The IFSP first come first serve rule is absolutely ridiculous. 1,000$ is a joke for parents who care for a child with disabilities. The Day Support services that my daughter needs cost $150.00 - $365.00 a day! Both my husband and I work, but nobody can afford to pay this much for summer breaks and this 1,000.00$ will pay for only 3 days of care if you can even get the funds! Last year we did not get anything.

My husband and I are both basically nurses to our daughter. We are exhausted, there is no relief for caregivers unless the child has a DD waiver. It is a huge toll on our marriage, finances and mental health! Both my husband and I need to die or lose our sanity before my daughter can be awarded a DD waiver and receive the services that she desperately needs. In summer, she has nowhere to go. Regular summer camps where normal children socialize, make friends and live meaningful lives do not accept my daughter due to her extensive needs with daily activities. So she must stay at home and be depressed and isolated all summer. She aged out of regular daycare as well. So now my husband and I have to decide who will quit their job and stay home with my daughter. We have been on DD waiver waiting list for about 10 years, and I was just told by our case manager that there are homeless children and abused children who have priority and there is a very low chance that my daughter will get it. Are you serious?! Do I really need to become homeless or go insane and start abusing my child before she could get the services that she needs?! Virginia, you are a joke!

Being disabled in Virginia or caring for a loved one with disability means that you don't deserve or have the right to be happy and live good, productive, and fulfilling life. Hit the rock bottom and even then there is no guarantee to get help! What a shame!