First Authentic Holiday Party

The picture above is of a gentleman we support in NJ. His name is Harold.
Last July New Lisbon Developmental Center staff drove him to his new home in Ocean County.

Click on the Link below to watch Harold's move to his new home:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySSQJ_iXGig&feature=channel_page

Congratulations Kate!!!

Kate (featured right) is a person that is supported by Community Options, Inc. of Bucks County. Kate became a citizen of the United States of America on November 12, 2008! Kate has been supported by COI since 2000. It was a proud moment for her, her family and all of her friends here at COI when she became an official United States Citizen. Congratulations, Kate!

National Nonprofit Receives Two Vehicles from NJ Transit via the Section 5310 Program

Community Options, Inc is the recipient of two new vehicles for it’s Passaic and Somerset programs in New Jersey through the Section 5310 Program offered by the NJ Transit. Section 5310 of the Federal Transit Act provides funds for states to purchase vehicles for lease to private, non-profit agencies that provide special transit service for senior citizens and people with disabilities. These new accessible vehicles will be utilized in our residential homes in Passaic and Somerset, New Jersey to provide transportation for medical, psychological and employment purposes in addition to recreational and other programmatic needs for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Annual 5K Run to Benefit Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

On Saturday, November 8, 2008, Community Options, Inc. held it's first Annual 5K Run to Benefit Children with Autism at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, Long Island. Despite the bad weather, dedicated runners and families showed up to support our cause. Please enjoy the pictures below and we hope to see you next year.

COI of Bucks County

On Tuesday, October 21st, Representative Patrick Murphy, 8th Congressional District, joined COI of Warminster to celebrate Disability Awareness Week. Rep. Murphy made a Congressional Extension of Remarks which has been entered into the Congressional Record.

Running for a Cause on October 25, 2008

Come Run a 5K with a Revolutionary National Non-Profit Organization

Last year, Community Options, Inc. (COI) proclaimed the third week in October to be “National Disability Awareness Week”. COI offices around the country participated in proclamation readings with local town officials and celebrated with open houses, family activities and community outreach activities.

This year to conclude National Disability Awareness Week, Community Options will be hosting a 5K Run in all of its locations throughout the country to raise money for innovative programming for persons of all ages with developmental disabilities. The NJ 5k will be at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, October 25, 2008 at 11am.

To register for a 5K Run in your area please visit our event website at http://www.imatteronline.org/index.html or go to www.active.com and complete an event search for “iMatter 5k Run”. Event locations include the following states: Connecticut, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

Community Options begins Greening the Cleaning Program

Community Options, Inc. Starts "Greening the Cleaning®" Program
Hackensack, N.J., August 26, 2008 –. Community Options, Inc. (Princeton,
N.J.) has taken a huge step toward a cleaner environment with the adoption of
the award-winning Greening the Cleaning® program from The Deirdre Imus
Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology®. Community Options is a
national nonprofit organization that develops housing and employment
supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Greening the Cleaning® means eliminating to the greatest extent possible, all
cleaning agents containing hazardous ingredients and replacing them with
naturally-derived ingredients with the least level of toxicity. One hundred
percent of all profits from the institutional products go to the Environmental
Center for supporting education and research to identify, control and ultimately
prevent exposures to environmental factors that may cause adult, and
especially, pediatric cancer, as well as other health problems with our children.
“Our Greening the Cleaning® program makes a difference not just in the
indoor environment, but in the way we think about the environment around us.
We applaud Community Options, Inc., for taking this important step to make a
greener, brighter future," said Deirdre Imus, founder and President of The
Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology®.

The Environmental Center is part of Hackensack University Medical Center, a 501
(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation in New Jersey, where the program originated.
Community Options, Inc., joins more than 300 businesses, schools, healthcare
facilities and government agencies that have adopted the program since its
inception in 2001.

“Community Options, Inc. is thrilled to be working with and utilizing the green
cleaning products from the Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric
Oncology. All of our residential and employment programs will be utilizing these
products because we are completely invested in the health, well-being and
improved quality of life of the individuals we support,” says, Robert Stack,
President and CEO of Community Options, Inc.

Inspired by the award-winning institutional program, the Greening the
Cleaning® household line is available in stores nationwide, as well as from
ImusRanchFoods.com. One hundred percent of all profits go to the Imus Cattle
Ranch for Kids with Cancer, a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit.
Unlike most cleaning products sold today, Greening the Cleaning® products
list all ingredients right on the label. These products are made from natural or
naturally-derived ingredients, are readily biodegradable, and contain no
phosphates, and no known or suspected human carcinogens, mutagens or
teratogens.

Ms. Imus is also co-founder and co-director of The Imus Cattle Ranch for Kids
with Cancer, an authentic 4,000 acre working cattle ranch in northern New
Mexico, which provides the experience of the American cowboy to children
suffering from cancer and various blood diseases, as well as to children who
have lost a brother or sister to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Community Options, headquartered in Princeton, N.J., is dedicated to providing
support for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the country.

iMatter 2008 Video

Check this out:

www.fifthroomcreative.com/imatter2008

Surf is Up for Children with Autism

Below is the Press Release for our upcoming Surf Camp for Kids with Autism!!!!

“Surf Is Up for Children with Autism”
Saturday, August 16, 2008 – 11am –Cupsogue Beach, Westhampton, NY

Wayne, New Jersey (July 15, 2008) – Community Options, Inc., a national nonprofit organization providing residential, employment and recreational opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, will be hosting its second annual "iMatter Surfing Camp" for Children with Autism at Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008 from 11am-4pm.

Jessica Guberman, Ph.D., Executive Director for Community Options and pioneer of the surf camp for kids says, "The 1st Annual Surf Camp was very successful. We have already tripled our number of participants from last year and are so excited about the 2008 camp. Families are so eager to sign their children up for the event and to participate in an innovative activity that connects children to the fun and therapeutic advantages of the water," says Guberman, Executive Director of Community Options. Community Options serves families from the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, Northern New Jersey and throughout the country.


"Ten years ago, Autism was diagnosed in 1 out of 10,000 children, and considered a rare disorder," explains Guberman. "Today, Autism is diagnosed in 1 out of 150 children, and is a growing epidemic with no cure." There are 1.5 million people with Autism living in the United States today – 450,000 of whom are children in need of individualized special education programs. In fact, Autism is considered the fastest growing developmental disability.

Meanwhile, families of Autistic children in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut will be treated to this special event free of charge. The surf camp is being held at no cost to the families as the entire camp will be sponsored by local businesses. This year, the event is sponsored by Cancos Tile, Therapy Surf Shop, Red Dan Surveying and Birch Lane Elementary School.
The iMatter Surfing Camp was inspired by research that supports the concept that water is the ideal medium for exercise, and to rehabilitate the body. For children with Autism, aquatic therapy focuses on therapeutic, play-based functional movement, improving range of motion, helping to facilitate neurodevelopmental growth, improved body awareness, increased balance, sensory integration, mobility skills, and most importantly, having fun.

Community Options, headquartered in Princeton, N.J., is dedicated to providing support for children with developmental disabilities throughout the country. Community Options was founded in 1989 to develop residential and employment supports utilizing technology and training for people with severe disabilities. A national agency, Community Options has participated in institutional closure and community residential placement for thousands of people across several states. In its 19-year history, the agency has developed a reputation for quality, cost effective administration that encourages individual choice and flexibility.

Update - House Bill 1150

In April, we encouraged PA residents to contact their local legislators to support House Bill 1150, an amendment to the Act of May 17, 1921 which would mandate insurance companies to cover autistic children's medical expenses up to $36,000 per year.

On July 9, 2008, Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell, signed House Bill 1150 into law!!!! This will provide children and Young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder access to services and treatments including, psychiatric care, psychological care, and rehabilitative care including applied behavioral analysis, therapeutic care and pharmacy care.

To view the press release issued regarding this monumental event or for more info on Autism visit www.dpw.state.pa.us

PA Residents - Let's VOTE

November is quickly approaching...are you ready to cast your vote?!?!?



The Disability Voting Coalition of Pennsylvania is diligently working to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to register to vote.



On Saturday, July 26 at 11:30am, a press event will be held at UCP in Oakland to launch the "We Count!" voter registration campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to publicize the obligation of all state funded disability service organizations to provide voter registration opportunities to the people they serve.



For more information on this event and the Disability Voting Coalition, log on to www.dvcpa.org

Special Needs Cheerleading Team

Gymsport Athletic Center located in Bridgeville, PA knows that a disability should not hinder a child from participating in athletics. Therefore, they have built a cheerleading team specifically for athletes with special needs! The program is for children with mental, physical and multiple disabilities and is under the direction of the special needs program head coach. The coach is a certified teacher with nine years of public school teaching and eleven years in the world of cheerleading. In just one year, the team captured a national title and eight outstanding performance awards throughout the Pittsburgh region. If you are interested in learning more about this cheerleading squad please visit Gymsport Athletic Center at http://www.gymsportathleticcenter.com/

Canine Assistants

Canine Assistants is a nonprofit organization that trains and provides FREE placement of service dogs to children and adults with physical disabilities and special needs.

This unique program offers service, companion, seizure response, and hearing dogs to assist in removing barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. Please visit www.canineassistants.org for more information about Canine Assistants and how to be placed on the waiting list to receive a service dog.

Congratulations

Congratulations are in order for Community Options Executive Director of North Jersey; Jessica Guberman, Ph.D., who is the recipient of the President's Award. Jessica was presented with the award at the Community Options Annual Board Meeting on May 18, 2008. This award is given to an individual who is dedicated to and advocates improving the lives of persons with disabilities.

Feel the Power of the Disability Vote

Please check out www.aapd.com/News/election/080423aapd.htm from which the information below is sited from.


As we are well aware...Presidential hopefuls are campaigning diligently to show us that they are the best candidate to be the next President of the United States of America. As these candidates campaign, do you ever wonder what their visions are for disability policy in America? On July 26, 2008 you will no longer have to wonder.


"The National Forum of Disability Issues, featuring the 2008 Presidential Candidates (invited) is a nonpartisan forum on national disability policy to be held on July 26, 2008 in Columbus, Ohio at the Veterans Memorial. The venue will welcome over a thousand Americans with disabilities and their Friends and family (registration required) to attend the event and commemorate the 18th anniversary of our civil rights law, the Americans with Disabilities Act. The forum will feature time slots for the presidential candidates to individually present their visions for the future of disability policy in America followed by questions from the audience, asked by Judy Woodruff, news anchor and journalist, who will act as the Moderator."


If you would like to attend the event, Please visit the above website.
"Veterans Memorial will accommodate large numbers of attendees, but registration is required. As the date nears, more information on how individuals can register to attend this free event will become available on the above website. Please note there will be a $5.00 parking fee for those planning to drive to the event."

Pittsburgh COBAC Member Honored!!!

Each year, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Pittsburgh Chapter conducts a search for recipients of their Make the Connection Award. This award is given to individuals who make a difference in their community by volunteering their time for the betterment of others. COI Pittsburgh nominated Community Options Business Advisory Council (COBAC) member Sallie Pagano for this award and was elated to discover that she was one of the 30 selected to receive this distinct honor!

On April 23, 2008, Former Steeler’s Defensive End – Dwight White, presented Sallie with a beautiful glass award from NAWBO and proclamations in her honor from City of Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives at the Make the Connection Awards Gala held at the Sheraton Station Square.

We are so honored to have Sallie as a member of our Council! Congratulations!!!!

Birch Lane Hopping for Community Options, Inc!

The Birch Lane Elementary School in Massapequa Park, Long Island, chose Community Options as its beneficiary of their annual hop for health fundraiser. Everyone had a great time and the kids raised over $12,219.00 for our child initiatives including the annual surf camp for children with autism! Thanks Birch Lane!

Night at PNC Park

1, 2, 3 Strikes...You're Out!!! The Pittsburgh office had a blast at the 4th annual COI Night at PNC Park held on Friday, April 25! The warm spring evening made for an enjoyable time with family and friends despite the Pittsburgh Pirates loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in the close 6-5 game! After the game, the stadium lights were shut off and the sky was illuminated with an extravagant fireworks display!

Daily Plan It

The Daily Plan It is a Community Options Enterprises, Inc. business. Community Options Enterprises, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that was created by Community Options, Inc. to develop and operate entrepreneurial businesses that train and employ people with disabilities. The primary purpose of this organization is to empower people with disabilities to benefit from and contribute to society.

Although excellent incentives are offered by both federal and state governments to employ persons with disabilities, many remain unemployed because they do not possess the physical stamina to perform hard physical labor. Throughout the country, employment opportunities are needed for these involved individuals. For that reason, Community Options, Inc. developed The Daily Plan It.

Community Options operates three executive office facilities in New Jersey, one in Morristown, Princeton and Moorestown. The Daily Plan It's (DPI), are professional working environments and copy centers which offer to entrepreneurs, sales & marketing representatives, and sole practitioners, all the amenities available in a traditional office environment. Staff is made up of people with and without disabilities. The DPI provides cost effective infrastructure and support, which saves business people the expense and time involved in finding and buying state of the art equipment and office space, conference space, and mailing and shipping services, utilizing communications systems as well as hiring receptionists and other office support personnel.

For more information about the Daily Plan It, please contact 609-514-9494 or visit www.dailyplanit.org

PA Residents - Let's contact our legislators to support the mandate for insurance companies to cover autistic children's medical expenses

Attention Pennsylvania Residents…Now is our chance to continue the celebration of World Autism Awareness Day!!!! In many cases, essential therapy for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder is not covered by insurance companies. Pennsylvania Parents are taking on the Insurance Companies by contacting their local legislators and asking them to support an amendment to the act of May 17, 1921 known as The Insurance Company Law of 1921 currently House Bill 1150. House Bill 1150 mandates insurance companies to cover autistic children’s medical expenses up to $36,000 per year. So…Let’s get on the phone, send e-mails, and write letters to our local legislators asking them to please support House Bill 1150!!! To reach your local legislators and for more information on House Bill 1150 please visit http://www.legis.state.pa.us (once on the Pennsylvania General Assembly website, type HB1150 in the “Find Legislation By” box at the top right-hand corner of the webpage).

World Autism Awareness Day!

April 2, 2008 marked the first celebration of World Autism Awareness Day!!!

Community Options of Pittsburgh hosted a breakfast to educate, celebrate, and provide awareness as to what Autism is and how Community Options is dedicated to providing residential and employment opportunities to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Check out the pictures from our breakfast…members of the COI family join forces and learn more about Autism!!! COI Pittsburgh would also like to thank the University of Pittsburgh - America Reads Students for volunteering their time to host an Autism Awareness Bake Sale!

North Jersey Celebrates World Autism Awareness Day!

Northern New Jersey celebrated World Autism Awareness Day today. We had an intimate luncheon and talked about autism, what it is, treatment options, facts and statistics. We also discussed famous people who live with autism. Please see pictures from our luncheon below. Happy World Autism Awareness Day!

i-Matter Ride

Save The Date!!!!!

Community Options of Warminster proudly presents:

i-Matter Ride

Benefiting the Empowerment of Individuals with Disabilities

Sunday, June 22, 2008

United German Hungarian Club

9:15am Registration

10:30am Ride

Picnic Immediately Following

The one & a half hour ride through Bucks County will begin and conclude at the United German Hungarian Club. After the ride, enjoy a picnic lunch, 50/50 raffle, & Entertainment!

Registration Information Coming Soon!

Sponsorship Opportunities Available - Contact us at 215-956-0853

Autism Breakthrough

Autism Breakthrough: Girl's Writings Explain Her Behavior and Feelings

Doctors Amazed by Carly Fleischmann's Ability to Describe the Disorder From the Inside


http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=4311223&page=1

World Autism Awareness Day!

Please join Community Options of New Jersey on April 2, 2008 at any of our local offices in Princeton, Moorestown, Forked River, Wayne or Hillsborough to celebrate and honor World Autism Awareness Day. There will be a discussion about autism spectrum disorders and related topics as well as a luncheon.

For more information please contact:
Jessica in Wayne at 973-872-7111
Diane in Forked River -609-693-1700
Michelle in Moorestown -609-265-7749
Ayesha in Hillsborough -908-359-6897
Cynthia in Princeton -609-419-4418

Northern New Jersey TASH

The first Northern NJ TASH meeting will take place on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 6:30pm at the Community Options, Inc. office at 41 William Street, Wayne, NJ. If you are interested in attending please contact Jessica Guberman at 973-872-7111. If you are not familiar:




TASH is an international association of people with disabilities, their family members, other advocates, and professionals fighting for a society in which inclusion of all people in all aspects of society is the norm. TASH is an organization of members concerned with human dignity, civil rights, education, and independence for all individuals with disabilities. We have over thirty chapters and members from thirty-four different countries and territories. Since our inception over twenty-five years ago, TASH has gained international acclaim for our uncompromising stand against separatism, stigmatization, abuse and neglect. We actively promote the full inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life. TASH believes that no one with a disability should be forced to live, work, or learn in a segregated setting; that all individuals deserve the right to direct their own lives. TASH 's mission is to eliminate physical and social obstacles that prevent equity, diversity, and quality of life.

10 Reasons Every Nonprofit Should Have a Blog

(From the Nonprofit Blog Exchange)


Think your nonprofit organization has no need for a blog? You may want to think again. According to Technorati, more than 10,500 blogs were tagged charity, 4,000 blogs nonprofit and 2,300 blogs philanthropy in January of 2007 and these numbers are predicted to rapidly increase in the future. Below are ten reasons your nonprofit should participate in this movement and harness the power of the blog today.

1. Search engine optimization — Keywords and website design are important to search engines when calculating a search result list. A focused, well-written blog on your website will contain several keywords which improve the site's search ranking. Additionally, if the blog has useful content, other sites will want to link to it, improving your website's level of importance. To keep search engines current with your blog, remember to ping them regularly using one of the many free tools such as pingomatic. For more information on search engine optimization, read my article “Make Your Nonprofit Website a 'Hit': A 30 Day Step-By-Step Guide to Better SEO,” or one of the many articles within Search Engine Land or Search Engine News.

2. Expert in the Field — Nonprofit organizations have a wealth of information on their specific area of focus. This information is highly desired in online blogging communities. By posting regularly in blogs focused on similar issues, your organization will gain a reputation for being an expert. Bloggers want to read more postings by experts and will follow links to your organization's website. According to the March 2007 Blog Readership Report, 67.3% of bloggers found information by following links from other blogs. Technorati and BlogCatalog are good directories to find topically relevant blogs. Icerocket has also done an excellent job dissecting blogs and making them more search friendly.

3. Credibility — It is more important today than ever before for nonprofit organizations to be trustworthy in the eyes of their contributors. One of the best ways to establish this relationship of trust is to make events and projects as visible as possible. By having weekly updates on projects and the projects' successes, users will know exactly what difference their donations have made (or will make if they donate). Furthermore, project developments can be posted onto the blog keeping the organization's efforts current (Have Fun Do Good Blog.

4. Awareness — The beauty of the “blogosphere” is that almost all blogs are linked to one another. This creates a useful network of information that bloggers have access to. According to Vizu’s March 2007 Blog Readership Report, more than 30% of bloggers use blogs as a source for information. This means that with an estimated 57 million bloggers today (Technorati), more than 17 million of them are information-thirsty bloggers who desire the kind of content your nonprofit blog could provide. In addition, having a blog allows you to create your own media and bypass traditional media channels which are often expensive and limited in frequency.

5. Negative Comments — People are talking and probably writing about your nonprofit already. Hopefully, the majority of what is said is positive, but almost inevitably there will be some negative commentary. A blog provides a median to field complaints or concerns and defend the decisions the organization has made. Be sure to keep the tone of the commentaries professional and respond promptly.

6. Events — A regularly maintained blog will attract loyal readers who can easily be informed about upcoming events. To incentivize new subscribers, or to increase the loyalty of existing subscribers, consider having special promotions on the blog before events. It is important to note, however, that a blog should serve to work in conjunction with the traditional channels of marketing already in place, not to replace them.

7. Annual Report — Many nonprofits are required to compile an annual or semiannual report. By working smarter and creating a blog, you will have most of the content for the report already completed before you even begin compiling it (Have Fun Do Good Blog. Furthermore, many supporters feel that blogs are more honest and accurate than formal annual reports, so the effort required to create the content will be more cost effective.

8. Information — One of the most difficult aspects of any nonprofit is gaining an understanding of its supporters. A blog can help tap into this resource of information and more. Two major information-related benefits include:

1.Allowing users to create — A blog encourages involvement in the organization. The AARP Issues Blog allows readers to create entries about what issues they feel are important and receive feedback from these entries.

2.Provide information to supporters — If a picture can convey a thousand words, then a blog on your website will have a lot to say. So much of the success of a fundraising campaign (whether you like it or not) comes from its emotional appeal. By having a blog that contains pictures and stories, viewers will become more emotionally involved with the cause or service.

9. Fundraising — By using charity badges on your blog, you can get your supporters to help with fundraising efforts. A charity badge can be set up quickly and allows people to share the small graphic image you create to make donations. ChipIn and Network for Good both have charity badges available for a small fee. There are countless examples of blogging communities that have worked together to raise money using charity badges.

10. The “Heart” of the Organization — A blog gives you the unique opportunity to show the organization in a totally new light. While blogs are beneficial for marketing and fundraising purposes, their most important function should always be to convey interesting and compelling stories about the organization.

House Parent Opportunity

We currently have an exciting House/Parent Opportunity for the right individual(s). As a House Parent you will be living in a beautiful home in Wayne, New Jersey with two children who have developmental disabilities. You will have your own private master suite, all trainings will be provided, you will receive a monthly stipend and all expenses will be paid. This is a unique opportunity for a master's level college student looking to gain experience in the human service field, an individual currently in the field of human services or someone who simply has a desire to work with children. This opportunity can also be ideal for a young working couple. You will work closely with support, management and executive staff to ensure timely and appropriate services for children with developmental disabilities. If you feel you would be the right person for this opportunity, please do not delay contact Jessica Guberman, Ph.D/Executive Director today by emailing a letter of interest and resume to jessica.guberman@comop.org or faxing to 973-872-7121.

Former NJ Department of Human Services Commissioner Michele Guhl Named as VP at Community Options

Today’s world of rising health care agendas and concern for the individual community have made it increasingly difficult for companies to secure employees up to the challenge of implementing programs for individuals with disabilities. As Community Options, Inc. welcomes new Vice President of Educational and Transitional Services, Michele Guhl, we welcome an exciting era of growth and development for our innovative programs.

As one of the fastest growing non-profits in the United States, COI has previously had on staff such names as Madeleine Will, former Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services for the United States Department of Education, and have honored as their “Person of the Year” such individuals as Tom Bracken, Richard Billoti of the Trenton Times, Caren Franzini CEO of the NJEDA, and McCaffrey’s supermarket chain owner Jim McCaffrey.

Ms. Guhl is the Former Commissioner of the Department of Human Services. In this capacity, she commanded an $8 billion budget with over 25,000 staff and oversaw Medicaid, Youth and Family Services, and all institutions and community-based programs for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities. Previously appointed by Governor Jon S. Corzine as the Executive Director for the Commission on Rationalizing Health Care Resources, Ms. Guhl has been in charge of rationalizing, developing, and prioritizing the financial and support system for New Jersey’s acute care hospitals for the past ten years. While in the office of President for the NJ Association of Health Plans, she provided everything from advocacy to education to technical services. In her position as the VP of Educational and Transitional Services, Ms. Guhl will begin a regionally based cutting edge pilot project for transition services for students with disabilities that can be sustainable and duplicated throughout the state. She will also be working to increase awareness with local and state legislators, parent groups, child study teams, advocates and district and county administrators.

Arts Unbound

This is a great resource and a really cool place!

Arts Unbound is a Northern New Jersey based non-profit organization whose sole mission is to provide artistic and vocational opportunities in the visual arts to people living with developmental, physical, and mental disabilities.

Check them out at their website at www.artsunbound.org

This is an incredible website to share with your peers! Received permission to post from Arts Unbound.

Are you a "System Shaker?"

iMatter Conference Article (2007)


Are you a “system shaker?” This was the question posed to all of the participants who attended the Community Options Second Annual iMatter Conference. This year’s iMatter Conference took place in the serene Santa Fe, New Mexico and focused on Medicare and Medicaid Service Initiatives throughout the country.

The conference began with an extraordinary Keynote Address by Michelle Lujan Grisham, Esq. Michelle was previously the Secretary of New Mexico’s Department of Health working under Governor Bill Richardson. Michelle’s opening address for the conference was not only refreshing but inspiring. Lined with humor and grace, Michelle challenged all of us to participate in a cultural revolution as it relates to our attitudes regarding individuals with disabilities. She challenged us to not only look at our vocabulary as it relates to individuals with disabilities but also focus on how disability affects each and every one of us as individuals.

Deborah Armstrong, PT, JD, Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Aging and Long Term Services Department addressed the Mi Via (My Way) path to self-direction initiative and the four 1915(c) waivers. The Mi Via program is to New Mexico as Real Life Choices is to New Jersey in that the participants of the program lead the way in designing a program and budget that works for them and no one else. Participants plan and purchase services, supports and goods, develop their plans and budgets, hire, train, terminate and decide on employee pay rates within a suggested range of rates. All of the services and support plans are designed to meet the functional, medical and social needs of the individual. Participants of the Mi Via program are able to purchase any traditional waiver serves and other self-designated goods and services.

Dr. Colleen Wieck, a long time friend of Community Options, addressed Parallels in Time which is a history of society’s attitudes and treatment of persons with developmental disabilities. Dr. Wieck is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities of the Department of Administration, a position she has held for the past 24 years. Dr. Wieck is the primary creator of Partners in Policymaking which is a leadership training program for adults with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities. She has worked on numerous public policy issues including deinstitutionalization, supported employment, family support, self-determination and education.

Secretary Alfredo Vigil, MD closed the first day of the conference with a presentation about his plethora of experience working with the people of New Mexico, specifically, individuals with developmental disabilities. Dr. Alfredo Vigil has 30 years of extensive clinical and management experience specializing in family medicine, geriatrics, emergency medicine and reproductive health issues. He has worked in private practice, community health centers, hospitals and other non-profit organizations. For the past five years, he was chief executive officer of El Centro Family Health, a non-profit primary care organization in Española. Governor Bill Richardson appointed Dr. Vigil in June 2007 to serve as secretary of the New Mexico Department of Health, the largest state agency. The Department of Health works with New Mexicans to prevent disease, prepare for health emergencies, promote sound health policy, protect vulnerable individuals and provide support and advocacy to individuals with disability.

Dr. Vigil posed one of the most important questions of the day. “Green or Red?” Which to those of us visiting New Mexico for the first time, this information was invaluable. The question of green or red relates to type of Chile you would like when ordering at a restaurant.

Needless to say, the first day of the conference was filled with insightful and innovative ways to continue to serve individuals with disabilities in our own states and how to gracefully “shake the system.”

After the first day of the conference came to a close, participants retreated back to their luxurious rooms or hit the pavement to take in as much of this beautiful downtown area as they could. From fine dining to exquisite art work in galleries all over the city, Santa Fe proved itself to be a utopia for all that are fortunate to live, visit, work and play in this fabulous city.

The second day of the conference began with an opening presentation by Sandra Barrett, the Assistant Director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services in the state of Arkansas. Mrs. Barrett focused on the past, present and future of the Cash and Counseling Program. Mrs. Barrett pointed out the essential elements of cash and counseling to be person centered planning for personal assistance, individual directed budgets that give that person hiring and budget authority, participant support including financial management and counseling services in addition to quality assurance and improvement systems. There are some expansion states involved with the Cash and Counseling Program and they are Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia.

Whoever made up the phrase, “save the best for last,” was not kidding. The Individual and Family Forum was last on the agenda of the iMatter Conference and this forum was moving, full of emotion and tears. Individuals supported through the Mi Via program in New Mexico talked about the benefits of the program and how having the opportunity to participate in the Mi Via program has completely improved the quality of their lives, dramatically. There were three family members on the forum that shared their struggles of trying to locate and identify services for their loved one with a disability in their respective states. Hearing these stories would turn anyone into an advocate. These were real and honest stories of triumph, hardship and the long struggle to find peace, safety and inclusion for the people they love the most in the world.

Walking away from the conference, all of us left asking ourselves the question, “what can I do?” Disability affects all of us either directly or indirectly. Whether you are a professional, parent, relative, public official, business owner, sister or brother, you can be an advocate. You can challenge your state government with your peers to make long term systems change. There is power in numbers – you do not stand alone in wanting to effect systems change within our state governments to advise on how to spend money wisely, implement changes in service delivery and demand the opening of more community homes in your local communities that promote inclusion to the individuals we support and not isolation in degrading and horrific state institutions.

While the question of “Green of Red” is a good one, a better question to ask yourself is “Are you a system shaker?” Are you willing to step out of your own comfort zone to advocate for individuals with disabilities? What are you willing to do so that individuals with disabilities, our brothers, sisters, friends, colleagues, sons and daughters can live their most independent, fulfilling life with dignity and grace?

Please stay tuned as the 3rd Annual iMatter Conference will take place in Nashville, TN in 2008.

Author -Jessica Guberman, Ph.D.

Surveys for Improved Public Policy

Ongoing, open input from the public is good for public policy.
For Spring, 2008 the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities is
conducting several topical surveys for individuals with developmental disabilities, families, professionals and others. Your concerns and ideas about housing, transportation, education,employment, health care, etc. are important in driving public policy. All information is confidential. Please cut and paste the following link that will take you to the survey website:
http://www.njcdd.org/Surveys.htm

Thank you for your assistance!

Glitz & Glamour of Prom

Each year, high school students prepare for one of the biggest events of the year…PROM! In Pittsburgh, the Allegheny County Department of Human Services hosts Project Prom. This event is designed to provide gowns, tuxedo rentals, and accessories to high school students living in Allegheny County and who receive or are eligible to receive services from the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.

Project Prom offers an opportunity for the whole community to become involved in the empowerment of students who may be neglected and abused, homeless, mentally retarded and may be diagnosed with mental health or substance abuse issues.

To learn more about this great program and how you can become involved, please visit: http://www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/projectprom.aspx

Terrorists 'use Down's syndrome suicide bombers' to kill 70 in Iraq

REMOTE-CONTROLLED explosives strapped to two women with Down's syndrome were detonated in co-ordinated attacks on pet bazaars in Baghdad yesterday, Iraqi officials said.

The explosions – which Iraqi officials said were detonated by mobile phone, suggesting the women may not have been aware of what was happening – killed at least 73 people and wounded more than 160 in the deadliest day since the United States sent 30,000 extra troops to the capital in spring last year.

The attacks happened at the central al-Ghazl market, where at least 46 were killed, and a market in the New Baghdad area.

Brigadier-General Qassim al-Moussawi, the chief Iraqi military spokesman in Baghdad, claimed that both the women involved, who were killed, had Down's syndrome.

"The operation was carried out by two booby-trapped mentally disabled women," he said.

"Forensic and bomb squad experts as well as the people and traders of al-Shorja area of the carpet market have confirmed that the woman who was blown up there today was often in the area and was mentally disabled.

"In the New Baghdad area, the shop owners and customers of the pet market confirmed that the woman who was blown up there was mentally disabled as well," Brig-Gen Moussawi said.

"The al-Qaeda terrorists and criminals are proud of this method."

Ryan Crocker, the US ambassador to Iraq, said the bombings showed that a resilient al-Qaeda had "found a different, deadly way" to try to destabilise Iraq.

"There is nothing they won't do if they think it will work in creating carnage and the political fall-out that comes from that," he said.

Condoleezza Rice, the US secretary of state, said the use of the women proved al-Qaeda was "the most brutal and bankrupt of movements" and would strengthen Iraqi resolve to reject terrorism. "It certainly underscores and affirms the decision of the Iraqi people that there is no political programme here that is acceptable to a civilised society," she said.

The first attack happened at about 10:20am in the al-Ghazl market. The weekly bazaar has been bombed several times since the war started but recently had re-emerged as a popular place to shop and stroll as Baghdad security improved and a Friday ban on driving was lifted.

About 20 minutes later, a second bomb went off at a bird market in a predominantly Shiite area of south-eastern Baghdad. That blast killed as many as 27 people and wounded 67, according to officials.

One witness, who declined to be identified, said the woman said she had birds to sell, then blew up as people gathered around to inspect them.

The attacks were the latest in a series of violent incidents that have been chipping away at Iraqi confidence in the permanence of rec
ent security gains.

Jalal Talabani, Iraq's president, said a total of about 70 people were killed in both attacks, which he said were committed by terrorists motivated by revenge and "to show that they are still able to stop the march of history and of our people toward reconciliation".

One pigeon vendor said the market had been particularly busy because the weather had improved.

"I have been going to the pet market with my friend every Friday, selling and buying pigeons," said Ali Ahmed, who was hit by shrapnel in his legs and chest.

"It was nice weather today and the market was so crowded."

He said he was worried about his friend, Zaki, who disappeared after the blast, about 40 yards away.

"I just remember the horrible scene of the bodies of dead and wounded people mixed with the blood of animals and birds, then I found myself lying in a hospital bed," Mr Ali said.

Happy Anniversary!

Today, Community Options, Inc.'s National Development Council is celebrating it's first year anniversary! Today was the day of our first council meeting. The National Development Council has had a very productive year. We have worked on an employee contribution campaign, coordinated National Disability Awareness Week that will occur every year, and held a balloon release ceremony in response to the International Day of Disabled Persons. We are excited about the upcoming year. We have plans to celebrate World Autism Day on April 2, 2008, our second National Disability Awareness Week, and an iVote because iMatter Campaign. You will want to stay tuned to the happenings of this very exciting and productive upcoming year! Enjoy some of the pictures from the past year!

Are the Clients you support registered to vote?

Did you know that half of American's with disalbities are not registered to vote?!?!



Please take a moment to read the article below taken from the American Association of People with Disablites (AAPD) website www.aapd-dc.org/dvpmain/voterreg/vrguide.html



"If the primary activity of your organization is to provide services to people with disabilities, and if your organization receives state funding to provide these services, the organization must be designated as a voter registration agency.


Human service and health organizations can help empower their clients by systematically offering voter registration during the application, intake, or orientation process, and by registering all of their employees to vote.


At least half of all Americans with disabilities are not registered to vote. While the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) makes voter registration available at motor vehicle and public assistance agencies, many people with disabilities are not being reached. For this reason, Section 7a of the NVRA says that "each state shall designate as voter registration agencies.. all offices in the state that provide state-funded programs primarily engaged in providing services to people with disabilities." Private non profit organizations and state agencies are covered by the law. Some agencies, but by no means all, that are covered under this law include: Medicaid; vocational/rehabilitation agencies; special education agencies; commissions for the deaf and the blind; para-transit providers; independent living centers; disability specific service providers such as United Cerebral Palsy, ARCs, MS Society, Epilepsy Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association, etc.


The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) requires states to have an electronic, interactive, statewide voter registration database. The federal government provides 95% of the cost. The state HAVA implementation plan should include electronic linking Medicaid and disability agencies to the state’s voter registration file.


Many will vote. Studies show that 70% of the people whom volunteer canvassers register to vote in welfare and food stamps offices actually go to the polls and vote in presidential elections.

FOLLOW THESE FOUR EASY STEPS

1. Appoint one permanent staff person to oversee and coordinate voter registration activities. This person should design the best method for routinely offering voter registration in the intake process, at the reception desk, or during orientation at your agency.
   


2. Agency intake forms and procedures should be amended to include the question, "IF YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED TO VOTE WHERE YOU NOW LIVE, WOULD YOU LIKE TO REGISTER TO VOTE HERE TODAY?"
   


3. Clients should always be offered help in completing the voter registration form. HAVA requires--first time voters who register by mail must show identification at the polls. In many states, an agency representative delivers voter registration forms to the elections office. They are deemed not to be mail-in registrations, exempting registrants from the identification requirement. Obtain answers to commonly asked questions such as, "How will I know if I'm registered?" "Where do I vote?" "How do I get an absentee ballot?" "Do I need an I.D. card to vote?" "Can I register to vote at age 17 if I will be 18 on Election Day?" "If I register now, am I permanently registered?" "Do I have to choose a political party when I register?" "If I vote in a party's primary election, do I have to vote for that party in the general election?"
   


4. Record the names and phone numbers of people who register to vote at your agency. This step is for get-out-the-vote efforts. You can also keep track of how many people register to document your success to your staff, board, funders, local coalitions, national affiliates, or the press.
   

ALL VOTER REGISTRATION SERVICES MUST BE NON-PARTISAN
"Non-partisan" means that the activity or program shall not be influenced by, affiliated with, or supportive of the interests or policies of any political party or candidate. Support for candidates of two parties in an election ("bipartisanship") is not a non-partisan activity. You need to put up a sign which reads:
Our voter registration services are available without regard for the voter's political preference. Information and other assistance regarding registering or voting, including transportation and other services offered, shall not be withheld or refused on the basis of support for or opposition to a particular candidate or particular political party."

Couldn't Be Happier

An individual supported in Northern New Jersey, Robert is helping me to post this blog about his first day of work at the Wayne office. Robert has been supported by Community Options for over 10 years. In the warmer months Robert is a landscaper however because it is cold out, Robert is working in the office to help out in various areas. We were talking about the blog and he insisted that we post about his first day. Great job, Robert and keep up the great work!

"Gift of Giving"

"It is better to give than to receive" was the theme during Community Options of Pittsburgh's annual "Gift of Giving" holiday fundraising campaign. Over one hundred volunteers descended upon Century III Mall with one mission - WRAP PRESENTS!!!!!! Through hard work, yards of wrapping paper, and a few paper cuts...over $2500 was raised! Our gift wrap booth provided the prime opportunity to not only raise funds, but to also create organizational awareness! Thank you to all who have volunteered their time or utilized our wrapping service!!!

Emerging Leaders Program

Community Options has joined the Emerging Leaders Program! Emerging Leaders is a highly competitive program that places college students with disabilities in fulfilling summer internships and provides them with leadership development opportunities. Emerging Leaders partners with businesses to help them find outstanding young talent while also considering diversity and inclusion in their hiring practices.

Student applicants are matched with businesses through a careful screening process that helps ensure that the internship placement is a good fit for both parties.

Booz Allen Hamilton founded Emerging Leaders in 2001. The program currently is managed by the National Business & Disability Council.

"Emerging Leaders is one of the most proactive and effective initiatives to integrate people with disabilities into competitive levels of the workplace as fully participating, productive employees," says Edmund L. Cortez, President and CEO, National Business & Disability Council.

Community Options is dedicated and committed to developing its internship program, nationally. By becoming an Emerging Leader Partner, we are taking a huge step in developing and demonstrating our commitment to this program. Check it out at www.emerging-leaders.com

2008 Save the Dates

April 3, 2008 -World Autism Day and Campaign

April 30, 2008 -Birch Lane Hop for Health Fundraiser

August 16, 2008 -2nd Annual iMatter Surf Camp -10am-4pm at Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton, NY

October 25, 2008 -5k Run -Disability Awareness Week -Liberty State Park, Jersey City

November 8, 2008 -5k Run for Children with Autism -Eisenhower Park -East Meadow, Long Island

WEINBERG'S 'BILLY'S LAW' APPROVED BY SENATE BUDGET COMMITTEE

WEINBERG'S 'BILLY'S LAW' APPROVED BY SENATE BUDGET COMMITTEE

(TRENTON) A measure sponsored by Senator Loretta Weinberg known as "Billy's Law," which would create an oversight council on the out-of-state placement of children was approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

The bill is named for Billy Albanese of Brooklyn, NY. Billy suffered a traumatic brain injury and attended Bancroft Neurohealth in Haddonfield from 1992 to 1997. Billy was reportedly left unsupervised in his wheelchair on numerous occasions, resulting in three falls which required a total of 40 stitches to his face and head. Billy's father, Vito Albanese, helped found the Family Alliance to Stop Abuse and Neglect, Senator Weinberg said.

"As parents and grandparents, our main priority must be to protect the health and safety of our children. This responsibility increases when they are out of our care, and so must our diligence in protecting our kids," said Senator Weinberg, D-Bergen. "This legislation would work to help protect hundreds of New Jersey's children. We must work to ensure that our children who are sent out-of-state for treatment are kept safe, and treated with the same amount of care that they would receive here in New Jersey."

Senator Weinberg's bill, S-2490, would require the Departments of Human Services and Children and Families to develop placement guidelines for children from New Jersey attending a residential school or program in another state. The departments would create a registry of approved residential schools and programs.

In order to be listed on the registry, out-of-state schools and programs would undergo an inspection and evaluation of the facility by a representative of the Departments of Human Services or Children and Families. During the inspection the facility it would have to be found that the facility is licensed and has laws in place for investigation of allegations of abuse and neglect. Any contract entered into between either department and an out-of-state facility would have to include language authorizing the departments to conduct unannounced inspections, Senator Weinberg said.

The departments would be responsible for determining whether or not out-of-state placement is necessary by identifying whether or not the services can be provided at a New Jersey facility. They would also be required to compile service directories and lists of funding opportunities, and to collect, analyze and share data on children who are placed in in-State and out-of-state schools and make funding recommendations. The departments would establish public awareness, training and assistance initiatives. Lastly, each department would be required to report to the Governor and the Legislature within 18 months of the adoption of the bill?s regulations on its implementation and the department's efforts to expand the State?s capacity for housing children needing treatment, in an effort to reduce the number of out-of-state placements.

This legislation unanimously cleared the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee on June 7. It now heads to the full Senate for a vote.