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IFSP provides a monthly news digest to highlight resources, events, and trainings that may be of interest to self-advocates and families.
Each year, IFSP sends an Annual Notification Message to individuals and families on Virginia's DD Waiver Waiting list ("the waitlist") to inform them of their eligibility for services, supports, and resources while they are on the waitlist. This message is distributed via email and postal mail. You might have received this year's Annual Notification via email on December 23rd (if not, you can read it here: https://conta.cc/3HW4d4z). Families without an email address in the Virginia Waiver Management System (WaMS) will begin receiving this message via postal mail next week.
As part of our Annual Notification message, IFSP also asks individuals on the Waitlist and their families about their needs. Your feedback is valuable in helping us maintain and enhance our program, so please consider participating in our Annual Satisfaction Survey! More information about the survey and link are included in this email.
For additional information about services and supports, please visit mylifemycommunityvirginia.org.
Happy New Year!
IFSP Staff
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IMPORTANT: Please read this announcement for the latest information about the upcoming IFSP-Funding cycle!
Reminder: All Funding updates will be sent via this mailing list and posted on our My Life, My Community website.
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IFSP Needs Your Feedback! | | |
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IFSP's Annual Satisfaction Survey helps us learn more about the individuals and families on the waitlist, including those who have applied for IFSP-Funding. This survey should be completed by or on behalf of individuals who are currently on the waitlist. We also want to hear from individuals who applied for IFSP-Funding prior to October 5, 2021. | |
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The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete. Again, your input will help us better assist you and your family.
The survey will be open from Monday, January 9th until Tuesday, January 31st. You can access the survey by using your mobile device to scan the QR code above, or by visiting https://tinyurl.com/IFSPAnnualSurveyFY22. Thank you!
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IFSP Regional Council Recruitment: If you've been curious about joining IFSP's Regional Councils, 2023 could be your year! After a one-year pause, we are excited to share that we are recruiting for our Regional Councils. To learn more about the Council's history, regions, and Councilmember roles, please visit My Life, My Community. To submit an application, please complete our form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IFSPCouncils2023. For questions, please email us at IFSPCommunity@dbhds.virginia.gov. We hope to have you on board!
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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 | |
January 2023 OIH Caregiver Trainings | Get more details and registration information about the trainings below (and more!) through this link. |
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VDH Special Needs Oral Health: Tuesday, January 10th from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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The Fatal Seven: Thursday, January 12th from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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Choking and Nut Butters: Tuesday, January 17th from 1 to 3 p.m.
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Nutrition Part 1: Thursday, January 19th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Opportunities, Events, and Resources for Providers, Self-Advocates, and Families | |
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DD System Issues Resolution Workgroup for Individuals and Families: DBHDS is seeking individuals and family members interested in providing input to help improve the DD system of supports and services in the Commonwealth. Submit your feedback in the following survey by Tuesday, January 10th: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2VCLQV7 If you are interested in participating in a workgroup, please answer survey Question #10! Workgroup meetings will occur quarterly beginning on Friday, January 27th from 9 a.m. to noon.
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PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) and DBHDS | -
Creating Your Supported Decision-Making Agreement: A Step-by-Step Guide: Don't miss this free Supported Decision Making Training webinar series! For the next 4 weeks, join PEATC and DBHDS' Sara Thompson to learn about Supported Decision Making (SDM), why it's so important for people with disabilities, and how they can create an SDM agreement. The first session begins on Tuesday, January 10th at 6:30 p.m. Find more information, including the other dates and the registration links at PEATC's website.
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Smithsonian National Museum of American History | -
Morning at the Museum: The Smithsonian's free and sensory-friendly program for families of children with disabilities is back for 2023! The first event will take place on Saturday, January 28th from 9 to 10 a.m. Please make sure to secure one pass for every family member (ages 3 and up) who will be attending! Register here.
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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.
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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 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. | |
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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.
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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