PROVIDING ADVOCACY AND ASSISTANCE TO PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES
The first meeting of the TRMACDD was held on April 2, 2003. Sixteen agency representatives and parent advocates were appointed to serve one year terms. Four years later, our committee continues to provide assistance to the community and is finding new and innovative ways to advocate for people with disabilities.
2007 was an excellent year for the TRMACDD. We accomplished a lot this year... kept some old ideas, tried some new ones. Many people continue to come to our annual Information Fair & now we should be able to reach a lot more with our website. Mayor Brush worked diligently with the committee on various topics and issues that are important to our local residents with developmental disabilities. We wish him success as he moves on. We are looking forward to starting 2008 with a focus on employment and transition. We hope you will be able to join the committee at our monthly meetings. (Scroll down for the schedule)
One of the goals that TRMACDD continuously works on is employment issues for our area residents with developmental disabilities. Recently, the TRMACDD was invited to speak to the Toms River Chamber of Commerce board of directors. Mayor Paul Brush, Committee Chair Fay Wilson, committee members Allison Kobus and William Gaul presented information to local business leaders on the positive aspects of hiring people with developmental disabilities. Allison Kobus presented a power-point presentation on "Unlocking the Key" to hiring people with developmental disabilities and William Gaul spoke about Job Coaching and other supports that are available to the businesses who hire people with developmental disabilities. Handouts included a brochure developed by the committee outlining information regarding hiring people with disabilities and also information provided by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. The presentation was successful and at this meeting, Mayor Paul Brush announced that he will be hiring a person with developmental disabilities to work at town hall.
On September 26, 2007, the TRMACDD was proud to host the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services for New Jersey, Jennifer Velez, esq. The Commissioner attended our meeting at the invitation of the Mayor and we were excited to have her with us. Speaking on behalf of the state with Commissioner Velez was Robert "Bob" Harbold, Regional Administrator for the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Commissioner Velez spoke to the committee and it's visitors about the changes needed in the state regarding housing and other services for people with developmental disabilities. Families were offered the opportunity to ask questions and the majority of the questions were regarding housing and employment. Bob Harbold also spoke regarding the waiver process and accessing support through the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Pictures can be viewed on our pictures page.
OCTOBER 18, 2007: TRMACDD held it's fifth annual Information Fair. This year's fair was held at the Toms River Elk's Club on Washington Street. Vendors from almost fifty community providers were on hand to provide information about the services they provide. The event was a great success and we are already looking forward to next year!
The TRMACDD hosted a workshop on "TRANSITION FROM SCHOOL TO ADULT LIFE" presented by Alice Hunnicutt, a representative of SPAN (the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network). Topics relating to transitioning from school to adult life, identifying outcomes and developing goals as part of the IEP process were reviewed.
2008 TRMACDD MEETING SCHEDULE
- January 30, 2008 Hirshblond Room
- February 27, 2008 Hirshblond Room
- March 26, 2008 Hirshblond Room
- April 23, 2008 Hirshblond Room
- May 28, 2008 Hirshblond Room
- June 25, 2008 Hirshblond Room
- July 30, 2008 Hirshblond Room
- August 27, 2008 Hirshblond Room
- September 24, 2008 Sun Room
- October 29, 2008 Hirshblond Room
- November 19, 2008 Sun Room
- December 17, 2008 Sun Room
All meetings are public and anyone is welcome to attend. Meetings begin at 6:30 pm. Cancellations and/or time changes will be posted as they occur.