April 2019
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute provides caregivers with the necessary resources and education to access the appropriate supports and services for their loved one with an intellectual and developmental disability.
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Governmental Affairs Update

In the month of March, The Arc of New Jersey celebrated Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, testified at multiple legislative hearings, weighed in on a number of I/DD related bills and advocated on the FY20 Budget. The Arc of New Jersey’s Executive Director Tom Baffuto testified alongside Lauren Zalepka, a family member whose daughter receives services from The Arc of Monmouth, at both the Senate and Assembly Budget hearings last month. Testimony was focused on the Direct Support
Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families Annual Report for 2018

The Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and their families is required to issue a written report annually to the Commissioner of Human Services and the Commissioner of Children and Families.
EdgeUcation

The New Jersey Department of Education’s Office of Special Education, in partnership with the Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities, is sponsoring training on  Person-Centered Approaches in Schools and Transition (PCAST) . The PCAST Project has a focus on improving the transition from school to adult life for students with disabilities. All person-centered approaches involve a discovery process that uses facilitated conversations and other methods to identify an individual’s strengths, goals and vision in order to develop strategies to provide supports and overcome barriers.

Note:  Parent attendees will be offered a $100 stipend (one per family). If you have questions regarding this training event, please contact Bob Haugh at (609) 376-3736 or email robert.haugh@doe.nj.gov . 
30th Annual Conference on Medical Care for People with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

The conference brochure for The Arc of NJ's 30th Annual Conference on Medical Care is now available.  Click here   to download your copy. The Conference will take place on Friday, May 31 at the Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village and is intended for everyone who is concerned about providing quality health care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. If you have any questions, contact Jenn Lynch at JLynch@arcnj.org or 732-784-6397.
EBT and Medicaid Cardholders Get a Discount on Amazon Prime
Already shopping on Amazon.com? Now those shopping trips can benefit your favorite charitable organization!
  1. Log on to www.smile.amazon.com
  2. Chose "The Arc of New Jersey, Inc." as your charity of choice
  3. Amazon.com will donate a portion of your purchase price to us, at no extra cost to you. 
Mission to Transition

Webinar: Including Brothers & Sisters of Children with Disabilities During the Transition Years
The relationship between brothers and sisters plays a very important role in the lives of both individuals with developmental disabilities and their siblings. During a student’s transition years (14-21) when the family begins to plan for the future, it is critical that siblings are included in the process. Hosted by The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute and presented by Kristen Sellix, MSW, LCSW from SIBS NJ, this webinar will discuss why and how to include brothers and sisters during the transition years and beyond.
Navigating the System

Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease:
New Support Group for Families and Caregivers
Leone Murphy, RN, APN is an advanced practice nurse whose career has been devoted to healthcare for the special needs community. She is also the proud mother of Michelle, a woman with Down syndrome. Leone is the Chair of The Arc of New Jersey’s Mainstreaming Medical Care Program.  Jane Boyle  is a surviving sibling and family caregiver.  Together, they have launched the New Jersey Down Syndrome & Alzheimer’s Family Support Group.  The Asbury Park Press recently featured a front page story about their plans and you can read it by clicking here  here .

Participants can attend in person, on-line, or by calling in. For more information and to participate, email leonemur2@yahoo.com or jboyle417@gmail.com .
Upcoming Events
Save the date and mark your calendar for these upcoming events. Click the picture to the left to visit our calendar.
Road to Employment
Pre-Employment Transition Services
The New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) assists students with disabilities who will need services to prepare for, get, and keep a job. Its goal is to create a smooth transition from school to work so that upon graduation, a student is prepared to begin work or post-secondary training that leads to employment. .
Our new website is up and ready!
DD Training Resources is a new online database, funded by a grant from The NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities and run by The Arc of New Jersey's Family Institute. It provides a wide range of information about trainings and support resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout the State of New Jersey.
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thefamilyinstitute@arcnj.org