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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.

Thank you,
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
May Newsletter Highlight
  • Negativity and Positivity in the Workplace: OIH highlights how Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) can be impacted by feelings of negativity and positivity in and out of the workplace. DSPs can sign up for professional development opportunities on workplace positivity through OIH trainings and the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP).
Spring 2022 OIH Caregiver Trainings
Get more details and registration information about the trainings below (and more) through this link.
  • Vital Signs: Tuesday, June 14th from 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Tuesday, June 21st from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • My Care Passport & Advocacy Tip Sheets: Thursday, June 23rd from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
  • AIR-P Presents: Autism in Girls and Women: What specific challenges do autistic girls and women face? Find out more, and get an overview of current research focused on understanding autism in girls and women at this AUCD webinar on Tuesday, June 21st. Register here.
Opportunities, Events, and Resources for Self-Advocates and Families
DBHDS
  • Supported Decision-Making Overview Training: Learn about the history of supported-decision making, and the steps Virginia is taking to create a Supported Decision-Making Agreement! You only need to register for one (1) session; each takes place from 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, June 8th: Register here
  • Monday, June 13th from: Register here
A Farm Less Ordinary
  • Feast in the Field: Need dinner plans on Saturday, June 25th? Come support this Leesburg farm at the third annual benefit dinner! The produce on this Leesburg farm is grown and tended to by adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Tickets are $150 per person. Learn more at https://www.afarmlessordinary.org/feast.
Dreams for Kids DC
  • 12th Annual DFKDC Water Sports: Make a splash at this free water sports clinic in Northern Virginia on Saturday, July 9th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit this link for more details, registration, and COVID-19 vaccine policies.
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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