April 8, 2020
Dear Partners,
The Governor extended the Stay at Home order until April 30th. The Governor and state agencies will assess the COVID 19 situation and determine if the order should be lifted or remain in place. We ask that CDS providers not resume services until the Division provides official notice to do so.
While CDS sites remain closed for providing services to individuals, CDS providers may choose to employ staff in other activities, including remote engagement with individuals, readiness activities for reopening or being re-deployed to other parts of the organization, including residential services. In addition, there is a statewide shortage of Direct Support Professionals. We ask that CDS providers reach out to residential providers to collaborate on staffing if you have not already done so.
Thank you to the CDS providers who have reached out to the Division and asked how they can help. Now, more than ever, we need to help our partner agencies for the health and safety of the people we serve. I am continually humbled by the generosity and selflessness that I see on a daily basis.
For example, one CDS provider has offered their trainer to a partner agency to assist with onboarding new DSPs. Another CDS site has committed to having their staff fill shifts at a residential agency during the typical CDS hours. This is a scary time for the individuals we serve; having as many familiar faces certainly makes this easier for them. Whether it's a CDS nurse helping to administer medication or CDS staff pitching in as needed, you will be providing invaluable support to our system. I encourage all of our CDS providers see how they can help during these unprecedented times.
We are all in this together.
Warmly,
Allison Stark
Director, Division of Developmental Disabilities