The Arc Of New Jersey

Employment training. Project hire is The organization's comprehensive supported employment program, placing and supporting men and women with intellectual and developmental disabilities into integrated and competitive employment. The program's supported employment model includes job assessment, job matching, on-site intensive training and lifelong follow-along support. The program also provides transition planning and support services to New Jersey high school students in special education in order to ensure that students with disabilities have appropriate and adequate post-graduation opportunities. Technical assistance services are also offered through The program, with trainings and consultations available to all New Jersey service providers who seek to maintain The highest standards of supported employment operation and compliance with accrediting organizations.

Client advocacy: The organization's criminal justice advocacy program seeks to ensure fair and equal access to alternatives to incarceration and correctional habilitation programs for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have become involved in The criminal justice system. The program also offers specialized juvenile offender services. The self advocacy project assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities advocate on their behalf, including educating state administrators and legislators about issues of importance to them. The project conducts presentations to community organizations and establishes and maintains a strong network of local advocacy groups.

Systems advocacy. The Arc of New Jersey provides comprehensive, multi-faceted advocacy on a number of levels, including administrative, legislative, institutional and personal. The organization's governmental affairs department works primarily at The state level, working with The administration, The legislature and The stakeholder departments and divisions to promote a three-tiered mission 1) to protect The civil rights entitlements of citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities, 2) to promote their full community integration, and 3) to enhance The overall welfare and opportunities of citizens and their families. Through its mainstreaming medical care program, The organization has developed a strong health care advocacy initiative that works closely with New Jersey government officials and health care providers and institutions to protect, facilitate and advance full and equal access to quality medical, dental and mental health services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition to The mainstreaming medical care program, The planning for adult life program and family institute offer training to participants, families, and schools, on important issues relating to their lives during school and after graduation. The Arc of New Jersey family institute is dedicated to providing timely information, advocacy, support and training to family members of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.