DSA Newsletter for October 2023

Free Webinar-

Disability Services & Advocacy are hosting a free webinar October 26,2023 starting at 7:30 pm. This webinar will share the roadmap to help guide individuals, parents or guardians from the School Age system into DDD and the Adult Services System. 

Register today: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4124826002162055774  

Download the flyer below in the documents section for more information. 

During the School Year in which you are turning 21 timeline (as seen on DDD website: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/individuals/transition/ )

September-June: Preparation and Planning

• Attend a DDD Welcome Session.
• Participate in activities offered through Planning for Adult Life.
• Use the Division’s Person-Centered Planning Tool to identify your vision for work and life, and the supports that may be needed to achieve it.
• Learn about Support Coordination and service providers.

February-April: Support Coordination Agency Selection and Assignment

• The Support Coordination Agency Selection Form is provided during the eligibility application process. When completing the form, it is a good idea to identify both a first-choice and second-choice agency.
• To find an SCA that serves your county of residence, you can review the Division’s list of approved Support Coordination Agencies or use the Provider Search Database.

April-June: Service Plan Development

• The Support Coordinator is responsible for writing the Individualized Service Plan (ISP), with guidance from the planning team (student, family, providers, etc.) and information gathered during the Person-Centered Planning process and completion of the NJCAT.
• *The ISP should be completed and approved before the student exits the school system so that services will be in place upon graduation.

Statewide Parent Advocacy Group:

Navigating and advocating for your child may come with some struggles or confusion. SPAN Parent Advocacy Network is empowering families as advocates and partners in improving education, health/mental health and human services outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, youth and young adults.