Make Your Voice Heard on the FY27 Budget! | | |
Next month, Governor Sherrill will introduce her State Budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2027. Now is the time to speak up and make your voice heard. It is critical for the Governor to hear from our community about the importance of services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the priorities that must be funded in the upcoming fiscal year.
Please take action today by clicking here, and share this alert with your networks!
| | Governor Sherrill Seeks Public Input | | This is an opportunity to share your voice and elevate the issues that matter most to you and your community. Complete the survey below to communicate your priorities to Governor Sherrill's Administration. | |
New Jersey Code Blue
When temperatures drop below freezing, and conditions pose a threat to unsheltered individuals, a network of agencies throughout NJ help people obtain shelter. During such times, county offices of emergency management and municipal government will often initiate and communicate a Code Blue Alert, which enables authorities to make shelter arrangements for adults experiencing homelessness.
The shelter arrangements may include opening Warming Centers for this specific need. The Code Blue activations, deactivations, and Warming Center listings are based on what NJ 211 receives from the counties. Once a county declares a Code Blue, the information is shared through local media and social media outlets. It is also shared with NJ 211 and posted to this page: New Jersey Code Blue | NJ 2-1-1 Partnership
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Upcoming Webinar:
Navigating SSA Disability Benefits While Working
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Thursday, March 5th, 2026 at 10:00am
Are you receiving SSI or SSDI and thinking about entering the workforce? This NJWINS presentation, hosted by The Arc of New Jersey, is designed to help you make informed decisions about your benefits while pursuing financial independence. As a Work Incentive Planning and Assistance program funded by the SSA, NJWINS is available to support your journey toward a successful career.
Presenter: Andrea Jimenez
Certified Work Incentives Coordinator
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CareQuest Institute for Oral Health
On your own time, explore interactive, self-paced courses — featuring experts from across the industry — on topics shaping the future of oral health, and earn free Continuing Education credits (CEs).
Below are courses for dental providers that focus on improving care for individuals with disabilities and other medical conditions:
| | What can The Arc of NJ Self-Advocacy Program Do for You? | |
Medicaid Saves Lives – Sign the Petition to Protect It!
When people with disabilities have access to essential health care and services, they can live on their own terms.
Medicaid makes this possible.
It provides critical health care and services to millions of children and adults with disabilities, so they can live healthier, fuller lives.
Sign now to show your support for Medicaid!
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And share what Medicaid means to you!
Your story matters and can make a difference.
Why Medicaid Matters
When people with disabilities get the health care and services they need, they can live fuller, more independent lives. Medicaid makes this possible.
It provides essential health care and services to millions of children and adults with disabilities—every single day.
By answering a few short questions, you can tell Congress why Medicaid is so important.
Tell Your Story
Your voice shows lawmakers what’s at stake and why they must protect Medicaid.
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Do you agree that federal policy shouldn’t punish people for trying to save responsibly?
Millions of people with disabilities rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to meet their basic needs, but SSI has outdated rules that make it hard for people to make ends meet and save for emergencies.
Over the past 30 years, costs for things like food, clothes, and rent have increased, but SSI asset limits have stayed the same. In fact, they haven’t been updated since 1989!
Because of that, 4 in 10 people who rely on SSI live in poverty, and many are one emergency away from homelessness or hunger. Join in supporting updates to SSI so the people with disabilities who rely on it aren’t forced to live in poverty or be one paycheck away from it.
Tell Congress to support the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act, which would:
- Raise SSI asset limits to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for married couples.
- Adjust asset limits based on inflation every year.
- Reduce marriage penalties related to SSI asset limits.
| | EP Magazine Annual Healthcare Issue | |
EP Magazine’s Annual Healthcare Issue offers a range of articles that explain how to expand access for patients with special needs and their families, which can improve health outcomes as well as quality of life.
www.epmagazine.com
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NJ Department of Health Offering No-Cost Covid & Flu Vaccines
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has announced a statewide initiative to provide no-cost COVID-19 and flu vaccinations for residents, including children ages six months and older. The goal is to protect families and communities during the 2025-2026 respiratory illness virus season, making prevention easier no matter your insurance status.
For dates and locations, visit the NJDOH vaccine site: nj.gov/health/covid-19/information/vaccines or call your local health department.
| | A Lifeline for New Jerseyans: The Importance of Protecting and Expanding NJ FamilyCare Home and Community-Based Services | | |
NJ FamilyCare Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) support nearly 90,000 older adults and people with disabilities living in the community. These services are critical to ensuring New Jerseyans can remain living at home and active in their communities, which most people prefer compared to living in institutions.
Because HCBS coverage is optional for states to provide under Medicaid, federal cuts to the Medicaid program enacted through H.R.1, the Budget Reconciliation Act, put HCBS under threat.
A Justice in Aging fact sheet, co-branded with Disability Rights New Jersey and The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development, provides an overview of Medicaid HCBS in New Jersey and their vital role in supporting the health and well-being of older adults and disabled people. It makes the case for why New Jersey must commit to maintaining and expanding these vital supports in spite of federal and other fiscal threats.
In addition to sharing real life stories that illustrate the vital importance of Medicaid HCBS for New Jerseyans, the fact sheet includes policy recommendations for protecting and expanding access to HCBS including raising revenue, expanding financial eligibility, strengthening the provider network, and protecting enhanced eligibility pathways.
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Improving Healthcare Experiences for People with Autism
Rowan University is conducting an IRB-approved research study to improve healthcare experiences and accessibility for individuals with autism while supporting registered nurses (RNs) in providing compassionate, high-quality care. The project aims to develop a resource cart that enhances comfort and accessibility during medical visits.
The study is seeking participation from children with autism ages 5–17, adults with autism, caregivers of individuals with autism, and currently practicing RNs in the United States. Adults must be able to communicate in English.
Participation involves a one-time visit at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ:
- Adults with autism, caregivers, and RNs: 1–2 hours
- Children with autism: 45–60 minutes
Compensation includes a $75 virtual gift card, or SONA credit for Rowan University students who prefer academic credit.
| If you have questions, contact Christina Simmons at simmonsc@rowan.edu |
ABLE Accounts and Special Needs Trusts Webinar
February 18, 2026 | 7:00 PM
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This workshop will walk through the differences between each type of trust and carefully explain the situations when each trust should be utilized to maximize the benefit. This 90-minute presentation by Jared B. Oberweis, Esq, includes a Q&A for attendees. Guests are encouraged to submit questions in advance. Please submit all of your questions when RSVPing.
Click here to register for this webinar.
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Catching Up with Connor
The Catching Up with Connor Facebook Live series is back!
Tune in every other Thursday at 2:30pm for this series, featuring 10-15 minute educational presentations on specific health care issues, news, and key topics for individuals with IDD and their families.
No registration is required, but please leave a like and comment what topics you would like to see in the future!
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Virtual Office Hours
The Health Care Advocacy Program offers virtual office hours on Mondays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
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Meet with the Director of Health Care Advocacy to discuss healthcare questions or concerns, for example, regarding Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security, as they affect your family member or loved one with IDD.
Appointments are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and may be limited to 20 minutes, as needed. Please be patient, as the Director will meet with everyone who registers and joins the virtual meeting.
| | You are encouraged to share this information with others who may also be interested. However, if you are forwarding this email, please delete the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of this page. If you do not remove the "unsubscribe" option and a person who receives your forwarded email clicks "unsubscribe," it would result in your name being removed from our distribution list. | | | | |
