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Advocating for our member agencies as they provide quality supports and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

✅ WIN: Engaging Membership Meetings Last week, ne

✅ WIN: Engaging Membership Meetings

Last week, nearly 100 members joined us for our virtual Monthly Membership Meeting. Amy Vazquez from the Employer Association of New Jersey provided an informative overview of the recent changes to New Jersey’s Family Leave and Temporary Disability laws, which took effect on Friday, while NJACP’s Maureen Shea reviewed what was and was not included in the FY27 State Budget.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to being back together in person and virtually for our Hybrid Membership Meeting on September 23, where we’ll continue sharing timely information, exchanging ideas, and learning from one another.

🟣 CHALLENGE: Changing the Narrative

One of the biggest challenges facing our field is that community providers are too often viewed solely as human services, not as the powerful economic engines they are.

Yet, they employ thousands of residents, purchase goods and services from local businesses, enable family caregivers to remain in the workforce, and support individuals with IDD to live, work, volunteer, and contribute as full members of their communities.

NJACP members don’t just provide services, they strengthen local economies, create jobs, and build more inclusive communities.

NJACP will be shining a spotlight on these contributions so policymakers better understand that investing in community providers is an investment in the state’s workforce and future.

🟡 FORWARD FOCUS: Learning from Other State Associations

This week, I’m heading to Cincinnati to join my counterparts from across the country at ANCOR’s State Association Executives Meeting.

It’s a valuable opportunity to learn what’s happening in other states, exchange ideas with other association leaders, and bring back innovative strategies that can strengthen NJACP and better serve our members.

The best ideas are often shared and we’re stronger when we learn from one another.

#NJACP

✅WIN: One Year on the Job! This month marks my on

✅WIN: One Year on the Job!

This month marks my one-year anniversary as CEO of NJACP, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Thank you for welcoming me into the fold, giving me grace as I’ve worked to understand the complexities of the system (I’m still learning every day!), and, most importantly, giving me a front-row seat to the incredible work you do.

Every day, as providers, you make choice, independence, inclusion, and opportunity possible. You provide essential care, create meaningful jobs across the state, and make it possible for individuals and their parents, guardians, and family members to work, knowing their loved ones are receiving the supports they need to thrive.

You are cornerstones in your communities and in the state’s economy.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your extraordinary community.

🟣CHALLENGE: Limited Understanding of FFS System

There is limited understanding of the complexities of New Jersey’s fee-for-service system, which can lead to policy decisions that do not fully account for the realities of delivering community-based services.

As a result, well-intentioned legislation and regulations are sometimes advanced without a full appreciation of their operational and financial impact, creating unintended consequences that limit provider flexibility, increase administrative burden, and ultimately make it more difficult to deliver high-quality, person-centered supports.

🟡FORWARD FOCUS: Sharing the Contributions of Providers

As I begin year two, NJACP will be doubling down on our efforts to shine a spotlight on the essential contributions community providers make across New Jersey. Our members create jobs, strengthen communities, support families, and make it possible for individuals to live, work, and thrive.

By sharing your stories and demonstrating your impact through meaningful data, we’ll help policymakers and the public better understand the value of community-based services and why investing in providers is an investment in New Jersey’s future.

#njacpfy27 #iddcommunity #njacp

The @njdeptofhumanservices Office of Program Integ

The @njdeptofhumanservices Office of Program Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) has added a new section to its website that includes resources related to the "Enforcement Authority Law" (P.L. 2025, c. 280), which took effect on July 1, 2026.
The new webpage includes:
* The June 25 Enforcement Authority Law webinar recording and slide deck
* A sample Failure to Report training curriculum
* A Failure to Report poster
* Internal Investigation Report requirements and training materials
* An OPIA Investigation Report template and instructions
* A Guardian Close-Out Letter template
* Sample investigative interview questions
* The full text of P.L. 2025, c. 280
Check it out here: https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/opia/laws/pl2025-c280/

✅WIN: Independence Day Celebrations Across the St

✅WIN: Independence Day Celebrations Across the State

As NJ celebrated America’s 250th birthday this weekend, thousands of individuals with IDD, their families, and the staff who support them celebrated at community picnics, backyard barbecues, pool outings, parades, and parties. That’s exactly what inclusion looks like.

The progress our nation has made toward ensuring people with IDD can live, work, and fully participate in their communities wasn’t inevitable. It was built through decades of advocacy, determination, and the belief that every person deserves the same opportunities, freedoms, and sense of belonging.

While progress faces challenges, NJACP remains committed to protecting and advancing community inclusion. Because independence isn’t just celebrated, it’s something everyone deserves every day.

🟣CHALLENGE: No Additional Funding for IDD Services in FY27

New Jersey’s FY27 Budget did not include the requested 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for community disability services. Providers must continue absorbing rising costs while demand grows, with more than 5,000 individuals still waiting for residential services.

We are grateful that Home and Community-Based Services funding was protected, but preserving the status quo isn’t enough. The state needs a long-term investment strategy that strengthens provider capacity and ensures every individual with IDD has access to the supports they deserve.

🟡FORWARD FOCUS: FY28 Budget Advocacy Starts Today

The FY27 budget may be complete, but our work is just beginning.

Over the coming months, NJACP will build on the momentum of this year’s advocacy campaign by educating the Administration and Legislature about why sustainable investment in community disability services is not optional, it’s essential.

We’ll be bringing data, real-world stories, and solutions to policymakers to demonstrate that investing in community-based services is an investment in New Jersey’s future.

The need hasn’t changed. Neither has our commitment.

#njacpfy27 #iddcommunity #njacp

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HOME
ABOUT
MEMBERSHIP
- Member Benefits
TRAINING & EVENTS
ADVOCACY CENTER
DSP CAREER CENTER

HOME
ABOUT
MEMBERSHIP
- Member Benefits
TRAINING & EVENTS
ADVOCACY CENTER
DSP CAREER CENTER

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140 Scotch Rd.

Ewing Township, NJ 08628

Email: Admin@NJACP.org
Phone: (609) 406-1400
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM

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