New Jersey DHS DDD Olmstead Plan "Path to Progress"

The New Jersey Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) developed this transition plan to comply with the Olmstead Act. The plan outlines how people with developmental disabilities will be transitioned to community-living. The plan covers an eight-year period. The most important aspects of the plan however, are the system changes that relate directly to what the 1,850 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families/guardians will experience as they transition from developmental centers over the next eight years. This number includes the 1,005 people who, in addition to their families/guardians and teams, have selected community placement.

The DDD anticipates an additional number of people, who after receiving education and information, will request a move to the community. These changes reflect the belief that most people with the right services are able to live in the community and should be supported to direct their own services whenever possible. The plan also includes the development of criteria for admission to and continuing stay in developmental centers