Blue Ridge Independent Living Center

Blue Ridge Independent Living Center Blue Ridge Independent Living Center assists individuals with disabilities stay in their own homes r

The Blue Ridge Independent Living Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that assists people with disabilities to live independently. The Center also serves the community at large by helping to create an environment that is accessible to all.

*************** New Legal Resources for Virginians *****************The Virginia Poverty Law Center has launched Virgini...
09/04/2026

*************** New Legal Resources for Virginians *****************
The Virginia Poverty Law Center has launched VirginiaLawHelp.org, a new statewide website designed to make clear, easy to understand legal information accessible for Virginians facing common civil issues. The site offers step by step guides, FAQs, and practical tools covering high need topics such as eviction, rental repairs, custody, domestic violence, debt and consumer protection, and public benefits like SNAP and health coverage. While it does not provide legal advice, VirginiaLawHelp.org helps residents understand their rights and options, empowering them to take informed action. The site also includes a “Get Legal Help” tool that connects users directly with their local legal aid organization, making it easier to find timely support before problems escalate. This new resource strengthens efforts across the state to expand access to justice and ensure Virginians have reliable, plain language information when they need it most.

Explore the Site
https://xdvikvzab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PwoMmNeFY9ntWVOyT17uZUnudhsHrTk-1VXW9uIYwcI98gcaf8eOme_GrEDFniJzc6XulvYlVzBFhrVpNSzlg_z1NZ28niBMbJ5KggcDjjErSOhq5tfOp34BCgah5HGJiHdNlAx3aGABea4JrHLZaGtewSJ4R8kk&c=bUJv_uMDy7WH8mjlbPvQUtXWTxHjXOsMaPV0rYUDwfOu4BV9RB7TfQ==&ch=KBQ5Y9F22fHfmBspPA0qw5vt6wrq2DFMTYTbZJI0kYal6mGYs780SQ==

******** HCBS Is Medicaid Home Care ********What Is HCBS and Why Does It Matter?You may have heard the term HCBS before....
09/03/2026

******** HCBS Is Medicaid Home Care ********
What Is HCBS and Why Does It Matter?
You may have heard the term HCBS before. It stands for Home and Community-Based Services. HCBS are Medicaid-funded services that help people with disabilities live and receive support in their homes and the communities they choose.

The new DOJ opinion says that federal disability laws may not require states to provide the services people need to live in their communities. That could make it harder for people with disabilities to get the support they need to stay in their homes and avoid being placed in institutions.

Community-based services offer important benefits, including:
• Lower costs: HCBS are usually less than half the cost of residential care.
• Culturally responsive: People can continue to take part in spiritual and cultural activities that matter to them.
• Familiarity: People can receive support in their own home or small residential facility in the community.
• Support from family: Some waivers permit family members to be paid caregivers. Check with your state agency and its Medicaid office for more info.
Community-based services are about more than where someone receives care. They help people make their own choices and stay connected to the people and places that matter to them.

Learn more NACDD's Home Sweet Home campaign and how to get involved on NACDD's website.

**DBHDS/IFSP 2027 State & Regional Councils Recruitment Opportunity 🎉✨**
09/01/2026

**DBHDS/IFSP 2027 State & Regional Councils Recruitment Opportunity 🎉✨**

***************** State Plan for Aging Services ******************https://oc55shebb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016Jh0ta3b4SUmY...
09/01/2026

***************** State Plan for Aging Services ******************
https://oc55shebb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0016Jh0ta3b4SUmYh61x_MmEIp1D_oBsnBW7_Fev4KmTTb2YSdF3XaTnn9dVUdJvrnamT8YD8-LuBteQ_Dj92GLGSDe9lHQ0lc-vfHW5nOLVBphXp6meP6gjNm_GdcI0uhtWwx75Xj6pd6Z0h2UFzOxZdHNvy1lFE34m2yph5Q9ZouKz-TEBQvTVZceJh7rMh3s&c=19al_NvThMClEy3w3rWpb6BoSUqPaX6YUGpuIK4uA96vK7cuHvYgOw==&ch=3WezyJLCSoX7A-gnZruW_JIjaQL7sLKI9xBT8hPuwgXNxVsre2RuBg==

Your perspectives and the voices of Virginians and their families will shape Aging Services priorities for years to come. Please help spread the word to ensure they gather diverse and meaningful input. The deadline for contributing is September 25.

***** Comment on Medicare Immigrant Eligibility Changes *****Background on the Proposed RuleThe Centers for Medicare and...
09/01/2026

***** Comment on Medicare Immigrant Eligibility Changes *****
Background on the Proposed Rule
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) detailing how CMS will implement the Medicare immigrant eligibility restrictions passed by Congress under H.R. 1 last July. Under H.R. 1, only three categories of noncitizens are eligible for Medicare coverage. Thousands of lawfully present immigrants currently enrolled and who have paid into Medicare will lose coverage in early 2027. These newly ineligible immigrants include humanitarian immigrants such as refugees, asylees, Temporary Protected Status holders, and trafficking/domestic violence survivors.

The PFS proposes the process and timeline for terminating Medicare coverage, the notices impacted enrollees will receive, and creates a special enrollment period for people who gain or regain Medicare eligibility based on qualifying immigration status.
How Advocates Can Take Action
Advocates should weigh in and submit comments on the proposed rules to urge CMS to prioritize enrollee protections and minimize harm. CMS is accepting comments on the PFS until September 14, 2026.

Resources for Comment Submission
Justice in Aging created a template comment to guide organizations in responding to the PFS and an organizational sign-on letter. Organizations can both join the sign-on letter and utilize the template comments to submit their own comments.
The template comment outlines key issues and the impact the rule will have on older immigrants, including those who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. We encourage advocates to customize the template comments to include examples and your organization’s advocacy priorities. Comments are due September 14, 2026.

The sign-on letter is open to national, state, and local organizations. To join, please fill out this form by Friday, September 11th.

For more information, see Justice in Aging’s factsheet on the H.R.1 immigrant related changes and H.R. 1 summary, and the Center for Medicare Advocacy’s Explainer.

*** Research Participants Needed: Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace ***Researchers at the University of Washing...
08/26/2026

*** Research Participants Needed: Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace ***
Researchers at the University of Washington are seeking participants for a study examining ways to help people with disabilities navigate the process of requesting reasonable accommodations in the workplace. The fully online study is open to adults with disabilities across the United States who are 18 or older, currently employed or actively seeking a job, need a workplace accommodation, and read and speak English.

Participants will complete a pre-survey, review educational materials about requesting accommodations, and complete a post-survey. Some participants may also be invited to take part in a follow-up interview. This study is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) (90DPAD0004-05-02). Interested in participating or learning more? Email [email protected].

********* D20 Survey: Bring Your Input to International Policymaking! *********The Disability 20, or D20, brings the voi...
08/26/2026

********* D20 Survey: Bring Your Input to International Policymaking! *********
The Disability 20, or D20, brings the voices, experiences, and leadership of people with disabilities into discussions connected to the G20, an international forum representing many of the world’s largest economies.

Learn more about D20: https://bit.ly/4wSHY5l

The information collected through this survey will help inform disability-inclusive recommendations and advocacy connected to the 2026 G20 process.

The survey asks about issues that affect our communities and our ability to live independently, including complicated government paperwork and eligibility rules, access to benefits and services, reliable electricity for mobility devices and medical equipment, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, accessibility, employment, healthcare, education, and community participation.

This is an important opportunity to make sure global decisions are informed by the people directly affected by them. As we have always said: Nothing about us without us.

The survey takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Please complete the survey and share it with people with disabilities, Centers for Independent Living, disability-led organizations, and others throughout your networks. The broader and more diverse the participation, the stronger our collective voice will be.

Take the survey: https://bit.ly/4y4ErBW

Thank you for helping ensure that people with disabilities have a meaningful voice in shaping global policy.

*DBHDS/IFSP 2027 State & Regional Councils Recruitment Opportunity 🎉✨*The Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP) i...
08/11/2026

*DBHDS/IFSP 2027 State & Regional Councils Recruitment Opportunity 🎉✨*
The Individual and Family Support Program (IFSP) is now recruiting for the 2027 State & Regional Councils🎉

The Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) is pleased to offer an opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to help make a difference in the community and grow their volunteer, advocacy, and leadership skills.

View the flyer and use this link to apply: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IFSP-Council-2027

Information about the IFSP and its resource connection:
https://mylifemycommunityvirginia.org/resources

Council Overview & Responsibilities:

IFSP Regional Council: Consists of five coalitions made up of individuals on the DD Waiver Waiting List, their families, caregivers, and providers who work at the grassroots level to expand community supports by sharing resources, information, services, and guidance.
https://mylifemycommunityvirginia.org/regional-council-member-description

The IFSP State Council: Consists of a coalition of individuals who are on the DD Waiver Waiting List, family members, or caregivers, that serve as an advisory board to DBHDS helping to shape the IFSP Community Coordination program and other services.
https://mylifemycommunityvirginia.org/state-council-member-description

Please share this information:
Please post and share the flyer or link on social media platforms with self advocates, their families, and friends. Share this information with service providers, advocacy groups, and others interested in community services who want to help improve opportunities and supports for people with developmental disabilities.

The recruitment application closes September 11, 2026
If you have questions, please email: [email protected]

Thank you!
The IFSP Staff

Individual and Family Support Program
Virginia Department of Behavioral Health
and Developmental Services
My Life, My Community (toll-free number): 844-603-9248
IFSP General Mailbox: 804-663-7277

Address

1502 Williamson Road NE Suite B
Roanoke, VA
24012

Opening Hours

Monday 8:15am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:15am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:15am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:15am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:15am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15403421231

Website

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