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ANNUAL FALL MEET & GREET WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2020 5:30PM-7:00PM Hosted by: Metro Richmond Advocacy Coalition Format: VIRTUAL/ON-LINE, via WebEX You are invited to attend the Annual Fall Meet & Greet, where you will hear from advocates, learn a few advocacy tips and gain some information about community behavioral health resources. This year, the keynote speaker will be Virginia State Senator Jennifer McClellan, discussing “Advocacy in Action!” We look forward to having you join us! To Register: 1. Click the link below or cut and paste the web address into Microsoft Explorer or Google Chrome’s web browser. 2. You will receive an email and registration confirmation from Eventbrite ,which includes additional information and instructions. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/advocacy-in-action-annual-fall-meet-greet-tickets-122574001137 EVENTBRITE.COM Advocacy In Action Annual Fall Meet & Greet

Save the Date!!!! Regional Advocacy Committee VIRTUAL Fall ANNUAL MEET & GREET WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2020 5:30PM-7:00PM More information to come. Richmond Metro Advocacy Coalition

Modified re-opening starting next week. Exciting times! New protocols to keep us safe. Face coverings required, social distancing required. New cleaning protocols and part day schedules. Contact your primary staff if questions.

For anyone who is interested in learning more about advocacy, here's a handy toolkit...... ADVOCACY VIRTUAL TOOLKIT WHO’S MY LEGISLATOR? https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/ VOTER INFORMATION: I am a voter.® is a nonpartisan movement that aims to create a cultural shift around voting and civic engagement by unifying around a central truth: our democracy works best when we all participate. https://iamavoter.com/ Below is a link for a wonderful Video regarding Voter Registration and Voting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKbnRxCOaqA 1. Healthy Voting tips Find healthy, secure, and safe ways to cast your ballot this year. https://www.healthyvoting.org/virginia/ Official election website Get details and deadlines for voting in your area https://www.elections.virginia.gov/ 1. Confirm You're Registered to Vote | USAGov https://www.usa.gov/confirm-voter-registration Confirm Your Voter Registration Status. To confirm that you’re registered to vote in the upcoming election, check your voter registration status. You’ll also be able to verify your polling location. And you can find out what political party you’re registered with if you specified one. How to Check Your Voter Registration Information 1. www.richmondgov.com/Registrar/index.aspx Sep 09, 2020 • Our elections are only as strong as the men and women who volunteer to serve in the polling places as Officers of Election. For more information about serving as an Officer of Election … INTERESTED IN PRESENTING AT THE ANNUAL BUDGET HEARING FOR THE VA GENERAL ASSEMBLY? The annual budget hearing is held the first or second thursday of the beginning of January. A firm date has not been set yet, however, it will most likely be a virtual event. Most information will be available in November. INFORMATION ON LEAP TRAINING https://cdl.partnership.vcu.edu/media/center-for-disability-leadership---partnership/LEAPBrochure2019_revised.pdf https://partnership.vcu.edu/programs/community-living/leadership-for-empowerment-and-abuse-prevention-leap/ https://cdl.partnership.vcu.edu/healthy-relationships-leap/ https://vacsb.org/ https://vacsb.org/advocacy-public-policy/ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mlt8mBLvHrA_DGEq05hJ_6c3_28SHiZF/view?usp=sharing https://vacsb.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/VACSB-2020-2022-Budget-Priorities-For-2020-GA-Session.pdf The Virginia Association of Community Service Boards is the organization of all CSB’s in Virginia. This site has information regarding advocacy and links to several different disability specific advocacy organizations. NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. https://www.nami.org/Advocacy https://namivirginia.org/advocacy-legislation/ NAMI Virginia’s Public Policy Overview And Key Issues Join us for our 2021 Legislative Advocacy Kickoff – scheduled 11/12 virtually. Learn more and register here! https://www.thearcofva.org/2020-advocacy The Arc of Virginia promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. Talk Text Connect! This program is designed to provide a “check-in” service for members of The Arc of Virginia who have signed up to participate. Many members of our community face loneliness during this current health crisis as we all isolate at home to keep everyone safe. While we stay at home, let's stay strong together and Talk Text Connect! To Sign Up: Click HERE https://www.saara.org/advocacy The Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance (SAARA) of Virginia is a statewide recovery advocacy organization. We transform communities through hope, education and advocacy for addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery. All friends of recovery are invited and welcome to join us. Our members include individuals in recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction, their families, friends, and dedicated community supporters. SAARA promotes social, educational, legal, research, and health care resources and services that support accessible, effective, and accountable addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery. SAARA of Virginia 2000 Mecklenburg Street Richmond, VA 23223 info@saara.org Phone: (804) 762-4445 | Fax: (804) 762-4333 VOCAL’s Vision To achieve a peer-driven mental health system in the state of Virginia. VOCAL’s Mission To create a climate in Virginia where peers are empowered to understand and find their own recovery through programs that achieve: a) personal transformation, b) community transformation, and c) systems transformation. https://vocalvirginia.org/speak-up/ https://www.vnppinc.o /Bu httphttps://www.vnppinc.org/s://www.vnppinc.org/ilding Extraordinary People. Building Meaningful Lives for Extraordinary People. The mission of the Virginia Network of Private Providers is to strengthen the system of services for individuals with behavioral health issues, addictions, or developmental disabilities through advocacy for the individuals we support, strong communication and support of member organizations and representation of their interest in all forums. The mission of the Virginia Network of Private Providers is to strengthen the system of services for individuals with behavioral health issues, addictions, or developmental disabilities through advocacy for the individuals we support, strong communication and support of member organizations and representation of their interest in all forums. Mental Health America of Virginia is the oldest mental health advocacy organization in Virginia https://mhav.org/recovery-education/advocacy-program/ Peer Advocacy and Advocacy Training https://mhav.org/recovery-education/advocacy-program/ The Brain Injury Association of Virginia believes individuals who sustain brain injuries must have timely access to expert trauma care, specialized rehabilitation, lifelong disease management and individualized services and supports in order to live healthy, independent and satisfying lives. We believe their caregivers deserve support to help their loved ones achieve these things. https://www.biav.net/ Advocacy https://www.biav.net/about-us/advocacy/ Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) WIPA Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Services are free to beneficiaries - FREE! http://www.vaaccses.org/wipa/ DISABILITY LAW CENTER WHAT WE DO Our services include information and referral, legal representation, technical assistance, short-term assistance, systemic advocacy, monitoring and training. Our services are provided free of charge. We are independent from state and local government. https://www.dlcv.org/ https://www.dlcv.org/videos Disability Law Center plans to cover a wide variety of topics about the legal rights of people with disabilities. Let us know how you like it, and what questions you would like to “ask the expert.” • Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates • Advance Directives • Employment Rights Information • Public Transportation • Social Security • Special Education in Virginia • Supported Decision-Making Videos • Voting Rights in Virginia https://vakids.org/take-action https://vakids.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Early-Childhood-Education-3.pdf https://vakids.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Foster-Care-1.pdf https://vakids.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Mental-Health.pdf https://vakids.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Copy-of-Trauma-informed-agenda.pdf Advocacy 101- Webinar: View our 30 minute webinar recording of Voices’ Advocacy 101 presentation. This is a great way to learn more about the legislative process in Virginia and tips for how to advocate. Legislative Advocacy Guide: This comprehensive guide describes advocacy through the Virginia legislative process and gives specific instructions on how to communicate with elected officials. Request hard copies here. 2020 Legislative Agenda: Read our policy priorities for 2020 in children’s mental health, early childhood education, foster care, family economic success, mental health in schools, and trauma-informed care. 2020 Campaign for Trauma-Informed Virginia Unified Policy Agenda: Find more details about the Campaign for a Trauma- Informed Virginia and talking points. Share Your Story: Tell your story about the impact of high-quality child care, foster care supports, and mental health access for your child and your family. Watch livestream or view recordings of House and Senate committee meetings. Who’s My Legislator? Click here, then type in your address to find your Virginia representatives. Virginia General Assembly FAQs & Legislative Essentials Check out the Virginia Public Access Project for information on candidates and legislative news. Call To Action from On September 25th, both bodies, the House and Senate presented their versions of a Budget for State and CARES Act funding. They both woefully underfunded the DD System. People with Developmental Disabilities Deserve More! 1% is NOT Enough COVID-19 has created stress on an already stressed system that provides support to people with developmental disabilities. To help industries devastated by COVID-19, the Federal Government has given States money from the CARES Act to provide relief to those industries. The DD System is one of those systems here in Virginia, and despartely needs relief. Virginia received 3.1 BILLION from the CARES Act to support the needs of Virginians suffering impacts caused by the pandemic. But, the proposed Budget for Virginia, only gives the DD Waiver System 1% of that funding. That is not enough. Now We Must Act Join The Arc of Virginia and vaACCSES in asking the General Assembly and the Governor for the following COVID-RELIEF FUNDING: Should be ADDED to Budget: • In Home Supports • Supported Living • Sponsored Residential • Group Homes • Group Supported Employment Currently in Budget and Should Remain: • Hazard Pay for Attendants • Group Day Support • Community Engagement & Coaching Note: The language is not completely clear, but from discussions, we believe that both CE and CC are included. State Fund Needs Allow Virtual Supports Fund Increase to DD Waiver Rates: NOT Contingent on Budget Forecasting Effective July 2021 • In Home • Supported Living • Sponsored Residential • Group Home • Community Engagement/Coaching • Workplace Assistance • Group Supported Employment • Group Day Support • Therapeutic Consultation • Peer Mentoring • Community Guide VIRTUAL RALLY Details October 8th 6:45 pm - 7:15 pm We Must Convince Legislators and the Administratioin that Funding DD Services MATTERS to Virginians! A few hundred people won't do it.... we need ONE THOUSAND People to Attend the Virtual Rally With 14,000 on the DD Waiver Waiting List, 37,000 Attendants (DD Waiver &CCC+) and thousands of people who already receive services through the DD Waiver, but need Rates to Increase,....we should be able to get at least 1,000 people to attend! It's Our NO EXCUSE Rally No Traveling Required Only lasts 30 minutes And You Don't Even Have to Wear Pants Because DD Deserves More! REGISTER & ATTEND VIRTUAL RALLY CALLS & EMAILS Along with the Rally, we need everyone Calling and Emailing the General Assembly and the Governor's office. Go to the Take Action Now Page of The Arc of Virginia to find sample messages and easy links to all Contacts. TAKE ACTION NOW Background of how we got here and why this is so important. COVID turned all of our worlds upside down. Virginia is no different. In 2020 Governor Northam and the Virginia General Assembly allocated desperately needed funding for the Developmental Disability System. The funding included DD Waiver Slots and multiple investments in Rate Increases. Both of these moves were necessary to shore up a system in crisis with low rates, critical staffing shortages and over 3,000 people on a priority one waiting list to address critical needs. In March 2020, COVID hit every part of our society, devastating the already struggling and under funded system that supports people with Developmental Disabilities to live their lives in their own communities. As the Administration worked to provide relief to the economy, previously funded investments in rate increases were withdrawn, just as providers were either forced to shut down, or continue to serve with soaring costs in order to keep people safe. Now, Governor Northam and General Assembly members have two major tasks to complete in the next couple of weeks: 1) Distribute 1.1 Billion dollars of CARES Act funding to save industries devastated by COVID. 2) Develop a State Budget based on the current economy. Without intervention, countless providers will close permanently, leaving people with disabilities without the support they need. On September 25th, both bodies, the House and Senate presented their versions of a Budget for State and CARES Act funding. They both woefully underfunded in the DD System. SAMPLE ADVOCACY LETTERS Advocacy letter- Early Intervention Date Addressee Dear ______________: My name is ________________________ and I am a voter in your district. I am also one of the parents in your district with a child with special needs. I am writing to tell you about an incredible service my family used that you will be hearing a about when the General Assembly goes back into session. This service is called the Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia, or Early Intervention. Early Intervention provides a variety of much needed services to families like mine. Services like screening for developmental delays and disabilities, or therapies and in some cases even much needed respite. The Early Intervention system in Virginia is extremely under funded and is at risk of no longer being available to families if more money is not sent their way soon. The loss of early intervention services will not only negatively impact families in Virginia, including some of your constituents, but it will also negatively impact Virginia’s economy. I say this because studies have shown that early intervention is a cost saving benefit. Children with developmental delays who receive these services early in life often do not need more costly services later in life. Mr/Ms/Honorable _____________________, you can learn more about the Early Intervention system in our community and how you can ensure its continued success by contacting Bernita Sykes at Henrico County MHDS. Meanwhile, as a concerned voter I am asking that you strongly consider any legislation that comes through the General Assembly this session that could impact the Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (Early Intervention). Thank you for your willingness to represent all of the families in your constituency. Respectfully, VAKIDS.ORG vakids.org

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN OUR ADVOCACY MEETING LAST WEEK!!!! IF YOU MISSED IT OR IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ADVOCACY, HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS... 1. Self-Advocacy happens when a person with a challenge takes action to promote his or her own independence. A self-advocate is a person who engages in self-advocacy. What does a self-advocate do? A self-advocate: • Makes their own decisions • Stands up for their rights • Helps others understand what services, opportunities, and attitudes must be present for people to make choices about their lives without undue dependency or undue influence from others (APDcares.org/self-advocacy) Mission statement: The Regional Advocacy Coalition focuses on supporting self-advocacy efforts for families and individuals with intellectual, developmental, brain injury, substance use, and mental health challenges in living engaged, valued lives and participating fully in their community. Advocate RVA If you are interested in becoming a self-advocate or finding out more about advocacy. Contact: Laura Minnick (RBHA) (804) 819-4078 Michelle Johnson (804)727-8520 (Henrico) Beth Childress (Henrico) (804)727-8839 Advocacy organizations: www.vakids.org and/or www.1in5kids.org www.namivirginia.org www.thearcofva.org/ www.saara.org www.mhav.org www.vocalvirginia.org www.biav.net What is Self Advocacy? ADVOCATE RVA Metro Richmond Regional Advocacy Coalition Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Richmond Ways to Advocate: 1. Meeting with your Legislator. a. Sharing your story: Tell your legislator as much of your or your loved one’s story as makes you comfortable. What it was like, what got you into recovery, or other services and what it is like now? Was treatment a part of your story? What kinds of support were or are important to you? Is housing, childcare, and employment or transportation impediments to your recovery or everyday life? How about stigma? Were you the victim of discrimination in any way that you know of because of your challenges? b. Voicing your concerns: This is your chance to be the expert! Let the legislator know if you are concerned that everyone has the chance that you or your loved one had. There are waiting lists for treatment and services. Many people new in recovery don’t have jobs or homes. Many families have to choose between working and providing care for a loved one. Insurance companies continue to reduce the time available for treatment or don’t offer it at all. c. Mailing a handwritten note of thanks: to include a summary of the meeting immediately following your meeting is best. Make sure to include your contact information. 2. Writing Letters Sharing your story/writing about your concern/issue (focus on one) is an opportunity to educate your legislators. 3. Sending an Email Most effective when sending a brief message or request that involves bills and resolutions, remember to use the Bill # 4. Calling your Legislator: Be sure to let them know you are a constituent and a voter in their district. Voice your concerns and ask for what is needed from the legislator. Ask for their Support. Offer to answer questions and to provide information if needed. Always, be polite. 5. Speaking opportunities: Attending Legislative committee meetings, Public Hearings and Community forums: There is an annual public Hearing on the Governor’s proposed Budget each year in January. This is an opportunity to speak directly to the legislators, the public and the media. Stand up and speak out! A Few Tips: Personal visits are the most effective way to communicate with Legislators Schedule an appointment with the Legislative Assistant, be clear about the reason for the meeting and who will be attending Develop an agenda, have a clearly defined reason for your meeting, prepare an outline try to make your comments on one page, stick to facts & leave something behind Be On Time Make it personal. Why is advocacy important to you? Introduce yourself and the organization you are representing Ask for their support Send Thank you Notes and follow-up Who’s My Legislator? Find out who your legislators are: Go to http://virginiageneralassembly.gov Click on the link at the very top that says Who’s My Legislator? VIRGINIAGENERALASSEMBLY.GOV Welcome to the Virginia General Assembly Website. - Home

ANNUAL FALL MEET & GREET WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2020 5:30PM-7:00PM Hosted by: Metro Richmond Advocacy Coalition Format: VIRTUAL/ON-LINE, via WebEX You are invited to attend the Annual Fall Meet & Greet, where you will hear from advocates, learn a few advocacy tips and gain some information about community behavioral health resources. This year, the keynote speaker will be Virginia State Senator Jennifer McClellan, discussing “Advocacy in Action!” We look forward to having you join us! To Register: 1. Click the link below or cut and paste the web address into Microsoft Explorer or Google Chrome’s web browser. 2. You will receive an email and registration confirmation from Eventbrite, which includes additional information and instructions. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/advocacy-in-action-annual-fall-meet-greet-tickets-122574001137 EVENTBRITE.COM Advocacy In Action Annual Fall Meet & Greet

Spread the Word!!!!! AV.MEMBERCLICKS.NET Virtual Rally

https://images.app.goo.gl/aYLk3D8hRjXuvQdT Happy Veterans Day!!! Hermitage and Cypress are closed today to observe this national holiday. Thanks to all who served our Country!!!!! GOOGLE.COM Image: Heart-Flag 1280x1024 Wallpaper - Downloadable Image

Group Supported Employment knows how to stay busy in between work sites! Check out the biggest Skittles you’ve ever seen!!!!!

Happy Halloween from Hermitage and Cypress!!!! Here are some of the crafts we have been working on this Fall.

Happy Halloween from Hermitage and Cypress! Here are some crafts we have been working on this fall...

COVID Vaccination Eligibility Phase 1a Changes: VDH.VIRGINIA.GOV www.vdh.virginia.gov

Up to date information from Va Dept of Health VDH COVID-19 Vaccine Phase 1b In Depth × While the supply is limited, COVID-19 vaccine will be provided to specific groups of people over a number of phases. Virginia guidance was adapted from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations that aim to (1) decrease COVID-19 deaths and serious disease, (2) preserve functioning of society, and (3) reduce the extra burden COVID-19 is having on people already facing disparities. Virginia’s Phase 1b: Vaccinate Frontline Essential Workers, People Aged 65 years and Older, People Living in Correctional Facilities, Homeless Shelters and Migrant Labor Camps, and People aged 16 through 64 years with a High Risk Medical Condition or Disability that Increases Their Risk of Severe Illness from COVID-19 Frontline Essential Workers Definition of Frontline Essential Workers Workers who are in sectors essential to the functioning of society, are at substantially higher risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, and cannot work remotely. Frontline Essential Workers include: • Police, Fire, and Hazmat • Corrections and homeless shelter workers • Childcare/PreK-12 Teachers/Staff (public and private) • Food and Agriculture (including veterinarians) • Manufacturing • Grocery store workers • Public transit workers • Mail carriers (USPS and private) • Officials needed to maintain continuity of government (including judges and public facing judicial workers) For definitions of the occupational groups of the frontline essential workers listed above, see pages 9-16 of Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce: Ensuring Community and National Resilience in COVID-19 Response. Frontline Essential Workers by Order of Vaccination Planning Because there is not sufficient supply at this time to vaccinate everyone in Phase 1b at the same time, local health districts will reach out to engage the Frontline Essential Worker groups in vaccination planning in the following order: 1. Police, Fire, and Hazmat 2. Corrections and homeless shelter workers 3. Childcare/PreK-12 Teachers/Staff (public and private) 4. Food and Agriculture (including veterinarians) 5. Manufacturing 6. Grocery store workers 7. Public transit workers 8. Mail carriers (USPS and private) 9. Officials needed to maintain continuity of government (including judges and public facing judicial workers) Overlap of vaccination of groups is expected to ensure people in Phase 1b are vaccinated as quickly and efficiently as possible. Opportunities to vaccinate Frontline Essential Workers should not be missed. How Frontline Essential Workers Can Access Vaccination Local health departments, pharmacies, healthcare systems, and employer-based occupational health units are working collaboratively to vaccinate frontline essential workers. Frontline essential workers may be most likely to receive the vaccine through employer-based vaccination clinics. Others will get it through their local health department or through arrangements with pharmacies and healthcare providers. Information will be coming out from local health departments, employers, and healthcare providers about how and when you can receive your COVID-19 vaccine. The ability to schedule appointments will depend on the supply of vaccine available. People Aged 65 years and Older The risk for severe illness with COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at highest risk. Severe illness means that a person with COVID-19 may require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe, or they may even die. The goal of vaccinating this population is to decrease the burden of disease and death caused by COVID-19. How Persons Aged 65 years and Older Can Access Vaccination Many of the people who are included in Phase 1b because of their age will be offered the vaccine through their healthcare provider. Others in this category will be able to access vaccination through their local health department or through arrangements with healthcare systems and pharmacies. People Aged 16 through 64 years with Certain Conditions or Disabilities that Increases Their Risk of Severe Illness from COVID-19 This group is included in Phase 1b because they are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, which can result in hospitalization and death. The goal of vaccinating this population is to decrease the burden of disease and death caused by COVID-19. The list of medical conditions is updated routinely as new data become available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html Healthcare providers may use clinical judgement to determine if a patient’s medical condition or disability warrants prioritization for vaccination. How Persons Aged 16 through 64 Years with a High Risk Medical Condition or Disability Can Access Vaccination Many of the people who are included in Phase 1b because of their age will be offered the vaccine through their healthcare provider. Others in this category will be able to access vaccination through their local health department or through arrangements with healthcare systems and pharmacies. Information will be coming out from local health departments and healthcare providers about how and when people in Phase 1b can receive their COVID-19 vaccine. Sign up for VAMS if you think you are in phase 1 b --- COVID-19 Vaccine – Virginia COVID-19 Vaccine www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/#phase1b VDH.VIRGINIA.GOV www.vdh.virginia.gov

Thank you ARC of Virginia for sharing this. Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities January 7 at 6:01 PM · A social story created by our Center (@ThinkEquitable) to help adults with developmental disabilities prepare for getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Please feel free to share widely. #ThinkEquitable