What is it That Disables People?
Editor’s Note: The following post expresses the personal opinion of the writer. As with all contributions to the Disability in Focus blog, expressed opinions are not necessarily those of the…
In each blog post, we’ll be following important news, legislation, and current events that affect people with developmental disabilities and their families. We’ll provide commentary on issues that matter and new trends in our communities. And, occasionally, we’ll invite guest contributors to provide their unique perspectives on a variety of topics important New Jersey’s DD community. Most importantly though, we’ll invite you, our readers, to join the conversation and share your views.
Disability Gains An Adequate Voice On Primetime Television
In a media landscape that so rarely includes characters with disabilities in a vast array of narratives, it’s certainly refreshing to see a television show featuring a character with cerebral…
In Disability Narrative, Making The Audience Comfortable Shouldn’t be a Requirement
The culture surrounding disability is a somewhat foreign one, which the mainstream, non-disabled (or “able-bodied”) community doesn’t always know how to handle. The fact is, a lack of disability is…
Inside a State Transition Plan Public Hearing
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) sponsored three “listening” sessions on the State Transition Plan (STP) as mandated by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) during the first…
Sex Education: An Effective Way for Young Adults with All Types of Disabilities to Remain out of the Criminal Justice System
By: Kelly Stout, Transitional Specialist The Arc CARES Program – The Arc of New Jersey Even though they may learn differently, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are intelligent in…
Parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)
by Alison Lozano I am clearing out my office in preparation to retire at the end of January. During that process I have discovered many pieces of paper that I…
What Are We Waiting for? Waiting Lists and Community Infrastructure
by Norman Reim What Are We Waiting For? Waiting Lists and Community Infrastructure There are still waiting lists for residential supports for people with developmental disabilities. We say we don’t…
Case Management and the Loss of a ‘Personal Touch’
by Alison Lozano I am an “old world” social worker and possibly that is why I have some real concerns about how the practice of social work has lost ground…
Family Support: Struggling for a New Identity
by Norman Reim Family Support is Struggling for a New Identity The New Jersey State Regional Family Support Planning Councils were a force in the DD system during the 1990’s…
Special Education: Bogged Down Like the Rest of It
Special Education is in need of an overhaul. There’s a ton of money involved and, more importantly, the quality of the education of students with and without disabilities is at…