DDD Update: 1/22/21

The following information was sent out by the New Jersey Department of Human Services' Division of Developmental Disabilities on January 22, 2021, and appears unedited below. Please note that The Arc of New Jersey is NOT the author of this information. We are only forwarding it as a service to individuals and families who may not be on the Division's subscription list.

The below update from The Division of Developmental Disabilities pertains primarily to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who reside in group homes and supervised apartments licensed by the Department of Human Services.

!! IMPORTANT UPDATE !!

The Division of Developmental Disabilities is pleased to share updated information related to the Walmart closed-POD (point-of-dispensing) program that launched the week of January 18, 2021.

The update relates to efficiencies in circumstances where (a) a guardian consents to vaccination but cannot return the physical signed consent form in time for the individual’s vaccination appointment, or (b) an individual’s court-appointed guardian has passed away, is incapacitated, or is not yet appointed, which is preventing COVID-19 vaccination.

Residential providers, residents and families should review the UPDATED Walmart COVID-19 Closed-POD Program for Residents with IDD in Congregate Residential Settings Licensed by the Department of Human Services overview document for more information.

Thank you.

Jonathan Seifried

Assistant Commissioner

New Jersey Department of Human Services

Division of Developmental Disabilities

Visit The Arc COVID-19 Updates & Information Web Site

During these extraordinary times, we at The Arc of New Jersey are working diligently to provide support, answers, and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and the community. Please know that our staff is working, some remotely, and will try to help in any way they can. Please call or email us as needed, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Don't forget that valuable information can be accessed through our fact sheets and recorded webinars which you can find here and here. Also, be sure to check our COVID-19 Updates & Information page for news and resources impacting people with I/DD during this time. This is a challenging period, but our organization is here to support you as best we can in the days and weeks ahead. You can also click here to download our new infographic detailing the services we offer.

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