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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 spring,
IFSP Staff
IFSP Announcements
IFSP-Funding Update
Read the rest of our most recent announcement about IFSP-Funding and the Portal breach on October 7th. 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
March Newsletter Highlight
2022 OIH Spring Trainings
Get more details and registration information about the trainings below (and more) through this link.
  • Choking and Nut Butters: Thursday, April 21st from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • The Fatal Seven: Tues., May 22nd from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Emergency Preparedness, Part 2: Specific Virginia Emergencies: Thursday, May 19th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Transitioning Training: Tuesday, May 24th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Emergency Preparedness Part 3: Fire Emergencies: Thursday, May 26th from 1 to 3 p.m.
Opportunities, Events, and Resources for Self-Advocates and Families
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
  • Different perspectives of autism: On Wednesday, April 27th at 11 a.m., join a panel of clinicians, faculty, and students who will be discussing neurodiversity in the context of a social model. Register here; for questions, email RenĂ©e LeClair at rleclair@vt.edu.
Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention (LEAP) at VCU
  • Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention (LEAP) for Teens: Are you in the Richmond area? For the first time, LEAP is offering their heathy relationships trainings to teenagers with intellectual and between the ages of 12 to 15! Find dates, the location, and other information. To register, please contact ppdleap@vcu.edu.
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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