Phoenix Facilitation of California LLC

Interested in learning Animation, Visual FX, or Digital Arts? Exceptional Minds Academy and Studio prepares artists with autism for careers in entertainment and related industries. Their Summer Workshops, virtual or in person, are a great way to find out if the full-time Academy Program is a good choice, or to develop your skills and storytelling talents. Workshops are for ages 14 and up, with the majority of participants young adults. Check out their offerings at https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRTG1zMJcNowCs_2es4G-ItyCCkiItuJta4x-KldfDEKiNbbPHg84cFVgqtLadbULLUVWiZEPjHNfe7/pub. Or contact Casandra Melgar ([email protected]) for more information.

SDP One Stop Shop in Napa on June 5th, 2024 from 3:00pm to 6:30pm! Join us to meet independent facilitators, Financial Management Services, and other Self-Determination providers. Register at https;//bit.ly/SDPNBRC (case sensitive) or scan the QR code. Email [email protected] or call 707-256-1261 with questions or if you're interested in being a presenter at the event!

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¡SDP One Stop Shop en Napa el 5 de junio de 2024 de 3:00 p. m. a 6:30 p. m.! Únase a nosotros para conocer a facilitadores independientes, servicios de gestión financiera y otros proveedores de autodeterminación. Regístrate en https;//bit.ly/SDPNBRC (el enlace distingue entre mayúsculas y minúsculas) o escanea el código QR. Envíe un correo electrónico a [email protected] o llame al 707-256-1261 si tiene preguntas o si está interesado en ser presentador en el evento.

I am writing to inform you about an important initiative that an Independent Facilitator is currently working on for the Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB).

On behalf of the RCEB team, their primary focus is to gather information from the Black and African American RCEB clients in both Alameda and Contra Costa counties to better serve these communities. They have created a survey to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of these communities served by RCEB.

The purpose of the survey is to gain a deeper understanding of the needs, challenges, and aspirations of the Black and African American RCEB communities with the ultimate goal of enhancing the services and supports provided by RCEB.

As part of the data collection process, they need the client (or their representative) to provide the following information on the survey:

a) The first letter of the client's first name;
b) The first letter of the client's last name; and
c) The client's UCI (Unique Client Identifier) number

Client information will be handled with strict confidentiality and used only for RCEB data collection purposes.

To express appreciation for completing the survey, they are pleased to offer $20 for their participation. This incentive is aimed at recognizing the time and effort contributed to this important undertaking.
Please note: Only one survey can be completed for each RCEB client.

To receive their $20 digital gift card, the individual completing the survey on behalf of the client must provide an email address of where to send the gift card.

The last day to complete the survey is March 10, 2024. For questions, please email [email protected] or call 1-888-SURVEY-0.

Your support and assistance is greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your time and commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity within our community.

Please join CHOICESS for an engaging presentation from a speaker and trainer who uses her unique, lived experience as a woman with a disability and her sassy, tell-it-like-it-is way of speaking, to educate others and breakdown preconceived notions of what it‘s like to live with a disability.

This training will focus on the impact person-centered thinking can have on the service system, as well as the “gaps“ that exist in systemic implementation. It will cover what “good” and person-centered support actually looks like and how it can be achieved in partnership with the people being supported.

The presentation will include a dedicated, interactive Q&A and are intended for all: service providers & vendors, direct support professionals, individuals receiving services, and families.

Both days will be in person and offered online via Zoom.

To register, click on your desired date(s) to attend at https://www.choicess.org/specialevents. If attending via Zoom, the link will be mailed to you at the email address associated with your PayPal account.

Cost is $35 in person (seating is limited) and $20 for Zoom. If you receive services from Regional Center, contact your service coordinator to see if you're eligible for help with the registration cost.

If you have any questions please contact [email protected]

Day 1 - February 12th, 2024 9am - 11am (in-person) at San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center 75 Rancho Camino Drive Pomona, CA 91766. ​

Day 1 - February 12th, 2024 9am - 11am (on Zoom). Zoom link will be provided vial email upon purchase of registration within 24 hours. ​

Day 2 - February 14th, 2024 9am - 11am (in-person) at San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center 75 Rancho Camino Drive Pomona, CA 91766. ​

Day 2 - February 14th, 2024 9am - 11am (on Zoom). Zoom link will be provided vial email upon purchase of registration within 24 hours.

The Autism In Entertainment Conference, is a groundbreaking event that will take place on Friday, April 5, 2024 at the prestigious Skirball Cultural Center. This one-day, in-person conference will be bringing together industry leaders and advocates to explore ways to bridge the gap between the ASD community and the entertainment industry. Our goal is to provide a platform that will empower individuals with ASD to showcase their talent and creativity, and to help them find meaningful employment opportunities within the entertainment industry. Join us in breaking down the barriers and supporting autism in entertainment!

The conference is being organized by the Autism In Entertainment Working Group, led by the Orange County Asperger’s Support Group with support from Zavikon an employment agency whose mission is to place neurodivergent individuals and those with disabilities in career-oriented, meaningful jobs, and they utilize a supported placement model to set both employer and employee up for success. The conference is funded by a Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Grant designed to help Regional Center consumers find employment.

The Autism In Entertainment conference is targeted at the following audiences:

Talent – Individuals on the spectrum (ages 18 and up) with two or more years of education/training/experience in entertainment-related fields. Priority will be given to Regional Center clients. Family members are welcome; however, due to space limitations, each applicant may be accompanied to the conference by one family member, caregiver, or personal aide if needed. We are mainly focused on the autism community but will consider neurodiverse talent who have not received an autism diagnosis.
Representatives of companies in the Entertainment Industry who wish to expand neurodiverse hiring.

Registration Link: https://autisminentertainment.org/registration/

Additional guidance from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) regarding the transition from 024 to 099, 099 services in general, etc.

Some highlights/my favorite parts:

1) Some Regional Centers have been taking forever and a day to vendorize 099 providers. This guidance requires the Regional Centers to provide monthly status updates on their efforts to secure providers of these services for the majority of 2024, which will hopefully increase accountability and smooth some of the roadblocks providers have been experiencing.
2) Providers who are working on vendorization will be able to continue to bill under 024 while the vendorization is pending, which will ensure that payments continue to be provided for work completed, and that participants and families continue to have support, regardless of any Regional Center bureaucracy.
3) Regional Centers are reminded to pay for Person-Centered Planning services timely! Hallelujah!
4) 099 services now specifically allow billing for administrative, non-face-to-face contacts and collaterals, which is critical, since a lot of what we do is behind the scenes.
5) This guidance is confirmation that the FMS supports for pre-transition are officially no longer under 099, and that all 40 hours, as needed, will be for the other provider (often called an Independent Facilitator, but technically a "General SD Supports" vendor)

New guidance from DDS regarding billing requirements for services in SDP. I think the idea is that small businesses will have *less* requirements for billing (i.e. not invoicing specifically), but I'm naturally skeptical, and tend to think the FMS agencies will still require invoices, potentially from all agencies. I do like the part that specifies that if subscription or access fees are typically payable at the beginning of the month, that the Self-Determination Participant should also have them paid at the beginning of the month, which will hopefully encourage more providers to accept payment if it can be provided up-front, rather than in arrears, as it is for people not using the Regional Center for payment.

In addition, there are some new requirements for invoicing, even for Independent Facilitators, and I think the purpose of the new requirements is to reiterate that only services actually provided can be billed for (they seem to be pushing back on "flat rates" for services, for example, and making the provider certify that the services were actually provided in order to bill for them.) I also read this guidance as reiterating that reimbursement is not provided in Self-Determination, and that all purchases and services must be paid for directly by the Financial Management Service (FMS), which is interesting given that I do know that some FMS agencies definitely are reimbursing...

DDS released a new directive regarding the Self-Determination Program. It can be found at https://www.dds.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Self-Determination_Program_FMS_Transition_Supports.pdf.

My reading of it is that FMS agencies will no longer be receiving "099" payments, saving them from the trouble of getting vendored for another service code, and simultaneously allowing Independent Facilitators to claim a full 40 hours of the 099 services provided, rather than splitting them with the FMS, as was previously going to be required.

I also really love the part of this directive that allows the FMS to invoice for this service upon transfer from one Regional Center to another. This is a lot of work, which has led at least one FMS to refuse to support participants who transfer mid-year, calling it a "mid-year transfer," and dropping their services. This should hopefully prevent that!

Happy Holidays to you and yours, from all of us at Phoenix Facilitation of California LLC - we are grateful for the opportunity to work with you, and look forward to continued collaboration in 2024!

Are you a parent of an adult with autism who is interested in technology and has a high school diploma, a GED certificate, or a college degree?

If YES, you are invited to a virtual FOCUS GROUP via Zoom!

The USC University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at Children's Hospital Los Angeles is seeking your input on how to improve employment opportunities in robotics programming for adults with autism.

They will also ask you to complete a short demographic survey.

Participation in this focus group is completely voluntary.

A $50 gift card will provided in appreciation of your participation.

To register, click here: https://redcapsurveys.med.usc.edu/surveys/?s=HRADN93777T9KNCK or scan the QR code on the flyer

Contact: Adrian Oliva Martin - [email protected]
Dr. Alexis Deavenport-Saman - [email protected]

This focus group is part of a project funded by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

We loved having the opportunity to present at Alliance of All Abilities' Regional Center of Orange County Self-Determination Resource Fair on Saturday! If you'd like to see the video of founder, Naomi Hagel, talking about Person-Centered Planning and Independent Facilitation, check it out at https://youtu.be/ZCjhJrkVeLs?si=rxezDxCx9xPzT3oI.

LA Law Library has their pro-bono week this week! There’s some great classes, including on SSI/SSDI, conservatorship, and special education, in-person and via Zoom. They also have an on demand catalog/library always available of different subjects.

LA Law Library's Pro Bono Week 2023 Supported by the private sector, Friends of the Los Angeles County Law Library is dedicated to raising funds for the LA Law Library. Established in 1891, the LA Law Library is a vital civic institution that serves not only judges, attorneys and government officials but also individuals and self-repr...

Important Aveanna Updates/Reminders:

SDP Updated Email Inboxes:

General Customer Service: [email protected] (Authorizations, AveannaCare Portal Assistance, Pay Rates, Vendor Enrollment, Expenditure Report Inquires.. etc)

Spending Plans: [email protected] (Renewals/Revision Inquires only)

Invoice Submissions: [email protected] (Invoice/Purchase Related Inquires only)

Referrals/Consultations: [email protected] (SDP New Client Transition Inquires only) *2024 they will be scheduling consultations

Escalations: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Request Forms Below:

Requests to Increase Pay Rate/ Add Providers To A New Service Code

All requests must be submitted in the form below and submitted with an approved Aveanna Revised Spending Plan reflecting the changes prior to submitting this request:
https://forms.office.com/r/tPREp8citU

i. Please advise these changes can take up to 2 payroll cycles to be implemented, therefore, a future date of at least two weeks from the date submitted must be provided. This request form must also be completed for any providers being added to new service codes during their SDP budget year. (Renewals are not required as they will be updated accordingly as indicated on the spending plan)

2. Direct Support Staff Enrollment Requests

To initiate the onboarding of any new staff, the request form below will need to be completed:
https://forms.office.com/r/44BQTuhKFK

i. Once complete Aveanna's enrollment team ([email protected]) will send the enrollment packet via DocuSign to the applicant and request applicable forms of identification.

Please advise a Live Scan is required for all direct support staff and is an out-of-pocket cost to the applicant. The provider must provide Aveanna's team with a copy of the live scan once complete as Aveanna's team will need to send in the document to DDS for a clearance letter.

An agency can be located by clicking https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations

Purchase Requests

All purchase requests must be submitted by completing the form below:
https://forms.office.com/r/vhbn0PfTLT

i. Please allow 7-14 business days for your request to be processed, not including shipping time. All prices and availabilities are subject to change without notice and are not guaranteed, taxes and other charges may apply and should be allocated in your spending plan. To avoid additional delays, please ensure all items requested are listed on your spending plan as detailed as possible.

Sick Hours

a. Any direct support staff that needs to claim sick hours must complete Aveanna's SDP Sick Pay Log. This document must include both the employee's and participant/legal representative's signature. All direct support staff have access to view their available sick hours via ADP at https://workforcenow.adp.com/. Sick leave use is limited to 24 hours/3 days per calendar year.

In addition, Aveanna has updated their vendor enrollment and invoicing process. Please see below for further details:

Vendor Enrollment

a. The participant/legal guardian will be responsible for all vendor management and education, as Aveanna is not involved in this process. The vendor enrollment packets/supporting documentation must be reviewed and approved by the participant/legal guardian and submitted to our SDP team ([email protected]) by you, on behalf of the vendor. Any vendor enrollment packets/supporting documentation received directly from the vendors will not be processed. As appropriate, a business license will be requested as required by the local jurisdiction where the business is located.

Invoicing Process

a. Invoices received directly from vendors will not be processed. Approved invoices should be sent by the participant/legal or an assigned representative to our AP team ([email protected]).

i. As a kind reminder, Aveannna's payment schedule is NET 45 days. However, they have sped up processing times for invoices and have bi-weekly cycles. Entries that are marked as "Paid" in AveannaCare indicate payment has been processed for that vendor.

To avoid any delays, please ensure the invoice has the required key points of information below:

I. Client's First & Last Name

II. SELF DETERMINATION service code

III. Only one service code per invoice

IV. Unique Invoice number per invoice

V. Service month(s); within same budget period

3. Spending Plan Reminders

a. Spending plan renewals and revisions will be the participant/legal guardian or independent facilitators' responsibility. Aveanna has a spending plan tool guide to assist you with utilizing their spending plan. All spending plan renewals/revisions should be sent to our team [email protected] prior to the regional center to ensure accurate calculations and avoid authorization corrections/delays. Spending plan reviews can take Aveanna's team 5-7 business days to provide feedback.

General Reminders:

Weekly Payroll

a. Aveanna follows a weekly payroll schedule. Please advise, all hours are due and to be signed off no later than 5 PM on Sundays for payments to be issued on Fridays.
i. Example: Due date 10/22/2023 no later than 5pm for payment date of Friday 10/27/2023.

Keep track of the new due date and payment schedule: http://www.aveannasupportservices.com/weeklypay

Deadlines for Renewing Clients

a. To avoid delays in services and payments, a final spending plan must be completed/signed, reviewed by Aveanna ([email protected]), and submitted to the regional center for review and processing of the POS and eBilling no later than the 10th of the month for a start date of the 1st of the following month. Delays can be expected if eBilling budget and authorizations are not approved by the regional centers accounting department and or pending corrections.

Back Billing

a. Back billing is considered anything beyond 30 days from when services were rendered.
b. To avoid payment issues and delays, please ensure that all vendors are billing services no later than 30 days from when services were rendered. All hourly staff should be submitting their time via AveannaCare the same day services are provided. AveannaCare is an EVV compliant solution that meets Federal and California State regulations.

https://aveannasupportservices.com/resources/care-provider-resources/aveannacare/

Feel free to contact Aveanna's team at (866) 979-1182 or by emailing their general inquires inbox ([email protected]).

https://www.harborrc.org/needs-assessment-survey_2023

Harbor Regional Center wants to hear from you! They are seeking your input to learn more about what needs you, your loved one, and the community may have.

Harbor Regional Center and the Department of Developmental Services want to be responsive to the changing needs of individuals who receive services from the regional center. The results of these surveys will help inform priorities for proposed Community Placement Plan (CPP) and Community Resource Development Plan (CRDP) that will be submitted to the Department of Developmental Services.

If you or someone you care for/support receives services from Harbor Regional Center, please click on the tab “Self-Advocate/Circle of Support.”

If you are a community member, partnering organization, or service provider, please click on the tab “Community.”

This survey is for:

Any one who is receiving services and supports from Harbor Regional Center,
Parents or family members of someone who is receiving services,
You are a conservator for someone who is receiving services, or
You are a person within the circle of support of a person served by Harbor.

The survey is available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Korean, Khmer, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese

Needs Assessment Survey - Harbor Regional Center Share Your Input!

San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center invites you to collaborate with the Financial Management Services & Independent Facilitators

Thursday, October 26th, 2023 from 10:00am to 11:00am
Meeting ID: 899 3540 2937
Passcode: 973836

https://sgprc-org.zoom.us/j/89935402937?pwd=bHphY3cvK2duRERqUjZ2YitSeXN1dz09

Join for a conversation with the Financial Management Services & Independent Facilitators on updates to the Self-Determination Program and a special presentation on SG/PRC's SDP Spending Plan

Inland Regional Center is hosting a monthly Independent Facilitator round table, with the next session on October 18th at 9:00am. Register here: https://inlandrc-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcudOuoqjsqGN18vvlmP-OM_3UXJ4ghJmPc #/registration

Westside Regional Center (WRC) is hosting virtual monthly Self-Determination Program (SDP) workshops covering the spending plan on the fourth Friday of every month from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, beginning October 27th. Gain a better understanding of spending plan development, the review process, and more! You are encouraged to attend if you chose not to work with an Independent Facilitator and/or need help with service codes, formatting, creativity and flexibility, and/or the WRC review process. Register here: https://westsiderc-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpcuuqrTkoG9SvMJT7pOyCulV7df-qr_-_ #/registration

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El Centro Regional Westside (WRC) organiza talleres virtuales mensuales del Programa de Autodeterminación (SDP) que cubren el plan de gastos el cuarto viernes de cada mes de 5:00 p. m. a 6:00 p. m., a partir del 27 de octubre. ¡Obtenga una mejor comprensión del desarrollo del plan de gastos, el proceso de revisión y más! Le animamos a asistir si decide no trabajar con un facilitador independiente y/o necesita ayuda con los códigos de servicio, el formato, la creatividad y la flexibilidad, y/o el proceso de revisión del WRC. Regístrese aquí: https://westsiderc-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpcuuqrTkoG9SvMJT7pOyCulV7df-qr_-
_ #/registration

The County of Los Angeles Aging and Disabilities Department has received funding to provide transportation programs throughout Los Angeles County. The goal is to enhance transportation services to older adults and persons with disabilities who are eligible, at no cost. The New Freedom Volunteer Driver Mileage Reimbursement Program is offered at no charge to eligible individuals every month.

New Freedom Taxicab Services Program

The New Freedom Taxicab Services Program provides taxicab services to eligible clients. Clients will be able to reserve taxicab services with the assistance of a Mobility Manager. Those who meet the program eligibility criteria may use taxicab services for their transportation needs, such as medical appointments, grocery shopping, banking, or life enriching activities, within the specified monthly allowance. Clients can take a maximum of four, one-way trips totaling 40 miles each month at no cost to the participant. All rides must originate and end in Los Angeles County.

WDACS New Freedom Volunteer Driver Mileage Reimbursement Program
The New Freedom Volunteer Driver Mileage Reimbursement Program provides mileage reimbursements for volunteer drivers that eligible clients recruit for themselves. Volunteer drivers provide transportation to the eligible client when no other transportation services exist or when the individual is too frail, ill, or unable to use public transportation for other reasons.

How does it work?
Upon establishing that the client is eligible for services, the County Mobility Manager will set guidelines and mileage reimbursement limits for each trip approved for the client. Eligible clients are responsible for recruiting their personal volunteer to provide the approved transportation services. The volunteer driver will provide the transportation to client (using their own vehicle) with a flexible schedule that works for both driver and client. The client will receive mileage reimbursement for the approved trips on a monthly basis and is then responsible for reimbursing the volunteer driver for the trips provided.

Where can I go?
Eligible clients are able to get to life-sustaining and life-enriching destinations that will enhance their quality of life, maintain their independence, and improve their overall health and well-being. Monthly client mileage limits will be based upon the travel needs of the individual client and determined by the County Mobility Manager at the time that eligibility is established. All rides must originate and end in Los Angeles County.

Clients are able to go almost anywhere within our service area including:

Medical, therapy and personal appointments
Grocery stores and other shopping destinations
Social and recreational events, worship services and other outings
Senior centers, recreation centers and adult day programs
Employment, education and volunteer sites
Courthouse
Where can I find my volunteer driver?
Volunteer drivers could be a caregiver, neighbor, family member or friend. The client is encouraged to recruit a trusted person who possesses a valid driver’s license and insurance on their vehicle.

The programs are available to the general public; however, client eligibility and priorities of service have been implemented to ensure service is provided to those who are most in need.

New Freedom Taxicab Services Program – New Freedom Transportation Program New Freedom Taxicab Services Program The New Freedom Taxicab Services Program provides taxicab services to eligible clients. Clients will be able to reserve taxicab services with the assistance of a Mobility Manager. Those who meet the program eligibility criteria may use taxicab services for their....

Thank you to Uni Ctep for the opportunity to exhibit and present at today’s seminar!

Statewide Self-Determination Advisory Committee meeting
September 28, 2023, 10:00am-4:00pm

Meeting Link: https://bit.ly/Sept-2023_SSDAC-Webinar
Meeting ID: 858 6040 4615
Password: 806105

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Reunión del Comité Asesor de Autodeterminación Estatal
28 de septiembre de 2023, de 10:00 a 16:00 horas

Enlace de la reunión: https://bit.ly/Sept-2023_SSDAC-Webinar
ID de reunión: 858 6040 4615
Contraseña: 806105

Westside Regional Center (WRC) invites Independent Facilitators to a public meeting to receive an overview of the WRC vendor process for 099 service providers. During this informative session, they will provide valuable insights into the WRC vendor process, ensuring you have all the necessary information to complete vendorship. Additionally, WRC is excited to offer a dedicated Question and Answer opportunity during the meeting. This is your chance to clarify any doubts, seek further information, or discuss any specific queries you may have related to the 099 service provider vendor process. Please use link below to register.

When: Sep 28, 2023 05:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://westsiderc-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrcO6vqzgsH9BGzJZEUkOdiLxjOUyn7bvt

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Westside Regional Center (WRC) invita a facilitadores independientes a una reunión pública para recibir una descripción general del proceso de proveedores de WRC para los proveedores de servicios 099. Durante esta sesión informativa, brindarán información valiosa sobre el proceso de proveedores de WRC, asegurándose de que tenga toda la información necesaria para completar el proceso de venta. Además, el WRC se complace en ofrecer una oportunidad dedicada a preguntas y respuestas durante la reunión. Esta es tu oportunidad para aclarar dudas, buscar más información o comentar cualquier consulta específica que tengas relacionada con el proceso de proveedor del servicio 099. Utilice el enlace a continuación para registrarse.

Cuándo: 28 de septiembre de 2023, 05:00 p. m., hora del Pacífico (EE. UU. y Canadá)
Regístrese con anticipación para esta reunión:
https://westsiderc-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrcO6vqzgsH9BGzJZEUkOdiLxjOUyn7bvt