Transitioning from Child to Adult Services: 3 NJ DDD Support Programs for Lifelong Care

For those with developmental disabilities and their families, transitioning from the children’s care system into adulthood and NJ DDD services can be both exciting and challenging. This period may require additional preparation, planning, and support to ensure a smooth transition – all things your chosen support coordination agency can help with. 

Transition planning helps those with disabilities acquire the skills, support, and resources they need to lead fulfilling lives. As a parent or guardian, the support coordination agency you choose for your loved one makes a big difference. The right agency will work alongside your loved one and family, form a lasting relationship with your loved one, and connect your loved one to the best programs and resources available to them.

A support coordination agency is required to access NJ DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities) services and resources for adults. Your loved one will need to meet NJ DDD eligibility requirements and complete the NJCAT to qualify. 

Once the application is approved by the state, your loved one and family can start working with your chosen support coordinator. Together, you’ll create an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) for your loved one, which ensures your loved one has access to the support they need to help them live their best lives.

The prospect of creating a plan and path for independence for their child can feel overwhelming for many parents. The transition to adulthood brings a host of uncertainties, and the fear of the unknown can weigh heavily on families. This is why choosing the right support coordination agency for your loved one and family is such a crucial step in this journey. A knowledgeable support coordination agency will provide guidance, reassurance, and the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of the transition period, helping families feel more empowered and less alone in this important process.

Related: 5 Tips to Get Started with Support Coordination in New Jersey 

In this blog, we’ll explore three NJ DDD programs and the importance of support coordination in New Jersey.

#1 – Goods & services

The NJ DDD offers a range of goods and services to help individuals with disabilities have a higher quality of life and access the support they need. This program provides financial assistance for certain items and services that aren’t covered by other resources, allowing individuals to gain support for their personal growth and day-to-day activities. Goods and services can cover a variety of expenses, such as:

• Adaptive equipment: Items that assist with mobility, communication, and daily living activities, such as specialized wheelchairs, assistive communication devices, or home modifications.
• Health and wellness needs: Support for services and items that enhance well-being, such as gym memberships, nutrition programs, or specialized health equipment.
• Community integration: Resources that promote social and recreational involvement, allowing individuals to participate in community programs and events, fostering a sense of connection and inclusion.

Goods and services offer a flexible approach to meeting needs that may vary widely from person to person, ensuring that individuals and their families have access to resources that genuinely support their unique circumstances. Your support coordinator will help you and your loved one navigate these resources.

#2 – Environmental modifications

To support individuals with disabilities in achieving greater independence and safety in their everyday lives, NJ DDD offers environmental modifications as part of its service options. 

The environmental modifications service provides funding for changes to the home or other frequently used environments, ensuring these spaces are accessible, comfortable, and aligned with an individual’s physical, sensory, and functional needs. Environmental modifications may include and are not limited to:

• Home accessibility modifications: Changes such as installing wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, or adding stairlifts to allow for easier and safer mobility within the home.
• Bathroom and kitchen adaptations: Adjustments like roll-in showers, grab bars, adjustable countertops, or accessible cabinetry to support personal care and independent meal preparation.
• Sensory accommodations: Modifications that create sensory-friendly spaces, including noise reduction materials, calming lighting options, or designated sensory rooms for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
• Safety enhancements: Adding items like bed rails, door alarms, or non-slip flooring to ensure a safe environment that reduces the risk of accidents or injury.

By working with a trusted support coordination agency, families can navigate NJ DDD’s environmental modifications program, identifying appropriate modifications that best support their loved one’s well-being in their home and community.

#3 – Occupational therapy (OT)

For individuals with disabilities, occupational therapy (OT) is a key service that helps build skills needed for greater independence in daily life. OT focuses on enhancing physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities to support an individual’s ability to perform everyday tasks, engage in social activities, and pursue personal goals. Occupational therapists work closely with individuals to create personalized strategies that help them thrive in their home, community, and work environments.

OT services may include and are not limited to:

• Sensory integration therapy: Helping individuals with sensory processing challenges by introducing coping strategies and creating sensory-friendly routines that reduce stress and increase comfort.
• Motor skills improvement: Exercises and activities designed to enhance fine and gross motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination, balance, and strength, which are essential for tasks ranging from writing to mobility.
• Social and emotional support: Teaching strategies to manage social interactions, communicate needs, and develop positive relationships, helping individuals participate in community and social activities.

OT empowers individuals by focusing on practical skills and adaptive strategies that enhance their confidence and quality of life. 

Related: 5 Support Services You Can Access with the Help of a Support Coordination Agency & NJ DDD

Conclusion 

Transitioning into adulthood is a significant milestone, and with the right planning and support, it can be a positive and empowering experience. The help of a knowledgeable support coordinator will not only help those with disabilities have the quality of life they deserve, but also provide peace of mind for families as they navigate this important phase of life.

Looking for a trusted and reliable support coordination agency in New Jersey? Contact Skylands Family support today.