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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

  • How to Lower Fall Risk in the Home: Did you know that most falls experienced by individuals with developmental disabilities happen during activities of daily living (e.g., personal hygiene, dressing, and mealtimes)? Learn about the three categories of fall risks, where falls are most likely to happen, and when to seek professional help after a fall.

April 2023 OIH Caregiver Trainings

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

  • The Fatal Seven: Tuesday, April 11th from 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Vital Signs: Thursday, April 13th from 1 to 3 p.m.
  • VDH Special Needs Oral Health: Tuesday, April 18th from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Thursday, April 20th from 1 to 3 p.m.

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

Sportable

  • RVA Adaptive Sports Festival: If you live in our Central region, come out to this free event on Saturday, April 15th at Glen Allen High School! Try out or cheer on participants in 16 different sports, including kayaking, archery, and wheelchair sports. You can even volunteer to help during the event! Learn more or register at this link. For questions, please contact Shelley Sowers by emailing Shelley@sportable.org, or by calling 804-340-2991.

Partnership for People with Disabilities at VCU

  • Developing a Person Centered Health Profile for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: This free webinar at noon on Tuesday, April 25th is designed for professionals and family members who want to be responsible health partners and who want to empower people with disabilities to be more involved in making their own healthcare decisions. View the flyer and get the registration link here.

Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD)

  • Partners in Policymaking (PIP): Are you a person with a developmental disability or the parent of a child with a developmental disability who would like to build strong advocacy skills in your community? Consider applying for a spot in VBPD's Partners in Policymaking 2023-2024 cohort! This PIP class will consist of seven two-day sessions beginning September of 2023 and lasting through April of 2024. The application deadline has been extended to Monday, April 17th, so don't miss out! Visit this link for more details and the application.


  • Virginia Board Member Applications: VBPD serves as Virginia's Developmental Disabilities (DD) Council that works for the benefit of individuals with DD and their families to identify needs and help develop policies, programs, and services that will meet these needs in a manner that respects dignity and independence. VBPD is seeking new board members who can commit to serving one four-year term, or two consecutive four-year terms. The new term begins on July 1st, 2023 and lasts through June 30, 2027. Want to learn more about VBPD's work, or about Board member expectations? Please visit www.vbpd.virginia.gov, or email Teri Morgan at teri.morgan@vbpd.virginia.gov. To apply for Board appointment, complete the Commonwealth's Online Application System and get started here.

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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