Support Coordination is a service designed to assist individuals with disabilities in navigating and accessing various support opportunities available to them. Support Coordinators typically collaborate with individuals and their families to assess their needs, develop personalized plans, connect them with relevant resources and service providers, and provide follow-up support. The goal of Support Coordination is to empower individuals with disabilities to live as independently and fully as possible by accessing the services and supports they need to thrive.
Progressive Center for Independent Living has been a trusted guide in Mercer, Somerset, and Hunterdon Counties of New Jersey since 1995, offering different ways to help individuals living with disabilities navigate the complexities of the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD NJ) system. Through their dedicated support coordination services, they offer a lifeline to those seeking to enhance their quality of life and achieve their goals. Here are five pivotal ways PCIL can extend a helping hand through their Support Coordination services to contribute to the enrichment of your life and the realization of your dreams.
*The names used in this post have been changed from their original names in order to protect the privacy of our clients.*
1. Streamlining DDD NJ Application Process:
Meet Jared, a determined young adult who's been diagnosed with autism, who had heard about using DDD NJ services to enhance his independence, but she quickly became overwhelmed by the daunting application requirements. Jared's family turned to Progressive Center for Independent Living for guidance. With their steadfast support, Jared successfully navigated the application process, paving the way for a future filled with boundless opportunities.
Signing up for DDD NJ services can be confusing. But with the help of the Progressive Center for Independent Living, it becomes easier. From deciphering eligibility criteria to compiling necessary documentation, the center's dedicated team stands ready to offer invaluable assistance every step of the way. Reach out to our Independent Living specialists now and they can help you complete your DDD application.
2. Navigating NJCAT with Ease:
Once a DDD NJ application is submitted, an agent from the Division of Developmental Disabilities will conduct the New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool (NJCAT) to determine the level of support an individual would benefit from. These assessments are given again every five years.
Sarah, a resilient individual with intellectual disabilities, found herself at a crossroads when faced with the NJCAT assessment. Uncertain about how to effectively communicate her abilities and support needs, Sarah's anxiety mounted. Thankfully, Progressive Center for Independent Living provided her with the tools and resources needed to articulate her strengths and challenges. With newfound clarity, Sarah approached the assessment with confidence, unlocking access to vital services tailored to her unique needs.
The New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool (NJCAT) may sound scary, but it’s just a way for DDD NJ to understand your needs. It serves as a cornerstone in determining an individual's eligibility for DDD NJ services. However, interpreting and completing the assessment can pose significant challenges without proper guidance. Progressive Center for Independent Living lends a helping hand, demystifying the NJCAT process and ensuring individuals present their strengths and needs accurately. Through personalized guidance and support, they empower individuals to navigate the assessment with confidence, setting the stage for tailored support plans.
3. Facilitating Agency Selection for Support Coordination:
Selecting the right Support Coordination agency is a pivotal step in your journey towards independence and happiness. Progressive Center for Independent Living (PCIL) distinguishes itself by offering comprehensive services that utilize all divisions within our organization, including our independent living specialists and recreation programs. Our dedicated team of trained and experienced staff goes the extra mile to not only provide excellent support coordination but also connect you with vetted resources to fully utilize your DDD NJ services. Whether it's housing assistance, peer support groups, or exciting events, we have everything you need to enhance your quality of life.
Switching Support Coordination agencies with PCIL is hassle-free. We can assist you in completing a Support Coordination Agency Change Form and guide you through the entire process. Rest assured, choosing PCIL as your Support Coordination partner will be a decision you won't regret. We're committed to making your journey smoother and your life brighter.
Matthew, a spirited individual with developmental disabilities, faced the daunting task in selecting a Support Coordination agency and chose an agency at random through a list of DDD NJ support coordinators he found on DDD’s website. Feeling underwhelmed by the original Support Coordinator he chose, Matthew sought guidance from Progressive Center for Independent Living after following a recommendation from a friend. Through thoughtful discussions, Matthew and his family decided they wanted to switch to Progressive Center for Independent Living as his Support Coordinator agency. PCIL helped guide Matthew through the Change Form and he was quickly welcomed into the PCIL family.
4. Optimizing Budgets for Comprehensive Services:
Upon selecting an agency, individuals will undergo an intake process to create a New Jersey Individualized Service Plan (NJISP) and a Person-Centered Planning Tool (PCPT) and receive a budget. Maximizing the utilization of allocated budgets is essential in ensuring individuals receive the comprehensive support they deserve. Progressive Center for Independent Living goes above and beyond to explore creative solutions and identify cost-effective strategies that optimize budget allocations while meeting individualized needs. This budget can be used for various services, including residential AID support, community-based assistance, self-directed employment, behavior supports, assistive technology, and more. Our support coordinators work closely with individuals to explore the best options tailored to their goals and preferences.
PCIL’s Support Coordinators work tirelessly to assist individuals, especially during tough times. Take Jacob and his mother, for example, who have struggled with rent payment and have faced multiple evictions over the past 13 years. His mother was working day and night as an Uber driver to make ends meet until her car was wrecked, and she wasn't able to find work due to her physical disability. Our Support Coordinators not only assisted them with finding resources for affordable housing and assistance with rent and utilities but also guided them through the process of becoming a Self-Directed Employee. After the training process was completed, the mother was then appointed as a caregiver for her son, and now receives regular income from Jacob's DDD budget for providing the support and care that his mother was already providing previously. Both of these individuals are now living financially stable, have obtained a new car, and are in the process of moving into a new and charming home.
5. Fostering a Path to Employment:
In New Jersey, the emphasis is on providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. DDD NJ guidelines prioritize an employment outcome as part of the individual's service plan. Whether it involves vocational training, job coaching, day habilitation, or college education, PCIL supports individuals in pursuing meaningful employment opportunities aligned with their aspirations. Support Coordinators will assist with following the process of NJ’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) for competitive employment. Support Coordinators will also enthusiastically search for day programs that are a perfect fit.
One of PCIL’s consumers used her DDD budget for all her semesters attending The College of New Jersey. Once she graduated, her Support Coordinator assisted her with guiding her through the DVRS process and assisting her with obtaining a job coach through her budget. As she worked with her job coach to search for the perfect job for her in clerical work, she finally began to receive interview opportunities. Her Support Coordinator knew of her anxiety for interviews and connected her with a specialist from PCIL’s Independent Living Department. The team met several times to provide assistance with interviewing tips and completed mock interviews to ease her anxiety. At last, she finally received and accepted a job offer for Special Olympics New Jersey for data entry. Our team is so proud and overjoyed to see her growth in the past few years. PCIL encourages individuals to lean in our direction for support in employment, exploring the many resources that individuals can use to benefit their career.
At PCIL, we are committed to providing unparalleled support and resources to individuals with disabilities, helping them lead fulfilling and independent lives. Our Support Coordinators are there to guide you through the DDD NJ system, making it less overwhelming and more accessible. They're like your personal GPS, helping you navigate the road to independence and success. Through their unwavering dedication and personalized approach, they continue to transform lives and sow the seeds of boundless possibilities.
Contact PCIL to find out how we can help you with your DDD NJ services through our Support Coordination Services.
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