News From The Somerset County Freeholders

DisABILITY Services Fair Set for Oct. 1

A free DisABILITY Services Fair is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Thomas J. Kavanaugh VFW Hall, 600 Washington Ave., Manville.

People with disabilities, their caregivers, family members, friends and all in the community are invited. The theme of the event summarizes its purpose: “Opening doors and dialogue to welcome all countywide.”

New this year is a Kids’ Korner with activities to entertain the young ones, which will allow parents and guardians to more freely visit and speak with exhibitors.

“We are pleased to be able to offer a wide variety of resources at this Fair,” said Freeholder Brian Levine, human services division liaison. “I hope many people will take advantage of this opportunity to learn what is available to them, their family and friends.

This year, in addition to the Provider Services exhibit tables in the Main Hall of the venue, an attorney from the law firm of Hinkle, Fingles, Prior and Fischer will be presenting a free workshop on the new ABLE 529-type savings accounts, Special Needs Trusts and Qualified Income Trusts at 11 a.m. Pre-registration for this workshop as well as for the overall event is not required, but is strongly encouraged. Contact Somerset County Disability Services Coordinator Paulann Pierson at 908-704-6334 or ppierson@co.somerset.nj.us to register.

Free transportation will be available, through the Somerset County Transportation Division’s para-transit services, to residents who register by Sept. 16. To reserve a seat, call the Somerset County Office on Aging & Disability Services at 908-704-6346 or email Paulann Pierson at ppierson@co.somerset.nj.us.

Scheduled to attend are staff from various county offices, including the Board of Social Services, Office on Aging and Disability Services, Somerset County Library System, Somerset County Park Commission Therapeutic Recreation, Richard Hall Community Mental Health Center, Veterans Services and others, as well as representatives from state and local agencies, organizations and businesses, who will offer information on services and products they provide. To date, the following service providers will be on hand to assist the public: Alliance Center for Independence; The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute; The Arc of Somerset County; Central Jersey Family Health Consortium – Mid-Jersey Cares; The Community Health Law Project; Community Visiting Nurse Association; Disability Rights New Jersey; Family Support Organization HW; Hinkle, Fingles, Prior & Fischer; New Jersey Division of Disability Services; NJ Transit Access Link; NJ SHARES Inc.; Somerset County YMCA; Somerset Hills VNA; S.W.I.M. Inc.; United Way Caregivers Coalition; Veterans Administration NJ Healthcare System; and Zufall Health Center.

Nominations Sought for 10th Annual Disability Advocates Awards

Nominations of individuals, organizations or businesses whose efforts in the area of advocacy, service and inclusion on behalf of persons with disabilities is exemplary are being sought for the 10th annual Disability Advocates Awards.

The Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services is seeking the nominations to acknowledge individuals, businesses or organizations that promote independence and empower adults and children who have disabilities to freely exercise their life choices and fully participate in community life. The deadline for nominations is Thursday, Sept. 15.

“I hope residents will take this opportunity to shine a spotlight on these exemplary leaders of our community who through their actions demonstrate compassion, respect, and empowerment for people with disabilities,” said Freeholder Brian D. Levine, Office on Aging and Disability Services liaison. “Their efforts enhance the lives of others and help them to lead fuller, more productive lives. We are honored to recognize these praiseworthy people who serve Somerset County.”

For a nomination form, call 908-704-6346, go to http://bit.ly/AdvocatesAwards or dial 711 Telecommunications Relay Services if you have a hearing or speech disability.

Nominations should be as specific as possible and should include name and contact information for the nominator and nominee. Previous winners and county employees are not eligible.

Nominations can be submitted to Paulann Pierson by mail at Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services, P.O. Box 3000, Somerville, NJ 08876, Attention: Paulann Pierson; fax at 908-595-0194; or e-mail at ppierson@co.somerset.nj.us

Award presentations will be made Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the third-floor freeholders’ meeting room of the county administration building at 20 Grove St. in Somerville, NJ 08876.

For more information, contact Disability Services Coordinator Paulann Pierson at 908-704-6334 or ppierson@co.somerset.nj.us

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