People experiencing a mental health crisis have a new way to reach out for help in U.S. Now, they can simply call or text the numbers 9-8-8. Modeled after 911, the new three-digit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is designed to be a memorable and quick number that connects people who are suicidal or in any other mental health crisis to a trained mental health professional. The primary goal of the new number is to make it easier for people to call for help. Lawmakers and mental health advocates also see this launch as an opportunity to transform the mental health care system and make care easily accessible everywhere in the United States.

BACKGROUND

The Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) received a one-time appropriation of $20 million dollars to fund strategic initiatives to increase the employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The DOR has allocated $10 million dollars for its Demand Side Employment Initiative (DSEI), an employer incentive program for businesses to expand or begin hiring people with disabilities. DSEI staff will provide helpful resources, technical support, and assistance with implementing equitable recruitment, training, and retention practices. The DSEI funding will be distributed to small and medium-sized businesses through grants beginning in 2022 through 2024.

DSEI KEY ELEMENTS FOR BUSINESSES

Business Incentives

• DOR has earmarked over $5 million to incentivize California small to medium-sized businesses to set goals and commitments towards hiring and training individuals with disabilities.
• Small and medium-sized businesses can apply for a grant ranging from $20,000 to $200,000, with the possibility of additional funding in the future.
• This grant will allow businesses to introduce and expand disability inclusive hiring practices.
• Funding is available for, but not limited to, equipment, new hire cost reimbursement, training, consulting services, and physical location improvements.
• Free technical assistance is available to businesses for implementation and support of employing individuals with disabilities.
• DOR is looking for a diverse group of businesses. Have not worked with DOR before? No problem! We encourage all small and medium-sized businesses to apply.

Campaign to Highlight Participating Businesses

• DOR has earmarked $2 million for a targeted media and marketing campaign to support the recruitment and employment of individuals with disabilities.
• This strategic multi-media marketing campaign will spotlight the DSEI grant recipient businesses who are champions for disability inclusive hiring in California.

Have a question? Please email us at DSEI@dor.ca.gov

Free COVID tests are now available for easy online ordering. Every household in the U.S. can order one set of four at-home tests through COVIDtests.gov. This is part of ongoing efforts to scale up access to tests, with site-based testing facilities experiencing high demand.

Tests generally return results within 15 minutes, and do not involve the deep swabbing that some laboratory tests require.

Tips to help you commemorate, celebrate, and support the United Nations World World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd and National Awareness Day Month in April.

1. Check for autism-related conferences in your area.
2. Help  to advocate and educate people about autism.
3. Recommend autism-friendly businesses to others.
4. If you own a business, light it up blue to raise awareness about autism
5. Raise awareness in the community by hosting an autism social in your area. View Family Autism Network’s social toolkit here.
6. Follow organizations celebrating Autism Awareness and share their posts.
7. Give special thanks to teachers and therapists that have made a difference.
8. Spend time with a friend or family member with autism; consider giving friends and family a respite break.