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.

We have been busy at the IFSP!

The IFSP-Funding Portal is officially open!

All applicants on Virginia's DD Waivers Waiting List can now create and submit an application until October 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. We have included more information in our IFSP-Funding Update (please scroll down).

New to IFSP-Funding? Watch this short video, developed in collaboration with our partners at The Arc of Virginia!

Video duration: 48s

Extended: The IFSP Annual Satisfaction Survey

In our last Digest issue, we shared the link to our annual satisfaction survey for people on the Waitlist and their families. We are extending the deadline to Friday, October 9!

Your answers help us improve the quality of our programs (including the IFSP-Funding Program), the information we share in this newsletter, and the information we share on our social media. 

Help us learn more about the needs of individuals and families who are waiting for a DD waiver!


This survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

Please take the survey and share it with others on the Waitlist!

If you have already taken or shared this survey, thank you! We greatly value and appreciate your feedback.

The Arc of Virginia Statewide Convention

We'd like to share 2 of photos from The Arc of Virginia's Statewide Convention in Charlottesville. DBHDS Developmental Services staff enjoyed meeting and sharing ideas with so many self-advocates, families, and community partners. See you next year!

As always, for additional information about services and supports, please visit mylifemycommunityvirginia.org.

Thank you,

The IFSP Staff

Reminder

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!

IFSP-Funding Update

Reminder: The IFSP-Funding Portal is currently open! All applicants on Virginia's DD Waivers Waiting List can now create and submit an application until October 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. We have included more information in our IFSP-Funding Update.

IMPORTANT: Were you approved for IFSP funds that were issued in December 2025? If you were awarded funds during that funding cycle, you must activate/register your card as soon as possible! Failure to activate/register your card may result in your ineligibility for future funding cycles, including the upcoming Fall 2026 cycle. Our Funding Update has information and instructions for activating your card or getting a replacement.

All Funding updates will be sent via this mailing list and posted on our My Life, My Community IFSP-Funding page.

• Key Resource Connections for People on Virginia's DD Waivers Waiting List: Finding the right resources can make everyday life easier, especially while you are waiting for a DD waiver! Join our IFSP Regional Councils to learn about free or low-cost options you can use right now. 
  
  You'll learn about services from Virginia Medicaid, the IFSP at DBHDS, and the Center for Family Involvement at VCU. We'll also share simple self-care tips to lower stress and support your wellness!
  
  This event will be hosted by our IFSP Northern Regional Council. It is free and open to anyone interested in attending. Registration is required.

Click on the flyer image to view it! 
You can also use this link to share it with someone who would benefit from attending this event: https://ifsp.tny.cc/october-2026

• Peer Mentoring Program: The Arc of Virginia is seeking people with developmental disabilities who are interested in helping others achieve their goals! They are also seeking people with developmental disabilities who are interested in working with a peer mentor to achieve their goals. For questions, email Natasha Cooper at ncooper@thearcofva.org.

• Tech Mentoring Program: Peer Mentors can choose to be certified as Tech Mentors! Tech Mentors specialize in helping to identify everyday technology solutions-smartphones, tablets, apps & home devices — for greater independence at home, at work and in the community. Through this support, Tech Mentors help develop practical digital skills that promote greater self-reliance and inclusion.

• Power Up With Tech! This free series is designed for people with developmental disabilities, families, and professionals who want to build confidence in using technology for independence. Upcoming topics include mobile device basics (Android), video conferencing, Amazon Echo Show 8, and the Amazon Fire 7 tablet. Trainings take place every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 12 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., so you can find a time that works for your schedule. For questions, please contact Shawn Kirk at skirk@thearcofva.org.

• Family Mentoring Program: Getting support from someone who's been in your shoes can make a difference! Learn how the Family to Family Network of Virginia at the Center for Family Involvement can help.

This section of The IFSP Digest features items submitted by our IFSP Regional Councils! We hope the content in this section is inspiring, interesting, or useful. This month's items come from the IFSP's Western, Northern, and Central Regional Councils.

• Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Youth Engagement Resources: The RAISE Center's Youth Engagement Transition Initiative (YETI) created materials to educate and remind VR professionals to be youth-focused when delivering Vocational Rehabilitation services to youth. These materials make information easier to understand, easier to talk about, and more connected to the real experiences, goals, and voices of youth with disabilities and their families. 

• Spotlight Virginians: Emily's Path to Becoming a Teacher: Play to this video to hear Emily's story! Emily became a teacher after many years of finding confidence through those who mentored her and through a project called the I’m Determined Project. (Video duration: 6m 51s)

• Agency Locator: September is Hunger Action Month, a time to raise awareness and inspire action to end hunger in America. If you need help and live in Central Virginia (or DBHDS service region 4), visit Feed More's list of food pantries in the area! Feed More is an organization that collects, prepares, and distributes food to people who need it. They can also help you apply for SNAP or connect you to other resources.

• What is Cyclosporiasis? You might have heard the word "Cyclosporiasis" over the last couple of months! In case you didn't, OIHSN's newsletter has more information. Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite. People typically get it by eating or drinking fresh fruit, vegetables, or water that has been contaminated. OIHSN shares common symptoms, ways to lower the risk of Cyclosporiasis, and fruits and vegetables that are most frequently linked to this illness. They also tell you where you can find information about Cyclosporiasis outbreaks in Virginia.

• Diabetes, Part 1: Thursday, October 8 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Diabetes, Part 2: Thursday, October 15 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• Fatal 7, Part 1: Thursday, October 20 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• New Live Assistance Hours: As of Sunday, September 27, 211 Virginia began piloting new live assistance hours! You can call them Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This change is part of 3-month pilot. You can learn more in their announcement! 
  
  211 Virginia is a free, confidential service that connects people with resources in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Reach out by phone, text, or online chat to get connected. They can help you find information about many services in your community, including early intervention, housing, mental health support, and more!

• Training Alumni Virtual Statewide Continuing Education Workshop: VBPD's next educational workshop will be on Friday, October 23 from 12 to 2 p.m. The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)'s special education family engagement team will present. Attendees will learn how VDOE provides direct support to families of children with disabilities, how professional development helps school divisions better improve engagement with families, and more. This workshop is free to attend and held online. Please register!

Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)

• Virginia Caregiver Summit 2026: DARS has announced this year's Virginia Caregiver Summit! This event will bring together caregivers, partners, and leaders to strengthen collaboration and advance support for Virginia's caregiving community. The theme is "Caregiver Strong: Resilience, Strength and Well-Being." The summit will be held on Friday, November 13 at the Westin Richmond (6631 West Broad Street in Richmond). Registration details are coming soon — please bookmark their event page!

Finding the information you need can be overwhelming. Not sure where to begin? Read our Developmental Disabilities (DD) First Steps resource guide to learn about the Individual and Family Support Program at DBHDS and other important resources, supports, and services offered in the Commonwealth of Virginia! 

Click this button, or use your mobile device to scan this QR code.

To learn more about the IFSP, visit us online at the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services - IFSP