Resources in New Jersey for people with disabilities

More than one million New Jersey citizens — about one of every eight New Jersey residents — receive assistance of one type or another from the State of New Jersey.

The Division of Disability Services (DDS)
is a part of the New Jersey Department of Human Services. DDS promotes and facilitates the maximum independence and participation of people with disabilities in community life through information and access to services and supports, and fosters coordination and cooperation among government agencies.

DDS - Office of Information and Assistance Services

"The first place to call for disability-related information"… the Division of Disability Services is a single point of entry for all seeking disability related information in New Jersey. To speak with one of our Certified Information Specialists, call 888-285-3036 DDS - Office of Home and Community Services

Helps provide services designed to let severely disabled people avoid institutionalization and remain in the community. For information, call 888-285-3036.

NJ WorkAbility, is a program that offers people with disabilities who are employed, and whose income normally would preclude them from receiving the comprehensive benefits for the disabled offered by Medicaid, the opportunity to pay a small premium and receive full New Jersey Medicaid health coverage.

DDS also publishes New Jersey Resources 2007 (Printable Version PDF), the most comprehensive guide available about services in this state for people with disabilities.

OTHER RESOURCES IN THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES:

Division of Developmental Disabilities

The Division of Developmental Disabilities Coordinates and provides services for people with autism, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, traumatic brain injuries or other developmental disabilities. Services include counseling, respite care for family members, and referral services to other community-based resources needed. This Division also operates seven developmental centers, where people with developmental disabilities receive round-the-clock care. It also licenses privately operated group homes, supervised apartments, supported living programs and skill development and family care homes in communities throughout the State.

Division of Mental Health Services

Coordinates and provides community-based supports, like counseling, emergency screening, case management and residential and day program services and, if necessary, in-patient care for people with mental illness. Regarding the latter, this division operates six psychiatric hospitals in New Jersey.

Good Neighbors, Community Living for People with Disabilities

This is the Department of Human Service’s public education program to increase public awareness about people with disabilities and the kinds of community living arrangements in which they reside. As part of this effort, DHS representatives reach out to municipal officials, private organizations and New Jersey residents to provide information and to answer their questions, in hopes to achieve broader public acceptance and accommodations for people with disabilities.

Developmental Disabilities Council

The Developmental Disabilities Council is New Jersey’s planning body for developmental disabilities. The Council develops and monitors the State Plan for Services to People with Developmental Disabilities; administers the federally-assisted Basic State Grant Program; and publishes People With Disabilities and Families magazines.

ADDITIONAL NEW JERSEY RESOURCES:

New Jersey Protection & Advocacy

New Jersey Protection and Advocacy, Inc. (NJ P&A) is a non-profit consumer directed organization that serves as New Jersey’s federally-funded protection and advocacy system for persons with disabilities.

Centers for Independent Living

Centers for Independent Living, many of them funded through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, are community-based, consumer-driven organizations that provide information and referral, peer counseling, skills training, advocacy and a variety of services based on individual needs.

17 County Offices for the Disabled

Call the Division of Disability Services for the County Office near you : 888-285-3036

Department of Labor and Workforce Development, One Stop Career Centers
www.state.nj.us/labor/oscc/OSCC.html

CAREGIVER RESOURCES FROM THE WEB

NJEASE for Caregivers
www.caregiversnj.nj.gov

National Family Caregivers Association
www.nfcacares.org

Family Caregiver Alliance
www.caregiver.org

Disabled Dealer Mid-Atlantic Region
http://www.disableddealermidatlantic.com/