Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
State of New Jersey
NJ Division of Rehabilitation Services
60 Taylor Ave.
Neptune, NJ 07753
https://www.nj.gov/labor/career-services/
Community-Based Work Evaluation (CBWE): CBWE determines if a particular job is appropriate for a consumer and the supports needed to assist the consumer in maintaining employment. CBWE is used for vocational planning purposes to determine a consumer’s skill level, behaviors, interests, abilities, strengths, barriers, and aptitudes in relation to employment. CBWE occurs one-on-one and is done in an employment setting with the highest level of integration possible. Consumers who have limited or intermittent work experience, and those who have never worked outside of a sheltered environment, often benefit from this service.
Customized Employment (CE): CE helps consumers identify one primary vocational interest that will lead to the development of an individualized plan for employment. CE can include carving-out or creating a new position, modifying a current position, or reassigning a task. It can also include self-employment. Services occur in the consumer’s home, in the community, or competitive-integrated employment settings.
Trial Work Experience (TWE): TWE is used when a consumer has expressed a desire to work in community-integrated employment, and the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor doubts the consumer’s ability to benefit from vocational rehabilitation services. It is NOT used to determine if a specific job is appropriate for a consumer. TWE occurs one-on-one and involves the job coach arranging for and monitoring work experiences in multiple and various community-integrated work settings. Consumers with limited or intermittent work experience, those who have never worked outside of a sheltered environment, those with significant impairments, and consumers ages 24 and under who have exited secondary school often benefit from this service.
Internship Development and Supports (IDS): IDS assists consumers in gaining practical work experiences in their career area(s) of interest. The service enhances one’s marketability, increases their professional network, links consumers to employers, and provides career-related information. Consumers who have exited secondary school and have no limited, or intermittent work experience, as well as those who are developing their career pathway, often benefit from this service. Consumers do not need to be enrolled in a post-secondary education program to utilize this service.
Diagnostic evaluations: Evaluate medical, psychiatric, physiatric, psychological, neurological, or physical barriers to employment to determine eligibility. Evaluations may also be done to determine the consumer’s needs throughout the rehabilitation process and to provide restorative and accommodation services.
Emotional restoration services: Short-term individual, group, or other counseling to reduce mental health and emotional problems and improve work tolerance and the consumer’s ability to get and keep a job.
Brookdale Special Needs Program at Brookdale Community College
765 Newman Spring Road
Lincroft, NJ 07738 732-224-2345
Accessibility Services Documentation Guidelines
The following is required for admission to Brookdale:
- Educational Test (Achievement) – Current levels of functioning in reading, mathematics, and written language are required. Acceptable instruments include the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery: Tests of Achievement or Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT).
- Psychological Test (Aptitude) – The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III or IV (WAIS III or WAIS IV) are preferred instruments. The Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery – Revised: Tests of Cognitive Ability or the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale: Fourth Edition are also acceptable.
- IEP – Developed in High School. All three documents must be relevant and submitted at the intake appointment.
- Documentation from a Qualified Professional – Evaluation or Letter must be current and note the following:
– Diagnosis and Diagnostic Code
– How the diagnosis impacts learning
– Recommendation of appropriate, reasonable accommodations
– Letter/Evaluation must be addressed to the college, typed or printed, on professional letterhead, dated and signed
Note: Script or form letters are not considered valid documentation and will not be accepted.
AND (if applicable)
- IEP or 504 Plan developed in High School
Note: An IEP or 504 plan alone is generally not considered sufficient documentation to receive services.
THE RUTGERS CENTER FOR ADULT AUTISM SERVICES (RCAAS)
100 Dudley Road
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
https://rcaas.rutgers.edu/
Offers adults on the autism spectrum one-of-a-kind support programs that make an independent and fulfilling life possible. Simultaneously, it advances research and ensures that each year, our graduates leave Rutgers prepared to enter careers in support of this underserved population. The Center is staffed by a highly experienced senior team and trained Rutgers students. Its programs provide the support needed to enable full integration into Rutgers and the surrounding community. From vocational training to academic support, social support, and clinical services, the Center equips those it serves with the tools needed to enhance and maintain autonomy—all while providing innovative training and facilitating translational research to inform best practices going forward. https://rcaas.rutgers.edu/
MEDICAID
The NJ FamilyCare Aged, Blind, Disabled (ABD) Programs are multiple programs for people who need access to health care services in the community or long-term care facilities. Information on all the ABD Programs is provided in the NJ FamilyCare Aged, Blind, Disabled Programs Brochure.
In determining whether a person is financially eligible for NJ FamilyCare ABD Programs, the applicant’s financial eligibility will be considered along with his or her spouse or parents. Use the ABD Checklist to see what you may need to apply.
The NJ FamilyCare Aged, Blind, Disabled Programs have just one application called the NJ FamilyCare Aged, Blind, Disabled Program Application. If you need help filling out the application or have questions, please call 1-800-356-1561.
DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENT DISABILITY i
3499 US-9
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-863-4500
https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddd/
Division services are available to individuals who are age 21 or older and meet all other eligibility requirements. We recommend students apply after their 18th birthday. The process takes years.
Individuals receiving services through school are able to continue doing so through age 21. Suppose you choose to graduate or leave school between the ages of 18 and 21. In that case, discussing service options with your school’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team and transition coordinator is critical.
Although Division services do not begin until age 21, the Division works with various partners to ensure that individuals approaching 21 have the tools and resources to transition from school into adulthood successfully. Please submit the Presentation Request Form to request a presentation by the Division about transitioning from school to adult life.
In addition to our outreach, the Division supports Planning for Adult Life. This program has a wealth of written materials and archived webinars available on their website. They also run monthly student and parent clubs, coordinate various transition events throughout the year, and have staff available upon request to conduct presentations on a variety of topics.
THE BOGGS CENTER ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY
RUTGERS ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON MEDICAL CENTER
Liberty Plaza, 335 George St, Suite 3500
New Brunswick, NJ
https://boggscenter.rwjms.rutgers.edu/about-the-center/overview
The Boggs Center, New Jersey’s federally designated University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, publishes a helpful resource. The Division provides the Graduates Timeline, which outlines the specific steps needed to apply for and begin receiving home and community-based services for adults. Below is a summary of the information in the Graduates Timeline:
The IEP for the school year the student turns 16 must include measurable post-secondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessments. Appropriate transition services designed within a “results-oriented” process to facilitate the student’s movement from school to post-school activities—including post-secondary education, vocational education, integrated employment, continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, and community participation—must also be included.
September-June: Preparation and Planning
- Participate in activities offered through Planning for Adult Life.
- Use the Division’s Person-Centered Planning Tool to identify your vision for work and life, and the support that may be needed to achieve it.
- Learn about Support Coordination and service providers.
February-April: Support Coordination Agency Selection and Assignment
- The Support Coordination Agency Selection Form is provided during the eligibility application process. When completing the form, it is a good idea to identify both a first-choice and second-choice agency.
- To find an SCA that serves your county of residence, you can review the Division’s list of approved Support Coordination Agencies or use the Provider Search Database.
April-June: Service Plan Development
- The Support Coordinator is responsible for writing the Individualized Service Plan (ISP), with guidance from the planning team (student, family, providers, etc.) and information gathered during the Person-Centered Planning process and completion of the NJCAT.
- *The ISP should be completed and approved before the student exits the school system so that services will be in place upon graduation.
MOCEANS,
Center for Independent Living offers Pre-ETS training to high school students in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
MOCEANS Center for Independent Living
101 Crawfords Corner Road, Suite 4116
Holmdel, NJ 07733
732-365-2212 x4026
Workforce Innovation Opportunities Act (WIOA)
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)