Why Divine Impact

💬 At Divine Impact, LLC, our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities and their families by connecting them to inclusive, accessible, and life-enhancing services within their city and state. We are committed to bridging gaps in support, fostering community, and ensuring every person can navigate their journey with dignity, clarity, and confidence.

Divine Impact, is to help parents, grandparents, and family members navigate the process for obtaining services for your child, have a place to share inspirational stories, answer questions, provide courage, and prayer to continue to move forward with providing your loved one with the best education, services and community possible to ensure their success! This site is for parents, grandparents, and anyone wanting to learn and understand how to navigate available systems and services for children with disabilities. Along the way, I will share mine and my son’s journey through this process.

My story starts with my son’s diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) when he was three years old and preparing to go into pre-kindergarten. As we began looking for services to assist him in his development and trying to understand what this diagnosis meant for him and our family, we found the information so overwhelming.

If you are just receiving a diagnosis for your family member, what do you need to do next?

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Disability Services:

1. Understand the Diagnosis:

• Get a written report from the diagnosing professional.

• Clarify how the diagnosis affects your child’s daily functioning, learning, or development.

• Ask for recommendations, many clinicians suggest services or accommodations.

2. If your child is at the age they will be starting school soon, request a special education evaluation from the school:

• Contact your child’s school and request a special education evaluation in writing.

• This triggers the school’s responsibility under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) to assess your child’s eligibility for services.

• The evaluation may cover academics, speech, motor skills, behavior, and more.

3. Explore Eligibility for an IEP or 504 Plan:

• If eligible under IDEA, your child may receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

• If not eligible for an IEP but still needs support, a 504 Plan under the Rehabilitation Act may provide accommodations (like extended time, sensory breaks, etc.).

4. Connect with Early Intervention (if under age 3):

• In Virginia, this is through Infant & Toddler Connection. They offer services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and family support.

• You can self-refer by calling your local office.

5. Apply for Medicaid Waivers: For Virginia residents the link is: https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/for-members/benefits-and-services/waivers/

• Virginia offers Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers and CCC Plus Waivers that provide long-term supports like respite care, personal assistance, and therapies.

• Start by submitting a Virginia Waiver Screening through your local Community Services Board (CSB).

6. Tap into Local Resources:

• Look for city- or county-level disability service directories. These may include:

• Parent support groups

• Advocacy organizations

• Recreational programs

• Transportation assistance

7. Meet with a Case Manager or Advocate:

• Many families benefit from working with a parent advocate, social worker, or disability navigator.

• Organizations like PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center) in Virginia offer free guidance.

8. Document Everything:

• Keep a binder or digital folder with:

• Medical records

• School communications

• Evaluations

• Service plans

• Notes from meetings

🧩 Build Your Support Network:

You don’t have to do this alone. Connecting with other parents, especially those who’ve walked this path, can be a lifeline. Many local Facebook groups, nonprofits, and school-based parent councils offer community advice. Let us help you get connected!