The Family Advocate
March 2016
March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month!
2016 Theme: We Can, Just Like You

National Developmental Disability Awareness Month is an opportunity to promote respect for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Please join The Arc of New Jersey in spreading awareness about the positive contributions people with I/DD make to society every day, by becoming an Awareness Family Ambassador. 

As an Ambassador, you will carry on the tradition of families working together to improve the quality of life for all people with I/DD. The kit includes posters, fact sheets and other exclusive resources to help you promote awareness in your community. Feel free to download, copy and distribute any of the materials.

For more information, visit  www.disabilityawarenessnj.org.
Governmental Affairs Update
By: Sharon Levine, Director of Governmental Affairs & Communications

Governor Christie unveiled his proposed FY17 State Budget in February and The Arc of New Jersey is very happy to see that funding levels support a commitment to community living and the well-being of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Specifically, there is a big increase in the number of proposed housing vouchers and funding to address the Waiting List. The Governor's proposed State Budget also includes money to assist community providers as they transition to the new fee-for-service system. Here is a detailed breakdown:

Seeking Support Groups
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute needs your help!

We are looking to expand our list of support groups offered in New Jersey.  If you know of a support group that could offer help or guidance to i ndividuals with a disability, p arents, caregivers or s iblings,  please click HERE to submit your Support Group information.
What's In Your Child's IEP?
Dyscalculia is a learning issue that causes serious math difficulties. Dyscalculia makes it hard to make sense of numbers and math concepts. It is difficult for individuals to learn and memorize basic number facts. Often, students know WHAT to do in math class, but don't understand WHY they are doing it.

Dyscalculia, sometimes referred to as a math disability or math dyslexia, isn't as well known as other learning issues. If you believe that your child might have Dyscalculia, you can request an evaluation for special education services. If your child qualifies for an IEP or a 504 plan, it will give him/her access to more resources, such as assistive technology to help with calculating and other math skills.

To learn more about Dyscalculia please click HERE.
2016 Summer Camp Funding Applications
The New Jersey Children's System of Care  (which serves  children and youth up to age 21)  and the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (which serves adults 21 and older)  are now accepting requests from families for financial  assistance   toward the 2016 summer camp session. Each state agency has its own eligibility requirements and application process. 

For more information , as well as instructions on how to apply,  visit our website HERE .
Where Will Your Child Transition This Month?
Transitions from one life setting to another are challenging, complicated events for most people. However, these challenges may be magnified for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Each month we will share information about how you can help your loved one plan ahead. 
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Click the image to download the guide
Supported Decision Making

Supported Decision Making offers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their loved ones an alternative to full guardianship. It provides an opportunity for adults with I/DD to make their own decisions, consistent with their beliefs, values and needs. 

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network   (ASAN) has created a guide to help individuals and their families understand what Supported Decision Making is and how to make it work for the individual. Download the guide HERE. 

For more information on guardianship and alternative options, download The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute Guardianship Go Bag. Also, don't forget to register for our upcoming webinar "Guardianship and Surrogate Decision-Making" by clicking HERE.
Navigating the System
Transportation

Access Link is a public transportation service developed to comply with the para-transit regulations of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA of 1990 is a Civil Rights Law that protects the rights of people with disabilities. All individuals interested in applying for Access Link service, are required to attend an in-person transportation assessment interview. Access Link does not take assessments over the phone, nor will they send you an assessment form in the mail.

Determining Eligibility:
When determining your Access Link eligibility, in addition to your disability, NJ TRANSIT abides by the ADA regulations that consider the following:
  • Your ability to use the local fixed-route bus system independently.
  • Any individual with a disability who could use the local fixed route bus system if it had the appropriate accessible features available but those features are not available.
  • The impact of your disability combined with the environment that prevents you from getting to or from a bus stop.
For more information, visit  Access Link's website.
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Need More Help Navigating the System? 

Are you a caregiver, individual or professional in need of help navigating the system? The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute can assist you regardless of the individual's age. Click HERE to submit a Problem Intake Form online or download the Problem Form HERE and email it to [email protected]. 

Need a Speaker For Your Upcoming Meeting?
Looking for a speaker to attend your next meeting, professional training day or parent group?  The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute is proud to offer workshops and seminars on a wide variety of topics.

Topics can include:
  • Post Secondary Options for Students with Developmental Disabilities
  • The Basics of an IEP
  • Navigating the System (early intervention through adult services)
  • The Keys to a Smooth Transition into Adult Life
  • Public Policy and Advocacy: A How-to Guide for Families
  • Accessing Services and Supports  
  • Overview of Developmental Disabilities
All workshops are customizable to fit your group's needs. Visit our website for more information.
Show Your Support
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute was initiated in 2014 to help families caring for a loved one with intellectual and developmental disabilities to overcome the challenges they face every day. Since its inception,  The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute has helped more than 1,000 families find resources, get answers and access the supports and services they need.

Gifts of any amount are urgently needed .... because every gift is a statement - a statement of your commitment to supporting families in need now and for the future.

Your support for The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute will ensure that this vital program will continue to help the thousands of New Jersey families struggling to care for their loved one with intellectual and developmental disabilities.



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Another way to give
Do you shop on Amazon.com? Now those shopping trips can benefit The Arc of New Jersey all year round! 

It's simple to set up.
  1. Log into your Amazon account through www.smile.amazon.com. 
  2. When prompted, choose "The Arc of New Jersey Inc." as your charity of choice and Amazon.com will donate a portion of your purchase amount to us, at no extra cost to you. 
Join the Conversation Online
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Planning For Adult Life:
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New Jersey WorkAbility

The NJ WorkAbility Program offers full New Jersey Medicaid health coverage to people with disabilities who are working, and whose earnings would otherwise make them ineligible for Medicaid. 

Eligible candidates must meet the following guidelines:
  • Be between the ages of 16 and 64
  • Work part time, full time or be self-employed and have proof of employment
  • Have a permanent disability as determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the Disability Review Team at the Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services (DMAHS)
  • Have an earned income of no more than $60,625 per year (no more than $81,425 per year if an eligible couple--both with permanent disability, both working)
  • Have unearned income (pensions, child support, interest, etc.) less than $981 per month (less than $1,328 for eligible couples)
  • Have less than $20,000 in liquid assets (or less than $30,000 if an eligible couple)
For more information, call 888-285-3036.
Event Calendars
Event Spotlight:
An IEP Review With the Attorneys of Hinkle, Fingles, Prior, & Fischer, Attorneys at Law

Stay up to date with what's happening! Save the Date and mark your calendars for these upcoming events. 

  
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