Bridging the Gap:
Transition Workshop Series
What is "Bridging the Gap"?
The team at Values Into Action NJ is in a unique position that has friendships and working relationships with youth and adult service providers. We aim to assist people and professionals in the transition process by "bridging the gap" between service providers and those that utilize services through a year-long workshop series.
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Organized by our VIANJ team, this workshop series is intended to support the community by connecting people to the YTC's workshop presenters throughout the year in an ongoing effort to make the transition process as smooth as possible.
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Below are our Bridging the Gap Transition Workshop offerings. You are welcome to schedule a joint presentation with us and the presenting organization or can reach out to request a workshop with them directly.
Bridging the Gap
Workshop Series Menu
Housing – Tenant’s Rights in New Jersey
Contact: Sean Benoit (sbenoit@chlp.org)
This presentation will provide information regarding a tenant’s rights in New Jersey. It will include a discussion about leases, rent increases, tenant responsibilities, landlord responsibilities, and the eviction process. It will also include a discussion about the types of affordable housing that is available in New Jersey.
Special Education – The IEP and Transitional Services
Contact: Sean Benoit (sbenoit@chlp.org)
This presentation will provide information regarding the IEP process, evaluations, requesting independent evaluations, and transitional services available to students as they start to age out. It will also include a discussion about FAPE (free appropriate public education, LRE (least restrictive environment), and how to challenge an IEP through mediation and due process.
Social Security – Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability (SSD)
Contact: Laurie Egeth (legeth@chlp.org)
This presentation will provide information on SSI and SSD, including how to apply, eligibility, denials, and the right to appeal. It will also include a discussion of overpayments and other possible benefit sanctions.
NJ ABLE - Save While You Preserve SSI and Medicaid
Contact: Ursula Baker (Ursula.Baker@dhs.nj.gov)
The NJ Achieving a Better Life Experience (NJ ABLE) allows qualified individuals with disabilities to save for disability-related expenses in tax-advantaged savings accounts without losing eligibility for certain assistance programs. Informational seminar on ABLE accounts and the valuable benefits it has for those who are eligible.
Target audience: Individuals with disabilities and their caregivers, family members, and friends.
Division of Disability Services (DDS) Overview
Contact: Ursula Baker (Ursula.Baker@dhs.nj.gov)
A brief overview of all the services provided by the Division of Disability Services, included, but not limited to: Information & Referral Services, Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS), NJ ABLE, NJ Workability, Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP), Traumatic Brain Injury Fund and Disability Health & Wellness Initiative.
We Can Get There Together: Transportation Resources
Contact: Melody Bundy (melody.bundy@njtip.rutgers.edu)
This presentation discusses:
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Accessible features on NJ TRANSIT buses, trains, and light rail vehicles
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Review of transportation resources and local transportation options
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Benefits of training through NJTIP @ Rutgers
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Tools to plan trips – schedules, maps, and assistance over the phone and online
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Dealing with the unexpected & having a backup plan while traveling.