Friday, October 16, 2020 06:33 PM

Announcements from Department of Developmental Services

Posted 10.23.20

Alternative Nonresidential Services and the Methodology for Calculating Monthly Payment Rates
On October 14, the Department of Developmental Services shared information on Alternative Nonresidential Services and the Methodology for Calculating Monthly Payment rates. Materials from the training can be found here under the “Alternative Services” tab. The recording will be posted tomorrow. Live stream video is available on the DDS YouTube channel here:

Prior to sharing rates with providers Regional Centers have an opportunity to meet with DDS and Representatives from Burns & Associates during the week of October 19th. Stay tuned for your appointment with your Regional Center for a discussion of your program rates - Alternative.

Service Access & Equity Workgroup
The Department of Developmental Services is supporting a DDS Task Force. The Service Access & Equity Workgroup is part of this process. For questions and additional information, please email [email protected].

Monday, October 26, 2020
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Please register in advance for this webinar:
Register Today

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with your link to join the webinar

CENSUS: Act Now
OCTOBER 15TH - LAST day to respond to the CENSUS more information

The information collected from the census determines how funds are allocated to your community, how many representatives you have, etc. Share with your colleagues and families:

Mail in: fill out the paper form and mail it back.
Online: visit my2020census.gov to complete the form online.
Phone: call 844-330-2020 where assistance is available in multiple languages.

Voting - Do you have a Plan for getting your ballot? Registration ends October 19th

Voting deadlines
Application by mail - Oct 27
Application online - Oct 27
Submission by mail - Nov 3
Submission in person - Nov 3

Healthy Voting Tips
Find healthy, secure, and safe ways to cast your ballot this year. more information

Official Election Website
Get details and deadlines for voting in your area. more information

Survey of interest to Early Intervention
Survey of interest to Early Intervention: Early Intervention Telepractice in time of COVID-19 - Provider Survey - more information

This study is being done by Megan Schumaker Murphy, from Salem State University and Dana Childress from Virginia Commonwealth University. Additional details provided on the link to the survey.

"Who can participate in this research study?
We want to hear from any early intervention provider over the age of 18 who transitioned from in person to online telehealth services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic."

The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is excited to announce the first in a series of monthly California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chats and encourage those who are interested to join in the conversation!

What/Why: The “California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chats” are designed to provide self-advocates throughout California the opportunity to speak about topics that they want to talk about. After each meeting, participants will receive a follow-up email with resources and information related to the topics discussed. Information and resources shared will be designed to help advocates learn about issues important to them and advocate for change in their communities.

When: The third Wednesday of each month.

The first California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chat will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 | 11:00am.

Where: We will be meeting virtually via Zoom. Registration is required to attend the California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chats. Register Today

This month’s topic is Mental Health and Isolation during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Some questions to think about for the first California Statewide Self-Advocacy Chat:
1. What issues or problems do you know of in your region, city or town that are due to mental health or isolation during COVID-19?
2. What have you been doing during COVID-19 to continue your advocacy work?
3. What have you been doing during COVID-19 to find resources about COVID-19?
4. What have you been doing to stay connected to families, friends and important contacts?
5. What topics would you like to see in future Statewide Self-Advocacy Chats?

This month’s Chat will be facilitated by Riana Hardin, Self-Advocacy Coordinator for the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities. Please email [email protected] or call 916-263-8196.

Fran Chasen and Annie Cox
IDA Liaisons

Announcements

IDA Blog

Considering the Sibling Experience when Supporting Families in Early Intervention
Read More

Quality Incentive Program (QIP) - Early Intervention Services Directive released

The Department of Developmental Services Directive Here announced that the Quality Incentive Program is offering information on how Early Intervention providers can participate in the QIP measure. The Directive covers Eligibility Click Here and Here, Incentive Payment Processing Click Here, Conditions for a Provider to receive Incentive Payments.

The latest plan recognizes the need to have families/children enrolled in Early Start and is offering a fiscal incentive to programs. The plan HERE is different from information shared in the July, 2023 Presentation to the Interagency Coordinating Council and at the January 2024 ICC Meeting.

Steps to listing a program in the Statewide Provider Directory are not included in this Directive.

The QIP email to ask questions, share comments is [email protected]

ACTION NEEDED: Have you contacted your legislators?

Call to ACTION English Click Here in Spanish Here to let them know you are opposed to having a $1B proposed delay in implementing the rate increase to providers rates? Early Intervention providers have not had a rate adjustment. Thanks to The Arc California for offering this easy platform to communicate with legislators.

ACTION Needed to let the Members of the Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 know why they need oppose the Proposed $1B budget delay for Rate Implementation

The Senate Budget SubCommittee #3 on Health and Human Services (Senate.ca.gov/calendar) is meeting on March 21st at 9:30AM at the State Capitol, Sacramento.

"We need you to amplify that we are asking the committee members to REJECT the Governor’s proposed $1 billion need to amplify that we are asking the committee members to REJECT the Governor’s proposed $1 billion in cut to funding for disability services and supports.

Where Does Early Intervention Stand in the Proposed Governor's Budget 2024-2025?

Governor Newsom released his proposed budget on January 10th. He is suggesting that providers of service through the Department of Developmental Services be prepared for a "delay" in the roll out of the rate model funds. You can have a conversation about what does delay mean .....a cut or not. Basically the funds are not going to be passed along to the providers as promised and planned.

Department of Developmental Services Announces Stakeholder Committee to Create Master Plan for Developmental Services

As mentioned in the Governor's proposed 2024-2025 Budget, the Department of Developmental Services will create a Master Plan with a March 2025 deadline. Yesterday Dr. Mark Ghaly announced the appointed Membership for the Master Plan Committee. Developmental Services Master Plan Stakeholder Committee Appointment (ca.gov) - link to go with Membership for the Master Plan
Their first meeting is scheduled for March 6th. Subcommittees are to be formed to increase input from all communities serving the populations involved with the system.

"The reality is that the developmental services system cannot, nor should it, operate in isolation given the changing needs of the consumers and families we serve today.” said CalHHS Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly. “This means we must proactively think about how we connect the dots between systems and sectors, while more intentionally integrating developmental services to our work to serve the whole needs of the individual and their families."

The purpose of the Master Plan is, "...since 2019, the number of Californians served by the developmental services system has grown by 31%, with significant growth among children under the age of 22 who have an Autism diagnosis. Today, over 400,000 Californians receive services and supports through California’s 21 Regional Centers. Individuals who receive services today are more diverse and live longer. They face affordable housing shortages, lower rates of employment, and the challenges of accessing services from other systems and sectors to address their physical, social, and behavioral health needs. A 21st century developmental services system must increase its ability to provide culturally responsive services and to strengthen the accountability and standardization of the system so that it is easier for individuals and their families to navigate no matter where they live in California. "

Additional details in the 2/14/24 Press release:

CalHHS Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly Announces Stakeholder Committee to Create Master Plan for Developmental Services - California Health and Human Services

Early Intervention ACTION Step

In the Governor's proposed budget, he is indicating there should be a "delay" for one year of completing the fiscal roll out that was part of the rate model process.
This "delay" cut of one year of income impacts the ability of families to access services, programs to recruit and maintain adequate staff,etc.
Please take a moment to connect with your legislators about your concerns.

Take Action! Urge Legislators to Reject Delay of $1 Billion to Disability Services (p2a.co)

There are Budget hearings scheduled in the Assembly and the Senate. Input can be sent via email or in person.

You can watch the Assembly hearings here: https://www.assembly.ca.gov/todaysevents.
BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE NO. 2 ON HUMAN SERVICES
Wednesday, February 28
1:30 p.m. - State Capitol, Room 444
Developmental Services and Rehabilitation Programs
The Senate Hearings can be watched here: https://www.senate.ca.gov/calendar.
Additional details to be shared via IDA EBlasts.

IDA Policy Committee