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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

Reminder

If your contact information changes (e.g., your email and/or mailing address), please remember you can contact your CSB and/or Support Coordinator to update it in WaMS! By doing this, you will be able to receive important information about the resources you or someone else are eligible to receive while on the Waitlist. 

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.
  • Save the date! What happens after you get a DD Waiver slot in Virginia? Join IFSP's Regional Councils on Thursday, July 13th from 6 to 8 p.m. as we hear from guest presenter Ronnitta Clements, Lead Community Resource Consultant for Region 4 at DBHDS. You'll gain knowledge about this process, as well as a chance to meet IFSP Regional Council members in your community. Stay tuned to our Facebook page and My Life, My Community IFSP Council page for details!

DBHDS Office of Integrated Health

Newsletter Highlight

  • Summer Parks and Rec Activities: Summer is here, and so is summertime programming list from parks and recreation centers in your area! Check out this round-up from OIH that includes events, programs, and activities that are suitable for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

June 2023 OIH Caregiver Trainings

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

  • Fire Emergency Planning: Tuesday, June 20th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Dysphagia & Modified Diets: Thursday, June 29th from 1 to 3 p.m.

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

Creative Therapy Care

  • Llama Jam & Artisan Fair: If you live in the Roanoke area, this free family event is for you! On Saturday, June 24th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., come out and meet the staff and animals behind this occupational therapy practice. Enjoy the llama photo booth and petting zoo, hear live music, and shop with local artisans and vendors. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

VCU Autism Center for Education

  • Cultivating Communication for All: Building Communication Rich Classrooms & Promoting Prosocial Behaviors: These one-day regional workshops are for special education professionals who are looking for evidence-based practices and tools to use for students with ASD who have communication and behavior support needs. Each free workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and includes lunch. View the flyer to find the date at a location in your region, but spaces are limited, so don't wait too long to sign up! For questions, email Melanie Derry at derrym@vcu.edu.

Partnership for People with Disabilities at VCU

  • Developing a Person-Centered Health Profile for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Over the last few months, we've shared these free webinars for professionals and family members--if you missed a previous date, sign up for the next one on Tuesday, July 18th at 3 p.m.! You'll get tips on using a person-centered approach to become a responsible health partner and empower people with disabilities to be more involved in making their own healthcare decisions. View the flyer and get the registration link here.

The Arc of Virginia

  • 2023 Statewide Convention: This year's annual convention takes place in downtown Richmond from Monday, July 31st through Wednesday, August 2nd. Visit https://www.thearcofvaconvention.com to view the schedule and register. A limited number of discounted scholarship rate for self-advocates and family members is available. And if you can't make it in person, you can also purchase a virtual live-streaming pass! (Please note that registration closes on July 20th--just over a month away!)

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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