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 developmental disabilities. The Arc of New Jersey is an affiliated chapter of The Arc, and community-based services are available statewide through a strong network of local county chapters.
My Thinker's Not Working
A National Strategy for Enabling Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Affected by Dementia to Remain in Their Community and Receive Quality Supports
Dementia has a devastating impact on all people, including people with an intellectual disability and their friends, families and the staff who may be involved with them as advocates and caregivers.
My Thinker's Not Working is a groundbreaking report developed by the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices, that addresses the challenges facing the nation due to the increasing rate of dementia found in older people with intellectual disabilities, and offers recommendations for the improvement of services.
The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Aging with Developmental Disabilities: Lifespan Health and Function (RRTCADD) has partnered with the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry to support the National Task Group in the development of this report and in its plan to produce educational materials, develop guidelines for care, and hold training sessions across the country.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable federal income tax credit for low to moderate income working individuals and families. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if you do not owe any tax or are not required to file. For more information about the EITC, please visit the IRS Earned Income Tax Credit webpage. A state EITC is also available to qualifying workers in New Jersey.
Free assistance in the preparation of New Jersey Income Tax Returns is available for individuals of low to moderate income, individuals with disabilities and non-English speaking taxpayers through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). To locate a VITA site, call the IRS at 1-800-906-9887. For more information about free tax preparation assistance, visit the New Jersey Division of Taxation's Free Tax Preparation Services webpage.
2012 Medicare Part D Changes
The Impact of Upcoming Changes in the Medicare Drug Benefit on Dual Eligibles with Developmental Disabilities. View and/or download the following slide presentations from a free Webinar hosted by The Arc of New Jersey in November, 2011:
(1) The 2012 Medicare Drug Benefit and Dual Eligibles with Developmental Disabilities
Presenter: Beverly Roberts, Director, Mainstreaming Medical Care Program
(2) Navigating the Medicare Plan Finder for Dual Eligibles
Presenter: Mary McGeary, Director, New Jersey State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans
For those who may be considering a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan, please review this Summary of Information about Medicare Advantage (HMO) Special Needs Plans (SNPs) for New Jersey's Dual Eligibles (including persons with developmental disabilities).
Federal benefits to be paid electronically
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is phasing out paper checks as a payment option for federal benefit payments. People who receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income or other federal benefit checks for themselves or on behalf of someone else, must switch to an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013.
To make the switch to direct deposit or the Direct Express® card, current federal benefit check recipients can (1) contact their federal benefit agency office, (2) visit the Treasury Department’s Go Direct® website, or (3) call the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at (800) 333-1795. For direct deposit, people can also make the switch at their local financial institution.
Medicaid Managed Care Changes: 2011-2012
Major changes in the New Jersey Medicaid system have taken place, which are impacting everyone who receives Medicaid, including recipients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As of October, 2011, everyone who receives Medicaid and is living in the community in New Jersey is now enrolled in a Medicaid HMO, with the exception of (1) NJ DDD consumers assigned to an out-of-state residential placement, and (2) people living in a developmental center, nursing facility, or psychiatric hospital.
For additional information, visit our Mainstreaming Medical Care Program page, or view the New Jersey Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services' Frequently Asked Questions for Medicaid Clients publication.
AbilityPath releases Finding Balance: Obesity and Children with Special Needs
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children with disabilities are 38% more likely to be obese than their counterparts.
AbilityPath.org, an online resource and social community for parents and professionals, recently released a comprehensive report on obesity in children with special needs. Finding Balance: Obesity and Children with Special Needs is both a report on the current epidemic and a guide for ways to improve health outcomes for children with disabilities. In the words of AbilityPath.org CEO, Sheryl Young, "Health risks and the threat of obesity are huge concerns for families of children with disabilities and special needs."
