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