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ABCDNJ FY 26 Year in Review

• Created the Defending the Achievement video campaign which highlights the impact Home and
  Community Bases Services has had on individuals and the need for continued governmental
  support and resources. Nine videos were distributed to the members of New Jersey’s
  Administration, Legislature, media, and public.
• Prevented $100 million decrease in the budget for Home and Community Based Services.
• Participated in DDD special work groups focused on the operationalization of the new DDD
  training modules, guidelines for residential and day service notes, and use of camera video for
  group home investigations by OPIA.
• Participated in OPIA/FSSU special work groups focused on preventing physical violence.
• Participated in the BOGGS Center special work group on family communication and education.
• Completed the second annual ASAH/ABCD Future Care and Planning Survey for Students Ages
  15, 16, 17, and 18.
• Hosted meetings between ABCD Board and DHS/DOH Deputy Commissioners overseeing
  Medicaid and DDD and Early Intervention.
• Worked with DDD to prevent the erosion of the current certification system and immoderate
  dwindling of individual budgets through better oversight of Goods and Services.
• Advocating for promulgation of an oversight and enforcement process requiring service provider
  compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and rules before service may be provided and
  payment received.
• Preventing passage of legislation which will threaten the capacity of licensed and certified
  agencies to perform vital services and provide desired results for the I/DD community.
• Preventing passage of the Camera Bill.

In addition:

• 185 introduced and reintroduced bills reviewed, each of which we have taken a position on and
  continued to monitor with additional action taken as needed.
• 64 ABCD member committee and forum meetings.
• 2 new forums focused on IT and CBS.
• 10 new policy positions which include response to 2025 advocacy, updated position on HCBS
  and the formal managed care system, updated paper on unlicensed group homes, central
  registry, provider general and administrative costs, the establishment of a Justice Center in NJ,
  and virtual services in day habilitation.
• 3 Informational papers on the impact federal OBBB will have on the industry , comparing NY
  Justice Center to OPIA, and fair compensation for agency executives.
• 6 website education training courses
• 3 live day-long quality assurance/improvement trainings by Mercadien, one of which was
  specifically developed for support coordinators.
• Visits from state staff and affiliated organizations in and outside of NJ which included CARF,
  PLANNJ, EIS, FSSU, SHA, ACUMEN and OPIA to ABCD committees and forums.
• Presentations by ABCD Associate Members
• 29 Administrative and Legislative visits
• Testimonials before Medicaid advocating for Remote Supports and the need for transportation
  in day habilitation, nursing, habilitative services, and mental health community services for
  subgroups of the I/DD population who have complex medical and/or mental health needs.
• Testimonials before the NJ Legislature on SNAP, volunteerism, and service needs of individuals
  with I/DD who have complex medical, behavioral and mental health needs.
• Continued advocacy with Congress on HR1 impact on individuals with I/DD.
• Daily updates on issues relevant to ABCD membership.

[1] Papers can be found on our website at https://abcdnj.org/advocacy/