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Governmental Affairs Update
By: Sharon Levine, Director of  Governmental Affairs and Communication

During the month of April, The Arc of New Jersey continued advocacy for a $1.25 an hour wage increase for Direct Support Professionals in the FY18 Budget. As Chair of the Coalition for a DSP Living Wage, The Arc testified at the Senate Budget Committee and held one-on-one

American Health Care Act Update
Earlier this month the House voted 217-213 in support of the American Health Care Act. The legislation, which includes significant cuts to the Medicaid program, now moves to the Senate. Should this bill pass in it's current form, it would decimate Medicaid as we know it and would jeopardize the long-term supports and services that people with I/DD depend on. Click here to read a statement from The Arc US regarding the recent action in the House and check out The Arc of NJ's protect the lifeline page for updates in the coming days and months. Our fight is not over and we hope we can count on your continued advocacy and support as we move forward.


EdgeUcation


"The Private School Option for Students with Disabilities"
Many students with intellectual and developmental disabilities can and should learn alongside their typical peers at their local public high school. To succeed in school, students should receive all necessary accommodations and or/modifications available to them, to help them learn and meet their goals. In some situations, the public school is not able to do this. Federal law requires your local school district to consider many different options, including private schools when considering a student's placement. Every child has the right to a free and appropriate education. A guide has been developed by ASAH to help you learn more about private school for students with disabilities.
 
Continue reading here.
Mission to Transition

Guardianship & Alternatives Options
At 18, all individuals reach the legal age of majority, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This means that a parent can no longer make decisions legally on behalf of their children. Most people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities can manage their own affairs with assistance and guidance from others, such as family and friends. If guardianship is necessary, it should be tailored to the person's needs.

ThinkWork! Survey

ThinkWork! Study Looking for Parents of Student with IDD.
 
Research shows that families are essential in the employment process for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). But often, the messages a family receives about employment are conflicting, and can vary between service systems.

The Family Engagement in Online Employment Planning Intervention is looking for parents of students with IDD to participate in a study to see how Facebook Messenger might be used to coach families on planning for employment. This study is part of  ThinkWork! at the ICI. 

The study uses Facebook Messenger, as well as  The Arc's Build Your Plan tool, to see how a well-planned and individualized engagement strategy might improve families' beliefs about employment for their family member with IDD.

Please share this flyer with anyone you know who might be interested. Also, interested participants can  complete the screening survey here.
Navigating the System

Extended Family as Caregivers
  
 Grandparents and extended family caring for a loved one with intellectual and developmental (I/DD) represents a growing trend. Many of the resources on our website apply to both parent and non-parent caregivers. However, grandparents and extended family may require additional resources to support their role as the primary caregiver.

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Do You 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. 

Camp Jaycee is Hosting an Open House!

For more information, contact Nicole Davis-Goodwin at (732) 737-8279 or [email protected].
 
Download event flyer HERE
Road to Employment

The New Jersey Career Assistance Navigator (NJCAN)
The New Jersey Career Assistance Navigator (NJCAN) is an Internet-based resource for accurate, comprehensive, current, and relevant occupational, post-secondary school and financial aid information. NJCAN contains the latest national, New Jersey and local labor market data and projections.

NJCAN also includes information on:
  • Job interview preparation
  • Resume and cover letter creation
  • How to keep a job
  • Self-employment
  • Military occupations
NJCAN is designed to support lifelong career exploration, and career planning and decision-making through easy to use, straightforward search and sorting utilities, and an online portfolio for saving information from all system components.
The Arc of New Jersey | 732.246.2525 | [email protected] | www.thearcfamilyinstitute.org | 985 Livingston Avenue, North Brunswick, NJ 08902




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