INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES (I & R)
"Information and Referral (I&R) is the art, science, and practice of bringing people and services together. When individuals and families don't know where to turn, I&R is there for them."
–Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS)
LIVE ASSISTANCE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
DDS' Information and Referral Services Team connects callers to live, professionally certified, Community Resource Specialists specifically trained in disability services, who:
- inform and educate on services
available statewide;
- screen for appropriate services and
supports;
- assist in navigating and connecting
to programs and services based on
individualized needs;
- attend disability-related community
events and speaking engagements
throughout the state; and
- work in partnership with some
benefit programs such as NJ
WorkAbility and Managed Long Term
Services and Supports (MLTSS).
Nationally Certified Community Resource Specialists (CRS) are available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, to provide information and assist with navigating State and County Services available to individuals with disabilities. In addition to providing live assistance over the phone, Community Resource Specialists attend public events throughout the State to disseminate information and answer questions.
All DDS Community Resource Specialist hold certifications from the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS), the internationally recognized professional credentialing program for community I & R providers. Certification consists of an initial exam and the completion of a minimum of 10 documented hours of continued training every two years.
Contact a Community Resource Specialist: 1-888-285-3036
Office Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday
I & R EVENTS
In addition to providing services over the phone, DDS Community Resource Specialists host tables at community events throughout New Jersey, where they are available to distribute information and answer questions directly.
The types of community events attended regularly include:
• Disabilities Awareness Events
• School to Adult Life Transition Fairs
• Community Health and Wellness Events
Please feel free to stop by our table to introduce yourself during our next event! See our upcoming events schedule.
INTERESTED IN HAVING US HOST A TABLE AT YOUR NEXT EVENT?
Contact: Ursula Baker, I & R Team Supervisor
LINKS
CONTACT INFORMATION
Division of Disability Services
11A Quakerbridge Plaza, Mercerville NJ
(Mailing: PO Box 705 Trenton NJ 08625)
Telephone: 1-888-285-3036
Fax: 609-631-4365
KEY STAFF
Ursula Baker, I & R Services Supervisor
