Sunday, May 16, 2021 07:14 PM

Early Intervention / CA Budget; Emergency Broadband Program; Family Screen time Survey

Posted: 5.16.21

Governor Newsom to release CA May Revise - Friday, May 14, 2021 | More Information

May Revise details - DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provides individuals with developmental disabilities a variety of services that allow them to live and work independently or in supported environments. California is the only state that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities as an entitlement. The May Revision includes $10.7 billion ($6.6 billion General Fund) and estimates that approximately 386,753 individuals will receive services by the end of 2021-22.

SIGNIFICANT ADJUSTMENTS:

Elimination of Suspensions—The May Revision proposes to eliminate suspension of the Provider Supplemental Rate Increase and lift the implementation of the Uniform Holiday Schedule resulting in a cost of $173.7 million General Fund in 2022-23 and $309.6 million ongoing General Fund.
Performance Incentives Program—The May Revision includes $4 million General Fund in 2021-22 for one-time planning resources to create an outcome-focused regional center operations funding program. Beginning in 2022-23, ongoing costs increase to $61 million General Fund.
Direct Service Professional Workforce Training and Development—The May Revision includes $2.9 million General Fund in 2021-22 to establish a training and certification program for direct service professionals tied to wage differentials. The program aims to reduce staff wage inequity, stabilize service access, and professionalize and diversify the workforce. Beginning in 2023-24, ongoing costs increase to $51 million General Fund.
Bilingual Staff Differentials—The May Revision includes $2.2 million General Fund in 2021-22 to create a differential for bilingual service provider staff. Beginning in 2023-24, ongoing costs increase to $6.5 million General Fund.
Self-Determination Supports—The May Revision includes $6.8 million General Fund to improve consumer onboarding into the Self-Determination Program, to include: participant choice specialists, intensive transition support services, and regional center training. Beginning in 2024-25, ongoing costs decrease to $2.2 million General Fund.
Lanterman Act Provisional Eligibility—The May Revision includes $23.8 million ongoing General Fund to provide children aging out of Early Start provisional Lanterman service eligibility up to age five.

Plan on attending - May 17 - 12:00-1:30PM - CA Budget Update: May Revision and It's Impact on Early Intervention Services | Register Today

Department of Developmental Services Meetings:
DS Task Force & Community Stakeholder Budget Briefing
Wednesday, May 19 - 10:00-11:30am
Presented in English with live Spanish & ASL interpretation
Register in advance

Monday, May 24, 2021
Presented in Spanish with live English interpretation
2:00-3:30pm
Register in advance

FCC Announces the Availability of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program: Application Process Opened on May 12, 2021

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the availability of the FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program, which provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income consumers. Eligible households can enroll through an approved broadband service provider or by visiting the GetEmergencyBroadband.org site. The application process opened on May 12, 2021, and eligible households can receive:

Up to a $50-per-month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals
A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50).

Only one monthly service discount and one device discount are allowed per household. Program rules acknowledge that there may be more than one eligible household residing at the same address.

Additional information about the EBB Program is available in this Overview Module. Help in applying for the program is available from the Emergency Broadband Support Center by emailing [email protected] or calling (833) 511-0311.

Apply Early! The EBB Program will end when funds are exhausted or 6 months after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health emergency, whichever is sooner.

TECHNOLOGY SURVEY FOR EI FAMILIES:

Dear EI Providers,

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an increased use of technology with children and adults. The effects of technology won’t be realized without data collection. A survey in English and Spanish has been created as an opportunity to gather data about screen time (computers, smart phones, iPads, televisions, etc.), usage and effects on parents and children of all ages (including teens). Please share this survey with your families. Return due date by June 2, 2021. More Information

Thank you,
Dr. Elaine Fogel Schneider, Dr. Erica Ray
Ellis, Dr. Deborah Ross-Swain
California State University, Los Angeles
Stay tuned: Federal funds coming to CA

Fran Chasen and Annie Cox
IDA Policy Commitee

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