Join The Arc of New Jersey Families Network TODAY to help fight for continuing and quality services for our loved ones!CloseNew Jersey is keeping pace with the rest of the country in funding for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. FALSE! New Jersey is ranked 40th in the nation in spending on services for people with developmental disabilities. Funding for community-based services in New Jersey has decreased over the past few years. If this trend continues, government funding for supports and services may cease to exist entirely! FALSE! Housing options and the needed community supports for individuals with developmental disabilities in NJ are extremely limited. New Jersey currently has 3,076 people with developmental disabilities living in institutions and more than 7,000 people with developmental disabilities on a waiting list for residential services. My daughter will definitely have a place to live when I am no longer able to care for her at home. FALSE! Community provider agencies are not receiving the increases they need to continue these vital services! Many agencies are facing tough decisions about how to continue to provide services and not cut programs. Places like The Arcs and other community providers will always be there to make sure my sister is taken care of. FALSE! Social services programs are continually at risk in both the Federal and State annual budget. Every year, we face potential cuts! My son is in a good program right now, receiving the services he needs to live independently and safely. He's not at risk anymore. My daughter will receive an education that is personalized to meet her needs and be included into the larger school environment. Because my son has an intellectual disability, he has a right to receive government supports and services. FALSE! Only 56% of Americans with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 64 are currently working (either full or part time), while more than two thirds say they would like to work! FALSE! Although a student with a disability does have a legal entitlement to this, many parents of students with disabilities in NJ report difficulties in ensuring an individualized program for their son or daughter. Also, NJ's inclusion rate is abysmal: ranking last in the country! FALSE! Most government disability services are NOT an entitlement under the law and can be cut at any time! 
Employment opportunities will be available should my sister choose to work. Family Advocacy QuizTest your knowledge: Are these statements about your family member with a developmental disability TRUE or FALSE? |