TCRC Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update - September 3
Dear TCRC Community,
In terms of re-opening the economy, the holding pattern of the past few months is beginning to shift. The governor has announced a new way to track, monitor and provide guidance to Counties called Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Every county in California will now be assigned to a tier based on its rate of new cases and positivity. At a minimum, counties must remain in a tier for at least 3 weeks before moving forward. Data is then reviewed weekly and tiers are updated. To move forward, a county must meet the next tier’s criteria for two consecutive weeks. If a county’s metrics worsen for two consecutive weeks, it will be assigned a more restrictive tier. Unfortunately, all three of our Counties are in the highest risk category of “widespread”. Our state still leads the nation in COVID-19 cases.
The Blueprint for a Safer Economy replaces the County Data Monitoring List for determining what business can and cannot open. This new method incorporates the learning from the first several months of the pandemic. For example, outdoor activities are much safer than indoor. Now, any resident can visit the blueprint page, enter their County and look up whether a business or activity is allowed in their area. Are you ready for your County to reach a less risky tier? Then do the following:
- Wear a mask in public
- Wash your hands regularly
- Keep at least six feet of physical distance when in public
- Limit mixing with people you don’t live with
The tentative date to re-open TCRC offices starting with those employees who volunteer to work from the offices has been postponed to October 5 due to all three of our counties remaining on the State monitoring list. Public health orders require office employees who can work remotely to do so. TCRC employees will continue working remotely to minimize the spread of COVID-19 infections. Opening offices to the public will happen approximately one month after employees return to the offices. More information to come as we get closer to the re-opening date. The health and safety of our employees and visitors will continue to remain a top priority.
We are cognizant that many persons we serve, families and service providers have been eagerly awaiting word on when and how resuming in-person services, group services and site based programs will take place. On August 14 the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) released proposed emergency regulations that would allow for the implementation of an alternative service delivery model for non-residential services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families who are unable to access site-based services due to COVID-19 individual health risk considerations and due to COVID-19 restrictions mandated by the State and local Public Health Departments. The proposed emergency regulations authorize alternative service delivery for non-residential services and specify requirements for Service Provider reimbursement by the Regional Centers. The intent of the proposed emergency regulations is to allow Service Providers to be creative and resourceful in providing person centered services, with an emphasis on safety and minimizing the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The emergency regulations would take effect on September 1 and would replace the current “state of emergency” funding which has reimbursed Service Providers for all absences since the Governor’s Shelter in Place orders due to COVID-19 went into effect last March.
Earlier this week DDS announced that the implementation of the Alternative Service Delivery Model for Non-Residential Services will occur via an Executive Order of the Governor and a directive issued by DDS rather than by emergency regulations as was initially planned. The framework for the model remains the same as what has been outlined in the emergency regulations issued on August 14th with input incorporated from multiple town hall meetings that were hosted by DDS. The new August 31st DDS Directive for the Alternative Service Delivery Model for Non-Residential Services can be accessed here. The Service Provider Certification Form referenced in the August 14th DDS Directive can be accessed here. DDS plans on scheduling in the near future technical assistance training for Regional Centers and Service Providers on the implementation of the model, developing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on its website, and issuing a Family Member and Self-Advocate Engagement Guide.
TCRC Service providers will be receiving a separate communication from TCRC about the August 31st DDS Directive for the Alternative Service Delivery Model for Non-Residential Services in the near future. Self-Advocates and Family members can contact their TCRC Service Coordinators with any questions. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we at TCRC learn the intricacies of the new model ourselves in the coming days. We will provide any additional updates in next week’s communique.
Are you a Service Provider in need of PPE? Use our Provider PPE Request form. Individuals and families requesting PPE may contact their Service Coordinator. Here is a snapshot of PPE distributed to Service Providers and families since the beginning of this pandemic:
- 190,000 masks (N-95 & surgical)
- 1,500 gowns
- 1,000 face shields
- 20,000 gloves
- 300 gallons of hand sanitizer
TCRC Service Coordinators continue to work remotely and are available to support you, be sure to reach out to yours if needed. Or call an on-call Manager. You are not alone! We are here to support you during this challenging time.
On-Call Managers
Simi Valley Office: (805) 456-8020 sv@tri-counties.org
Oxnard Office: (805) 456-8021 ox@tri-counties.org
Santa Barbara Office: (805) 456-8022 sb@tri-counties.org
Santa Maria Office: (805) 456-8023 sm@tri-counties.org
San Luis Obispo Office: (805) 456-8024 slo@tri-counties.org
Atascadero Office: (805) 456-8025 atas@tri-counties.org
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Recording Links to Purchase of Services (POS) Expenditures Meetings
Virtual POS meetings were held last week. Stakeholders were invited to Learn about TCRC's Purchase of Services Expenditures (how much was spent on services) from the prior fiscal year. View a recorded POS meeting here.
TCRC strives to build trusting and empowering relationships with people we support and their families. In response to your feedback from previous meetings, we have made some progress and continue to explore and implement new ways to improve. Including (but not limited to) texting-communication, information-brochures/guides available in easy to understand language, community outreach-being accessible out in your community. We would like to hear to hear from you, please take a moment to take our survey before Monday, September 7.
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Rent Assistance - Ventura County
The Ventura County Pandemic Rental Assistance (VCPRA) program may provide temporary rental assistance for Ventura County residents who:
- Owe past-due rent because they have experienced a particular loss due to COVID-19;
- Have very low incomes;
- Meet all program criteria; and
- Ensure a complete application.
Funding issued is based on rental unit size, $1,500 for a studio/1-bedroom and $2,500 for a 2-bedroom or larger, for a maximum of two months of rent owed. While the funding may not fully cover monthly rent, it is intended to reduce amounts owed. Paper checks will be mailed directly to landlords/property managers. Below are links to specific program details on this page, including eligibility requirements, how to apply, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) for tenants and landlords/property managers. Learn more about rent assistance in Ventura County.
Rent Assistance - Santa Barbara County
The COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program is providing limited rental assistance to eligible County of Santa Barbara residents that have experienced a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and can demonstrate the need for rental support. Eligible renter households must reside in the Unincorporated County (meaning areas like Summerland or Isla Vista), Santa Maria, Buellton, Solvang, Guadalupe, Goleta, and Carpinteria. Payments will be made directly to the landlord or property management company. Up to $5,000 may be provided to help cover 3 months of rental assistance.
Application Deadline: September 4, 5:00 P.M. For more information and to apply, go to http://www.countyofsb.org/housing.
Housing Support Program – SLO County
The CalWORKs Housing Support Program (HSP) is a program to help families that are eligible for CalWORKs to achieve stability and safety by ending homelessness. There are three levels of potential eligible participants:
- Level 1: CalWORKs families where one Participant is enrolled in Welfare-to-Work activities and able to pursue employment.
- Level 2: CalWORKs families where a child(ren) is receiving cash assistance but the parents are not.
- Level 3: CalWORKs families where at least one adult participant is unable to work due to permanent disability and whose income is unlikely to increase.
Learn more and how to apply for SLO’s Housing Support Program.
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The Farmworker Household Assistance Program (FHAP)
This program is provides financial assistance to help stabilize housing for low-income farmworkers who live in Ventura County and are at greatest risk of homelessness. The program provides a grant amount of $1,500 per eligible household. Applications must be submitted online. Within the application, the applicant will also be required to:
- Provide applicant’s email address
- Upload scan of identity verification
- Upload scan of most recent paycheck stub
Need help? Call 805-385-1899 or email FHAP@ventura.org. Visit www.vchsa.org/FHAP.
Have You Responded to the 2020 Census?
“Time is running out to make an impact on the funding for the next 10 years for your community! Take a few minutes to complete the Census – it’s safe, secure and drives critical dollars into education and health care programs,” said Ditas Katague, Director of the California Complete Count – Census 2020 Office. “Everyone counts in the Census, regardless of background or immigration status. You have 30 days to make a difference.”
The campaign continues to remind all Californians that they can respond to the Census online at https://my2020census.gov by phone at 844-330-2020 (a list of in-language options is available here), or by mail if they received a paper form. PLEASE RESPOND, IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.
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Disability Vote California
ARCA has joined a coalition of disability advocacy groups from around the state, focused on ways to more effectively engage our entire community with the upcoming election! Known as Disability Vote California, this non-partisan effort will focus on ways to ensure that all citizens, regardless of disability.
Are you registered to vote? Have you moved since the last time you voted? Just not sure, and want to double-check? Confirm your registration status here.
ILRC Offers “Get Out the Vote” Webinar
- What's at stake for seniors and persons with disabilities?
- What's changed with the voting process?
- What are the main ballot initiatives?
Join them via Zoom on Wednesday, August 26th at 10:30am-12:00pm. Register and request accommodations here. Interested in getting more information about voting? Contact Jacob Lesner-Buxton at mailto:Jlesner@ilrc-trico.org, or call (805) 963-0595 ext 105. Spanish translation and captioning is available at this event brought to you by Independent Living Resource Center and a grant from the Fund for Santa Barbara.
Disability Rights California Publishes Voting Videos
DRC now offers two great, short videos that cover voting and accessibility.
Learn more about your rights and an election hotline at the DRC web site.
Are You Ready to Vote?
The Arc is encouraging people to Pledge to Vote in the upcoming election. Are you registered to vote? Get started here. See details in this email from The Arc.
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TCRC Public Meeting Notices
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Upcoming National Core Indicators Presentation
National Core Indicators (NCI) is one tool that DDS uses to monitor the performance of the developmental disabilities service system and regional centers. For more information regarding the NCI project you can contact QAProject@scdd.ca.gov. Join us to hear about TCRC's results and our plans for the future.
Friday September 11, 2:00 PM https://tcrc.zoom.us/j/122389570
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Upcoming TCRC Performance Contract Presentation
Each year, TCRC and DDS develop a contract that defines how TCRC will be evaluated on its performance. TCRC will present their performance contract plan and invite public comment. Performance plan objectives have been developed with input from the community and are embedded within TCRC’s Strategic Performance Plan 2019-2021.
Friday October 2, 2:00 PM https://tcrc.zoom.us/j/122389570
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Intake is Open!
Are you concerned about your child’s development? Does any aspect of their speech, physical abilities, behavior, or any other area seem delayed? We want you to know that the Tri-Counties Regional Center Early Start program is here to identify and treat developmental delays in children 0-3 years of age. These services are free; there is no cost to you. Our clinical and intake teams are fully operational. We have an amazing team ready to help some of the newest people to our system. Please share the word that anyone may refer to our Early Start program. If you are concerned about your child’s development, visit our Connect with an Intake Coordinator web page. Learn more about our Early Start program here.
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We will continue to provide updates and information regularly.
Please take care and stay well.
Omar Noorzad, PhD
TCRC Executive Director
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To everyone, please beware of misinformation which may be shared, and be sure to turn to reliable and official sources of information.
Following are links to local, state and federal resources you should visit for reliable information about Coronavirus (COVID-19):
Informational Websites
Local Public Health Departments
San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department Coronavirus Public Information Updates
Santa Barbara County Public Health Coronavirus Public Information Updates
Ventura County Public Health Coronavirus Public Information Updates
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Gov. Newsom announced the creation of a statewide hotline — 833-544-237 — in coordination with the non-profit local 2-1-1 systems, so Californians have a one-stop shop to answer their questions and get assistance during this crisis. For example, the 2-1-1 system is able to help older Californians access grocery and medication delivery while staying at home.
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