To build a stronger and fairer New Jersey, the state is obligated to allocate finite funding across all areas of state services. Given the wide gap between available funds and often complex individual needs, we must focus on the full range of services and optimize allocation of both federal and state funding to help individuals achieve their best life in the community. Read More
Public transportation in and around New Jersey is generally limited, but especially for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The same can be said for private transportation services such as Uber or Lyft. One of the most broadly used public transportation services for NJ residents with I/DD, Access Link, must be expanded.
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Within the current DDD system, there are significant gaps in quality and safety for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) across in-home care and community-based service options. A common issue that many families face is the fact that information regarding the care and safety of their loved ones with I/DD is not transparent and readily available. Read More
New Jersey has been an “Employment First” state since 2012. However, the delivery of employment services by state agencies to people with disabilities continues to be siloed, with divergent and complicated rules. New Jerseyans with disabilities remain under-employed and under-represented in the workforce and in our community.
The employment rate of New Jerseyans with disabilities is significantly lower than that of their non-disabled counterparts. Working-age individuals with cognitive disabilities in our state have even worse employment outcomes: their employment rate is lower than half the rate of New Jerseyans with no disabilities. Consequently, New Jerseyans with disabilities experience twice the rate of poverty compared to their counterparts without disabilities.[2] Read More
[2] For 2023, the “Estimated Percentage Population Below Poverty Level” for people with a disability was 17.5%, compared with 8.8% for people without a disability. Source: NJ State Health Assessment Data: Poverty among all ages by disability status New Jersey. https://www-doh.nj.gov/doh-shad/indicator/summary/Dem_Pov.html ]
Separate from looming potential cuts or caps to the Medicaid program, New Jersey’s service delivery system for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) is already severely under-funded. Read More
Ultimately, many of the challenges individuals and families experienced in obtaining support and services have their root in an inadequate line of communication between state agencies, policymakers, and individual and family advocates. Well before the state decides to implement new policies, there must be regular, in-depth, and systematic communication with the individuals and families who will be affected by the system of policy changes in question.
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It has become apparent to families that the state of New Jersey does not share their view of what constitutes “person-centered planning”. While the state seems to view this concept as a simple matter of meeting certain criteria on a checklist, individuals and families desire thoughtful planning that actually helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to achieve their life goals. For true person-centered services to be achieved is it vital that the state is on the same page as advocates. Read More
Overall, New Jersey’s system for housing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in community-based settings is underfunded, underdeveloped, and lacking in options.
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