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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

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IFSP Announcements
 
IFSP-Funding Update

IMPORTANT: Looking for information about the next IFSP-Funding cycle? Were you approved for funding in Fall 2021? Please read this announcement!


On November 23rd, we sent a message informing you of proposed upcoming regulatory changes to the IFSP-Funding Program. This message also contained links to the Virginia’s Town Hall website, which as of today is open for public comment regarding the proposed IFSP-Funding guidelines. You can follow this link to review that message.


Reminder: All Funding updates will be sent via this mailing list and posted on our My Life, My Community website.

Annual Notification Message Update

Each year, IFSP sends an Annual Notification Message to individuals and families on Virginia's DD Waiver Waiting list ("the waitlist") to inform them of their eligibility for services, supports, and resources while they are on the waitlist. This message is distributed via email and postal mail. IFSP is preparing this year's message, so please look out for it in the coming weeks.

 
  • 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 Highlights

  • Antiviral Medications: OIH shares the names of some common medications that help fight viral infections, how they can help, and why they are so important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications based on their age or health conditions.

December 2022 OIH Caregiver Trainings

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

  • Skilled Nursing - Private Duty Nursing: Tuesday, December 6th from 1 to 3 p.m.
  • My Care Passport & Advocacy Tip Sheets: Thursday, December 8th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Wheelchair Transitioning Training: Tuesday, December 13th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Opportunities, Events, and Resources for Providers, Self-Advocates, and Families

HCPBS (Home and Community Network of the Association of Positive Behavior Support)

  • Dangerous Behavior in Family Contexts: Keeping Sisters and Brothers Emotionally and Physically Safe: What does research say about keeping siblings and family members safe during incidents of domestic dangerous behavior? Next Tuesday, December 13th at 3 p.m., attend this free HCPBS webinar to hear one family's experience, and gain prevention strategies and supports. View the flyer to register and to read more about the moderator and panelists.

FACT (Families of Autistic Children in Tidewater)

  • Family Fun Day: If you're local to the Eastern region, why not check out FACT's winter wonderland on Saturday, December 17th at YMCA JT's Camp Grom (1181 Prosperity Rd., Virginia Beach)? From 2 to 5 p.m., you and your family can meet other families and staff, and visit with a sensory friendly Santa. No registration is required. If you have questions, please call (757) 422-2040 or email info@camp4autism.com.

Virginia Board for People with Disabilities

  • 2022 Disability Assessment of Information Access for People with Disabilities: In July, VPBD released this report to help address the many challenges people with disabilities encounter when finding and using information about services and resources in the Commonwealth. These challenges were discussed at the Virginia Board's Information Access Summit on November 30th; it was attended by a variety of stakeholders, such as self-advocates, family members, practitioners, and state agency leaders (including IFSP). Read the report here: https://www.vbpd.virginia.gov/assessment.htm
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. (Stay tuned for our annual notification message to get the updated version!)

 
 
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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