Apparently the Division of Developmental Disabilities has rescinded the emergency criteria for individuals needing day services. Additionally, Governor Christie has included a line item in the FY 2011 budget for day services funding for the June graduates. This means that all graduating students this year who need day services should be able to get them.
The Governor’s budget proposals related to developmental disabilities include:
The Division of Developmental Disabilities
- Elimination of the cash subsidy/stipend program, and diverting these funds to serve people on the waiting list
- Additional funding (we don’t yet know how much) to serve people off of the Community Care Waiver waiting list (formerly known as the residential waiting list)
- Funding to move 62 people from Developmental Centers into the community
- A cap of $300 per day on out of home or hotel respite
- An increase in the contribution to care to 100% (previously 75%) of Supplemental Security Income with a $100 (previously $40) per month personal needs allowance – this applies only to individuals receiving residential services
- Closing of the East Campus of Vineland Developmental Center (the west campus will remain operational)
Other Relevant Budget Proposals
- A 10% cut to sheltered workshops, transportation to/from sheltered workshops, and supported employment long term follow along service funding through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
- NO Medicaid co-pays (with the exception of medical day care)
- Elimination of the Public Advocate’s Office
- A reduction in the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund from $9 million to $1.7 million
- A decrease in personal care assistance rates under the Personal Assistance Services Program through the Division of Disability Services
- Specific contract reductions (we do not have any details about these yet)
. You can find additional details about his proposed budget at http://nj.gov/governor/home/budget.shtml
