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The NJ Annual Self-Direction Conference: Back to the Future
Hey there! Are you ready to take a trip through time? Well, you don’t need a time machine for this adventure. The NJ Annual Self-Direction Conference is coming up, and this year’s theme is “Back to the Future!” It’s all about exploring the past and future of self-direction in New Jersey. What is Self-Direction? Before […]
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I Am Olmstead!
This year, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Olmstead Decision. I am personally grateful to the United States Supreme Court for the impact this has on my life. About Olmstead The story of the Olmstead case begins with two women, Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson. They had mental illness and developmental disabilities. They […]
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Fairs, Festivals, and Free Events in NJ!
Summer is almost upon us. The weather is getting nicer, which gives us all more of a reason to go outside! If you are interested in fairs, festivals, and free events, then check out the link in the button below. This online resource organizes fairs and festivals by month throughout the state of New Jersey […]
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Join Us at the NJ Youth Transition Conference!
Are you a young adult with a disability, a family member, or someone who helps people with disabilities? Then we’ve got something exciting to share with you! It’s called the NJ Youth Transition Conference, and it’s all about helping people transition into the world of services and support. The NJ Youth Transition Conference is a […]
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Trauma Informed Care: The Healing Power of Choices
I think most people can think back to a time when we felt trapped and helpless. Maybe it seemed like the world was spiraling out of control. Perhaps our life was unraveling before our eyes, or we had just lost something that mattered to us deeply. The reality is, many things in life are out […]
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Free Assistance and Holiday Programs 2023
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from support during the holiday season, there are charities offering a few programs of free toys, presents, gifts and meals. The assistance varies. Free gifts for children and boxes of food are passed out in 2023 to those who qualify. In addition to a gift for a […]
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Making Your Life Easier Through Virtual Conferences
Autumn is a busy time for Values Into Action NJ! During the months of October and November, VIANJ partners with organizations to bring 2 conferences to our community: The NJ IDD Youth Transition Conference (YTC) and the NJ Self-Direction Conference (SDC). Both events helped reach 1,600 people with disabilities, their family members and the professionals […]
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Employment First in NJ
Did you know that New Jersey is an “Employment First” state? “Employment First” means that competitive employment is the recommended first activity after graduation. This is true for everyone, including people with disabilities. ‘Employment First’ is about empowering people with choices for their future. With opportunities for employment comes questions about how it could affect […]
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The Real Struggles: Talking About Suicide Among People with Disabilities
Two years ago on August 9th, my family lost a loved one to suicide. He was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and soon to be father. While he was not a person with a disability, he had addiction and mental health issues. He received a lot of support and still the result was tragic. […]