The saga of DDD and the waiting list for day programs

There is contradictory information on this. On one hand, DDS I&R Counselors claim that such a list does not exist because everyone gets day services upon turning 21 (if they want). On the other hand, many advocacy/parent groups suggest placing a child on just such a lit. For example, autismnj.org:

"Be sure your son or daughter is on the DDD waiting list for day services well in advance of graduation from school. DDD regulations permit a person to be placed on a waiting list for day services five years prior to graduation."

Same info appears on hinkle1.com

More related info:

• Discussion by lawyers handling such cases on a law listserv from Feb 2010:  
New Jersey Significantly Limits Day Services Available Through The Division Of Developmental Disabilities

• On the DDD Division Circulars website there is a circular dated April 2005 titled "WAITING LIST PROCEDURES" (even though it's old, it's the one listed as of today, 3/26/2012). I've saved this circular here. Here are some quotes from it:

• "PURPOSE: To establish the Division’s practices concerning the management management of its waiting list for day and residential placements."

• "10:46C-1.4 Waiting list assignment   (a)  At the time of eligibility, the applicant shall be informed of the residential and day program waiting list.  The waiting list category shall be specified at the time the individual is found eligible for functional services if the individual or legal guardian requests waiting list assignment at that time..."  <<<this seems to directly contradict what the DDS counselors are telling people. 

• Finally, this:

"10:46C-1.15  Waiting list for day programs 

(a)  An individual may be placed on the day program waiting list if he or she or his or  her legal guardian requests in writing a Division day program and the following conditions are met:  

1.  The individual does not have the opportunity for competitive or supported employment;  

2.  The individual does not have an educational entitlement and there are no  other day program options available to the individual at the time the  request is made; and  

3.  The individual is at least 21 years of age.  

(b)  If an individual currently has an entitlement to education and is eligible for services from the Division, placement on a waiting list for day programs may be  requested as early as five years before the end of the individual’s educational  entitlement.  

(c)  Placement shall be made based upon the length of time an individual has been  on the waiting list, except in an emergency. "

If you choose to get on the waiting list, here's some info that may be useful. There is a June 2011 document on DDD site that provides Day Services coordinators for NJ on page 8 (here's the link, and just in case DDD site removes the document, I've saved it here).

The listing for central NJ is:

Roni Kantor – Lower Central Region
(Mercer, Middlesex, Ocean, Hunterdon, and Monmouth Counties)
732-863-4511

UMDNJ Spring 2012 Developmental Disabilities Lecture Series

The flyer is here.

This one looked particularly interesting 

Friday • April 13, 2012

Creating Community Based individualized Housing Opportunities for people with Disabilities

Joe Wykowski, MS

Executive Director 

Community Vision

Portland, OR

This session will present an array of proven strategies 

and methods utilized throughout the United States for 

creating person-controlled community based rental 

housing and home ownership opportunities for individuals 

with disabilities. Topics to be discussed include rental and 

home ownership resources, asset-building strategies, and 

community partnerships to obtain generic community 

housing. 

Mercer ARC 6-months training requirement

From a fellow parent: 

"Just talked to a parent today whose 22-year old son started an ARC (Mercer ARC) training program a few weeks ago.  The program requires that he complete at least 6 months of training, and then ARC will evaluate him for a job placement."

Official position of DDS on Day Programs and wait lists for them.

A quote from a fellow parent, and exactly the same info that I was told by DDS this week:

I've heard from DDS regarding getting on the list for day programs for students who have aged out of school.  The info is:

- each person will be offered a day program (this is DDS' official position, but unfortunately, not always what happens)

- there is no waiting list for day programs

- the contact for day programs is Ronnie Kantor, Unit Director (phone 732-863-4511).  I have a call into Ronnie, and plan to follow up with a letter

 - if your child currently does not have a DDD/DDS case manager (as my son does not), one will not be assigned until your child turns 21

Parents need to keep on top of the process.  Each person (or parent acting on their behalf) is supposed to be interviewed prior to age 21, to assess need for services, but sometimes people fall through the cracks.  A variety of day programs exist, and parents need to look into them and be sure their child isn't overlooked.  It's a good idea to verify that your child is registered with DDD.