Family Resource Associates, Inc.
Family Support & Resources
Adult Advocacy & Resources
A joint hearing to discuss the future of Developmental Centers and the Community Services System is being held to discuss A-1673/S-811, which provides a plan to rebalance resources to rebalance the system and align services with need and choice and the development of a system that addresses the needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families. As you may know, the legislation supports reducing our reliance on institutions to meet the overwhelming needs of people on the 10,000 person Community Services Waiting List and people in institutions who want to live in the community. We are hoping to convey the message that the legislation contains a person centered, cost neutral, fiscally responsible plan that will support the ability of people to choose how they live their lives, whether it is in the community or in an institution.
Advocates for Alternatives (AFA) has been involved with the advocacy and support of this legislation. We are hoping you will attend the hearing and/or send a letter of support for the legislation to the Chairs and members of the committee. While testimony at the hearing is by invitation only, it is important that the Chairpersons and the Legislators on the committee see a show of support for the legislation through a large presence at the hearing and through letters of support.
Chick Here to download a sample letter.
This hearing is an opportunity to create positive change for the thousands awaiting community services under Olmstead, the community services waiting list, young people graduating from the education system and the generations to come. We appreciate all of your efforts to support A-1673/S-811 and look forward to continue working toward passage of A-1673/S-811.
| Name | E-Mail Address |
|---|---|
| Weinberg, Loretta, Chair | senweinberg@njleg.org |
| Vitale, Joseph, F., Vice-Chair | senvitale@njleg.org |
| Allen, Diane, B. | senallen@njleg.org |
| Goodwin, Thomas | sengoodwin@njleg.org |
| Gordon, Robert, M. | sengordon@njleg.org |
| Kean, Sean, T. | senkean@njleg.org |
| Madden, Fred, H. | senmadden@njleg.org |
| Rice, Ronald, L. | senrice@njleg.org |
| Singer, Robert, W. | sensinger@njleg.org |
| Whelan, Jim | senwhalen@njleg.org |
| Name | E-Mail Address |
|---|---|
| Vainieri Huttle, Valerie, Chair | aswhuttle@njleg.org |
| Rodriguez, Caridad, Vice-Chair | aswrodriguez@njleg.org |
| Angelini, Mary Pat | aswangelini@njleg.org |
| Biondi, Peter, J. | asmbiondi@njleg.org |
| Coutinho, Albert | asmcoutinho@njleg.org |
| Fuentes, Angel | asmfuentes@njleg.org |
| McHose, Alison Littell | aswmchose@njleg.org |
| O'Scanlon, Declan, J. | asmoscanlon@njleg.org |
| Tucker, Cleopatra, G. | aswtucker@njleg.org |
| Wagner, Connie | aswwagner@njleg.org |
Bill Text
A-1673 - http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2010/Bills/A2000/1673_I1.HTM
S-811 - http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2010/Bills/S1000/811_I1.HTM
If you have questions, contact Ann Martinelli at: advocatesforalternativesinc@yahoo.com
DDD Funding for Day Services for 2010 Graduates
DDD funding for day services (either traditional or self-directed) will be available to 2010 graduates pending approval of Governor Christie's 2011 budget. Visit DDD's website:http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddd/home/index.html for more information. Look for "Clarification of Day Services Policy for Individuals Currently Seeking Services" on the home page.
Please continue to keep in touch with your legislators. http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/ They listen when we speak about critical issues that affect our families!
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.
DDD Funding for Day Services for 2010 Graduates
DDD funding for day services (either traditional or self-directed) will be available to 2010 graduates pending approval of Governor Christie's 2011 budget. Visit DDD's website:http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddd/home/index.html for more information. Look for "Clarification of Day Services Policy for Individuals Currently Seeking Services" on the home page.
Please continue to keep in touch with your legislators. http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/ They listen when we speak about critical issues that affect our families!
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
