| | | | NJCDD's Eye on Advocacy weekly e-newsletter published every Tuesday focused on important news and events for the intellectual and or developmental disabilities community. You are welcome to submit news items and feedback to njcdd@njcdd.org. | |
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| | | | | Autism Ambassador Ambassadors advocate, educate, and promote awareness and acceptance through various events and outreach activities across the state.
For 25 years, Autism New Jersey’s cornerstone autism awareness campaign, the Ambassador Program, has had a significant impact on increasing the understanding and acceptance of autism in New Jersey. | |
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| | Autism acceptance should be personal to all of us, whether we are an autistic individual, a family member, teacher, or fellow community member, we all deserve to feel kindness and belong to our communities | |
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| | | | | 3rd Annual Autism Awareness Day Cosponsored by Nassans Place
NJCDD's Adam Kubler was out and about on April 6th for Autism Awareness Day at Mulberry Commons, Newark NJ, with Tray Kearney as host. Along with cosponsor Nassan's Place bring autism awareness to the community with fun activities, resources, and giveaways. | |
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| | | | | | Sabe is Hiring Administrative Support Person The SABE Support Person will provide administrative, “behind the scenes” support to SABE Board members so that they may fully participate in SABE-related activities. This job is 20 hours per week and is located in Washington, D.C.
Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) is the United State’s national self-advocacy organization. We are a national board of regional representatives and members from every state in the US. | |
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| | | | | The Gary Rubin Independence and Advocacy Fund from The New Jersey American Association on Intellectual
and Developmental Disabilities (NJAAID) | |
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| | The New Jersey American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (NJAAID) dedicates this emergency fund to Gary Rubin NJCDD council member and a former NJAAID board member nationally recognized and respected advocate. Gary has dedicated his life to promoting the independence of people with disabilities, closing institutions, and expanding community supports.
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can apply for this grant up to $5,000 to meet emergency needs such as medical care, utility bills, housing needs, scholarships, and other major emergencies. Contact Walter Kalman at wkalman@njaaidd.org for more information. | |
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| | | | | Do You Know the Developmental Disability Agencies Available to You? In recognition of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Ombudsman’s Office for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and their Families are excited to launch a survey to assess individuals with disabilities and their families’ awareness and satisfaction with several organizations. This survey is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Chinese, and Gujarati. See below for the links to the specific language. English- Survey Here Spanish- Survey Here Portuguese- Survey Here Korean- Survey Here Chinese- Survey Here Gujarati- Survey Here The survey will be available until April 15th, 2024. If there are any questions about the survey or if you need any assistance in completing it, please contact Kerry McGrath at kerry.mcgrath@njcdd.org or (609)-984-4516. A live interpreter is available upon request. | |
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| | ¿Conoce las agencias de discapacidad del desarrollo disponibles para usted? En reconocimiento del Mes de Concientización sobre las Discapacidades del Desarrollo, el Consejo sobre Discapacidades del Desarrollo de Nueva Jersey y la Oficina del Defensor del Pueblo para Personas con Discapacidades Intelectuales o del Desarrollo y sus Familias se complacen en lanzar una encuesta para evaluar la conciencia y satisfacción de las personas con discapacidades y sus familias con varias organizaciones. Esta encuesta está disponible en inglés, español, portugués, coreano, chino y gujarati. Consulte a continuación los enlaces al idioma específico. Inglés- Survey Here Español- Survey Here Portugués- Survey Here Coreano- Survey Here Chino- Survey Here Gujarati- Survey Here La encuesta estará disponible hasta el 15 de abril de 2024. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre la encuesta o si necesita ayuda para completarla, comuníquese con Kerry McGrath en kerry.mcgrath@njcdd.org o (609)-984-4516. Un intérprete en vivo está disponible a pedido. | |
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| | | | | The New Jersey Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has rescinded the Request for Proposals (RFP) originally released on January 31, 2024, titled START Services NJ: Development of Mobile Crisis Prevention and Response | |
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| | Program(s) to Serve People with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability and Co-Occurring Mental Health Needs Based on the National START Model.
The successful bidder will partner with the National Center for START Services™ to develop one mobile crisis prevention and intervention program, consisting of a clinical team and therapeutic coaching team, to serve adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs who live in the southern region of New Jersey (as defined in the RFP).
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| | | | | State Rehabilitation Council Public Forums Listening Session - State Rehabilitation Council & the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services representatives will be available to listen to you
- Help shape program delivery & policy to increase employment for people with disabilities
- Share you lived experience
- Help up learn about the issues, concerns, strengths and suggestions you may have.
Save the Date and Register - Tuesday, April 30, 2024 | 6:30-8:00pm
- Wednesday, May 1, 2024 | 3:00-4:30pm
- Monday, May 6, 2024 | 10:00-11:30am
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Friday, April 12, 2024 l10:00 AM - 12:00 PM The Evolution of Autism Policy in the US: Implications for the Future The prevalence of autism in the US has increased rapidly in the last three decades. In this session, participants will learn about how policies and programs to meet the needs of this growing group have been created and put in place.
Friday, May 10, 2024 l 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Trauma Informed Supports for People with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities This session will provide a view of trauma from the perspective of the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.
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Friday, May 17, 2024 l 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Improving Employment Outcomes: The Lessons We Are Learning As interest in Employment First gains ground, state agencies and service providers are being called upon to rethink how they support people with disabilities and help them become valued members of our workforce. |
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| | | | | | | Transition Discoveries: Your Voice. Your Story. Your Future Monday, April 15th, 2024 @ 2pm
Join us for an interactive and conversational training session by Transition Discoveries, a non-profit dedicated to guiding youth, families, and communities through transition in post-secondary education, everyday life, and beyond! Discover the unique approach that makes Transition Discoveries stand out is based upon the mantra Your Voice. Your Story. Your Future. Learn how to use Transition Discoveries cards to build authentic connections, which is at the heart of our mission. Explore the pivotal role of strong relationships in empowering families to support their youth through transition with confidence and resilience. | |
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| | Descubrimientos de Transición: Tu voz. Tu historia. Tu future Lunes 15 de abril de 2024 @ 2pm ET
Acompáñenos en una sesión de capacitación interactiva y conversacional impartida por Descubrimientos de Transición, una organización sin fines de lucro dedicada a guiar a jóvenes, familias y comunidades a través de la transición en la educación post secundaria, la vida cotidiana y mucho más. Descubra el enfoque único que hace que Descubrimientos de Transición se destaque y se base en la idea de Tu voz. Tu historia. Tu futuro. Aprenda a utilizar las tarjetas de Descubrimientos de Transición para construir conexiones auténticas, lo cual es el núcleo de nuestra misión. Explore el papel fundamental de las relaciones sólidas para empoderar a las familias para que apoyen a sus jóvenes durante la transición con confianza y resiliencia. | |
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| | | | | | Regional Family Support Planning Council #1 (Morris, Sussex, Warren) cordially invites parents and family members of children and adults with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) to a special meeting regarding Project Lifesaver. A community conversation will follow immediately after the presentation. Project Lifesaver is a search and rescue program operated by public safety agencies to provide timely responses to save the lives of people with cognitive disabilities who may wander from their homes. After the presentation, we open the floor for the audience. We want to listen to the issues you are facing to care for your loved ones with I/DD so that we can deliver your voice to the state level. Download Flyer | |
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| | El Consejo Regional de Planificación de Apoyo Familiar #1 (Morris, Sussex, Warren) invita cordialmente a los padres y familiares de niños y adultos con discapacidades intelectuales o del desarrollo (I/DD) a una reunión especial sobre el Proyecto Lifesaver. Una conversación comunitaria seguirá inmediatamente después de la presentación. Project Lifesaver es un programa de búsqueda y rescate operado por agencias de seguridad pública para brindar respuestas oportunas para salvar las vidas de personas con discapacidades cognitivas que puedan deambular fuera de sus hogares. Después de la presentación, abrimos la palabra al público. Queremos escuchar los problemas que enfrenta al cuidar a sus seres queridos con I/DD para que podamos hacer llegar su voz a nivel estatal. Descargar Folleto | |
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| | | | | The New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus invites you to our webinar Addressing Safe and Inclusive Education | |
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| | Tuesday, April 23 starting at 12:00 pm Assemblywoman Aura Dunn will lead the discussion along with Legislators and Disability Caucus Collaborators. | |
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| | The April 23 meeting of the New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus will discuss how the shortage of special education teachers is impacting classroom inclusion and support services. Educational leaders from both public and private schools will share their experience with hiring challenges and provide policy solutions to bolster recruitment and retention of high-quality special education staff.
With the school day beginning the minute children board the school bus, the latter half of the meeting will focus on school transportation safety, challenges facing school districts and recommendations to ensure the health and wellness of every child on their way to and from school. | |
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| | | | | Building Connections Between Healthcare Professionals, Individuals/Families, and Support Professionals Wednesday, April 24 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM EST People with intellectual and developmental disabilities sometimes require extra support during medical appointments. To optimize outcomes, it is important to build collaborative relationships between the person, their family, support professionals, and healthcare providers. This presentation will discuss ways that families, support professionals, and medical professionals can all work together when caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It will also provide guidance to families on how to remain involved in your loved one’s medical care, even if they no longer live within the family home.
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| | | | School Transportation Listening Sessions The New Jersey Department of Education is hosting three school transportation safety listening sessions with the support of the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities and SPAN Parent Advocacy Network. The Department of Education’s new Director of the Office of School Bus Safety, James Scaringelli, and the Special Education Ombudsman, Cynthia Hoenes-Saindon, would like to hear from individuals with disabilities and their families about their experiences, concerns and recommendations with school transportation for students for disabilities. |
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Transporte escolar Sesiones de escucha El Consejo de Discapacidades del Desarrollo de Nueva Jersey, SPAN la Red de Defensa de Padres y el Departamento de Educación de Nueva Jersey están organizando sesiones de escucha sobre seguridad en el transporte escolar. El nuevo Director de la Oficina de Seguridad en los Autobuses Escolares, James Scaringelli, y la Defensora del Pueblo de Educación Especial, Cynthia Hoenes-Saindon, quisieran escuchar a las personas con discapacidades y sus familias sobre sus experiencias e inquietudes con respecto al transporte escolar para estudiantes con discapacidades. |
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| | | | | Multi-lingual closed captioning is available for this event. Contact Kerry McGrath at kerry.mcgrath@njcdd.org or 609-984-4516 if you have any questions. |
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Hay subtítulos multilingües disponibles para este evento. con Kerry McGrath en kerry.mcgrath@njcdd.org o al 609-984-4516 si tiene alguna pregunta. |
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| | | | | 7th Annual Older Adults Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium May 2, 2024 @ 10am
Jenifer Lewis, the "Mother of Black Hollywood," will be the keynote speaker at this year's Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium. We are excited to have Jenifer bring her passion to this important topic. Don't miss what she has to say. Registration for the Symposium is free and the event is online. | |
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| | | | | UNDERSTANDING SEIZURES AND ANTIPSYCHOTICS IN THE IDD SETTING - EWING NJ Sessions include
- Seizures and Antipsychotics
- Side Effects of Antipsychotics
- Q&A with our Experts
Tuesday, May 7 · 10am - 4pm EDT New Jersey Association of Community Providers, 140 Scotch Road Ewing Township, NJ 08628. | |
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| | | | | Optimizing Health Outcomes for Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities Wednesday, May 15 12:00 - 1:00 PM EST According to the Surgeon General’s call to action to improve the health and wellness of people with disabilities, “Good health means the same thing for everyone and that the best possible health status and quality of years of life should be a goal for everyone, whether experiencing a disability or not.” This interactive webinar will address ways to break down barriers to healthcare, optimize preventive screenings, and boost overall health and wellness. | |
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| | | | | | NJ WorkAbility The NJ WorkAbility program offers full Medicaid coverage to working disabled individuals whose income or assets would otherwise make them ineligible. As of February 1, 2024, NJ WorkAbility: - Is open to people age 16 and over who have a disability determination
- No longer counts spouse’s income when determining eligibility or premiums
- No longer limits eligibility based on assets
- No longer limits eligibility based on income. People with countable income over 250% of the Federal Poverty Level must agree to pay a premium.
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| | | | | The NJCDD is proud to support NJ DB101, a free, user-friendly, all-in-one place, resource guide for employment and benefit questions/information. Find out how working impacts benefits like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and more! Resources are in plain language and available in both English and Spanish. | |
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| | | | | | The purpose of this expanded version of the Toolkit is to empower individuals with disabilities and their family and professional caregivers by providing information to more effectively advocate for persons with complex severe behavioral health conditions (which we formerly referred to as “dual diagnosis”) for treatments, supports, services and the conditions that promote mental wellness. | |
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| | El propósito de esta versión ampliada del kit de herramientas es facilitarles a las personas que tienen discapacidades y a sus cuidadores familiares y profesionales herramientas que los empoderen, al proveer información que permita abogar de una forma más efectiva por las personas que tienen condiciones graves y complejas de salud conductual (a las que antes se denominaban con “diagnóstico dual”) para conseguir los tratamientos, apoyos, servicios y las condiciones que fomentan el bienestar mental. | |
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NJCDD Disclaimer: New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities does not endorse or recommend any programs, providers, or organizations. This is for information-sharing purposes only. |
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