New Jersey has 18 County Offices on Disability Services that work to advance independent living for people with disabilities by providing a wide range of services. The mission for the Offices that are members of the New Jersey Association of County Disability Services is to empower people with disabilities to become self-advocates and to live independently in the community. To further these goals, the County Offices on Disability Services serve an advocacy role and provide information & referral on a variety of issues. The public can contact the Offices for information about the following topics and other issues of concern for people with disabilities:

ACCESSIBILITY ADA

EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

HOUSING LEGAL ASSISTANCE

PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES

RECREATION REHABILITATION ACT (SEC. 504)

REHAB. TECHNOLOGY TRANSPORTATION

Many Offices on Disability Services administer the Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP). This important program serves people with chronic, physical disabilities and helps to enable program consumers to pursue vocational goals and maximize self independence. Personal assistance services are routine non-medical care and chore related tasks performed by personal assistants. Including, but not limited to, assistance with essential daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, assistance with laundry and shopping, driving and other forms of transportation.

The members of the New Jersey Association of County Disability Services are connected to the `Information Super Highway' through the New Jersey Department of Human Services' on-line System. This innovative technology makes it possible for the Offices to network and keep informed about the latest changes occurring in programs and services for people with disabilities.