DDD News and Announcements

https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/news/updates
To subscribe to the Division’s e-news bulletin, Division Update, please send an email to DDD.Communications@dhs.state.nj.us, with Division Update Subscribe in the subject line.

Mailing Address:

Administrative Office
PO Box 726
Trenton, NJ 08625-0726

Office:

Department of Human Services building
222 South Warren Street
Trenton, NJ 08625-0700

2024

March 15, 2024

Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey Conducting Needs Assessment

The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey is conducting a statewide needs assessment on Traumatic Brain Injury and quality of life and access to services amongst survivors, caregivers, and service providers. This study is supported by the Administration for Community Living, Traumatic Brain Injury State Partnership Program Grant and approved by the Rowan University Institutional Review Board (Study # PRO-2022-310).

With this needs assessment, the aim is to better understand the current picture of TBI in the state and direct efforts to areas that are the most in need of attention. The first part of the study will consist of individual surveys conducted online, over the phone, and on paper. After this, there will be focus groups in South, Central, and North Jersey.

The hope is to get a well-represented screenshot of the gaps in TBI services in New Jersey. The direct link to the surveys is HERE.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Sakina Ladha, MD, MPH by email at sladha@bianj.org or by phone at 609-480-2271.


Bridging the Disparity Gap: Improving Equity in Brain Injury Care and Prevention

The overall objective of the 2024 BIANJ Annual Seminar is to provide an educational opportunity to professionals working with individuals affected by brain injury through workshops related to research, clinical innovations and strategies, rehabilitation and advocacy.

The 2024 Annual Professional Seminar is funded in part by the New Jersey Division of Disability Services and the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.

Date: May 1, 2024 8:30am – 4:30pm
Location: The Palace at Somerset Park, Somerset, NJ 08873
Click here for more information.

Early registration rate is available through March 31st, 2024 Register here.
Questions? Contact the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey at 732-745-0200 or info@bianj.org.


BIANJ Introduces their New Resource Center App!

This all new app makes it easy to find a variety of brain injury resources throughout New Jersey.  Find it on the Google Play Store and App Store to download.


The Days Last Forever, but the Years Fly by: Navigating the Secondary Transition Process

Families and caregivers are crucial partners in assisting youth in transitioning from high school to adult life. This session will:

  • Provide families/caregivers, youth/young adults, and professionals with effective practices, strategies, and resources to assist in supporting their children/youth in understanding and navigating the secondary transition process.
  • Hear real experiences from families in the transition process.

Date: March 27, 2024 12:00am – 1:30pm
Presenter: NTACT-The Collaborative
Register here.


Accessible Performances at the Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University

Title: Resonance, a dance concert
Dates/Times: March 29 at 7:30 p.m. and March 30 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. The March 29 performance will be open captioned.
Location: Hearst Dance Theater at Lewis Arts complex
Click here for tickets and more information.

Title: She Loves Me, a musical
Dates/Times: March 29 & 30, April 5 & 6 at 8:00 p.m. The April 5 performance will be open captioned.
Location: Wallace Theater at Lewis Arts complex
Click here for tickets and more information.

Performances are in accessible venues with an assistive listening system. Guests in need of other access accommodations are invited to contact the Lewis Center at least one week in advance at lewiscenter@princeton.edu

March 12, 2024

FREE Upcoming Webinars

Thursday, March 14th – NJ Family Engagement Hub Kick-Off Webinar

Learn about the New Jersey Family Engagement Hub (NJ FE Hub), which is a project of SPAN Parent Advocacy Network. The NJ FE Hub recognizes that students thrive when families and communities are engaged in the school community, increasing the likelihood of student success. SPAN Parent Advocacy Network aims to promote and engage in activities and policies that build collaborative partnerships among youth, families, schools, and communities to enhance child development and student achievement. They will highlight their next steps and how they can partner with you in this exciting work. Register here.


Wednesday, March 13th – Healthy Snacks for Teens and Adults

Discover the best healthy, quick and easy snack ideas for teens and adults from homemade popcorn to nutritious nachos to frozen fruity treats. Presenter: Karen Ensle EdD, RDN, FAND, CFCS       

All sessions of Wellness Wednesdays begin at 12:30 pm, are FREE, and will last approximately 45 minutes with time for Q&A.  To join, you will need to register and have either a computer, tablet, or smartphone with speakers.    Register here.

March 5, 2024

NJ Human Services Opens College Scholarship Program for Blind, Deaf-Blind and Visually Impaired Students

(TRENTON) –  Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced students can now apply to the 2024 Board of Trustees Scholarship program, which provides college scholarships to individuals who are blind, deaf-blind, and/or visually impaired. The program, run by Human Services’ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI), is open to high school seniors and college students, of any age, who are registered to attend the 2024-2025 academic year. Students must be active or eligible CBVI clients. For full eligibility requirements please visit here.  Click here to read the full article.


Event: Twinkle Time!
Date: April 3, 2024 at 2pm
Location: Grunin Center for the Arts at Ocean County College

This performance will be a Relaxed Performance. Relaxed performances are designed to be a welcoming environment for all visitors, including neurodiverse individuals with sensory needs. Families who do not require these accommodations are still welcome to attend.

Described as “like Lady Gaga for kids,” Twinkle breaks barriers with both her music and flamboyant Harajuku-style presentation teaching kids to accept everyone, their differences, and to celebrate in what makes them unique-bringing all walks of life together through Music, Arts, Dance and Pop Culture. For additional information and to purchase tickets, click here.

March 5, 2024

NJ Human Services Seeks Proposals for Crisis Prevention & Intervention Team Serving Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Need
(TRENTON) – Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced Human Services is seeking proposals to develop evidence-based, community crisis prevention and intervention services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health needs. Human Services’ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has issued a request for proposals to develop a new START Model program. START – which stands for Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment – provides community-based crisis prevention and intervention services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health needs. This model focuses on reducing emergency room visits, hospitals admissions, caregiver burnout, and calls to police as well as building community capacity to successfully support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health needs. Click here to read the full article.


Four Basic Signs of a Scam
Recognizing the signs of a scam gives you the power to ignore criminals and report the scam. Scams come in many varieties, but they all work the same way:

  1. Scammers pretend to be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust.
  2. Scammers say there is a problem or a prize.
  3. Scammers pressure you to act immediately.
  4. Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way.

For more information on how to avoid scams, how to report them, and what to do if you’ve been a victim of a scam, see resources from the Federal Trade Commission and Social Security Administration.


Educators Conference Journeys of Inclusion: Charting Compassion, Courage and Community

Date: Friday, March 15, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00pm
Location:   Kean University, Liberty Hall Academic Center

1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083 | Campus Map This program is presented in partnership with the New Jersey Education Association, Kean University, the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust Education, the Holocaust Resource Center of Kean University, and the NJEA Consortium, which invite you to this dynamic, one-day event. Click here to RSVP


Wednesday, March 6th – Eating the Rainbow: Adding a Variety of Colorful Fruits and Vegetables to Your Plate

You may have heard the phrase “It’s important to eat the rainbow“; but what does that really mean? This session will share the health benefits of eating a variety of colorful foods and easy ways you can include a diversity of colorful produce into your meals throughout the week. Presenter: Ricardo Kairios, MS        

All sessions of Wellness Wednesdays begin at 12:30 pm (new time in 2023), are FREE, and will last approximately 45 minutes with time for Q&A.  To join, you will need to register and have either a computer, tablet, or smartphone with speakers. Register here.

March 4, 2024

Governor Murphy Proclaims March 2024 as Brain Injury Awareness Month in New Jersey!
Since head injuries are so common across the U.S. and the world, Brain Injury Awareness Day is held annually on March 4, and we recognize the entire month of March as Brain Injury Awareness Month.

This day and month brings awareness to educate the public, communities, and decision-makers about the effects of brain injury, as well as to honor people living with brain injury and their families. Brain injuries can lead to long-term changes for the affected person and their loved ones, and present challenges to everyday life. Today the world is more aware of brain injuries, their causes, and how best to prevent them, but there is lots of room for improvement, which is why the U.S. observes Brain Injury Awareness Day and Month.

Through our Traumatic Brain Injury Fund, DDS provides New Jersey residents who have survived a traumatic brain injury the opportunity to access services and supports they need to live in the community, foster independence, and maximize quality of life when insurance, personal resources, and public programs are unavailable to meet those needs.  A portion of the Fund is also used to support public education, outreach, and prevention activities related to TBI.

For more information about the TBI Fund, visit our website at:  https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dds/services/tbis/tbifund/index.html OR Call: 1-888-285-3036


BIANJ Program Spotlight Facebook Live Series
March 11, 12:30 PM: Join BIANJ Director of Support Services Elizabeth Van Roten and Support Services Manager Stacy Lyons for a discussion about BIANJ ‘s new Peer Mentoring program and support groups.
March 18, 12:30 PM: Join BIANJ Camp TREK Director Rachel Ishak, Assistant Director Kim Myers and special guests to hear everything camp related for 2024!
March 25, 12:30 PM:  Listen in as BIANJ Director of Education and Outreach, Barbara Chabner, has a conversation with survivors of Acquired Brain Injury who share their personal experiences.Click here for the BIANJ Facebook page


Virtual Brain Injury Awareness Day
Join BIANJ staff and partners, brain injury advocates and legislators on March 13, 10:00am at a virtual day of awareness that will feature a discussion of important topics in the brain injury community. A Q & A session will conclude the day. Register here


RWJ Barnabas Health New Jersey State Concussion Summit, co-sponsored by BIANJ
Attend to learn more about concussion innovations and technology, updates on the international consensus, concussion nutrition, mental health effects and more!
Date: March 11, 8:30am – 1:30pm
Location: Monmouth University, West Long Branch
Click here for more information.


Wednesday, March 20, 2024 – Effective Community Reintegration Post Brain Injury
This presentation will take a deeper look at the challenges faced by individuals who have sustained a brain injury that may affect one’s success in being able to integrate back into the community. We will dive into what encompasses community reintegration and its importance for individuals with brain injuries and their caregivers.
This webinar starts at 1pm ET and will be presented by Melissa Moyer. Register here.

March 1, 2024

U.S. Dept. of Education’s Office for Civil Rights Releases New Resources on Students with Disabilities

On February 20, The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released four new resources with information for students, parents and families, and schools addressing civil rights of students with disabilities, as well as a data snapshot about education access for students with disabilities drawn from OCR’s 2020-21 Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC).

OCR issued these new resources to inform students with disabilities, and their families and schools, about their legal rights under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities by institutions that accept federal financial assistance, which includes almost all public schools and public and private institutions of higher education. To view the release announcement and the new resources, click here.


State-Wide Survey of Older Adults, 2024

New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well (NJAAW) is conducting a statewide survey to gather older adult insight and opinions on aging in the state. Please help this effort by completing the survey and/or sharing this information with your network and consumers.  This survey if for people who are age 60+, consider NJ their primary residence, and live independently in the community, NOT in skilled nursing settings or nursing homes. The survey period ends on March 15, 2024.

The survey can be completed electronically by visiting the NJAAW website (https://www.njaaw.org) or directly to the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X8X3VDS.  A print version is attached and can be mailed to:

NJ Advocates for Aging Well, 3705 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 102, Hamilton, NJ 08619


Tuesday, March 12, 2024 11:00am – 12pm – Inclusion of Service Dogs

This session will discuss Nimit Kaur’s journey with her guide dog and to explore the distinction between service animals and emotional support animals as well as relevant legislation.  Register here.

Thursday, March 21, 2024 11:00am – 12:15pm – ADA Overview

This session will review how the ADA defines “a person with a disability,” where and when the ADA applies, who has obligations under the ADA, and the various enforcement agencies involved with the ADA. Register here.

February 28, 2024

UPDATE! START Services RFP

The New Jersey Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has rescinded the Request for Proposals (RFP) originally released on January 31, 2024, titled START Services NJ: Development of Mobile Crisis Prevention and Response Program(s) to Serve People with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability and Co-Occurring Mental Health Needs Based on the National START Model.

A replacement RFP was released on February 28, 2024, titled START Services NJ: Development of a Mobile Crisis Prevention and Intervention Program to Serve People with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability and Co-occurring Mental Health Needs in Southern New Jersey Based on the National START Model.

The successful bidder will partner with the National Center for START Services™ to develop one mobile crisis prevention and intervention program, consisting of a clinical team and therapeutic coaching team, to serve adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs who live in the southern region of New Jersey (as defined in the RFP).

The Notice of Funding Availability and Request for Proposals: START Services NJ are posted on the DHS Request for Proposals/Information webpage. The deadline to submit questions is March 13, 2024 and the deadline for proposal submissions is April 17, 2024.

February 23, 2024

Governor Murphy Announces Allocation of $95 Million from New Jersey’s Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund

(TRENTON) – Governor Phil Murphy today announced the allocation of over $95 million from New Jersey’s Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund to support critical programs tackling the opioid crisis, connecting New Jerseyans with tools to reduce overdoses and other harms of substance use, and supporting the treatment and recovery of residents struggling with substance use disorders. At the recommendation of the State’s Opioid Recovery and Remediation Advisory Council and with extensive input from the public, six programs addressing four priority areas – harm reduction, prevention and recovery support, treatment, and housing – have been identified to receive funding over the next two to three years.
Click here to read the full article.

February 22, 2024

National Core Indicators (NCI) Surveys
We need your input!

Annual NCI State of the Workforce Survey
In March 2024, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) will email an NCI State of the Workforce Survey invitation to eligible provider agencies who employ Direct Support Professionals. The invitation will be sent to the provider email address on file in iRecord and will include a link and instructions to complete the NCI State of the Workforce Survey for 2023.

The NCI State of the Workforce Survey will be open through June 30, 2024, and participation by as many eligible providers as possible is critical to ensure valid results. To learn more, visit National Core Indicators or see our NCI State of the Workforce Overview

Annual NCI In-Person Survey
DDD is continuing to conduct the NCI In-Person Survey for individuals 21 and older who are receiving at least one DDD-funded service in addition to Support Coordination. The 2023-2024 In-Person Survey will be administered through June 30, 2024. To learn more, please see our NCI Survey Overview.

Questions about the NCI State of the Workforce Survey or In-Person Surveys? Email us at DDD.NCI@dhs.nj.gov.


REMINDER! DDD Resource Team Offering Choking Prevention Awareness Activities Throughout March
February Information Sessions on DDD Self-Directed Employee Models

March 28th is National Choking Awareness Day, making March a great time to put a spotlight on choking risks and prevention. The DDD Resource Team has dedicated March 2024 to raising awareness about the risk of choking for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) and best practices for preventing choking.

In-person workshops are being held for provider agency staff and self-directed employees at various DDD Community Services office locations on March 6, 13, 20, and 27. And virtual trainings, open to anyone, are available throughout the month. To see a full schedule of events and to register, please visit our Health and Safety webpage.

February 14, 2024

NJ ABLE

With NJ ABLE tax-advantaged savings accounts, you can save for qualified disability expenses without losing your eligibility for certain essential benefits, like SSI and Medicaid.Learn more about NJ ABLE, New Jersey’s ABLE plan, administered through DDS in partnership with program manager, Ascensus College Savings Recordkeeping Services.

  • Click here for an overview of the ABLE to Work Act
  • Click here for Free ATM locations.

The Division of Disability Services provides education and training for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) receiving services, their families, advocates and support coordinators, as well as community partners and other stakeholders.

February Information Sessions on DDD Self-Directed Employee Models

The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) offers two Self-Directed Employee (SDE) models that individuals interested in self-directing some or all of their services can choose: The Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent Model administered by Public Partnerships, LLC, and the Agency with Choice Model administered by Easterseals NJ. To learn more about self-directed services and the two models available through DDD, visit their Self-Directed Services webpage.

Public Partnerships Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent (VF/EA) Model Information Session

  • Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Register here

Easterseals NJ Agency with Choice (AwC) Model Information Session

  • Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Register here

Family Networking Sessions

 The Office of Education on Self-Directed Services hosts networking sessions for people and families who are, or are interested in, self-directing some or all their DDD-funded services. For more information and to register, view/download Family Networking Sessions Winter 2024 (PDF)

Winter 2024 sessions are being held on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 1–3 p.m.
  • Wednesday, February 28, 2024, 1–3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 1–3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 12–2 p.m.

DCR Anti-Discrimination Trainings

The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) offers trainings aimed at preventing and addressing discrimination through its Education and Training Unit. These interactive sessions educate participants about their rights and responsibilities under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, the New Jersey Family Leave Act, the Fair Chance in Housing Act as well as raise awareness about current anti-bias issues.

All trainings are currently being offered for FREE to the public. For additional training topics and dates, click here.

All employees are entitled to a workplace that is inclusive and free from discrimination. This training will provide an overview of how the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) protects employees from harassment and discrimination. Register for March 5th from 9:30am-11:30am

This interactive, virtual training will introduce participants to the concept of implicit bias. Participants will consider how implicit bias manifests in our interactions with others and explore strategies for addressing implicit bias in ourselves and in the workplace. Participants will also learn about how the NJ Law Against Discrimination protects individuals from discrimination and bias-based harassment in the workplace. Register for March 12th from 9:30am-12:30pm

February 14, 2024

Autism New Jersey Launches Law Enforcement Initiative

Autism New Jersey is proud to formally announce its Law Enforcement Initiative, a multi-phase endeavor to increase the adoption of autism-friendly law enforcement practices. We are collaborating with individuals and entities in law enforcement at municipal, county, and state levels to advance best practices statewide.


Autism-Friendly Law Enforcement Practices

Creating a law enforcement environment that is inclusive and accommodating to autistic individuals is crucial for fostering positive interactions and ensuring the safety of both the community and those with autism.

Our list of autism-friendly practices includes both proactive and in-the-moment strategies. These can promote empathy, patience, and flexibility within law enforcement which can significantly contribute to building trust and ensuring the well-being of individuals with autism.


Brooke Ellison, Prominent Disability Rights Advocate, is Dead at 45

One of the first quadriplegic Harvard graduates, she became an author, professor and powerful voice for disabled people.

Brooke Ellison, who after being paralyzed from the neck down by a childhood car accident went on to graduate from Harvard and became a professor and a devoted disability rights advocate, died on Sunday in Stony Brook, N.Y., on Long Island. She was 45.

[S]he told The Times in 2005, reflecting on the accident that changed her life[…], “I didn’t want people to focus on what I had lost in my life, but rather on what I still had in my life… My body would not respond, but my mind and my heart were just the same as they had always been.” Click here for the full article.


Wednesday, February 14th – Nutrition and Heart Disease

A discussion on heart disease -what we should limit in our diet and what we could include to help decrease the risk. Presenter: Rachel Tansey, MA        All sessions of Wellness Wednesdays begin at 12:30 pm (new time in 2023), are FREE, and will last approximately 45 minutes with time for Q&A.  To join, you will need to register and have either a computer, tablet, or smartphone with speakers.   Register here.

February 12, 2024

Feb. 13 Family Networking Session Canceled, will be Rescheduled

Due to tomorrow’s weather forecast, the Family Networking Session scheduled for Tuesday, February 13 at the Burlington County Library has been canceled and tentatively rescheduled to Wednesday, February 28. Everyone registered for the Feb. 13 session will be automatically registered for the new date and receive an updated registration confirmation.

Revised information will be posted on the Office of Education on Self-Directed Services webpage, and questions may be sent to DDD.OESDS@DHS.NJ.GOV.


NEW! DDD Resource Team Dedicates Month of March to Choking Awareness

March 28 is National Choking Awareness Day, making next month a great time to put a spotlight on choking risks and prevention. The DDD Resource Team has dedicated March 2024 to raising awareness about the risk of choking for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD), regardless of diet texture or consistency. In-person trainings will be held for provider staff at various DDD Community Services office locations on March 6, 13, 20, and 27. And virtual trainings, open to anyone, will be held throughout the month. Please visit our Health and Safety webpage or download the 2024 Choking Awareness Month Flyer for more information and to register (advance registration is required).


NEW! February Information Sessions on DDD Self-Directed Employee Models

The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) offers two Self-Directed Employee (SDE) models that individuals interested in self-directing some or all of their services can choose: the Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent Model administered by Public Partnerships, LLC, and the Agency with Choice Model administered by Easterseals NJ. We are happy to once again share the following virtual opportunities to learn more about these two models.

Public Partnerships Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent (VF/EA) Model Information Session

Easterseals NJ Agency with Choice (AwC) Model Information Session

To learn more about self-directed services and the two models available through DDD, visit our Self-Directed Services webpage.


REMINDER! DDD Update Webinar on Feb. 22

The next DDD Update Webinar is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend. Register Now for the Feb. 22 DDD Update Webinar.

February 9, 2024

Tuesday, February 13th 12:00pm – Untangling the Complex Relationship between Suicide and Traumatic Brain Injury

Research shows that there is a relationship between suicide and traumatic brain injury, but what exactly is the relationship and how do we understand it? This webinar is presented by Matthew Peters, MD, and it will:

  • Identify the relationship between history of TBI and future risk of suicide attempt.
  • Examine TBI rates and presentation in suicide attempt survivors.

Questions? Contact BIANJ at 732-745-0200 or info@bianj.org.    Register here.

February 5, 2024

Press Releases

February 1, 2024: Human Services Announces Expanded Income Eligibility Limits for Prescription Drug Assistance Programs, Efforts to Get More Eligible New Jerseyans to Apply for Savings

February 1, 2024: NJ Human Services Awards Contracts to Offer Outpatient Services for Older Adults with Serious Mental Illness

Events

The Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University has been working to enhance accessibility for all patrons. All events listed below are free and open to the public, held in accessible spaces with assistive listening systems and captions are offered for many performances. Additional access services may be provided upon request.

  • Timelapse, a dance concert. February 15-17, 8:30 p.m.
  • Love Type Beat, a new immersive play. February 16, 17, 22, 23 & 24, 8:00 p.m.
  • From Wind to Wonder!, a musical revue. February 24, 7 p.m.
  • i, heresy, a new dance work February 29, March 1 & 2, 8:30 p.m

Tuesday, February 20th: Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

The Regional Family Support Planning Council #1 (Morris, Sussex, Warren) invites parents to our special meeting to learn the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, a financial reimbursement program for New Jersey Families with potentially catastrophic medical expenses due to a child’s illness or condition.

Bring your questions! There will be ample ​Q&A time. Presentation will be conducted in English. Multi-lingual subtitles will be available.
Register here You many download the English or Spanish flyer.

January 30, 2024

Revised Behavior Management Committee (BMC) Referral Form and New BMC Helpdesk

The Division of Developmental Disabilities Office of Risk Management recently updated its Behavior Management Committee Referral Form and has developed an accompanying Behavior Management Committee FAQ. A dedicated Behavior Management Committee Helpdesk has also been established, where referral forms and other information can be submitted. Effective immediately, all BMC referrals as well as BMC related information and questions can be emailed to DDD.BMC@dhs.nj.gov.

The updated form is available in the Provider Toolkit section of the DDD Provider Information webpage. A webinar training about the BMC and use of the referral form is in development and expected to be available soon.

January 23, 2024

NEW! Webinar on Addressing Enhanced Needs Form

This webinar overview of best practices for using and implementing the Addressing Enhanced Needs Form is a collaborative effort of DDD’s Support Coordination Unit and
Provider Performance and Monitoring Clinical Services Unit. The target audience is support coordination and provider agency staff, but anyone may register to attend.

Title: Support Coordination Agency and Provider Partnerships: Using the Addressing Enhanced Needs Form in Plan Development

Day: Monday, Jan. 29, 2024
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Register now for Jan. 29 Addressing Enhanced Needs Form Webinar


Upcoming Networking Opportunities for Individuals and Families Self-Directing Their Services

The DDD Office of Education on Self-Directed Services (OESDS) is hosting the following networking events for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) and families who are or are interested in self-directing some or all their DDD-funded services.

In-Person Self-Direction Family Networking Sessions
Advance registration is required and online registration is now available!

Virtual Self-Direction Family Networking Sessions
Advance registration is required and online registration is now available!

· Hunterdon & Somerset Counties Virtual Family Networking Session – Tuesday, March 5, 2024, from 1 – 3 pm: Register for March 5 Virtual Session

To learn more about the Family Networking Sessions, visit the OESDS webpage or email the OESDS Helpdesk.

Virtual Self-Direction Peer-to-Peer Networking Session
Adults with IDD who are self-directing or are interested in learning more about self-direction are welcome to attend.

· Tuesday, February 13, 2024, from 6 – 7:30 pm on Zoom: Register for the Feb. 13 Peer-to-Peer Networking Session.

To learn more about Peer-to-Peer Networking Sessions, visit the Self-Advocacy webpage. Feb. 13 Peer-to-Peer Networking Session Flyer


 

REMINDER! Next DDD Update Webinar is Feb. 22

The next DDD Update Webinar is scheduled for Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend. Register for the Feb. 22 DDD Update Webinar.

January 23, 2024

NJ DHS Division of Aging Services 2024 Program Guide

Looking for senior services in NJ? NJ Department of Human Services can help!

The DoAS Program Guide is a comprehensive resource guide to federal and state-funded programs that promote the well-being of seniors & adults with disabilities living in the community. Get this program guide in English or Spanish.


Brain Injury Alliance NJ Trainings for Health and Human Service Professionals

For more information and to register for the trainings, visit BIANJ’s website bianj.org/upcoming-events/regional-seminar-2/ or email info@bianj.org.


Disability Rights New Jersey’s Assistive Technology (AT)

Disability Rights New Jersey’s Assistive Technology (AT) Center is offering Tech Spotlight, a short webinar series to raise awareness about possible AT solutions.
All Tech Spotlight webinars are 30 minutes at 12PM (EST). To see the full lineup, visit: https://at4nj.org/webinars.


Virtual Mental Health Awareness Training

With the stress and uncertainty in the world right now, learn how you can identify the emotional needs and provide assistance to others in your community, family, or organization. QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), a suicide prevention training, will be offered at no cost. See flyer attached.

Please register in advance through link below each date.

  • Question, Persuade, Refer (2 Hours) – Closed Caption*
  • February 12th 2024 6:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Register here
  • Question, Persuade, Refer (2 Hours) – Closed Caption*
  • February 14nd 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Register here

* Closed captioning is available with all trainings. If assistance is needed related to an accommodation, please email Amy Hassa at least two weeks prior to the training.


Wednesday, January 24th – The Power of Community Partnerships: Strategies a Rural Substance Use Training Center is Implementing to Partner with Community Health Stakeholders in New Jersey

Nationally and in New Jersey (NJ), there is an unmet need for education and training about rural substance use. The Northeast & Caribbean Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Center (NeC-ROTAC) is a federally-funded center tasked with providing these resources to rural communities of HHS Region 2, which includes NJ. Since its inception in 2022, the NeC-ROTAC has established and built on NJ partnerships with members of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, community organizations, health care centers, and health departments serving rural communities of the state. These partnerships have been built on a mutual respect and understanding of each organization’s role in addressing rural health inequities. This seminar will provide examples of community-engaged strategies used by the NeC-ROTAC and highlight some ongoing partnership activities. Presenter: Jamey Lister, PhD; Associate Professor & New Jersey Director of the Northeast & Caribbean Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Center (NeC-ROTAC), Rutgers University School of Social Work        

All sessions of Wellness Wednesdays begin at 12:30 pm (new time in 2023), are FREE, and will last approximately 45 minutes with time for Q&A.  To join, you will need to register and have either a computer, tablet, or smartphone with speakers. Register here.

January 9, 2024

New Jersey Human Services Enhancing Emergency Services Programs for Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities

Programs to Focus on Individuals in Need of Immediate Services

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Human Services is enhancing the statewide emergency services programs that support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced the Department has awarded contracts to Community Options, Inc., Community Access Unlimited and Oaks Integrated Care to operate emergency capacity services (ECS) programs throughout the state. ECS programs support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including those with acute behavioral needs who require immediate residential and day program support. This funding enables emergency, short-term support to be available for admissions seven days per week, 365 days a year with 24-hour coverage provided. Click here to read the full article.

nTIDE December 2023 Jobs Report: Maintain Strong Employment Levels Through End of Year, Staying at Historic Highs

National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) – is issued semi-monthly by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire.

Following a historic high in November, slight declines were seen in the employment-to-population ratio and the labor force participation rate in December 2023 for people with and without disabilities. However, numbers still remain near the record levels achieved the previous month, according to today’s National Trends in Disability Employment – semi-monthly update (nTIDE), issued by Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability (UNH-IOD). Click here to read more.

FREE Upcoming Webinars

Wednesday, January 10th – Let’s Get Physical: Easy Movements for Balance and Flexibility

Engaging in regular balance and flexibility activities is an important step to help maintain optimal bone and joint health. This session will highlight simple movements and stretches that can be done at home to help promote bone and joint health. Presenter: Ricardo Kairios, MS All sessions of Wellness Wednesdays begin at 12:30 pm (new time in 2023), are FREE, and will last approximately 45 minutes with time for Q&A.  To join, you will need to register and have either a computer, tablet, or smartphone with speakers. Register here.