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The Family Advocate
October 2016
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Governmental Affairs Update
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By: Sharon Levine, Director of Governmental Affairs & Communications
The New Jersey Legislature was back at the State House in September after the summer recess, and The Arc of New Jersey weighed in on a number of bills making their way through Committee. This included supporting S2476 which would provide Medicaid coverage for services to treat and prevent Zika virus infection and associated health outcomes. Zika is a big threat to pregnant women, as the virus can cause developmental delays to unborn babies. The Arc of the United States and The Arc of New Jersey support increased funding to
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Stay up to date with what's happening! Save the Date and mark you
r
calendars for these upcoming events
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What's In Your Child's IEP?
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Parental Rights in Special Education (PRISE) - Updated August 2016
The NJ Department of Education recently updated the english version of its Parental Rights in Special Education guide, also known as the PRISE. This important guide helps families navigate the IEP process and informs students and their families of their rights and responsibilities within the special education system.
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The Arc of New Jersey's
Criminal Justice Advocacy Program
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There are at least 25,000 people with intellectual disabilities in prisons throughout the nation. Some studies suggest that number is even higher.
Early identification of offenders who have an intellectual disability is critical to providing appropriate treatment within the criminal justice system. Without knowledgeable advocates, offenders with developmental disabilities may not obtain equal justice.
The Criminal Justice Advocacy Program (CJAP) provides alternatives to incarceration on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities who are defendants in the criminal justice system, and is the only program of its kind in New Jersey.
CJAP also serves as a clearinghouse for information about offenders with developmental disabilities. It serves as a liaison between the criminal justice and human service systems. It monitors the quality of care and service provided to those with developmental disabilities as they move from one system to another.
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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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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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Plan Ahead for Academic Success: Using the IEP Meeting Checklist
Created by the PACER Center, this checklist can be used as you plan for your child's annual Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting.
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Special Needs Trust
The special needs trust can be your primary savings tool for your child's future. It allows you to properly transfer savings to your child without jeopardizing his or her ability to receive government benefits. Several ways to fund the trust are presented below.
Also referred to as a "supplemental care trust" the special needs trust provides a way for you to supplement government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The trust can be set up so it functions while you're alive, or begins to function after your death.
New Jersey Resources:
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Do You 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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Get Out the Vote Guide 2016
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Election Day is November 8, 2016 and The Arc of New Jersey wants to help you learn more about the voting process, the candidates running for office and the resources you may need when heading to the polls. Visit our website to view the Get Out the Vote 2016 Guide and bonus, web-only content. Remember, your vote is your voice!
Please Note: October 18, 2016 is the last day you can register in order to be able to vote in November's election. Register to vote HERE.
For more information on voting and the New Jersey candidates running for office, visit
www.gotv2016.org.
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Join the Conversation Online
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The Family Institute:
Planning For Adult Life:
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What is The Family Institute Reading This Month. . .
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Looking for a good book? Our Book of the Month Club is a great way to discover books written to support you and and your loved one with an intellectual and developmental disability. Check back each month to
see what we're reading!
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Employment: How to Access Support Services
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Vocational and Employment Services at
The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties
Vocational Training Services
At the
August Hoehne Rehabilitation Center, individuals receive a wide array of services and supports geared toward preparing them to enter the competitive labor market.
For more information, call: (201) 489-0094
Employment Services
The Arc's Employment Services Division is focused on assisting individuals with disabilities find and maintain community employment. Job coaches assist individuals throughout the employment process and provide on the job training and support.
For more information, call: 201-489-0094.
Arc Janitorial Training Services
Utilizing commercial and domestic settings, individuals are provided with
on-the-job custodial experience. Small crews work with a supervisor at a variety of sites. Transportation is provided.
For more information, call: 201-343-0322, Ext.2246
The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties is a qualified provider for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) and the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).
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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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Charitable Remainder Trust
Creating a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) allows you to put assets into a trust and provide income for life or a specific period of time, after which the remainder provides a gift to The Arc of New Jersey. For families with a member with intellectual and developmental disabilities who needs access to public benefits, a CRT with a Special Needs Trust offers a great choice.
If you have any questions about the information provided or if you would like to talk about making a gift, please contact us at [email protected].
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Are You the Parent of a Child or Adult Child Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
This study will examine the level of stress and depression experienced by parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The goal is to identify the potential causes of these stress and depression rates in order to recognize the unmet needs of this population. The survey will take 5-10 minutes to complete. For more information, please contact Ashley Stanton, doctoral candidate, at
[email protected].
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Great Work Happening! There are a lot of changes taking place in the service systems for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Families need a place to go to get up-to-date, accurate information and assistance with issues and problems. That place is The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute.
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OUR SUCCESS
Each month more than 225 families and professionals contact The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute looking for information and assistance. Our dedicated staff make sure that they understand the system and get the help they need.
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OUR SERVICES
In addition to one-to-one advocacy, we offer a wide variety of resources for families caring for a loved one with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including: * Webinars * Podcasts * Fact sheets * Workshops * Trainings * Go-bags * Printed materials * and more!
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HELP US GROW THE ARC OF NEW JERSEY FAMILY INSTITUTE!
 Your donation to The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute will ensure 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. Donate $100, $50 or even $25 to help make a difference today!
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Other Ways 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.
You Can Also Donate Your Car!
Donate your car, van, truck, boat or recreational vehicle! You get a tax deduction and The Arc of New Jersey gets a donation. Simply click on the link below, fill out an online form and select The Arc of New Jersey as the donation recipient. Within 1-2 business days, a representative will be in touch to arrange for towing at no charge.
Learn More HERE.
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