IFSP provides a monthly news digest to highlight resources, events, and trainings that may be of interest to self-advocates and families.
We've changed the look of our newsletter! Scroll down to get updates and information from May.
Thank you,
IFSP Staff
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We know that navigating the developmental disability system can be hard for families. Not sure where to start? Read our “IFSP: First Steps” guide to learn about the IFSP program at DBHDS and other important resources, supports, and services offered in the Commonwealth of Virginia! Visit https://tinyurl.com/IFSPFirstSteps, or use your mobile device to scan the QR code here.
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Coordinated Regional Council Meeting: Transition and Employment |
Thank you to all who attended our second meeting in this new format!
You can watch our video recording here in this newsletter! Get the presentation slides and resources at My Life, My Community.
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Save the date: Our next Coordinated Regional Council meeting will take place on Thursday, September 16th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. We'll have more details later this summer, so stay tuned!
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Peer Mentoring Program: The Arc of Virginia's peer mentors are ready to meet you and help you achieve your goals! Learn more about the program and eligibility requirements at The Arc. For questions, email Natasha Cooper at ncooper@thearcofva.org.
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DBHDS Office of Integrated Health |
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DBHDS’s Office of Integrated Health (OIH) distributes health and safety alerts that emphasize the unique needs of people with developmental disabilities. |
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Food Allergy Awareness: Did you know that 1 in every 20 adults in the United States, including adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, are estimated to have food allergies? Learn about the most common food allergens, and how to manage food allergies.
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Mental Health Awareness Month Highlights |
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Children's Mental Health Awareness Day: Watch this five-part video series on the DBHDS YouTube account. Topics include building mental health resilience and coping techniques for children and the whole family.
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Virginia C.O.P.E.S. warmline: Feeling overwhelmed or anxious about the COVID-19 pandemic? Trained counselors at the warmline can help! Call 877-349-6428 from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visit their site and follow them on Facebook!
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June programming: If you are parenting or caring for a child with mental health challenges, it can mean a lot to hear from other parents or caregivers like you! Every month, this NAMI Virginia program offers free, peer-led support groups, book clubs, parent meet-ups, and more! Follow the Virginia Family Network on Facebook, or visit the NAMI Virginia website.
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Children's Hospital Colorado |
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Break the Stigma: This short video asks why it is hard to talk openly about mental health challenges, and how we can support each other to get help.
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Early Intervention (EI) Awareness Month Highlights |
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Milestone Tracker app: This app from the CDC can help you keep your child's developmental milestones at your fingertips. The app is free and on Apple and Android platforms. For more information, you can connect with Virginia's Act Early Ambassador on Facebook!
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New Path: This program at The Arc provides an ongoing online network for parents, focused specifically on EI and the challenges that come with it! Connect with other parents in Virginia and get support. There's even a monthly meetup for EI professionals in Virginia! Find out more at The Arc.
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Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia |
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New website: The Infant and Toddler Connection has a new website! Look for it here: https://itcva.online/
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Virginia Early Intervention Professional Development Center: This website is dedicated to the continuing professional development of EI professionals, students, families, and instructors. Access webinar recordings, read blog posts on popular topics, and sign up for trainings!
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Act Early Virginia and the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University: There's one more session left in the Spring 2021 Act Early ECHO Series! Register for the June 18th session on cultural considerations in EI, and hear from other EI professionals in Virginia, Ohio, and Wyoming. Click here to learn more about the ECHO training model and watch recordings of the Spring 2021 sessions.
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Center on Transition Innovations at Virginia Commonwealth University |
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"Building Work-Based Learning Opportunities in the Home, School, and Community": Register now for this FREE July 28 event from the Center on Transition Innovations (CTI) at Virginia Commonwealth University. You'll learn about work-based learning and how that helps students with disabilities build independence and employment skills in their homes, schools, and communities. Learn more and register!
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Autism Society of North Carolina |
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Preparing for an Autism-Friendly Summer: It's that time of year again! Watch this YouTube video for information on finding summer activities, preparing for outings, and creating structure.
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Talking to Kids About Racism and Violence: It can be tough to support your child and answer their questions when you have strong emotions, too. This will look different for every child, but it is a good idea to meet your child where they are. The article also includes a printable tip sheet for parents.
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COVID-19 Information and Resources |
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While IFSP has done our best to share information on COVID-19 resources, this information is not a substitute for medical advice. Stay up to date and visit https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus.
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The following links provide information and resources to families during the COVID-19 pandemic:
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Thank you for reading the IFSP Digest! |
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IFSP is always looking for more newsletter recommendations! What organizations would you like to see featured? What should we subscribe to? Please send your suggestions to IFSPCom@dbhds.virginia.gov.
To receive more frequent updates about news in your community, like and follow your regional IFSP Council’s Facebook page. (Not sure which region you're in? Find out on My Life, My Community!)
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