General Business
July 30, 2024
New Jersey Department of Human Resources Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman and the state’s Chief Innovation Officer Dave Cole launched the Disability Information Hub website during a virtual event commemorating Disability Pride Month and the 34th anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Day).
The hub, located at NJ.gov/Disabilities, will serve as a one-stop shop connecting New Jersey people with disabilities, their families, caregivers and advocates to state services and resources in an accessible format. The hub and associated referral services are part of New Jersey’s Fiscal Year 2025 investments to support inclusion and services for New Jersey’s diverse disability community.
“New Jersey’s Disability Information Hub will be a game changer for many individuals and families. Streamlining and easily accessing the state’s comprehensive collection of services and supports will help countless people reach the tools and resources they need,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Together, we are breaking down barriers to help all New Jerseyans thrive in their communities, and I applaud this whole-of-government effort to uplift our state’s disability community.”
On this site you will find nearly 200 programs offered by the state of New Jersey. Families can find information about available food, income and employment assistance programs; caregivers can find information about support programs and services to help them care for their loved ones; and individuals with disabilities can find information about a variety of services, including in-home assistance, vocational rehabilitation, personal care assistance and education.
The Hub also has specific pages with resources organized by disability, including select information for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, people with physical disabilities, people who are blind or visually impaired, people who are deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing. The website also has pages on key programs for caregivers, children with disabilities, veterans, and people in the transition from childhood to adulthood. The Hub also highlights supports and services related to mental health, assistive technology, transportation, legal rights and advocacy, employment, and emergency planning.
The Hub meets WCAG and Section 508 accessibility requirements, uses high-contrast colors, and is screen reader compatible. The website is designed to be easy to navigate and incorporates direct feedback from residents with disabilities. The Hub also includes a welcome video in American Sign Language (ASL), which can be viewed here.
For users who need additional assistance navigating the website or accessing services, the hub prominently displays how to request live assistance from Information and Referral (I&R) Services at the Department of Human Services’ Division of Disability Services. Users can access this service by calling 1-800-285-3036. An I&R Community Resource Specialist will educate callers about available programs, eligibility requirements, and the application process. An ASL videophone service is also available for residents who are hearing impaired and sign language users. To access this service, call 1-609-503-4862. Deaf and non-sign language users can contact the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH) by calling 609-588-2648.
“The anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act marks great progress in protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities and promoting their full participation and dignity in society. Under the Murphy Administration, the Department of Human Services has made significant investments to better serve and support people with disabilities and their families,” said Homeland Security Secretary Sarah Adelman. “The Disability Information Hub is a gateway to the wealth of resources available to this community. We are proud to launch this comprehensive and accessible resource, especially during Disability Pride Month. This would not have been possible without the dedicated work of the Office of Innovation and Information Technology, as well as the many individuals with disabilities and other state agencies and offices who helped test and improve the website.”
“Human-centered government services build trust and invigorate communities across New Jersey, and the Disability Information Hub represents the insights of dozens of community-based service providers, families, caregivers, and New Jerseyans with disabilities,” said New Jersey Chief Innovation Officer Dave Cole. “Working with a dedicated team at DHS and partners across the state, we developed this new website as a living resource designed not only for, but with, the entire disability community. I thank Secretary Adelman and his team, his colleagues at the Department of Information Technology, and dozens of other partners who provided their expertise and commitment in delivering this important resource. We look forward to continuing to improve it to meet the needs of all New Jerseyans.”
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