August 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.
Quick Links
Governmental Affairs Update

During the month of July, the Assembly took action on a number of bills which The Arc of New Jersey supports and which impact people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This
includes:
  • A1155 - Requires NJT to operate Access Link paratransit service during state of emergency under certain circumstances. (This bill received unanimous support and was sent to the Governor’s Desk.)
  • A3510 - Requires NJT to publish on website certain information concerning accessible transportation service routes. (This bill received unanimous support in the Assembly and now must be heard by the Senate)
  • A4138 - Requires Division of Human Services to develop public emergency response plan for licensed providers of services to individuals with developmental disabilities. (This bill received unanimous support in the Assembly and now must be heard by the Senate)
It's Time to Be Counted!
Census Takers in Your Neighborhood
Starting in July, census takers will visit homes that haven't yet responded to the 2020 Census.
You can still respond online.
Census Resources
2020 Census: A Guide for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Their Family - Click to Download
EdgeUcation
Student Privacy and Special Education: An Educator’s Guide During and After COVID-19
The National Center for Learning Disabilities shared a new resource developed in collaboration with the Future of Privacy Forum. In response to many questions they've received from educators about protecting the privacy of students with disabilities during virtual learning, they've released “Student Privacy and Special Education: An Educator’s Guide During and After COVID-19.” This resource describes how privacy laws apply to virtual learning and answers common questions from educators.
For special education students in New Jersey, the Technology Lending Center offers a free trial period of assistive technology devices. Examples of devices include large key keyboards, ergonomic mice, and stylus pens. This gives students the opportunity to find the devices that best suit their needs before purchasing or requesting them through the school district.

Learn more about the Technology Lending Center HERE.
Kids Corner
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute recently developed a helpful graphic for families to better understand the state's remote learning guidelines for the 2020-2021 school year. As parents determine what decision best suits their child and family, please feel free to reference this item, which you can download by clicking here. Additional questions? Contact The Arc of NJ Family Institute at fap@arcnj.org.
No registration required. Click on the link the day and time of the forum: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88252543824?pwd=TUlOZ0xpMHJLVncvNmVaQTcvbGtUUT09.

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

Join Disability Rights New Jersey staff Michael Brower, Esq. and Jill Hoegel, LCSW along with Values Into Action NJ guest speakers on Wednesday, August 12th for a discussion on guardianship and supportive decision making.

Registration is required to participate in this workshop.
Navigating the System

COVID-19 Communication Cards in English and Spanish
The Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH) developed COVID-19 Communication Cards for individuals to communicate symptoms and basic information regarding possible exposure to the Coronavirus to healthcare professionals. The Communication Card is available in both English and Spanish.
☝ Click the picture above to register for our free upcoming webinars! ☝
Road to Employment
The Arc of New Jersey’s Project HIRE is a supported employment program designed to connect people with disabilities to integrated employment opportunities in their community. 

The program assists adults with disabilities in finding and maintaining competitive employment. The program also assists Middle and High School students in their preparation and transition to adult life with its School-to-Work program.

The Arc of New Jersey's Project HIRE is accredited for Community Employment Services and School Transition Services by the Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Project HIRE is also a Medicaid Approved Service Provider.
For more information on the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS), download the above face sheet.
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thefamilyinstitute@arcnj.org