“Employment First” in New Jersey
2026-01-27 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
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“Employment First” in New Jersey
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
12:00pm – 1:00pm (Zoom Webinar)
Register Here ”Employment First” is a national approach and policy framework that prioritizes competitive, integrated jobs with fair wages as the primary option for individuals with disabilities. Employment First shifts the focus from segregated settings to community employment, aiming to raise expectations and change systems, so that all individuals can engage in meaningful work.

Although New Jersey is one of 42 states with the Employment First designation, barriers persist, including low participation, a lack of confidence in the capabilities of individuals with I/DD, and siloed systems with insufficient cross-agency partnerships. During the webinar, we will examine a bill to create an Employment First commission in New Jersey and highlight other Employment First initiatives from across the country. Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald, Caucus Co-Chair, will lead the webinar.

Investigating Abuse & Neglect of People with I/DD
2026-02-02 18:30 - 20:30 | Zoom
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A WEBINAR FOR FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (I/DD)
ABOUT DISABILITY RIGHTS NEW JERSEY
Disability Rights New Jersey, also known as DRNJ, serves as the state’s designated Protection & Advocacy (P&A) agency, responsible for safeguarding the rights, safety, and well‑being of all individuals with disabilities, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Register Here WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
This webinar will provide an in‑depth look at how Disability Rights New Jersey, as the P&A, identifies and investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, and rights violations in licensed settings.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of Disability Rights New Jersey’s investigative authority, including their unique role and mission in monitoring investigative bodies to enhance safety and protect vulnerable individuals. SPEAKERS:

Jill Hoegel, Director of Investigations and Monitoring
Lynne Blecher-Vicari, Advocate-Investigator
Elena Kravitz, Senior Advocate-Investigator
Barbara Coppens, Advocate Assistant

Real-time multi-lingual closed captioning will be offered in this session.

For questions, please contact Kyoko Coco, Kyoko.Coco@njcdd.org, 609-341-3112

Transition from Early Intervention Program to Pre-School System
2026-02-28 09:30 - 11:00
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Making the move from the Early Intervention Program to the Pre‑Kindergarten school system can feel overwhelming for many families. As a family advocacy group, the Regional Family Support Planning Councils understand how challenging it can be to learn a new system, navigate the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, and step into a stronger advocacy role Register HereDownload Flyer This webinar will guide families through what it means to be an effective advocate, how to take a child‑centered approach, and how to build a collaborative relationship with the Child Study Team. We’ll walk through the IEP process, discuss what to expect, and share practical strategies to help you prepare confidently for your child’s IEP meeting.

Multi-lingual closed captioning is available for this webinar.

For questions, please contact Kyoko Coco, Kyoko.Coco@njcdd.org, 609-341-3112. La transición del Programa de Intervención Temprana al sistema escolar de preescolar puede resultar abrumadora para muchas familias. Como grupo de apoyo familiar, los Consejos Regionales de Planificación de Apoyo Familiar comprenden lo difícil que puede ser familiarizarse con un nuevo sistema, navegar el proceso del Programa de Educación Individualizada (IEP) y asumir un rol de defensa más activo. Regístrate AquíDescargar Folleto Este seminario web guiará a las familias para que comprendan qué significa ser un defensor eficaz, cómo adoptar un enfoque centrado en el niño y cómo construir una relación de colaboración con el Equipo de Estudio del Niño. Analizaremos el proceso del IEP, hablaremos sobre qué esperar y compartiremos estrategias prácticas para que se preparen con confianza para la reunión del IEP de su hijo.

Este seminario web cuenta con subtítulos en varios idiomas.

Para cualquier pregunta, comuníquese con Kyoko Coco, Kyoko.Coco@njcdd.org, 609-341-3112.

NJCDD Public Meeting-March 12
2026-03-12 09:30 - 13:30
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NJCDD Hybrid Public Meeting
March 12, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM

The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) Hybrid Public Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, located at 800 US Route 130 in Hamilton, NJ.

To make a public comment, please send your written public comments to Jacinta.Williams@njcdd.org by Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Register Here Accommodation:
For in-person accommodations, language interpretation, and/or other accommodations, please contact Jacinta Williams at Jacinta.Williams@njcdd.org with your specific accommodation request at least two weeks in advance or by Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Reunión Pública Híbrida de NJCDD
12 de Marzo de 2026 | 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM

La Reunión Pública Híbrida del Consejo de Discapacidades del Desarrollo de Nueva Jersey (NJCDD) se llevará a cabo el Jueves 12 de Marzo de 2026, de 9:30 a.m. a 1:30 p.m., en el Hilton Garden Inn, 800 US Route 130, Hamilton, NJ.

Para hacer un comentario público, por favor envíe sus comentarios públicos por escrito a Jacinta.Williams@njcdd.org antes del miércoles,11 de marzo de 2026. Regístrate Aquí Alojamiento:
Para alojamientos en persona, interpretación de idiomas y/o otros ajustes, comuníquese con Jacinta Williams en Jacinta.Williams@njcdd.org con su solicitud específica de alojamiento al menos con dos semanas de anticipación o antes del Miércoles 25 de Febrero de 2026.

Continuity of Care & Service Gaps Within Disability Systems
2026-05-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
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Continuity of Care & Service Gaps within Disability Systems
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
12:00pm – 1:00pm (Zoom Webinar)
Register Here The discussion will examine capacity and service gaps within disability service systems.
Workforce shortages disrupt care across all disability programs. The DHS Direct Care Workforce Strategic Plan—developed with Labor, DCF, Education, Consumer Affairs, and higher education partners—offers 40+ data-driven strategies to address the crisis and will serve as a framework for additional Caucus discussion.
Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn, Caucus Co-Chair, will lead the discussion.
About the Caucus
Since 2020, the New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus has served as a bipartisan forum within the New Jersey Legislature for lawmakers and their staff to consider the impact on the disability community when shaping ALL public policies in the Garden State through increased awareness and a greater understanding of the complexities of the disabilities service system and issues affecting individuals with disabilities and their families.

From First Steps to School Success Understanding the Individualized Education Program (IEP)
2026-05-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
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Navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) can feel overwhelming, especially for families just beginning their journey in early childhood or elementary education. This presentation is designed to break down the IEP process into clear, manageable steps so you can feel confident advocating for your child.

Together, we will explore the key components of an IEP and what each section means for your child’s education. The session will also focus on how to take a person-centered approach, ensuring the plan reflects your child’s unique strengths, needs, and goals rather than a one-size-fits-all model. Register Here In addition, we will discuss practical strategies for:

Identifying and requesting appropriate services and supports
Understanding how goals are developed and measured
Ensuring progress monitoring is meaningful and aligned with your child’s needs
Communicating effectively with your child’s IEP team

Whether you are new to the IEP process or looking to strengthen your advocacy skills, this session will provide useful tools, real-life examples, and guidance to help you support your child’s path to school success.

Multi-lingual closed captioning will be available. For more information, please contact Kerry McGrath at kerry.mcgrath@njcdd.org or 609-984-4516. Download Flyer Navegar por el Programa de Educación Individualizada (IEP) puede resultar abrumador, especialmente para las familias que recién comienzan su camino en la educación infantil o primaria. Esta presentación está diseñada para desglosar el proceso del IEP en pasos claros y manejables para que usted se sienta seguro al defender los derechos de su hijo.

Juntos, exploraremos los componentes clave de un PEI y lo que cada sección significa para la educación de su hijo. La sesión también se centrará en cómo adoptar un enfoque centrado en la persona, asegurando que el plan refleje las fortalezas, necesidades y metas únicas de su hijo, en lugar de un modelo único para todos. Regístrate Aquí Además, hablaremos sobre estrategias prácticas para:

Identificar y solicitar los servicios y apoyos adecuados
Comprender cómo se desarrollan y miden las metas
Asegurar que el seguimiento del progreso sea significativo y esté alineado con las necesidades de su hijo
Comunicarse eficazmente con el equipo del PEI de su hijo

Ya sea que sea nuevo en el proceso del PEI o que desee fortalecer sus habilidades de defensa, esta sesión le brindará herramientas útiles, ejemplos de la vida real y orientación para ayudarlo a apoyar el camino de su hijo hacia el éxito escolar.

Se ofrecerán subtítulos en varios idiomas. Para más información, comuníquese con Kerry McGrath al correo electrónico kerry.mcgrath@njcdd.org o al teléfono 609-984-4516. Descargar Folleto

NJCDD Public Meeting-May 14
2026-05-14 09:30 - 13:30 | Hilton Garden Inn Hamilton 800 US-130, Hamilton Township, NJ 08690, 800 US-130, Hamilton Township,, 08690, United States
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NJCDD Hybrid Public Meeting
May 14, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM

The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) Hybrid Public Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, located at 800 US Route 130 in Hamilton, NJ. To make a public comment, please send your written comment to Jacinta.williams@njcdd.org by Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

During the meeting, Amy Deaville, Training and Technical Assistance Administrator at the Information and Technical Assistance Center for Councils (ITACC), will present on the Federal DD Act overview and the role of Councils. Additionally, NJCDD Deputy Executive Director Kyoko Coco and NJCDD Family Support Liaison Kerry McGrath will present an update on the status of the community blueprint. Register Here Accommodation:
For in-person accommodations, language interpretation, and/or other accommodations, please contact Jacinta Williams at Jacinta.Williams@njcdd.org with your specific accommodation request at least two weeks in advance or by Thursday, April 30, 2026. View the Agenda Here
Reunión Pública Híbrida de NJCDD
14 de Mayo de 2026 | 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM

La Reunión Pública Híbrida del Consejo de Discapacidades del Desarrollo de Nueva Jersey (NJCDD) se llevará a cabo el Jueves 14 de Mayo de 2026, de 9:30 a.m. a 1:30 p.m., en el Hilton Garden Inn, 800 US Route 130, Hamilton, NJ. Para realizar un comentario público, por favor envíe su comentario por escrito a Jacinta.williams@njcdd.org a más tardar el miércoles 13 de mayo de 2026.

Durante la reunión, Amy Deaville, Administradora de Capacitación y Asistencia Técnica en el Centro de Información y Asistencia Técnica para Consejos (ITACC), presentará una descripción general de la Ley Federal de DD y el papel de los Consejos. Además, Brenda Considine, consultora, presentará una actualización sobre el estado del plan comunitario. Regístrate Aquí Alojamiento:
Para alojamientos en persona, interpretación de idiomas y/o otros ajustes, comuníquese con Jacinta Williams en Jacinta.Williams@njcdd.org con su solicitud específica de alojamiento al menos con dos semanas de anticipación o antes del Jueves 30 de Abril de 2026. Ver la Agenda Aquí

Securing the Future of the Direct Support Professional Workforce
2026-05-14 18:30 | Zoom
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Regional Family Support Planning Council #6 (Monmouth and Ocean) is interested in supporting the workforce development of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). We know how important DSPs are to the people and families we care about. To help us learn more, we are excited to welcome Joseph MacBeth from the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals.

Mr. Macbeth will share simple, practical ideas on how we can support DSPs, keep great staff, and bring new people into the field. He will also talk about training, onboarding, and ways to create real career paths that help DSPs grow and stay in the work they love. Register Here This session is a chance for family members to come together and learn how we can help build a stable, skilled, and supported DSP workforce for today and the future.

Multi-lingual closed captioning will be available. For more information, contact kerry.mcgrath@njcdd.org. Download Flyer El Consejo Regional de Planificación de Apoyo Familiar #6 (Monmouth and Ocean) está interesado en apoyar el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral de profesionales de apoyo directo (DSP). Sabemos lo importante que son los DSPs para las personas y familias que nos importan. Para ayudarnos a aprender más, estamos muy contentos de dar la bienvenida a Joseph Macbeth de la Alianza Nacional para Profesionales de Apoyo Directo.

Joseph compartirá ideas simples y prácticas sobre cómo podemos apoyar a los DSP, mantener un gran personal y atraer a nuevas personas al campo. También hablará sobre capacitación, incorporación y formas de crear carreras reales que ayuden a los DSPs a crecer y mantenerse en el trabajo que aman. Register Here Esta sesión es una oportunidad para que los miembros de la familia se reúnan y aprendan cómo podemos ayudar a construir una fuerza laboral de DSP estable, capacitada y apoyada para hoy y el futuro.
Se dispondrá de subtítulos cerrados multilingües.

Para obtener más información, comuníquese con kerry.mcgrath-njcdd.org. Descargar Folleto
