Partnership for People with Disabilities

11/20/2025

11/19/2025

🎉UPDATE ON TELEHEALTH: From the Center for Connected Health Policy:

“Last week, after agreeing to a deal to end the federal government shutdown, Congress passed a continuing resolution that would reopen the government, at least through January 30, 2026. Within the continuing resolution package was an extension of the Medicare telehealth waivers... In the passed legislation, the telehealth waivers that had expired will now be extended through January 30, 2026. They include:

• Waiving the location requirements (geographic and type of site)
• Expanded list of eligible telehealth providers
• Allowing federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and rural health clinics (RHCs) to be eligible telehealth providers
• Delaying the prior in-person visit for mental health when certain permanent telehealth policy requirements are not met
Delaying the prior in-person visit for mental health provided via telecommunications technology for FQHCs and RHCs
• Allowing of audio-only for telehealth services
• Extending the use of telehealth to conduct a face-to-face encounter for recertification of eligibility for hospice care
• Extending the Acute Hospital Care at Home Initiative

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Partnership for People with Disabilities Association of University Centers on Disabilities

11/19/2025

INSIDE THE PARTNERSHIP
A Deeper Dive: Ira Padhye, Ph.D.

As part of our 40th Anniversary series, we wanted to dig deep and learn more about our staff, their backstory and their passion behind the work they do at The Partnership.

“When I did my 5th grade project on Helen Keller, did I think I would be continuing in the field of DeafBlindness almost 30 years later? Absolutely not! As a former paraprofessional and classroom teacher, it's hard to capture the depth of my passion for children with low-incidence disabilities.

At my first national conference, the keynote speaker said, "Low-incidence does not mean low priority.” That phrase has continued to guide my work at the Partnership.

In supporting educators across early intervention and school settings, I strive to ensure they understand the unique needs of students with combined vision and hearing loss.

Through the Educational Hub for Sensory Disabilities and the Virginia Deafblind Project, I want others to know the potential our students have to thrive in their communities when given the right supports.

One of the most rewarding parts of my work has been planning the Virginia Deafblind Transition Retreat. There, we collaborate with young adults who are DeafBlind and their families to envision life beyond high school. Watching these youth demonstrate determination, resilience, and strength as they shape their futures has been nothing short of inspiring.”

Ira's Projects
* Educational Hub for Sensory Disabilities
* The Virginia

Deafblind Project
The Virginia Deafblind
Project supports children with combined vision and hearing loss-and the families, teachers, and providers who care for them-through training, resources, and advocacy to improve quality of life at home, school, and in the community.

LINK: vadeafblindproject.partnership.vcu.edu

The Partnership is affiliated with: Association of University Centers on Disabilities VCU School of Education Virginia Department of Education - VDOE

11/19/2025

🎉The Rural Pearl with Lisa Richard

RuralLink is a newsletter from the American Council on Rural Special Education (ACRES)! Each edition, we put the 🔎 spotlight on one issue or trend in rural special education and 🔗 “link” you to free resources and ideas.

LINK: mailchi.mp/mail/rurallink-take-care-of-yourself-and-your-teachers

Who are we?
tinyurl.com/CFI-PPD-VCU

1 ON 1 SUPPORT | ALWAYS FREE

Find us on Instagram: center4familyinvolvement

The Center for Family Involvement is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Partnership for People with Disabilities Association of University Centers on Disabilities

11/18/2025

INSIDE THE PARTNERSHIP
A Deeper: Dive Cori Hill, MEd.

As part of our 40th Anniversary series, we wanted to dig deep and learn more about our staff, their backstory and their passion behind the work they do at The Partnership.

"I have always been fascinated by child development and the role caregivers and families play in that development. In high school, I didn't know what steps might lead me toward this passion, so after, I decided on a degree in psychology. I wanted to work with families - to understand and support them.

That led me to a graduate degree in early childhood education and sociology. Soon a position was advertised for Director of Parent and Child Education. BINGO! I liked the title and applied, without even realizing it was in IDEA, Part C, Early Intervention (El), supporting families of infants and toddlers, birth to age three, with disabilities.

I've loved it for over three decades. Now I oversee professional development for Virginia El providers. It remains a privilege and joy to say, 'I love my job!'"

Corie's Projects:
• VEIPD
• Workforce Ready

Virginia Early Intervention
Professional Development
(VEIPD) Center

Our team provides coordination and oversight of Virginia's
Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) for early interventionists who provide supports and services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities.

LINK: veipd.vcu.edu

The Partnership is affiliated with: Association of University Centers on Disabilities VCU School of Education Virginia Department of Education - VDOE

11/17/2025

November 18th: World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence

Resources:
tinyurl.com/LEAP-resources

11/17/2025

Power Up Parents and Fam! Supporting Safe, Healthy Connections for Loved Ones with Disabilities

About the webinar:

Knowledge is power. People with disabilities experience abuse at much higher rates than those without disabilities, but families can make a big difference.

The LEAP© Project (Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention), at VCU's Partnership for People with Disabilities, will share simple, practical ways to help your loved one build safe, respectful relationships and recognize when something doesn't feel right.

Learn how to boost their confidence, independence, and safety, while strengthening your connection along the way.

Supporters of all ages and stages are welcome.

Same virtual presentation, two different dates.

Choose one and join us!

December 9 12:30-1:30pm or
December 10 12:30-1:30pm

REGISTER
tinyurl.com/LEAPfam12-9-25
tinyurl.com/LEAPfam12-10-25

11/17/2025

INSIDE THE PARTNERSHIP
A Deeper Dive: Kris Herakovich-Curtis, EdD

As part of our 40th Anniversary series, we wanted to dig deep and learn more about our staff, their backstory and their passion behind the work they do at The Partnership.

"I always feel a sense of calm excitement when I hear the sound of a school bus driving down the street. Knowing that young minds are about to explore new ideas and connect with their friends brings me true joy.

I have a passion for education and would be a lifelong student myself if I could. Balancing project management skills from my MBA at William & Mary with my Master's in School Counseling and EdD in Education Leadership from VCU has helped me support divisions across Virginia in implementing tiered systems of support.

I'm proud to work with PPD through Project CONNECTS, partnering with divisions and schools to strengthen family engagement and improve outcomes-especially for students with disabilities.

With MERC, I also support efforts to enhance MTSS fidelity and address student mental health in PK-12 schools.

It's inspiring to see educators' continued dedication to these topics and, of course, VTSS. I'm excited to contribute to this vital work."

Kris's Projects:

• Project CONNECTS
• MERC: Supporting Mental Health Through MTSS

CONNECTS: A new initiative that will transform family engagement for youth with disabilities. VCU and Virginia partners are testing strategies that connect families, schools, and communities. Together, they're building tools that support inclusive learning and lifelong success.

LINK: partnership.vcu.edu/programs/education/family-engagement-research

MERC: Metropolitan Educational
Research Consortium (MERC) A long-standing partnership between VCU's School of Education and Richmond-area school divisions, MERC
bridges research, policy, and practice in PK-12 public education. Since 1991, we've explored enduring and emerging issues through projects, podcasts, reports, and events.

LINK: merc.soe.vcu.edu

The Partnership is affiliated with: VCU School of Education Association of University Centers on Disabilities

11/14/2025

11/13/2025