The Arc of New Jersey is a human rights advocacy organization actively committed to full community participation and inclusion across the lifespan for all individuals with intellectual and related developmental disabilities. The Arc of New Jersey is an affiliated chapter of The Arc of the United States, and community-based services are available statewide through a strong network of local county chapters.
GET OUT THE VOTE 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010 is Election Day and it is important that every citizen, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their family members and caregivers, Get Out The Vote! For detailed information about voting and about the legislative seats to be decided in this year's election, please take a look at our informational booklet, Get Out The Vote 2010.
Long-awaited victory for New Jersey Self Advocates
August 16, 2010: Flanked by (from left) Senate President Stephen Sweeney, Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez, Statewide Self Advocacy Network President Barbara Coppens and several other legislators, Governor Chris Christie signed legislation into law replacing the term "mental retardation" with "intellectual disability" in all state laws. The landmark legislation also mandates the use of person first language in all New Jersey statutes.
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
In response to the $12 million FY2011 budget reduction to the New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS), the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has released a Table of Proposed Changes to NJEIS's Family Cost Participation for public review, and has distributed a Notice of Public Comment Period regarding these proposed changes. Public comment period will run from July 30 - September 27, 2010 and there will be an opportunity to provide oral testimony on September 1, 2010.
A major component of DHSS's proposed strategy to close the $12 million budget gap includes significant changes to the current Family Cost Participation policies and procedures. Proposed changes will become effective October 1, 2010 and will include lowering the family threshold at which FCP starts from 350% to 300% of Federal Poverty Level; an increase in family co-pay per hour of service; and new strategies for debt collection from families.
ONLINE SURVEY: FAMILY AND INDIVIDUAL NEEDS FOR DISABILITY SUPPORTS (FINDS): From July 21 through September 1, 2010, The Arc of the United States is conducting an anonymous, confidential survey, the Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports Survey, to capture the perceptions of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, and their families, on issues concerning disability support needs across the life spectrum. We encourage all individuals with I/DD and their family members, both in and outside of The Arc chapter network, to participate in this survey.
THE IMPACT OF HEALTH CARE REFORMIn March, 2010, landmark health care reform legislation was passed by the United States Congress. Health Care Reform, as it is referred to, will directly and indirectly impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Jersey. Please visit The Arc of New Jersey's The Impact of Health Care Reform page for up-to-date health reform information and resources.
HELPFUL NEW PUBLICATIONS
- The New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities has released a new guide to understanding the Community Care Waiver: What the Community Care Waiver Means for Your Family Member
- The Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities has published an excellent new resource, Being a Healthy Adult: How to Advocate for Your Health and Health Care, for young adults with developmental disabilities and their families and caregivers. Please visit the Boggs Center Publications Page on their website for information about ordering print or audio copies.
FINANCIAL PLANNING can be an important component of ensuring that the quality of life for your child with a disability is maintained across that child's lifespan.
Michael T. Byrne, a New Jersey financial planner who is also the parent of a child with a disability, recently participated in a CNN/Money Magazine article, Financial Planning for the care of a special-needs child, and a companion video interview, Finances for a special-needs child. While the article and video focus on a young couple who recently welcomed a newborn daughter with Down syndrome, the information provided is relevant to all parents and caregivers of a child with a disability.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES OF CHILDREN IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Many families have received or will receive a notice from their school district regarding the "disclosure" of information about their child. While we understand this notice may cause alarm and confusion, it is important for families to know that the notice does not present a cause for concern. The notice was required by the court in a case brought by Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ, formerly New Jersey Protection & Advocacy, Inc.), The Arc of New Jersey, the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPA") and the Education Law Center (ELC). This case was brought to ensure that students with disabilities across the state receive an appropriate education in the "least restrictive environment".
In order for DRNJ, The Arc of New Jersey, SPAN and ELC to best advocate for students with disabilities, it is critical that the lawyers for these advocacy groups review statistical data, as well as a limited number of student records. It is required by law that this information remain completely confidential.
Please be assured that
- absolutely no information will be shared outside the lawsuit
- the public will not be able to see your child's records
- all records will be returned to the State at the end of the lawsuit
Ruth Lowenkron, ELC, 973-624-1815, x21, RLowenkron@edlawcenter.org
Elizabeth Shea, The Arc of New Jersey, 732-246-2525, x38
Technical Assistance, SPAN, 800-654-7726
Mary Ciccone, DRNJ, 800-922-7233, MCiccone@DRNJ.org
Legal Notice
As a plaintiff in the case Disability Rights New Jersey, et al v. New Jersey Department of Education, The Arc of New Jersey is posting a Notice of Disclosure of Student Records to allow all interested parties to obtain relevant documents. The notice is also available in Spanish.
Privacy Policy