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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.
Over the past few weeks, you might have noticed the new DBHDS agency logo! The arrows in the logo and the transition from blue to green symbolize words commonly used across DBHDS systems and services: possibility, recovery, forward movement, progress, growth, and hope. The dots that make up the arrows symbolize both the individuals DBHDS serves and the people who contribute to a system of care across the Commonwealth. The shades of blue and green inspire feelings of calm, positivity, and modernity.
In addition, soon the My Life My Community website will debut an updated look and feel! The same robust connection to content, resources, programs, and services will be available to you—just with a fresh new look as we embark on a new year. We are excited, and we hope you will be, too.
Thank you,
IFSP Staff
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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. | |
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IFSP Regional and State Council Recruitment: Thank you to everyone who spread the word and/or submitted a self-nomination to join our Councils in 2024! We are interviewing and making final determinations for State and Regional vacancies. New appointees and returning Councilmembers will receive updates from IFSP mid-December 2023.
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IFSP Coordinated Regional Council Meeting: On Thursday, Oct. 19th, our IFSP Regional Councils held our last public meeting of the year. We learned so much about supported decision-making (SDM) in Virginia! We have posted the meeting materials to our IFSP Archives on My Life, My Community, and you can find the video for this meeting (as well as our July 2023 meeting) on our DBHDS YouTube playlist.
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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.
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Family Mentoring Program: Getting support from someone who's been in your shoes can make a difference! Learn how the Family to Family Network at the Center for Family Involvement can help.
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DBHDS Office of Integrated Health Supports Network (OIHSN) | |
November 2023 Newsletter Highlight | -
The Importance of Proper Hand Hygiene: OIHSN shares the importance of proper hand hygiene, when not to use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and the factors that reduce the effectiveness of hand hygiene—all helpful reminders for caregivers, and for yourself! Read their November newsletter here.
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Opportunities, Events, and Resources for Professionals, Self-Advocates, and Families | |
LEAP (Leadership and Empowerment for Abuse Prevention) | -
Webinar: A Person-Centered Approach Toward Better Health for Adults with IDD: There's one more LEAP webinar for 2023! On Wednesday, Dec. 6th at 1 p.m., professionals and family members are invited to attend this free webinar where you'll learn how to use person-centered approaches to become responsible health partners to people with disabilities. View the flyer to learn more about the presenters and get the registration link!
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UVA STAR (Supporting Transformative Autism Research) | We are sharing two research participation opportunities from UVA STAR! |
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Research Study for Caregivers: STAR is collaborating with Purdue University on a research study for caregivers. Caregivers of a child (aged 2-17) who has been diagnosed with a rare, neurogenetic disorder (e.g., Fragile X, Angelman's Syndrome, Prader Willi, Williams, etc.) may be eligible to participate. Eligible caregivers will receive teletherapy, virtual behavioral training, resources, and/or virtual peer coaching at no cost. For additional information and to sign up, please contact WELLCAST@purdue.edu.
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Math & Memory: STAR is looking for 2nd-graders and 4th-graders to participate a study about brain activity! The study will consist of four appointments that will involve child academic and IQ testing and two neuroimaging scans. Eligible participants will receive up to $200 and four prizes. For more information, contact edneuro@virginia.edu or complete this survey.
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Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) | -
Parent Involvement Survey: We shared this over the summer, but here's a reminder to complete the survey by Friday, Dec. 15th! Each year, VDOE must provide the U.S. Department of Education with information about facilitated parent involvement as a means of improving special education services and results for children with disabilities. Your feedback will help VDOE identify training needs related to special education processes, and help improve parental involvement in the special education process. The survey is available in both English and Spanish. (Please note: you will need to complete separate surveys if you have more than one child who is receiving special education services.) For questions, please contact Chiquita Seaborne at Chiquita.Seaborne@doe.virginia.gov.
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Accepting Applications: Virginia Commonwealth University's ACE-It in College program is an inclusive learning and training program for transition-age adults with intellectual disabilities. Students in this program will receive individualized support to participate in employment, college classes, and campus activities. ACE-IT is now accepting applications for their next cohort! All applications must be received by Friday, Feb. 2nd, 2024. Visit https://aceitincollege.org/ to learn more about student requirements and complete an application.
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University of Kansas (KU) Life Span Institute | -
National Survey on Health and Disability: People with disabilities are invited to participate in this national study based at the University of Kansas. The survey is a chance to share your experiences with health care access, housing, long COVID, transportation, employment, and your connection to your community. Read more about the project, then complete the survey.
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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.
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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!
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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. | |
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Thank you for reading the IFSP Digest! | |
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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.
If you liked the information in this digest, give us a follow on Facebook by clicking the icon below! To receive updates about events in your community, also follow your regional IFSP Council’s Facebook page. (Not sure which region you're in? Find out on My Life, My Community!)
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