Good Afternoon,
QUICK NOTES
- As of yesterday, the statewide rolling 7-day positivity rate was 10.1%.
- We will be releasing a new Information Bulletin on PUNS this week. We'll send separate notification.
TABLET AVAILABLE FOR VDS PARTICIPANTS
As communicated in a recent DDD Comments, the Division is able to authorize the purchase of additional tablets through the Illinois Care Connections grant using CARES dollars. As a reminder, the Illinois Care Connections grant is focused on combatting social isolation as a result of COVID 19. The ability to use CARES dollars for additional tablets is intended to help individuals who would like to participate in Virtual Day Services (VDS) programming but have not been able to do so due to lack of a device. If you are someone who meets that criteria - or if you know someone who meets that criteria, please contact your Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agency to begin the referral process. You will need to provide the name of your VDS Provider.
VDS providers are also welcome to refer individuals to the appropriate ISC agency. All referrals must go through our Independent Service Coordination agencies as they are the designated referral entity for the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Time is of the essence because this particular funding must be spent by calendar year end. If you have questions about the process, please contact Kathy Ward at Kathy.ward@illinois.gov. information for purposes of the referrals should be made to the appropriate ISC agency. This is an incredible opportunity to link more individuals to the community during what has been a very long period of potential social isolation.
PUNS EARLY NOTIFICATION
1,572 early notification letters that will go out in the mail on Monday December 14. These represent individuals who have a current time waiting of approximately 52 months as of November 1. This would equate to a time waiting of approximately 60 months by the time we do actual selections in the summer of 2021. We will email each ISC a copy of each letter that went to individuals in their service area. We would like to thank the ISC's for their help during this process and strongly encourage our families and ISCs to connect. You can also reach out to the Ligas Family Advocate program for support: https://www.thearcofil.org/about-us/programs/ligas-family-advocate-program/
IDPH DRAFT MASS VACCINATION PLANNING GUIDE 3.0
I know everyone is anxiously awaiting further information and guidance for the administration and schedule of the COVID-19 vaccine. There are two vaccine candidates that are very close to approval and we expect to start receiving doses in the coming week(s). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has, and continues to update, recommendations for vaccine prioritization to states. Each state will be responsible for their own vaccine protocol. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is responsible for our vaccination planning. You can find the UPDATED Mass Vaccination Planning Guide here: https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccination-plan
COVID SUPPORT RESOURCES
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the presence of issues such as stress, depression, domestic violence and addiction. The Illinois Department of Public Health has compiled a list of resources for support (many provided by DHS!) that you can find here: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/violence-prevention-and-support-resources
MINDFULNESS TRAINING FOR ADULTS WITH I/DD & SIBLINGS
Individuals with I/DD and their siblings will learn mindfulness strategies to help cope with stress, enhance their relationships, and improve their overall health and well-being in this virtual program.
Thank you for all you do.
Warmly,
Allison
Allison V. Stark
Director, Division of Developmental Disabilities
Illinois Department of Human Services
600 East Ash-Building 400, Springfield, IL 62703
Tel: (217) 782 -6803
The information contained herein should not be considered a substitute for the appropriate official statutes, rules, regulations, or the advice of legal counsel.
To request to be added to our email database, or to update your contact and service information, please complete our Contact Survey at the following link:
https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?module=17&item=110637&surveyid=1458.
Information provided will help us to better tailor communications to you in the future.
