October 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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DHS Comm. Celebrates DSPs Recognition Week
Department of Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson and Jonathan Seifried Acting Assistant Commissioner visited The Arc of Somerset last month to celebrate Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. The Commissioner spoke with many individuals with I/DD who receive services from The Arc of Somerset and talked with staff and DSPs as she toured the center. Commissioner Johnson bestowed a proclamation from Governor Murphy declaring the week of September 9-15, 2018 in honor of DSPs. To read the proclamation   click here . The event also included remarks from The Arc of New Jersey's Executive Director Tom Baffuto and The Arc of Somerset's Executive Director Lauren Frary as well as a DSP and an individual who attends The Arc of Somerset program.
Get Out the Vote Guide Now Available!
This November, New Jersey residents will head to the polls to elect a US Senator and a member of Congress who will represent your local district. Before you head to the polls, make sure you check out our 2018 Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Guide. This publication is a great resource for families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Inside you'll find important dates, information on how to register to vote and the process for voting by mail, as well as external resources you should explore in order to learn more. The Guide is now complete so click the photo at the top to download your copy today.
EdgeUcation

How to Apply for SAT and ACT Accommodations
Would having extra time or using a computer help your teen on the SAT or ACT test? Both of these college entrance exams offer accommodations  for  eligible students  with learning and attention issues. But the process for applying to each is different.

Survey
The Arc of the U.S. is working with Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities, and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network to collect stories about how adult guardianship and alternatives impact people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). They are gathering these stories for a report that will be issued by the National Council on Disability. 
 
The Arc of the U.S. wants to hear the perspectives of people with ID/DD, their family members, lawyers, special education advocates, staff who provide transition services to youth with ID/DD, guardians, conservators, and other stakeholders.
Mission to Transition

The Arc of New Jersey Planning for Adult Life (PFAL) Program
PFAL is a statewide project funded by the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to assist young adults (between the ages of 16-21) with developmental disabilities and their families in charting a life course for adulthood. It offers a variety of resources that address the following core areas:
  • Postsecondary Education/Employment
  • Housing
  • Legal/Financial Planning
  • Entitlement Programs and Eligibility
  • Self-Direction
  • Health/Behavioral Health
  • Building/Maintaining Community Ties and Friendships
  • Planning/Visioning a Life Course
Navigating the System

Request a Speaker
Looking for a speaker to attend your next meeting, professional day or parent group? We offer both in person and webcam presentations on a wide variety of topics, including:
  • Accessing Family Support Services
  • The Basics of an IEP
  • Navigating the System 
  • Overview of Developmental Disabilities
  • Promoting Healthy Relationships and Sexuality and Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  • Social Security Income and Medicaid Eligibility: Why They Matter
  • Supporting Siblings Throughout the Lifespan
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
National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Celebrating Disability Inclusion for More than 70 Years

Reflecting a commitment to a robust and competitive American labor force, the 2018 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme is “America’s Workforce: Empowering All.” 
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thefamilyinstitute@arcnj.org