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November 2023
CRAAG Newsletter
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In this month of Thanksgiving, we want to share CRAAG's gratitude for everyone who loves, supports, advocates, serves, or cares all year round for people with autism and developmental disabilities and their families. Your commitment to the mission of raising awareness and enhancing the quality of lives is what motivates CRAAG to work so hard to improve the Commonwealth's system of care for people with developmental disabilities (DD). You inspire us!
If you want to get more involved, email CRAAG!
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Next CRAAG Virtual Meeting is on
Wednesday, December 13th
from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Meeting Agenda
- Welcome/Introductions
- Special Presentation and Q & A: Autism Speaks, Christa Stevens, JD, MAT, Director of State Government Affairs
- Advocacy Updates - General Assembly - DD Advocacy Days
- CRAAG Work Group Updates
- Provider/Agency Updates
- Family Concerns/Open Discussion
Zoom Link - Save this Link
Meeting ID: 371 306 7117
Passcode: ysA8Ji
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Vote on Tuesday, November 7, 2023!
The results of the 2023 election in Virginia are projected to make waves locally and nationally. Many senior politicians have retired and are not seeking re-election. This includes many who have been stalwarts in supporting issues to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families. Every delegate and senatorial seat is on the ballot in Virginia, and many first-time candidates are seeking to represent newly-redrawn districts.
When the Virginia General Assembly opens on January 11th, DD Advocates will pour into Richmond to raise awareness about our issues. The Arc of Virginia has a new publication which you will want to download and read. After the election, CRAAG will provide additional information on our key issues and how to engage in the DD Advocacy Days.
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Outside the Box Meetups in
November and December 2023
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Outside the Box brings together a neuro-diverse group of adults (18 or older) for community recreational and leisure activities such as dining out, movies, games, volunteering or other common interests.
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Find out more about Outside the Box by joining Meetup (it's free) and asking to join Outside the Box in the local groups section of the platform. Questions? More information? Email Outside the Box.
We'd love to see you at the next event!
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#1 Join DBHDS's SIS-A-2 Town Halls
In an invitation to all interested stakeholders, DBHDS wrote, "Since 2015, DBHDS has used the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) assessment to determine rates for specific [Waiver] services. The [Adult] SIS assessment is changing and DBHDS has a new project to update this model. DBHDS wants to hear from people receiving services and their families to learn how this model might be improved. ... We'll provide information about this project and ask questions of people in attendance. If you have any questions you'd like us to answer in this meeting, please send them here."
DBHDS is holding a special informational session. Click here for the link and more information on the virtual Individual and Family Information Session on Thursday, November 16th from 2:00 - 3:45 p.m.
A diverse group of stakeholders is advising DBHDS on the SIS-A update project. Click here for the link and more information on the virtual SIS-A-2 Advisory Group's 3rd Meeting on Thursday, November 30th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Why is DBHDS's SIS-A Update Project
Important to Autism Families?
The SIS-A-2 update project will impact every adult with DD who seeks a Medicaid waiver in Virginia. CRAAG believes the algorithm underestimates the resources needed to support adults with autism by excluding many important (to autism) SIS sections. The SIS-A-2 re-norming process included, for the first time, adults with a primary or secondary diagnosis of autism. This gives us hope that the update project can address the "autism underestimation." DBHDS will complete this project by June 2024.
CRAAG urges you to take advantage of these Town Halls to learn more and to offer feedback to DBHDS. CRAAG has studied this issue and has recommendations for the SIS-A-2 update project. Download and read here.
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#2 SIS Questions, Suggestions & Comments
DBHDS has established a new email address for people who have comments, questions, suggestions about the SIS-A-2 update process. Email DBHDS by clicking here or by using this email address: sis@dbhds.virginia.gov.
If you have questions about your own SIS-A, DBHDS suggests reaching out to your Service Coordinator first, and then the Regional Supports Specialist for your area. Ken Haines and Maureen Kennedy, DBHDS Managers, are always available. Click here to locate the names and contact information for DBHDS staff.
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#3 Self-Advocates and Families Can Help!
Nominate yourself to serve on the State and Regional Councils of the Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP).
DBHDS is looking for interested self-advocates, family members, or professionals who support people with developmental disabilities and want to help people with developmental disabilities and their communities. Here is a good opportunity to serve yourself and your community.
To subscribe to the monthly IFSP Digest, click here.
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#4 Time Sensitive: The IFSP Funding Portal Closes at 5 P.M. on November 14th!
Click here to access the IFSP Application
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To be eligible to apply, all applicants must be on the Developmental Disability Waiver Waiting List AND be living in their own home or their family's home when funds are requested.
- Applicants with a Priority 1 waitlist status may apply for up to $1,000. Applicants with a Priority 2 or Priority 3 waitlist status may apply for up to $500.
- During this Funding cycle, ALL applicants in Priorities 1, 2, and 3 will be able to apply at the same time. You will NOT need to know your priority status in order to apply
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Be sure to check out the PREP/PRC's November newsletter. Many important updates and events are covered. Download and read here.
Featured topic: If your family has been impacted by PANDAS/PANS, you are welcome to join a judgement-free Parent Support Group Zoom meeting led by the PREP/PRC. Meet with others who understand how PANDAS/PANS can turn your world upside down and leave you feeling isolated. The virtual meeting takes place on November 16th at 12:30 p.m. Click to email Stephanie Hicks for the Zoom link.
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Exciting Programming News!
Featured topic: Looking for nature-based day programs for your loved one with autism? Soon you won’t have to look much further! Autism Sanctuary (AS) is in the process of becoming a day support program for adults with autism that is licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
The day program is unique to the area in that it has a strong focus on agriculture, land management, and the outdoors. People receiving services will have the opportunity to regularly participate in trail walks and activities based in skill-building and agricultural education, such as working with cattle, vegetable and berry planting and harvesting, vermicomposting, and beekeeping. If anyone is interested in their loved one joining this unique program and would like to learn more, please email Casey Clarke.
Additionally, Autism Sanctuary is in the process of looking for new care staff. If you or someone you know has experience caring directly for those with developmental disabilities and would like to be a part of the team, please email Casey Clarke.
This programming news isn't the only important new development at Autism Sanctuary. Download and read the Fall 2023 Newsletter here!
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About CRAAG
CRAAG began in 2010 in collaboration with Commonwealth Autism (CA). CRAAG’s mission is to raise awareness and enhance the quality of life for people with autism, developmental disabilities, and their families in Charlottesville City, Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna, Louisa and Nelson counties. We are a volunteer action group for families, self-advocates, and professionals who are interested in all age groups and levels of need. The daily concerns of CRAAG's active volunteers inform our focus on the needs of students transitioning out of high school, adults throughout the lifespan, and their families. Our advocacy is person-centered aimed at maximizing independent living with supports; meaningful employment; social connectivity; and community engagement. CRAAG's 2021 Housing survey initiated a years-long initiative in our region to expand the number of housing options, supports and services available to meet the needs of adults with developmental disabilities.
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