NJ Human Services and Office of Innovation launch Disability Information Hub

NEW JERSEY – Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman and State Chief Innovation Officer Dave Cole Tuesday launched a Disability Information Hub website during a virtual event commemorating Disability Pride Month and the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Day).

The Hub, located at NJ.gov/Disabilities, 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.

The Hub and related referral services are among Fiscal Year 2025 investments to support inclusion and services for New Jersey’s diverse disability community.

“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 Governor 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.”

“The anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act marks significant progress in protecting civil rights and promoting the full inclusion and dignity of people with disabilities. Under the Murphy Administration, Human Services has made substantial investments to better serve and support individuals with disabilities and their families,” Adelman said. “The Disability Information Hub is a gateway to a wealth of resources available to this community. We are proud to launch this comprehensive and accessible resource, especially during Disability Pride Month, and could not have done so without the dedicated work of the Office of Innovation and Office of Information Technology, as well as the many individuals with disabilities and fellow state agencies and offices who helped test and improve the website.”

“Human-centered government services build trust and lift up communities across New Jersey. The Disability Information Hub represents the insights of dozens of community-based service providers, families, caregivers, and New Jerseyans with disabilities.” Cole said. “Working with the dedicated team at DHS and partners across the state, we developed this new website as a living resource that was designed with — not just for — those in the broader disability community. I thank Commissioner Adelman and her team, our colleagues at the Office of Information Technology, and the dozens of other partners who contributed their expertise and commitment to delivering this vital resource. We look forward to continually improving it over time to meet the needs of all New Jerseyans.”

The Disability Information Hub provides New Jerseyans with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and advocates with information about key disability-related state resources and programs.

Nearly 200 programs offered by the State of New Jersey can be found through this site. Through the Hub, families can 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; and individuals with disabilities can find information on various services including in-home supports, 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.

In Fiscal Year 2025, state funding supports the Disability Information Hub and related Information and Referral staff in the Division of Disability Services. Other notable disability community-focused investments by the Murphy Administration in Fiscal Year 2025 will expand training requirements for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs); increase wages in the Personal Preference Program, Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving, Statewide Respite Care Program, and for DSPs; expand the NJ WorkAbility program; and increase respite care service hours in the Children’s System of Care.

The Hub meets WCAG and Section 508 accessibility requirements, 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), which can be viewed here.

For users who need additional help navigating the website and accessing services, the Hub prominently features how to request live assistance from the Information & Referral (I&R) Service in Human Services’ Division of Disability Services.

Users can reach this service by calling 1-800-285-3036. I&R’s community resource specialists will walk callers through available programs, eligibility requirements, and application processes. ASL videophone service is also available for residents who are deaf or hard of hearing and sign language users. To reach this service, call 1-609-503-4862. Individuals with hearing loss who are not sign language users can connect with the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH) by calling 609-588-2648.

The development and design processes have incorporated input from individuals with lived experience, from state agencies and offices, and from external partners. With feedback options on every page, the Hub welcomes additional user feedback to further evolve this website to better serve the disability community.