IFSP provides a monthly news digest to highlight resources, events, and trainings that may be of interest to self-advocates and families.
Thank you, and best wishes in 2022!
IFSP Staff
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IFSP-Funding Update
After over a year of extensive testing and review, some applicants' personal information was visible to other applicants in the IFSP-Funding Portal on October 7, 2021. DBHDS discovered the breach within six minutes after the IFSP-Funding Portal was opened to receive applications, and immediately took the Portal offline and began an investigation.
Individuals who may have had personal information visible to other applicants who were logged into the IFSP-Funding Portal have been contacted, and out of caution, offered free credit monitoring services for up to two years.
DBHDS will not attempt to repair the Portal again and another solution that we have confidence in will be found for future IFSP application processes. In addition, from September 14th to October 4th, IFSP received over 4,000 requests for assistance during the "Save a Draft" period leading up to the opening of the Portal for applications. Given the large number of applications saved and our desire to assist families as quickly as possible, DBHDS approved all IFSP applications that were saved as of October 4, 2021. Funds for those families have already been released.
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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.
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DBHDS Office of Integrated Health |
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December Newsletter Highlight |
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Advocacy and Acute Care Settings: OIH shares tips on how to advocate for individuals with IDD in hospital and emergency room settings. Learn what questions to ask staff, how to share a health history, what to look out for before a diagnosis is made, and browse health advocacy toolkits here.
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Opportunities, Events, and Resources for Self-Advocates and Families |
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PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) Events and Trainings |
Below are some of the trainings and workshops coming up in January. View PEATC's calendar to learn about and register for more free trainings, including trainings specific to military and Latinx families. |
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SSI and SSDI Basics: Jan. 13th, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
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Health Care Transition Skill Building: Tools for Students, Families, and the IEP Team: Jan. 19th, 12-1 p.m.
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Measurable IEP Goals: Jan. 22nd, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
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Let's Talk About Sex: Sexual Health and Wellness Training: Jan. 24th and Jan. 31st, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
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Ready or Not, Here They Grow/¡Listos o No, Nuestros Pequeños Crecen!: Jan. 27th, 6-7:30 p.m.
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UVA STAR (Supporting Transformative Autism Research) |
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ECHO in Education: COVID-19 for Families: On Jan. 13th, STAR is bringing back their family ECHO support network for parents or caregivers of children with DD who demonstrate challenging behaviors. Each 8-week session lasts about 75 minutes over Zoom. Participants who meet "full participation" criteria will receive a $75 stipend. Grow your support network and sign up!
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Surveys, Research Opportunities, and Publications |
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Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention (LEAP): Check out LEAP's recent research publications on healthy relationships and abuse prevention in the Developmental Disabilities Network Journal and the Council for Exceptional Children’s DADD (Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities) Journal. You can also read their article on abuse prevention in Parenting Special Needs Magazine's holiday issue. All three publications are linked here.
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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 virginia.gov/coronavirus.
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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!
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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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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.
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