New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities

04/17/2026

We are excited to share the second video in our new assistive technology series—Pepper the Robot. This video was created by Bancroft.

Myth: Technology will replace the human connection people need.
Reality: Devices like Pepper the Robot are tools that can help people with disabilities live better lives. These tools are not meant to replace people. They are meant to add support and improve what is already available. Some technology can also help keep people safe in ways staff alone cannot. Attendees at the NJCDD 2025 Assistive Technology Summit recommended sharing real stories and examples to help people learn about new tools, like the one shown in this video: https://youtu.be/gw3iaqZChCQ?si=6ZsVak3sCGk39f5k

Visit https://njcdd.org/assistive-technology/ to learn more about the Council's efforts to promote assistive technology.

Created by BancroftMyth: Technology will replace the human connection people need. Reality: Devices like Pepper the Robot are tools that can help people with...

04/16/2026

On May 5, the New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus will host a webinar—Continuity of Care & Service Gaps Within Disability Systems. The discussion will examine capacity and service gaps within disability service systems, as well as the disruptions to care caused by workforce shortages. Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn, Caucus Co-Chair, will lead the discussion.

Register to attend: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_chcnn6xERce-FDd3vy4fEA #/registration

Since 2020, the New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus has served as a bipartisan forum within the New Jersey Legislature for lawmakers and their staff to consider the impact on the disability community when shaping ALL public policies in the Garden State through increased awareness and a greater understanding of the complexities of the disabilities service system and issues affecting individuals with disabilities and their families.

04/14/2026

April 14: Eye on Advocacy Weekly E-newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/bmtr5sjr
Stay up to date by subscribing: https://njcdd.org/subscribe-to-the-njcdd.

04/07/2026

The NJCDD is excited to introduce Technology and Independence for People with Disabilities: Benefits and Myths, a five-part series that will share information, resources, and real stories from people with disabilities across New Jersey.

The first video in the series—Myth: One Size Fits All—was created by the Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center of DRNJ. Technology works best when people understand that it is not “one size fits all.” For technology to work well, it must match each person’s wants, needs, and abilities before it is put in place. Attendees at NJCDD's 2025 Assistive Technology Summit agreed that technology should not be used the same way by everyone. Instead, it should be uniquely chosen for each person. Watch this video to learn about some of the best ways to choose assistive technology: https://youtu.be/nTpuwxbAsn8?si=HxbRR8UzBVS2pUNx

Visit https://njcdd.org/assistive-technology/ to learn more about the Council's efforts to promote assistive technology.

04/07/2026

April 7: Eye on Advocacy Weekly E-newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/2tyeba6x
Stay up to date by subscribing: https://njcdd.org/subscribe-to-the-njcdd.

03/31/2026

March 31: Eye on Advocacy Weekly E-newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/mvxtrcwf.
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03/30/2026

Last week, Bob Titus, NJCDD Public Policy Coordinator; Kevin Nuñez, NJCDD Vice Chair; Yana Mermel, NJCDD Council Member; and Michelle Solomon, NJCDD Council Member, traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the Disability Policy Seminar. The Disability Policy Seminar is the premier opportunity to build support on Capitol Hill and to outline issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families before New Jersey Congressional representatives.

Thank you to Senator Andy Kim and his gracious staff, who spoke with the group about important topics, including protecting Medicaid and appropriate funding for the disability community. Additionally, we would like to extend our thanks to Congressman Jeff Van Drew and Congressman Herb Conaway, MD, for making their staff available to meet with our group and note NJCDD's agenda for disability advocacy.

03/25/2026

March 24: Eye on Advocacy Weekly E-newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/54rtbeva
Stay up to date by subscribing: https://njcdd.org/subscribe-to-the-njcdd.

03/24/2026

The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) created the Community Building Awards to honor people and groups who help build communities where everyone belongs. These awards recognize strong leadership, advocacy, and actions that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families.

The NJCDD is currently accepting nominations for the Community Building Awards. Visit https://njcdd.org/about-the-community-building-awards/ to view the award descriptions and nomination form. Alternatively, the nomination form can be completed and submitted online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X9G9FXQ

All nomination forms are due by April 30, 2026. Contact njcdd@njcdd.org if you have questions or need assistance.

03/20/2026

The NJCDD is excited to congratulate Paul Aronsohn, New Jersey's first Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Their Families, on his new position—state director for Senator Andy Kim. Read more: https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/paul-aronsohn-former-disability-ombudsman-is-kims-new-state-director/

Mercedes Witowsky, NJCDD Executive Director, commented, "In his role as the inaugural Ombudsman, Paul brought a unique blend of care and compassion to help solve problems for people with I/DD and their families. I'm confident that those same skills will help him succeed as state director for Senator Kim."

03/19/2026

Here's another photo of Dr. Cha, Commissioner of the NJ Department of Human Services, at last week's NJCDD public meeting. Pictured from left to right: Dr. Cha; Paul Blaustein, NJCDD Chairperson; Kevin Nunez, NJCDD Vice Chair; Mercedes Witowsky, NJCDD Executive Director; and Kyoko Coco, NJCDD Deputy Executive Director.

03/18/2026

The latest issue of People & Families magazine is now available. Visit https://njcdd.org/people-families-magazine/ to read the issue.