Family Resource Associates, Inc.
Family Support & Resources
Adult Advocacy & Resources
THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES AND OPTIONS FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILTIES
New possibilities exist for adults with developmental disabilities to achieve a full and productive life with the necessary supports needed.
* FRA has a book library with helpful readings.
* At times, FRA offers groups for parents who have adult children who are developmentally disabled.
* Our TECHConnection offers daily classes that students out of high school may attend.
* Advocates For Alternatives, Inc. promotes self-direction and person-centered planning so each individual with a disabilities has the FREEDOM, CHOICE and CONTROL over their lives with the associated responsibility. They offer guidance and support to individuals and famiies.
To learn more contact Ann Martinelli at: advocatesforalternativesinc@yahoo.com
* NJ offers resources through their Division of Developmental Disabilties to assist in funding some of these resources.
- Get the information you need!
- Find the resources you need
- Connect with others who have gone through the process
Get active in the community and become knowledgeable about how to improve your life as a young adult.
Important notice for all families with a child with developmental disabilities, especially those students graduating in 2010!!!
About ten days ago Governor Christie announced budget cuts including those that will affect those with developmental disabilities and their families. Please visit DDD's website at: www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddd/home/index.html
The home page has an "Alert" where you can read more.
ALERT: Change to Day Services policy - February 2010
In response to recent developments in the state's fiscal situation, DDD announces a change in policy regarding new requests for day services, including self-directed day services. [Individuals currently participating in day services and self-directed day services are not affected by this policy change.]
In addition to meeting the criteria listed above, individuals who are not currently, but would like to receive, day services also will need to show that they have an emergency need for those services. The criteria for emergency can be found in section 10:46C-1.15(d) of Division Circular #8, "Waiting List Procedures."
It reads:
"The criteria for an emergency placement in a day program are:
1. The individual has been placed in a Division funded residential placement and does not have a current day program;
2. The individual would become homeless without a day placement; or
3. The individual requires supervision which is not available during the day and is at risk of imminent peril."
Individuals who do not meet the emergency criteria, in addition to all other criteria for day services, will be placed on a day services Waiting List as it is defined in DC#8.
To participate in DDD-funded day services an individual must be:
* DDD eligible
* at least 21 years old, and
* have completed their educational entitlement
* already taken advantage of any other day program options such as those offered by DVRS, Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI), the Division of Mental Health Services (DMHS) or the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), which administers Adult Day Health Services."
In addition, there are many questions from families who have a son or daughter leaving the education system this June. AS ALWAYS, families will not know if there is money available for self-directed day services until NJ's budget process is completed. If money is available, the above criteria will apply. However, it is imperative for families to be prepared to move forward with self-directed day services and PLAN. Attend information sessions, forums, etc. Please be prepared to move ahead with your choice of day services (traditional or self-directed) if dollars come through and you meet the Division Circular #8 criteria as outlined above.
Please stay informed - visit DDD's website often for updates.
Write to Governor Christie at:
The Honorable Chris Christie
PO Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625
and your state legislators. You can find your Senator and Assemblyman/woman at: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/
Let them know how the cuts will affect your family. In addition, the legislation that AFA supported and advocated for in 2009 has been reintroduced as A1673/s811. It is the same legislation, word for word, as last year and it continues to have bi-partisan support. It offers a plan to rebalance the DD system by closing 5 of the 7 developmental centers that NJ currently operates and redistributing the dollars saved to the thousands on community services waiting lists. Remember, the Department of Human Services has a $1.4 Billion budget. 1/3 of that budget goes towards maintaining the 7 developmental centers and the approximately 2,900 people who live there. That's more than $200,000 per person, per year. Thousands remain on waiting lists for community services because they have chosen to remain in the community and NOT enter a developmental center. Read the legislation and decide for yourself. Ask questions and advocate!
Advocacy For Persons with Disabilities
Janis Bell, diocesan Advocate for Persons with Disabilities, welcomes calls from persons with developmental or acquired disabilities, their families and care-givers in the Diocese of Trenton. If you need assistance locating resources, solving a problem, or finding the help you need to live life to the fullest, please contact Janis Bell at 609-406-7400, x5594 or email jbell@dioceseoftrenton.org
