The New Jersey Department of Human Services, in collaboration with the Office of Innovation, has launched a Disability Information Hub website, which will serve as a one-stop shop to connect New Jerseyans with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and advocates with state services and resources in an accessible format.
“Across state government, our Administration has pursued equity and inclusion for individuals with disabilities, improved access to services, and strengthened supports for this community. For many individuals and families, New Jersey’s Disability Information Hub will be a game-changer. Having streamlined, easy access to the State’s comprehensive collection of services and supports will put needed tools and resources in reach for countless people,” said Gov. Phil Murphy.
“Together, we are breaking down barriers and empowering all New Jerseyans to thrive in their communities. I commend the whole-of-government effort to uplift the State’s disability community,” he added.
The hub will provide New Jerseyans with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and advocates with information about key disability-related state resources and programs. The governor’s office noted that nearly 200 programs offered by the State of New Jersey can be found through the new site.
Through the Hub, families can also find information on available food, income, and employment assistance programs. Caregivers can find information on support programs and services to assist them in caring for their loved ones. Additionally, individuals with disabilities can find information on various services including in-home support, vocational rehabilitation, personal care assistance, and education.
The hub also includes specific pages with resources organized by a person’s disability, including curated information for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, individuals with physical disabilities, individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing.
The website also features pages covering key programs for caregivers; children with disabilities; veterans; and individuals transitioning from childhood to adulthood. The hub also highlights supports and services related to mental health, assistive technology, transportation, legal rights and advocacy, employment, and emergency planning.
“The New Jersey Disability Information Hub represents an online one-stop for individuals with disabilities and their families to quickly and easily get information on the services, supports, and resources they need to thrive,” said NJ Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer. “It breaks down bureaucratic barriers to access, employs the latest in accommodating technologies, and allows individuals and caregivers to filter out the information that directly applies to their situation.”
The website was also designed with accessibility in mind. The Hub meets Federal accessibility regulations, including Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and Section 508 accessibility requirements. Additionally, the site also uses high-contrast colors and is compatible with screen readers.
The website is designed to be easy to navigate and has incorporated direct feedback from residents with disabilities. The Hub also features a welcome video in American Sign Language (ASL). For users who need additional help navigating the website and accessing services, the hub prominently notes how to request live assistance.
“The Hub represents a whole-of-government approach centered on people with disabilities. From community surveys and focus groups to user testing with individuals with lived experience, this Hub was created with the input of those with disabilities at the forefront to better serve this community,” said Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire. “It is imperative to plan for the success of all New Jerseyans, and that includes online spaces.”
