Good Morning!
QUICK NOTES
- As of yesterday, the statewide rolling 7-day COVID-19 positivity rate was 7.9%.
- Later this week the Division will be releasing the subjects and dates of the webinar/training series that was mentioned last week. Stay tuned!
- I've had a few people ask how they can search older DDD Communications for needed information. On the main DDD Communications webpage (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=78358) you can always do a "find on this page" (explorer) or "find" (google) search under settings. Each DDD Communication notes the topics in the link. Hopefully this provides some help.
VACCINATIONS FOR WAIVER FUNDED STAFF
* Personal Support Workers (PSWs)
We have received a number of requests for clarification on the standing of PSWs in the vaccine distribution priority groupings. We confirm that these staff are considered frontline healthcare workers and are therefore in Priority Group 1a.
* Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) Staff
We understand that some local health departments are asking for verification for CILAs. Last week the Division sent over a list of all CILAs by address and county to be distributed to the local health departments. This should address any concerns or questions of the local health departments.
* Community Day Services (CDS) Staff
We are confirming that CDS staff will be eligible for vaccination in Vaccination Group 1b.
TEMPORARY RATE INCREASES
The Division sent notice in December that we are able to extend the temporary COIVD-19 rate increases allowed for in Appendix K until its expiration on January 26, 2021. We are in the process of working with HFS to extend our Appendix K. We want to confirm that the temporary Community Day Services (CDS) rate (31U/31C only) is $15.10. A reminder to our Home Based Support Services individuals and families to update your service agreements!
VDS TABLETS UPDATE
As communicated previously, the Division has been able to authorize the purchase of additional tablets through the Illinois Care Connections grant using CARES dollars. Originally, we believed requests could only be accepted through December 31, 2020. Due to the extension of the use of CARES dollars, we are now able to extend the request due date until the tablets are claimed. As a result, we are still able to process requests for individuals who would like to attend Virtual Day Services programs but need access to a tablet. If you are someone who meets the criteria, or if you know someone who meets the 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.
Altogether, 1,592 devices have been requested by our Independent Service Coordination agencies on behalf of DDD. This includes the requests through the ACL Grant, as well as requests for VDS using the additional CARES dollars. If these numbers don't already seem to be a resounding success, follow-up surveys with individuals indicate an improvement in their scores on the UCLA social isolation scale! These surveys are conducted a minimum of 40 days after the device has been received by the individual. We welcome stories and pictures from any of you who want to share your experiences using the smart device you received through this program.
RESOURCES TO ENCOURAGE VACCINATION
* Webinar: The Facts About Covid-19 Vaccines for Direct Support Professionals
Direct support professionals have been on the frontlines of supporting people with disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The COVID-19 vaccines are now here. As this is good news, we also know there is some confusion and worry among people about the efficacy and safety of the vaccine. In this webinar, NADSP in partnership with the American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry (AADMD) will address vaccine concerns. Please join Rick Rader, MD, as he shares up to date and research-based information on the COVID-19 vaccines. This webinar is available on the NADSP Website: NADSP DSP Vaccine Webinar
* COVID-19 Vaccination in Plain Language
https://selfadvocacyinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/COVID-19-Vaccine-Information-in-Plain-Language.pdf
Thank you for all you do.
Warmly,
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
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