CHOICES (Communities Helping Others in Creating Effective Solutions)
is pleased to offer the
Planning for Adult Life Presentation (PFAL) Series
led by
JerisaChiumbu-Maseko, Director, The Arc of NJ, Planning for Adult Life
JerisaChimbu-Maseko, Director, The Arc of NJ, Planning for Adult Life (PFAL), will visit a number of locations throughout the region to teach skills related to seven (7) core areas (Transition Planning/Visioning, Health/Behavioral Health, Housing, Legal/Financial, Social, Self-Direction, and Post-Secondary Education/Employment).
The outcomes of participation in this program will provide students and their families with the experience, practice, and understanding the importance of creating a plan/vision for their life after they leave school. PFAL includes step by step timelines, guides, and other resources to assist families in making decisions on where they want to work and live, who they want to be socially, what legal decisions will they have to make, how to manage their finances, and how to have a healthy lifestyle. This experience also gives them an opportunity to make informed decisions about present and future goals.
The PFAL program has six (6) goals:
1.Students and their families will develop appropriate and effective transition plans that address theirspecific needs to successfully transition to adult life.
2.Students and their families will be able to effectively navigate service systems and access benefits/supports in all core areas.
3.Students and their families will effectively engage with, and access support, from service systems.
4.Students and their families will make appropriate future planning decisions.
5.Students and their families will plan for post-secondary goals that may include employment.
6.Students and their families will develop skills to assist them in forming positive social relationships and networks outside of school.
These informational sessions will last approximately 1 hour and are open to all interested parties, especially for those considering support for their loved one with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). Please note that each presentation will be held in a different location, and we ask that you RSVP to the person listed underneath that particular session so that appropriate seating can be provided. In addition, if you require a Spanish-speaking interpreter, please indicate that in your RSVP.
Should you require further information regarding these sessions, please contact JerisaChiumbu-Maseko, Director/Presenter, PFAL, the individual Host listed for that particular presentation, or Sarah McCulloh, Transition Coordinator, Township of Union School District, (908) 851-4431, .
Please note:
This information is only to be used as a reference tool and is not to be taken as a formal recommendation by any of the participating partners. These resources are not intended to service all populations, and we ask that you contact your Child Study Team (CST) Case Manager to further discuss more specific and individualized plans for you/your child.
Planning for Adult Life Presentation (PFAL) Series
Workshop Information
JerisaChiumbu-Maseko, Director, The Arc of NJ, Planning for Adult Life
985 Livingston Avenue, North Brunswick, NJ 08902, (732) 828-0972
Please RSVP to the person listed below EACH presentation.
September 27, 2017, 7:00pm, Union County Educational Services Commission (UCESC), District Offices, 45 Cardinal Drive, 2nd Floor, Westfield, NJ 07090
*SSI and Medicaid: How to Apply and Why You Need To Do So
There are many different ways to initiate the Medicaid eligibility process, and it is important to make sure you have all of the necessary information. This workshop will help parents and caregivers understand how to access health care services for their loved one with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) from the current health care system. PLEASE NOTE: Medicaid is needed in order to receive any adult services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) after graduation from high school.
RSVP: JoAnn Purdy, Social Worker, (908) 233-9317, ext. 223,
October 25, 2017, 7:00pm, Union High School, 2350 North Third Street, Union, NJ 07083, Classroom C101
*Guardianship and Supported Decision Making: Just the Basics
Guardianship can be a valuable tool which can be used to protect individuals who don’t or no longer possess the ability to make appropriate personal or financial decisions for themselves. This workshop will help parents and caregivers understand the guardianship process, levels of guardianship, and alternatives to guardianship.
PLEASE NOTE: You may enter UHS through the side of the building by the “Rock” near the Gym. C101 is the first classroom on your right; you will see balloons in the classroomdoorway, directing you to the correct location.
*RSVP: Sarah McCulloh, Transition Coordinator, (908) 851-4431,
CANCELLED!
November 18, 2017, 10am-12:00pm, Kean University, Nathan Weiss Graduate School on East Campus, 215 North Ave, Hillside, NJ 07205, Graduate Student Lounge on the 2nd floor
*Planning for Transition: Why it is Vital for Your Student’s Future
This transition planning process is evaluating the student’s skills, abilities, strengths, challenges, and preferences to envision their life after leaving school. Planning involves setting goals for the student to strive toward and identifying the needs for support. Carrying out the transition plan can begin and should be a part of the students’ Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). Students and families must be actively involved in the transition planning process as early as possible and keep it moving forward. This presentation discusses the importance of planning, the steps necessary to plan, and provides hands-on tools to put a plan in place.
PLEASE NOTE: Parking is in the rear of the building in any of the white lined spaces. There are also handicap spaces at the side and the back of the building.
*RSVP: None needed.
January 31, 2018, 6:30pm, Kean University, Nathan Weiss Graduate College, 215 North Avenue, Hillside NJ, OT Clinic Suite 161
*College Options for Students with I/DD
This workshop will provide information about the different opportunities that college could offer your student with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We will suggest steps to add to your students’ IEP that can help them orient him or her in the differences in high school and college and accessing supports offered to students with I/DD.
*RSVP: Parking in the rear of the building, RSVP to OT Clinic 908-737-5940 or via email
February 2, 2018, 7:00pm, In Roads to Opportunities, 301 Cox Street, Roselle, NJ 07203
*Yes, Your Child Can Work! Working Toward Employment for People With I/DD
For many people, a job is something that helps define who they are. It gives us a meaningful place to go every day, a way to explore our interests, a means of earning money, and a way to be a part of our community. This workshop will discuss different employment options available to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and hands-on tools for preparing students for employment.
*RSVP: Joann Farrell, Transition Counselor, (908) 241-7200, x 3038,
March15, 2018, 7:00pm, Hosted by Linden Public Schools, Held at the Academy of Excellence (Formerly known St. Elizabeth), 170 Hussa Street, Linden, NJ 07036
*Accessing Services and ‘Natural Supports’
Everyone has a right to be involved in their community. There are many supports for people with disabilities to help them do just that. This workshop will discuss services for accessing the community and will provide hands-on tools for helping students to obtain natural supports in the community. It will also include conversations on how to navigate some of the challenges associated with accessing services.
*RSVP: Nikki Livingston, Academy of Excellence/Linden Public Schools, 908-587-3285 Ext. 8650,
April18, 2018, 7:00pm, Governor Livingston High School, IMC (Library), 175 Watchung Boulevard, Berkeley Heights, NJ, 07922
*Getting the Most Out of Your High School Experience
As a parent, you want to help your child make choices that are best for his or her needs. This workshop will explore the role your school district will play in the transition process and how you can prepare your child for adult life.
*RSVP: Berkeley Heights Public Schools, Mr. Steve Siebelts, School Social Worker/Transition Coordinator, (908) 464-3100 ext. 2413,
May 10, 2018, 7:30pm, Millburn Board of Education, 434 Millburn Avenue, Millburn NJ 07041
*Housing 101
Adults with I/DD can live in a variety of places in the community. It’s important to determine the level of support needed by the person with I/DD when exploring the housing options available in your community. One size does not fit all, so it’s never too early to get started on understanding the different housing options. This workshop will give an overview of the housing options available to people with I/DD and what to keep in mind when identifying the best fit for that person.
*RSVP: Milburn Public Schools, Roger Askins, Transition Coordinator, (973) 564-7130 ext. 379,
CHOICES MEMBERS:
Sarah McCulloh, Transition CoordinatorNicholas Auriemma, Transition Coordinator
Vanessa Tuohy, Transition CoordinatorHillside High School
Township of Union School District(973) 699-6807
Union High School (UHS)
2350 North Third Street, Union, NJ 07083
SM-(908) 851-4431, onathan Bedi, Transition Coordinator
VT- (908) 851-6538, atchung Hills Regional High School
(908) 647-4800 X6807,
Leila Molaie, MS, EMRA
Lead Transitional Counselor-Senior Vocational Rehabilitation CounselorPatty Adamowitz, LDTC
Division of Vocational RehabilitationClark Public Schools, 365 Westfield Ave.,
921 Elizabeth Avenue, 3rd FloorClark, NJ 07066
Elizabeth, N. J. 07201-2306(732) 382-0910, X3176,
Tel: (908)
Fax: (908) 965-2976
Celia DiPolvere, SLE Coordinator
Linden School District
908-587-3285x8663,
Rebekah Novemsky, CAU Family Mentor
Alison Goodrich,
Community Access, Elizabeth
RN-(908) 354-3040,
AG-(908) 354-3040, X. 4283,
Joann Farrell, Transition Counselor
In Roads to Opportunities
(908) 241-7200, X3040,
Geraldine Pagaoa-Cruz, Clinic Director, Kean University
Occupational Therapy Community Cares Clinic
(908) 737-5942,
Jodie Goldstein, Transition Coordinator
West Orange Public Schools
973-669-5301 x 31578,
Mr. Roger Askins, Transition Coordinator
Millburn High School
973-564-7130 ext. 379,
Steve Siebelts, Social Worker
Berkeley Heights Public Schools
(908)464-3100 ext. 2413,
Josh Bornstein, Director of Special Projects
JoAnn Purdy, Social Worker
UCESC Work Readiness Program, Project SEARCH-Overlook Medical Center
JB-(908) 233-9317 Ext.246 (office), (718) 644-9263 (cell), ,
JP-(908) 233-9317, ext. 223,