September 23, 2024 | Issue 64 | |
ATAC Selected By CITES To Partner with
NJ DOE to Further Inclusive Education
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CAST's Center on Inclusive Technology and Education Systems (CITES) announced its 2024-2028 National Cohort of state partners, further advancing its mission to create inclusive education technology solutions in schools and districts nationwide. After a highly competitive selection process Disability Rights New Jersey's Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) along with teams from Nebraska and Pennsylvania have been chosen to collaborate with CITES, each working closely with at least two local education agencies (LEAs) within their states to implement the CITES Framework for inclusive technology ecosystems.
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The goal of CITES is to empower school districts to create and sustain inclusive technology systems that serve all students, including students with disabilities who require assistive technology or accessible educational materials to learn. | |
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This initiative is powered by funding from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), ensuring that CITES can continue its vital work to enhance the effective use of assistive technology for students with disabilities. CITES will guide ATAC in developing coordinated, inclusive technology systems that bridge educational silos and meet the needs of every student, especially those with disabilities. ATAC is currently identifying school district partners and expects to begin work in October.
To read the full announcement, click here.
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Questions about Medicaid Programs? Register for this week's Webinars! | |
New Jersey FamilyCare 1115 Waiver Updates: Sept. 24th, 7pm
The New Jersey FamilyCare 1115 Comprehensive Demonstration (1115 Waiver) provides Medicaid coverage to individuals with disabilities who might not otherwise be eligible for traditional Medicaid. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the 1115 Waiver provides the funding for the support services that the Division of Developmental Disabilities and Medicaid offers.
In 2023, CMS granted approval for the continuation of this waiver with some changes for five years. This webinar will discuss some of the key changes in the 1115 Waiver, the implementation status of the changes, and how the changes will impact individuals with disabilities. Specifically, this webinar will discuss the changes to eligibility for the Children’s Support Program, the changes to eligibility for the Supports and Community Care program for 18-21 year olds, and the new housing and nutrition supports program.
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NJ WorkAbility Updates and Implementation: Sept. 27th. 2pm
If you have questions about NJ Workability and if it could be an option for you because you work full-time or part-time, this webinar could be right for you. Our Employment Team attorneys and advocate will provide an update about the expansion of NJ WorkAbility Medicaid eligibility and the implementation of program changes, including the premium structure now applied. They will also be sharing tips and tricks for applying for the Medicaid program and what you need to know!
What is WorkAbility?
NJ WorkAbility, also known as a Medicaid Buy-in, is a Medicaid program that offers individuals with disabilities who are employed either full-time or part-time and whose income would otherwise make them ineligible for Medicaid, the opportunity to receive full Medicaid coverage.
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Have You Bought Your Tickets?
Silent Auction Items To Be Announced Soon!!
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Disability Rights NJ will celebrate its 30th Anniversary October 10th at The Boat House at Mercer Lake with a special celebration honoring the history of New Jersey’s Protection and Advocacy system for people with disabilities and our progress towards our vision: a world where people with disabilities are free from abuse and discrimination, have equal opportunities, and live their fullest lives.
We will host a Silent Auction to raise funds to support initiatives outside of the federal funding we receive, such as our work in youth justice and policy advocacy. Our staff and volunteers have collected donations from around the state and surrounding areas, including memorabilia, dine and stay packages, entertainment, spa and wellness experiences, and much more!
A portion of the evening will be dedicated to our distinguished honorees of the Disability Rights Impact Awards, named for and honoring exceptional leaders and advocates who exemplify our values and their outstanding contributions to advance our mission, empowering people with disabilities to live inclusive, productive, and meaningful lives.
The evening includes a cocktail hour beginning at 5:30pm with music provided by Blue Light Music Program, dinner stations, speakers, awards presentations, and silent auction. The event will conclude by 9pm.
For the full list of honorees and awards, along with other event details, please visit our event page. We hope you will join us and share in the celebration!
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Tickets Still Available!
New Jersey Assistive Technology & Community Living Summit October 1st
The Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center at Disability Rights New Jersey is proud to announce our 8th annual New Jersey Assistive Technology Summit.
Join us for the 8th Annual Assistive Technology Statewide Conference.This year the ATAC team has organized a day of learning along with our parent organization, Disability Rights New Jersey.
Date/Time: Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 8:30am - 3:30pm Eastern Time
Location: The Conference Center at Mercer, Mercer Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ 08550
This event brings together AT and community living professionals, individuals with disabilities and their family members, and representatives from state agencies to share ideas and strategies to increase independence. A day of learning for only $39.
Sessions will include: AT supports for the classroom, workplace accommodations, transition services / strategies, augmentative and alternative communication, smart home technology….. and much more! Get your tickets, today!
Download and Share our flyer
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Opportunities From Our Partners | |
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Adventures Without Barriers
This September and October. Pinelands Preservation Alliance's Access Nature Initiative and Pinelands Adventures have created inclusive accessibility trips to be held at nature sites within Burlington and Ocean Counties. Adventures without Barriers are open to the general public with or without mobility concerns, however they are geared toward individuals who enjoy the outdoors, but due to mobility concerns aren't able to access nature sites. There are possibilities for the expense of the program to be waived if individuals inquire about it.
Pinelands Adventures has seven rugged terrain wheelchairs available for loan for these programs. The intended routes have been scouted for their accessibility. More details about these opportunities can be found on their website:
Pinelands Adventures Trips
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Disability Rights New Jersey, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to advancing and protecting the human, civil, and legal rights of people with disabilities. | | |
- We aggressively investigate reports of abuse and neglect wherever a person with a disability may be receiving services.
- We thoroughly monitor facilities and community-based programs to ensure that people living in those facilities and using those services are free from abuse and neglect, and that their rights are not violated.
- We provide legal representation, without charge, to people with disabilities in cases that fall within our priority setting process.
- We are dedicated to providing education, training, and technical assistance to people with disabilities, their families and advocates, the agencies that service them, and policy makers among others.
- We provide state-of-the-art access to information and advice about assistive technology.
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Disability Rights NJ is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services - Center for Mental Health Services; Administration for Community Living: Administration on Disabilities; Center for Integrated Programs; U.S. Department of Education: Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the Social Security Administration | |
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DISABILITY RIGHTS New Jersey | disabilityrightsnj.org
210 South Broad Street, Third Floor
Trenton, New Jersey 08608
1.800.922.7233 (in NJ only) 1.609.292.9742 (Voice)
1.609.777.0187 (Fax) Dial 711 for Relay Operator
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