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The Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP) at DBHDS provides a monthly news digest to highlight resources, events, and trainings that may be of interest to self-advocates and families.
If you received our Annual Notification to all individuals on the Waitlist, this reminder may look familiar: Each year, individuals who currently on Virginia's DD Waiver Waiting List must complete the Annual Attestation Documentation of Individual Choice for Home and Community-Based Services form (the Choice form) and the Needed Services form to stay on the Waitlist. You can complete the required Choice form and the optional Needed Services form online at dbhds.virginia.gov/waitlistforms! Need help? We've posted some information on My Life, My Community.
As always, please visit the My Life My Community website to learn about resources and services that are available in your community.
Happy holidays!
IFSP Staff
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If your contact information changes (e.g., your email and/or mailing address), please remember you can contact your CSB and/or Support Coordinator to update it in WaMS! By doing this, you will be able to receive important information about the resources you or someone else are eligible to receive while on the Waitlist. | |
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IFSP Regional and State Council Recruitment: We are excited to welcome new and returning Councilmembers in 2024. We would also like to extend our gratitude and best wishes to all of our departing Councilmembers!
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We have one open Council seat for a self-advocate in our Northern Regional Council (Region 2)! Are you interested in helping increase supports for people with developmental disabilities to live in their communities? Are you also interested in growing your leadership skills? We would love to work with you! Please email us at IFSPCommunity@dbhds.virginia.gov for more information.
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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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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.
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DBHDS Office of Integrated Health Supports Network (OIHSN) | |
December 2023 Newsletter Highlight | -
Holiday Community Activities: Looking for some late holiday cheer in your area? Check out this regional roundup from OIHSN! (Please note that some events might have already taken place, but you might be able to use the links in this roundup to search for other events.)
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January 2024 Caregiver Trainings | Get more details and registration information about the trainings below (and more!) through this link. |
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Transfers Training: Thursday, Jan. 4th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Choking & Nut Butters: Thursday, Jan. 11th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Choking & Airway Obstruction (COVLC): If you miss the Jan. 11th Choking & Nut Butters training, consider this free virtual training on the Commonwealth of Virginia Learning Center (COVLC)! To set up your account, please email dbhdscovlchelpdesk@dbhds.virginia.gov.
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Opportunities, Events, and Resources for Professionals, Self-Advocates, and Families | |
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Waitlist Announcement: Two weeks ago on Wednesday, Dec. 13th, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced an additional $300 million to fund priority one waiver slots over the next two years. Read more about this announcement.
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Webinar: Children's Challenging Behaviors: Parents and caregivers of a child or adolescent under 18 who is living with mental health challenges are encouraged to attend this free, two-day Zoom webinar on Friday, Jan. 20th and Saturday, Jan. 21st. This webinar will be facilitated by peer family leaders. Participants will learn when and how to seek help for their child's mental condition, and how to develop parenting strategies. You'll also learn how to navigate special education and other educational supports, and discover community resources available to families and youth. Please register by Wednesday, Jan. 17th!
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The Partnership for People with Disabilities at VCU | |
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Inclusion Project Recruitment: The Inclusion Project is recruiting high school students with disabilities ages 16-22 to join their steering committee. This project was led by a group of youth leaders with disabilities from Virginia’s Youth Leadership Forum and the I’m Determined Project who wanted to change the lack of general awareness of disabilities in schools by peers, educators and staff. This is a paid opportunity! For more information, please visit the Inclusion Project's website, or email inclusionproj@vcu.edu.
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Are You (In)?: The Arc of Virginia just launched this awareness campaign to promote community inclusion. We can all make positive change in our communities so we can provide community integration, employment opportunities and support, or accessible housing for people with disabilities. After you watch this video, please visit the campaign's website to make your pledge, then follow their Facebook page!
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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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