IFSP Digest August 2022 📫

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.

Happy September!

IFSP Staff

IFSP Announcements

IFSP-Funding Update

IMPORTANT: Were you approved for IFSP-Funding last fall? Please read this announcement! 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

August Newsletter Highlight

Assistive Technology (AT) for Individuals with IDD Who Have the DD Waiver: OIH shares some examples of assistive technology (AT), and explains how individuals with a DD Waiver can get it.

September 2022 OIH Caregiver Trainings

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

Diabetes Part 1: Thursday, September 8th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Skin Integrity & Pressure Injuries: Thursday, September 15th from 1 to 3 p.m.
The Fatal Seven: Tuesday, September 20th from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Diabetes Part 2: Thursday, September 29th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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

PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center)

Sexual Health and Wellness Virtual Session for Adults with Disabilities: Join PEATC on Zoom for 4 trainings designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities! The first session takes place on Thursday, September 8th at 6 p.m. Learn more and register here.

LEAP (Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention)

LEAP for Teens Trainers: LEAP's healthy relationship trainings have been adapted for teens aged 12 through 15, and now they are recruiting trainers! Get the details and virtual training session dates. Apply by Friday, September 9th.
Improving Quality of Life Through Healthy Relationships and Abuse Prevention: Disability support staff, family members, and friends are welcome to attend this free webinar on Thursday, September 29th at noon! Gain strategies to empower people with disabilities to form healthy relationships and avoid abuse. Register here.

Brazelton Touchpoints Center

Parenting While Rising to Child Developmental Challenges: Connect with other family members of children with different developmental differences, challenges, or disabilities through this free, 6-part virtual conversation series! Each session lasts one hour and will be followed by a 30-minute Q&A. The first session takes place on Monday, September 26th from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Visit this link to register and view the other session dates.

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 “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.

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