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The Family Advocate
May 2016
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Governmental Affairs Update
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By: Sharon Levine, Director of Governmental Affairs & Communications
The Arc of New Jersey attended the annual Disability Policy Seminar in Washington DC last month and then visited with members of New Jersey's congressional delegation. The informational sessions at the Seminar focused on threats to the lifeline programs which people with I/DD depend upon, as well as newly proposed provisions to the ABLE Act and special education issues. During our meetings with legislators, we advocated for their support against any potential cuts to Medicaid/Social Security, and to garner support and co-sponsorship for a number of bills making their way through the legislative process. We were joined by a number of fantastic advocates from The Arc of Mercer, The Arc of Warren and The Arc of Monmouth as well as our Board President Robert Hage. In addition,
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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's information.
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What's In Your Child's IEP?
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Office of Disability Services
More and more high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities plan to continue their education in post-secondary schools, including college. As a student with a disability, your child needs to be well informed about their rights. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act protects college students from
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Sprout Film Festival:
A film festival featuring short films about and by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
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Date: Saturday, June 4
- Location: Busch Campus Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway
The Arc of New Jersey is thrilled to host our first Sprout Film Festival on Saturday, June 4th in Piscataway, New Jersey. The Sprout Film Festival offers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to be on screen and behind the scenes in a wide range of video projects. Each film has a varied run-time and the genres can alternate from comedy, drama or documentary-style. The goal of the festival is to break down stereotypes and offer accurate portrayals of people with disabilities. The event will take place on the Busch Campus at Rutgers University and the auditorium is accessible for people with disabilities.
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Where Will Your Child Transition This Month?
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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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Non-Driver Identification Card
For many residents in New Jersey, a driver's license also serves as proof of identity. If your student does not plan on learning how to drive, you may want to consider helping them apply for a state identification card. Starting at age 14, New Jersey residents, regardless of disability, can apply for a non-driver photo identification card. The non-driver ID is
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The Arc of New Jersey Mainstreaming Medical Care Program
The Arc of New Jersey's Mainstreaming Medical Care (MMC) program promotes quality health care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) throughout New Jersey. MMC can provide 1:1 advocacy to help families navigate the Medicare and Medicaid systems. The program also works with healthcare professionals to promote quality health care for people with I/DD.
Some examples of the program's advocacy include:
- Explaining the application process for SSI and Medicaid at age 18.
- Helping families understand ways in which a person can become Medicaid eligible, which is a requirement for services from the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Explaining that DDD has an exceptions process for some persons who are not able to obtain Medicaid.
- Helping parents locate a physician, dentist, or mental health provider affiliated with the individual's Medicaid HMO.
- Explaining the Medicaid appeals process, including Medicaid fair hearings.
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Need More Help Navigating the System?
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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].
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Need a Speaker For Your Upcoming Meeting?
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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
- Promoting Self-Advocacy
- Overview of Developmental Disabilities
All workshops are customizable to fit your group's needs. Visit our
website
for more information.
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New Fact Sheet and Checklist
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The New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool (NJ CAT) is the
mandatory
needs-based assessment used by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) as part of the process of determining an individual's eligibility to receive Division funded services. Everyone, even those currently receiving services through DDD, will be required to take the assessment before they can be placed in DDD's Supports Program. With the importance of this assessment in mind, The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute has developed a fact sheet and checklist to assist families through the process. Click the images below to download.
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Join the Conversation Online
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The Family Institute:
Planning For Adult Life:
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Employment: How to Access Support Services
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7 Resources to Help Your Loved One Build Their Resume
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Event Spotlight: PCAST - Person-Centered Approaches in Schools and Transition: A Workshop for Families, Students and Educators |
Stay up to date with what's happening! Save the Date and mark you
r
calendars for these upcoming events
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The Consequences of Dying Without a Will
Question: What will happen to my money and possessions if I die without a will?
Answer:
If you die without a will, what happens to your assets will be determined by the state in which you reside. Every state has intestacy laws in place that parcel out property and assets to a person's closest relatives when there's no will or trust. A good resource to help you find out how your state works is About.com's Wills and Estate Planning site, which provides a state-by-state breakdown of how your estate would be distributed if you die without a will.
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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.
- Log into your Amazon account through www.smile.amazon.com.
- 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.
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