At 18 all individuals, including those with developmental disabilities, reach the legal age of majority. Some families may want to consider guardianship as an option for their family member.  A guardian is defined as "a person or agency appointed by a court to act on behalf of an individual."

Visit the State of NJ, Dept. of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities for more information:

https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/individuals/guardianship/

Additional Resources:

The Arc of New Jersey- Guardianship & Alternative Options

Supported Decision-Making/Alternatives to Guardianship

Pro Se Application for Guardianship an Individual Eligible for Services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Guardianship Monitoring Program

Information for Access to State Programs for Adults with Developmental Disabilities:

New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool (NJCAT)  - Standardized Assessment used by the Division of Developmental Disabilities to determine an individual’s level of need for support in three main areas: self-care, behavioral health, and medical.

The Support Program - The Supports Program is a Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver program. It provides services for New Jersey adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live in their family home or their own apartment or home, to assist them to live as independently as possible.

Support Coordination - Support Coordination is a Division-funded service that assists individuals in gaining access to the needed program and State plan services, as well as needed medical, social, educational and other services.

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS)  - Any individual with a physical, mental, cognitive, or other form of disability that has a substantial impediment to employment may qualify for services through the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS).

Acquiring a Non-Driver Identification Card:

https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/license/nondriverid.htm

Register to Vote:

Voting Application

Transportation for Adults:

Access Link of New Jersey

The Arc of New Jersey:

Planning for Adult Life

Transition From School to Adult Life

Center for Independent Living Skills (CIL) - The New Jersey Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is a 17-member body appointed by the Governor which maximizes opportunities for people with disabilities through planning and advocacy. Phone: 732-571-3703