Annual Notification Message for People on the DD Waivers Waiting List | | We understand that finding the information you need is not always easy, but the Individual and Family Support Program (the IFSP) is here to help! | | Each year, DBHDS sends this message to all individuals on the Waiting List ("the Waitlist") for the Home and Community-Based Services Developmental Disability Waivers (DD waivers). | | In this email, you will find information about our Developmental Disability (DD) First Steps guide and other information that can help while you wait for a DD waiver. Watch this 1-minute video by The Arc of Virginia, then keep reading for more details and additional resources! | | All of the information in this message can be found in our DD First Steps guide. Scroll down to read more! | | IFSP-Funding Program Announcement: Fall 2026 | | |
On September 4, the IFSP officially announced details about the upcoming Fall 2026 IFSP-Funding Program. This funding announcement was released through our email list. If you are not subscribed, it's not too late!
The IFSP-Funding Program will accept applications between the following dates:
Thursday, October 1 through Friday, October 30
Reminder: To be eligible to apply for IFSP-Funding, individuals must be on the Virginia DD Waivers Waiting List, and be living in their own homes or in a family home.
Please be sure to review the IFSP-Funding resources on My Life, My Community's IFSP-Funding webpage! You'll find our Program Guidelines, Frequently Asked Questions, links to the latest announcements, and more.
| | DBHDS wants your feedback! | | |
Each year, DBHDS asks individuals on the Waitlist and their families for their input.
Your answers will help improve the quality of our programs, including the IFSP-Funding Program. Please consider participating in our Annual Satisfaction Survey! This is your chance to tell us what's important to you and your family while you're on the Waitlist.
The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete.
This survey will be open until September 30, 2026.
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The Developmental Disabilities (DD) First Steps Guide
| | | | What is Virginia's DD Waivers Waitlist?
How do I stay on the Waitlist?
What help can I get while I'm waiting for a DD waiver? | Finding the information you need can be overwhelming. Not sure where to begin? Read our Developmental Disabilities (DD) First Steps 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! | | What is the Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP)? | The Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP) helps individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families find supports and connect with others through the programs and resources listed here! |
- Find general information through our My Life, My Community website and call center.
Call 844-603-9248 to speak with a live operator! The call center is open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Operators can help you find help in your community. They can also help you navigate the My Life, My Community website.
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Find peer support and gain technology skills for self-advocates and people with disabilities through The Arc of Virginia's Peer Mentoring Program.
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Gain leadership opportunities, knowledge of Virginia's developmental disability system, and connections to other families in your community through the IFSP State and Regional Councils.
| - Subscribe to our email list! This is the best way to get the most up-to-date information directly from us, including updates on the IFSP-Funding Program.
| Join the IFSP State and Regional Councils! | | -
2027 IFSP State and Regional Council Recruitment: Want more involved with us next year? Join one of our IFSP Councils!
View our flyer, or watch the videos here to learn about the work of the Councils. Some of our dedicated, passionate members will also tell you why your voice matters.
| | | Video runtime: Over 12 minutes | |  | Video runtime: Under 2 minutes | |
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Save the Date: Want to learn more about some of the resources in this email? Attend our next IFSP Regional Council virtual information session on Thursday, October 15 at 6 p.m.!
This event will be hosted by our IFSP Northern Regional Council. Please stay tuned to our Facebook page for the official flyer and more details! As always, it is free and open to anyone interested in attending. Registration is required.
| | Annual Waiver Waitlist Forms | | |
Your Next Steps on the Waitlist:
1. To stay on the Waitlist, you must complete the Annual Choice form each year.
Don't forget that you can complete the Annual Choice form (required) and the Needed Services form (optional) online! Visit My Life, My Community to get the links and instructions.
2. Update your CSB if your needs or contact information change.
| | | When there are changes in your life, it's important to tell your CSB/BHA! The Arc of Virginia made this video to explain why. (Video runtime: Under 1 minute) | | Resources for People with DD in Virginia | | If you or a loved one has a developmental disability, is on the Waitlist, or has a DD waiver, then you may be eligible for the supports listed here and in our DD First Steps guide. They are available to you at no cost! | | Learn what supports and services are out there—and how to use them! | | |
Explore the My Life, My Community website for general information, providers, services, and resources!
| Connect with your CSB to get help in your community for people who are in crisis, have behavioral health needs, and/or have developmental disabilities. | | |
211 Virginia provides information about food, housing, transportation, and other basic needs.
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The CCC Plus waiver provides information about food, housing, transportation, and other basic needs.
- Call 1-800-643-2273 to enroll.
| | DBHDS Community Nursing can help with navigating complex health services, health advocacy, and training resources and opportunities. | | |
Early Intervention (EI) services help families with children under 3 who are not developing as expected and/or have a medical condition that can delay normal development. The Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia can help!
| | Explore career interests and learn how to prepare for, find, and keep a job through Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). Pre-ETS is for students ages 14-22 who have a documented disability and are enrolled in an approved education program. | | Talk to others who have been there! Get support and share ideas. | | |
Find Peer and Tech Mentoring support from other self-advocates and people with disabilities to gain independence and/or grow technology skills!
- Call 804-649-8481, Ext. 103
| | Play this video to learn more about peer mentoring! (Video runtime: Over 30 seconds) | |
📋 Getting Goods and Services
| | Financial support and other programs that can help! | | |
The IFSP-Funding Program provides financial assistance for people on the Waitlist to pay for supports you need.
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Find ideas for free or low-cost items and services in the Beyond IFSP-Funding guide. (2026 update coming soon!)
| | DBHDS Housing can help you find information about rent or housing assistance. | | |
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to trained crisis workers who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or any kind of mental health crisis or emotional distress.
Dial 988 or visit 988va.org for more information.
| | If you or someone you care about has a developmental disability and is experiencing a behavioral or mental health crisis, help is available. There is one regional crisis services program in each of the Commonwealth's five DBHDS service regions, so you can find help near you or your loved one.
Please contact the REACH crisis services program in your region. REACH serves youth and adults. | |
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Region 1 Crisis Line: 888-908-0489 (Charlottesville)
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Region 2 Crisis Line: 855-897-8278 (Woodbridge)
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Region 3 Crisis Line: 855-887-8278 (Radford)
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Region 4 Crisis Line: 833-968-1800 (Chester)
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Region 5 Crisis Line: 888-255-2989 (Suffolk)
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If you need this message provided in Spanish or another language, please contact us at 804-663-7277.
Si necesita este mensaje proporcionado en español, por favor contáctenos en 804-663-7277.
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