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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.


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


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IFSP Staff

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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.

DBHDS Office of Integrated Health

Newsletter Highlight

  • Cardinal Care: Virginia's Medicaid Program: As of January 1st, 2023, Virginia Medicaid rebranded its health coverage programs and members will now be part of Cardinal Care. Cardinal Care connects members to care they need when they need it, and reduces transitions between programs as health care needs change. All managed care and fee-for-service Medicaid members are part of the Cardinal Care program. Read more about Cardinal Care in OIH's February newsletter.

March 2023 OIH Caregiver Trainings

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

  • Diabetes Part 2: Thursday, March 16th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Dysphagia & Modified Diets: Tuesday, March 21st from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

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

DBHDS

  • Home and Community-Based Settings (HCBS) Webinars: DBHDS is offering two dates for this free webinar about the HCBS validation process. You'll learn about the reviews that have been completed, get examples of best practices, and find out how the Commonwealth plans to move forward. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the presentation. Providers, support coordinators, individuals, and families are encouraged to attend! You only need to attend one session, but please register. You can do that here by clicking on the date that best fits your schedule: Wednesday, March 22nd at 10 a.m. or Thursday, March 23rd at 1 p.m.

Piedmont Regional Education Program Parent Resource Center, Albemarle County Public Schools Parent Resource Center, and Piedmont Virginia Community College

  • 2023 Life After High School Transition Conference and Resource Fair: Looking for information and resources about transitioning out of high school? If you're in the Albemarle area, attend this free transition conference and resource fair at Piedmont Virginia Community College's Bolick Student Center on Saturday, March 25th from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come network and check out presentations and exhibits from students, families, and professionals ... including IFSP! P.S. Register early and get a free lunch! For questions, please contact Stephanie Hicks at shicks@k12albemarle.org, or call 434-945-9400, option 1.

Virginia Board for People with Disabilities

  • 2023 Youth Leadership Academy: The Virginia Board's popular summer program for youth with disabilities is open for applications! Students in tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade from all over Virginia come together to develop their leadership and advocacy skills and participate in a variety of activities on a university campus. All expenses are paid by the Virginia Board! Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 7th. Get the application link and learn more about the program here.

Administration for Children & Families (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)

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.
  • 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.


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