March 2020
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

Governor Murphy delivered his annual Budget Address last week and we’re very happy to report that the proposed State Fiscal Year ‘21 Budget includes funding to address two very important issues for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities:
  • wages for Direct Support Professionals and
  • Day Program Rates.

Specifically, the Governor’s proposed budget includes:
  • $42 million (state and federal dollars) toward DSP wages to keep these workers’ wages ahead of the rising minimum wage.
  • $20 million (state and federal dollars) to address day program rates. Right now, providers do not receive any payment when a person is absent from their day program. This funding recognizes the financial effects of absences and helps to address the issue so providers can continue to provide quality services to people with I/DD.

The Arc of New Jersey thanks all of the family members, self-advocates and Local County Chapters who were a pivotal part of our advocacy efforts. Whether it was participating in action alerts, speaking to elected officials, attending events at the State House, or educating members of the Administration on why these issues are so important to people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities.

Leading up to the Governor’s Budget Address, The Arc of New Jersey advocated with both the Governor and members of the Administration regarding funding levels for the upcoming fiscal year. This included testifying at departmental listening
Mark Your Calendar: Important 2020 Census Dates
  • March 12-20: Initial invitations to respond online and by phone will be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Areas that are less likely to respond online will receive a paper questionnaire along with the invitation to respond online or over the phone.
  • March 16-24: Reminder letters will be delivered.
  • March 26-April 3: Reminder postcards will be delivered to households that have not responded.
  • April 8-16: Reminder letters and paper questionnaires will be delivered to remaining households that have not responded.
  • April 20-27: Final reminder postcards will be delivered to households that have not yet responded before census takers follow up in person.
  • May 13-July 31: If a household does not respond to any of the invitations, a census taker will follow up in person.
Census Resources
2020 Census: A Guide for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Their Family - Click to Download
EdgeUcation
Field Trips and Students with Disabilities
" Students with disabilities cannot be excluded from field trips – even those with complex behaviors such as elopement or high needs, such as nursing care. Schools are required to provide accommodations through the IEP and behavior plan. You will not find this protection in IDEA – it would be a violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or ADA, depending on the specific scenario."

DD Training Resources is an 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.
We welcome your feedback on our new DD Training Resources website!
Mission to Transition

The Arc of New Jersey's Planning for Adult Life offers FREE Transition Planning Conferences
  • Date: Saturdays, March 28 and April 4
  • Time: 9 -1pm

These events are held throughout the state and consist of Parent Workshops that include:
  • an opening session on planning for transition;
  • a keynote presentation on SSI and Medicaid;
  • workshops (45-60 minutes) on specific topics including: support coordination, financial planning, eligibility requirements, and where to find help.

Families will have the chance to learn more about the resources in their communities and will also have the opportunity to speak with and interview potential service providers. 
Navigating the System

The bulletin below provides general information about your right to:
  • request a reassessment of the NJCAT
  • appeal DDD’s refusal to conduct the reassessment through a Medicaid Fair Hearing.

Click on the picture below to download.
Road to Employment
In the area of Disability Inclusion, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation (NJCCF) strives to enhance the employment preparation of job candidates with disabilities. Programs, conferences and services that address disability inclusion are varied and have been guided by New Jersey’s business community.
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thefamilyinstitute@arcnj.org