New Jersey
Services and Support for People with Disabilitiesfrom Patty Kowalchuk
Values into Action - New Jersey Managing Director
Here in NJ, we are faced with lots of challenges as we grow, change, and evolve in an ever changing system. It’s good to be reminded that struggles are part of the journey. Do yourself a favor and read this week’s ripple – it’s an attitude changer!
Governor Kim Guadagno addressed members at a Meet the Policymakers event last month during the Chamber of Commerce of Southern NJ luncheon.
Heather Cooper, Resource & Development Director from Values into Action, NJ attended the event.
When I was a kid, I asked a lot of questions. I have a memory of my grandmother asking me why I was asking her so many questions (how’s that for irony?) I also remember my mother demanding to know why I always had to ask so many questions (perhaps even more ironic). Looking back as an adult, it’s likely that at least some of their pushback to my questions must have been because they didn’t have the answers, or perhaps they did and didn’t want to talk about it, or perhaps there was a “need to know” basis where I was on the outside looking in. Whatever the case, I certainly trust that their responses (questions) were coming from a loving place and that they were not trying to be unkind. This week’s ripple talks about the importance of questions and that not all questions have immediate answers. Maybe some questions never get answered. When they get asked, however, they lead to growth. Enjoy!
We're excited to share that a mural created by Values Into Action, along with the Burlington, NJ community, is on display through the end of December at the Library Company of Burlington. The mural project theme is "What community means to you in a picture."
Great job to all the wonderful artists who participated in this project!
If you can, stop by and see the mural for yourself. Click here for library location, hours, etc.
David Cooper, Heather Cooper, and Patty Kowalchuk of Values Into Action New Jersey would like to acknowledge Kim Campbell as a Noteworthy New Jerseyan!
Values Into Action NJ and Niagara University are excited to introduce the First Responders Disability Awareness Training (FR-DAT) program to the state's first responders.
The ability to respond to individuals with disabilities has posed varying challenges to emergency responders across the country. High profile cases have exposed the need for more involved awareness and education regarding the characteristics and challenges some individuals pose. As the population increases and more individuals are active in the community, the need to ensure accurate and appropriate response is critical.
Endorsed by the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and control and NYS DOH EMS, this program provides valuable information and resources while introducing NU’s comprehensive Train-the-Trainer program. Currently being conducted in New York and Arkansas, FRDAT is the only program in the nation that covers ALL disabilities that may challenge emergency responders and allows the department to own the customized curriculum and conduct the program per their training schedule. For more information and to access training evaluation summaries, visit our website at frdat.niagara.edu.
“All in all, I was very glad that I signed up for this training. I also believe that when I bring this info back to my department, and other local departments, that my EMS peers will also feel the same benefits and growth from this knowledge. I was also appreciative of all the talking points which are included." - Mary Mott East Hampton Village (NY) Ambulance Certified Instructor Coordinator
“Props to NU for putting together a wonderful and comprehensive course and resource guide for us to use and implement in the field.” - Emanuel Caras Scarsdale (NY) Firefighter/EMS
Dozens of first responders attended the first training held at Middlesex Co. Fire Academy June 9th. The presentation was conducted by NU FRDAT’s Project Director David Whalen. Dave has been training a multitude of service providers and first responders in disability awareness for the past 11 years and has been working in the field of disability service/education since 1986.
Values Into Action looks forward to another "Train the Trainer" session in October.
This project is funded by the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities.
The mood inside Tao's Restaurant in East Rutherford on May 7 was light. Music played as those in attendance casually helped themselves to a breakfast spread of fruit, bagels and coffee, and mingled before the start of a presentation geared toward addressing the state of affairs for children and adults with disabilities. But the message from presenters stood in stark contrast to the casual atmosphere.
Parents of children and adults with disabilities gathered to voice their concerns regarding issues confronting the disabled which they say include weakened and disappearing case management services, the decrease of housing opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities and a failure to enforce Federal Special Education Law. In addition, concern from parents and those in attendance stemmed from the New Jersey Statewide Transition Plan (STP) for adults with disabilities.
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