Advocacy
New Jersey has a rich history of advocacy for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Advocacy can be as simple as speaking up for yourself, writing an email on behalf of someone or testifying before a legislative committee regarding a proposed bill that affects the disability community.
Public policy can be greatly affected by the advocacy of a particular community. Self advocates and their family members are well known to New Jersey legislators. In 2018,Governor Phil Murphy appointed an ombudsman, or the state’s lead advocate, for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Since 2020, New Jersey has had a bi-partisan Legislative Disability Caucus. The caucus members consider the impact on the disability community when creating all public policies in the state.
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For more information on advocacy, please view these related webinars and articles.