Blue Ridge Independent Living Center

Call Directions Website

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.

Parents of Children with Disabilities and Parents with Disabilities Consider Joining the Family Huddle Families Belong ...
09/29/2026

Parents of Children with Disabilities and Parents with Disabilities Consider Joining the Family Huddle
Families Belong in the Conversation
The survey may close September 30th, but there are more ways for families to make their voices heard. Our next Regional Family Huddle is Tuesday, October 13 at 1 p.m. via Zoom, bringing together parents, grandparents, foster parents, guardians, caregivers and community partners.

Family Huddles create space to share feedback, learn about regional resources and help strengthen early childhood initiatives across our region. Come learn, connect and bring your perspective to the table.

Register for the October Family Huddle
https://kw4btlebb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001E_QwkxgB7hYuQ3-DIYN3MaPcZviZfWC83LaZgtENqpXBWdGEqxBKtLod46iP9Q2v5aE-ErKfdTgRQ2O0J5ReDMk35sfmdkHbPujR0UAxEB_j4d39V8dFARhsut_b81hW9COLGXQZ5FgpQp8kX7R7cKjE4QIHuHDRxy1aWiBQRLA8YJl1jK6uUlrkKdU6ZXas6yZ4OkT_McDgJUIkpbXcETzHxT43YkJ4maNm1hmv34s=&c=_Lg9shbc0JSwSC4mu5AY_HwF-dP7fCFu4iNKhRzES-IspfByNQVu4A==&ch=RkNsp3dDCkW1AG0cNlZVcoHmebdH7AhxiCKOZsBq9GOHLXvZjhsx2w==

***** Providers: Sign-on to Oppose New Public Charge Rule *****The Protecting Immigrant Families coalition (PIF), of whi...
09/29/2026

***** Providers: Sign-on to Oppose New Public Charge Rule *****
The Protecting Immigrant Families coalition (PIF), of which Justice in Aging is a member, launched a national sign-on letter to uplift the voices of direct service providers who oppose the harms to immigrant families under the new public charge rule. We encourage legal and aging services providers—including those who work directly with older immigrants—to sign on to the letter.
Impact of the New Public Charge Rule

The new public charge rules and its accompanying guidance went into effect on September 18. The rule rescinds longstanding policy regarding immigrants who are seeking green cards and makes the process more difficult and uncertain for individuals who use government benefits.

The new rule also gives immigration officers broad discretion in making decisions about applicants and removes the bright line language that immigrants and their advocates have relied on for decades.

Justice in Aging and other advocates cautioned DHS of the likelihood of a “chilling effect” that will diminish the use of critical public benefits among all people in immigrant communities due to increased fear and confusion about the new rule.

Sign-on Details
PIF’s sign-on letter encourages attorneys general from states that did not join the recent litigation against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the new public charge rule to participate.

Last week, a coalition of 23 state attorneys general, led by New York, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (S.D.N.Y.) challenging the implementation of the new public charge rule. On the same day, a coalition of local governments also filed a lawsuit in the same district challenging the rule. Last Thursday, a group of non-profits and advocates also filed suit.

PIF’s sign-on letter calls on states to pursue legal action opposing the public charge rule, promote clear guidance at the state and local level, and prepare against consumer exploitation schemes related to public charge.
The deadline for sign-ons is October 18. Sign PIF’s letter here.
For more on the public charge rule and older adults, watch Justice in Aging’s webinar from last month.

***** How to Recognize an Institution ***** What Is an Institution?The DOJ Opinion on Olmstead has raised concerns about...
09/29/2026

***** How to Recognize an Institution *****
What Is an Institution?
The DOJ Opinion on Olmstead has raised concerns about whether more people with disabilities could be placed in institutions instead of receiving supports in their communities.

But what is an institution?

Institutions is a word that is broadly used to describe segregated settings. Institutions can have many different names in everyday conversation and public policy, including:

Plain Language
• Large facilities
• Residential facilities
• Care facilities
• Facility-based care
• Group facilities
• Congregate care settings
• Separate care settings
• Places that separate people from their communities

Policy/Legal Language
• Institutional settings
• Segregated settings
• Congregate settings
• Facility-based settings
• Residential institutions
• Institutional care
• Long-term care institutions
• Restrictive settings
• Non-community settings

Learn more about the Home Sweet Home campaign and how to get involved on NACDD's website.
https://us.list-manage.com/ymWTZqHB1xG?e=74980b1f2a&c2id=78a2cd3f3862ba504476040af3d21a78

** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Disabled Activists Demand Senate Finance Committee Restore Medicaid Funding and Assure Freedom...
09/29/2026

** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Disabled Activists Demand Senate Finance Committee Restore Medicaid Funding and Assure Freedom from Institutionalization **
Media Advisory
For Immediate Release: September 29, 2026
For Information Contact:
Christopher Murphy at 507-340-3889
Lydia Nunez at 832-630-8419

Disabled Activists Demand Meeting with Senate Finance Committee on Restoring Medicaid Funding and Assuring Freedom from Institutionalization

Location: Dirksen Senate Bldg., 50 Constitution NE, Washington, DC Room 215
Date/Time: Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Background:
Who: National ADAPT, a cross disability, disability rights activist organization committed to assuring the right of disabled persons to live, work, go to school, and take part in their communities with the services and supports they need.

Why:
The Senate Finance Committee has authority over many areas, “…Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and other health and human services programs financed by a specific tax or trust fun.” Two important bills that directly impact the right of disabled and aging people to live in their own homes and avoid institutionalization are now under review by the Finance Committee- the HCBS Access Act (S.5320/H.R.8540) and the Medicare at Home Act (S.5270/H.R.10020.)

ADAPT wants the Senate Finance Committee to pass both bills out of committee with a favorable vote.

ADAPT further wants the Senate Finance Committee to support making permanent the Money Follows the Person program, which provides that Medicaid funding keeping people locked in nursing homes follows the person to get them established in their own home in the community.

A very informative interactive training Monday with the Compress and Shock Foundation representatives. We learned so muc...
09/23/2026

A very informative interactive training Monday with the Compress and Shock Foundation representatives. We learned so much and are prepared now with our own AED!

********* ACL Call for Caregiving Council Nominations **********Call for Nominations: Caregiving Advisory Council Member...
09/23/2026

********* ACL Call for Caregiving Council Nominations **********
Call for Nominations: Caregiving Advisory Council Members
Submissions due Wednesday, October 14, 2026

ACL is pleased to announce the publication of Federal Register Notices to seek nominations for two family caregiving-related advisory councils.

RAISE Act Family Caregiving Advisory Council
Authorized by the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage Family (RAISE) Caregivers Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-119), the RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council will support the implementation of the update to the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers that is slated to be released later this year. Implementation efforts will include new developments, challenges, opportunities, and solutions to better recognize and support family caregivers, along with recommendations to build upon the accomplishments of the National Family Caregiving Strategy in future reports.

Up to 15 non-federal voting members from the following groups will be appointed for three-year terms: family caregivers; older adults who need long-term services and supports; individuals with disabilities; healthcare and social service providers; providers of long-term services and supports; employers; paraprofessional workers; state and local officials; accreditation bodies; veterans; and as appropriate, other experts and advocates engaged in family caregiving. Those selected to serve on the Advisory Council will reflect the wide range of experiences of family caregivers and care recipients.

To be considered for selection, nominations must include all requested information and attachments and be submitted electronically to [email protected] by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 14, 2026.

View RAISE Federal Register Notice
https://click.connect.hhs.gov/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjUwMDd9AAoAAAAABPB1W4ZpPLnNpvkxqDs5IN3sbUagRAbRdQrc_bH4cQ9IxWxXfXLmHkD1CKAi3EsALW1Trtro8b9BlFMgg02XwdeZVfDzJj-U

Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
The Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (SGRG) is authorized by the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-196). The Advisory Council will support the preparation of updates to the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers that is slated to be released later this year. Specifically, the Advisory Council will focus on areas pertaining to grandparents and older relative (kinship) caregiver support while also creating and augmenting ACL-related tools within the kinship caregiving arena. The Advisory Council also serves as the primary panel that informs the work of the Grandfamilies and Kinship Support Network: A National Technical Assistance Center.

ACL anticipates selecting up to 10 non-federal members to serve on the Advisory Council. These members will include grandparents, older relative/kinship caregivers, and professionals working on their behalf, with particular emphasis on individuals representing tribal communities and families impacted by the opioid crisis.

To be considered for selection, nominations must include all requested information and attachments and be submitted electronically to [email protected] by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 14, 2026.

View SGRG Federal Register Notice
https://click.connect.hhs.gov/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjUwMDd9AAoAAAAABPB1W4Zr5RGTGCQn1c7dxCEjG5qYDOYU5ACdE2XLfhU6VUGLM8UrvP-PzjVdFWLitTorgK7d71mfiV930Z_rOBo2W8UVO01w

ACL.gov
Advancing independence and inclusion of older adults and people with disabilities

***** DBHDS/IFSP: Join & Share: ✨IFSP Regional Council Meeting: October 15: Key Resource Connections *****Hello Communit...
09/23/2026

***** DBHDS/IFSP: Join & Share: ✨IFSP Regional Council Meeting: October 15: Key Resource Connections *****
Hello Community Partner!
DETAILS:
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) would like to extend an invitation to attend the IFSP Coordinated Regional Council Meeting, sponsored by the IFSP Northern Regional Council.

This meeting is part of the Individual Family Support Program (IFSP) initiatives to extend information and resources to individuals and their families. Please join us and share the attached flyer.

Education Session: Key Resource Connections for People on Virginia’s Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waivers Waiting List
Date of Session: Thursday, October 15, 2026, 6:00pm to 8:15pm

Register in advance of meeting:
Registration Link:
ce919d76-fb7c-4ca0-9ae7-36f115e29d95@620ae5a9-4ec1-4fa0-8641-5d9f386c7309" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/ce919d76-fb7c-4ca0-9ae7-36f115e29d95@620ae5a9-4ec1-4fa0-8641-5d9f386c7309

************** Let's Talk About Community Living ***************Who Does Community Living Benefit?Community living means...
09/17/2026

************** Let's Talk About Community Living ***************
Who Does Community Living Benefit?

Community living means people can receive the support they need while staying connected to their families and communities. It gives people more opportunities to build relationships, work or volunteer, attend school, and participate in everyday community life.

Community-based services don't just help people with disabilities. They help older adults age in place, keep children connected to their families, and improve access to care in rural areas.

These services also strengthen local workforces and help businesses fill important jobs. More than 63 million Americans provide unpaid care to a family member or loved one. Home health services help caregivers keep their jobs, maintain their own health, and balance caregiving with everyday life.

When community supports are weakened, more people may be placed in institutions unnecessarily. This increases costs for states and taxpayers while placing greater strain on families, caregivers, healthcare systems, and local communities.

The bottom line: Community living benefits everyone.

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

******************E-News from PEATC *****************Contact us today. We are here to help!!!!703-923-0010partners@peatc...
09/17/2026

******************E-News from PEATC *****************
Contact us today. We are here to help!!!!

703-923-0010
[email protected]

In This Email
• PEATC Resource Highlight
• Upcoming PEATC Workshops
• Upcoming PEATC Youth Events for Youth
• Community Office Hours
• News from VDOE
• PEATC and VDOE Training Opportunities
• PEATC On the Road
• PEATC en Español

Resource Highlight
________________________________________

What does differentiated instruction really look like for students with disabilities? Our new fact sheet, Differentiated Instruction: Supporting Access for Students with Disabilities, explains how teachers can adjust instruction to meet different learning needs—and how differentiation differs from accommodations, modifications, and specially designed instruction. Different doesn’t mean easier—it means creating meaningful access to learning.

Upcoming PEATC Workshops
________________________________________
Special Education Webinar Series

Join PEATC for our 2026 Special Education Webinar Series, designed to help families navigate the special education process with confidence. Each webinar explores a different topic, from eligibility and IEPs to 504 Plans and effective family-school collaboration, giving participants the flexibility to learn about the subjects that matter most to them. Participants are not required to attend all sessions and are welcome to attend the sessions that best meet their needs.
• September 23 - Measurable IEP Goals
• October 7 - Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings
• October 21 - Cracking the Code: 504s and IEPs

All sessions are virtual. Each workshop will start at 6:30 p.m. and will last approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. These sessions will not be recorded.

Ins and Outs of IEP Meetings (Midlothian)
September 23, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm
*IN PERSON WORKSHOP*
Evergreen Elementary School
1701 Evergreen Parkway, Midlothian, VA 22114

This presentation will help prepare parents for what to expect in the IEP meeting and how to have a productive, student-focused meeting. From pre-planning before the meeting to working together afterwards, this presentation will help participants learn how to build relationships while focusing on the needs of the student.

Presented by PEATC in partnership with Evergreen Elementary PTA Special Education Committee.

Anatomy of an IEP - Military Edition
September 24, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:30 PM | Virtual
Ready or not, our kids are growing and developing. Every child develops at their own pace, and milestones give us a general idea of when to expect certain skills to develop. Acting early can make a difference! In this workshop, we’re going over the basics. We’ll talk about milestones, define the domains (areas of child development), provide resources for supporting a child’s development, and share tips on what to do if there are concerns.

Presented by PEATC in partnership with JBLE-Langley Military & Family Readiness Center.

Ready or Not, Here They Grow! (Colonial Heights)
September 24, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:00 pm
*IN PERSON WORKSHOP*
North Elementary School
3201 Dale Avenue, Colonial Heights, VA 23834

Ready or not, our kids are growing and developing. Every child develops at their own pace, and milestones give us a general idea of when to expect certain skills to develop. Acting early can make a difference! In this workshop, we’re going over the basics. We’ll talk about milestones, define the domains (areas of child development), provide resources for supporting a child’s development, and share tips on what to do if there are concerns.

Presented by PEATC in partnership with Colonial Heights Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC).

Refreshments and on-site childcare will be provided by CHPS.

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

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Blue Ridge Independent Living Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share