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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!


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

October Newsletter Highlight

  • The Monkey Pox Virus: Learn about monkeypox symptoms, how to reduce risk, and the recommended treatment for people with weakened immune systems. 

November 2022 OIH Caregiver Trainings

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

  • Sepsis: Tuesday, November 15th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Diabetes Part 1: Thursday, November 17th from 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Diabetes Part 2: Tuesday, November 22nd from 1 to 3 p.m.
Opportunities, Events, and Resources for Providers, Self-Advocates, and Families

UVA STAR (Supporting Transformative Autism Research)

  • Autism Hope Summit: Don't wait to register for STAR's free, full-day conference for the autism community on Saturday, December 3rd. Registration closes next Friday, November 4th, so sign up today!

PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center)

Here are some free, self-paced PEATC trainings being offered online this fall! Click on the name of each training to view the flyer for more information, including registration links.

ACL (Administration for Community Living)

  • The 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers: National advisory councils of family caregivers of all ages are seeking public input to identify priorities for future Strategy updates! Review the Strategy, then provide comments by Wednesday, November 30th.

Verizon Forward and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

  • Verizon Forward: Through the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, eligible customers can receive subsidized internet service. Anyone who qualifies for the ACP will automatically qualify for Verizon Forward. You are eligible for Verizon Forward if you are currently eligible for public assistance programs (including SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, SSI, and more), or if your income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on household size. Read more information about this program, apply, and view your availability at this link
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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