IFSP Digest April 2023 📫

IFSP provides a monthly news digest to highlight resources, events, and trainings that may be of interest to self-advocates and families.

For additional information about services and supports, please visit mylifemycommunityvirginia.org.

Thank you,

IFSP Staff

IFSP Announcements

IFSP-Funding Update

IMPORTANT: Did you apply for IFSP-Funding between January 22nd and February 24th, 2023? Please read this announcement for the latest information about the most recent IFSP-Funding cycle.

Reminder: All Funding updates will be sent via this mailing list and posted on our My Life, My Community website.

Peer Mentoring Program: Peer mentors at The Arc of Virginia 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.

Family Mentoring Program: Getting support from someone who's been in your shoes can make a difference! Learn how the Family to Family Network at the Center for Family Involvement can help.

DBHDS Office of Integrated Health

Newsletter Highlight

Pica and Individuals with DD: Pica is diagnosed at higher rates in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, especially those with Autism spectrum disorder. OIH shares the health risks associated with pica for these individuals.

May 2023 OIH Caregiver Trainings

Get more details and registration information about the trainings below (and more!) through this link.

Choking and Nut Butters: Tuesday, May 16th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Transfers Training: Tuesday, May 23rd from 1 to 3 p.m.
My Care Passport and Advocacy Tip Sheets: Thursday, May 25th from 1 to 3 p.m.

Opportunities, Events, and Resources for Professionals, Self-Advocates, and Families

PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center)

Latino-Hispanic Summit: On Friday, June 2nd, PEATC in Richmond for their fourth annual summit where you'll connect with professionals and other families to learn more about different resources in Virginia that help serve the Latino-Hispanic community. This event is free and presented in Spanish! Register and get more information here.
IEP University: If you're looking for a place to find accurate information about IEP development and meetings for your child, consider signing up for this PEATC training developed in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). This popular free, self-paced online training is back for Summer 2023, running from June 5th to June 25th. Register here.
Transition University: It is never too early to start thinking about transition planning for when your child ages out of the school system! This is another free, self-paced online training for parents and family members that is back for Summer 2023, running from June 5th through August 4th. This training contains 5 sessions, and participants will receive a certificate upon completion. Register here.

COVID-19 Information and Resources

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 virginia.gov/coronavirus.

Get information and resources for individuals, families, and professionals in our COVID-19 Virtual Activity Toolkit for People with Developmental Disabilities.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) launched a COVID-19 toolkit for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The toolkit includes tip sheets for caregivers and providers, and is also available in Spanish. Find it here!

IFSP Resources

We know that navigating the developmental disability system can be hard for families. Not sure where to start? Read our newly-updated “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/IFSP-FirstSteps, or use your mobile device to scan the QR code here.

Thank you for reading the IFSP Digest!

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.

If you liked the information in this digest, give us a follow on Facebook by clicking the icon below! To receive updates about events in your community, also 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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To learn more about IFSP, visit us online at Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services - IFSP