NJ Bill Would Use $4.5M To Educate Young Adults With Disabilities

NEW JERSEY — The cost would be relatively small: $4.5 million. But if a proposed New Jersey state law passes, it could change the lives of many people with developmental disabilities who face an educational “void” after they reach the age of 21, supporters say.

On Thursday, the Senate Higher Education Committee approved S-4211, a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Sen. Kristin Corrado (District 40) and Sen. Stephen Sweeney (District 3).

If it becomes law, the bill would appropriate $4.5 million to create “centers for transition” at local county colleges, which would serve people up to age 24. The goal? To help young people with developmental disabilities to prepare for life as an adult, Corrado said.

“The establishment of this vital program will change lives for individuals with developmental disabilities who are too old for traditional support programs,” said Corrado, a Republican who represents municipalities in Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic counties.

According to Corrado:

“The bill provides that the county college-based adult centers would coordinate and integrate existing county and state-based services, programs, and resources; and ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities up to the age of 24 have opportunities to receive mentoring, job coaching, skill training and any other appropriate wrap-around services to help them make a successful transition into employment and independent living.”

“The centers will help students progress to postsecondary education and develop life skills necessary to allow them to find and keep jobs and live independently as adults,” Corrado said, adding that the legislation would help fill a large void in services.

“This program is desperately needed in the disability community,” Corrado urged. “It’s time to stop abandoning special needs individuals when they reach age 21, and devote more energy to teaching them how to live productive, responsible adult lives.”

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• See related article: NJ Extends Education Services To Students With Disabilities

The legislation has also picked up support from the New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA), which said it will require the board of trustees at each county college to establish one of the centers.

“This bill will help develop career pathways for individuals with disabilities, which will be of great value not only for people in this community, but potentially for employers as well,” NJBIA Chief Government Affairs Officer Chrissy Buteas said.

“Once individuals with developmental disabilities exit the secondary school system, there is often a sudden void that leaves them unable to reach greater productivity and independence,” Buteas said. “These adult centers can help developmentally disabled people with post-secondary education, independent living and adult employment.”

In May, the association backed a bill introduced by Sweeney that would provide tax credits to businesses which employ people with disabilities. The group is also supporting other recent bills providing fast-track hiring and advancement employment opportunities by the state for people with “significant disabilities” (A-5294), and employment by the state of certain people with disabilities (S-3426).

In September, the NJBIA hosted a webinar with experts who provided guidance and information for businesses seeking to hire employees with disabilities, which can be seen below.

• See related article: NJ COVID Response Left The Disabled Behind, New Report Shows
• See related article: NJ Prisons Are Failing Special Education Students, Lawsuit Claims

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