The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute provides caregivers with the necessary resources and education to access the appropriate supports and services for their loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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The Arc of NJ Advocates for Medicaid, SSI & More During April Hill Visits |
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Representatives from The Arc of New Jersey connected with members of the state's congressional delegation on April 27, as part of the Fly-In Hill Day hosted by The Arc of the United States. During these meetings, The Arc of New Jersey advocated to protect Medicaid against cuts or work requirements, pushed for needed reforms to the SSI program, discussed the need for a variety of disability-related funding, and talked about legislative initiatives that would improve outcomes when members of law enforcement interact with people with IDD. This was an important chance to connect with our federal representatives. Pictured from left to right is Self-Advocate Barbara Coppens, Congressman Rob Menendez, The Arc of NJ's Senior Director Sharon Levine and Executive Director Tom Baffuto. To view additional photos, click here.
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Also in April, Executive Director Tom Baffuto testified before the Senate Budget Committee. Tom urged the Legislature to maintain funding priorities proposed in the Governor’s FY24 Budget while also asking Committee members to increase the across the board rate increase by an additional 2.5%, to match our original ask of 5.5%, as well an increase to the DDD fee-for-service behavioral rates. Also testifying at the hearing was Pam King, a Self-Advocate from Council 4 of the NJ Statewide Self-Advocacy Network. Pictured in the top left-hand corner is Tom Baffuto. |
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31 Resources to Better Understand Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Accounts |
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Virtual Events
The Family Resource Network is hosting a Student Transition Webinar on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 from 12pm-1pm.
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New Webinar
Multi-State Guardianships: What Every Guardian Should Know Before Crossing the State Line
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 6pm
Presenter: Benjamin Orzeske
The Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (UAGPPJA) is a uniform state law adopted in nearly all U.S. states. Learn how to transfer your guardianship to a different state permanently, and how to ensure you can act as guardian when you are in a different state temporarily under the UAGPPJA.
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CSOC Summer Camp Services |
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For 2023, the Children's System of Care (CSOC) will be providing Summer Camp Services to eligible children, youth, and young adults under 21 years of age. These services include Financial Support toward Summer Camp Tuition and One-to-One Aide Services for Summer Camp.
Also this year, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and CSOC are introducing Alternative Recreational Sessions (ARS) as an additional component of Summer Camp. ARS provides youth an opportunity to engage in a recreational activity with peers within the community, on a per session basis, rather than a full day of camp. This shorter time frame will increase camp access for youth who may benefit from a brief structured period compared to a longer traditional camp day.
Completed applications for CSOC Summer Camp Services (Financial Support toward Summer Camp Tuition and One-to-One Aide Services for Summer Camp) must be postmarked or received by PerformCare no later than June 30th, 2023. Your application must be complete for the services requested for it to be considered.
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute developed a checklist and guide to help you with CSOC's camp application process. Check out The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute's CSOC Summer Camp webpage here. Links, dates and other important information can be found in the materials below.
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New Webinar Series on Dual Diagnosis |
The Mainstreaming Medical Care Program of The Arc of New Jersey is pleased to present the 2023 webinar series:
Exploring Mental Health and Behavioral Health Challenges in People with IDD
This 5-part webinar series will examine the issue of dual diagnosis - co-occurring mental health and/or behavioral health disorders in persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Topics will include diagnosis, treatment options, best practice, etc.
Join us the 4th Tuesday of every month, February through June, for this informative series.
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Webinar #4
Positive Support Interventions for People with IDD/MI
Tuesday, May 23
from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Part 4 of The Arc of New Jersey's webinar series on dual-diagnosis (intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental illness) will focus on treatment modalities and more specifically on Positive Support Interventions.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- define positive supports
- describe strategies to support people with IDD and MI
- define population health management and implications for support
Presenter:
Dan Baker, PhD, NADD-CC, CCEP
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Adventure In A Box is a resource that makes educational toys, board games, and crafts. They also have a blog where they have some innovative ideas. On their website they are categorized by subject (ELA, STEM, Social Studies, Art). They have free printables as well as some paid. Below are some pictures of the free things they offer. |
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Public Forum from Disability Rights New Jersey |
DRNJ sent out information on May 4th about a public forum which states:
Disability Rights New Jersey will be visited by representatives from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) and the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) on June 13, 2023.
SAMHSA/CMHS invites you to send comments about the PAIMI Program services and activities conducted by Disability Rights NJ.
Please send your comments to SAMHSA/CMHS
email to: PAIMI@samhsa.hhs.gov
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mail to: PAIMI Program Coordinator, SAMHSA/CMHS
5600 Fishers Lane, Suite 14E25D
Rockville, MD 208857
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From Our Local Chapters of The Arc |
The Arc of Camden's 21st Annual Step Up for The Arc Walkathon
The Arc of Camden County is hosting their 21st Annual Step Up for The Arc Walkathon. It will take place on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Lindenwold Memorial Park. Registration is at 11am and the walk begins at 12pm.
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