Taking control of your life means using services that help you reach your goals. These services can support different aspects of your life, such as your career, health, or personal growth.
But where should you start?
Finding the right services can sometimes feel overwhelming, like navigating through a maze. It’s hard to know where to look or how to find exactly what you need to achieve your dreams and passions.
When looking for services, you might look inside the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) system and outside of it. Both options can help you. It’s important to use resources from different places to create the life that matters most to you.
Things to Consider When Starting Out:
- What you are looking to find
- The qualities you value in service providers
- Your location and available options in your area
- Recommendations from people you trust
Finding Services and Providers within DDD
A great way to start your search for resources is by working with your Support Coordinator. They can guide you through the many available services and give you a list of providers that fit your needs. By working together, they can help you find the right services and providers that match your goals.
The DDD Provider Search is another helpful tool for finding services and providers within the DDD system. It’s available to anyone looking for services. It lets you filter results by distance, service type, and more. Many providers offer a trial or tour of their services, so it’s helpful to ask if this is available. The Provider Search is a great place to start. Contact the provider directly to confirm the information is accurate. Also, to ask about any additional details about their services.
A Support Broker can be a good service for searching for additional resources by community mapping. Supports Brokerage is a service available to people enrolled in DDD services who are self-directing some or all of their services. Supports Brokerage services supplement but do not duplicate Support Coordination services. Support Brokers help you access resources, including those outside of DDD. Their goal is to help you make informed decisions and direct your services. Community mapping helps you find free or low-cost local resources. It also helps you get involved in nearby activities.
If you are interested in using a Support Broker, contact your Support Coordinator to see if this service is right for you.
Finding Services Outside of DDD
DDD services offer valuable support, but there are many other resources outside the system that can help you live a more fulfilling life.
Looking for personal development, health services, or community programs? Exploring options beyond DDD can provide new opportunities to meet your needs and reach your goals.
Here are some strategies to consider when searching for support outside the DDD system.
Talk to friends, family, and others in your community for recommendations on services and providers, both inside and outside the DDD system. Personal referrals can help you find resources you might not have discovered on your own. Conversations with your support network can give you valuable insights. Ask what people liked or didn’t like about certain services or providers.
You can also join groups where members share their experiences. In these groups, people may discuss the pros and cons of specific services or providers. These groups may focus on location, disability type, or other shared interests.
Some groups that share common interests include:
- Mom 2 Mom
- Special Olympics networks
- Parent groups, such as SPAN Parent Advocacy Network
- Facebook Groups, such as the Arc of NJ
- Local Libraries and Community Centers
- County ResourceNets
To lead the life you want, it’s important to explore options beyond DDD services. Look into community organizations, healthcare providers, online resources, and more to expand your support network. These resources can help you get the tools and services you need.
Finding the right resources is a personal journey. It may take time, but with patience and persistence, you’ll find services that best support your needs and goals. We are here to support you along the way.