November 2018
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute is dedicated to providing the resources and referrals necessary to navigate through the system of care. We provide timely information and work to bridge the gap between service changes and families.
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Governmental Affairs Update
The Arc of New Jersey advocated at the State House last month, along with fellow members of the Coalition for a DSP Living Wage, regarding the impacts a proposed $15 minimum would have on the Direct Support Professional workforce. It is important for legislators to remember that providers are unable to pass along the cost of a higher minimum wage to consumers and so funding to accommodate an increase must come from the state. In addition, we emphasized to lawmakers that
Get Out the Vote Guide Now Available!
Election Day is Tuesday, November 6 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. Here you will find our Get Out the Vote 2018 Guide and resources you can use to learn more about the candidates and the voting process.

Remember, your vote is your voice!
EdgeUcation

Do You Know About Alicia's Law ?
Enacted in 2008, Alicia's Law permits a student, whose high school special education program requires instruction beyond four years, to participate with their class in a graduation ceremony and to receive certificate of attendance.

Recess is Now Mandatory in New Jersey Elementary Schools
On August 10, 2018, Governor Murphy signed P.L. 2018, c. 73 which requires, among other things, that school districts provide a daily recess period for students in kindergarten through fifth grade . This law will go into effect in the 2019-20 school year.
Click to download fact sheet.
New Fact Sheet from The Arc of New Jersey Mainstreaming Medical Care Program
When an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD) has been receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), parents are often surprised and worried when they are notified by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that it is time for a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) or a Non-Medical Redetermination or a Review (sometimes called a REDE).
Mission to Transition

Transitions: From the Comfort Zone to the Unknown - Five Resources for a Smooth(er) Transition to Independence
Transitions, at any level, can be both exciting and daunting. We take the necessary steps to prepare ourselves for the next steps, but the future will always remain unknown. 
Navigating the System

Navigation At A Clip
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute has added a new section to its website, Navigation At A Clip. Each month we will publish a short video to help you navigate through a particular topic of interest.
Upcoming Events
Save the date and mark your calendar for these upcoming events. Click the picture to the right to visit our calendar.
Road to Employment
Looking For a Speaker for Your Next Family Meeting?
The Arc of New Jersey Training and Consultation Services offers various training and technical assistance options. The trainings provide groups with valuable information and assistance in the areas of Supported Employment and Transition from School to Work and Adult Life. 
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thefamilyinstitute@arcnj.org