S1090

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Ronald L. Rice and Joseph F. Vitale which would begin to move certain residents in New Jersey’s developmental centers to live in community-based settings was unanimously approved by the Assembly today, receiving final legislative approval.

“Through this legislation, we can give adults living with disability a little freedom and independence while still giving them the treatment and attention they need,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “Moving out on one’s own is a turning point for many from adolescence to adulthood, and we’re extending that same opportunity to New Jersey’s developmentally disabled community. If their individual treatment plan allows it, developmentally disabled citizens should be allowed to find their own place in the community.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Ronald L. Rice and Joseph F. Vitale which would begin to move certain residents in New Jersey’s developmental centers to live in community-based settings was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 38-0.

“Moving out on your own is probably the single biggest leap from childhood to adulthood,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “For hundreds of developmentally disabled residents in our State’s institutional settings, they’re ready to take the leap, and their individual treatment plan can accommodate the increased independence that community living can provide. We should do what we can, within the State’s power, to transition them to community-based living arrangements, and allow them the freedom to continue on life’s journey.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Ronald L. Rice and Joseph F. Vitale which would begin to move certain residents in New Jersey’s developmental centers to live in community-based settings was approved by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee today by a vote of 6-0.

“Moving out on one’s own is a benchmark in every young adult’s life, and we want to give our developmentally disabled population the same independence and freedom,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “For those residents whose disabilities aren’t so severe that they need the institutionalized setting of our State’s developmental centers, we can transition them into group homes, and give them the space to grow on their own. We can allow them to live their lives while still giving them access to the State’s resources to care for developmentally disabled individuals.”