RELEASE: January 4, 2005

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Human Services Announces New Approach for Students with Developmental Disabilities

TRENTON -- Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner James M. Davy held a roundtable discussion today with community providers and families to announce a new program for graduating students who receive services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). These students are no longer eligible for educational funding through their local school districts.

“We want to be more proactive in helping students and their families transition from school to adult life,” said Acting Governor Richard J. Codey. “Like any young adult, we need to give them the tools they need to succeed.”

Individuals under twenty-one years of age who are eligible for services from DDD attend special education and/or residential programs funded by their local school districts. Each year approximately, 600 students graduate or “age out” from those programs and may seek alternate DDD funded programming and support services.

Beginning this month, DDD will host regional information sessions for students who are graduating this June, and their families. Follow up workshops including financial assistance, work activities and other service options will also be available. The Department of Human Services allocated $5M in the FY 05 budget for support services for people with developmental disabilities who graduated during 2004.

“Last year marked the first year that we earmarked funds to support this critical transition,” said Commissioner Davy. “It's important that people with disabilities plan effectively for life after graduation just like you or I would.”

INFORMATION SESSION SCHEDULE

• January 5 th Gloucester County College , Gloucester
  
• January 10 th Springfield Adult Training Center , Springfield
  
• January 19 th North Jersey Developmental Center, Totowa
  
• January 31 st Manalapan Library, Manalapan