May 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

The current health crisis and its impact on people with I/DD is continuously evolving and The Arc of New Jersey continues to be at the forefront fighting for the best possible outcomes for those we represent. Our advocacy in recent weeks has included the Governor's Office, the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health to ensure the health and well-being of both individuals with I/DD, their families, and the Direct Support Professionals who remain our front line heroes during this very difficult time. We are pleased to report a number of positive outcomes, including:
  • The Department of Health issued the Allocation of Critical Care Resources During a Public Health Emergency document which
It's Time to Be Counted!
Responding to the  #2020Census  is easy—you can even do it on your mobile phone. When you participate, you become part of a count that influences future funding for special education, health care, housing, transportation, and other important community services.
Census Resources
2020 Census: A Guide for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Their Family - Click to Download
EdgeUcation
Information Alert: Special Education Update

Since the stay-at-home order, we have heard from thousands of families with students in special education who are struggling to provide learning opportunities to their children and effectively deal with the lack of support services and therapies their child would typically receive each day. It has been an extremely challenging time for all the families.

The Arc of New Jersey and the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities , along with many other community partners, have been advocating on a number of critical issues facing families struggling to provide special education to their student at home.

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

PFAL Webinar Wednesday Series: Navigating the DDD Service System

This workshop will provide an overview of the intake and eligibility process related to the Supports Program and the Community Care Program operated by the Division of Developmental Disabilities. The presentation will include the relationship between Medicaid eligibility and program eligibility, available Medicaid Waiver services, the support coordination agency process, and the role of the support coordinator as well as sharing the RECIPE for a meaningful life. 

Presenter: Nkechi Okoli, Senior Coordinator of Transition to 21 Education, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
Navigating the System

PPL, CARE team up for $500,000 donation to frontline coronavirus workers in N.J.
Frontline in-home workers who provide care and assistance for some of New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents, the elderly, people with developmental disabilities and military veterans will receive a special “thank you” gift to provide some relief from the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic.

☝ Click the picture above to register for our free upcoming webinars! ☝
Road to Employment
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The New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) may be able to assist students ages 14-21 with disabilities who need services to prepare for, get, and keep a job. Its goal for students through its Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) 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.

Presented on May 5, 2020
Click the picture below to download.
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thefamilyinstitute@arcnj.org