RELEASE: October 19, 2005

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TRENTON –Department of Human Services Commissioner James M. Davy and Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald (D-Camden) today announced a $12.5 million expansion of services for people with developmental disabilities who live at home.

During the FY'06 legislative budget sessions families who care for their developmentally disabled relatives at home urged the legislature to provide more funding for in home services. Family members provided testimony and presented a petition with more than 6,000 signatures to the appropriations committee.

“More than 70 percent of the families waiting for services told us they want their loved one to stay at home in their own communities“—and we heard them” said Commissioner Davy.”

This expansion provides additional funding for respite services, transitional services for people graduating from high school and other self-directed service options (Real Life Choices).

•  $3.6 million will be available for respite services . An additional 1500 people will receive services . People who are under 22 and still in school receive the majority of their services from the school system. Traditionally they request respite services from DDD. Respite can be a camp program or recreational services, to provide the family with relief from care giving.

•  $4.55 million ($2.73 million state, $1.82 million federal) will be available for 200 individuals who are graduating and transitioning out of special education. Following graduation from the educational system, day activities are needed to support the transition to adult life. Without these services they will be at home full time with their families

•  An additional $4.38 ($2.63 million state, $1.75 million federal) will allow an additional 300 people to participate in Real Life Choices, the self-directed option in which the individual and family have a budget and can purchase services and supports. Self-directed service options like Real Life Choices gives developmentally disabled adults creative service options while living at home.

Traditional community-based residential programs cost $90,000 to $146,000 per year. Through Real Life Choices family members are given a budget between $14,000-$63,000 for home renovation, transportation or aides to help with daily living activities, so they can stay at home.

“This funding will provide support for the families of approximately 2,000 people with developmental disabilities who live at home,” said Assemblyman Greenwald, Chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee. “Not only is this the right thing to do—it's the fiscally sound thing to do.”

The Division of Developmental Disabilities has a $1.2 billion operating budget serves more than 35,000 people with developmental disabilities such as mental retardation, spina bifida, autism, cerebral palsy and brain injuries.

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