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People First Supporting Our Communities
Author, William M. & Edna W.
Spring is a time when temperatures start to rise, and people are able to go outdoors for the first time in months. Safety is important all year round, with each season offering its own challenge. When thinking of Spring, most people first think of cleaning out closets and clutter from their homes. Keeping your home clean is one thing we all can do to make our homes safe by removing unneeded items. We all must make sure we keep ourselves safe while we clean. Taking breaks throughout the day as we remove the clutter. Everyone should make sure there is plenty of ventilation when using cleaning products. Never use open flames or anything else combustible when cleaning shelves and furniture. Finding environmentally safe products is important for everyone to find and use as they clean their homes. Green Llama and Simple Green are two brands that make Eco-safe products for cleaning people’s homes and offices. As far as the cleaning process itself, people need to stretch and have water to keep themselves hydrated as they work. Keeping your home clutter-free lowers the risk of fire and can also help make it easier to escape in case of an emergency. Clearing shelves can limit items from falling off during earthquakes. Having too much clutter in your home can be a tripping hazard if you don’t keep aisles clear for walking. People should also check old electronics for damaged cords and faulty wiring. Old electronics can lead to fires, leading to the loss of life and property. Taking your time to clear out your home is well worth the day or so it takes to do so.
While Spring Cleaning makes homes safe, people who love getting outdoors as the temperatures rise, there are other considerations, like garden tool maintenance or clearing debris from your lawn before you mow it. Rocks, sticks, and other small objects can become projectiles when hit by a lawn mower blade. Make sure you wear sturdy footwear with plenty of traction, especially after it rains or when climbing ladders to clear gutters of leaves. Make sure you wear long-sleeve shirts or insect repellent to stay safe from getting stung or bitten by an insect. People should be careful of Spring showers as they work outside. Wear the proper clothing, rain-resistant shoes, and a jacket. Keep garden tools sharp and never leave them unattended as you work. Use proper lifting techniques as you would when you’re working inside your home. Don’t use electrical equipment in inclement weather. When the sun shines, make sure you wear sunscreen, hats, or long-sleeve shirts, and also keep hydrated with water. If you’re digging, call your utility company to make sure you don’t hit an underground power line. If you use gas-powered tools, keep fuel stored in appropriate containers away from the house and out of reach of children. As the weather starts to warm up, people will also want to grill food. Making sure grills are clear of grease and leaves is vital to fire protection.
There are a lot of places where people with disabilities can find safety information, starting with their People First chapters. Members can offer helpful tips on how to stay safe all year long. Chapters can invite guest speakers to come to meetings and share important safety information. At the end of the February meeting, the Chico chapter had a group discussion on what safety tips they thought would be good to share. Chapters in the past have had a presentation for the person in charge of emergency preparedness at Far Northern. One safety tip chapter members mentioned was going out to places in groups or with a friend to avoid being targeted by bad people. They also brought up wearing bright clothing at night to prevent people from being hit by cars. Everyone should have an emergency contact list that they carry with them in case of emergencies. Far Northern clients can contact their service coordinator to find out what programs the regional center supports to keep people safe. The We Care A Lot Foundation offers regional center consumers free presentations from peers about how to stay safe from emergencies. They also talk about a go bag people use to carry stuff in the event of an evacuation order. People with disabilities should also look at what their communities have to offer when it comes to support for emergencies. Butte County has the Special Needs Awareness Program (SNAP), a voluntary program that helps qualified individuals escape during events like flooding. Go to the Butte County website, then search SNAP to find it and click on the PDF to fill out the form with all your information. Individuals should ask their families to make an escape plan in the event of an earthquake or other dangerous event.
Individuals have many options for getting help with safety. They can talk to their service coordinator, family members, or even People First members for support when they need it. Everyone should make sure they’re well prepared in case of emergencies. Safety is not only for emergencies, though keeping your home clear of clutter and taking precautions like wearing bright clothes at night can keep everyone safe all year long. By following these simple safety tips, everyone can stay safe.
Sailing Smoothly with CAL-ABLE: My Cruise Adventures
Author, Ryan H.
My name is Ryan Hoag. I recently acquired knowledge about the California Achieving a Better Life Experience (CAL-ABLE) program, a specialized investment initiative aimed at aiding individuals with disabilities in enhancing their savings. I, personally, hold a CAL-ABLE account that I use for a variety of expenses, such as travel and personal purchases.
This program has proven to be extremely advantageous for me. I have the flexibility to use my CAL-ABLE Card for purchases, whether for personal use or travel purposes. Most recently, I utilized my CAL-ABLE Card during a ten-day cruise in May 2024 from San Francisco aboard the Carnival Miracle, accompanied by my housemate and support staff and their family on the Pacific Ocean.
Now fast-forward to two years into March 2026, I am going on another cruise (this time out of Norfolk, Virginia) to the Eastern Caribbean Islands (including the Bahamas) on the Atlantic Ocean. I had never cruised out on the Atlantic (this will be the first time).
I asked a few people how their cruising experiences went. They said the cruising on the Atlantic Ocean is calm and smooth. I am extremely proud that I got to use this program. If you are a person (or a parent supporting or living with a disability), you can visit the website for more information at www.Calable.ca.gov or call 1 (833) CALABLE (225-2253). We Are California Achieving a Better Life Experience (CAL-ABLE).
From Intern to Park Aide: Michael Oliver Hired at Shasta State Historic Park
Author, Tre K.
Michael Oliver’s journey with California State Parks has come full circle.
After beginning as an intern, Oliver has been officially hired as a park aide at Shasta State Historic Park, a role he describes as both unexpected and deeply rewarding.
“I am a park aide here at Shasta State Historic Park,” Oliver said. “My duties at this historical site is to provide information at the visitor center, as well as maintenance duties for the courthouse.”
His responsibilities include cleaning debris, preserving artifacts, and maintaining plexiglass displays that allow visitors to view items inside the courthouse museum. He also ensures guests
receive accurate information about what he calls the site’s “cultural and diverse historical” significance.
The transition from intern to official staff member came as a surprise.
“Well, it was unexpected, actually,” Oliver said. “I was feeling a little bit doubtful because it was quite, quite, quite difficult at the time.”
He applied for the position in November and later received the news over the phone.
“When I heard I got the job, I felt like this is just a total victory,” he said. “What made it phenomenal was the fact that I graduated college and I got into this position. So it was just two victories in one year. So it’s like I was just blown away.”
Oliver said his previous experience working outdoors and in maintenance roles helped prepare him for the job.
“I’ve worked in maintenance areas, attending overseeing some parks as well — not state, but rest areas,” he said. “I really know what it means to really keep a place nice and memorable for many people who wish to visit.”
Though he has only recently started in his new role, Oliver said he anticipates increased responsibilities in the coming months.
“Things are starting to pick up,” he said. “As of the turn of February into March, there will be a lot more duties and responsibilities, a lot of projects. And I just look forward to hammering those down and just making a lot of memorable memories for many tourists who visit our park.”
During his internship, Oliver said he realized the work could become a long-term career.
“This is an institution that has a lot of social trust,” he said. “The experience — interacting with the public — is an important concept for the state parks, because when we’re out there engaging with people, we’re able to build that level of trust with the history information that we are
providing.”
A history major, Oliver said his passion for education drives his work.
“It’d be my passion for history, and that’s what I majored in,” he said. “I’ve been committed to being in the field of education, to where I could share what I know with others.”
He said his education has shaped his approach to storytelling at the park.
“There’s a lot of history that people need to have historical agency with,” Oliver said. “I’m not just talking about the pioneer cowboy. I’m talking about including a diverse range of topics where people feel that they are part of something even greater.”
Oliver said he has been surprised by the cultural diversity of local history, including stories about African American and Chinese American contributions to the region.
“I did not know that this place was very progressive for African Americans,” he said.
“The Chinese contributions that they brought over here, as well as in terms of the railways — the cultural attributes that they’ve left over — that’s something I would totally like to bring forward to many people as well.”
He said inclusion remains central to his work and to the evolving partnership between California State Parks and Mains’l.
“It has laid a whole different new level of opportunities for people with disabilities,” Oliver said. “It’s definitely made it to where we can give opportunities to people who never had it.”
Oliver, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome as a child, said he hopes his story encourages others.
“I had a lot of self-doubt growing up,” he said. “I just hope that my story is able to really give hope to people who think that there is no — because there is hope. There’s hope for a lot of people, and there’s a chance for everybody to do what I did.”
Looking ahead, Oliver said he hopes to continue growing within the park system, possibly in an interpreter or research role.
“I would love to definitely be part of a research team effort to where I can pick and pinpoint information,” he said. “I really like to really help find information — oral histories for others.” For now, Oliver said he is grateful to be doing work he loves.
“I love the outdoors. I love nature, and I love just walking around helping people and providing information,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity.”
DDS and FNRC Are Celebrating the Anniversary Rollout of the Standardized Person-Centered Individual Program Plans
Author, Tre K.
Families who meet with Far Northern Regional Center to develop their Individual Program Plan, experienced a renewed focus on person-centered planning — a process agency leaders say is designed to put the individual at the center of their planning process.
“Basically, person-centered planning is where the individual who we’re providing services for meets with their interdisciplinary team, and develop a plan as to what services they need to live the life that they want to live,” said Tamra Panther, Associate Director of Case Management.
Panther said the Individual Program Plan, or IPP, is the state-required plan of services for individuals with developmental disabilities and now follows a standardized format across California.
“In the state of California, we have gone to the standardized IPP, which grabs all of those person-centered practices, to develop an IPP that is the same format throughout the regional center system,” Panther said. “The standardized process captures relevant information, while providing very individualized supports through plan development in life areas.”
What to Expect at an IPP Meeting
At its core, leaders say the meeting is about listening.
“First of all, they should expect to be heard and to feel heard,” said Rachael Newkirk, Case Management Supervisor. “They should expect to have their questions answered and to have a rich and informative discussion about their goals and the services that we have in the community that could help support meeting those goals.”
Chere Sullivan, Associate Director of Case Management, described the meeting as a conversation centered on strengths and aspirations.
“A discussion regarding the client’s strengths and their desires, to live the life that they’re hoping to live or to continue to support the life that they’re hoping to live,” Sullivan said. “Going over their different life areas and supports that may already be in place and discussing other
resources or referrals that might be appropriate based on the information provided regarding a client’s hopes and dreams.”
Panther said meetings often begin with questions that help describe the individual in their own words.
“It’s going to ask you for things such as what are great things about you? What do you like about you? What are some things you’re good at or proud of?” she said. “We are talking about a person’s whole entire life and what do they want to do.”
According to Newkirk the standardized IPP includes general information, a personal introduction that talks about things people should know about the person receiving services. This should include the person’s interests and strengths, and also a general idea of the support needs that are required to help them be successful. The IPP also includes information regarding how the person receiving services (and their families) participated in the development of their plan, their vision for the future, the person’s communication preferences, who supports them to make important decisions, and designated “life areas” where goals and services are more deeply identified.
“We build your plan around what you want to do and how those funding sources or generic resources are able to support you in doing what you want to do,” Panther said.
These plans should summarize how the services and supports a person receives address any barriers they may have to meeting their goals.
Emergency planning is also included, particularly given the region’s history with wildfires and other disasters.
“We have an entire system of emergency risk planning,” Panther said. “What’s going to happen if there’s an emergency in your area.”
How to Prepare
All three leaders emphasized preparation centered on goals.
“The biggest thing is what are your goals?” Panther said. “What does the individual envision in the next year for their own goals. What supports will they need to be able to accomplish those goals?”
Newkirk encouraged families to think in specific terms.
“One of the best ways that people can prepare is to start thinking well in advance of the meeting about what do they want to do,” she said. “The more specific you can get in terms of what your goal is, the better the conversation will go in terms of how we can support you to meet that goal.”
As part of the planning process, clients are encouraged to reflect on their health and wellness goals and consider what supports may help them maintain or improve their overall well-being.
“FNRC uses a person-centered approach during the IPP planning process to address the health goals of individuals we support to include health, safety, and social emotional well-being. Person-centered planning assists in facilitating individuals in identifying their own wellness goals
and in choosing selected services, targeted to support the individual to achieve specific health outcomes in allignment with their priorities and preferences,” said Sullivan.
Newkirk also suggested organizing documents such as insurance cards and any new school or health information ahead of time so the meeting can focus on conversation “about your hopes and dreams.”
Sullivan said families should come prepared to share openly.
“Prepare by being open as much as you’re comfortable with discussing where you’re at in life, the supports that you may already have in place,” she said. “What’s working and what’s not working and where you would like to go.”
Including Person-Centered Practices
According to Newkirk, person-centered practices are embedded throughout the process.
“If you’re doing the IPP process in a person-centered way, then the whole document, from how you schedule the meeting to how a person feels when they receive the finished product, all of that should feel person-centered,” she said.
“The key component of being person-centered is that the person receiving services is at the center of the IPP planning process,” Newkirk added. “Having them, (and their parents or legal decision-makers if applicable) drive and direct where they want this plan to go.”
Sullivan described the process as “client-driven.”
“You reflect those conversational pieces within the body of the IPP,” she said. “It’s about the individual’s future and reaching their goals to increase control over their lives or to empower them to be able to activate their dreams and wishes.”
Individual and Family Rights
Regional center leaders stressed that participation in regional center services is voluntary and rights are broad. If a person wants to receive regional center services, the IPP must be completed annually.
“Individuals have a right to invite who they want to have at their meeting,” Panther said. “They also have a right to ask for someone not to be there.”
Newkirk said individuals have the right to annual meetings, to direct who receives copies of their plan, and to have the plan translated into a language they understand.
“Our services are voluntary,” Newkirk said. “Whether or not they decide to choose a specific service or whether or not they decide to receive regional center services, that’s up to the person.”
If there is disagreement about a service, individuals have the right to appeal through a Notice of Action, she added.
Sullivan noted that clients also have the right to control what information is shared.
“They have a right to disclose what they’re comfortable with, and they have a right to refrain from having certain aspects not included in their IPP, if that is their wish,” she said.
Providing Feedback
Feedback can happen at any stage of the process.
“I would say the most successful way to do it is during the meeting itself and even before the meeting happens,” Newkirk said.
Families can also contact their service coordinator, a supervisor, or an associate director.
The new IPP format also includes a QR code that allows individuals to provide feedback directly to the California Department of Developmental Services.
Panther said families can request revisions if the written plan does not match what was discussed.
“Sometimes maybe the wording of it isn’t quite the way that they intended for it to be, and they might ask for it to be reworked, and we’re willing to do that,” she said.
Additional Information and Resources
For more information, families can visit the Far Northern Regional Center website, which will include updated materials. In addition, a brochure on the standardized IPP format is being developed.
Newkirk also pointed families to the Disability Rights California website and the California Department of Developmental Services website, which includes a detailed handbook on IPP meetings.
Resources available through the IPP process may include community services, educational supports, public agencies such as the Department of Rehabilitation, medical providers and regional center-funded services, depending on the individual’s goals and needs.
“It’s all about what you want in your life and how can others help you obtain that, or how can you do it on your own,” Panther said.
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