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CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION HIGHLIGHTS COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES
DHS Officials Visit to Baker鈥檚 Treat to Showcase Training and Support Options for People with Autism FLEMINGTON- The Department of Human Services today highlighted disability employment and adult transition services in a visit to Baker's Treat, a Caf茅 and Bakery operated by a non-profit service provider, Ability 2 Work, in Flemington. Ability 2 Work provides on the job training for about 40 individuals who have Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities.鈥淲orking in a community business, such as Baker鈥檚 Treat, which offers training and support, creates an environment where trainees begin experiencing the sense of accomplishment that employment provides,鈥� said Department of Human Services鈥� Deputy Commissioner Dawn Apgar. 鈥淭he trainees gain personal experience and expertise from interacting with each other as well as the customers; and, the customers benefit and learn from their interactions with people on the聽 autism spectrum.鈥�
Ability 2 Work is just one example of the variety of services and supports offered to people with autism and other developmental disabilities in New Jersey.聽 These services are vital, particularly as young adults graduate from high school and transition into adult life.
鈥淲e wanted our son to be able to participate in meaningful ways in his communityand have his participation be valued,鈥� said Ability 2 Work CEO Karen Monroy. 鈥淗is life should not be limited because of his autism.Many other parents felt the same way.鈥�
After her son鈥檚 graduation in 2013, Ms. Monroy and her husband, who live in Raritan Township, formed Ability 2 Work and opened the doors of Baker鈥檚 Treat in November聽 2013.
聽鈥淲e value the contribution of each person,鈥� said Monroy. 鈥淲e have created a place that focuses on what they can do鈥攁nd built on that. My dream is that my son can live in the world and that the world will make him feel welcome,鈥� added Monroy.
Deputy Commissioner Apgar oversees DHS鈥� Division of Developmental Disabilities, which provides funding for community-based services and supports for people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Included in the Governor鈥檚 proposed budget for fiscal year 2015 is $102 million to support community based-services.
The Division also includes the Office on Autism (OOA), which provides a centralized place to address issues associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder and works with other state agencies to develop plans of service coordination for persons with ASD.聽
The state departments of Human Services, Children and Families, Community Affairs (Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency), Education, Labor and Workforce Development and Health developed:Through the Maze: A Family Guide to Navigating the New Jersey Service Systems for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other Developmental Disabilities.聽 This often-updated guide provides information about New Jersey鈥檚 system of programs and services for individuals with Autism.聽
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