lea la siguiente actualización con respecto a las consultas que hemos estado recibiendo sobre la distribución de la vacuna COVID-19.
Dear Lanterman Community,
We are receiving inquiries as to COVID-19 vaccination distribution. As we know, the vaccine is being administered first to frontline workers, such as health care workers in hospitals and clinics and to high-risk settings like skilled nursing facilities, under Phase 1A, Tier 1.
The Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA) and local regional centers have advocated for the inclusion of all direct support professionals, caregivers and the people we serve to be prioritized in the distribution of the vaccine under Phase 1A, Tier 2. While the California Department of Public Health has not yet released any guidance, Lanterman Regional Center has been in contact with its local health departments, (the City of Pasadena and Los Angeles County).
It is our understanding that there is limited vaccine availability at this time and that distribution is being focused on the healthcare professionals and long-term care skilled nursing facilities. When we have additional information, we will disseminate it as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, please continue to follow CDC guidance, including the wearing of face masks, limiting your interactions with others to your immediate household and frequent handwashing. Please stay safe.
Melinda Sullivan
Executive Director
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Estimada comunidad de Lanterman,
Estamos recibiendo preguntas sobre la distribución de la vacuna COVID-19. Como sabemos, la vacuna se administra primero a los trabajadores de primera línea, como los trabajadores de la salud en hospitales y clínicas, y a lugares de alto riesgo como centros de enfermería especializada, en la Fase 1A, Nivel 1.
La Asociación de Agencias de Centros Regionales (ARCA) y locales centros regionales han abogado por la inclusión de todos los profesionales de apoyo directo, los cuidadores y las personas a las que servimos para que tengan prioridad en la distribución de la vacuna en la Fase 1A, Nivel 2. El Departamento de Salud Pública de California aún no ha publicado ninguna guía, el Centro Regional Lanterman ha estado en contacto con sus departamentos de salud locales (la ciudad de Pasadena y el condado de Los Ángeles).
Tenemos entendido que hay una disponibilidad limitada de vacunas en este momento y que la distribución se está centrando en los profesionales de la salud y los centros de enfermería especializada de atención a largo plazo. Cuando tengamos información adicional, la divulgaremos lo más rápido posible.
Mientras tanto, continúe siguiendo las guia del CDC, incluido el uso de máscaras faciales, la limitación de sus interacciones con los demás a su hogar inmediato y el lavado de manos frecuente. Por favor mantengase seguro.
Melinda Sullivan
Directora Ejecutiva
We are resharing this message from the Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA): "An Early Start is the Best Start"
For infants and toddlers, those first few years are critical for their development. Those who are at risk of a developmental disability, as well as children showing signs of developmental delays, have an amazing opportunity for life-changing interventions through a program called "Early Start."
This program, with services coordinated by regional centers, can change an infant's developmental arc. With tailored therapies, professional guidance, and the work of parents/caregivers, infants and toddlers can see changes that yield a lifetime of benefits
Even with pandemic restrictions, your local regional center is still working to ensure your child has the right services to meet their needs. If you are concerned your child doesn't seem to be at the same place as kids their age, start with a call today!
If your child is already receiving Early Start services, congratulations! They are on their way to a better future, and your support is making it possible. It's important to remember you're not alone. Other parents just like you can be a great resource. Your fellow parents can offer the support that only someone who's been where you are can provide.
That's why your regional center partners with a "Family Resource Center." These centers are operated by parents and family members, and are meant to provide peer support, guidance, and information to help you focus on being the best parent possible for your child. Once you've connected with your regional center, think about reaching out to the local Family Resource Center, too!
Help is just a phone call away!
Call the Early Start BabyLine
(Disponible en español)
800-515-BABY
(800-515-2229)
Researchers from Santa Clara University are looking to hear from parents and families that care for a child with a developmental disability.
A missing element in their advocacy work is that of parents' voices. They are holding 60-70 minute open conversations about access to available state resources, concerns in regards to COVID-19, and anything else you would like to share as a parent/caregiver to a child with a developmental disability.
They are offering $20 gift cards to those who participate in these focus groups. Please be assured the conversation will be kept confidential and information collected will be anonymized.
If you are interested in joining them, please fill out this form (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YCQDBWJ) so they can figure out what times work best. Feel free to e-mail Giannina Ong if you have any questions at gong@alumni.scu.edu.
Bet Tzedek Legal Services has expanded their Employment Rights Project (ERP) - free services to assist workers with Unemployment Insurance claims and other pandemic-related issues.
Bet Tzedek recognizes that as the pandemic goes on, many Angelenos are struggling with unemployment, economic insecurity, and UI benefits. They are currently working with advocates throughout the state to improve EDD systems, and seeking to identify and serve individuals who need assistance with UI appeals.
To help the residents of Los Angeles County, they are hosting a virtual clinic on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. The ERP Clinic can assist with the following matters:
Interested participants may sign up for the clinic by contacting Bet Tzedek at 323.939.0506, x. 415 and leaving a voicemail. There is no cost to participate in the ERP clinic. Bet Tzedek provides free legal services to low-income residents of Los Angeles County, regardless of immigration status or religion.
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has published information in several languages about COVID-19 and Flu Season for service providers. These bulletins provide information on how to slow the spread, how to protect yourself and the people you serve, as well as testing information, the importance of mental health and other available resources.
We're sharing the message/letter from the Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA) with regards to COVID-19 vaccination:
People with developmental disabilities have been disproportionately harmed by COVID-19. Loss of access to services because of stay-at-home requirements, disruptions to daily life, and increased health risks have all harmed our community. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and family members - whose work is critical to supporting people with developmental disabilities - also experience these challenges, and more.
While your regional center and service providers continue to work to meet your needs in this temporary state of affairs, ARCA and the regional centers strongly support returning to normal as quickly as health and safety allows.
COVID-19 vaccines are coming soon. But initially, supplies will be limited. Given the impact on our community, ARCA and the regional centers are urging the state to prioritize people with developmental disabilities and the DSPs and family members who care for them.
The facts are clear. The impact is real. And your regional center knows this. ARCA, in our role representing all 21 of California's community-based regional centers, will continue to strongly advocate for the needs of the people our system serves, the DPSs who support them, and the family members who are so often the key to community life.
Our full letter is available online, and can be shared far and wide!
Each year Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center develops Community Resource Development Plan (CRDP) and Community Placement Plan (CPP) proposals which are presented to the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to meet the needs of the clients and families we serve. Resource development feedback for 2020/21 was obtained from an online survey and input from our support group participants.
Following is a summary of the input received by Lanterman Regional Center. These are the ranked priorities based on community input:
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) invites you to complete this self-advocate/family member survey to help them understand how COVID-19 has impacted our community and changed your services. DDS, regional centers and service providers are working on new ways to safely support you. Completing this survey will identify what’s working, what’s not, and what is important to self-advocates and families.
The survey below includes 15 questions and is available in 10 languages. DDS will share the combined information from all responses on its website. Individual responses will not be shared. Thank you for your time and sharing your experience. Your voice matters.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FamilySurveyYr2020
Once you click on the survey link above, you have the option in the top right corner of the page to select alternative languages from a drop-down menu where it says “English.”
Or you can also access the alternative language directly through the links below:
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FamilySurveyYr2020?lang=es
Arabic: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FamilySurveyYr2020?lang=ar
Armenian: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FamilySurveyYr2020?lang=hy
Chinese (Simplified): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FamilySurveyYr2020?lang=zh_Hans
Chinese (Traditional): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FamilySurveyYr2020?lang=zh_Hant
Korean: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FamilySurveyYr2020?lang=ko
Persian: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FamilySurveyYr2020?lang=fa
Tagalog: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FamilySurveyYr2020?lang=tl
Vietnamese: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FamilySurveyYr2020?lang=vi
The QR code below will also take you to the survey when scanned with your smart phone’s camera:
Each person (computer or smartphone) can only complete the survey once, so if you have more than one family member receiving regional center services, your response should reflect your overall experience(s). This survey will be available online through December 18, 2020.
Questions? E-mail FamilyInput@dds.ca.gov.
The California Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (CCEPD) is now accepting applications for the 2021 Virtual Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (YLF). Develop your leadership skills, and learn how to reach your academic, career and independence goals...and make new lifetime friends. Talk with policy makers and educate them on ways they can improve the lives of young people with disabilities.
YLF is a six-day summer self-advocacy and leadership development program for students with disabilities, which includes post-YLF workshops after the weeklong event (workshop dates and times to be determined). The 2021 YLF is tentatively on July 11-16, 2021 virtually using the Zoom platform. If it is safe to do so, and pending budget availability, part of the YLF may be in-person in Sacramento. All selected delegate’s expenses are sponsored through a public-private partnership.
Students must complete an application, write an essay and provide letters of recommendations. Students will also be interviewed by a YLF partner team in their local communities. This is a competitive process and not all students will be selected. Applicants must be sophomores, juniors or seniors during the 2020-21 school year ending by June 30 to be eligible to apply.
YLF applications must be completed electronically and emailed to ylf@dor.ca.gov. The deadline to apply is December 18, 2020.
The 2021 application and related documents, including an outreach flyer, can be found at https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/YLF.
For other questions, please call the CCEPD office at 855.894.3436 or e-mail at YLF@dor.ca.gov.
Nuestra Orientación de Autodeterminación ahora está disponible en línea.
En esta orientación, aprenderá sobre el Programa de Autodeterminación de California (SDP). Esta capacitación le brindará una descripción general amplia del programa, seguida de una mirada más profunda a:
Esta capacitación es necesaria como primer paso para cualquier persona antes de inscribirse en el programa SDP y tomará aproximadamente una hora completarla.
Para más información: 213.252.8642 o training@lanterman.org
Listos California Emergency Preparedness Campaign is an effort based on an investment of public funds by Governor Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers, to ready our most vulnerable populations for disasters like wildfires, earthquakes and floods, and now public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic, before disasters strike. The campaign is anchored the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).
Following are pamphlets prepared by the campaign for persons with developmental disabilities and caregivers/service providers in English and Spanish on COVID-19.
Check out the Listos Web site for more resources: https://www.listoscalifornia.org/
Here is a link to the website page containing videos for persons with developmental disabilities: https://www.listoscalifornia.org/prepare-your-community/toolkit/
Attention all Early Start partners: The Early Start program, which provides early intervention in a coordinated, family-centered system, has experienced a decline in referrals since the beginning of the State of Emergency. As you know, early intervention is critical for children to achieve the best possible developmental outcomes.
All 21 regional centers across California remain open and are accepting referrals to the Early Start program, although some regional center staff may be working remotely and not holding face-to-face meetings in their offices. As we navigate new challenges, Early Start will continue working to find new ways to support our consumers, families, providers, staff and communities.
If an infant or toddler has, or is suspected of having, a delay or disability, please contact the local regional center about possible Early Start services or call 1.800.515.BABY. Anyone can make a referral.
In an effort to increase public awareness and outreach, there are these new outreach materials:
Early Start Healthcare Provider Brochure - An easy-to-read brochure that outlines the screening, referral and intake process.
Download: https://lanterman.orghttps://lanterman.org/uploads/news/Healthcare-Brochure-2020.pdf
The Early Start Community Flyer – An informative flyer for families who may have a concern about their child’s development.
Download: https://lanterman.orghttps://lanterman.org/uploads/news/Community_Infographic_2020.pdf
Please feel free to share the attached resources with families, colleagues, and partner agencies via e-mail listservs, social media and other platforms.
Early Start also has a variety of additional multilingual brochures, booklets, publications, and other free resources that are available for parents, professionals, and others.
For more information, visit https://www.dds.ca.gov/services/early-start/.
Thank you for your partnership and commitment to California’s children and families!
Meals for Angelenos with Disabilities
The Department on Disability will soon be re-launching this program to benefit individuals and families with disabilities in the Los Angeles area. They are prioritizing people who live within the City of Los Angeles.
This meal is a free VEGETARIAN LUNCH OPTION provided by KHALSA CARE FOUNDATION and the Department has no control over the type of food provided. The Department will try its best to connect you to the appropriate dietary option based on your selection.
The Department will be collecting information to better determine the program best suited to meet the needs of the applicant. When possible the Department will be referring clients to other City or County Meal Programs.
A working telephone number and e-mail must be provided to schedule a successful delivery. If you are unable to complete this form, please contact your disability services agency (Regional Centers, Independent Living Centers, Department of Rehabilitation, etc) to assist you.
For any questions related to the program please contact the City of Los Angeles Department on Disability at 213.202.2764 or e-mail them at disabilitymealinfo@lacity.org.
Each address will only be allowed a maximum of 5 meals per household per day.
If you do not live in the city of Los Angeles and live in another part of LA County, or need additional food support, please contact www.211la.org.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Comidas para Angelenos con Discapacidades
El Departamento de Discapacidad en la Ciudad de Los Angeles pronto relanzará este programa para beneficiar a las personas y familias con discapacidades en el área de Los Ángeles. Estamos dando prioridad a las personas que viven dentro de la ciudad de Los Ángeles.
Esta comida es una opción VEGETARIANA de almuerzo gratis proporcionado por KHALSA CARE FOUNDATION y el Departamento no tiene control sobre el tipo de comida entregada. El Departamento hará todo lo posible para conectarlo con la opción más adecuada según su selección a continuación.
El Departamento recopilará información para determinar el mejor programa que se adapta a las necesidades del solicitante. Cuando sea posible, el Departamento remitirá a los clientes a otros programas de comidas de la ciudad o el condado.
Se debe proporcionar un número de teléfono y un correo electrónico que funcionen para programar una entrega exitosa. Si no puede completar este formulario, comuníquese con su agencia de servicios para discapacitados (Centros Regionales, Centros de Vida Independiente, Departamento de Rehabilitación, etc.) para ayudarlo.
Si tiene alguna pregunta relacionada con el programa, comuníquese con el Departamento de Discapacidad de la ciudad de Los Ángeles al 213.202.2764 o envíe un correo electrónico a disabilitymealinfo@lacity.org.
A cada dirección distinta solo se le permitirá un máximo de 5 almuerzos por hogar cada dia.
Si no vive en la ciudad de Los Ángeles y vive en otra parte del condado de Los Ángeles, o necesita ayuda alimentaria adicional, comuníquese con www.211la.org.
For more than two decades, ornaments created by persons with developmental disabilities have adorned the State Capitol Tree, and the Department of Developmental Services has put out the request for ornaments for 2020's tree.
Their goal is to again contribute hundreds of ornaments to this year's tree. To be included on the tree, DDS must receive all ornaments by Monday, November 16, 2020.
The tree lighting ceremony will take place the first week of December. This year, as in previous years, a child with a developmental disability will participate in the evening ceremony with Governor Gavin Newsome and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, but this year, the event is going to be virtual.
If you have questions, contact Amy Wall, DDS Assistant Deputy Director of External and Public Affairs, at 916.869.8833 or amy.wall@dds.ca.gov.
Our Self-Determination Orientation is now available online. In this orientation you will be learning about the California Self-Determination Program (SDP). This training will give you a broad overview of the program, followed by a more in depth look at:
This training is required as the first step for anyone prior to enrolling in the SDP program and will take about one hour to complete.
For more information: 213.252.8642 or training@lanterman.org
Learn more about Alternative Services by reading the Family Engagement Guide and be sure to check out the FAQs.
On August 31, 2020, as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) issued a Directive allowing regional center funded services to be provided in alternative ways. Alternative services are potentially available to make sure individual client needs continue to be met, to keep our provider workforce intact, and to allow the regional center system to continue receiving federal funding.
If a regional center service provider is not able to provide their service in the same way it was provided before the pandemic or in a different location or remotely, then they may offer an alternative service. The alternative service could be very different from what the provider typically offers. Our clients and families must agree to the alternative service(s).
DDS has posted a Family Member Engagement Guide to help clients and families think about current needs as it relates to alternative services. DDS also posted list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding alternative services intended for clients, family members, service providers and the general community.
The Engagement Guide, FAQs and full Directive can be found by clicking on the “Alternative Services” tab on the DDS website.
Revise su Correo para Obtener una Encuesta de Satisfacción del Centro Regional
Check your mail! Over the next two weeks, all clients and families served by Lanterman Regional Center will be receiving a satisfaction survey.
So take a few minutes to complete the survey and share with us how we are doing during these challenging times. There is a stamped return envelope included, so once completed, just drop it back in the mail to us. Please return the survey by the end of October.
The survey is anonymous and does not ask for client or family information. It does allow for someone to offer this information if they want someone from the Regional Center to reach out to them.
We're all in this together, so please take a few minutes to share your thoughts on how we're doing.
¡Revisa tu correo! Durante las próximas dos semanas, todos los clientes y familias atendidos por el Centro Regional Lanterman recibirán una encuesta de satisfacción.
Por lo tanto, tómese unos minutos para completar la encuesta y compartir con nosotros cómo lo estamos haciendo durante estos tiempos difíciles. Se incluye un sobre de devolución sellado, así que una vez completado, envíenoslo por correo. Por favor devuelva la encuesta antes del fin de octubre.
La encuesta es anónima y no solicita información sobre el cliente o la familia. Sí permite que alguien ofrezca esta información si quiere que alguien del Centro Regional se comunique con ellos.
Estamos todos juntos en esto, así que tómese unos minutos para compartir sus pensamientos sobre cómo lo estamos haciendo.
Me estoy comunicando con usted para que me ayude con mi proyecto de maestría. Soy una estudiante de posgrado en la Universidad Estatal de San José en el departamento de Educación Especial. Para mi proyecto de maestría, estoy estudiando las percepciones de los padres latinos (de habla hispana) de los estudiantes con necesidades especiales sobre el uso de intérpretes durante las reuniones del IEP.
Participantes de este estudio: deben ser de origen latino o hispano, ser padre de un niño con un IEP, el español es el principal medio de comunicación de los participantes (verbal y escrito) y ha utilizado un intérprete durante una reunión del IEP.
Si conoce a alguien o si useted es padre, le agradecería mucho que respondiera mi encuesta:
https://sjsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d6CfjiDtluaH6Dz
o puede escanar el codigo QR:
Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud, comuníquese conmigo Naromy Ramirez, naromy.ramirez@sjsu.edu, 408.706.1883 o con la supervisora de la facultad Lisa Simpson en lisa.simpson@sjsu.edu.
Muchas gracias por su ayuda en mi proyecto.
- Naromy Ramirez.
Lanterman Regional Center is requesting to continue its Alternative Staffing Model as described in the Welfare and Institutions Code, section 4640.6 (c). Any proposed changes to staffing must benefit clients and families served, and demonstrate clear and convincing support by the community served and impacted – such as clients, families, service providers, advocates and staff. In addition to service coordinators, our model includes two Family Support Specialist positions and two Quality Assurance positions.
Without clear and demonstrated support from Lanterman clients, families, service providers and community members, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) will not approve our alternative staffing request. If you value the Koch-Young Resource Center (KYRC) and the role of Quality Assurance staff, please take the time to write a short letter of support.
The University of Chicago is conducting a research study to understand how augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) plays a role in the lives of Latino families. / La Universidad de Chicago está realizando un estudio de investigación para entender cómo la comunicación aumentativa y alternativa (CAA) juega un papel en la vida de las familias latinas.
To participate, you must: / Para participar debes:
Participation involves: / La participación implica:
If you are interested or want to find out more information, contact Erika Prado at: erikaprado@uchicago.edu or 805.746.0370. / Si está interesado o desea obtener más información, comuníquese con Erika Prado en: erikaprado@uchicago.edu o 805.746.0370.
At the beginning of the coronavirus and the ‘Safer At Home’ order, many regional center service providers adjusted the way they provided services. Instead of providing services in the clinic, at the program site or in your home, they adapted to the change of regulation that allowed them to provide the service via remote or electronic communication. As the ‘stay home’ orders are again changing, some programs (and families, too) want to return to in-person services. Here are some things you should consider when deciding the best way for you and/or your family member to receive services or other supports. You may also ask your provider for their written plan.
Al comienzo del coronavirus y la orden " Más Seguro en Casa", muchos proveedores de servicios del centro regional acordaron la forma en que prestaban los servicios. En lugar de prestar servicios en la clínica, en el lugar del programa o en su casa, se adaptaron al cambio de regulación que les permitió prestar el servicio a través de la comunicación remota o electrónica. A medida que las ordenes de "permanecer en casa" están cambiando de nuevo, algunos programas (y las familias, también) quieren regresar a los servicios en persona. Estas son algunas cosas que debe considerar al decidir la mejor manera para que usted y/o su familiar reciban servicios u otros apoyos. También puede pedirle a su proveedor su plan por escrito.
코로나바이러스 사태와 자택 대기령 초기에는 많은 리저널센터 서비스 제공업체들이 서비스 제공 방식을 조정했습니다. 이들은 업체나 고객의 가정에서 서비스를 제공하는 대신, 원격 또는 전자 통신을 통해 서비스를 제공할 수 있도록 규정을 변경하였습니다. 자택 대기령이 다시 변경되며, 일부 제공업체와 가족들은 직접 대면 서비스 재개를 원하고 있습니다. 다음은 리저널센터 고객이 서비스/지원을 받을 수 있는 최선의 방법을 결정할 때 고려해야 할 사항들입니다. 고객은 이에 대해 공급업체에게 관련 계획이 무엇인지 서면으로 요청할 수 있습니다.
Coronavirus- ի սկզբում և «Ավելի անվտանգ տանը» պատվերով, տարածաշրջանային կենտրոնի շատ ծառայություններ տրամադրողներ ճշգրտում էին իրենց մատուցած ծառայությունները: Կլինիկայում, ծրագրի վայրում կամ ձեր տանը ծառայություններ մատուցելու փոխարեն, նրանք հարմարվել են կանոնակարգի փոփոխությանը, որը նրանց թույլ է տվել ծառայություններ մատուցել հեռավոր կամ էլեկտրոնային հաղորդակցության միջոցով: Քանի որ «մնալ տանը» պատվերը կրկին փոխվում է, որոշ ծրագրեր (և ընտանիքները նույնպես) ցանկանում են վերադառնալ անձնային ծառայություններ: Ահա մի քանի բաներ, որոնք դուք պետք է հաշվի առնեք, երբ ձեզ և (կամ) ձեր ընտանիքի անդամին ծառայություններ կամ այլ աջակցություն ստանալու լավագույն միջոցը որոշում կայացնելիս: Կարող եք նաև խնդրել ձեր մատակարարին իրենց գրավոր ծրագրի մասին:
With the uncertainty that the events of the last several months have introduced, one thing is certain, it's very important to ensure we have a plan in place for our loved ones, especially our loved ones with special needs. So to that end, we've recorded our conservatorship and estate planning workshop with Attorney Cindy Waterson over three sessions and are making these available to you:
All three episodes are available on our Web site: https://lanterman.org/event_descriptions/conservatorship-special-needs-trusts-and-wills.
We also have a booklet that covers conservatorship and estate planning available in English and Spanish: https://lanterman.org/publications/conservatorship_a_booklet_for_lanterman_regional_center_families
Well, pandemic or not, summer is here, and that means we're all looking for opportunities to keep the kids busy while school is out. This summer things look decidedly different, but thankfully many organizations have adapted their regular summer offerings, so without further ado, here is a list of virtual summer camp opportunities that we put together.
Carta de la Presidenta de la Junta y Directora Ejecutiva de Lanterman
Please take a minute to read the letter from Lanterman's Board President Dina Richman and Executive Director Melinda Sullivan about racism, the Black Lives Matter movement and Lanterman's commitment. / Tómese un minuto para leer la carta de la presidenta de la junta directiva de Lanterman Dina Richman, y la directora ejecutiva Melinda Sullivan sobre el racismo, el movimiento Black Lives Matter y el compromiso de Lanterman.
June 15, 2020
Dear Lanterman Community,
Lanterman Regional Center’s vision statement is, “A world where every person is respected and embraced.” We strive to create a better world and eliminate discrimination based on ethnicity, race, religion, national origin, language, disability, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation. We at Lanterman Regional Center are outraged and heartbroken to see the racism which still exists in our country, most recently demonstrated by the unjustified killings that have occurred.
We want you to know that we stand together with our community: our clients and their families and our service providers, but also the greater community at large. We stand with the Black Lives Matter movement, and all efforts to end racism and discrimination. Our Lanterman Community is interconnected with the community as a whole, and we are all in this fight together.
Lanterman Regional Center, its Board of Directors, and its staff, remain committed to working on ways in which we – as a Center, as individuals, and as allies – can make a positive impact on our Lanterman Community as well as the community at large. There is a better way and we believe that, as a society, we can find it.
Dina Richman
President, Board of Directors
Melinda Sullivan
Executive Director
Download a PDF copy of the letter in English
15 de junio de 2020
Estimada Comunidad de Lanterman,
La declaración de visión del Centro Regional Lanterman es: "Un mundo donde cada persona es respetada y abrazada." Nos esforzamos por crear un mundo mejor y eliminar la discriminación basada en el origen étnico, la raza, la religión, el origen nacional, el idioma, la discapacidad, el género, la identidad de género o la orientación sexual. En el Centro Regional de Lanterman estamos indignados y desconsolados al ver el racismo que todavía existe en nuestro país, más recientemente demostrado por los asesinatos injustificados que han ocurrido.
Queremos que sepa que estamos unidos con nuestra comunidad: nuestros clientes y sus familias y nuestros proveedores de servicios, pero también con la comunidad en general. Apoyamos el movimiento Black Lives Matter, y todos los esfuerzos para acabar con el racismo y la discriminación. Nuestra Comunidad Lanterman está interconectada con la comunidad en su conjunto, y todos estamos en esta lucha juntos.
El Centro Regional de Lanterman, su Junta Directiva, y su personal, siguen comprometidos a trabajar en formas en que nosotros – como Centro, como individuos, y como aliados – podamos tener un impacto positivo en nuestra Comunidad de Lanterman y en la comunidad en general. Hay una mejor manera y creemos que, como sociedad, podemos encontrarla.
Dina Richman
Presidenta, Junta Directiva
Melinda Sullivan
Directora Ejecutiva
Descargue una copia en PDF de la carta en Español
You may qualify for home internet for as little as $10 to $20 a month. Call 844.841.INFO (4636) toll-free or visit www.internetforallnow.org to learn more about home internet. If you qualify, some offers even include a free Chromebook laptop, while supplies last. Home internet helps you succeed with savings, education, work and disability services.
Want to ensure your community gets its share of over $600 billion in federal funding? All people with disabilities must be counted in the 2020 Census. Help is available!
Individual household Info:
Group Home and Facility Administrators:
Did you know that you have the important task of making sure everyone in your home is counted for the census? The Census Bureau helps group quarters administrators to respond to the census on behalf of residents.
Group Quarters Info:
Videos in:
E-mail to get more help
COVID-19 Asistencia para Inmigrantes Indocumentados que son Adultos
Beginning May 18: California is providing one-time disaster relief assistance to undocumented adult immigrants impacted by COVID-19. An undocumented adult who qualifies can receive $500 in direct assistance, with a maximum of $1000 in assistance per household. Applications open Monday, May 18, those eligible to apply for this assistance, who live in LA County, can call either CARECEN at 213.315.2659 or CHIRLA at 213.201.8700.
To apply individuals must provide information that they (1) are an undocumented adult (person over the age of 18); (2) are not eligible for federal COVID-19 related assistance, like the CARES Act tax stimulus payments or pandemic unemployment benefits; and, (3) have experienced a hardship as a result of COVID-19.
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Empezando 18 de Mayo: California está proporcionando asistencia de ayuda por desastre por única vez a inmigrantes adultos indocumentados afectados por COVID-19. Un adulto indocumentado que califica puede recibir $500 en asistencia directa, con un máximo de $1000 en asistencia por hogar. Las solicitudes se abren el lunes, 18 de mayo, si es elegible para solicitar esta asistencia y vive en el condado de Los Ángeles, llame a CARECEN al 213.315.2659 o CHIRLA al 213.201.8700.
Para presentar una solicitud, debe poder proporcionar información de que usted (1) es un adulto indocumentado (persona mayor de 18 años); (2) no son elegibles para asistencia federal relacionada con COVID-19, como los pagos de estímulo fiscal de la Ley CARES o los beneficios de desempleo pandémico; y (3) han experimentado dificultades como resultado de COVID-19.
Excerpted from the Pasadena Outlook (Thursday, April 23, 2020 edition)
In recent weeks, grocery store employees have been working harder than ever to accommodate the increased demand triggered by “Safer at Home” policies to slow the spread of coronavirus.
One such employee, Rafael Vera, is a client with AbilityFirst who began his new job at Smart & Final the week the pandemic broke in California and local officials announced measures to encourage residents to stay at home.
Vera, 30, said he is proud to be working on the front lines as a sales clerk and happy to be helping the public during this trying time.
“We’re super busy, it’s hard to determine when exactly it will get very, very busy, but it’s always hectic on the weekends,” said Vera, who’s grown accustomed to wearing a mask and a double layer of gloves to work at the front-end of the store, restocking items and and cleaning carts and door handles.
We would like to gather information from our clients and families to learn how you are doing, and whether you have access to necessary services and support. We also want to make sure that you know you can contact us for information, resources and support. Please help us to better help you by responding to this brief survey.
Nos gustaría recopilar información de nuestros clientes y familias para saber cómo le está yendo y si tiene acceso a los servicios y la asistencia necesarios. También queremos asegurarnos de que sepa que puede contactarnos para obtener información, recursos y apoyo. Ayúdenos a ayudarlo mejor respondiendo a esta breve encuesta.
Dear Lanterman Community,
Every year during the holidays we raise money for the Help Fund, which we then use throughout the coming year to assist clients and families with basic needs that cannot be met through other resources.
As you can imagine, the last several weeks have seen an unprecedented request for help from many of our families who have experienced layoffs and furloughs with the most basic of needs – groceries.
Only several weeks into this crisis, we have accessed much of the funds available in the Help Fund, way more than we expected, and we only anticipate it will become greater as the shutdown continues.
We are sharing food pantry information, and other community food resources with families, but are finding that most of these resources are beyond their capacity and not able to meet the greatly increased demand. As our service coordinators are checking in with families, this is the one need that our most vulnerable families ask for help with – food. Whenever possible, families are being provided with a local grocery store gift card, however, in cases where the family is not able to leave their home, staff from the Koch-Young Resource Center have facilitated home delivery of food.
All of us have been affected in numerous ways by the pandemic, albeit some even more than others, but we’re humbly asking for those among the Lanterman community that are able to, to contribute whatever amount they can to the Help Fund. So when families ask for help, we will have the funds to say YES.
The Lanterman community has always come together to take care of its own and my hope is that once again we will be able to collectively weather this storm.
I hope that you and your loved ones are staying healthy and safe and remembering that brighter days are ahead.
With much appreciation and gratitude,
Melinda Sullivan
Executive Director
The Housing Rights Center has put together 65 pages of all things housing, from online trainings and presentations, to COVID-19 housing resources and updates, Section 8 contacts, affordable housing developers and listings, senior and veteran housing listings and LAHSA services.
Today's Friday. Those who have the fortune to work remotely in a traditional workweek are winding down. But for the people our system serves, the direct support professionals who are critical parts of their lives, and their families, their tireless work continues.
The current crisis is challenging all of us in different ways. We want to take a moment to say, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Thank you, to every DSP who is helping ensure the person they support can have as normal of a day as possible.
Thank you, to every service coordinator working to connect their clients and families to new or alternative services to meet their needs.
Thank you, to every family member who is doing their best to provide a stable and caring environment for their loved one.
These are exceptional times. It is only because of exceptional people like you that, for over 350,000 Californians with developmental disabilities, we got through yesterday, are managing the challenges of today, and will rise to meet what tomorrow brings.
We are in this together, but nobody is in it as much as you.
Thank you.
During difficult times, we rely on our community. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) has been making resources related to COVID-19 so that you can more easily stay close to your community while staying safe and healthy. We have listed some of those resources here, and remember to visit the SCDD Web site for the additional resources.
As we shared before, clients, families and service providers can still reach their service coordinator, someone in community services or even accounting via their direct phone number and e-mail. If possible, please allow them 48 hours to return your phone call or e-mail. Know that Lanterman staff are working diligently to respond to incoming inquiries as quickly as possible.
In the event whomever you contacted is unavailable, or you do not know who your service coordinator is or how to contact them, the Center’s 24-hour emergency phone line is operational and reachable at 213.383.1300. You can also reach us at our general e-mail kyrc@lanterman.org.
What this means is that when they call you back, you may receive phone calls from an unknown or unidentified number from your service coordinator, a Community Services staff member, or our fiscal staff. We understand that some individuals may feel more comfortable knowing who is calling them so we wanted to take a moment to provide this update. In any event, they will leave a voicemail or e-mail you so you can respond. Also, if you have a preferred way of communicating, let them know.
Como compartimos antes, los clientes, las familias y los proveedores de servicios aún pueden comunicarse con su coordinador de servicios, alguien en servicios comunitarios o incluso el departamento de contabilidad a través de su número de teléfono directo y correo electrónico. Si es posible, deles 48 horas para que le devuelvan su llamada telefónica o correo electrónico. Sepa que el personal de Lanterman está trabajando diligentemente para responder a las consultas entrantes lo más rápido posible.
En caso de que la persona con la que se comunicó no esté disponible, o no sepa quién es su coordinador de servicios o cómo comunicarse con ellos, la línea telefónica de emergencia de 24 horas del Centro está operativa y accesible al 213.383.1300. También puede comunicarse con nosotros en nuestro correo electrónico general kyrc@lanterman.org.
Lo que esto significa es que cuando le devuelvan la llamada, puede recibir llamadas telefónicas de un número desconocido o no identificado de su coordinador de servicios, un miembro del personal de Servicios Comunitarios o nuestro personal fiscal. Entendemos que algunas personas pueden sentirse más cómodas al saber quién las llama, por lo que queríamos tomarnos un momento para proporcionar esta actualización. En cualquier caso, le dejarán un correo de voz o un correo electrónico para que pueda responder. Además, si tiene una forma preferida de comunicarse, infórmeles.
We have compiled two lists of service providers (those providing Early Intervention services on one and providers serving other ages in the second) who have been approved to provide services in some type of alternative model or location in response to the COVID-19, in most if not all cases through teletherapy.
DDS has put together a frequently asked questions COVID-19 handout for individuals and families, as well as vendors and service providers.
Please read for additional information including:
DDS COVID-19 Directives
In the last several days, DDS has issued several new directives. They are posted on their Web site, and we're providing links to the new directives here too:
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CDPH Guidance for Prioritization of Patients for Laboratory Testing for COVID-19
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has announced testing for COVID-19 is expanding, but still largely limited to the following populations:
Persons in these categories with mild illness should contact their health care provider by phone to discuss the need for testing.
Click here to see the full guidance from CDPH
The current public health emergency is rapidly changing. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities has put together the most common questions received in the past week and the answers. They also include resources where you can find more information./La actual emergencia de salud pública está cambiando rápidamente. El Consejo Estatal de Discapacidades del Desarrollo ha reunido las preguntas más comunes recibidas en la última semana y las respuestas. También incluyen recursos donde puede encontrar más información.
Here are the NEW Resources/Aquí están los NUEVOS recursos::
A dedicated group of volunteers has been compiling a list of food, housing, health, transportation and education resources in LA County for the coronavirus crisis that is divided into three general categories: children and youth, adults, and elderly.
Please view this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S-WJaMa4q3yNrEBfSFKEdSQArcNc_MTI2LiUA63Ycyg/preview.
With the rapid spreading of COVID-19, our most vulnerable populations are trying to find food safely while dealing with public panic and grocery stores running out of food (and toilet paper!). This is a list of resources that the compilers believes to be accurate as of March 16, 2020. If you see any inaccuracies, please let them know.
The Department of Public Social Services is aware of the financial impact that the Coronavirus is having on the health and financial well-being of County of Los Angeles residents, leaving thousands unemployed or underemployed. The department has provided the below resources to help residents who may be experiencing financial challenges due to the pandemic:
IF YOU HAVE HAD YOUR HOURS CUT, BEEN FURLOUGHED, OR LAID OFF:
If your employer has reduced your hours or shut down operations due to COVID-19, you can file for unemployment insurance. If you are expecting to return to your job after the dust settles, you do not have to be actively seeking new work during the outbreak. But you must be "able and available to work" to get these benefits, which generally range from $40-$450 per week for up to six months.
https://edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim.htm
IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SICK WITH THE CORONAVIRUS OR HAVE BEEN EXPOSED:
Individuals who are unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional) can file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim.
Disability Insurance provides short-term benefit payments to eligible workers who have full or partial loss of wages due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50 - $1,300 a week.
https://edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_to_File_a_DI_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm
IF YOU ARE CARING FOR SOMEONE ELSE WHO IS SICK:
Californians who are unable to work because they are caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional) can file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim.
Paid Family Leave provides up to six weeks of benefit payments to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages because they need time off work to care for a seriously ill family member or to bond with a new child. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50-$1,300 a week.
https://edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_to_File_a_PFL_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm
On March 16, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a new executive order that authorizes local governments to halt evictions for renters and homeowners, slows foreclosures, and protects against utility shutoffs for Californians affected by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
The Governor's Executive Order comes as Californians are experiencing substantial loss of hours or wages, or layoffs related to COVID-19, affecting their ability to keep up with their rents, mortgages and utility bills.
“People shouldn’t lose or be forced out of their home because of the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Newsom. “Over the next few weeks, everyone will have to make sacrifices – but a place to live shouldn’t be one of them. I strongly encourage cities and counties take up this authority to protect Californians.”
The Governor's order does not relieve a tenant from the obligation to pay rent, or restrict the landlord’s ability to recover rent that is due. The protections are in effect through May 31, 2020, unless extended. The order also requests banks and other financial institutions to halt foreclosures and related evictions during this time period.
The Governor’s Executive Order asks the California Public Utilities Commission to monitor measures undertaken by public and private utility providers to implement customer service protections for critical utilities, including electric, gas, water, internet, landline telephone, and cell phone service on a weekly basis.
All DPSS offices are temporarily closed to the public until further notice; however, they are continuing to provide services through their Web site and call centers.
For New Applicants:
Customers can apply for the following benefits online through the Your Benefits Now Web site or by Calling the DPSS Customer Service Center at 866.613.3777.
CalFresh: Food benefit program for individuals and families;
General Relief: Cash assistance program for single adults;
CalWORKS: Cash assistance program for families;
CAPI: Cash assistance program for immigrants; and
Medi-Cal: Health benefits for individuals and families.
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): in-home provided care for persons with a disability can be applied for by calling the IHSS Application line at 888.944.4477 or the IHSS Helpline at 888.822.9622.
For Existing Customers:
Customers can upload period reports (QR-7 or SAR-7), annual recertifications or renewals, or verifications online through the Your Benefits Now Web site or by calling the Customer Service Center at 866.613.3777.
The Customer Service Center is also available to respond to general inquiry for all programs including CalFresh, General Relief, CalWORKS, Medi-Cal, and CAPI.
IHSS: The IHSS Helpline is available for recipients and IHSS providers by calling 888.822.9622.
The State is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local governments, and health care providers across California to respond to the outbreak of COVID-19, a respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus. While COVID-19 has been detected in multiple countries around the world, including the U.S., the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports the health risk to the general public in California remains low.
DDS has a Web page that provides links to general information about coronavirus, as well as resources for service providers, that will be updated as new information is available.
We have also curated an easy to read handout about the Coronavirus that is available in four languages with basic info and prevention tips. You can download them from the links below.
Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau takes a new count and your participation matters! Your information is PRIVATE and CONFIDENTIAL and cannot be used against you in any way.
Why participate?
How to Participate:
YOU can COUNT by submitting via paper form, in-person, on the phone, and starting March 12, 2020, online.
If you are living at home with your family:
95% of American households will receive an invitation to respond online via mail. The other 5% will receive the Census Information when a Census Taker drops it off. Less than 1% will be counted in person, and only in very rural areas.
If you are living in a care facility, or a group home:
The Census calls this “Group Quarters” and it refers to residential schools for people with disabilities, care homes or intermediate care facilities dormitories, correctional facilities, etc.
If you are experiencing homelessness:
Please go to your local shelters, soup kitchen, regularly scheduled food vans, etc. These all serve as Service Based Counters so you can participate.
The dates to be counted:
How to Respond:
Census Mailing Strategy:
On Monday, February 24, the Federal Administration's long-awaited revision to the Public Charge rule will take effect in Los Angeles County and throughout the nation. For many in L.A. County’s immigrant communities currently receiving public assistance, the rule change will not affect their benefits.
“Public Charge” is a term that describes a non-U.S. citizen who is likely to become dependent on public assistance and depends on public benefits to meet their basic needs, such as cash assistance programs or long-term care. The term is used in immigration law as a ground for inadmissibility and deportation.
The rule change does not apply to the following situations:
Benefit experts and immigration lawyers have created Keep Your Benefits, a public website* that screens and determines whether the Public Charge rule will impact an individual who is seeking U.S. citizenship. The answers provided on the site are private and safe.
The Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) is encouraging those who are uncertain about how the Public Charge rule will affect their status, in terms of becoming a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, to consult with reliable and trained immigration attorneys to discuss their specific situations.
“DPSS has a moral and civic responsibility to every one of our residents, regardless of immigration status, to deliver essential public services and benefits that promote their health and improve their quality of life,” said Director Antonia Jiménez.
Jiménez shared that DPSS has developed an informative “Does Public Charge Apply to Me?” flyer available in English, Spanish, Armenian, Chinese, Cambodian, Korean, Native American, Filipino, Vietnamese, which includes contact information for the County’s Office of Immigration Affairs (OIA) for referrals to free or low-cost legal services.
Updates on the Public Charge rule are available on the Office of Immigrant Affairs website by visiting http://oia.lacounty.gov/ or by calling 1.800.593.8222.
We're introducing a new page on the Lanterman Web site called "Autism and Evidence-Based Treatment." The increase in autism prevalence has seen a corresponding increase in available interventions. Through this page we will share information and resources rooted in evidence-based practices (EBPs) which are guided by the best available scientific evidence, the family’s values and preferences, and professional clinical judgement.
This page will feature quarterly updates from Lanterman's clinical services department, along with periodic sharing of resources important to the overall health and well-being of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Lanterman Regional Center received the following invitation from the County of Los Angeles to participate in a housing survey. Take a moment to click on one of the links below to take their survey. Make your voice heard if you need or want to see more affordable housing in Los Angeles County.
The County of Los Angeles is currently updating the Housing Element of the General Plan. The County’s Housing Element serves as a policy guide to address housing needs for the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. The primary focus of the Housing Element is to ensure decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing for current and future residents of the unincorporated areas, including those with special needs. Your voice is important in this process. We invite you to help inform the Housing Element Update by participating in this survey (Spanish and Chinese versions are also available).
For more information on the County's housing policy initiatives, visit their Web site at http://planning.lacounty.gov/housing/initiatives, or contact them at housing@planning.lacounty.gov and 213.974.6417.
Are you a Lanterman Regional Center client looking for housing?
There is a new housing opportunity in Pasadena that will be available for occupancy in 2020:
Waiting list sign-ups start now.
Contact Lanterman Housing Specialist Shannon Rains to be added to the waiting list at 213.252.8644 or srains@lanterman.org.
Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) has opened 7 waiting lists for elderly families. The lists will be open from February 10 at 8 a.m. to August 10, 2020 at 4 p.m., however, if LACDA receives sufficient applications before August 10, the list will close.
An Elderly family is a household whose head, co-head, spouse or sole member is at least 62 years of age. May include two or more persons who are at least 62.
The complexes below are in Lanterman Regional Center’s catchment area:
WEST KNOLL
838 North West Knoll Drive, West Hollywood, CA 90069
studios and one-bedroom units
PALM SENIOR
959 North Palm Avenue, West Hollywood, CA 90069
studios and one-bedroom units.
FOOTHILL VILLA SENIOR
2423 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta, CA 91214
62 units with one bedroom
You can choose to register at one or all of the properties. But applicants will be selected from each waiting list in order of admission preferences and then by date and time. Register online at www.lacda.org or call 626.586.1845.
Please note: If you are offered a unit from any one of the waiting lists that you have selected and you reject that unit, your name will be removed from all other selected waiting lists. Only apply for locations where you want to live.
This information is available in other languages: http://www.pascla.org/wp-contenthttps://lanterman.org/uploads/2020/01/1.23.20-Site-Based-Waiting-Lists-Property-Descriptions-all-languages.pdf
Have you ever wanted to learn how over 350,000 Californians with developmental disabilities and their families are connected to services? Through the Lanterman Act, service starts with their regional center. The most important servicecenters provide is service coordination.
And it's not just program plans and meetings. It's a lifelong resource and relationship. To be effective, service coordinators need to know many systems and programs, and have diverse talents, to help people pursue their lifelong goals.
Have you wanted to learn more about what service coordinators do, and what their work looks like?
Download the service coordination infographic from ARCA
How Underfunding Service Coordination Hurts Us All
This year, ARCA is pleased to work with other members of the Lanterman Coalition to advocate for phasing in the rate study's recommendations for service providers, ensuring providers who got left out receive last year's funding increases, making those increases permanent, and ensuring minimum wage needs are met. The Coalition's proposal also has one other part....
"Take immediate actions to comply with Federal and State caseload ratios"
Service coordinators are the backbone of California's 21 regional centers. Their work is built on the fundamental goal of forming lifelong trusting relationships that help ensure people (and families) can make their goals into realities - for their entire lives.
But for years, centers have struggled to provide people the individualized attention and support they need, because the State of California has made hardly any change to the money given to centers to hire these critical staff.
ARCA requests the full funding of regional center caseload ratio needs, inclusive of the staffing needs to support service coordinators required to meet statutory caseload requirements.
With a system that needs an estimated 800 additional service coordinators to properly serve people, it's now time to commit to a permanent fix so our system can:
Read why California needs to act to support the dedicated professionals who provide a lifetime of connection for people with developmental disabilities, their families, and the service providers who help make community life possible.
Census 2020 is a once-a-decade count that determines congressional representation, billions of dollars in federal funding, and provides data that will impact all communities for the next decade. The 2020 Census counts every single person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. Your voice counts. The census is accessible in various formats, and by law, your information is protected.
The Abilities Expo is coming in 2 weeks to Los Angeles from February 21-23 at the LA Convention Center. It's free to attend, but you do need to register online at abilities.com.
The two-day Annual Festival of Human Abilities at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is happening the end of this month on Saturday and Sunday, January 25 and 26, 2020. An annual celebration of the creative spirit of people with disabilities, be sure to check out Dani Bowman/Danimation at her usual table at the Aquarium. And we're pleased to share that she will be receiving the 2020 Glenn McIntyre Heritage Award for outstanding service to people with disabilities at 1:40 p.m. on Sunday, January 26.
The Festival of Human Abilities is an amazing inclusionary event that the Aquarium holds each year to showcase the creative spirit of people with disabilities.
The attached flyer is good for FREE ADMISSION to the Festival of Human Abilities for any person with a disability and one attendant, with advance reservation, see below for details. Admission is normally $34.95 per person so it’s a huge savings for a great day out.
Please read the special terms and conditions below.
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED for everyone using this special offer to ensure the best possible experience. Valid January 25 and 26, 2020 only. Individuals and groups using this offer must call 562.590.3100 to make a reservation by Monday, January 20, 2020. Reservations will be taken from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Please mention the code D-HAS when making your reservation. Guests will be assigned a specific date and time to enter. Please reserve early to get the time and date(s) of your preference. Guests may attend and use this offer both days of the festival, subject to availability. Each arrival time will have limited capacity for reservations, and we expect some arrival time slots to fill up. Please bring this flyer with you, as you may be asked to present it. Festival Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We recently reached out to Disneyland to find out if any new information has become available about the annual reduced price Disneyland Community Involvement Program (CIP). The program is currently on hold and they are still in the process of reviewing the program and will contact us when information about an updated program is available. They have set up a Web site page where they will post updates at https://publicaffairs.disneyland.com/CIP.
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Caring for a child with a developmental disability can be challenge. A parent may have to quit working to stay home with the child, or parents could need to pay out of pocket for additional therapies and services for their child. This can cause a major financial hardship for parents. Social Security benefits can help ease the financial burden of caring for a child with a developmental disability or low IQ. Supplemental Security Income (https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/), or SSI benefits, from the Social Security Administration (https://www.ssa.gov/) can be used to help cover living expenses and additional treatment expenses for the child. These benefits are available to foster parents as well as parents for children that meet the SSA’s qualifications.
SSI Benefits for Developmental Disability
All of the conditions that are eligible for SSI benefits are listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book (https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/ChildhoodListings.htm). It used to be that any child with an IQ under 60 would automatically qualify for benefits, but the SSA has updated the listing requirements for kids with developmental disabilities. Now in order to be eligible for SSI benefits parents must show that their child has had a full scale IQ test and has an IQ score of 70 or below, or that the child has a full scale IQ score of 71-75 with a verbal or performance score of 70 or below. Additionally, they have to show evidence that the child has an extreme limitation in one of the following areas, or a severe limitation in two of the following areas:
Medical sources (https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/glossary/social-security-disability-medical-sources) from a doctor like hospital records can be used as proof. So can test results and assessments from psychologists, child development experts, counselors, teachers, case workers, social workers, and any other professionals who can offer an expert opinion about the extent of the disability and how it impacts the child’s day to day life.
How to Qualify Financially
If the child meets the listing requirements in the Blue Book the parents will need to qualify financially before the child can be approved for SSI benefits. The total income (https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-child-ussi.htm) of all adults in the household that are working must fall below the cap set by the Social Security Administration in order for the child to qualify for SSI benefits. Parents can submit W-2 forms or Federal tax returns to prove their income. If you’re submitting Federal tax returns you usually will need at least two years of tax returns to prove your income.
Getting Started
Once you have all of your medical documentation and the financial documentation that you need you can make an appointment at your local SSA office (https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/social-security-disability-locations/california-regional-offices). Bring all of the documentation you have to the appointment with you. A staff member at the SSA will help you file your claim and submit all of the evidence that you have to prove your claim.
Resources:
https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/ChildhoodListings.htm
https://www.disability-benefits-help.org/glossary/social-security-disability-medical-sources
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-child-ussi.htm
The State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) has begun to send out Adult Family Surveys (AFS) and Family Guardian Surveys (FGS) to all families with children 18 years or older living at home (AFS) or living outside of their family home (FGS), and receiving at least one regional center-funded service other than case management. These surveys will be mailed and collected between the end of November 2019 through June 30, 2020. We hope that you will participate in these important surveys as your feedback is very valuable to us.
El Consejo Estatal de Discapacidades del Desarrollo (SCDD) ha comenzado a enviar Encuestas Familiares de Adultos (AFS) y Encuestas de Guardia Familiar (FGS) a todas las familias con niños de 18 años o más que viven en el hogar (AFS) o que viven fuera de su hogar familiar ( FGS), y recibir al menos un servicio financiado por el centro regional que no sea la gestión de casos. Estas encuestas se enviarán por correo y se recopilarán entre finales de noviembre de 2019 y el 30 de junio de 2020. Esperamos que participe en estas importantes encuestas ya que sus comentarios son muy valiosos para nosotros.
Tell the SCDD how to do their jobs...
You have an opportunity to tell the State Council what work they should do. Every five years the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) develops a new state plan to guide their direction and their work. They want their state plan to reflect the priorities of their stakeholders including people with developmental disabilities, their family members, advocates and others who care about and support them. If that describes you, take 10-15 minutes to complete this anonymous survey.
For more information and to link to the survey, CLICK HERE.
The survey is available in 18 languages, and you can select your language from the drop down menu.
If you would prefer to print and fill out the survey by hand, click on the link below:
Díga al SCDD cómo hacer su trabajo...
Tiene la oportunidad de decirle al State Council que trabajo deben hacer. Cada cinco años, el Consejo Estatal de Discapacidades del Desarrollo (SCDD) desarrolla un nuevo plan estatal para guiar su dirección y su trabajo. Quieren que su plan estatal refleje las prioridades de sus interesados, incluidas las personas con discapacidades del desarrollo, sus familiares, defensores y otras personas que se preocupan por ellos y los apoyan. Si eso lo describe, toma entre 10 y 15 minutos para completar esta encuesta anónima.
Para obtener más información y vincular a la encuesta, HAGA CLIC.
Si prefiere imprimir y completar la encuesta a mano, haga clic en el siguiente enlace:
One of the most challenging things about living in Los Angeles is finding a place to call home. But for two Lanterman clients – Brenda and E.W. – who had been displaced for years, they each secured permanent housing in late October – signing leases and receiving their keys.
Lanterman Service Coordinator Miriam Adams shares: “I truly want to thank all the parties involved, my clients of course for being motivated to follow through on paperwork, the ILS agency Passport to Learning and the direct support staff who were dedicated to assuring the clients’ paperwork was completed along with any necessary follow through, and Lanterman’s Housing Specialist, Shannon Rains, who assisted with getting documents signed and submitted on behalf of the clients to the various housing agencies.”
Brenda, with the help of her direct support staff, Tamara Worthington of Passport to Learning, also worked diligently with other community agencies who played a role in assisting her in securing permanent housing, and she says that she is thankful for the help and happy to have her own space and place now.
E.W. wanted to share that she is a success story and to encourage others to stay positive and work with community agencies. With the assistance of her direct support staff, Teniesha Blake of Passport to Learning she also connected with additional community resources who helped to support her through this process of searching for and securing permanent housing. E.W. is a bit camera shy, but rest assured, there were plenty of smiles of joy to go around the day she signed her lease and got her keys.
Miriam adds, “Team work really does make the dream work. I’m so happy for these ladies.” Here's to having a place to call home in time for the holidays.
From left to right: Lanterman Service Coordinator Miriam Adams, Brenda, Direct Support Staff Tamara Worthington of Passport to Learning, and Lanterman Housing Specialist Shannon Rains
La fecha límite para presentar la solicitud se extendió hasta el 17 de enero de 2020.
First 5 LA invita a madres y padres, tutores, cuidadores a entrevistar a las organizaciones que buscan recibir fondos para Help Me Grow - Los Angeles Pathways para mejorar las conexiones a recursos para los retrasos de desarrollo en su comunidad.
Utilice su experiencia intentando conseguir ayuda para un niño con preocupaciones de desarrollo como para caminar, hablar, el comportamiento y otras preocupaciones.
Las personas seleccionadas deberán participar en una capacitación de mitad del día y cada parte del proceso de entrevistas de día completo durante la primavera del 2020. Se le pagará $498 por su tiempo y viaje. Se proporcionará cuidado de niños.
Las personas de la comunidad que participen en el Panel de Entrevista NO podrán buscar o aceptar empleo, ni compensación, por parte de las organizaciones que reciban fondos, ni de cualquier subcontratista o colaborador, como empleado, contratista o vendedor por un periodo de un año sin el previo consentimiento por escrito de First 5 LA.
Las solicitudes se deben entregar a no más tardar el 19 de diciembre de 2019.
La solicitud y las instrucciones en como solicitar están en: bit.ly/32CKBdb.
Heritage Housing Partners is offering affordable condominium units and townhomes for sale in Pasadena (Decker Court and Gill Court) to eligible low- to moderate-income, first-time home buyer households. If you’re interested, you will have to fill out an application and attend an orientation. The deadline to submit an application is January 10, 2020.
In this Library Lowdown, we will be highlighting a new resource just added to the Koch-Young Resource Center Library collection: "Think Outside the Box: Information and Resources on California’s New Self-Determination Program" (November 2019 edition), which is now available for checkout from the KYRC Library.
Published by Disability Voices United and Autism Society of Los Angeles, this resource guide acts as a tool to support the effective implementation of California’s 2013 Self-Determination Law. Learn about the Self-Determination Program, person-centered planning, independent facilitators, financial management services and more.
Please note: If you are unable to come into the Library for your library materials, the KYRC offers pick-up and drop-off of library items at various locations in the community as well. Check out the complete list of locations here: http://www.lanterman.org/index.php/community_drop_off_pick_up_locations
Contact the KYRC Library at 213.252.5600 or kyrc@lanterman.org to make arrangements.
The deadline to apply has been extended to January 17, 2020.
First 5 LA is looking for individuals to interview applicants from agencies seeking funding from First 5 LA for Help Me Grow - LA (HMG-LA) Pathways: Together Strengthening Connections for Kids and Families project. Interviewers will help First 5 LA select grantee(s) that will work with other agencies and people to test ways to better connect children to resources they need for a developmental concern. We have a critical window of time to prepare every child for success in school and life. Thus, it is vital to make sure a young child’s development is on track and to address any concerns as soon as possible to make the biggest difference. HMG-LA Pathways is a project that will improve connections to developmental services and supports.
Interviewers must have the following Qualifications:
o Social-emotional – playing, feeling safe and happy
o Physical – fine and gross motor, vision and hearing (e.g., reaching, rolling crawling, walking)
o Communication – talking, listening and understanding
o Cognitive – thinking, learning and problem solving
o Adaptive – independently eating, dressing and toileting
Those selected must participate in both the training and all parts of the interview process and will be paid for their time and childcare will be provided. Application and materials for the Call for Interviewers is posted on the First 5 LA Funding Center at https://www.first5la.org/article/help-me-grow-los-angeles-pathways-request-for-proposals-rfp-call-for-interviewers/.
To request this application in another language, please contact Daisy Ortiz (dortiz@first5la.org) by no later than Monday, December 2, 2019.
Applicants must submit their completed applications to Daisy Ortiz (dortiz@first5la.org) via email by no later than 5 p.m. PT on Thursday, December 19, 2019.
For additional information or further questions, please contact Daisy Ortiz, Contract Compliance Officer at dortiz@first5la.org.
On Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of a new state website with tools and resources for Californians who have been impacted by wildfires and utility-directed power shutoffs.
The website, RESPONSE.CA.GOV, combines emergency response, recovery and resilience information into a single place for easy access by users. It is a one-stop portal that includes local and state resources, health services, shelters and housing, preparedness information, and more.
“California continues to rise to the challenge of power shutoffs and natural disasters,” said Governor Newsom. “RESPONSE.CA.GOV provides Californians with a unified portal for critical information during this state of emergency. This site will continuously be updated as needed to provide Californians with the resources they need.”
RESPONSE.CA.GOV provides Californians with information and resources for current incidents, transportation impacts, vital health services information, shelter and housing locations, unemployment assistance and other state information. The website also directs users to Public Safety Power Shutoff information and preparedness tips. As incidents continue to evolve, the portal will be updated to reflect the latest information and any additional resources the state may develop.
The Governor yesterday declared a statewide emergency due to the dangerous weather conditions. Earlier today, Governor Newsom joined the state’s top fire and emergency management officials to provide an update on statewide fire and wind conditions, and announced that California has secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help ensure the availability of resources to fight the Getty Fire. California has also secured Fire Management Assistance Grants to bolster the response to the Kincade and Tick fires, for which the Governor previously declared a state of emergency in Sonoma and Los Angeles counties.
Over the course of the past week, the Governor has met with emergency responders, health officials, residents and local leaders in Petaluma, Napa, Geyserville and Los Angeles, and held public briefings regarding the ongoing fire threats and the need to hold utilities accountable for the consequences of their power shutoff decisions.
The Governor has also announced a $75 Million Program for state and local governments to mitigate the impacts of power shutoffs, and unveiled a series of new partnerships and new tools to help secure medically vulnerable populations during these events.
Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, California passed AB 1054, wildfire safety and utility reform legislation that expands the CPUC’s ability to hold utilities accountable for their safety record — a central part of the Governor’s wildfire safety actions.
The legislation created a new wildfire safety division at the CPUC and a board of independent expert advisors to more effectively regulate the safety of publicly owned utilities. The law mandated that utilities tie executive compensation to safety performance, invest $5 billion in safety improvements without profit, and go through a new yearly wildfire safety review and certification process. It also requires new inspections of utility electrical equipment. Under the law, utilities must create a wildfire safety committee in their corporate board, and provide direct board-level safety reporting to the CPUC.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and today we highlight Elder Caravantes and OUE Skyspace LA where he has worked as a tour ambassador since fall of last year.
Elder Caravantes is used to going above and beyond - and his hard work is paying off. A participant in the Work Activity Program (WAP) since 2014, he showcased great effort on tasks like building boxes, packaging goods and loading boxes onto pallets. He also partook in shredding runs, where he helped the driver load and unload shipments. Elder’s ability to grasp tasks quickly and his attention to detail qualified him to perform quality control, where he was responsible for inspecting products.
While at the WAP Elder worked on important job skills such as punctuality and how to interact with co-workers, supervisors and the general public.
In September 2018, Elder became an intern for Smart & Final. During his two-month internship, he learned valuable work skills that would further prepare him for future employment opportunities and he continued to show initiative and dedication when completing tasks and assisting customers.
After completing his internship, Elder attended an OUE Skyspace LA Job Fair, where he was immediately offered a dishwasher position. He completed all paperwork on his own. During his new hire orientation, Elder was delighted to learn he had been assigned to a new position - Tour Ambassador.
In his new position, Elder is responsible for providing a high-level of customer service. Beyond presenting information to guests during tours, he also ensures their overall safety and assists with any of their needs. Elder is thriving in his new role, which plays to his strengths, and is very excited about working with OUE Skyspace LA. Meanwhile, AbilityFirst staff continues to work with Elder on his punctuality and job performance, to ensure he continues to succeed.
AbilityFirst is the supporting service provider.
Lanterman clients interested in exploring employment opportunities should contact their service coordinator to discuss further.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and today we highlight Veronica Zamora and share her search to find a job that she would enjoy, which she finally did, working as a Courtesy Clerk at Pavilions in Los Angeles, where she has been for over a year now.
Veronica began participating in AbilityFirst’s Employment Facilitation Training Services Program (EFTS) in 2017. Veronica expressed interest in finding employment, but she did not know where to start. Veronica was shy at first, but very motivated to find a job. She explained that she wanted to become more independent and help her family. The staff at AbilityFirst assisted her in exploring different options in her community to narrow down her areas of interest. Throughout the process of job searching, Veronica remained positive and optimistic. In April 2018, Veronica was hired at Pavilions in Los Angeles as a Courtesy Clerk. With the support of her job coach, Veronica learned her responsibilities and has been employed for over a year. Veronica is still as positive as ever and enjoys going to work. She expressed to AbilityFirst staff that she loves her job and is very happy. Last year, Veronica purchased Christmas gifts for her family, and it meant a lot to her to be able to do that for them. Veronica is also planning on spoiling her new nephew with presents when his is born later this year. Veronica has come a long way and she continues to work toward her goal of becoming more independent.
AbilityFirst is the supporting service provider.
Lanterman clients interested in exploring employment opportunities should contact their service coordinator to discuss further.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and today we highlight Ronald Ople and S&H Machine where he has worked as a custodian since 2017.
Ronald Ople has been with AbilityFirst’s Supported Employment program since 2013. He worked as a landscaper in a group setting until 2016 and transitioned to individual employment in 2017. Upon transitioning, Ronald was hired as a custodian at S&H Machine, a company that makes parts for aviation and spacecrafts. With the assistance of a job coach, Ronald has maintained his employment and has taken on many duties, such as cleaning and upkeep for multiple buildings, including common areas and workshop areas, restrooms, conference rooms and offices. Ronald enjoys his job and has become very independent. Having a full-time job has given Ronald the opportunity to help contribute to his family, outings and buying gifts.
AbilityFirst is the supporting service provider.
Lanterman clients interested in exploring employment opportunities should contact their service coordinator to discuss further.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and today we highlight Gerald Yamasaki and his two-plus decades with FVOS.
Gerald Yamasaki had been with FVOS for 22 years and was hired in December 2018 by FVOS as a Powder Coater and assembly line worker. Gerald amazes his supervisors with his proficiency setting up and cleaning out the powder-coating machine and always has a can-do attitude. He said that his favorite part of his job at FVOS is getting to work with great coworkers and supervisors.
FVO Solutions, Inc. is the supporting service provider.
Lanterman clients interested in exploring employment opportunities should contact their service coordinator to discuss further.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and today we highlight the paid internship experience that Thomas Shelton had at VIACOM Entertainment.
Thomas Shelton is a friendly and outgoing young man who loves to share stories about his latest adventures with his friends and coworkers. Thomas is a long-time fan of all things Hollywood so when the opportunity came up for him to get a paid internship with the VIACOM Entertainment company, it was truly a perfect fit. Thomas began his internship on June 13 and says he already has friends at the office. He preps snacks for the VIACOM team and helps keep the communal areas clean and organized. Thomas says that his favorite things about his new position are learning all the new skills, getting to work with his job coach Toni, and the great views of Hollywood from the VIACOM windows. He also loves to visit the MTV floor and see the music awards displayed there.
FVO Solutions, Inc. is the supporting service provider.
Lanterman clients interested in exploring employment opportunities should contact their service coordinator to discuss further.
Breaking news, plus resources for your community
On October 11, the Southern District of New York court issued a national injunction in New York v. Department of Homeland Security. This action means that the public charge rule is on hold nationally, and will not go into effect. This is not a final outcome, but for the foreseeable future, the public charge rule will not be used.
Judges in Washington state and California also issued issued similar rulings in other cases today. Multiple advocacy groups and states have sued the federal governmental to try to stop this proposal.
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California law and regulation requires that regional centers display on their Web sites information about the dollar value of services they purchase for clients. These data (called "purchase of service" or "POS" data) must be reported separately by clients' ethnic/racial group, langauge and diagnosis.
¿Cuáles son sus necesidades de servicio actuales? ¡Responda la encuesta y avísenos!
Lanterman is seeking your feedback and assistance in completing a short survey so we can better understand the current service needs. This survey is for our community to complete, including clients, family members, service providers or community partners. Thank you in advance for your time!
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Lanterman busca sus comentarios y ayuda para completar una breve encuesta para que podamos comprender mejor las necesidades actuales del servicio. Esta encuesta es para que la complete nuestra comunidad, incluidos los clientes, los miembros de la familia, los proveedores de servicios o los socios comunitarios. ¡Gracias de antemano por su tiempo!
Regional centers must post information regarding how providers are doing with ensuring individuals served are part of their communities (Welfare and Institutions Code section 4519.2(b)). This information is to be updated at least every six months until DDS has determined that statewide compliance has been met.
El Internet está inundado de información y recursos sobre el Coronavirus (COVID-19) desde el nivel federal hasta el estatal y local. Comenzamos esta página para compartir algunos de los recursos e información que encontramos más útiles y accesibles, además de compartir información específica para Lanterman sobre cualquier efecto que esto tenga en nuestras operaciones, nuestros proveedores de servicios y la comunidad en general.
The Internet is awash in info and resources about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) from the federal to the state and local levels. We're starting this page to share some of the resources and info we found most helpful and accessible, plus to share information specific to Lanterman about any effects this is having on our operations, our service providers and community as a whole.
