Resources by Subject

Aging
National Council on Aging (NCOA)

Traveling Safely With Portable Oxygen

General Services and Supports

New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) provides an estimated 2.1 million New Jerseyans with a range of services and supports, including those related to food assistance, child care, healthcare, aging and disability.

Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) DHS is home to the State’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), which provides public funding for services and supports that assist New Jersey adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, age 21 and older, to live as independently as possible.

• The functional criteria for an intellectual or developmental disability is that it:
• Manifests before age 22;
• Is lifelong in nature; and

Substantially limits life activity in at least three areas including: self-care, learning, mobility, communication, self-direction, economic self-sufficiency and ability to live independently.

Division of Disability Services (DDS) DHS is home to the State’s Division of Disability Services (DDS), which serves as a resource for all individuals with disabilities and their families, including those whose disability had its onset later in life as a result of injury or illness. DDS publishes The New Jersey Resources Directory annually.

Among its primary services and supports are the following:

• Information and Referral Services(I & R)
• Traumatic Brain Injury Fund(TBI Fund)
• Personal Assistance Services Program(PASP)
• Disability Health and Wellness Initiatives
• NJ ABLE(tax advantaged savings account)
• NJ WorkAbility(employment)

Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services (DMAHS) DHS is home to the State’s Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services (DMAHS) – the State’s Medicaid office. Medicaid provides health insurance to parents/caregivers and dependent children, pregnant women, and people who are aged, blind or disabled. These programs pay for hospital services, doctor visits, prescriptions, nursing home care and other healthcare needs, depending on program eligibility.

Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) DHS is home to the State’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), which oversees New Jersey’s adult system of community-based behavioral health services, including emergency screening, outpatient and intensive outpatient mental health services, partial care and partial hospitalization, case management, and long and short term mental health and substance abuse residential services.

DHS is also home to the State’s Mental Health Ombudsman , which is a useful resource for DMHAS services, consumer rights, and provider-related conflict resolution.

Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH) DHS is home to the State’s Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH), which provides education, advocacy and direct services to people experiencing hearing loss.

Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) DHS is home to the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which promotes and provides services in the areas of education, employment, independence and eye health through informed choice and partnership with persons who are blind or visually impaired, their families and the community. Most services are available at no cost.

A person is eligible for services if he or she is visually impaired or legally blind with best correction, and is experiencing problems in his or her life as a result of the vision loss.

To apply or refer someone for services, call 1-877-685-8878 or the local CBVI office.

• AssistiveTech.net
• The Alliance for Technology Access (ATA)
• Disability Rights NJ: Assistive Technology Advocacy Center
• Autism Speaks: Autism Apps
  Lists applications designed for or used with children and adults with autism.
• The Children’s Institute
  A private school in Verona, NJ serving students on the autism spectrum.
• The NJ Coalition for the Advancement of Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology
• The Pass It On Center
  Resource for used Assistive Technology programs and devices
• Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA)
• Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR)
• SHA-Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey : Accessing Developmental Disability Services in New Jersey- A Resource Guide for Individuals and Their Families
• TECHConnection
  A resource and demonstration center for computer technology and software for individuals with disabilities and their families, as well as for the schools, therapists, child study teams, early intervention providers, rehabilitation centers, nursing and group homes, hospitals, employers, and agencies that serve them.

• NJ Department of Education – Policy on Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)
• NJBullying.org
• NJEA Anti-bullying resourcesFree downloadable lessons, tools, and information to prevent and address bullying
• The NJ Education Law Center: Report on Bullying
• The NJ Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act – P.L. 2010, Chapter 122 (P.L. 2010, c.122)

The are several government services, supports, and programs available to New Jersey children with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Early Intervention Resources (Birth to 3)

New Jersey Department of Education is the home to the following Special Education Offices.

Office of Special Education For children (ages 3 to 21) with intellectual or developmental disabilities, local school districts play a lead role in the provision of supports and services – a role that is rooted in the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as well as corresponding New Jersey law.  Students with disabilities are entitled to Free, Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Many children receive their education and related services “in-district” through their local schools. Others rely on “out-of-district” schools – public or private – in other parts of the State or possibly in another State, depending on the needs of the student, though to the maximum extent appropriate, students are educated with non-disabled peers. By law, parents have the right to participate in process of developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) as members of the IEP team, if the child meets eligibility requirements for Special Education.

If you are concerned about a preschool child or student who may be developing or learning differently, contact the local school district where the child resides. Additionally, under IDEA, all states must have policies and procedures in in place requiring schools to locate, identify and evaluate students with disabilities for special education and related services

Office of Special Education Policy and Dispute Resolution (SPDR) SPDR has a responsibility under federal statute and regulations to operate a system of general supervision that monitors the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) by local education agencies (LEAs).

SPDR develops the Parental Rights in Special Education  brochure the required under New Jersey State law. SPDR accepts petitions for mediations, due process hearings, and emergent relief. View information regarding the request for mediation, due process and emergent relief. Petitions for due process may be submitted by email to osepdisputeresolution@doe.nj.gov.

Office of the Special Education Ombudsman The role of the Special Education Ombudsman is to serve as a resource to provide information and support to parents, students and educators regarding special education rights and services. Appointed by the Commissioner of Education, the ombudsman performs duties that include serving as a source of information for parents, students, educators and interested members of the public that helps them better understand state and federal laws and regulations governing special education. The ombudsman also provides information and support to parents of students with disabilities to help them understand and navigate the process for obtaining special education evaluations and services.

County Offices of Education The County Offices of Education are the focal point of general support, oversight and routine communications between local school districts and the Department of Education’s central offices. The county offices are the main responders to inquiries from families on most routine matters. A full list of County Office locations, as well as core services and information provided, are located on the County Offices of Education webpage.

New Jersey Guides to Special Education Rights

• NJ Department of Education Parental Rights Manual (PRISE)
• NJ Department of Education Parental Rights Manual – Spanish
• Education Law Center NJ Special Education Rights Manual
• Disability Rights New Jersey Special Education Advocacy Guide

New Jersey Administrative Code

• J.A.C. 6A:14, New Jersey’s special education regulations
• J.A.C. 1:1, New Jersey’s administrative hearing rules

Other State Resources

• The Learning Resource Center Network (LRC)is a project of the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education funded through IDEA Part B funds. The materials and resources at the LRC’s are provided to support the education of students with disabilities, helping them to succeed and to achieve in the least restrictive environment. Services offered include information, a lending library of books, training resources and materials, and production services.
• New Jersey Inclusive Education Technical Assistance (NJIETA)The NJIETA project is a collaborative effort between the New Jersey Department of Education Office of Special Education (OSE), the Montclair State University Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health (CAECMH), and the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE). NJIETA is designed for the collaborators to partner with public, charter, and vocational schools to provide Technical Assistance and Systemic Change Facilitation to develop more inclusive educational opportunities.

United States Department of Education Resource Links

• Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS)
• Office of Civil Rights
• Resource Guide for Parents – Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
• FAQ’s about Section 504 and the Education of Children with Disabilities
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act
• US Department of Education IDEA Website

Please visit this site for more information.

Children’s Interagency Coordinating Councils (CIACC). CIACC are entities that foster cross-system service planning for children with behavioral health problems. They serve as the mechanism to develop and maintain a responsive, accessible and integrated system of care for children with special social and emotional needs and their families, through the involvement of parents, consumers, youth and child serving agencies as partners.

Global Resources

World Health Organization

National Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus Information
What do older adults and people with disabilities need to know
U.S. Dept of Education Q&A on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic 

Statewide Resources

NJ COVID Information Hub
NJ Department of Health Communicable Disease Service
NJ Department of Human Services: COVID-19 Information
COVID Stimulus Payments and ABLE Account FAQ

Resources for Individuals & Families

Register Ready – New Jersey’s Special Needs Registry for Disasters
Coronavirus Response for Families With Autism
Emergency Child Care Assistance Program
Hospital Visitation Policy

Additional Resources and Factsheets

New Jersey Department of Education is the home to the following Special Education Offices.

Office of Special Education For children (ages 3 to 21) with intellectual or developmental disabilities, local school districts play a lead role in the provision of supports and services – a role that is rooted in the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as well as corresponding New Jersey law.  Students with disabilities are entitled to Free, Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Many children receive their education and related services “in-district” through their local schools. Others rely on “out-of-district” schools – public or private – in other parts of the State or possibly in another State, depending on the needs of the student, though to the maximum extent appropriate, students are educated with non-disabled peers. By law, parents have the right to participate in process of developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) as members of the IEP team, if the child meets eligibility requirements for Special Education.

If you are concerned about a preschool child or student who may be developing or learning differently, contact the local school district where the child resides. Additionally, under IDEA, all states must have policies and procedures in in place requiring schools to locate, identify and evaluate students with disabilities for special education and related services

Office of Special Education Policy and Dispute Resolution (SPDR) SPDR has a responsibility under federal statute and regulations to operate a system of general supervision that monitors the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) by local education agencies (LEAs).

SPDR develops the Parental Rights in Special Education  brochure the required under New Jersey State law. SPDR accepts petitions for mediations, due process hearings, and emergent relief. View information regarding the request for mediation, due process and emergent relief. Petitions for due process may be submitted by email to osepdisputeresolution@doe.nj.gov.

View a full list of Special Education Legal Protections and Responsibilities.

Office of the Special Education Ombudsman The role of the Special Education Ombudsman is to serve as a resource to provide information and support to parents, students and educators regarding special education rights and services. Appointed by the Commissioner of Education, the ombudsman performs duties that include serving as a source of information for parents, students, educators and interested members of the public that helps them better understand state and federal laws and regulations governing special education. The ombudsman also provides information and support to parents of students with disabilities to help them understand and navigate the process for obtaining special education evaluations and services.

County Offices of Education The County Offices of Education are the focal point of general support, oversight and routine communications between local school districts and the Department of Education’s central offices. The county offices are the main responders to inquiries from families on most routine matters. A full list of County Office locations, as well as core services and information provided, are located on the County Offices of Education webpage.

New Jersey Guides to Special Education Rights

• NJ Department of Education Parental Rights Manual (PRISE)
• NJ Department of Education Parental Rights Manual – Spanish
• Education Law Center NJ Special Education Rights Manual
• Disability Rights New Jersey Special Education Advocacy Guide

New Jersey Administrative Code

• J.A.C. 6A:14, New Jersey’s special education regulations
• J.A.C. 1:1, New Jersey’s administrative hearing rules

Other State Resources

• The Learning Resource Center Network (LRC)is a project of the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education funded through IDEA Part B funds. The materials and resources at the LRC’s are provided to support the education of students with disabilities, helping them to succeed and to achieve in the least restrictive environment. Services offered include information, a lending library of books, training resources and materials, and production services.
• New Jersey Inclusive Education Technical Assistance (NJIETA)The NJIETA project is a collaborative effort between the New Jersey Department of Education Office of Special Education (OSE), the Montclair State University Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health (CAECMH), and the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE). NJIETA is designed for the collaborators to partner with public, charter, and vocational schools to provide Technical Assistance and Systemic Change Facilitation to develop more inclusive educational opportunities.

United States Department of Education Resource Links

• Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS)
• Office of Civil Rights
• Resource Guide for Parents – Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
• FAQ’s about Section 504 and the Education of Children with Disabilities
• Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act
• US Department of Education IDEA Website

Please visit this site for more information.

Children’s Interagency Coordinating Councils (CIACC). CIACC are entities that foster cross-system service planning for children with behavioral health problems. They serve as the mechanism to develop and maintain a responsive, accessible and integrated system of care for children with special social and emotional needs and their families, through the involvement of parents, consumers, youth and child serving agencies as partners.

• A Guide to the Disaster Declaration Process
• Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) –  Handbook
• Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) – Toolkit
• Disaster Assistance Quick Resource List
• Disaster Legal Services
• Hope Coalition Aamerica: Financial Assistance Services – Hurricane Sandy
• Hope Coalición América: Servicios Gratuitos – Hurricane Sandy (en español)
• Guide – Help After A Disaster
• Guide -Ayuda después de un desastre (en español)

Disability World
A bimonthly web-zine of international disability news and views.
Disability Scoop
A daily source for developmental disability news from around the country
Disability In Focus
The NJCDD’s blog on the most important news and views from across the state and around the country.
Division of Developmental Disabilities Resources
Disabilities News RSS Feed

The College of Direct Support
National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals
National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services
Rewarding Work A website for direct support professionals, personal assistants, and their employers
NJ Association of Community Providers
The Alliance for Disability in Healthcare Education
A not-for-profit organization of medical school faculty, nursing school faculty, and other health care educators who are working to integrate disability-related content and experiences into health care training programs

Center for Personal Assistance Services
NJ Association of Community Providers

DD Training Resources
Cerebral Palsy Guide
Free educational resources, financial options, and support for those affected by cerebral palsy
Cerebral Palsy Group
SHA-Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey
Accessing Developmental Disability Services in New Jersey- A Resource Guide for Individuals and Their Families

My Child Without Limits
A comprehensive informational and social networking resource for caregivers of children ages 0-5 with developmental disabilities, and the professionals who work with them.
NJ Department of Health and Senior Services
Early Intervention System
Special Child Health Services
NJ Parent Link
NJ Early Intervention System
School Safety Issues Affecting Students with Disabilities

The Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN)
US Department of Education
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS)
NJ Department of Education
Office of Special Education
NJCDD’s Inclusive Education Page
The Education Law Center
Affordable Colleges
Special Education Volunteer Services
Tools for Teachers
Still Separate and Unequal Report
Restraints and Seclusion Booklet: English |  Español
Out of District Placements: Issues to Consider
New Jersey Inclusion Resources for Families
A School Deigned to Support the Education of Students with Disabilities

.

New Jersey Department of Education is the home to the following Special Education Offices.

Office of Special Education For children (ages 3 to 21) with intellectual or developmental disabilities, local school districts play a lead role in the provision of supports and services – a role that is rooted in the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as well as corresponding New Jersey law.  Students with disabilities are entitled to Free, Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Many children receive their education and related services “in-district” through their local schools. Others rely on “out-of-district” schools – public or private – in other parts of the State or possibly in another State, depending on the needs of the student, though to the maximum extent appropriate, students are educated with non-disabled peers. By law, parents have the right to participate in process of developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) as members of the IEP team, if the child meets eligibility requirements for Special Education.

If you are concerned about a preschool child or student who may be developing or learning differently, contact the local school district where the child resides. Additionally, under IDEA, all states must have policies and procedures in in place requiring schools to locate, identify and evaluate students with disabilities for special education and related services

Office of Special Education Policy and Dispute Resolution (SPDR) SPDR has a responsibility under federal statute and regulations to operate a system of general supervision that monitors the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) by local education agencies (LEAs).

SPDR develops the Parental Rights in Special Education  brochure the required under New Jersey State law. SPDR accepts petitions for mediations, due process hearings, and emergent relief. View information regarding the request for mediation, due process and emergent relief. Petitions for due process may be submitted by email to osepdisputeresolution@doe.nj.gov.

View a full list of Special Education Legal Protections and Responsibilities.

Office of the Special Education Ombudsman The role of the Special Education Ombudsman is to serve as a resource to provide information and support to parents, students and educators regarding special education rights and services. Appointed by the Commissioner of Education, the ombudsman performs duties that include serving as a source of information for parents, students, educators and interested members of the public that helps them better understand state and federal laws and regulations governing special education. The ombudsman also provides information and support to parents of students with disabilities to help them understand and navigate the process for obtaining special education evaluations and services.

County Offices of Education The County Offices of Education are the focal point of general support, oversight and routine communications between local school districts and the Department of Education’s central offices. The county offices are the main responders to inquiries from families on most routine matters. A full list of County Office locations, as well as core services and information provided, are located on the County Offices of Education webpage.

New Jersey Guides to Special Education Rights

NJ Department of Education Parental Rights Manual (PRISE)
NJ Department of Education Parental Rights Manual – Spanish
Education Law Center NJ Special Education Rights Manual
Disability Rights New Jersey Special Education Advocacy Guide

New Jersey Administrative Code

J.A.C. 6A:14, New Jersey’s special education regulations
J.A.C. 1:1, New Jersey’s administrative hearing rules

Other State Resources

The Learning Resource Center Network (LRC)is a project of the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education funded through IDEA Part B funds. The materials and resources at the LRC’s are provided to support the education of students with disabilities, helping them to succeed and to achieve in the least restrictive environment. Services offered include information, a lending library of books, training resources and materials, and production services.

New Jersey Inclusive Education Technical Assistance (NJIETA)The NJIETA project is a collaborative effort between the New Jersey Department of Education Office of Special Education (OSE), the Montclair State University Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health (CAECMH), and the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education (NJCIE). NJIETA is designed for the collaborators to partner with public, charter, and vocational schools to provide Technical Assistance and Systemic Change Facilitation to develop more inclusive educational opportunities.

United States Department of Education Resource Links
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS)
Office of Civil Rights
Resource Guide for Parents – Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
FAQ’s about Section 504 and the Education of Children with Disabilities
Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act
US Department of Education IDEA Website

US Department of Labor
   →US Department of Labor – Disability Resources   →Office of Disability Employment Policy
   →Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
       A free services of the Office of Disability Employment Policy of the U.S. Department of Labor

O*Net Online
Occupational information network making information interactive and accessible to all people.

National Center on Workforce and Disability
Provides training, technical assistance, policy analysis and information to improve access for all in the workforce development system.

NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development
   →Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services

NJ Workforce and One Stop Employment Information

The John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development
Career Guide for People With Disabilities

Employment First Resources
Resume Builder The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities Calls for Renewed Commitment to Employment First In a new report, Advancing New Jersey’s Employment First Practices and Policies, the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities calls for a renewed commitment to New Jersey’s Employment First policy, to improve employment outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This report was developed by the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, in partnership with the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts. The report’s executive summary and action plan (available in English and Spanish) includes an examination of the current landscape with a series of recommendations. A longer, more detailed version of the report and memo in English and Spanish are also available.

New Jersey is an Employment First state that recognizes everyone’s ability to work in a competitive, community-based environment. Many State Departments and Divisions offer programs and services – sometimes in partnership with private agencies and providers – to support people with disabilities in achieving their employment goals.

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS): The Department of Labor and Workforce Development is home to the State’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS), which provides employment-related services for individuals whose disabilities – physical, mental, cognitive or otherwise – result in a substantial impediment to employment. Services include: career and financial counseling, job search skill development, placement services, time-limited job coaching and supported employment, evaluations, job accommodations, vehicle modifications and interpretation services.

Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD): In compliance with and support of New Jersey’s Employment First initiative, competitive employment is discussed with individuals receiving services through DDD. DDD offers supported employment services based on assessed needs and when the individual is not eligible or no longer eligible for services through DVRS or CBVI.

Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Vocational Rehabilitation (CBVI): Vocational Rehabilitation Services offered by CBVI are tailored to the specific needs of people who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind. Services include vocational evaluation, counseling, career exploration, supported employment, transition services, training and assistive technology services.

NJ WorkAbility Administered by the State’s Division of Disability Services (DDS), NJ WorkAbility offers people with disabilities the opportunity to receive full Medicaid coverage while working and earning salaries of up to about $65,000 / year.

NJ ABLE With NJ ABLE, qualified individuals with disabilities can save for disability related expenses in tax advantaged savings accounts without losing eligibility for certain assistance programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. NJ ABLE is administered by the Division of Disability Services (DDS).

Other Employment Partners and Resources

NJ Centers for Independent Living (CIL) New Jersey is home to many Centers for Independent Living (CIL), which provide community-based, consumer-driven services and supports, including information/referral, peer counseling, skills training and advocacy. Many CILs receive funding from the N.J. Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) and provide counseling and services that support employment goals for individuals with disabilities. Access to these services require DVRS eligibility and an active, open case with the Division.

NJ Work Incentives Network Support (NJWINS) The Family Resource Network’s New Jersey Work Incentives Network Support (NJWINS) program assists Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries to start, continue or increase work efforts while maintaining benefits for as long as they are needed.

Disability Rights New Jersey The Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Program helps people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) remove barriers to employment. PABSS advocates provide legal support, advocacy and information to help beneficiaries understand their employment rights. Disability Rights NJ operates the PABSS program for New Jersey.

Federal Government Employment Resources

U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Disability Employment Policy The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is the only non-regulatory federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities.

Social Security Administration – Ticket to Work Everyone age 18 through 64 who receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits because of his or her disability is eligible to participate in the Ticket to Work Program. Participation in the Ticket to Work Program is free and voluntary. Anyone who chooses to participate receives services such as career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and job placement and training from authorized Ticket to Work service providers, such as the State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency. The service provider chosen will serve as an important part of the Ticket to Work “employment team.”

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Family Resource Network
Family Support Center of NJ
Mom-2-Mom
NJ Department of Human Services
   →Division of Developmental Disabilities   →Family Support Services
NJ Department of Children and Families
NJ Department of Health and Senior Services
   →Division of Family Health Services
Supports Program and Community Care Program Policies and Procedures: A Quick Guide for Families
The NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities, in collaboration with the Regional Family Support Planning Councils, has developed an easy-to-follow guidebook for New Jersey’s Supports Program and Community Care Program. 
SPAN Resource Parent Training Series
Supporting & Empowering Parent Leaders During Their Advocacy Journey

Northern Regions of New Jersey

Guardianship: What you need to know
Gabrielle Bohon, Esq., Vice-Chair, New Jersey Family Support

Planning for the Future with Plan/NJ
Ellen Nalven, M Ed., Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of NJ (PLAN/NJ)

An Introduction to Supports Broker Service
Patricia Brennan, Director of Waiting List and Special Projects Fee for Service Conversion Team
Division of Developmental Disabilities Department of Human Services

How Support Coordination Can Help In Planning For the Future
Alycea Tetto, Support Coordination Manager, Disability Services & Advocacy, LLC

Caregiver Succession Planning: How to Pass the Torch Effectively
Lorraine D’Sylva-Lee. Training and Consultation Specialist, Rutgers Behavioral Research and Training Institute,
Children’s System of Care, Training and Technical Assistance Program & CEO of LEE (Learning Enrichment Experiences) Services

Including Siblings in Future Planning
Kara Kushnir, MSW, LCSW, Sibling, Psychotherapist, New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities Member

Southern Regions of New Jersey

Guardianship: What you need to know
Gabrielle Bohon, Esq., Vice-Chair, New Jersey Family Support

An Introduction to Supports Broker Service
Patricia Brennan, Director of Waiting List and Special Projects Fee for Service Conversion Team
Division of Developmental Disabilities Department of Human Services

Including Siblings in Future Planning
Cheryl Crick, Coordinator, Family Advocacy and Advocacy Services, The Arc of New Jersey
Supportive Initiatives for Brothers & Sisters in New Jersey (SIBS NJ)
Certified Sibshop Facilitator

Online Resources

PLAN/NJ

https://www.plannj.org
Planned Lifetime Assistance of New Jersey (PLAN/NJ) is a unique, not-for-profit agency that provides practical solutions, thus lessening the fear and anxiety families experience when planning for the future.

Sibling Support

SIBS NJ, Supportive Initiatives for Brothers & Sisters in New Jersey:
www.facebook.com/sibsnj/
The Supporting Siblings Project by The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute
www.thearcfamilyinstitute.org/resources/sibling-resources/
Local, state and national resources can be found.

National Resources Center for Supportive Decision-Making

www.supporteddecisionmaking.org/state-review/new-jersey
New Jersey resources

Charting the LifeCourse Framework

www.lifecoursetools.com/
The Charting the LifeCourse Framework was created BY FAMILIES to help individuals and families of all abilities and all ages develop a vision for a good life, think about what they need to know and do, identify how to find or develop supports, and discover what it takes to live the lives they want to live.

NJ Department of Health and Senior Services
NJ Department of Human Services
   →Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund   →Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services
   →The Medicaid Community Care Waiver
The Federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA)
At-A-Glance Overview
Dental Care for Persons with Developmental Disabilities in NJ

Recommendations to Improve the Health and Safety of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Who Receive Services from the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities

Download the The Health and Safety Subcommittee (HSS) White Paper Here

The Health and Safety Subcommittee (HSS) was initiated by a family member whose adult daughter died in 2019 while residing in a state-licensed provider-managed setting. HSS is working with the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) within the Department of Human Services (DHS) and provider agencies to create systemic changes to ensure such tragedies like this never occur to any individual with I/DD again. Unfortunately, lives remain at risk; the time to act is NOW!

The following is a list of important legislation, policies, and other vital information concerning people with developmental disabilities

New Jersey FamilyCare Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Fact Sheet

NJ_DAC_Initial_Report

Americans with Disabilities Act

Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act

The 1993 NJ Family Support Act

NJ Snow Removal Law

The 1999 US Supreme Court Olmstead Decision

Danielle’s Law

NJ Department of Education – Policy on Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)

Independent Developmental Disability Fee for Service Oversight Board

New Jersey Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network Fact Sheet   English | Espanol

Assistive Technology Summit Report English | Espanol

Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and their Families

Annual Report 2021
Annual Report 2020
Annual Report 2019
Annual Report 2018

NJ Mental Health Cares
Mental Health Association of NJ
NJ Department of Human Services
 →Division of Mental Health Services   →Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services
   →Division of Developmental Disabilities – Taskforce on Dual Diagnosis
National Association for the Dually Diagnosed
Heroin Addiction Guide
Methamphetamine Addiction Guide 
Alcohol Addiction Guide
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) NJ
NJ FASD guidebook
Family Crisis Handbook 2nd Edition
An Enhanced Family Crisis Handbook: A Behavioral Health Wellness Kit

NJ Office of Minority and Multicultural Health
NJ Statewide Network for Cultural Competence
NJ Black Issues Convention
US Department of Human Services: la Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality – Información en español
National Center for Cultural Competence

NI Direct – Government Resources
National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families
Project STAR, Parents with Disabilities Project
The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Countie
The Arc Somerset: PACT Program (Parents and Children Together)
The Center for Rights of Parents with Disabilities
The Positive Parenting Resource Centerr
The Association for Successful Parenting (TASP)

Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy
Disability Policy Center
Institute for Child Health Policy
Office of Disability Employment Policy

There are many efforts underway throughout New Jersey to enhance the safety and security of people with disabilities. At all levels of government, community leaders have been developing and implementing a variety of targeted public safety measures.

New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety

New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) – is housed under the Division of New Jersey State Police, headed by the State Police Superintendent. The following Offices and Programs are administered by NJOEM.

People with Disabilities and Access and Functional Needs (AFN) often need additional time and assistance to prepare for a disaster. Housed in every County Office of Emergency Management is an Access and Functional Needs Coordinator.

NJ Register Ready  allows New Jersey residents with disabilities or access and functional needs and their families, friends, caregivers and associates an opportunity to provide information to emergency response agencies so emergency responders can better plan to serve them in a disaster or other emergency. Register Ready is a free, secure and voluntary database designed to help emergency managers and first responders plan for and support people with disabilities and access and functional needs (DAFN) who may need extra assistance during disasters. Contact your County Office of Emergency Management or Center for Independent Living to register. You may also register online or Telephone 2-1-1 (within NJ), or 877-652-1148 toll-free (TTY/TDD and translation services available). Information on Register Ready is also available in American Sign Language.

New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS)

The New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) within DHS is home to a specialized mental health Disaster and Terrorism Branch. Services include:

Individual crisis counseling
Psychological first aid
Disaster-specific psycho-educational information
Group crisis counseling
Consultation and training Information and referral services
Toll-free warm-line services

NJ GAINED Individuals with access and functional needs (AFN) may have issues related to communication, medical care, supervision, transportation and/or maintaining independence before, during and after disasters. The NJ Group for Access and Integration Needs in Emergencies and Disasters (NJ GAINED) was formed to identify issues likely to affect AFN populations as they prepare to respond to a large-scale emergencies or disasters, as well as emergency management personnel as they attempt to assist persons with AFN before, during and after adverse conditions.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) CDC maintains a website of Disability and Health Emergency Preparedness resources.

DisasterAssistance.gov The Disaster Assistance Improvement Program’s (DAIP) mission is to provide disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance through joint data-sharing efforts between federal, tribal, state, local, and private sector partners. These resources can help people with disabilities or access and functional needs learn how to prepare for disasters.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) FEMA‘s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters, and our guiding principles help us achieve it. It is housed under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA is charged with working with State and Local government agencies to assist them with developing emergency management programs.

• FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination
• FEMA information for New Jersey
• FEMA Individual Assistance Programs

Ready Campaign Launched in February 2003, Ready is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement. The site hosts a resource page of information that will help people with disabilities plan ahead for disasters.

An Enhanced Family Crisis Handbook

A Behavioral Health Wellness Kit

The purpose of this expanded version of the Toolkit is to empower individuals with disabilities and their family and professional caregivers by providing information to more effectively advocate for persons with complex severe behavioral health conditions (which we formerly referred to as “dual diagnosis”) for treatments, supports, services and the conditions that promote mental wellness.

Download the English Version here
Descarga la Versión en Español Aquí

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Supports Program and Community Care Program Policies and Procedures

A Quick Guide for Families was created and updated by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) in collaboration with the Regional Family Support Planning Councils. It includes concise summaries of DDD’s Supports and Community Care Programs.

Download the copy English
Download the copy Spanish
Printed copies can be requested using the following form here.

Due to public health emergency, requests will be fulfilled when our staff can safely return to the office. Thank you for your patience and understanding

 

Accessing Developmental Disability Services in New Jersey: A Resource Guide for Individuals and Their Families

The purpose of this guide is to provide basic information regarding how a person with a disability can access eligibility and intake for government-funded services. It is intended to assist individuals with disabilities and their families. Websites are provided when seeking additional information. Regulations and operating procedures change frequently, so the reader is encouraged to utilize the internet references supplied to obtain the most current information available.

English
Espanol

Supports Program and Community Care Program Policies and Procedures: A Quick Guide for Families
The NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities, in collaboration with the Regional Family Support Planning Councils, has developed an easy-to-follow guidebook for New Jersey’s Supports Program and Community Care Program.

The Childhood Disability Coalition

Statewide Parent Advocacy Network – Transition to Adulthood Resources

Think College!
Postsecondary education resources for students with intellectual disabilities

We Connect Now
A virtual community for college students with disabilities

NJ Department of Developmental Disabilities: Pathways to Adult Life

NJCDD Voting Guide Booklet: “Can I Vote?”

Politics1.comOnline Resource that provides links to the campaign websites of all NJ’s Major Candidates

The Bazelon Center for Mental Health LawState- by-state information about voting rights of people with disabilities, including those people under guardianship/conservatorship

ISideWith.com
A non-partisan web-application which allows users to input their views on the economy, social issues, the environment, and more help to determine which candidates has views that match theirs the most.

The National Disability Rights Network
A comprehensive list of online resources for people with disabilities, which includes resources on laws and legal issues, Election Day questions, accessibility, and more

The Arc of NJ: We’ve Got The Power – Vote in 2012
An online resource to learn more about the issues, how to register, and where to go on Election Day

The Elizabeth M. Boggs Center Voting Guide Booklet: Voting: It’s Your Right

The Riot!
The Riot! offers a newsletter, a blog where self-advocates can share opinions, an online art gallery, toolkits, games and services to help individuals become stronger self-advocates

The Special Olympics

GetFit

Kids Guide
Special Needs Camps in NJ

National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth