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. People with disabilities, their families, and organizations that serve support and advocate for people with disabilities in New Jersey serve as a resource to the Caucus, providing education and programming as needed.
Legislators who are members of the caucus serve as champions for individuals with disabilities in New Jersey by meeting with them in their district offices; participating in quarterly education forums; and above all, promoting policies to improve the lives of people with disabilities and considering the impact on the disability community in shaping all public policies in New Jersey.
With approximately 25 percent of adults in New Jersey identify as having some type of disability, the Caucus ensures their voice is heard in the decision-making process. This is critically important as people with disabilities in New Jersey continue to seek opportunities to be included and represented in all aspects of life as an integral part of the fabric of our society, despite progress after the passage of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) 30 years ago. New Jersey is among just a handful of states that have formed a Disability Caucus within its state legislature.
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Q&A about the NJ Legislative Disability Caucus
