April 2024

CRAAG Newsletter

The Next CRAAG ZOOM Meeting

Is On Wednesday, April 24th

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Meeting Agenda

1) Welcome/Introductions 

2) Advocacy Updates

• General Assembly
• Virginia Autism Advocacy Alliance
• SIS-A-2nd Edition Redesign

4) CRAAG Work Group Reports

5) Housing Challenges/Opportunities

6) Provider/Agency/Partner Updates

7) Family Concerns/Open Discussion

Zoom Link for the April

24th CRAAG Meeting

Meeting ID: 371 306 7117

Passcode: ysA8Ji

Questions? Email CRAAG for more information.

April SIS-A-2nd Edition

Virtual Information Sessions

DBHDS's invitation to attend an Information Session states:

"Since 2015, DBHDS has used the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS)® assessment to determine DD Waiver reimbursement rates for specific services. Recently, the SIS-A® assessment has been re-normed. DBHDS and DMAS have been working with Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) and a variety of stakeholders on how the updated SIS-A 2nd Edition will impact Virginia."

DBHDS and DMAS's work on updating the formula for determining DD Waiver reimbursement rates for specific waiver services will be very consequential for years to come. CRAAG encourages families and individuals to attend the April 10th meeting to understand how this updating will impact yourself or your family. See below for the links to the meetings.

The information presented by HSRI will be the same during each session, but each session will focus on the target audience. By the time CRAAG's newsletter publishes, one session will have already taken place (Support Coordinators). Two others will be held during the week of April 8 - 12 (Providers and Individuals & Families).

The slides for the meetings are available now. See below for a link to download them before the meetings.

April 9, 2024, 1:00 – 3:00pm

Providers

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85131509447

April 10, 2024, 6:00 – 8:00pm

Individuals & Families

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85131509447

Click here to download the slides for the meeting

Attorney Neal Walters, Presents

Two Virtual Workshops for Families

VIA Centers is Hosting An

Autism-Friendly Event for Families

Do You Need a Real ID or Virginia State ID?

Have You Avoided the Noisy DMV Office?

The mobile DMV is coming to VIA Centers from 10 AM to 3 PM on Friday, April 26th. The event is free and open to all, but appointment registration is required. Open the flyer to learn more and to register using a QR code.

Questions? Phone Hilary Nagel at 434-923-8252 x210 or email her at hnagel@viacenters.org.

The DD advocacy in this last session amazed all of us. In the end we have many pieces of legislation to be proud of. In particular, funding for the entire Priority One DD Waiting List. This was a huge achievement. If you helped by writing letters, speaking at committee meetings, emailing and calling delegates and senators, attending Advocacy Day events and more, thank you! You were heard.

Many thanks to The Arc of Virginia, the Autism Society of Central VA, the Virginia Autism Project, Commonwealth Autism, and the supporters of the Virginia Autism Advocacy Alliance for leading the advocacy on behalf of people with DD during the General Assembly.

CRAAG is sharing a recent mailing from Tonya Milling, Executive Director of The Arc of the Virginia. It is a thank you letter and newsletter to all the friends and supporters of The Arc for their advocacy during the recent General Assembly (GA).

Dear Friends and Supporters,

What an incredible and historic year. After decades of YOUR fight -- funding for Priority One has become a reality. While we know there are thousands of people in priorities two and three -- this first step of getting services now for 3,440 people is our only way forward to building a functioning system that can meet the needs of our entire community.

This only happened because all of you stood up, showed up, and made your voices heard. As we look forward, we know we aren't done, but right now, we will celebrate together and take pride in a job well done. 

Tonya Milling

Executive Director

Click to Read The Arc's Newsletter -

Stay in the K/Now With Information

Save the Date!

Summer Registration Opens

Monday, April 22 at 10:00 AM

Registration and More Information Here

About CRAAG

CRAAG began in 2010 in collaboration with Commonwealth Autism (CA). CRAAG’s mission is to raise awareness and enhance the quality of life for people with autism, developmental disabilities, and their families in Charlottesville City, Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Louisa and Nelson counties. We are a volunteer action group for families, self-advocates, and professionals who are interested in all age groups and levels of need. The daily concerns of CRAAG's active volunteers inform our focus on the needs of students transitioning out of high school, adults throughout the lifespan, and their families. Our advocacy is person-centered aimed at maximizing independent living with supports; meaningful employment; social connectivity; and community engagement. CRAAG's 2021 Housing survey initiated a years-long initiative in our region to expand the number of housing options, supports and services available to meet the needs of adults with developmental disabilities.

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