4/23/2021 UPDATE:
Dear Family Members, Friends, and Advocates of the People We Support,
As spring arrives, we would like to provide you with an update on our continued efforts to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic
The vast majority of people we support have been fully vaccinated or are close to being fully vaccinated, including over 94% of those we support residentially. Most of our Residential staff are fully vaccinated or are awaiting their second dose. Although the number of vaccinated people continues to rise, we encourage everyone to remain vigilant, practice social distancing, and to continue to wear a mask when unable to do so.
AIM had the honor of partnering with Saratoga County to host two COVID-19 vaccination clinics, at which AIM nurses vaccinated nearly 450 people we support, staff, families, and community members. We are hopeful that we will have the opportunity to host additional vaccine clinics in the coming months.
None of our residential homes are currently under quarantine and there are no Residential, Day Services, or Administrative staff currently under quarantine.
We are excited to announce that OPWDD has lessened restrictions on family visitations in certified residential settings. Please continue to coordinate all visits with the house manager and/or one of the residential program directors
According to the New York State Department of Health, people who are fully vaccinated and are asymptomatic do not need to quarantine following an exposure. Providers continue to advocate with OPWDD to update their guidance and lessen restrictions.
AIM has reopened or is in the process of reopening all day/community services, including Supported Employment, Community Habilitation, and Day Habilitation. We continue to offer alternative supports, including virtual options, for those who have not yet resumed participation. Capacity restrictions on transportation and building occupancy put in place by OPWDD and/or New York State remain in effect. As those restrictions begin to ease, we will collaborate with people and their families to transition more people back to in-person services.
In January, AIM launched a recruiting and retention initiative, focused on recruiting and retaining person-centered Direct Support Professionals. As part of this exciting initiative, we increased the starting pay for DSPs and gave unfunded raises to current DSPs, managers, and clinical staff. We have also increased collateral clinical supports, revamped training, launched a mentoring program and are implementing a DSP career ladder. We continue to seek creative ways to attract and retain high quality DSPs.
We would like to express our sincerest gratitude for all of our Direct Support Professionals, Front Line Supervisors and Clinical Staff; it is through their vigilance, dedication, and flexibility throughout the past 14 months, that the AIM family continues to thrive. It is through their dedication that AIM was able to provide person-centered supports, while remaining fiscally viable during the worst pandemic in generations.
We are thankful for our thoughtful community and partners; your support and generous giving throughout the year, helped AIM weather unanticipated costs related to the pandemic and OPWDD budget cuts, while continuing to provide person-centered supports and services.
It remains an honor to support your loved one,
Josh Phelps, Associate Executive Director
12/9/2020 UPDATE:
Dear Family Members, Friends, and Advocates of the People We Support,
We would like to express our sincerest gratitude for all of our Direct Support Professionals, Front Line Supervisors and Clinical Staff; it is through their vigilance, dedication, and flexibility during these challenging times that the AIM family continues to thrive.
We are sure you are aware that the Capital Region has seen an increase in cases and hospitalizations over the past few weeks. Our top priority continues to be maintaining the health and safety of the people we serve, their families and staff, while remaining true to the person-centered mission of the agency.
AIM remains vigilant in our efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As cold weather arrives, people spend more time inside, and the holidays approach, please join us in practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, avoiding large gatherings, and frequently washing hands.
We hope you are well and continue to remain safe during these challenging times.
It remains an honor to support your loved one,
Josh Phelps, Associate Executive Director
9/2/2020 UPDATE:
COVID-19 Safety Plan for Certified Day Program Reopening
7/20/2020 UPDATE:
Dear Family Members, Friends, and Advocates of the People We Support,
We hope you are well and continue to remain safe during these challenging times.
We have good news! As you know, OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) temporarily prohibited people in certified residential settings from going to visit their families, in an effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus to some of the more vulnerable people we serve. We understand how difficult and painful that decision has been for you and for your loved ones. As you may have heard, effective Wednesday July 15th people in certified residential settings may resume visiting their families. So that you may see your loved ones, after consulting with each of the people we serve, our residential managers will begin reaching out to you to set up plans for visits. Feel free to contact them as well!
Additionally, we received interim guidance on Friday July 10th for the resumption of Day Services, including Day Habilitation With and Without walls, as well as community Prevocational Services. This guidance was somewhat unexpected, as provider agencies had previously been made aware that guidance was likely to be released in August or September. Please be assured that we will review and implement OPWDD’s guidance as expediently as possible. Your input in this process is essential; the Day Services Managers and Program Directors will reach out to you in the near future to begin planning for the resumption of day services for your loved ones.
Our top priority continues to be maintaining the health and safety of the people we support during this pandemic, while remaining true to our person-centered mission. We value your input and patience as we navigate through this challenging time.
It continues to be an honor to support your loved one,
Christopher R. Lyons, Executive Director
6/18/2020 UPDATE:
Dear Family Members and Advocates of People We Support,
We hope you are well and continue to remain safe during these challenging times.
We are pleased to share with you that there have been no positive cases of COVID-19 among the individuals AIM supports or our staff. In order to keep the people we support safe and healthy, we continue to take preventative measures against the virus. Under OPWDD requirements, day services and supports continue to remain closed.
We do have good news! As you know, OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) suspended family visitations in certified residential settings, in an effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus to some of the more vulnerable people we serve. We understand how difficult and painful that decision has been for you and for your loved ones. As you may have heard, Governor Cuomo issued a statement on June 16th declaring that beginning Friday June 19th family visits may resume. We had not been made aware that this announcement was coming. Please be assured that we will review and implement OPWDD’s guidance as expediently as possible. So that you may see your loved ones, after consulting with each of the people we serve, our residential managers will begin reaching out to you to set up plans for visits. Feel free to contact them as well!
Our top priority continues to be maintaining the health and safety of the people we support during this pandemic, while remaining true to our person-centered mission. We value your input and patience as we navigate through this challenging time.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly through the contacts below. Thank you for your continued support.
It continues to be an honor to support your loved one,
Chris Lyons
Christopher R. Lyons, Executive Director
AIM Services, Inc.
4227 Route 50
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
Office: 518-587-3208
Direct: 518-450-2828
clyons@aimservicesinc.org
3/19/2020 UPDATE: Please see the following updates from the New York State Department of Health (DOH) and Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
https://opwdd.ny.gov/visitation-guidance-iras-community-residences-and-private-schools
March 18, 2020
Dear Families and Friends,
In light of ongoing developments resulting from the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we would like to share preventative measures we are taking as an organization. At this time, we have no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at AIM Services.
We are closely monitoring the situation and following guidance from public health officials and government agencies, including the New York State Department of Health, Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization, so we can make ongoing assessments and stay in constant communication with our staff and the families we serve.
We are taking preventative steps to ensure precautions for the people we serve and our staff. By limiting the possibilities of cross-contamination, we are screening staff, people served and visitors, practicing social distancing, adding additional cleaning and disinfecting measures to our office and certified settings, and reinforcing good hygiene. We have heighten protections for all those individuals at higher risk. We have an action plan for every contingency we can envision, given the facts, as we know them and they continue to evolve.
We highly suggest reviewing the CDC website for best practices to avoid illness and steps to take if you do become sick: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Please review prevention guidelines for the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
- Avoid close contact with people, especially those who are sick. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
The health and safety of the people we serve, their families and staff are our highest priority, and we will remain vigilant in our evolving efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We would also like to take this time to thank our Direct Support staff for their dedication and unwavering support of those they serve.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact me at 518-450-2828.
Regards,
Christopher R. Lyons, Executive Director