Help Make Inclusionary Language Accessible

August 3, 2022July 25, 2022 by Amanda Ruggiero

Sticks & Stones May Break Your Bones, But WORDS Matter Too

There’s no doubt about it, some people think before speaking; their mind-to-mouth edit filter is in full functioning order, and some who suffer terribly from “open mouth, insert foot” syndrome. When this happens, it’s usually the listener who bears the brunt of the faux pas.

Since July is Disability Pride Month, we thought now would be a great time to look at how people communicate when talking about disabilities. Most people could use a refresher course in inclusionary language.

Advocate for the Disability Community in New Jersey: Your Voice Matters

July 18, 2022 by Amanda Ruggiero

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the world hard. Life came to a screeching halt, and for almost two years everything we did, like how we work, our interactions, and even getting food and common household staples became challenges.

For the disability community, life became even harder and the world even narrower. Many with sensory conditions found themselves unable to wear masks and shop. People saw their services shuttered and their hard-won skill progression erode.

Employment First In New Jersey – What’s It Mean and How Can It Help You?

October 30, 2017October 29, 2017 by Burt Brooks

Employment First - New Jersey Gets to Work

First Employment – Disability Second

In April of 2012, Governor Chris Christie declared New Jersey an Employment First state. With this simple declaration, New Jersey became a part of a national movement that is “centered on the premise that all citizens, including individuals with significant disabilities, are capable of full participation in integrated employment and community life.” (Via Departement of Labor) This urges local publicly-financed systems to adjust their programs and policies to promote integrated, competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities and special needs.

Phew. That was a lot of three-syllable-words.

In plain-speak though, what does it all mean? It means

The Truth about Medicaid in New Jersey

June 23, 2017June 20, 2017 by Burt Brooks

As this article is being written, the Senate Republicans are drafting a bill behind closed doors that could repeal The Affordable Care Act and replace it with the American Healthcare Act. The bill, as it currently stands after being passed through the House, would convert the current Medicaid expansion into “block grants,” shifting program costs over to the states. This provision has the potential to dramatically

Where Does Your NJ Candidate Stand on Disability Issues?

May 17, 2017May 15, 2017 by Burt Brooks

The New Jersey gubernatorial race is in full swing and voting will take place this November 7th. We reached out to all the current candidates (as of May 12, 2017) to find out their stances on issues that are important to people with disabilities and special needs and their families, living in New Jersey. We wanted to share these statements with you, our readers, to ensure you know each candidate’s stance on the issues facing the disability community.

With the federal government proposing sweeping changes to public policies that could have a direct impact on state services for people with disabilities and special needs, it has never been more important to elect a strong leader for New Jersey. Easterseals has advocated for and provided services to people with disabilities and their families for nearly 100 years, helping them to live, learn, work, and play in their communities. That’s why we have gathered these statements for your careful review, as they will help you make an informed decision when entering the voting booth this November.

Click on the photos of your candidate to read the statement they provided. (DISCLAIMER: This does not represent every NJ gubernatorial candidate currently running, as not all gave statements in response to our call.)

Candidates are presented in alphabetical order as not to show any preferential treatment towards any one candidate.

Bill Brennan NJ Governor Candidate — Bill Brennan (D)

Jim Johnson governor candidate — Jim Johnson (D)

Raymond Lesniak Governor NJ — Raymond Lesniak (D)

Phil Murphy Governor Candidate — Phil Murphy (D)

Steven Rogers NJ governor candidate — Steven Rogers (R)

Joseph Rudy Rullo governor candidate — Joseph Rudy Rullo (R)

Hirsh Signh NJ Governor candidate — Hirsh Singh (R)

John Wisniewski governor candidate — John Wisniewski (D)

Mark Zinna governor candidate — Mark Zinna (D)

How Much Do You Really Know Developmental Disability?

April 16, 2018March 16, 2017 by Burt Brooks

Raising a child with Developmental disability

A Time to Learn

In honor of Developmental Disability Awareness Month, we will be exploring what exactly “developmental disability” is. How is it defined? What challenges does it pose? And why do we have the term in the first place? This is the first part of our ongoing series of blog posts that will be diving a bit deeper on individual types and classifications of disabilities. We hope these posts will serve

Terrific Thanksgiving Tips – Safety, Gratitude, & Inclusion

November 23, 2016November 21, 2016 by Burt Brooks

Thanksgiving is here and we want to share a few holiday safety tips so you can enjoy a safe and fun holiday. It is also a time to reflect on the things you are grateful for and ensure that all can partake in this family-themed holiday. Read on to hear from our staff and a parent of one of our program participants.

Choosing a Support Coordination Agency – What You Need to Know

August 22, 2016August 19, 2016 by Burt Brooks

Support Coordination Agencies? Which one?

by Erin Jerome

Support Coordination: Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail

Last year, we talked about how to find the best support coordinator in New Jersey. In order to find these coordinators, however, you will have to first approach a support coordination agency. When receiving

Employment and Disability: New Jersey at Work

July 11, 2016July 5, 2016 by Burt Brooks

by Erin Jerome

Employment First for People with Disabilities

It has been four years since Governor Chris Christie announced New Jersey’s involvement with Employment First, a national movement aiming to make integrated employment a priority for people of all abilities. As new policies and programs are rolled out to make jobs more accessible, we are challenged to approach new opportunities with a marked change in philosophy: that people with disabilities

Disability, Life, and Moments That Matter

May 25, 2016May 9, 2016 by Burt Brooks

Quote of Teddy R "Nothing worth having was ever achieved without effort"

#lifesmoments

Moments pass, life changes, we move on.

There are those times however, that stick out as significant and universal. Maybe it’s when you graduated high school? Or got your driver’s license? Or the first time you tied your own shoes? These moments are milestones. We use them as indicators of a life fully lived. All people, whether they have a disability or not, are entitled to