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The Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP) at DBHDS provides a monthly news digest to highlight resources, events, and trainings that may be of interest to self-advocates with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families.
You may have noticed that the DBHDS website (https://dbhds.virginia.gov) looks a little different! But don't worry – all the same content is there. If you run into any issues finding what you are looking for, try using the new search function in the top left corner! More updates are underway, including an update to our IFSP page. We’re excited about this refresh, and we hope you will be too when you explore the site!
Thank you,
The 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.
P.S. Don't forget to update your Choice form at least annually! Updating this form will help you remain active on the Waitlist. Visit My Life, My Community for links to this form, the optional Needed Services form, and instructions!
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As of January 29th, 2025, we begun issuing funds for all applications that were approved. Please read our Funding Update for more details and the latest information about our most recent IFSP-Funding cycle. | |
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IMPORTANT: Were you approved for IFSP funds that were issued in December 2023? If you were awarded funds during that funding cycle, you must register your card and withdraw your funds as soon as possible. Please read this announcement for that information.
Reminder: All Funding updates will be sent via this mailing list and posted on our My Life, My Community IFSP-Funding Page.
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IFSP State and Regional Councils | |
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IFSP Western Regional Council Recruitment: We are extending our search for a person with a developmental disability and/or self-advocate to join our Western Regional Council (also called Region 1)! You can make a difference in your community by sharing your stories, ideas, and helpful resources with other people with disabilities, family members, professionals, and DBHDS staff. Just apply at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IFSPWestern2025 by Monday, March 31st! For more information about Council background and expectations, visit My Life, My Community. If you complete a Council application and would like a copy of your responses OR if you have other questions, please email us at IFSPCommunity@dbhds.virginia.gov!
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Click on the image to view the flyer, or visit http://tiny.cc/ifsp03265! | |
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IFSP Coordinated Regional Council Meeting: Thousands of children and youth with DD in Virginia are raised in foster, adoptive, or kinship homes. Join the IFSP Regional Councils and DBHDS staff on Wednesday, March 26th for a presentation from Formed Families Forward. We will also hear from IFSP Councilmembers who will share resources and their own experiences navigating foster, adoptive, and kinship care! This virtual meeting is FREE and open to all, but please register to attend. Virginia Relay will provide remote conference captioning. If you need a different accommodation to participate, please email us at IFSPCommunity@dbhds.virginia.gov by Wednesday, March 12th.
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Peer Mentoring Program: The Arc of Virginia is seeking people with developmental disabilities who are interested in helping others achieve their 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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Tech Mentoring: We’re excited to share our newest collaboration with The Arc of Virginia! A new Tech Mentoring program is launching to support people with DD. Join a Zoom session for people with DD/self-advocates and family members on Wednesday, March 19th at 6 p.m. Register here! (Click on the image to view the flyer, or use this link.)
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Family to Family Network of Virginia (F2F Network) | |
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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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The IFSP Council Corner turns one! This section of the IFSP Digest debuted a year ago in our Feb. 2024 issue and contains items submitted by our Regional Councils. This month's contribution comes from the Central Regional Council. | |
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Save More in 2025: The total annual contribution limit to an ABLE account has increased to $19,000 in 2025. This allows people with disabilities to save more money! Some people may also be eligible to save more than the limit. Read more on the ABLEnow blog.
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DBHDS Office of Integrated Health Supports Network (OIHSN) | |
February 2025 Newsletter Highlight | |
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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): RSV is a common respiratory virus that spreads quickly, especially during the winter months! People with DD who have genetic or chronic medical conditions or risk factors may be at increased risk of severe RSV. OIHSN shares common symptoms of RSV infection, and some conditions which increase the risk of severe RSV.
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March 2025 Caregiver Trainings
Get more details and registration information about the trainings below (and more!) through this link.
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Aspiration Pneumonia: Thursday, March 6th from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
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Dehydration: Tuesday, March 18th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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Calling 911: This free online training is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Email dbhdscovlchelpdesk@dbhds.virginia.gov to set up an account.
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Opportunities, Events, and Resources for Professionals, Self-Advocates, and Families | |
Virginia Down Syndrome Association (VDSA) | |
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2025 Education & Transition Conference: VDSA welcomes educators, parents, and other professionals for the 11th Education & Transition Conference on Saturday, March 15th! Join them at J. Sargeant Reynolds (1651 E. Parham Rd. in Richmond) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Choose from three tracks: inclusive education, transition, and self advocates. General admission tickets are available for $65 and a limited number of self-advocate tickets are available for $25 – but don't wait! A limited number of scholarships are also available. For questions about a scholarship or general questions about the conference, email Ame Branam at abranam@virginiadsa.org.
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Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) and the Training and Technical Assistance Center at JMU (TTAC JMU) | |
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Spring Into Self Determination: Join DBVI and TTAC JMU the weekend of April 4th through April 6th for a free statewide event in Williamsburg! This event will focus on self-advocacy and disability awareness, and will feature training sessions, interactive workshops, and a trip to Busch Gardens! For questions, contact Felicia Williams at Felicia.Williams@dbvi.virginia.gov and Tish Harris at Tish.Harris@dbvi.virginia.gov.
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Center for Family Involvement at VCU (CFI) | |
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Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Navigator Training & Mentoring Program: Be part of CFI's training and mentoring program as a Pre-ETS Navigator! These Navigators will help support families of youth transitioning out of high school and seeking employment opportunities. You must be a parent or primary caregiver of a youth with a disability aged 15-30. You must reside in the Central Virginia area (preferably Richmond City, Henrico, Chesterfield, and Colonial Heights). You will be able to receive stipend payment for training and time spent with families. View the flyer for more details! If you are interested in becoming a Pre-ETS Navigator, submit an inquiry here: TinyURL.com/Pre-ETS-Inquiry.
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National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) | |
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American Heart Month: February is American Heart Month! Did you know that 10.4% of adults with a disability have heart disease, compared to 3.7% of adults without a disability? This February, NCHPAD highlights heart health for all. Individuals with disabilities can prioritize heart health through physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and more! Find resources for people with disabilities, providers, educators, and other professionals, families and caregivers, and more at https://www.nchpad.org/resources!
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National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) | |
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Rare Disease Day: One out of every 10 Americans is living with a rare disease. Observed on the last day of February, Rare Disease Day is a global initiative to raise awareness and generate support for the individuals and families who are on a rare medical journey. Visit NORD's Rare Disease Day page to learn about their Show Your Stripes awareness campaign, read others' stories, and perhaps share your own!
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Black history is disability history. We are sharing some opportunities and highlights here to honor and celebrate Black History Month! | |
The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center | |
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The Intersection of Race, Disability, and the ADA: Findings from a Focus Group Study: This webinar is part of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center's series "The Human Experience of Black People with Disabilities and Their Rights Under the ADA". Join them for this session on Tuesday, March 4th from 12 to 1 p.m.! They will review the research findings and provide recommendations for actionable steps to improve access, awareness, and inclusion. Register here and learn more about the upcoming sessions in this series.
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Black Disability Institute Anthology Series: The newly-launched Black Disability Institute is kicking off a storytelling project designed to capture and share the lived experiences of Black disabled people across the United States! Learn more about this project and even submit your own story by Wednesday, April 30th at 11:59 p.m. For questions, email blackdisabilityinstitute@newdisabledsouth.org.
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California Department of Developmental Services | |
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Celebrating Lois Curtis: Read about the legacy of Lois Curtis, the lead plaintiff in Olmstead v. L.C. This lawsuit argued that forcing people with disabilities to live in institutions instead of in their communities violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Olmstead decision paved the way for programs like the IFSP!
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Disability Rights Florida | |
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Celebrating Black Disability Activists: Honoring History, Empowering Voices, Inspiring Action: Now that you know a little about Lois Curtis, read this blog post highlighting 8 living Black disability activists who are doing important work now! How might their contributions inspire you to amplify their voices and other Black disabled voices in your community?
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COVID-19 Information and Resources | |
While the 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 recognize 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://mylifemycommunityvirginia.org/ifsp-first-steps, or use your mobile device to scan this QR code. | |
 
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Thank you for reading the IFSP Digest! | |
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The 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 Facebook icon underneath these buttons! 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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