TCRC News - October 22
Welcome to the Fall Season! With Halloween around the corner and cooler weather upon us here in our region things will continue to look a bit different this year. All three of our Counties remain in the red or “substantial” tier which allows for more establishments to open indoors with modifications. Every County in California is assigned to a tier based on its rate of new cases and positivity rate. Visit the Governor’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy page and enter your County to look up whether a business or activity is allowed in your area.
The tentative date to re-open TCRC offices has been changed to December 1st Public health orders for the “Substantial” tier require office employees who can work remotely to do so in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19 infections. Opening offices to the public will happen approximately one month after employees return to the offices. We will continue to reassess the status of TCRC offices re-opening on a monthly basis based on the state and local public health orders. We are eager to re-open our offices at the earliest opportunity when it is deemed safe to do so. 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.
On August 31, 2020, 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.
TCRC is currently meeting with Service Providers on a weekly basis to provide implementation updates and address questions. DDS, in partnership with San Diego Regional Center has posted a Request for Proposal to identify a Statewide Technical Assistance and Training Agent to support Regional Centers and Service Providers in the implementation of the model. DDS is also in the process of developing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on its website, and issuing a Family Member and Self-Advocate Engagement Guide.
TCRC Service providers received a separate communication from TCRC about the August 31st DDS Directive for the Alternative Service Delivery Model for Non-Residential Services. Self-advocates and family members can contact their TCRC Service Coordinators with any questions. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we learn the intricacies of the new model ourselves in the coming days. We will provide any additional updates as they become available.
PPE
The longer COVID lasts, the more we have to work to remain diligent with the safety measures each of us takes. Click here for CDC tips on how to wash a facemask. TCRC remains one source of PPE in the community for our families and providers. 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.
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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Window for 4th COVID Relief Package Before the Election Closing Fast
Negotiations between the White House and the Speaker of the House continued over the weekend, and the Speaker set a 48-hour deadline for a package to come together. On the Senate side, Leader McConnell has announced that there will be votes on smaller relief bills, which do not include the priority issues of the disability community, on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. It is unclear if a compromise between the White House, the House of Representatives, and the Senate will come together, but we urge you to continue contacting your Senators here.
There's Still Time to Register for The Arc’s FREE 2020 National Convention
The Arc's National Convention may look a little different this year, but they are excited to bring you the same caliber of tools YOU need to succeed. Join us October 26 – 28 right from your computer for sessions on voting, police safety, policy, and more. There's never been an easier way to attend! The best part? Sessions will also be available on-demand, so you can watch at your convenience if you're not able to attend them live. Register today.
Christy Smith Talks with Disability Vote California
25th District Congressional Candidate Christy Smith will participate in an online conversation with Disability Vote California. This 30 minute zoom meeting is devoted to questions about how Christy Smith would address issues critical to the disability community, if elected. Mike Garcia has not accepted the invitation. Interviewers include self-advocates (one of whom is president of the Autism Society of Ventura County), a parent-professional, and the Executive Director of NLACRC.
Monday, October 26 from 10:30 to 11:00 am. Click here for attendee link that morning.
City of Thousand Oaks Launched Rental Assistance Program
The City's Rental Assistance Program application period will open OCTOBER 26 - NOVEMBER 16, 2020. Thank you all for your patience! Visit www.toaks.org/rent on October 26 for the link to the application. The application is not first come first serve. Please take the time you need and have the required information.
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Monthly Self Advocacy Chats with SCDD
The California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) is excited to announce monthly chats. “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. Chats will be held the third Wednesday of each month. The first chat will be held on Wednesday, October 21st @ 11:00 A.M. This month’s topic is Mental Health and Isolation during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
For accommodations and/or questions email riana.hardin@scdd.ca.gov or call 916-263-8196.
Zoom session details:
bit.ly/ca_selfadvocacychats
Meeting ID: 981 9974 0338
Passcode: 787707
Toll Free Number: 888-475-4499
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The Redwoods Gathering Goes Virtual This October
Held October 26th-28th, 2020
Going Beyond Training: Adapting and Creating a Whole New World
Whether you live in the Pacific Coast region of the United States or anywhere in the world, we welcome you to our virtual event. This is the first, U.S. regional gathering presented by TLCPCP outside of the Portland Gathering and it is coordinated by members of the regional community of practice in California. Together they make up the TLCPCP Redwoods Gathering Agenda Committee. The committee has organized sessions focused on key topics that will be shared over three days. Find Redwoods Gathering details here. View the Draft Agenda or Register at https://portlandgathering.org/redwoods/
YouTube version https://youtu.be/NfeAOWOd5DU
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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Did you know that October marks the 75th National Disability Employment Awareness Month? Find links to Webinars and Resources in this message from ARCA.
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Ballots have arrived!
And there are more options to vote this year than ever before!
1) Mail it in! Our Elections office and USPS recommend people mail in their ballot EARLY. Be sure to SIGN and date the back of the return envelope. Ballot return envelopes DO NOT require postage! Track your ballot at: https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/
2) Drop it off! Secure ballot drop boxes are located throughout our Counties 24 hours a day until 8 p.m., November 3.
Register to Vote before Oct 19
Voting is about your values, your views, and how you think your government should represent you. And voting is how you make those views known. In California, the easiest way to do this is at RegisterToVote.ca.gov. You can even check to make sure you're already registered, just to be sure. And if you've moved since the last election, this is also an important chance to make sure your address is correct. Go to Vote.gov to get started!
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.
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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Rent Assistance - Ventura County
The Ventura County Pandemic Rental Assistance (VCPRA) program has closed. Watch for upcoming details about city programs.
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.
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.
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Early Start Program – Newborn to Age 3, No Referral Needed
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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