Blog

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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 […]

  • A Deaf Black man wearing glasses looks neutrally at the camera while holding a hand lettered sign declaring “NOTHING about us without US.” The man wears denim overalls and has a black and white beard, septum piercing, and hair pulled back with a bandana. The background features a vibrant mural of a Black woman looking down.

    With, Not For.

    With, not For. That is a power statement and one that is used frequently here at Values into Action. It’s the cornerstone on which the work we do is supported. The collaborative model works to bring everyone to the table. This allows people to forge a path into a space where once hidden voices have […]

  • Cartoon disabled and non disabled people lined in from of a government building.

    Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Access Act

    S.762 – Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Access Act Introduced by Senator Bob Casey 3/09/2023. Why is HCBS Access Act Important? There are many older adults and people with disabilities living in America who need help with daily activities. Many are eligible for Medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS) to support their everyday needs. […]

  • Cartoon people with word bubbles that say Vote, Make a Plan, and Voting is a fundamental right!

    Voting in the NJ Primary Election

    Are you ready to vote in NJ’s 2023 primary election on June 6th? Q. What is a primary election? A. The primary election is where registered voters can choose their party’s candidate. The winning candidates will go up in the general election in November. Q. Why are primary elections important? A. Primaries are how we […]

  • Saving Money for the Future

    Note: All investment strategies and investments involve risk of loss. Nothing contained in this website should be construed as investment advice. Information contained in this article is relevant to people employed with Values Into Action. If you are employed elsewhere, speak with your employer about the availability of 401k/Profit Sharing Plans. Two important lessons in […]

  • Ending Subminimum Wages

    Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (TCIEA) H.R. 1263 introduced February 28, 2023 by Representative Bobby Scott (VA – Democrat) And S.B. 533 introduced February 27, 2023 by Senator Casey (PA – Democrat) Background Many Americans still work in places where there are only people with disabilities, and they earn less than minimum wage. This […]

  • Wheel of Life

    Simplify Life Planning Using Charting the LifeCourse Framework

    Whether it be a young person who is transitioning into the adult world of disability services, or an adult who wants to create a stronger vision for their life plan, Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) tools are helpful and easy to use. The Charting the LifeCourse framework was created to help individuals and families of all […]