Additional Transition-Related Resources to Assist Students with Disabilities
College/Vocational School Disability Services: Generally speaking, updated psychological/educational testing is needed within 2 years of graduation from high school in order to receive services, but please contact the Office of Disability Services at each school you are interested in attending for more information. Please be aware that no change to the curriculum will take place at the college level, but they may be able to provide you with supportive services like extended time, testing in a different location, help with the writing lab, a tutor, priority registration/parking, etc…
Social Security Administration (SSA): (800) 772-1213
You may apply for Social Security benefits and Medicaid at the same time. If under the age of 18, the determination is based upon your guardian’s income; after age 18, it is based upon your disability. Recertification is required each year.
Union County Division of Social Services, Charles Gillon, Director, 343 Westminster Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, (908) 965-3706.
Provides assistance to the needy in Union County, NJ by administering a variety of programs including free vaccinations and immunizations for children, Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF), General Assistance, Food Stamps, Emergency Assistance, Family Care, Nursing Home Care, Medical Assistance, Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD), and Child Support Services.
Union County Office of the Disabled: Charles Newman, Director, (908) 527-4807
Works to advance independent living and assists consumers with disabilities in realizing their full inclusion in all aspects of life. The Office also promotes community-based living options. Services include: Information and Referral, Advocacy, and the Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP).
Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI): Joy Atin (973) 648-7487
Vocational Rehabilitation services are designed to assist persons who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind in the development, acquisition, and/or updating of skills that will enable them to secure/maintain employment. Services include vocational evaluation, counseling/guidance, job placement, supported employment, post-employment services, high school transitional services, college counseling/support, assistive technology services, and computer training. They offer a College Prep Experience Program that is a 6-week summer program at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC); it provides blind/visually impaired students with a comprehensive overview of strategies for negotiating college life. They also offer a Work Skills Prep Program at The College of NJ (TCNJ); it is a 2-week residential summer program for CBVI high school students (16-21) who may have additional disabilities such as cognitive, developmental, hearing, or mobility impairments. The goal of the program is to give students the opportunity to learn and/or enhance their skills to transition from school to a successful adult life/competitive employment.
Supportive Transportation options: Students may apply at any age and one person may accompany the identified/eligible person (may be used for any transportation need, doctor’s office, recreation, employment, etc…). Please call them to begin the eligibility process.
Access Link: (800) 955-ADA1
Access Link requires you to live within ¾ of a mile from an existing bus route, and your destination must also be within ¾ of a mile. Fee is determined on length of ride; out of county transport is possible. Travel instruction is also available through the NJ Tip program, but you must be found eligible for Access Link first.
Paratransit: (908) 659-5000
Paratransit is for transport services within Union County only. Service is curb to curb and does not need to be within close proximity of bus lines; fee is $1/ride.