Updates on the Future of CLEP | |
Last week, the Community Living Education Project shared the challenging news that our funding is slated to be cut in the NJ Governor's Proposed FY26 Budget. After 33 years of service to New Jersey residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this has been incredibly difficult news to share with the individuals and families we serve, our colleagues, friends, and supporters.
We want you to know that we intend to advocate between now and June 30 to have our funding restored. Last Wednesday, Director Colleen McKay Wharton testified at the New Jersey Legislature Assembly Budget Committee to request that CLEP funding be reinstated to the Governor’s FY26 budget. Colleen spoke of how families depend upon the guidance and support of CLEP as they explore all options of community living with their loved ones with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
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We also intend -- as long as we possibly can -- to continue serving the individuals and families who need us. Like so many in the disability community, our small but mighty team has been no stranger to adversity and challenges, and we remain hopeful that "where there's a will there's a way."
We encourage our supporters to contact your local legislator (map here) and ask them to restore funding for the Community Living Education Project in the Governor's Proposed FY26 Budget.
Lastly, thank you for the outpouring of support we've received. It has been an honor and privilege to work with so many inspiring people over the past 33 years. We made a short video featuring a few or these inspiring people and encourage you to view it >>HERE.
Has CLEP also made an impact on you, a family member, or a client? We'd love to hear more. We're collecting stories from colleagues and current/former clients to share publicly in future videos and on social media. We will protect the identity of anyone who wants to remain anonymous. Please contribute if you are able!
| | Defending DEI this Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month | | |
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month was first declared almost 40 years ago by then-President Reagan.
In our March 2024 newsletter we wrote: "March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM), a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of people with developmental disabilities to our communities. DDAM sheds light on how people with and without developmental disabilities can live, work, and play together, enriching our society with their diverse talents and perspectives."
In just one short year, anti-DEI rhetoric has moved us to a place far from “how people with and without developmental disabilities can live, work, and play together, enriching our society with their diverse talents and perspectives."
Did you know that the “I” in DEI is INCLUSION? Inclusion is one of the most important concepts in community living. If people with disabilities are no longer included in daily life, they became “the others” again.
Who can forget the image of 8 year old Jennifer Keelan-Chavins (pictured above) crawling up the 83 steps of the Capitol building on March 12, 1990? It was during a protest to push the bill that became the ADA towards a vote. There was no accessibility for people who use wheelchairs at that time; people were excluded from the Capitol. Children are now taught about Jennifer in school. Do we want to go back?
| | Redefining Possibilities: AI Tools for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities | |
Thursday, April 10
12:00 - 1:00 PM EST
Virtual
AI is everywhere! In the news, on social media, and in conversations. But what is it? And more importantly, how can it be harnessed to support individuals with I/DD and facilitate community independence? Join the staff of the Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center as we dive deep into this new frontier of technology and explore ways to use these tools as effective Assistive Technology supports for all individuals. Bring your questions and resources - there will be opportunities to share! Participants will leave with a resource list to go explore these tools on their own after the event.
We will use real-world examples, we’ll showcase how AI can empower organizations and individuals to create more efficient, inclusive, and impactful service efforts. Join us as we discuss the intersection of cutting-edge technology and meaningful community engagement.
Presented by Mike Marotta, ATP
Director, The Richard West Assistive Technology Access Center
| | Empowering Wellness Through Functional Medicine, Holistic Approaches, and Collaboration | |
Wednesday, April 30
12:00 - 1:00 PM EST
Virtual
This session explores the role of food, movement, mindfulness, music, and art as medicinal approaches to wellness. Participants will learn functional medicine strategies for early chronic condition identification and the importance of a proactive healthcare model. Emphasizing teamwork, the session highlights how families, caregivers, and communities can collaborate to foster wellness. Attendees will gain practical insights for integrating these approaches into personal or professional practices to enhance healing and well-being.
| | Overcoming Barriers to Healthcare: Reducing Anxiety and Enhancing Access to Routine Medical Procedures | |
Wednesday, May 7
12:00 - 1:00 PM EST
Virtual
Join the Rutgers Community Living Education Project (CLEP) as we host the Rowan-Virtua Regional Integrated Special Needs (RISN) Center as they explore the barriers individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) face in accessing routine medical care. Participants will learn how anxiety, fear, and past trauma affect healthcare compliance and gain practical strategies for addressing these challenges. Attendees will also learn how to adapt procedures and create supportive environments to improve healthcare experiences for individuals with IDD.
| | Upcoming Events From Our Partners | | | | |
Understanding the Importance of Medicaid
Medicaid provides funding for services that help millions of people with disabilities and their families across the country. Medicaid funds both acute health care and long-term care. It is a vital lifeline that helps people obtain necessary healthcare and long-term supports that make it possible for people to receive the personal care and community supports they need to be healthy, safe, and active. In this session, participants will learn about what Medicaid is, how it works, and how it impacts the lives of people with disabilities. Legislative proposals intended to cut Medicaid will also be introduced along with strategies for educating policymakers about how Medicaid impacts people with disabilities and families.
Friday, March 28
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
Virtual
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Supporting Quality of Life and Healthy Aging for People with IDD
This webinar will discuss factors to be considered when planning for the quality of life and healthy aging of persons with intellectual or developmental disability (IDD). The webinar will explore some of the common health problems and risks associated with aging and strategies for supporting healthy aging specifically for people with IDD. Family members, caregivers, direct support professionals, and other professionals are highly encouraged to attend!
Thursday, April 10
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM EST
Virtual
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Medicaid Advocates Gather in Trenton
On March 6, 2025 over 400 disability rights advocates from around the state (including CLEP team member Melanie McGackin, pictured) gathered at the State House in Trenton to protest cuts to Medicaid funding. People who receive Home and Community Based services rely on Medicaid to live full lives of choice. Click below to read coverage of this important rally.
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ICYMI: NJ Legislative Disability Caucus Recording on Supportive Housing
In a virtual meeting last week, members of the bipartisan New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus discussed barriers to supportive housing for those with disabilities. It explored innovative solutions for expanding affordable housing options. Assembly Majority Leader and Caucus Co-Chair Lou Greenwald led the discussion, introducing two bills he is sponsoring to tackle the problem.
The first, the New Jersey Housing Opportunity Act (A4956), offers municipalities various options to build affordable housing. The second bill (A2757), authorizes the conversion of certain office parks and retail centers into mixed-use developments.
The following are some helpful links from the session:
NJHMFA Special Needs Housing Trust Fund Overview
DDD Presentation on Housing
NY Times Article on Accessory Dwelling Units
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The Importance of Measles Vaccines
Measles is a highly contagious virus that had been eliminated in the United States in 2000 but has made a recent resurgence. Cases have remained isolated, with one large outbreak in West Texas. There have been a few cases in New Jersey, too. Vaccination is the only method to avoid contracting this potentially deadly virus. Vaccination rates have dropped nationally in recent years and have added to the spread of the disease.
Please click below to visit the New Jersey Department of Health's Measles information page.
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New Drivers’ License Identification Available for Disability Status
The New Jersey Department of Human Services, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Motor Vehicle Commission have announced efforts to assist law enforcement when interacting with residents with Autism and Communication support needs. There is now a drivers’ license and non-drivers license identification available for residents to indicate disability status. Please click below for the press release.
| | If you missed these recent live webinar discussions, we invite you to watch them and our other recordings on the Community Living Education Project's Youtube Channel. | | | | |
The IDD Toolkit: Tools to Enhance Health Care for Adults w/ Intellectual Developmental Disabilities
Presented by Janet Shouse, IDD Toolkit Program Coordinator, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
Webinar Date: March 26, 2025
Watch now
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Trauma Risk and Recovery: A Workshop for Families and Caregivers
Presented by Melissa Cheplic, MPH, NADD-CC
Senior Training and Consultation Specialist, The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development
Webinar Date: December 5, 2024
Watch now
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Assistive Technology "Open Mic"
Presented by Mike Marotta, ATP
Director, The Richard West Assistive Technology Access Center
Webinar Date: November 21, 2024
Watch now
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If you or someone you know have an intellectual and/or developmental disability and live in New Jersey, we can help -- FREE! We work one-on-one with individuals and families as mentors and guides to navigating all the different services, programs, and options available to you. From where to live to setting up services, to pursuing hobbies and interests, we'll help you make informed decisions that will allow you to live as integrated members of your community.
Please get in touch if we can help you!
Email us at clep@sph.rutgers.edu or call (732) 235-3277
Let's continue the conversation on social media! Please follow us and let us know how we can best be of assistance to you and/or your loved ones.
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Please forward this email to your friends, colleagues, and families, and encourage them to subscribe and visit our website. Together we can make New Jersey a vibrant place for people with disabilities to live, work, and thrive!
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