Bergen County Division on Disability Services
Established 1978
Celebrating 35 years of Service: Serving people with all disabilities

Department of Human Services
One Bergen County Plaza
Hackensack, NJ 07601-7076
Voice: (201) 336-6500
TTY: (201) 336-6505 (Telephone Communication for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing)
Fax: (201) 336-6510
Website: http://www.co.bergen.nj.us

Services:
General Information & Assistance

Comprehensive resources and listings are available on disability-related matters and requests for appropriate program and agency referrals. This service is available to private and public sector entities and the community-at-large.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Assistance Project:

Qualified individuals with disabilities safeguards against discrimination based on disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, telecommunications and transportation. ADA-related information and assistance is provided, at no cost, to private and public sector entities and the general public.

Disabilities Resource Center:

A myriad of Disability related publications are available e.g. pamphlets, periodicals and catalogues on such topics as: demographics, legislative updates, advocacy groups, assistive-technology, federal and state civil rights laws and basic data/research updates on specific disabilities.

James R. Thebery, MA, CSW
Division on Disability Services, Director

ADRC: (Aging & Disability Resource Connection):

There is a coordinated system to simplify access to health and human services for individuals with disabilities over the age of 18, their family members and caregivers. Care Management services are available, as well as information and assistance with: PAAD, Lifeline, Medicare, Medicaid, referrals, nutrition, education, recreation, volunteer opportunities, health outreach, adult day care, benefits screening, in-home assistance, Meals-On-Wheels, respite among others. Please contact Daniel Kotkin at (201) 336-6504.

Programs:

Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP)

Personal assistants provide up to 40 hours per week of services such as light housekeeping, shopping, meal preparation, bathing, dressing, correspondence and shopping for self-directed individuals age 18 through 70 with permanent physical disabilities in the following categories: salaried employee, student pursing educational /training opportunities related to employment or persons involved in a verifiable volunteering activity contributing 20 or more hours a month. Consumers will be assessed using a sliding scale cost-share fee.

Please Contact:

Anne Marie McCarthy at (201) 336-6508 or
Liliana Zorrilla at (201) 336-6502

Post Stroke & Disabled Support Groups:

The Post Stroke & Disabled Support Adult Support Group Program sponsors four (4) support groups that meet weekly. Group functions include group discussions in the round: activities geared to promote personal fitness; entertainment groups; trivia games; parties and occasional leisure and recreational outings. The groups meet in the following municipalities: Englewood-Friday, Maywood-Thursday, Ridgewood-Tuesday and again in Englewood. East Rutherford is currently closed. There is no fee to participate.

Contact: Daniel Kotkin (201) 336-6504

Meals-On-Wheels:

Meals are delivered daily to adults with a severe permanent or temporary disability who are homebound and incapable of basic meal preparation. Individuals, age 18 through 59 must be on a regular diet. Weekend and Kosher meals can be arranged in some cases. A donation of $1.25 for each meal is suggested to assist in the cost of providing meals to individuals with disabilities who are in need of meal delivery.

Contact: Bertha-Nora Acosta at (201) 336-6501

Statewide Respite Care Program:

Provides services to over-burdened caregivers who need an occasional break from the stressful demands by constant ministering to the needs of frail elderly and/or individuals with a disability. Services offered include: home care, home stay, and both day and residential camp. Special consideration may be given for emergency respite services. Participants may be assessed a sliding scale cost share fee. For further information and eligibility requirements contact:

Cathie Smithward at (201) 336-6511
Fonda Diamond-Levine at (201) 336-6503 or
Sabrina Garris at (201) 336-6506

In-home caregiver Education & Support Program:

The Caregiver Education & Support Program provides in-home professional instruction and support to caregivers entrusted with the responsibilities of caring for someone with a chronic illness, disability or disease. As there are no income guidelines to qualify, the service is free to Bergen County residents who are over 18 years of age. Among the services available are a registered nurse; occupational, physical and speech therapists; nutritionists and a social worker.

Please contact Daniel Kotkin at: (201) 336-6504

The Bergen County Division on Disability Services assists county residents with disabilities: achieve their full potential; realize their full involvement and/or inclusion in all aspects of everyday living and promote community-based independent living.

Advisory Board:

Composed of 25 volunteer members, the board convenes 6 times per year and is comprised of a majority of individuals with a Disability, those with distinguished records working in the field of disability and are representatives of person with disabilities. The list does change.

This information is taken directly from the Division’s pamphlet and items may have changed over time. Please call the office that you need information from.

Disclaimer: I have not used all the services so my opinion of each is neither yes or no. Please call the respected office for information.