Therapy Times
News and information about the Medical Therapy Units of Santa Clara County CCS
SPOTLIGHT—WHAT IS IN HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES (IHSS)?
Source: www.sccgov.org
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program is a federal, state, and locally
funded program designed to provide assistance to those eligible aged, blind, and
disabled individuals who, without this care, would be unable to remain safely in
their own homes. IHSS provides services according to the IHSS recipient’s ability to perform daily activities, and can include feeding, bathing, dressing, housekeeping, laundry, shopping, meal preparation and clean up, respiration, bowel &
bladder care, moving in and out of bed, rubbing the skin (to prevent skin breakdown), accompaniment to medical appointments, paramedical services, and protective supervision.
IHSS recipients are responsible for locating their own home care providers, for hiring and supervising their providers, and for firing the provider if the
services are not performed according to the client’s specifications. Additionally,
the IHSS Public Authority maintains a registry of individuals available to work as
home care providers.
Who Qualifies for IHSS
To be eligible for IHSS, you must be receiving Medi-Cal, be blind, disabled, or 65 years of age or older, AND be unable to live at home safely without
help. If you are not currently receiving Medi-Cal, please contact our Agency’s
Assistance Application Center (877) 962-3633 for further details about MediCal eligibility. (continued on page 2)
Vol. IX, No. III
Summer 2013
Dates to Remember :
July 4—Independence Day
September 2—Labor Day
MTU is
closed on
these dates
In this issue
What is IHSS? ……………...Pgs 1-2
Free Summer Activities……..Pg 2
World Cerebral Palsy Day…..Pg 3
Caring for Siblings of Special
Needs Kids…………………………..…Pg 4
News from MTU, Employee
Spotlight..…………………………......Pg 5
Kids Korner./Artist of the Quarter……………….…………………………..Pg 6
Heidi Hudson, Administrator (408)793-6200
Sara Copeland, MD., Medical Director (408)793-6200
Louise Sumpter, Chief Therapist (408)793-5900
Chandler Tripp MTU (408)793-5900, John Buchinski and Darren Stevens,
Supervising Therapists
Juana Briones, MTU (650)845-3000, Marsha Maruyama, Supervising Therapist
South Valley MTU, (408)885-3160, Ann Nuno, Supervising Therapist
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Editor:
Alicia Newton, MSW
Many thanks to:
Diya A, Saundra Townes
What is IHSS (continued from page 1)
IHSS Social Workers determine if you qualify for IHSS by assessing your
functional need for specific services, and by identifying the amount of time to
be allotted for the performance of services. Depending on the amount of your
monthly income, you may be required to pay a share of cost for these services.
How to Apply for IHSS
To apply for IHSS, call us at 408-792-1600 and provide the following information:
Name, gender, address, telephone number, date of birth, social security number, Medi-Cal number, ethnicity,
and language spoken; spouse’s name, social security number, and date of birth; guardian or contact’s name,
relationship, and telephone.
Information related to housing and income, if known; medical problems or diagnoses, including name of medical doctor, address and telephone number; and client’s level of mobility or function (e.g., walks alone or bedbound).
Information about supportive resources currently being used, if known (e.g., Home Health Agency, Meals-onWheels, etc.).
Fun and Free Activities and Events For Kids This Summer
www.themotherhuddle.com/
Home Depot Free Kids Workshops ~ On the 1st Saturday of every month the Home Depot has a workshop all set
up for your kiddos to build something fun. http://workshops.homedepot.com/
Lowes Free Build and Grow Kids Workshops ~ Every other weekend Lowe’s has a project for the kids too. Some
are held on Sundays as well as Saturdays, all the details on their website. http://lowesbuildandgrow.com/
Kids Bowl Free You just register online and find your local bowling alley for 2
free games per child every day this summer.
http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/state.php?state=CA
Discounted Movies at Cinemark – (Not free, but still inexpensive!) Every
Summer Cinemark has a series of kid friendly movies for only $1.00
http://www.cinemark.com/summer-movie-clubhouse
Free Entrance Day Into National Parks http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm parks are free on August
25, National Park Service Birthday and September 28, National Public
Lands Day
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World Cerebral Palsy Day - Wednesday 2 October 2013:
www.worldcpday.org
World Cerebral Palsy Day is an innovative way for 17
million people with CP to tell the world what they need
to make their lives better and it's a way to turn some
of those ideas into reality. Organizations from America, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Finland, Germany, India,
Indonesia, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger,
Panama, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, South Africa,
St Lucia, Sweden, Turkey and the UK have joined together to support World
Cerebral Palsy Day.
We believe 'Change my world in 1 minute' will inspire advocates globally
to continue working for people with cerebral palsy.
2012 Campaign World CP Day was piloted in 2012. From 1 August, people with cerebral palsy, their
families and friends posted ideas online for something that could be created, developed or modified
that would change the world for someone with cerebral palsy. Ideas were posted as text or video.
Each idea needed to take only 1 minute to read or watch. From World CP Day, September 4, people
were encouraged to go online, review the ideas and vote for the concepts that could have the greatest impact on people’s lives. At the end of September, the World Cerebral Palsy Day Panel reviewed
the ideas and public votes. Three ideas were shortlisted for development.
Social activists, researchers, inventors, and innovators were then invited to turn the shortlisted
ideas into reality. They competed for a total prize pool of $25,000. The winner was announced on 27
April 2013. The major prize winner was a talented team from the University of Virginia (USA)
which developed a solar powered wheelchair with retractable panels. View a video of their entry on
the World CP Day YouTube channel,
2013 Campaign
Commences 14 July 2013 when the website opens for ideas.
About Cerebral Palsy
There are 17 million people across the world living with cerebral palsy (CP). Another 350 million people are closely connected to a child or adult with CP. It is the most common physical disability in
childhood. CP is a permanent disability that affects movement. Its impact can range from a weakness
in one hand, to almost a complete lack of voluntary movement. It is a complex disability: 1 in 4 children with CP cannot talk, 1 in 3 cannot walk, 1 in 2 have an intellectual disability, 1 in 4 have epilepsy.*
CP is a lifelong disability and there is no known cure.
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Caring for Siblings of Special Needs Children
Source: shine.yahoo.com Author: Kimberly Morgan
A few years ago, our family of five headed to the zoo for a birthday celebration for our youngest. It was a hot, busy holiday weekend. Within minutes of pulling into the parking lot, my oldest, who
has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, was begging to leave. His sister was, naturally, crushed.
Until we had that first conversation about her brother's condition, all she understood was that she wouldn't be seeing the elephants that day. My son cried all the way home, not because he
was in distress, but because he felt terrible that his sister's
dream birthday plans had changed.
So, how do you turn situations like this into a positive experience? How do you strengthen the bonds between
siblings when one of them has special needs? What's the right way to encourage healthy relationships with all
of your kids, and help them do the same with one another?
It's an ongoing process, but it begins with a good foundation. Here's how to start.
Make time for each child as an individual. They crave a connection with their siblings that may be difficult
for any number of reasons, and they need one-on-one time with their adult caregivers as much as any child.
Make sure your children know that your child with special needs isn't more important than his or her siblings. Keep play dates, enjoy campouts and attend dance recitals. In order for your children to grow as confident, secure individuals, these childhood rites of passage should be honored with your full support and attention. You may not be able to do it all, but you can make sure that you make commitments to each child and stick
with them. It builds trust, shows unity and respect for your kids, and helps them understand just how special
they all are.
Explain the nature of the special needs of your child to his or her siblings. Encourage them to ask questions and listen to their concerns. Stay open and positive; your demeanor and attitudes will impact the way your
children understand this information. Using age-appropriate terms and approaches, invite your children to explore the nature of the condition.
Each child plays an essential role in the family team. To do that, they need to be aware of special considerations, abilities, strengths and limitations, and of their own unique contributions.
Acknowledge their feelings. Children with a sibling with special needs may feel jealous at times, resentful, angry, confused, hurt, and even rejected. These feelings aren't shameful and are perfectly normal. By allowing
your children to communicate and express themselves in a healthy way when they're upset, parents are better
able to address any issues that may arise.
Encourage your children to spend one-on-one time with their siblings. Beautiful relationships often have the
simplest of rituals that bond us together. Remind them of the things they enjoy together (a favorite food or
movie), support quiet times (reading to one another or doing puzzles together), and try to record these events
with videos and photos when you can. When things become challenging, remind your children of these positive
experiences.
Put it all together. We did eventually get back to the zoo, and we were all much better prepared this time. My
oldest son held his little sister's water bottle and showed her the best vantage point from which to see the
baby elephants. They'd worked it out…with just a little bit of help from mom and dad.
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News from our Medical Therapy Units!
CCS staff is happy to present at your organization, school or committee, if interested, please contact Louise Sumpter at (408)793-5905.
CCS Therapy Foundation — CCS Therapy Unit has a foundation account accepting monetary donations. This funds special events and specialty equipment not covered by government funds. If
you or a family member would like to donate please make checks payable to CCS Therapy Foundation and send attention to Louise Sumpter, CCS Chief Therapist at 780 Thornton Way , San
Jose, CA 95128
The MTUs are decorating for the latest holidays (Independence Day) - if you
want to participate please see: John or Darren at Chandler
Tripp; Ann at South Valley or Marsha at Juana Briones.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Interview with Saundra Townes, Therapy Aide
How long have you worked at CCS?
I have been here 14 years.
Where did you grow up?
San Jose, I went to Mount Pleasant High School, De Anza and
Evergreen Colleges.
When and how did you decide that wanted to work with kids?
I decided that at a very young age, growing up with my brother
who has special needs. I have also gravitated towards working
with kids with special needs and I am the oldest of five and have
always been around kids. I also have volunteered for years with the Special Olympics. My parents
have also been foster parents for years, since I was 11!
What is the best part of working at CCS?
Working with the kids and seeing them grow and develop.
What do you like to do in your free
time?
I like to spend time with family especially
during the summer and our favorite place
to go is
Disneyland any time of year!
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KIDS KORNER: Diya A
Diya attends Juana Briones MTU!
How old are you, Diya? I am 9
What grade are you in and where do you go to school? 3rd going into 4th in August. Cherry Chase
What subjects do you like to study? Reading
Do you have any favorite books? No, I like everything
No favorites? I like fiction
Can you think of any specific books? Artemis Fowl
What is it about? It’s about a boy who goes on adventures and
he’s a genius
Do you like writing as well? I only like writing, at home, stories.
That makes you happy, writing short stories? Yes
Do you think you are going to be a writer when you are older?
Yes
How long have you been coming to therapy? My whole life
What do you do in therapy? With Manisha (physical therapist), kneeling and floor to stand, walking stairs,
tummy exercises, e stim, treadmill. With Corey (occupational therapist), play games and do things like learn
how to tie my own hair with Ji Young (previous occupational therapist), put shoes on myself, using fork and
knife to cut my food, get dressed, drawing straight line, taking a bath brushing my teeth, flossing my own
teeth, cutting with scissors.
ARTIST OF THE QUARTER: Diya, the author!! Diya is an author of non fiction, here is
a summery of one of her short stories.
SUMMARY OF “JIM AND THE FROST GIANTS”—By Diya
Agrawal
A boy named Jim lives in a village and is in knight training
school. When he finds out that the frost giants might attack his village for food and resources he takes it upon himself to save the village.
With careful planning and thinking he was able to set a contraption at the foot of the
frost giant’s mountain.
The villagers are still panicking and are not sure about the success of the plan.
After waiting a short time they realize that Jim’s plan works and the frost giants are
captured.
In the end they make a truce by sharing food with the giants and they in return help
the villagers by giving them access to the timber forest that goes by their cave.
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Meet and chat with other CCS parents online!
Join our CCS Medical Therapy Unit Yahoo Group
go to: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ccsparents_santaclara/
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