New Jersey Conference
Senator Robert Menendez Supports Families at NIPD/NJ Conference
United States Senator Robert Menendez urged parents to tell their stories and advocate for better services for their children with developmental disabilities. In a keynote address on Dec. 2 at the National Institute for People with Disabilities of New Jersey’s (NIPD/NJ) ninth annual family conference, the Senator told more than 100 family members: “Your voices, stories and ideas are critical to those of us forming policy. We can make a better future today by working together.”
Praise for NIPD/NJ
Speaking at Hackensack University Medical Center, which hosted the conference, the Senator praised NIPD/NJ for delivering outstanding services to residents with developmental disabilities and their families.
“Families deserve more support like you get from NIPD/NJ,” said the Senator, who has been a strong advocate for people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Senator Menendez introduced the Helping HANDS for Autism Act of 2008, which is designed to help individuals with autism and their families.
Empowerment
The themes of empowerment and self-advocacy resonated with attendees throughout the day. “I’m going to advocate and I’ll go to Trenton,” said Maria Millare of Mahwah, whose daughter has multiple disabilities. “I will not stop here!” The conference featured state officials, including, Mary Sibley, Deputy Commissioner of New Jersey’s Department of Human Services, and New Jersey Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle of the 37th District, as well as representatives from the YAI/NIPD Network.
Conference Fills Need for Information
“We saw a need to educate families and give them the answers to questions that have haunted them about access to services and navigating the system,” said John Schuckle, Director of NIPD/NJ. “It has been very rewarding for us to see people returning every year to get the information they obviously need.”
“We’ve worked hard to respond to the concerns of families and consumers from around the state,” said Chuck Dombeck, Chairman of NIPD/NJ’s Board of Trustees.
