By: Sharon Levine, Director of
Governmental Affairs and Communication
New Jersey will select a new Governor on Tuesday and for the next four years, this person will make a number of important decisions regarding supports and services for people with I/DD. Don't skip this opportunity to make your voice heard. If you haven't done so already, check out our annual
Get Out The Vote Guide and read through the candidate questionnaire as well as other resources and information about Election Day.
If you encounter disability-related voting problems on Tuesday, contact Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ) at
800-922-7233
or
609-633-7106
. DRNJ will have attorneys available by telephone to answer your questions. Not sure if you're registered to cast your ballot next week? Click here to find out.
EdgeUcation
Special Education Ombudsman
The role of the Special Education Ombudsman is to serve as a resource to provide information and support to parents, students and educators regarding special education rights and services. Appointed by the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education, the ombudsman performs duties that include serving as a source of information for parents, students, educators and interested members of the public that helps them better understand state and federal laws and regulations governing special education. The ombudsman also provides information and support to parents of students with disabilities to help them understand and navigate the process for obtaining special education evaluations and services.
What is Adult Life Planning and Why is it Important?
New Jersey defines Transition Services as a coordinated set of activities for a student, designed within an outcome-oriented process, that promotes movement from school to post-school activities, including:
The role of a sibling in the life of a person with an intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) is as complex as it is meaningful. Many of us at The Arc of New Jersey and our local county Chapters know firsthand what it's like to grow up with a family member with I/DD. We understand and share the vision you have for a healthy independent life for your sibling.
The main difference between Social Security Disability (SSD, or SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is the fact that SSD is available to workers who have accumulated a sufficient number of work credits, while SSI disability benefits are available to low-income individuals who have either never worked or who haven't earned enough work credits to qualify for SSD.
Are you a caregiver, individual or professional in need of help navigating the system? The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute can assist you.
November is National Family Caregivers Month
National Family Caregivers Month - celebrated each November - is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country.
More than 65 million Americans provide care for a loved one who has a disability, is chronically ill, or is elderly and they spend an average of 20 hours per week providing care. For caregivers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), the levels of responsibility are not only greater, but frequently lifelong.
The Arc of Middlesex's Vocational Services Department encourages independence through employment opportunities by teaching daily living skills, community integration and volunteerism. Community integration is emphasized in all programs to improve each person's quality of life. The job seekers attend structured programs to enhance their potential for employment.
The Arc of Middlesex offers two vocational programs:
