East Orange, New Jersey, United States
Resume Builder
Resumebuilder.com—Resume and Employment Guide for People With Disabilities.
Resources and resume-building tools are completely accessible and free of charge.
ResumeBuilder.com empowers job seekers with AI and expert insights. Leveraging millions of resumes, vast industry data, and a team of certified professionals, we strive to make resume writing and job landing a seamless experience.
Click here to go to the website.
Division Update
!!NEW!!
The NCI-IDD State of the Workforce Survey 2022 (formerly called the Staff Stability Survey) is almost here!
In April 2023, provider agencies who employ direct support professionals will receive an invite along with instructions from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to participate in the National Core Indicators (NCI) State of the Workforce Survey for Calendar Year 2022. Invitations will be sent to the provider email address associated with the iRecord. Provider agencies can take part in the NCI State of the Workforce Survey through June 30, 2023. It is critical that we hear from as many members of the DDD Provider Community as possible to ensure valid results. We are counting on your participation!
Please see the Division’s NCI State of the Workforce Survey Overview for more information.
!!REMINDER!!
DDD is Currently Conducting the 2022-2023 NCI In-Person Survey!
The Division is once again virtually conducting the NCI In-Person Survey (IPS), for individuals 21 and older who are receiving at least one Division-funded service in addition to Support Coordination. The 2022-2023 NCI IPS will be administered through June 30, 2023.
Please see the Division’s NCI Survey Overview for more information.
Questions regarding the NCI State of the Workforce Survey or NCI In-Person Survey can be directed to DDD.NCI@dhs.nj.gov.
!!REMINDER!!
Next DDD Update Webinar Scheduled for Thursday, April 27, 2023
DDD’s next Update Webinar is scheduled for April 27th at 10:30 am. Use this link to Register for the April Webinar.
Webinar dates with registration links for 2023 can be found on our Public Update Meetings website.
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NJ FamilyCare Renewals Resume April 1
NJ FamilyCare health insurance program
The state’s NJ FamilyCare health insurance program is required by federal law to restart eligibility reviews as of April 1 – and the Department is urging members to ensure the state has their correct contact information.
The federal government in March 2020 temporarily waived Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program requirements to help prevent people from losing health coverage during the pandemic. Under the omnibus spending bill passed by Congress and signed by President Biden in late December, states must resume eligibility reviews as of April 1.
Human Services must complete eligibility reviews within twelve months for all current members. To ensure reviews are processed in a timely manner, members will be contacted on a rolling basis throughout this period about how to renew coverage.
To update their contact information, NJ FamilyCare members should call their NJ FamilyCare health plan or 1-800-701-0710 (TTY: 711).
“We want NJ FamilyCare members to be informed about renewing coverage,” Commissioner Sarah Adelman said. “We’re asking members to make sure their address, email and phone number are up to date with NJ FamilyCare, and to be on the lookout for a renewal letter in the mail over the coming months. If you get this important mailing, please complete your renewal form by the deadline to help avoid any gap in your coverage.”
Resuming eligibility checks means some NJ FamilyCare members may no longer qualify and will be disenrolled.
Those who no longer qualify because their income is too high may be eligible to obtain health coverage through New Jersey’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace, Get Covered New Jersey, and may be able to get help paying for premiums.
Some individuals may no longer qualify for Medicaid but will qualify for Medicare.
In both situations, NJ FamilyCare will assist by transferring account information to the marketplace or to a Medicare counselor for review.
“We’ve been particularly focused on ensuring that members provide their up-to-date contact information, including mailing addresses, to ensure they can successfully complete the eligibility renewal process when it’s their turn,” Deputy Commissioner for Health Services Lisa Asare said. “Our goal is to ensure members are fully informed about this important process. The continuity of their care is very important.”
“If you’re a NJ FamilyCare member, please make sure we know where to send your renewal letter,” said Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Langer Jacobs, who directs NJ FamilyCare. “If you moved, make sure we have your address, email, and phone number. We do not want you to miss this important mailing.”
Community organizations and individuals interested in helping with outreach can find more information and printable materials in 21 languages by visiting the StayCoveredNJ website.
2023 Special Needs Resource Directory
Ready for Distribution
The 2023 Special Needs Resource Directory is complete and ready for distribution! Please share the email below along with the attached directory with your communities. We are also encouraging families to register early to meet and greet vendors at the upcoming Special Needs Resource Fair on February 26. For more information on the Special Needs Resource Fair that you can share with your clients, please click HERE.
Thank you for distributing this important resource by email and on social media- please tag the JCC of Central NJ. Let's get this information out to as many families as possible!
The 2023 Special Needs Resource Directory is here!
Click HERE to view the directory or download the attached PDF.
Meet vendors in-person at the 2023 Special Needs Resource Fair on February 26 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at the JCC of Central NJ.
Click HERE to register for the Special Needs Resource Fair.
Pre-registration encouraged.
DDD Resource Team Workshop Schedule
Team Workshop Description Brochure
Our trainings are open to DDD Providers, Support Coordinators, and DDD Caregivers at no cost to attendees. These trainings offer a pro-active approach to understanding or managing complicated cases in which behaviors, eating difficulties, or some health issues are of concern. To register for any of the workshops listed please email the trainer directly or email ddd.resourceteam@dhs.nj.gov Registration is closed 5 business days prior to the workshop of interest. Currently, our workshops are being offered virtually. If you are interested in conducting safe and socially distanced workshops at your location, please contact the specific trainer to discuss this option at their email address as listed in the brochure.
Virtual Workshop Participant Etiquette:
Ø Participants will not be allowed entry into the virtual workshop after 5 minutes past the start time and will need to reschedule for another date and time.
Ø All Participants must have their full name listed as their display name in order to receive credit for attendance and to be let back in the course if their connect drops.
Ø All participants must have their cameras on for the full duration of the virtual workshop.
Ø All participants must provide their full undivided attention to the workshop.
Ø No one should be driving, providing service recipient care, or be engaged in any activity that would prevent the attendee from being fully active in the workshop.
Ø Please note our workshops are interactive and participation is expected from all participants.
DDD RESOURCE TEAM WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Mealtime Workshops
Date: Tuesday, March 7th
Workshop: Managing Dysphagia for Community Providers
Time: 10am-12pm
Trainer: Ambika Bhattacharya (Ambika.Bhattacharya@dhs.nj.gov)
Date: Tuesday, March 14th
Workshop: The Choking Risks of Regular Diets
Time: 9am-9:30am
Trainer: Rachel Stahl (Rachel.Stahl@dhs.nj.gov)
Date: Thursday, March 16th
Workshop: Tube Feeding
Time: 9am-9:30am
Trainer: Rachel Stahl (Rachel.Stahl@dhs.nj.gov)
Behavior Supports Workshops
Behavior Support Workshops are postponed for March.
Nursing Workshops
Date: Friday, March 10th
Workshop: Frequent Five + Health Conditions
Time: 11am-12 pm
Trainer: Laura Creamer (Laura.Creamer@dhs.nj.gov0
Date: Friday, March 17th
Workshop: Ostomy Care
Time: 11am-11:30 am
Trainer: Laura Creamer ( Laura.Creamer@dhs.nj.gov)
Please note an agency can schedule private group trainings for staff, outside of the pre-schedule dates provided above. The specific trainer can be contacted if interested.
For general questions, feel free to email the DDD Resource Team at ddd.resourceteam@dhs.nj.gov For workshop questions, please email the specific trainer as listed above.
Earn your annual 12 hours of Professional Development by attending DDD Resource Team workshops.
Thank you,
Education and Training Helpdesk
Support Coordination Unit
Division of Developmental Disabilities
New webinar series on dual diagnosis
Register Now
If you have not registered for this webinar, please do so soon. You do not need to register again if you have already done so and received the confirmation email. You will receive a reminder email the day before the webinar with the sign-on information.
Dual Diagnosis in Persons with IDD
The Mainstreaming Medical Care Program of The Arc of New Jersey
is pleased to present the 2023 webinar series:
Exploring Mental Health and Behavioral Health Challenges
in People with IDD
This 5-part webinar series will examine the issue of dual diagnosis - co-occurring mental health and/or behavioral health disorders in persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Topics will include diagnosis, treatment options, best practice, etc.
Join us the 4th Tuesday of every month, February through June,
for this informative series.
WEBINAR #1
Unpacking the Complexities of Dual Diagnosis (Mental Illness and Intellectual and Developmental Disability)
Although mental health concerns are not uncommon among individuals with IDD, they are difficult to diagnose and treat. This webinar will include considerations for the diagnosis and non-pharmacological treatment of mental health concerns for individuals with IDD and serve as an introduction to The Arc of NJ's series on dual diagnosis.
Presenter:
Lucille Esralew, Ph.D., NADD-CC
Senior Psychologist Supervisor and Clinical Lead of the Clinical Services Branch
Office of Statewide Clinical Services, California Department of Developmental Services
When:
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
12:00 - 1:30 pm
Questions? Email conference@arcnj.org.
You are encouraged to share this information with others who may also be interested. However, if you are forwarding this, please delete the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of this email. If you do not remove the "unsubscribe" option and a person who receives your forwarded email clicks "unsubscribe," it would result in your name being removed from our distribution list.
Empower: Get ready for Medicaid renewals & More
The ARC
ABOUT THE ARC | TAKE ACTION | DONATE
Get Ready for Medicaid Renewals in 2023
As a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency ending, states will soon be restarting Medicaid eligibility reviews. For many with disabilities, this means that they may lose critical Medicaid services and supports. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to be ready:
- Verify that your contact information is updated. Make sure your state Medicaid agency has your current mailing address, phone number, email, or other contact information so they can easily contact you about your Medicaid coverage.
- Check your mail regularly. The state Medicaid agency will mail you a letter about the status of your Medicaid coverage. This letter will also let you know if you need to complete a renewal form to see if you still qualify for Medicaid.
- Complete and send in your renewal form (if you get one). Fill out the form and return it to your Medicaid agency to help avoid a gap in your Medicaid.
- If your Medicaid coverage has ended, visit HealthCare.gov to find an affordable, comprehensive health plan.
For more information, visit Medicaid.gov/renewals.
For Nicholas and His Dad, Ray, Finding Support Staff Is a Huge Challenge
The shortage of workers means Nicholas cannot get the help he needs to achieve his goals, be in the community, or see his friends. For Ray, it means he can’t have a full-time job. Watch their story, then sign our petition to tell Congress care can't wait!
Choose The Arc to Round up and Donate Your Change on Walmart.com!
Walmart recently launched Walmart Spark Good Round Up where customers can round up their purchases to the nearest dollar and donate the change to their favorite charity. We would love for you to choose us as your charity to receive these donations every time you shop on Walmart.com. Search The Arc of the United States here to choose us! Thank you for considering The Arc of the United States for Walmart Spark Good Round Up!
Learn the Special Education Basics: Save 15% Through February 28!
With the second half of the school year underway, now is a great time to make sure students with disabilities have what they need at school in order to succeed. Sign up for The Arc@School's online Advocacy Curriculum now to get a better understanding of the special education basics, including early intervention services, individualized education programs, Section 504, and more.
Use code EMPOWER at checkout to get 15% off for a limited time!
The Arc’s Story Hub: See Our New Stories
Have you visited The Arc’s story page recently to see our newly added stories? Read about Scott and Lauren, who met through a Connecticut chapter and shared their beautiful love story with us—or Carlos , who is proud of how far he’s come but remains frustrated at how people’s perceptions limit him. More stories are added every month on topics like love, housing, education, and disability pride. Head on over and learn about the people and issues that are at the heart of our mission.
In The News
- Judy Woodruff on how her son with disabilities changed her view of health care
- In First, Pediatricians Get Guidance On Hospitalized Teens With IDD
- Mother and daughter help send students with Down syndrome to college
- Low pay, no space for advancement: Why the workers who support people with disabilities are leaving
- How Educators Secretly Remove Students With Disabilities From School
- There Is Always Hope: Meet James Meadours
For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
The NJ Youth Transition Conference
This conference is for Khalia
The 2nd Annual NJ Youth Transition Conference
will be held virtually the week of October 3rd-7th, 2022!
The NJ Youth Transition Conference was inspired by my friend Khalia, a 23-year old young adult residing in NJ who experiences an intellectual disability. Khalia was uninformed of services available to her in the youth and adult worlds, was not aware that she was entitled to an education until age 21 and had been without any service or supports for five years before receiving help to navigate the transition process.
Khalia now is eligible for DDD services, has a budget established by the NJCAT, and a Support Coordinator is working with Khalia to support her in the process of establishing her own career and independent housing.
This conference is for Khalia, for all of our NJ youth in transition and their families, as well as the professionals who serve them.
We hope to "see you" virtually in October!
In service & support,
Amy N. Jedele
Coordinated Family Care
Now Offering Certificates of Attendance for Professionals!
Featuring presentations by:
Paul Aronsohn, Keynote Speaker
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
The NJ Department of Education (NJDOE)
Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN)
New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD)
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVRS)
Social Security Administration (SSA)
NJ Division of Disability Services (DDS)
Community Health Law Project (CHLP)
NJ Association of People Supporting Employment First (NJAPSE)
Rutgers Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities
DDD Office of Education of Self-Directed Services
The Arc Planning for Adult Life (PFAL)
AND MORE!
Don't forget to register for the Spring 2022 Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series!
All sessions will be held online using The Zoom Webinar platform.
View Spring 2022 Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series Brochure
Visit The Boggs Center Online Registration System
Join Us for April's Disability Webinar:)
Rutgers' Community Living Education Project (CLEP)
Preparing Individuals with Autism to Interact with First Responders (4/27)
Preparing Individuals with Autism to Interact with First Responders (4/27)
Sharing possibilities for community connections webinar series:
Fostering positive interactions between First Responders and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
April 27, 2022
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
This workshop will provide helpful strategies for preparing individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to interact with police, firefighters, EMS, and other emergency personnel.
Download a flyer for this webinar here.
Presented by Bianca Coleman, Licensed Psychologist.
Past Webinar Recordings
If you missed these two recent live discussions, we invite you to watch these and other recordings on the Community Living Education Project's Youtube Channel.
Assistive Technology for Increased Independence & Community Integration
Presented by Mike Marotta, ATP
Director, The Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center
Key Questions when Selecting (or Creating) Program for Individuals with Autism
Presented by Lisa McCauley Parles, Esq.
Parles Rekem, LLP
Preparing Individuals with Autism to Interact with First Responders (4/27)
Preparing Individuals with Autism to Interact with First Responders (4/27)
Preparing Individuals with Autism to Interact with First Responders (4/27)
This workshop will provide an overview of the critical components of executive functioning skills required to navigate various aspects of community living as well as support strategies and intervention suggestions to foster independence.
Presented by Bianca Coleman, Licensed Psychologist
Let's continue the conversation! Subscribe to Community Living Education Project emails and follow us on social media. Visit our website. Together we can make New Jersey a vibrant place for people with disabilities to live, work, and thrive!
All Things AT for AT Awareness Day
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Assistive Awareness Day Wednesday, April 6th
Assistive Awareness Day Wednesday, April 6th
Eye Gaze Technology: An Overview
What is eye gaze technology? This webinar will answer that question, including an overview of the leading types of eye gaze hardware, examples of available eye gaze products, and tips and tricks for selecting the right one. This technology is especially helpful for individuals with significant physical.
Alternate Pencils for Struggling Writers
For students who struggle with all forms of writing, the use of “alternative pencils” can help them get daily practice in this critical educational and life skill. This webinar would apply to students with multiple disabilities, including those making very limited progress with their writing skills.
A Roundtable Discussion for Favorite iPad Apps
There are thousands of AAC iPad apps for supporting communication, but which one is your favorite? And why? Please join this roundtable discussion with a group of local AAC experts to share and compare!
More ATAC Opportunities
Get FREE Professional Development and Learn About All Facets of Assistive Technology
The Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) to provide complimentary unlimited access to the ATIA Learning Center. The Learning Center provides access to an array of recorded learning sessions focusing on all aspects of assistive technology.
To obtain your FREE access to this online learning opportunity please fill out the ATAC/ATIA Learning Center form.
Please note: This opportunity is only for New Jersey residents and those who work for NJ agencies.
Get the Latest Updates on AT Solutions
Over lunch on April 6th enjoy 30-minute videos on a variety of AT topics on our ATAC YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe to keep updated on the latest trends in AT.
Join us every Monday @ 12PM (EST) to discuss, brainstorm solutions, trends in AT. To lean more and register go to https://bit.ly/atcomm
On every 3rd Wednesday of the month ATAC along with the Missouri AT project host a Maker Roundtable, a fun-filled 45-minutes where we share discoveries, learn something new and help increase independence for individuals with disabilities. To learn more and register go to https://bit.ly/MakerRoundtable
Assistive Awareness Day Wednesday, April 6th
Assistive Awareness Day Wednesday, April 6th
Assistive Awareness Day Wednesday, April 6th
In honor of National Assistive Technology Awareness Day, we’d like to highlight the impact of assistive technology for a person with a disability in their everyday life and how without it they would not be able to enjoy the simple pleasures that so many of us take for granted, such as using a computer, reading a book, playing a musical instrument, etc.
Furthermore, when designing a product with everyone in mind - everyone benefits - not just the person with the disability. Learn more about the day from the AT3 Center.
Over lunch on April 6th, enjoy 30-minute videos on a variety of AT topics on our ATAC YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe to keep updated on the latest trends in AT.
Get Involved!
AT Awareness Day provides you with an opportunity to share how Assistive Technology has made a difference in your life. Share your stories with local NJ lawmakers and members of Congress. Thank lawmakers for supporting the AT Act, which makes AT devices and services more available in our communities.
Please follow #ATAwarenessDay and #AT4NJ for tips and tricks and more information as we celebrate AT on April 6.
What is Assistive Technology (AT)?
"Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a person with a disability.” Simple Said- It is any item that you use that allows you to do a task that you could not do otherwise. For example, it could be using reading glasses to read a book, without the glasses you would not be able to read the book. Here is a 2-3 minute video that explains AT well.
Below are some useful resources to learn more about AT:
Accessible AT Awareness for Community Living
Accessible AT Awareness for Education
Accessible AT Awareness for Employment
Accessible AT Awareness for Housing
Accessible AT Awareness for Transportation
Learn More about ATAC
ATAC provides an array of Assistive Technology services to support New Jersey residents. Visit our website, AT4NJ.org, to learn about our services along with our upcoming community events. ATAC hosts live and virtual events throughout the year to share Assistive Technology resources with NJ residents.
“For people without disabilities, technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible.” IBM training manual 1991.
WORLD AUTISM INCLUSION MONTH
Let’s partner and empower the workforce together.
We’re celebrating World Autism Inclusion Month by fostering education, inclusion, and acceptance through our services to individuals with autism, neurodivergence, and disabilities. We invite you to join us by considering or sharing the below list of local roles with genuinely invested employers in creating a culture of inclusion. At Rangam’s SourceAbled, we believe our work is never done to accelerate meaningful employment for everyone. Thank you for your support in creating an empowered future for all!
If you have questions about these positions or would like to submit a resume, please visit our website or contact us: providers@sourceabled.com
We look forward to working with you soon!
NCAPPS Update:
Two Upcoming Webinars and Resources from Our Partners
Upcoming Webinar!
"Improving Brain Injury Systems: Stories from a NCAPPS Learning Collaborative"
October 21, 3:00-4:30pm Eastern
The NCAPPS Brain Injury Learning Collaborative was formed in January 2020 to support a collective of state teams to develop a plan for change, test improvements, and expand person-centered brain injury supports. The 19-month collaborative engaged 16 state teams and used a virtual structure based on the Institute for Health Care Improvement’s Breakthrough Series Collaborative Model.
In this webinar, state teams from Alaska, Utah, and West Virginia will share stories of their participation in the NCAPPS Brain Injury Learning Collaborative, which ended in August 2021. The teams will reflect on how they overcame challenges, offer tips for success, and outline strategies for sustaining progress towards person-centered Brain Injury supports at the state level.
Register for the Webinar Today
Person-centered, data-driven decision making for recovery and recovery support services is possible. Indiana has made key policy changes at a state and agency level that increase the availability of data sharing across agencies. The Recovery Supports Workgroup of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) uses this data to evaluate gaps in key recovery supports, to make recommendations, and track recovery and resilience outcomes.
In this webinar, everyone will learn innovative ways of looking for, collecting, and utilizing recovery-specific data that drives and enhances recovery outcomes through person-centered planning beginning to end.
$634M to Enhance Medicaid Services
Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities
Feds Approve Department Plan to use American Rescue Plan Matching Funds to Strengthen Home and Community-based Services
(TRENTON) – Acting Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced the federal government has approved Department plans to invest $634 million over the next three years to bolster efforts to strengthen and expand home and community-based Medicaid services for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
The plan will bring in $329 million in federal funding, for a total state and federal investment of $634 million in these programs. The wide-ranging plan will use federal matching dollars through the American Rescue Plan to enhance, expand and strengthen home and community-based services under the state’s Medicaid program known as NJ FamilyCare.
“We are prioritizing independence, community options and person-centered care,” Acting Commissioner Adelman said. “Importantly, this plan was devised with significant public input gathered during group calls, a public listening session and emails. It was vital that we listen and take advantage of this opportunity to make New Jersey a stronger and more resilient place to live. This plan reflects that goal, and we’re thrilled by the approval.”
“New Jersey has been recognized as a leader among states in expanding community options for people who need long-term services and supports,” said Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Langer Jacobs, who directs the Medicaid program. “With this plan, we are strengthening existing home and community-based services and we are making exciting new investments that will support choice and independence for older adults and people with disabilities.”
“We’re focusing on improving the quality-of-life of NJ FamilyCare members over the long-term,” Acting Commissioner Adelman added. “In all, our intent is to enhance our existing home and community-based programs and invest in new efforts while also addressing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In addition to the announcements today, Human Services remains in discussion with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on more than $100 million in additional proposals, and remains optimistic that these will be approved in the coming months. Highlights of the approved initiatives include:
- Increasing the Personal Care Assistant rate to $23 per hour to help the workforce that cares for older adults in need of home care services.
- Increasing the Personal Preference Program rate to $19 per hour to help recipients who hire and manage someone to provide home care services.
- Increasing rates for support coordinators who work as case managers for Medicaid recipients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Boosting rates for assisted living facilities, comprehensive care home and assisted living programs to strengthen these crucial facilities.
- Rewarding with higher daily rates assisted living facilities, comprehensive care home and assisted living programs that take on a higher percentage of Medicaid beneficiaries.
- Creating incentives to help transition individuals from nursing homes to home and community-based settings.
- Creating incentives to recruit more and retain existing homecare workers.
- Helping traumatic brain injury care providers offset costs associated with COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
- Strengthening the educational and informational resources available to community members around the various home and community-based services available under NJ FamilyCare.
NJ FamilyCare serves about 2 million residents. Visit here to learn more about the program that provides affordable health insurance to qualified New Jersey residents of any age.
The proposal builds on the most recent state budget signed by Governor Murphy that also enhances services for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
The budget increases prescription drug assistance for older adults, while also supporting efforts by communities across the state to become accessible and inclusive places to live at any age. It also maintains last year’s 10 percent Medicaid nursing facility rate increase.
The budget builds on previous wage increases for direct support professionals who assist individuals with developmental disabilities, while also maintaining an increased daily rate for residential providers such as group home and increasing rates for day habilitation, career planning, community inclusion services, group prevocational training, and group supported employment.
The budget also includes $20 million to begin a Cover All Kids initiative in Medicaid, and to support Medicaid coverage of new moms for 365 days postpartum.
Support Coordination Useful Links
The Division of Developmental Disabilities Spring Webinar Series brought to you by CLEP!
CLEP invites all advocates, caregivers, and professionals to join us for these FREE presentations as part of a DDD Webinar Series! Register for each webinar separately by clicking the links below. We hope you can join us!
Overview of the Division of Developmental Disabilities
Waiver Programs
Tuesday, May 4, 2021
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Presenters: Ms. Nkechi Okoli, Senior Coordinator of Transition to 21 Education
and Ms. Patricia Brennan, Director of Waiting List and Special Projects
Division of Developmental Disabilities
This webinar will address:
Fee For Service Overview
DDD Comprehensive Medicaid Waiver
Supports Program Review
Community Care Program Review
Community Care Program Waiting List
Understanding Support Coordination and Making the Most of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Presenter: Ms. Nkechi Okoli
Senior Coordinator of Transition to 21 Education
Division of Developmental Disabilities
This webinar will address:
Recipes for Success
Useful Planning Tools Developed by Charting the Life Course
Breaking Down Support Coordination
Goods and Services
Helpful Resources
The Division of Developmental Disabilities
Housing Subsidy Program
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Presenter: Ms. Courtney Davey
Supervisor, Division of Developmental Disabilities
Housing Subsidy Unit
This webinar will address:
The Role of DDD and the Supportive Housing Connection,
Program Eligibility, Planning Process, Application Process,
Types of Settings, Post Approval Steps,
Live-In Aide Requests, Resources for Tenants
Understanding Self-Directed Services in New Jersey
and the Role of the Supports Broker
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Presenter: Ms. Patricia Brennan
Director of Waiting List and Special Projects
New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities
This webinar will address:
An Overview of Self-Directed Services in New Jersey
An Overview of Supports Brokerage Services
The Link Between Self-Directed Services & Supports Brokerage
Next Steps in Accessing Supports Brokerage Services
We'd love it if you can join us for these important webinars!
Time will be allotted for a brief Q & A.
Special Education Virtual Open House: May 11
Do you have questions about IEP meetings, student evaluations, compensatory education, transition services, and the dispute resolution process to your child's special education needs?
Join the Special Education Team from Disability Rights New Jersey on Tuesday, May 11 at 3pm for an hour-long virtual Open House to learn about special education during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two of Disability Rights NJ’s experienced special education experts will be available to answer questions regarding various topics under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Opinion 57:
Non-Lawyer Special Education Advocates and the Unauthorized Practice of Law – Superseding Opinion 56
What You Need To Know:
On April 9, 2021, the New Jersey Supreme Court’s Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law (Committee) issued a new ethics opinion, known as Opinion 57, that addresses the issue of whether non-lawyer advocates can represent or speak on behalf of special education students in IEP meetings and mediation conferences. The Committee determined that non-lawyer advocates are practicing law when they are advising, representing, or speaking on behalf of students at IEP meetings and mediation conferences.
However, the Committee recognized that special education is complicated to understand and that there is a lack of lawyers with special education knowledge available to help parents who need them. It is for this primary reason why the Committee determined non-lawyer advocates with special knowledge or training of special education laws and procedures can represent students in IEP meetings and mediation. The Committee made it clear that non-lawyer advocates must have explicit permission from the parent to appear at the IEP meeting without the parent. The explicit permission requirement does not apply to court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteers.
The Committee also made it clear that non-lawyer advocates must have the parent accompany them during mediation. However, these advocates do not require explicit permission from the parent to communicate with the school district in less formal settings.
Disability Rights New Jersey
Important updates and upcoming events for the disability community.
More Updates: Disability Rights New Jersey
New Webinar: How the Stimulus Payments Impact Benefits & Upcoming Deadlines to Spend the Funds.
Wednesday, May 5, 12 pm to 1 pm
Please join staff from Disability Rights New Jersey as we host a Lunch and Learn webinar on How the Stimulus Payments Impact Benefits & Upcoming Deadlines to Spend the Funds.
We will discuss issues for people with disabilities regarding COVID stimulus payments from the federal government, including:
- Who is entitled to receive stimulus payments
- How stimulus payments impact Medicaid/SSI
- Deadlines for spending the stimulus
- What you can do if you have a Representative Payee and did not receive your stimulus payments
SSDI Overpayments: An Overview of What You Need to Know to Tackle Overpayments
Thursday, April 22 at 2pm
Please join the Employment Team of Disability Rights New Jersey as they host the second webinar of a two-part series intended to provide a basic overview of SSDI overpayments, how to respond appropriately, and how to prevent recoupment while appealing the issue.
A social security recipient can appeal overpayments and this webinar will show you how. Each seminar is tailored to those who receive SSDI. The rules differ regarding the appeal process of an overpayment and can be numerous and complex. This is an important webinar not to miss.
What You Will Learn:
- What is an overpayment?
- What are the basics of challenging an overpayment based on your SSDI benefit?
- What are the three ways to handle an overpayment situation (Reconsideration, Waiver and Negotiation)?
- Time limitations that apply to challenging SSDI overpayments.
- What are some strategies for dealing with one or all three ways to address your overpayment?
- What forms should I file, when should I file them, and how should I use them?
JDAIM Exhibit is Live
JSDD WAE Center is excited to announce that our JDAIM (Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month) Exhibit is now live and ready for viewing. We would like to invite you all to enjoy the wonderful art created by our members!
The exhibit will be live from February 5th, 2021 until March 5th, 2021. The link below provides direct access to the exhibit.
Resilience, Caregiving and Counseling, and Info on Reaching for the Stars is Here👇!
Click the link to read February NBCL PDF Newsletter.