Due to Governor Phil Murphy’s proposed budget, various nonprofit programs that provide aid to people with developmental disabilities in New Jersey are under threat of elimination. The budget includes a $4 million reduction in grants annually distributed by the state’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), alarming advocates who see these grants as crucial resources for people with disabilities. The Arc of New Jersey, one of the state’s leading providers of disability services, is concerned about these non-discriminatory cuts, as no evaluation of programs was conducted prior to the reduction.

Even though the DDD’s budget has tripled under Murphy’s administration, reliance on the state’s disability programs has also risen significantly. The DDD is set to gain an additional $390 million in funding from state and federal sources, according to Tom Hester, a Department of Human Services spokesman, which oversees the DDD. Despite these investments, the elimination of small nonprofit grants, which play a vital role in navigating the complex system of public and private benefits, has disability advocates worried.

Among the numerous initiatives at risk of dissolution is the Planning for Adult Life program. Annually, it assists over 7,000 students aged 14 to 21 in transitioning from school to adult life by helping with applications for Medicaid and services, employment opportunities, occupational therapy, housing, and transportation planning. Additionally, programs like the Rutgers Community Living Education Project, the Developmental Disabilities Centers run by Atlantic Health System, and the Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services face potential funding cuts.

The cuts were reported as not being the division’s choice, and now that decision-making is in lawmakers’ hands, it’s out of their realm of control. There are concerns, however, that if federal Medicaid funding is reduced, the whole disability services system could be in jeopardy. But advocates are hopeful that the Legislature will intervene before the final budget is signed in June.

Unfortunately, the article does not provide information on how to contact EDD or any related customer service resource. For assistance with such matters, it may be beneficial to visit a site like eddcaller.com, which provides guidance on how to contact different service delivery departments or advocacy groups.