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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.

Happy summer!
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.
DBHDS Office of Integrated Health
June Newsletter Highlight
Summer 2022 OIH Caregiver Trainings
Get more details and registration information about the trainings below (and more!) through this link.
  • VDH Special Needs Oral Health: Tuesday, July 12th from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Mobile Rehab Engineering (MRE), DME & AT: Thursday, July 14th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Choking and Nut Butters: Tuesday, July 19th from 9 to 11 a.m.
  • Emergency Preparedness Part 3: Fire Emergencies: Thursday, July 21st from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Opportunities, Events, and Resources for Providers, Self-Advocates, and Families
DBHDS Regional Quality Councils (RQCs)
  • Regional Quality Council Recruitment: Do you have professional or personal experience with DD services in Virginia? All 5 RQCs in the Commonwealth are recruiting new members who will help improve the quality of DD services! Learn more about what the RQCs do, how you can help, and who to contact.
  • Moving For Better Health: Together with partners at James Madison University, the Regional Quality Council of Northern Virginia (RQC2) developed these fall prevention videos. Get more information, as well as the companion checklist and resource guide here!
Partnership for People with Disabilities and DBHDS
  • Project Living Well Training Modules: How can stakeholders work together to develop recommendations that will help policymakers improve the services and supports for individuals with I/DD? These training modules provide an overview of effective teamwork, how to understand and use data, and offer some tools for stakeholder partners.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: The new 988 lifeline number launches on July 16th. Read about the background and history of this effort, get the latest data, or peruse the partner toolkit here.
The Arc of Virginia
  • Arc Convention 2022: Save the date for The Arc of Virginia's annual convention! Join staff, self-advocates, and families in Virginia Beach from August 1st to August 3rd. Check back for registration links and event details on https://www.thearcofva.org/convention.
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 “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.

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