Dialogue

A Quarterly Publication of the Regional Center of Orange County

VOLUME 38 NO. 4 • FALL 2024

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Kirk Allen

“IF YOU

PROVIDE THE RIGHT SUPPORT, ANYBODY CAN BE SUCCESSFUL WORKING,”

said Goodwill of Orange County’s Kathi Millett, Program Director of Community-Based Services. When making the comment, she was discussing a program Goodwill and RCOC are piloting to provide intensive employment support to eight adults with a strong desire to work, but whose prior work experience in subminimum wage settings often makes finding traditional employment particularly challenging.

Now in the proof-of-concept stage, the twoyear pilot program is already delivering excellent results for Kirk Allen, a 56-year-old with autism and mild intellectual disability who has been working at The Cookie Element in Yorba Linda since January 2024.

“There’s a transformation, even in how someone walks, when they have purpose,” said Goodwill’s Diana Nevarez, Program Manager II, commenting on the role that meaningful work can have on all aspects of a person’s life. “You see that in Kirk.”

A space, geography and military buff, Kirk’s previous job included janitorial work at a military base, which he loved. However, he lost that job during the pandemic and struggled to find work for two years before this program became available.

“If you provide the right support, anybody can be successful working.”

Among the intensive program’s employment supports were very person-centered job readiness components such as ensuring Kirk had appropriate attire for the job, including nonslip shoes, as well as a focus on personal grooming

With intensive support from his Goodwill job coach, Kirk has been very successful at his job.

DIALOGUE

This newsletter can also be read online at RCOC’s website: www.rcocdd.com

Board of Directors

Sandy Martin, Chair

Meena Chockalingam Bedekar, Vice Chair

Jacqueline Nguyen, Treasurer

Yvonne Kluttz, Secretary

Marcell Bassett

Bruce Hall

Frances M.K. Hernandez

Hilda Mendez

Chinh Nguyen

Fernando Peña

Rick Perez

Please check the Monthly Calendar on RCOC’s website for the most up-to-date information regarding Board meeting dates and format.

RCOC Administration

Larry Landauer, Executive Director

Christina Petteruto, General Counsel

Marta Vasquez, Chief Financial Officer

Jerrod Bonner, Information Technology Director

Arturo Cazares, Director of Community Services

Peter Himber, M.D., Medical Director

Bonnie Ivers, Psy.D., Clinical Director

Jennifer Montañez, Director of Case Management

Stacy Wong, Human Resources Director

Carmen Gonzalez, Central Area Manager

Rachel Khorana, Intake Area Manager

Carie Otto, West Area Manager

Greg Shimada, Associate Director of Information Technology

Jack Stanton, Associate Director of Housing

Sean Watson, Associate Director, Risk Management

RCOC to Enhance Customer Satisfaction Surveys

IN ADDITION TO ITS REGULAR, BIMONTHLY MEETINGS,

RCOC’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS TAKES PART IN A BIANNUAL STRATEGIC PLANNING MEETING that includes, among other things, discussions of priorities the Board has for RCOC’s leadership.

At this year’s biannual meeting, the Board emphasized that while more and more continues to be asked of the Regional Center, in terms of state directives and reporting, delivering excellent service to the individuals and families we serve continues to be among their top priorities.

Being Accountable to Our Community

As part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to effectively meeting our community’s evolving needs, RCOC’s Service Coordinators survey families and persons served during IPP (Individual Program Plan) meetings. The responses to their questions provide objective data to help us deliver better service and identify resources that will be needed in the future, specifically in connection with three strategic goal areas: health and wellness, housing, and employment.

The complete results of these surveys are posted on RCOC’s website (www.rcocdd.com/about-rcoc/board-of-directors/ strategic-priorities/), with a snapshot of each year’s responses shared in brochure form during IPP meetings.

Learning How Can We Be Even More Responsive

While current surveys are strongly focused on satisfaction with current services and supports, and learning what might be needed in the future, RCOC is now working on adding further questions aimed at gaining a broader understanding of individual/family satisfaction and needs overall – not just RCOCfunded services.

The enhanced surveys will provide additional objective data to help guide decision making. Just as important, however, will be the opportunity they’ll provide for even more in-depth conversations that can help us address possible gaps in services and supports we provide, and improve access and coordination with other agencies.

How RCOC Uses Technology to Meet Family Needs and State Requirements

By Larry Landauer, Executive Director

AS PART OF ITS EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE GREATER STANDARDIZATION AMONG CALIFORNIA’S 21 REGIONAL CENTERS,

the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) will be rolling out a new Individual Program Plan (IPP) template that all Regional Centers will use beginning January 1, 2025.

The Virtual Chart technology RCOC Service Coordinators use will make the process seamless.

The IPP is a vital document, because it reflects the thoughtful, person-centered planning process for determining which services and supports an individual or family will receive through their Regional Center and other sources. For those who move and transfer from one Regional Center to another within California, IPP standardization will help with continuity. However, we understand some may have concerns about changes to this vital document and want to reassure all we serve that the Virtual Chart technology RCOC Service Coordinators use will make the process seamless.

Many years ago, RCOC recognized the pivotal role that technology would play in helping us to understand and be responsive to our community’s evolving needs, while also complying with the broad array of federal and

state requirements for transparency, reporting, and stewardship of tax dollars. Our Virtual Chart system, which we created and have continuously refined and enhanced over the years, has achieved those goals and been essential to the creation of RCOC’s current, very personcentered IPP.

Because our Regional Center has been a technology leader, we anticipate being able to provide individuals and families we serve with their IPPs in either or both formats – the new, standardized version, and the current version RCOC uses which provides the familiar, in-depth picture of the person served and their life.

DDS is rolling out several new educational resources to help individuals and families better understand and be active and informed participants in their IPP meetings.

We’re also pleased to share that along with the new IPP, DDS is rolling out several new educational resources to help individuals and families better understand and be active and informed participants in their IPP meetings. These include a video series about personcentered practices, an animated video series explaining the IPP and what individuals can do to prepare for an IPP meeting, and guides to the IPP for individuals and for families. Look for these new materials to be posted to the DDS website soon (www.dds.ca.gov).

If you have any questions about the new IPP or anything related to your services and supports, always feel free to reach out directly to your RCOC Service Coordinator.

PERSON-TO-PERSON

Join Us for Irvine Barclay Theatre’s Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker!

By Yvonne Kluttz, PAC Chair and Amy Jessee, PAC Co-Chair

OUR FRIENDS AT THE IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE ARE AGAIN PRESENTING A SPECIAL SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE OF THE BELOVED HOLIDAY BALLET, THE NUTCRACKER. The performance features special accommodations to help all RCOC families and persons-served feel at ease. This includes reduced soundtrack volume, ambient lighting, and open doors to let guests come and go as needed.

Yvonne, who remembers seeing The Nutcracker ballet when she was in grade school, is particularly pleased that these sensory-friendly features will allow more people who are sensitive to loud noises, to enjoy it.

In addition, visitors will enjoy interactive musical experiences before and after the performance, along with sweet treats, therapy dogs, holiday-themed arts and crafts and photo opportunities with the dancers.

Amy is planning to attend the event, and applauds The Barclay for their partnership with RCOC and commitment to community inclusion. She feels strongly that people in the community need these types of performances to feel like we’re part of the community as a whole.

Tickets and Event Details

Friday, December 6 at 2 p.m.

Irvine Barclay Theatre

4242 Campus Drive in Irvine

The nearest parking structure is at the corner of Campus and west Peltason, and is right next to the theater.

Pre-show music and activities at 1 p.m.

Photo opportunities and carolers at 2:45 p.m.

Tickets are $5 per person.

To purchase tickets, either scan this QR code or visit bit.ly/sensoryfriendlynutcracker2024. For more information, email info@thebarclay.org or call 949.854.4646.

EVERYDAY WELLNESS: Hidden Ingredients in Foods that Can Sabotage Your Health

EVEN

IF YOU’RE TRYING

TO MAKE HEALTHIER FOOD CHOICES,

IT CAN

BE TOUGH TO TELL

WHICH ITEMS ARE BETTER CHOICES. Packaged foods, especially, can be confusing because they are often marketed with healthy-sounding terms that don’t reflect what’s actually in the food. Here are some common foods that sound healthy, but often have unexpected, unhealthy ingredients that can sabotage your health.

• Yogurt: Yogurt, especially plain Greek style yogurt, can be a great source of healthy protein. However, many popular flavored varieties are very high in sugar. In fact, some fruit-at-the-bottom yogurts contain more sugar than a can of soda.

• Prepared Salads: Salad seems like it should always be a healthy choice, but it all depends on the ingredients. Many packaged salads and restaurant salads have toppings like bacon and cheese or creamy dressings like bleu cheese and Ranch that are very high in fat and calories, so choose veggie-focused options and simpler dressings.

• Frozen Dinners: Even low-calorie products marketed as healthy can contain large amounts of sodium, which is added to make the food taste better with less fat or sugar, so it’s best to limit these convenience foods.

• Trail Mix: When made with nuts, seeds and dried fruit, trail mix can be a healthy option, but all of those items are high in calories, so it’s important to watch your portion size. It’s not unusual for what appears to be a small package of trail mix to contain 3-4 servings.

• Jarred Pasta Sauces: Jarred and canned sauces are convenient, but many are much higher in fat, sodium and even sugar, than you might expect. Simple tomato-based sauces, like marinara, will generally be healthier than cheesy or cream-based sauces like alfredo.

Packaged foods, especially, can be confusing because they are often marketed with healthy-sounding terms that don’t reflect what’s actually in the food.

• Muffins: If you make your own, it’s possible to have healthy muffins. However, most packaged muffins – even healthy-sounding varieties like blueberry or banana walnut -are basically large cupcakes! As such, many contain 600 calories or more, and have high amounts of fat and sugar, with very little protein.

Learning how to read and understand food labels is the best way to determine whether any food you’re considering is truly a healthy choice, so we’ll cover that topic in future columns.

ABC’s of School Services (formerly Special Education)

Transitioning from Kindergarten to Elementary School

IN THIS ISSUE, WE CONTINUE OUR SERIES ON SCHOOL TRANSITIONS FOR CHILDREN – this time, sharing some key points about the transition from kindergarten to elementary school. Many of the tips we covered in the last issue about transitioning from preschool to kindergarten are also relevant at this stage, but here are some additional issues to consider.

Expectations for Elementary School

When a child transitions to elementary school, the focus shifts from learning foundations to state education standards, with the transition assessment determining whether and what services and supports are still required to meet the child’s learning needs.

Beginning with elementary school, students begin building key knowledge and academic skills to foster future success with school, work and life in general. This will include English language, mathematics, science, and more, along with the introduction of age-appropriate critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills.

How Parents Can Prepare

A well-developed Individualized Education Program (IEP) relies on solid parent input, so come to the transition IEP meeting equipped with a collaborative mindset and a one-page description that reflects your understanding of your child’s unique needs, strengths and challenges. Also be sure to confirm the child’s

records have been transferred to the new school.

Parents can also foster success by focusing on building independence and providing socialization opportunities for the child. However, it’s also important to note that your child does NOT need to be toilet-trained to be in school.

Help from RCOC

As with all transitions, the elementary school transition IEP meeting is critical for ensuring appropriate goals, services and supports for your child. Be sure to review the column in the Winter 2024 issue of Dialogue, posted on our website, which is all about transition IEP meetings.

And remember you can always ask for help from your RCOC Service Coordinator, who can answer questions and will be happy to attend the IEP transition meeting with you to lend support and offer insights into the process.

Kirk Allen, cont.

Kirk is a talented artist and does art projects at home in his free time.

to ensure he made a good first impression during his interview and in the workplace. Perhaps most important, however, was the match between Kirk and his job coach Paulina Lopez-Navarro.

“There’s a transformation, even in how someone walks, when they have purpose.”

Consulting with Kirk, and others who know him well, such as his long-time RCOC Service Coordinator Holly Thorson, and his group home staff, Goodwill was able to identify specific qualities that would be needed in a job coach to ensure Kirk was well-supported. For Kirk, this meant finding someone who would be patient and kind and really listen to him, but who would also have high expectations for him and be proactive in finding ways to make the experience more positive for him and his employer.

The pairing with Paulina, who provides one-onone support, has been outstanding. As Kirk says:

“This is the best job for me!” The team at The Cookie Element is small, so he enjoys performing a variety of jobs, including cleaning and janitorial work, and putting dishes away, but one of his favorite tasks is bagging cookies for customers.

“This is the best job for me!”

“Every day, he wakes up and he’s excited and shows he’s excited to be there,” said Liz Halahan, who has known Kirk since 1987 when he came to live in a Fullerton group home she and her husband operate. “And when he comes home, he looks like he’s achieving everything he wanted to. He’s upbeat all the time these days.”

Amy Spillane, who owns The Cookie Element with her husband Michael, has great things to say about Kirk’s performance.

“Kirk is an absolute joy to have as an employee!” she said, noting that he is diligent in his work and does an excellent job. “The staff absolutely recognizes when Kirk has a day off and misses his teamwork. Kirk has not only made an impact on our workload, he has made an impact on our hearts.”

Kirk is always excited to get to work at The Cookie Element.

Regional Center of Orange County Locations

RCOC Hosts Backpack Giveaway & Resource Fair

showcasing their programs, RCOC hosted a fun and festive backto-school event and resource fair at the Santa Ana Zoo on July 27. RCOC’s Comfort Connection Family Resource Center organized the event with Integrity House and worked with Service Coordinators to identify children we serve to receive the backpacks. Thank you Aveanna and all the service providers and volunteers for helping at the event!

Serving Orange County’s Korean Community

REGIONAL CENTER OF ORANGE COUNTY has prepared this insert especially for the individuals and families we serve who are most comfortable communicating in the Korean language. These events, programs and activities are presented in Korean and/or are geared specifically for those in Southern California’s Korean community. However, some are not funded or endorsed by RCOC and this information is provided as a courtesy. If you know of other opportunities you would like to share with others in the Korean community, please contact RCOC’s Derrick Nguyen at 714.558.5401 or dnguyen@rcocdd.com.

The Roar Cultural Festival

Come join us for a day filled with cultural celebrations, music, dance, food, and art! The Roar Cultural Festival 2024 is a vibrant event that showcases the diversity and richness of our community. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of different cultures from around the world. Whether you’re looking to try new cuisines, watch traditional performances, or shop for unique crafts, there’s something for everyone at this festival. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with others and celebrate the beauty of diversity.

November 7-10

Noon to 8 p.m.

Fullerton Downtown Plaza

125 East Wilshire Avenue in Fullerton

Korean Translations on RCOC Website

We have been working hard to ensure that RCOC’s services are fully accessible to Korean speakers, and have recently posted many new materials in Korean to our website. We are also making Korean interpretation available for RCOC-hosted workshops. Please visit our site at www.rcocdd.com and contact Derrick Nguyen at 714.558.5401 or dnguyen@rcocdd.com if there are other materials you think should be translated into Korean.

Candy Cane Land and Craft Fair

Get ready for an unforgettable holiday event. Entertainment, food, games, free raffles, and the thrills of a snow slide. Discover unique treasures at the craft fair featuring over 100 artisans! Santa Claus will attend this year to delight the children and spread holiday cheer! Admission is free. Parking at Ehlers Event Center is limited, so use the shuttle to and from Peak Park Pool, 7225 El Dorado Drive. Shuttle runs from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday, December 14 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ehlers Event Center 8150 Knott Ave in Buena Park

Introduction to Public Benefits

DURING

THE PERSON-CENTERED IPP (INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM PLAN) AND IFSP (INDIVIDUAL FAMILY SERVICE PLAN) PROCESS, planning teams discuss and set goals and objectives for health, housing, daily activities and work, self-care, finances, leisure time, community participation, and more. This is essential, because a person’s developmental disability can impact nearly everything in their life. However, the Lanterman Act places clear restrictions on which needs the Regional Center can address and which entity is required to provide the funding for each needed service or support.

Many needs are met by RCOC’s network of nearly 1,700 dedicated service providers, while others are met by “generic resources” such as the in-home supportive services (IHSS) program for personal assistance and Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) for transportation needs. But what about needs that go above and beyond what RCOC or these types of generic resources offer?

In many cases, federal, state and/or local governments offer additional help and programs. These may take the form of subsidies or direct financial assistance, as with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and several programs through the Orange County Social Services Agency. Other public benefits, such as the WIC (Women/Infants/Children) supplemental nutrition program offer a combination of aid, education, and other services to those with specific needs.

Since RCOC Service Coordinators do not have comprehensive expertise with certain benefits or may be specifically prohibited from assisting those we serve in applying for them, we make available on our website a list of public

benefits that people we serve may be able to access. To view or download this list, visit the RCOC website (www.rcocdd.com) and click on Services Provided under the Our Services tab. (NOTE: This list is regularly updated, but it is not comprehensive.)

RCOC’s Comfort Connection Family Resource Center’s bilingual specialists are also able to direct families to organizations in Orange County that provide free assistance to nonEnglish speakers who wish to apply.

Comfort Connection is working to recruit a Koreanspeaking individual to serve as a Community Navigator to assist Korean-speaking families we serve. In the meantime, Korean speakers may contact RCOC’s Cultural Specialist Derrick Nguyen at dnguyen@rcocdd.com or 714.558.5401 for help. Derrick has more than 13 years advocacy and outreach experience and is available to assist families in person or over the phone.

Serving Orange County’s Hispanic Community

REGIONAL CENTER OF ORANGE COUNTY has prepared this insert especially for the individuals and families we serve who are most comfortable communicating in Spanish. These events, programs and activities are presented in Spanish and/or are geared specifically for those in Southern California’s Hispanic community. However, some are not funded or endorsed by RCOC and this information is provided as a courtesy. If you know of other opportunities you would like to share with other Spanish speakers, please contact Comfort Connection Family Resource Center Parent Service Coordinator Giulia Rodriguez at 714.558.5402 or grodriguez@rcocdd.com

AUsome Winter Resource Market:

“Tis the Season for Inclusion!”

Join the AUsome Resource Market, a joyous celebration of the neurodivergent community! Meet Santa and engage in a supportive atmosphere with more than 50 vendors and nonprofit organizations, with small shops, delicious food and drinks, interactive kid-friendly activities and lively tunes from DJ B Diamond providing family entertainment.

Saturday, November 16

10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 2801 N Brea Boulevard in Fullerton

Down Syndrome Breakfast with Santa

The Down Syndrome Association of Orange County will again host its annual Breakfast with Santa at the Garden Grove Elks Lodge. Registration information is coming soon. For information, contact Alicia Sanchez at 714.540.5794.

Moving On at 3…Transition Workshop

This transition workshop takes place virtually and aims to educate and support parents before, during and after their child’s third birthday. Topics include assessment and eligibility determination for school district services, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting, and ongoing eligibility for Regional Center services. Presented in English, Spanish translation may

TACA Sensitive Santa Come join other families for a fun-filled holiday celebration, featuring a variety of family activities, including games, bounce houses, train rides, cookie decorating, vendors, pictures with Santa, and other fun surprises.

Saturday, December 7

Anaheim First Church of the Nazarene 1340 N Candlewood St. Anaheim

be provided when requested in advance. Register online via the Monthly Calendar on RCOC’s website (www.rcocdd.com). For information and for help with online registration, contact Patricia Garcia at 714.558.5400 or pgarcia@rcocdd.com.

Tuesday, December 10 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Introduction to Public Benefits

DURING THE PERSON-CENTERED IPP (INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM PLAN) AND IFSP (INDIVIDUAL FAMILY SERVICE PLAN) PROCESS,

planning teams discuss and set goals and objectives for health, housing, daily activities and work, self-care, finances, leisure time, community participation, and more. This is essential, because a person’s developmental disability can impact nearly everything in their life. However, the Lanterman Act places clear restrictions on which needs the Regional Center can address and which entity is required to provide the funding for each needed service or support.

A person’s developmental disability can impact nearly everything in their life.

Spanish speakers, specifically, may contact Comfort Connection’s new bilingual Community Navigator Olivia Rios at orios@rcocdd.com or 714.558.5407 for help. Olivia, who is a family member of a person served by RCOC, is well-acquainted with the Regional Center system as well as generic resources and is available to assist families in person or over the phone.

Serving Orange County’s Vietnamese Community

REGIONAL

CENTER OF ORANGE COUNTY has prepared this insert especially for the individuals and families we serve who are most comfortable communicating in the Vietnamese language. These events, programs and activities are presented in Vietnamese and/or are geared specifically for those in Southern California’s Vietnamese community. However, some are not funded or endorsed by RCOC and this information is provided as a courtesy. If you know of other opportunities you would like to share with others in the Vietnamese community, please contact RCOC’s Derrick Nguyen at 714.558.5401 or dnguyen@rcocdd.com.

Winter

in the Grove

The event will feature song and dance performances from local schools and performers, holiday crafts and inflatable activities for children of all ages, a holiday craft boutique featuring handmade gifts from local vendors, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Saturday, December 7

3 p.m. – 7 p.m. 12732 Main Street in Garden Grove

Santa on the Go!

Santa is on the Go in Westminster! He will be making special appearances at various Westminster parks for some holiday fun and pictures. Visit with Santa and enjoy holiday crafts, treats, and activities!

Dates and locations have not yet been finalized. For information, contact the Community Services & Recreation Department at 714.895.2860 or csronline@westminster-ca.gov.

Lunar New Year Gathering for RCOC Vietnamese Families

Presented in partnership with the Vietnamese Parents of Disabled Children Association, RCOC will host our first Lunar New Year Gathering to celebrate the biggest holiday of the year. Plan to attend and connect with other persons served and their families, and learn about RCOC services and community resources. Event and registration information will be available in January. Must pre-register to attend. Contact Derrick Nguyen at 714.558.5401 or dnguyen@rcocdd.com for more information.

Sunday, February 9 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Diamond Seafood Palace 1 8058 Lampson Ave in Garden Grove

Introduction to Public Benefits

DURING THE PERSON-CENTERED IPP (INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM PLAN) AND IFSP (INDIVIDUAL FAMILY SERVICE PLAN)

PROCESS, planning teams discuss and set goals and objectives for health, housing, daily activities and work, self-care, finances, leisure time, community participation, and more. This is essential, because a person’s developmental disability can impact nearly everything in their life. However, the Lanterman Act places clear restrictions on which needs the Regional Center can address and which entity is required to provide the funding for each needed service or support.

Since RCOC Service Coordinators do not have comprehensive expertise with certain benefits or may be specifically prohibited from assisting those we serve in applying for them, we make

available on our website a list of public benefits that people we serve may be able to access. To view or download this list, visit the RCOC website (www.rcocdd.com) and click on Services Provided under the Our Services tab. (NOTE: This list is regularly updated, but it is not comprehensive.)

Vietnamese speakers, specifically, may contact RCOC’s new bilingual Cultural Specialist Derrick Nguyen at dnguyen@rcocdd.com or 714.558.5401 for help. Derrick has more than 13 years advocacy and outreach experience and is available to assist families in person or over the phone.