The Family Advocate
July 2016
Governmental Affairs Update
By: Sharon Levine, Director of Governmental Affairs & Communications

On Thursday, June 30, Governor Christie signed a $34.5 billion State Budget that includes $79 million in growth to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in New Jersey. The funding outlined in the final document represents a big commitment to community living by way of a significant increase in the number of housing vouchers as well as funding to address the Waiting List. These were both high-priority items in The Arc of New Jersey's Fiscal Year 2017 Budget campaign. Overall, the State Budget is

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's information.
What's In Your Child's IEP?
6 Options for Resolving an IEP Dispute

There may come a time when you and your school district disagree over what's best for your child. Conflicts can arise over the amount or quality of services the school is providing in your child's  Individualized Education Program(IEP). 

The good news is the   Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) gives you several ways to resolve disputes. Here are six options for resolving an IEP dispute.
Are you ready to vote?
The 2016 Presidential election is upon us. The Arc is dedicated to ensuring that you have the knowledge and opportunity to express your choice at the ballot box this November.

The Know Your Right To Vote  campaign is dedicated to providing educational materials and resources to the disability community. When individuals exercise their right to vote, they have the power to influence the structure and funding of many different programs, including Medicaid and Social Security.

If you are unsure about the upcoming election or how to access your right to vote, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission has a great resource on voting in federal elections. This voter guide entitled " 14 Facts About Voting in Federal Elections" is a necessary resource for any individual looking to learn more about the election. 
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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A New Housing Guide for the Disability Community

Last month, The Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey (SHA) in conjunction with Autism New Jersey, released a guide entitled, " The Journey to Community Housing with Supports: A Road Map for Individuals and Their Families in New Jersey."  This housing guide was designed specifically for individuals with disabilities and their families with a concentration on those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It provides information, advice and guidance about community housing and supports. To request a hard copy of housing guide, call 800.588.8200.

Training sessions will be offered for those interested in how best to use the guide and plan for community housing with support. Training dates with registration information are posted HERE
Navigating the System
Appeals Process

When faced with an unfavorable decision, the first step is to contact the person, district or agency directly. If you're not satisfied with the result after going through a review process or re-evaluation, you may submit a complaint, request a reconsideration or mediation. If that doesn't resolve the problem, you can file an official appeal or due process.  

With this in mind, The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute has developed a page on our website to serve as your "go-to-place" for information on filing an appeal. This page is always evolving, and we will continue to add new information as it becomes available.

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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 TheFamilyInsitute@arcnj.org. 

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
  • Promoting Self-Advocacy   
  • Overview of Developmental Disabilities
All workshops are customizable to fit your group's needs. Visit our website for more information.
The Arc of New Jersey is seeking to assist persons with I/DD 
regarding access to behavioral health services from NJ Medicaid
The Arc of New Jersey's Mainstreaming Medical Care Program  (MMC) provides advocacy for Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). 

Currently, MMC is seeking to assist Medicaid beneficiarieswith I/DD that are having difficulty accessing  behavioral health services, including services from a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, psychologist and/or social worker.

If you are having a problem accessing behavioral health services from your Medicaid HMO, please click HERE and submit the form. If you have questions, contact Jennifer Lynch at 732.246.2525 x35.
Join the Conversation Online
The Arc of New Jersey:
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The Family Institute:
 
Planning For Adult Life:
Employment: How to Access Support Services
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

President Barack Obama signed the Workforce Innovation and opportunity Act (WIOA) into law on July 22, 2014. WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services. The goal of WIOA is to help individuals  succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. 

WIOA also requires Vocational Rehabilitation agencies (such as the  New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services DVRS)  to set aside 15% of their overall budget to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services (P.E.T.S.) to students with disabilities and 50% of their supported employment budget to serve youth with  disabilities.

For more information click below:
Event Calendars
Event Spotlight:
 Supporting Students with Intellectual & Developmental Differences Build Social Skills
Stay up to date with what's happening! Save the Date and mark you calendars for these upcoming events
 
Planned Giving Corner
Learning About Wills and Bequests

 
Taking control of your estate plans is very important because there are a number of disadvantages to foregoing it. Just to give you an idea....

  1. Each State has its own way of distributing assets after the death of a person without a will. If a State steps in, your family and relatives will not be consulted about your intentions and preferences.
  2. Most people think their spouse will automatically inherit everything and that is not always true.
  3. If you are married and you and your spouse die together, you have no say about who will raise your minor children.
  4. The Courts can choose a stranger or someone whom you would not want to serve to handle the settlement of your estate, and it may be expensive to pay someone to do this work.
  5. You will not have the opportunity to leave a charitable bequest to your favorite charity.
  6. If you have minor children, money can be tied up in the courts that may be needed for their care.
  7. When each child reaches the age of majority (age 18 in New Jersey) he or she receives their inheritance all at once in a lump sum.
  8. And, if you do not have a will, the unique needs of a child with a disability could lead to important support services to be impacted.
Getting started on making decisions about your estate can be daunting. Start by clicking here to request our free "Will and Trust Planning Guide". This guide is a great way to begin the planning process and collect your information in preparation for meeting with an estate planning professional.
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If you have questions regarding any aspect of planned giving, please contact Celine Fortin at cfortin@arcnj.org. You can also visit our new  Planned Giving Webpage.
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. 
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