vody/> RCM - Revitalizing Community Membership: Empowering Independence: September 2021

Monday, September 27, 2021

Mayor Bowser and DC Health Advise Eligible Residents to Receive Their Booster Shot



(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, as the District remains very focused on ensuring all eligible residents have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, Mayor Bowser and DC Health are also encouraging members of the community who are eligible for a booster shot to get their third dose. Previously, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) had already recommended that people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system) receive three doses of a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) rather than two doses. This third dose was recommended because sometimes people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised do not build enough (or any) protection when they first get a vaccination.

This week’s recommendations around booster shots are specific to individuals who received the Pfizer vaccine and who received their second dose at least six months ago.

To read more on this story, click here: Mayor Bowser and DC Health Advise Eligible Residents to Receive Their Booster Shot



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Ruth Christ Sullivan, pioneering advocate for people with autism, dies at 97



When her son Joseph was diagnosed with autism in 1963, Ruth Christ Sullivan found herself marooned, cast aside by pediatricians, child psychiatrists and other experts who offered few resources and little support. “He will always be a little odd,” one psychiatrist said of her 3-year-old. “There’s nothing wrong with your little boy,” another told her. “You’re just an overanxious mother.”

At the time, autism was believed to be caused by cold, unloving parents — specifically “refrigerator mothers” whose lack of maternal warmth stymied their children’s ability to communicate and socialize. But Dr. Sullivan was certain that theory was false: She had seven children, each of whom she loved and nurtured, and only one with autism.

To read more on this story, click here: Ruth Christ Sullivan, pioneering advocate for people with autism, dies at 97


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Friday, September 24, 2021

Study: Among Vaccinated, Those With Down Syndrome Face Highest Risk From COVID-19



People with Down syndrome are the most likely of all vaccinated adults to die from COVID-19, new research suggests.

Those with the chromosomal disorder have a 12-fold increased risk of death if they contract the coronavirus after receiving at least one vaccine dose, according to findings published in the British Medical Journal this month. That’s a higher risk than any other group.

To read more on this story, click here: Study: Among Vaccinated, Those With Down Syndrome Face Highest Risk From COVID-19




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Tuesday, September 21, 2021

More Shout-Outs About Our Awesome DSPs!!!



Octavia Brown: Paula and Yordanos want to recognize you for your patience and dedication to the people we support.  Your continued assistance with appointments and day program attendance is invaluable.  Shout out also for staying on top of your documentation on time without being reminded as well as keeping the lines of communication open with management.  We appreciate you, Octavia!

Frederick Patterson: While Paula and Yordanos collectively want to recognize the entire R Street team, Frederick in particular deserves a special shout out for his tireless work ethic and dedication to the men during this pandemic.  Frederick's flexibility and patience with schedule changes, staffing shortages, and safety concerns have been invaluable.  Yordanos shared that they couldn't ask for a better colleague.  Way to go, Frederick!

Octavia McQueen: Ebony and Aisha would like to recognize Octavia for her loyalty and dedication, as well as her calm and steady presence.  Octavia's dedication and reliability is so appreciated.  No matter the situation, Octavia always pull through.   You are so awesome, Octavia!



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RCM kicked off Latin Heritage Month Last Week with a Fabulous Self-Portrait Activity Inspired by the One and Only Frida Kahlo



RCM kicked off Latin Heritage Month last week with a fabulous self-portrait activity inspired by the one and only Frida Kahlo. Here is the VERY talented Calvin “Sonny” Clarke working on his pieces. 

We will be doing an activity every week in celebration. Tomorrow at 5pm we are hosting a language learning session via zoom. All are welcome to join! 

To join, click here: ZOOM

Meeting ID: 829 9143 2090

Passcode: 861518



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We Would Like to Recognize Some Staff Who Were Caught Being Awesome During Direct Support Professional (DSP) Week (September 12th – 18th)



During this DSP week we would like to recognize some staff who were caught being awesome with their fellow colleagues and persons supported.  Keep up the great work!

Gladys Riggs:  Yordanos and Paula would like you to know that you are greatly appreciated for stepping in and taking on additional tasks without complaints.  You have assisted several homes, other than the assigned home, with outings, medical appointments, and vacations.  Your creative thinking and flexibility during these times of change are so critical.  We just want to recognize you!  Way to go, Gladys!!

Lutisha Thomas: Aisha and Ebony want to recognize you for always being willing to go above and beyond to be sure that the ladies she supports are "all good".  Lutisha will see a need and fill it, including fixing adaptive equipment. Lutisha wants everything to be done right for the women at T Street and can be counted on to provide guidance when needed.  We appreciate you, Tish!!

Charlie Dunn: This shoutout comes from Ivan Parker.  Charlie, thank you for taking a person supported to the WFT game when another staff member could not.  You knew this was important to him, and you made it happen.  THANK YOU!



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Thursday, September 9, 2021

It’s Next Chapter Book Club Time Again!



It’s #NextChapterBookClub time again. We are continuing to meet virtually and are really enjoying our current book, Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper.






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CDC Rolls Out New COVID-19 Resources For People With IDD



As the delta surge renews concerns about COVID-19 across much of the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is taking steps to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities understand and protect themselves against the virus.

The agency is introducing a series of resources specifically aimed at this population.

The new offerings include a toolkit with social stories, videos, posters and interactive activities. The materials address five topics — getting a COVID-19 vaccine, wearing a mask, social distancing, hand washing and getting a COVID-19 test.

To read more on this story, click here: CDC Rolls Out New COVID-19 Resources For People With IDD


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Thursday, September 2, 2021

September is National Preparedness Month




September is National Preparedness Month, an annual observance to remind everyone how important it is for individuals, families and communities to be prepared for disasters and emergencies that can happen at any time. Make sure that you have a plan! Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. 

 For more information, click here: Make A Plan




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