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DISABILITY LAW

IDEA:

IDEA stands for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Public Law 101-476.  This is a new name for an old law.  It used to be called The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (Public Law 94-142).  This federal law makes certain that all children with disabilities have available to them a free, appropriate public education through special education and other services, designed to meet their individual needs.  In 1990, this law was amended and its name was changed to IDEA.  Among other things, the 1990 amendments established that transition services and rehabilitation technology services (see the Rehabilitation Act) should be included in a student's Individual Education Program (IEP).  It also added students with autism and traumatic head injury to the list of children and youth who are eligible for special education and other services.

 

New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C) 6: 28 Special Education:

N.J.A.C. 6:28 is New Jersey's version of the federal law IDEA.  This code contains rules on transition services.  It requires that all students with educational disabilities (classified students) age 14 and over must have a transition plan consisting of goals and objectives that directly relate to, prepare for, and connect the student with post-school activities, such as employment, education and independent living.  In New Jersey the transition plan is not a separate document; it is part of the student's IEP.

 

Rehabilitation Act of 1973:

The Rehabilitation Act was the most detailed civil rights legislation for people with disabilities when it was first passed.  It provides basic grants to states to assist individuals with disabilities to become gainfully employed and provides funds for programs in independent living, research, training, rehabilitation technology, home assistance and projects with industry.

The Rehabilitation Act shapes the services provided by the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (NJDVRS) and the Centers for Independent Living (CIL).  It also prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all agencies or institutions that receive federal funds.

The Act was further strengthened in 1992 when amendments to the Rehabilitation Act were passed.  These amendments along with Section 504 of the original 1973 legislation contain key provisions.  These provisions are summarized below:

 

The 1992 amendments to the Rehabilitation Act says:

• Individuals have the right to choice and to be part of the community
• All individuals with disabilities can work
• If an individual needs help to get and keep a job, the person's school and vocational rehabilitation office can plan for this before high school graduation.  Vocational rehabilitation is an agency that helps adults with disabilities get jobs
• If an individual needs a computer, wheelchair or any other device or technology to get a job, vocational rehabilitation should help get these items

 

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act says:

• Any school or program (including colleges) that gets money from the federal government cannot turn a student away because he/she has a disability.
• Schools must meet the needs of a student's disability so that the student can learn.

 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Public Law 101-336:

The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990.  Its purpose is to extend to people with disabilities civil rights similar to those now available on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and religion through the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in:

• Employment
• Transportation
• Places of Public Accommodation
• Telecommunication Services
• State and Local Government

 

The key provisions of the ADA law state:

• An individual cannot be denied a job just because he/she has a disability
• An employer may have to meet the needs of a person's disability so that the person can do his/her job.  This is called a reasonable accommodation
• Buses and trains must be accessible
• Public places like restaurants and movie theaters must be accessible
• Everyone should be able to use a phone or some type of device to talk over the airwaves
• Government cannot deny a person a job because of a disability
• Government buildings must be accessible
• Everyone should be able to use government phones or some type of device to talk over the air waves

ADVOCACY, SUPPORT AND INFORMATION

 

Action Advocates for Autism

The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community, Inc. (COSAC)
1450 Parkside Avenue, Suite 22 Ewing, NJ 08638
609-883-8100

http://www.autismnj.org/
http://www.njcosac.org/

COSAC’s legislative affairs and advocacy services provide families with information on laws, regulations, disability rights and current issues. COSAC’s mission is to increase families’ understanding of legislation, their rights under the law and to foster development of their advocacy skills.

 

Adult Protective Services (APS)

Mercer County Board of Social Services
200 Woolverton Street
Trenton, NJ 08650
609-989-4346

http://www.mcbss.org/

The New Jersey Division of Aging and Community Services (DACS) administers the APS program to ensure that protective services are available for disabled and individuals 18 years of age or older living in the community who are at risk of abuse, neglect and/or exploitation. DACS contracts with agencies in each county to provide APS programs. Reports may be made by anyone. When a report is received, APS investigates. If the report is confirmed and the person is willing to accept help, APS will identify and put in place services that can help the vulnerable person. These services are provided regardless of income.

 

Advancing Opportunities (Formerly Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey)

1005 Whitehead Road Extension, Suite 1
Ewing, NJ 08638
888-322-1918
609-882-0620-TTY

http://www.advopps.org/

Advancing Opportunities provides services, support, education and advocacy to children and adults with all type of disabilities to help them lead fuller lives.

Services:

• Assistive technology
• Community education services
• Consumers advocacy
• Educational support to schools and students
• Family support
• Information and referral
• Personal assistance services
• Prevention education/Substance abuse awareness
• Supported employment
• Real Life Choices and Self-Directed Day Services
• Support to schools and students
• Technology lending center
• Residential services
• Social Security Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (NJWINS)

 

Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities (ABCD)

127 US Highway 206
Suite 18
Hamilton, New Jersey 08610
609-581-8375

http://www.abcdnj.org/

The Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities (ABCD) is a New Jersey-based non-partisan organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with complex physical and neurological developmental disabilities so that they may have the opportunity to attain the highest level of purpose and dignity. ABCD has led many efforts as a strong advocate in several priority areas, including Early Intervention, special education, Medicaid, workforce development, and affordable and accessible housing. ABCD continues its efforts of advocacy, progress, and change to represent its agencies and those they serve in order to advance and protect the rights of people with developmental disabilities in New Jersey.

 

The Arc of New Jersey

985 Livingston Avenue
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
732-246-2525

http://www.arcnj.org/

The Arc of New Jersey is committed to enhancing the quality of life of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, through advocacy, empowerment, education and prevention.

The Arc of New Jersey supports special programs and projects, which work on a statewide basis to assist people with developmental disabilities and their families in receiving the services and supports they need:

• Advocacy and Public Policy. The Arc of New Jersey works collaboratively with the Legislature and the Administration to ensure that the well-being of individuals with disabilities and their families is a priority both legislatively and in each fiscal budget.
• Citizen Advocacy Program. Provides a community support system for people with developmental disabilities who do not have family or friends to act on their behalf.
• Developmentally Disabled Offender Program. Monitors the building of services and programs for offenders with developmental disabilities.
• Education Advocacy. The Arc of New Jersey's Department of Education Advocacy was developed to assist families and school districts in ensuring that children with disabilities receive quality educational services appropriately tailored to their needs.
• Family Advocacy Program. The mission of The Arc of New Jersey's Family Advocacy Program is to advocate alongside the families for positive changes in public policy focused on improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Mainstream Medical Care Program. Identifies barriers to primary medical care for individual with developmental disabilities, and recommends how those barriers can be overcome.
• New Jersey Coalition for Prevention of Developmental Disabilities. Activates citizens and agencies to educate the community about the causes and prevention of developmental disabilities.

 

Association for the Advancement of Mental Health (AAMH) 

119 Alexander Road
Princeton, NJ 08542
609-452-2088

http://www.aamh.org/

AAMH is a private, non-profit agency that provides high quality, affordable behavioral health care to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Services are individualized to meet the unique needs of each client through a system of integrated services. A multidisciplinary team works with individuals and families to develop a goal oriented service plan.

Services:

• Outpatient services
• Latino Community Outreach
• Rehabilitation Services
• Partial Care Program
• Supported Employment
• Integrated Case Management Services

Fee: sliding scale fee for services. Medicare and Medicaid accepted.

 

The Association of Schools and Agencies for the Handicapped (ASAH)

Lexington Square
2125 Route 33
Hamilton Square, NJ 08690
609-890-1400

http://www.asah.org/

ASAH is a professional organization of private schools and agencies in New Jersey which provides specialized services to children and adults with special needs. ASAH publishes: The Parents' Connection, a newsletter for parents; Promising Futures/Inside ASAH, a newsletter for professionals and school district personnel; a Statewide Directory of Private Special Education Programs and Services in New Jersey; and Outcomes of Private School Special Education Report.

 

Autism Family Services of New Jersey (AFSNJ)

The Family Resource Network
1 AAA Drive, Suite 203
Robbinsville, NJ 08691
877-237-4477

http://www.autismfamilyservicesnj.org/

AFSNJ was created in order to better serve individuals and families affected by autism. With after school services such as arts and crafts, physical education, music therapy, respite opportunities and recreational programs, Autism Family Services of New Jersey strives to ensure a better quality of life for people with autism and their families. AFSNJ is a leading provider of family support services to the autism population under contract with the New Jersey State Division of Developmental Disabilities.

 

Autism New Jersey

The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community, Inc.
1450 Parkside Avenue, Suite 22
Ewing, NJ 08638
609-883-8100

http://www.autismnj.org/

Autism New Jersey is a nonprofit agency providing information and advocacy, services, family and professional education, and consultation. It is dedicated to ensuring that all people with autism receive appropriate, effective services to maximize their growth potential and to enhancing the general public's overall awareness of autism.

Autism New Jersey’s legislative affairs and advocacy services provide families with information on laws, regulations, disability rights and current issues. Autism New Jersey’s mission is to increase families’ understanding of legislation, their rights under the law and to foster development of their advocacy skills.

 

Brain Injury Association of New Jersey (BIANJ)

825 Georges Road, Second Floor
North Brunswick, NJ 08902
732-745-0200
800-669-4323-Helpline

http://www.bianj.org/

BIANJ is the a statewide organization dedicated to serving all persons affected by brain injury—those with brain injuries, family members, friends, professionals, and the general public.

BIANJ services for people with brain injury and their families include information and resources such as the family helpline, publications, browse-and-borrow library, brain injury basics sessions, support groups, family support, mentor program, and summer residential camp program TREK.

 

Caregivers of New Jersey

The Family Resource Network
1 AAA Drive, Suite 203
Robbinsville, NJ 08691
877-265-6360

http://www.njcaregivers.org/

Caregivers of New Jersey’s efforts lie in updating caregivers on their rights and current legislation as well as educating the public on caregiving issues. The growing number of caregivers in the state has increased the demand for advocacy, education and information. Caregivers of New Jersey is proud to offer a centralized location for answers and information on all caregiving concerns.

 

Children with Attention Deficit Disorders (C.H.A.D.D.)

CHADD of Mercer County meets at Riverside School
58 Riverside Drive
Princeton, NJ 08540
609-683-8787

http://www.chadd.org/

C.H.A.D.D. is a parent-based organization formed to better the lives of individuals with attention deficit disorders and those who care for them. Through family support and advocacy, public and professional education and encouragement of scientific research, C.H.A.D.D. works to ensure that those with attention deficit disorders reach their inherent potential. C.H.A.D.D. holds monthly meetings that are both educational and serve as a support group for family members. C.H.A.D.D. produces a bi-monthly Attention! Magazine and sponsors an annual conference.

 

Community Living Education Project

UMDNJ School of Public Health – Division of Heath Systems and Policy
335 George Street, Liberty Plaza, Suite 2200
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
800-500-0448
732-235-3277

http://www.umdnj.edu/linkweb

The Community Living Education Project helps families to:

• Envision possibilities for a family member in community living
• Learn about and participate in the transition process
• Provide support to a family member throughout the transition to community living.

The Project is part of the Health Systems and Policy Department of the UMDNJ School of Public Health. Support for the Project is provided by the NJ Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities.

 

CONTACT of Mercer County

1985 Pennington Road
Ewing, NJ 08618
609-896-2120
609-585-2244
609-896-4434-Teenline/Kidsline
800-784-2433-Suicide line

http://www.contactofmercer.org/

The Mission of CONTACT of Mercer County is to provide 24 hour compassionate, confidential, telephone listening and referral services giving hope and reassurance to people in crisis.

 

DB-FACES - Deafblind-Family and Community Educational Supports

The College of New Jersey/CATIES
2000 Pennington Road
Ewing, NJ 08628
609-637-5144

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

DB-FACES is a federally funded project designed to coordinate and unify resources in the delivery of quality services for infants, toddlers, children and youth who are deafblind, their families and the agencies that serve them. DB-FACES is a project of The College of New Jersey, Center for Assistive Technology and Inclusive Education Studies (CATIES).

 

Division of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing

P.O. Box 074
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-984-7281-V/TT
800-792-8339-V/TTY

http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddhh/

Publishes “The Monthly Communicator” newsletter listing social activities, events and conferences; sign language interpreting services, technical assistance, research, information/referral.

 

Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS)

3131 Princeton Pike
Building 6, Suite 202
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
609-530-7200
800-392-2735

120 S. Stockton St., 2nd Floor
P.O. Box 717
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-292-5100
800-392-2721

http://www.state.nj.us/dcf/divisions/dyfs/

DYFS is New Jersey's child protection and child welfare agency within the Department of Children and Families. Its mission is to ensure the safety, permanency and well-being of children and to support families. DYFS is responsible for investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect and, if necessary, arranging for the child's protection and the family's treatment.

 

Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) Hotlines:

Adoption Hotline 800-99ADOPT
Child Abuse Hotline 800-792-8610
Division’s Action Line 800-331-DYFS
Family Helpline 800-THE KIDS
Foster Home Recruitment Line 877-NJ FOSTER

 

Epilepsy Foundation of New Jersey (EFNJ)

The Family Resource Network
1 AAA Drive, Suite 203
Robbinsville, NJ 08691
800-336-5843

http://www.efnj.com/

EFNJ, an affiliate of the National Epilepsy Foundation, provides necessary programs for families living with epilepsy, such as a residential summer camp, support groups, scholarships, and referral programs. EFNJ also institutes free of charge educational presentations about seizure first aid and police training, as well as a kid friendly puppet show for young children.

 

The Elizabeth Boggs Center

335 George Street, P.O. Box 2688
New Brunswick, NJ 08903
732-235-9300
732-235-9330-TDD

http://www.umdnj.edu/boggscenter

Provides leadership in the promotion of independence, productivity, integration and inclusion into the community of individuals with developmental disabilities. The Boggs Center provides interdisciplinary preservice preparation of students and fellows, including the preparation of leadership personnel; community training and technical assistance for or with individuals with developmental disabilities, family members, professionals. paraprofessionals, students and volunteers; and the dissemination of information and research findings.

 

Family Support Center of New Jersey (FSCNJ)

The Family Resource Network
2516 Route 35 North
Manasquan, NJ 08736
732-528-8080
800-732-6510

http://www.fscnj.com/

The Family Support Center is a clearinghouse of up-to-date information on a national, state and local family support programs, services and disabilities. The Center offers a "One-Stop-Shopping" approach to individuals seeking information on disabilities and services by providing them with easy access to a comprehensive array of services.

Support components include:

• The NJ Parent to Parent program
• A library and database of both state and national services and resources
• Informational workshops for families
• Training for families and professionals
• Cash subsidies and guardianship stipends
• Coordination of the National Caregivers Conference
• Development of a private provider database
• Reproduction and distribution of the OPTIONS manual

 

Family Voices

Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, Inc. (SPAN)
279 Carroll Street
Paterson, NJ 07501
800-654-SPAN

http://www.spannj.org/familywrap/

Family Voices coordinators provide telephone assistance and training on health care, health coverage, and effective health advocacy and informed decision-making. Free literature and a newsletter are available to help advocate on behalf of a child’s health, insurance information and other medical issues affecting children with special needs. Provides information on New Jersey FamilyCare for children and families.

 

Family Wrap

Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, Inc. (SPAN)
279 Carroll Street
Paterson, NJ 07501
973-523-6778

http://www.spannj.org/familywrap/

The Statewide Parent Advocacy Network of New Jersey (SPAN), in collaboration with the Family Support Center and the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Special Child Health Services, has expanded and enhanced the services to families of children with special needs. Family WRAP provides one-stop, “wrap-around” services, information, resources and support to families of children with disabilities, developmental delays and special health care needs. Family WRAP combines three SPAN programs: Family Resource Specialists/Project CARE, Parent to Parent, and Family Voices.

Services are provided to parents, caregivers, families and professionals at no cost or expense.

 

First Call for Help

United Way of Greater Mercer County
3131 Princeton Pike
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
609-896-1912

http://www.liveunited.org/

Provides information on services available in the Greater Mercer area and, when necessary, will assist callers by contacting the appropriate agencies on their behalf. Free and confidential service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Information and referral services include:

• AIDS Awareness • Healthcare
• Alcoholism • Homemaker Services
• Childcare • Housing
• Counseling Information • Job Training
• Day Care • Legal Services
• Disabled Services • Rape Counseling
• Elderly services • Substance Abuse
• Emergency Assistance • Support Groups
• Family Planning • Transportation
• Food Assistance • Youth Services

 

Guardianship Association of New Jersey, Inc (GANJI)

P. O. Box 546
Chester, NJ 07930
877-GUARDNJ

http://www.ganji.org/

GANJI is a not-for-profit organization of professionals, families, and individuals committed to supporting guardians and other surrogate decision makers in enhancing the lives of persons who require assistance.

GANJI provides education and a referral network and promotes ethical standards of practice.

 

Hi-Tops, Inc.

Teen Health and Education Center
21 Wiggins Street
Princeton, NJ 08540
609-683-5155

http://www.hitops.org/

A nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote adolescent health and well-being, it provides affordable sexual and reproductive health care and counseling for adolescents. Sexual Assault Survivor Support provides female survivors, ages 14 – 23, with the support they need to feel less isolated and afraid while helping them to become stronger.

 

Kinship Navigator Program

New Jersey Department of Human Services
Division of Family Development
P.O. Box 716
Trenton, NJ 08625
877-816-3211

http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/sp&i/Kinnav.html

Provides the opportunity for relatives who have a child in their care to easily access information regarding assistance and services available to them. These services include: information and referrals, child care subsidies, wrap around services (i.e. furniture, suitable housing, legal services), and subsidy program which provides a monthly subsidy for children living with caregivers who acquire Kinship Legal Guardianship.

For income requirements go to NJ HELPS website: www.njhelps.org

 

Latin American Task Force (LATF)

28 Olden Avenue
Princeton, NJ 08540
609-921-7185

http://www.laldef.org/

A network of Princeton area residents and professionals working for the smooth integration of the growing Hispanic population into the larger community. The Task Force co-sponsors, assists and promotes programs on education, youth development, health, etc. with other organizations such as: the Princeton Public Library, the YWCA, the Princeton Public Schools, the Princeton Medical Center, Corner House, HiTOPS, the Arts Council and Family & Children's Services.

Services:

• Bilingual Health Fair in collaboration with Princeton Medical Center and the Hispanic-American Medical Association.
• Ask a Lawyer: Monthly free legal advice
• TAXAIDE: free income tax advice and help in completing income tax returns.

 

Learning Resource Center (LRC Network) – Central

200 Riverview Plaza, 1^st Floor
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-633-8893

http://www.state.nj.us/education/lrc

Current special education information is available through research reports, curriculum guides, professional journal articles, books, videos and audio tapes, and on-line research services. Staff provides regional in-service workshops, training institutes, statewide conferences, consultations, LRC services orientations and technical assistance to teachers, administrators, and parents of pupils with disabilities.

 

Mayor’s Office for the Disabled, Hamilton

1 Municipal Drive
Hamilton, NJ 08619
609-581-4054

Provides information and refers Hamilton Township’s residents with disabilities to proper agencies.

 

Mercer County Hispanic Association (MECHA)

821 So. Broad Street
Trenton, NJ
609-392-2446

18 E. 6th Avenue
Hamilton, NJ
609-587-8800

MECHA was founded in order to establish and insure that information of existing services as well as adequate representation and services are provided to meet the needs of the Hispanic population in Mercer County.

Services include:

• Housing Resource Center
• Job Readiness, Search, and Placement Center
• SCOPE (School Construction Opportunities Program for Employment)
• Multi-Services Family Center
• B.E.S.T. (Bilingual Employment Skills Training Program)
• After School Program, ages 6 –13
• Summer Camp, ages 6 – 13
• Teen Peer Leadership/peer Support Program

 

Mercer County Office for the Disabled

640 South Broad Street
Trenton, NJ 08650
609-989-6468
609-989-6865-v/TTY

http://www.state.nj.us/counties/mercer/departments/hs/disability

The Office for the Disabled serves as a central source of information about services and programs available to Mercer County residents with disabilities to facilitate their full participation in community life.

Appropriate assistance, referral, coordination and advocacy services are provided to assist individuals regarding many service areas:

• American with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP)
• Disabilities Advisory Council (DAC)
• Physical Disabilities
• Developmental Disabilities Services

 

Mercer Regional Advocacy Network for People with Disabilities, Their Families and Friends

Library for the Blind & Handicapped
2300 Stuyvesant Avenue
Trenton, NJ 08618
609-530-4000

http://www.njlbh.org/

The Mercer Regional Advocacy Network for People with Disabilities, their Families and Friends holds support meetings at the Library for the Blind & Handicapped.

 

Monday Morning

New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities
P. O. Box 700
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-292-3745
609-777-3238-TTY

http://www.njcdd.org/mondaymorning

Monday Morning is a grassroots advocacy movement sponsored by the Council for advocates concerned with the issues affecting the developmental disabilities community. Made up of locally-based networks, Monday Morning provides a forum for people with developmental disabilities so they can speak out for justice, equal opportunities, improved public access and a greater voice in community planning.

 

National Federation of the Blind (NFB) - New Jersey

254 Spruce Street
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
973-743-0075
866-632-1940

http://www.nfb.org/

NFB's National Blindness Information Center attempts to answer by phone or mail, any questions about blindness and the rights of people who are blind. NFB acts as a legislative resource for its state chapters and serves as advocate in discrimination cases for people who are blind. NFB publishes a monthly magazine, The Braille Monitor, which reports on problems, progress, activities and new technologies related to blindness, and it is available in large print, cassette, Braille and diskette. Future Reflections is a quarterly magazine for parents and educators of children who are blind and is available in print or on cassette. Voice of the Diabetic is published quarterly by the Diabetes Division of NFB and is available in print or on cassette.

 

New Horizons in Autism

• 600 Essex Road

Neptune, NJ 07753

732-918-0850

• 77 Road

Clark, NJ 07066

• 285 Ridge Road

Dayton, NJ 08810

• 908 Oaktree Road, Suite A

South Plainfield, NJ 07080

• 671 Batchelor Street

Toms River, NJ 08757

http://www.nhautism.org/

 

Provides services to individuals with autism and their families in New Jersey. The mission of New Horizons is to:

 

• Deliver community based services
• Provide advocacy, support and technical assistance
• Increase public awareness and education about autism
• Contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of autism

 

New Horizons offers the following programs:

 

• Respite
• Residential
• Vocational
• Saturday program
• Behavior therapy

 

 

New Jersey Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NJAMI)

1562 Route 130

New Brunswick, NJ 08902

732-940-0991

http://www.naminj.org/

 

The NJAMI is a family advocacy organization devoted to improving the lives of persons with severe mental illnesses. The goals of the organization are to provide support to families and friends of persons coping with problems presented by mental illness, advocate for a system of care to adequately meet the needs of those who suffer from serious mental illnesses, secure increased support for research, eliminate the stigma associated with mental disorders and help professionals understand the impact of mental illness from the perspective of the family.

 

 

New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities

P.O. Box 700

Trenton, NJ 08625

http://www.njcdd.org/familysupport

 

Family Support Planning Councils advocate allowing families to make the best decisions that best fit their needs. Family members of people with developmental disabilities or individuals with developmental disabilities can serve on their regional planning council.

 

 

New Jersey Developmental Disabilities Council: Resources

20 West State Street

P. O. Box 700

Trenton, NJ 08625

609-292-3745

800-792-8858

609-777-3238-TDD

http://www.disabilityresources.org/NEW-JERSEY

http://www.codi.buffalo.edu/archives/state.advocates

Call the Resources Database for information on programs and services for persons with disabilities, parents, advocates and professionals. An information/referral specialist will match the person with available options. No fee for services.

 

Resources is a printed directory that offers an overview of the developmental disabilities service system, as well as information on some of the more commonly asked for services. Free of charge

 

 

New Jersey Division of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (DDHH)

101 South Broad Street

Trenton, NJ 08608

609-984-7281

http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddhh/home/index.html

 

DDHHmaintains the most central location for resources on hearing loss. This includes the “Communication Access Referral System” which maintains a list of sign languages interpreters, captioning providers, and assistive listening devices to provide people who are deaf and hard of hearing with communication access. The division also maintains a “hotline” responding to consumers’ requests for information on a variety of topics such as medical, legal, employment and healthcare concerns.

 

 

New Jersey Recreation and Park Association

13 April Lane

Somerset, NJ 08873

732-568-1270

http://www.njrpa.org/

 

The New Jersey Recreation and Park Association is a not-for-profit organization of citizen and professional members dedicated to enhancing the quality of life by promoting recreation, parks, conservation, and leisure services through education, professional development, public awareness, legislative advocacy, and direct membership services.

 

 

New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project

44 Stelton Road, Suite 110

Piscataway, NJ 08854

http://www.njselfadvocacyproject.org/

 

The New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project is a special project of The Arc of New Jersey. It works statewide with adults with developmental disabilities, informing them about self-advocacy and assisting them in organizing their own Self-Advocacy groups. The Project is also available to service providers and others involved with people with developmental disabilities who wish to promote normalization and maximum independence.

 

 

New Jersey Self-Help Clearinghouse

375 E. McFarlan Street

Dover, NJ 07801

800-367-6274

973-989-1122

http://www.njgroups.org/

 

Provides information and referrals to over 4,500 self-help support groups statewide. Offers free help to those seeking to start new groups. Assists existing groups in need of help. Various workshops, conferences offered. Publishes comprehensive directory of support groups. Maintains library of self-help group development guides and literature.

 

 

The New Jersey 2-1-1 Partnership

2-1-1

888-908-4636

Get Connected. Get Answers. Non-emergency helpline

http://www.nj211.org/

 

The database can be searched from any page on the 2-1-1 site.

While resources that are offered through NJ 2-1-1 vary from community to community, call specialists will provide comprehensive information and referral services to callers about a variety of issues, including:

 

• Basic human needs resource: food banks, clothing closets, shelters, rental assistance, utility assistance
• Supports to seniors and people with disabilities: adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, home health care, transportation, homemaker services
• Support for children, youth and families: childcare, after school programs, Kids Care (health insurance programs), family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services
• Physical and mental health resources: health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, Children’s Health Insurance Program, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation
• Employment supports: financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs

 

Office of Career and Technical Education

New Jersey Department of Education

P. O. Box 500

Trenton, NJ 08625

609-633-0665

http://www.state.nj.us/education/voc

 

A regional resource center that provides information, services and materials in vocational technical information.

 

CTE in New Jersey benefits students, educators, business and industry by preparing students for careers in emerging and established professions that lead to technical skill proficiency, credentials, certificates, licenses and/or degrees.

 

 

Parent to Parent

Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, Inc. (SPAN)

279 Carroll Street

Paterson, NJ 07501

908-537-4673

http://www.spannj.org/familywrap/

 

Parent to Parent is a statewide network of parents supporting families of children with developmental delays, disabilities, or other special health needs.

 

Offers:

 

• One-to-one matches of families with similar needs and experiences
• Emotional support for the parent of a child with a developmental delay, disability, or special health needs
• Current local, state and national resources for the child and family on a variety of disabilities and health issues
• Training for parents who would like to become “supporting parents”

·

 

Progressive Center for Independent Living, Inc (PCIL)

1262 Whitehorse-Hamilton Square Road, Suite 102

Hamilton, NJ 08690

609-581-4500

609-581-4550-TTY

http://www.pcil.org/

 

Independence Living Centers are community-based, consumer-driven organizations that provide information and referral, peer counseling, independent living skills training, advocacy and a variety of services based on individual needs. PCIL offers the resources for obtaining housing, employment, financial entitlements, assistive devices and more, empowering people with disabilities to lead independent lives.

Helpful Hints if You are Stopped by the Police

 

1. Helpful Hints if You are Stopped by the Police

A. If you are stopped by the police, it is usually because they want information. It is not to arrest you, so do not be nervous. The police will want to know:

 

• Your name (and see some identification)

• Where you live

• Where you have been

• Where you are going

 

B. If you have not committed a crime, they will probably let you go home.

 

C. Answer their questions honestly, and part of being honest is telling them that you have a disability (they will be better able to help you).

 

2. DON’T act too friendly (makes police officer suspicious).

 

3. DON’T be silent (makes police officer think you don’t want to cooperate).

 

4. DON’T make any sudden movements or reach in your pockets (police officer could think you are reaching for a weapon).

 

5. DON’T try to run away (makes them think you have something to hide).

 

6. If the police officer thinks you have a weapon, they have the right to search you.

 

7. DON’T confess to anything you did not do. DON’T say something just to please them.

 

8. If you don’t understand something, say so. Ask the officer to repeat the question.

 

9. You ALWAYS have the right to remain silent when the police officer asks you questions about a crime they think you were involved in. Even though you have to give them your name and address, you don’t have to talk about the crime.

 

10. If the police officer thinks you have committed a crime, he or she will read your rights-the Miranda Warnings.

 

11. You have the RIGHT to ask for an attorney/lawyer before you talk about the crime.

 

(Source: The Developmentally Disabled Offenders Program, The Arc of New Jersey)