Berkeley To Establish Committee On Developmental Disabilities

BERKELEY, NJ — The Township Council is looking to create a new committee that will advise officials on how to best serve residents with developmental disabilities.

The idea for forming a "Mayor's Advisory Committee On Developmental Disabilities" was first mentioned by Councilman Thomas Grosse at a recent Township Council meeting.

He said he came up with the idea after attending a prom for disabled children run by Mikey's Mission, a local nonprofit named in honor of their son.

Grosse spoke with the parents and realized a committee could help with certain events. For example, he brought up the Easter Egg hunt at Veterans Park. While others are having fun, it may be a struggle for children who are sensitive to sound or light.

"Having a mayor's committee on developmental disabilities will enable it to be all-inclusive for all sorts of children," Grosse said.

The council unanimously agreed to create an ordinance that would form the committee.

According to the ordinance, the committee will have no more than 25 members consisting of one representative from each of the following: Berkeley Township School District, Central Regional School District, the ARC of Ocean County, 21 Plus, Childrens' Specialized Hospital Toms River, Community Medical Center, Epilepsy Foundation, and the Ocean County Health Department.

The rest of the committee will be disabled adults, family members of people with disabilities and/or experts in the field.

These will be appointed by the mayor with advice from the Township Council. Members will serve for one year.

The ordinance to form the committee will be up for final decision at the Nov. 20 council meeting.