Coronavirus Information and Resources

Holiday Gatherings: Message to Self-Advocates, Families, Providers and Regional Centers PDF NEW

The safety of all Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities is our highest priority. We are facing changes in almost every part of our lives. To help limit the spread of COVID-19, regional centers and service providers are dedicated and working with consumers and their communities to identify different ways to help.

This page provides links to general information about COVID-19 and resources. If you still have questions after reading this information and talking with your local regional center and/or your local county public health office, you can email DDSC19@dds.ca.gov. We will check this email daily and route questions to the correct DDS staff for response(s).



As we navigate the new challenges due to COVID-19, DDS will continue working to find new ways to support our consumers, families, providers, staff and communities. All regional centers are open for business, although some regional center staff may be working remotely and not holding face-to-face meetings in their offices. Use the phone number or e-mail address you normally use to contact your service coordinator if you have questions about your services.

DDS has learned that some families received calls from people pretending to be regional center employees. Regional center staff will never ask for banking information, social security information, or credit card information over the phone and you should not provide it to anyone who calls you. If you are unsure if the call is real, hang up and contact your local regional center directly.

Our days look very different because of the changes we are making to keep people safe. We will keep you informed of changes and updates. Please stay safe, stay healthy, and help take care of each other.

Self-Advocate and Family Member Informational Meetings

DDS invites you to attend a self-advocate and family member informational event. This virtual event will include an update from DDS, information about Participant-Directed Services and provide the opportunity to hear from you. The presentations will be in English with simultaneous Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Tagalog and American Sign Language interpretation.

Questions? Please email: FamilyInput@dds.ca.gov.

Family Member Engagement Guide

The Family Member Engagement Guide is a tool that families can use to discuss services and supports with service providers and their regional center (RC). This guide helps you know what questions to think about so that you can discuss your family member’s RC service needs; flexibility and innovation of services while maintaining safety; and how to make choices that are best for them during the COVID-19 pandemic. You may use all or some of your answers when you talk with your RC and service provider.

Safety Information

Health Passport

If you get sick, you might need to see a doctor by yourself. Your family or your caregiver can help you fill out a Health Passport to take with you. A Health Passport is a piece of paper that tells doctors about you, your medical needs, and how to keep you safe.

Videos

Websites

Assistance and Resources

Mental Health Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

DDS has prepared the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to assist our community with answers about the State of Emergency related to the COVID-19 outbreak and services and supports for the individuals we serve.

The questions come from the emails received through the DDSC19@dds.ca.gov email. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please email us so we can update our documents and get you the answers you need. The answers are based on DDS Directives and the Governor’s Executive Orders related to the COVID-19 State of Emergency.  For more information about COVID-19, please:

  • Contact your regional center service coordinator. The regional center contact information can be found here.
  • Contact your local county department of public health. You can find contact information here.
  • Visit The Centers for Disease Control website.

DDS FAQs

DDS Directive FAQs

Information on Receiving Regional Center Services

Information from other State Departments

Disclaimer

The resources provided on this website are only intended to assist individuals, families, caregivers, regional centers and vendors during the COVID-19 crisis. Unless specified in a waiver or directive issued by the Director of the Department of Developmental Services and/or the Department of Public Health in response to COVID-19, the use of resources on this website does not replace applicable law and regulations regarding information given to hospitals or emergency care, and does not otherwise guarantee the use of these resources.

The inclusion of external website links to resources does not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation of material at the linked sites, their content or the services provided. The Department of Developmental Services accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of external websites or external documents linked to on this website.

When you select a link to an external website, you are leaving the Department of Developmental Services’ domain and are subject to the privacy policies of the external website.

Holiday Gatherings: Message to Self-Advocates, Families, Providers and Regional Centers PDF NEW

DDS has approved changes to increase flexibility for providers, and regional centers to provide the services and supports people need. The specific changes DDS has approved are listed on the Department Directives tab.

We will keep working together to find options to meet existing and new service needs. Your continued partnership is essential during this critical time to support our community. Please stay safe and stay healthy. Thank you for your tireless work.

If you would like to share additional resource recommendations, please email ResourcesC19@dds.ca.gov.

Safety Information

Health Passport

If someone you care for needs medical attention, you may be limited or unable to assist them if they require care in a hospital or treatment center. The Health Passport can be used to share important information with other health care professionals about the individual you serve and how to keep them safe. Below are a examples of communication to doctors and hospitals adapted from various local and nationwide sources.

Information and Resources

Videos

Additional Guidance Documents

Disclaimer

The resources provided on this website are only intended to assist individuals, families, caregivers, regional centers and vendors during the COVID-19 crisis. Unless specified in a waiver or directive issued by the Director of the Department of Developmental Services and/or the Department of Public Health in response to COVID-19, the use of resources on this website does not replace applicable law and regulations regarding information given to hospitals or emergency care, and does not otherwise guarantee the use of these resources.

The inclusion of external website links to resources does not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation of material at the linked sites, their content or the services provided. The Department of Developmental Services accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of external websites or external documents linked to on this website.

When you select a link to an external website, you are leaving the Department of Developmental Services’ domain and are subject to the privacy policies of the external website.

Technical Assistance and Training Agent

San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) have identified a need to create a Statewide Technical Assistance and Training Agent to coordinate a variety of supports to service providers to implement the Alternative Nonresidential Services model.  The Request for Proposals has concluded; Easterseals Southern California and California Disability Services Association were selected.

Symposiums on Innovative and Alternative Services in Action

Please visit the “Creative Corner” tab to view the recordings and presentations from the four part web series.

Provider Briefings

Alternative Services: Provider Briefing on Monthly Rates
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Information for Individuals and Families

Alternative Nonresidential Services Town Hall Series

DDS held a series of Zoom “Town Hall” presentations to provide information on the alternative nonresidential services option. DDS provided an overview and answered technical questions, concerns and recommendations for operationalizing the new model. The same presentation was given at all four dates to accommodate as many schedules as possible.

DDS Directive

August 31, 2020: Policies and Procedures for Utilizing Alternative Nonresidential Services During the COVID-19 State of Emergency

DDS has prepared the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to assist our community with answers about the State of Emergency related to the COVID-19 outbreak and services and supports for the individuals we serve.

The questions come from the emails received through the DDSC19@dds.ca.gov email. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please email us so we can update our documents and get you the answers you need. The answers are based on DDS Directives and the Governor’s Executive Orders related to the COVID-19 State of Emergency.  For more information about COVID-19, please:

  • Contact your regional center service coordinator. The regional center contact information can be found here.
  • Contact your local county department of public health. You can find contact information here.
  • Visit The Centers for Disease Control website.

DDS FAQs

DDS Directive FAQs

Information from other Departments

These FAQs will continue to be updated as needed.

COVID-19 has shown us all unique challenges allowing people to step up and think of new ways to do what is important to them. From daytime activities to visits with family and friends, we are seeing people be creative and make things work. We’re excited to showcase these stories. Thank you all for sharing your talents and stories with us.

Do you have a creative program or a story to feature on this page? Please download the submission form and send the completed form with your video links, photos (with appropriate photo release forms) and any other details to DDSC19@dds.ca.gov.

Stephanie is staying at home, but is continuing to receive day/employment services from CEL. CEL has continued to provide direct services, including helping Stephanie sew masks to help keep people safe from COVID-19.

Stephani

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) team at PathPoint developed a series of online cooking classes for the people they support. These videos show step-by-step instructions for making different meals while at home. Below are the videos:

PathPoint has created an entire series of remote learning including art, music, science and job skills on their website.

Due to the Shelter-In-Place order, many of the 300+ children/adults FCSN serves on a daily basis are not able to maintain their pre-COVID-19 daily routines. So FCSN is providing remote services to promote learning, staying connected and remaining healthy both physically and mentally. In this video, you will see what FCSN is doing for their community.

In addition to day services, employment, and independent living, Options for All offers an innovative Film & Media Program that’s adjusted how people work together since they can’t be together in person. Here is a video clip of how self-advocates can learn from each other through Zoom about film production, grahpic desing and more.

Avenues Supported Living Services is providing consumers innovative with creative supports during the pandemic. At quarterly zoom meetings, each consumer shares slides of what they are doing, since they are unable to meet face-to-face. This includes writing letters, painting, reading the newspaper online, being an essential worker at Target and much more. Check out their slides below.

La Familia from East Bay Regional Center (RCEB) have been giving back by distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) to more than 250 consumers and their families in multiple counties in the area. Check out the pictures and their Facebook Live video from the event.

COVID-19 is not stopping The Adult Skills Center (TASC) in the Greater San Fernando Valley from providing services to their consumers! TASC hosts interactive Zoom classes daily. Classes vary from mindfulness & meditation to cooking and even American Sign Language (ASL), just to name a few. Enjoy highlights from their virtual open house.

Virtual learning is the future. Take if from the Real Options for Adults with Disabilities (ROAD) day program in Oceanside. They officially became a virtual program in March and meet Monday through Friday. Activities include exercising, cooking, science and art among other things.

Way to stay active ROAD day program!

Level Up NorCal has been re-packaging gallon-sized hand sanitizer into spray bottles for multiple families. They have also been providing a refill bottle and a box of face masks pre-packed into brown bags. They’re also driving to remote areas in their region to distribute more personal protective equipment.

The College of Adaptive Arts is working hard to make education happen by providing the best possible learning opportunities for their students. They have been developing and utilizing distance learning to provide all their courses online. Spring and Summer enrollments increased and the College has expanded their online courses, offering over 70 distinct classes each week.

Take a thrilling ride to soar with an online art exhibition, Roller Coaster! This is Cedars’ first online art show and they’re featuring art made by artists in their own homes with the remote encouragement and assistance of Cedars staff. This is a great example of using technology to build community and innovative ways to reach a larger audience. This inaugural art show is filled with pieces that capture the spirit, courage and imagination of Cedars’ artists during their shelter in place. Art pieces can be viewed and purchased online, directly supporting the artists.

 

Support for Families of Children with Disabilities (SFCD) did an amazing job partnering with a food distribution site to help their local community. Together they handed out 500 bags with personal protective equipment and other materials in English, Spanish and Chinese. Materials included a book of sensory activities for children, tips for caring for yourself and coping with stress, and other resources.

Social Vocational Services (SVS) is offering hundreds of daily sessions across the state supporting critical social connections, meaningful activity and fun! SVS has created over 2000 videos accessible on YouTube and Facebook ranging from step-by-step arts and cooking tutorials to motivational messages, musical content, and just plain entertainment.

In addition to continuing to provide employment and living skills services throughout the pandemic, Integrated Community Services (ICS) has developed opportunities for people with disabilities to connect, stay informed and continue to build skills. Virtual activities include a voting campaign, emergency support, and a Zoom workshop series to teach people to use technology. ICS also added 3 new groups to their line-up: a fantasy football league, a mindfulness group and a book club. Watch a thank you video by one of the individuals served by ICS below.

Autistry Studios focuses on the support of individuals with autism. Amazingly, Autistry staff had all of their clients online within two days of the Shelter-in-Place order so individuals could access group activities and stay engaged. By mid-June, the COVID-19 restrictions had lifted slightly, so the paid internship crews returned to work at Cadence Farm, grooming and exercising horses, cleaning stalls and polishing tack. They even found a way to provide remote equestrian tutorials via Zoom.

Check out Autistry Studios’ newsletters below:

March 2020:
http://www.autistrystudios.com/blog/index.php/2020/03/newsletter-march-31-2020/

August 2020:
http://www.autistrystudios.com/blog/index.php/2020/08/august-27-2020-newsletter/

DDS is proud to present a web series brought to you by partners throughout the state to showcase real-world examples of innovative services in action to meet individual consumer needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wednesday, October 21, 2020
In partnership with the California Disability Services Association and Special Guests – The Campbell Center, PathPoint and Becoming Independent

Wednesday, October 28, 2020
In partnership with the Autism Society of Inland Empire

Wednesday, November 4, 2020
3:00-4:00 pm
In partnership with Friends of Children with Special Needs

Thursday, November 12, 2020
3:00-4:00 pm
In partnership with State Council on Developmental Disabilities and Special Guests – United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County, Creativity Explored and Progressive Emplopment Concepts

At the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the health of everyone served through the regional center system continues to be our top priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. “If You’re Up for The Task, Wear Your Mask!” is DDS’s latest effort to encourage mask wearing through sharing photos of employees, consumers, families, regional center and service provider staff wearing their masks.

Remember, you should wear a mask or face covering every time you leave your home to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and the spread of the flu! See the California Department of Public Health’s statewide guidance on the use of face coverings here.

Wearing a mask during these challenging times is one way to help ensure the safety of our community and protect everyone around you.

If you’d like to be a part of this campaign:

Photos will be shared on the DDS website and through our social media platforms with the hashtag #WearYourMaskDDS.

We look forward to seeing your masked faces!

Upcoming Events

More events coming soon!

State and Federal COVID-19 Updates

Executive Orders

For additional Press Releases, Executive Orders, Media Advisories and other updates, please visit the Governor’s Newsroom.

Training Resources for Staff in Residential & Other Settings

To support regional centers, as well as residential providers, this page is meant to serve as an easy access point to training resources to ensure that individuals continue receiving quality services and supports in their home settings. If you have feedback related to the content you would like to submit, you can email DDSC19@dds.ca.gov.

General Information about COVID-19 for Community-Based Care Providers

Prevention

Treatment and Management if Caring for Suspected or Confirmed Individuals

Information in ASL

Información en Español

COVID-19 Online Training by the World Health Organization (WHO)

The courses are free. Just register for an account on OpenWHO. The trainings are also available in multiple languages.

COVID-19 Toolkit for DSPs by the National Association of DSPs (NADSP)

Free videos, DSP webinars, and resources to help DSPs take care of themselves during the crisis.

Information and tools related to health and safety for self-advocates, direct support professionals, and vendors or providers.

Adult Residential Facilities for Persons with Specialized Health Needs (ARFPSHN)

Community Crisis Homes (CCH) & Enhanced Behavioral Supports Homes (EBSH)

Family Home Agency (FHA)

Independent Living Skills (ILS) & Supported Living Services (SLS)

Health Passport

If someone you care for needs medical attention, you may be limited or unable to assist them if they require care in a hospital or treatment center. The Health Passport can be used to share important information with other health care professionals about the individual you serve and how to keep them safe. Below are examples of communication to doctors and hospitals adapted from various local and nationwide sources.

General Information

Respiratory Illness

Choking

Urinary Tract Infections

Diabetes

Seizures

Falls

Oral Health

Burns

Drownings

Association of Regional Center Agencies Learning Center

To access these learning modules, you may register to create a new account and login. You may also use login credentials from an existing Regional Center Learning Center account. Further instructions are provided here. VIDEO

Disclaimer

The training resources provided on this website are only intended to assist regional centers and vendors with the training of staff during the COVID-19 crisis.  Unless specified in a waiver or directive issued by the Director of the Department of Developmental Services and/or the Department of Public Health in response to COVID-19, the use of training resources on this website does not replace applicable law and regulations regarding staff training and competency, and does not otherwise guarantee staff competency.

The inclusion of external website links to training resources does not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation of material at the linked sites, their content or the services provided.  The Department of Developmental Services accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of external websites or external documents linked to on this website.

When you select a link to an external website, you are leaving the Department of Developmental Services’ domain and are subject to the privacy policies of the external website.

 


Last modified: December 3, 2020