News

Inclusion graphic, Journal of Social Innovation

The New Jersey Inclusive Healthy Communities Grant Program: A Community of Practice Advancing Disability Inclusion

Rebecca Martin / Social Innovations JournalSeptember 14, 2023 AbstractThe New Jersey Inclusive Healthy Communities (IHC) grant program, administered by the NJ Department of Human Services/Division of Disability Services (DDS), is a pioneering effort to enhance health equity for personswith disabilities (PWD) throughout the state. Theprogram champions Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) changes aimed at addressing …

The New Jersey Inclusive Healthy Communities Grant Program: A Community of Practice Advancing Disability Inclusion Read More »

Wellness Pantry, Newark Beth Israel

The Wellness Pantry Program at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Serves All Families in Need

Molly Fallon Dixon / Newark Beth Israel Medical CenterAugust 4, 2023 The Wellness Pantry at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBIMC) was launched in 2019 serving pregnant women referred from our Women’s Health Center in need of food assistance. The pantry is run by NBIMC’s Wellness Services Dietitians in partnership with the Community FoodBank of …

The Wellness Pantry Program at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Serves All Families in Need Read More »

ADA 33rd Anniversary

On the ADA’s 33rd Anniversary, Aiming for Greater Inclusivity, Equality and Fairness

Peri Nearon, Executive Director / Division of Disability ServicesJuly 26, 2023 Today, July 26th, marks the 33rd anniversary of the ADA. That’s 33 years of changing lives and perceptions, of equal access and of making clear that we as a society will always stand for the rights of our family members, friends, neighbors, and countless …

On the ADA’s 33rd Anniversary, Aiming for Greater Inclusivity, Equality and Fairness Read More »

Colleagues speaking ASL

Creating Inclusive Workplaces with Deaf Employees

Octavio Maldonado / Allies in Caring July 23, 2022 In today’s diverse workplaces, it’s essential to create an inclusive environment for all employees. This includes employees who are deaf or hard of hearing, who have unique perspectives and valuable contributions to make. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of creating an inclusive workplace for …

Creating Inclusive Workplaces with Deaf Employees Read More »

Sarah Napoli, keynote speaker, IHC convening 2023

IHC Recipients Gather for Annual Convening

IHCJune 28, 2023 NJ Department of Human Services’ Division of Disability Services held their annual Inclusive Healthy Communities event at Rutgers University. Commissioner Sarah Adelman, Deputy Commissioner of Aging Services Kaylee McGuire, and DDS Executive Director and IHC founder Peri Nearon highlighted the long-lasting impact of supporting individuals with disabilities in the communities in which …

IHC Recipients Gather for Annual Convening Read More »

IHC, Inclusive Healthy Communities grant program

NJ Human Services Awards $3.25 Million in Additional Grants to Create Inclusive Healthy Communities

Since January 2021, $7.4 Million in Total Grants Have Been Awarded to 32 Organizations to Help Improve the Overall Health of Individuals with Disabilities NJ Department of Human Services June 27, 2023 Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced the Department has awarded an additional 13 grants to help organizations across the state implement inclusive initiatives that …

NJ Human Services Awards $3.25 Million in Additional Grants to Create Inclusive Healthy Communities Read More »

Trenton Health Team mural

Early Recommendations to Improve Food Pantry Accessibility for People with Disabilities in Mercer County

Matthew Broad / Trenton Health TeamJune 19, 2023 Over the last year, Trenton Health Team (THT) and the Progressive Center for Independent Living (PCIL) have been working with a number of free food providers in Mercer County to decrease some of the barriers people with disabilities may face when accessing free food resources. Five free …

Early Recommendations to Improve Food Pantry Accessibility for People with Disabilities in Mercer County Read More »

Person in wheelchair on crowded street

Creating Inclusive Communities: Advocating for Accessibility and Dialogue in NJ

Blagica Jankuloska / Daily RecordJune 15, 2023 When we examine the word “disability,” it is striking that it contains the word “ability.” It reminds us that individuals with disabilities possess unique talents and capabilities. However, not everything within our communities is accessible to individuals with disabilities. As a 35-year-old woman with a physical disability, I …

Creating Inclusive Communities: Advocating for Accessibility and Dialogue in NJ Read More »

Person carrying a cardboard box filled with groceries

Partnering to Improve Food Access for People with Disabilities in Mercer County

Matthew Broad / Trenton Health TeamMay 17, 2023 Too many people in Mercer County face food insecurity, meaning that at times they lack the money and other resources to buy enough food for their households. As of 2020, the food insecurity rate in Mercer County was 8.3% (Feeding America, 2022). Ensuring that everyone has sufficient …

Partnering to Improve Food Access for People with Disabilities in Mercer County Read More »