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Frequently Asked Questions
What is The ARC of Essex County?
The ARC of Essex County (Association for Retarded Citizens of Essex
County, Inc.) is a private, non-profit agency serving people with
developmental disabilities and their families who live in or near Essex
County. The agency was founded in 1947 by a small, dedicated group of
parents. Through the years, it has provided a variety of services, which
have responded to specific needs of the times. Currently, The ARC of Essex
County provides an array of services for infants, children and adults in
such areas as early intervention, special education, social welfare,
community and vocational training, residential care, recreation and
referral information. These services are primarily funded through the New
Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (N.J. DDD). Funding also
comes from other public sources, United Ways, civic organizations, fees,
private and corporate foundations, as well as through fundraising and
individual memberships. The ARC of Essex County is fortunate to have
extraordinary volunteers who contribute their time and energy to our
endeavors. They are active on the Board of Directors, in fundraising
efforts, and directly in program services.
Where can I find support for my child who has Down syndrome?
Support information can be found on our
Down Syndrome Support page.
My child has a developmental disability – what services can I receive
from The ARC of Essex County?
For a child 21 years or younger, services provided by ARC/Essex are:
- Recreation programs
- After School Program
- Early Intervention Program (Stepping
Stones and Shapiro Center)
- Respite Programs
For an adult with a developmental
disability, services provided by The ARC of Essex County are:
- Adult Day Activities
- Residential Programs
- Respite Programs
- Recreation Programs
Participation in our residential and day
programs is determined by the New Jersey Division of Developmental
Disabilities (DDD). Please contact your DDD case manager to discuss
referral possibilities.
If you do not have a case manager or do
not know who s/he is, then:
Call DDD at (973) 693-5080; or
Contact them through their website
www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddd or:
Write DDD at:
153 Halsey Street
Newark, NJ 07101
What is DDD and how can they help me?
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is a state agency
whose focus is to provide services and supports to individuals who have
developmental disabilities and their families. DDD serves more than 35,000
people with developmental disabilities state wide. DDD services include:
case management, family support (i.e. respite), vocational, day and
residential programs.
Services to families/consumers are
determined by several factors:
- Eligibility – For an individual who has
a developmental disability where the condition was discovered before age
22, an eligibility packet can be completed and submitted for review to
the DDD offices at 153 Halsey Street in Newark, NJ 07101, (973)
693-5080. A comprehensive review of documented information
substantiating one’s disability will be assessed. The primary criteria
for eligibility are based on the level of disability and are not based
on diagnosis.
- Program availability and participation
– DDD contracts with local service provider agencies to provide programs
for persons eligible for services. A referral for a specified program of
need is generated by the DDD case manager. DDD notifies the family and
provides services when space becomes available. For more information,
log onto:
www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddd.
What is DDD’s Real Life Choices
Program?
DDD’s Real Life Choices Program is another option for persons eligible for
DDD services. Through a comprehensive evaluation process, a level of need
is determined along with a prescribed funding amount. Using the prescribed
dollar amount, families are afforded the flexibility to “purchase”
services from approved service providers which most closely meet the needs
of the individual. The ARC of Essex County is a Real Life Choices
provider. For more information, please log onto:
www.fscnj.org
Where can I get a lawyer who can perform guardian services and estate
planning documents?
Please call Al Ianacone at The ARC of Essex County’s Main Office at (973)
535-1181, ext. 1239.
How can I get my child on the waiting list for residential services?
The ARC of Essex County’s residential programs are funded by DDD and
as such, DDD determines referrals for available slots. Please contact your
DDD case manager to be considered for residential placement.
My child is 21 and will be graduating from school. What day programs
can my child enroll in?
The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process and a transition plan
should have been completed prior to graduation via your school and child
study team. Included in the transition plan should have been a plan to
determine what adult services are appropriate for your child. The first
step is to have your child evaluated by the New Jersey Division of
Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).
If your child study team did not provide the DVR screening for your child,
please contact them at (973) 648-3488. Once DVR has assessed your child,
one of two outcomes will occur:
- Your child can be served by DVR
services
- Your child cannot be served by DVR
services; and your next step is to contact your DDD case manager to
discuss day program options. You can reach your DDD case manager at
(973) 693-5080.
How can I speak to someone at the ARC?
You can contact the ARC social worker at (973) 535-1181 ext. 1226, or you
can write to us at:
123 Naylon Avenue
Livingston, NJ 07039
Or you can email us at
info@arcessex.org.
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