New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities

03/20/2026

The NJCDD is excited to congratulate Paul Aronsohn, New Jersey's first Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Their Families, on his new position—state director for Senator Andy Kim. Read more: https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/paul-aronsohn-former-disability-ombudsman-is-kims-new-state-director/

Mercedes Witowsky, NJCDD Executive Director, commented, "In his role as the inaugural Ombudsman, Paul brought a unique blend of care and compassion to help solve problems for people with I/DD and their families. I'm confident that those same skills will help him succeed as state director for Senator Kim."

03/19/2026

Here's another photo of Dr. Cha, Commissioner of the NJ Department of Human Services, at last week's NJCDD public meeting. Pictured from left to right: Dr. Cha; Paul Blaustein, NJCDD Chairperson; Kevin Nunez, NJCDD Vice Chair; Mercedes Witowsky, NJCDD Executive Director; and Kyoko Coco, NJCDD Deputy Executive Director.

03/18/2026

The latest issue of People & Families magazine is now available. Visit https://njcdd.org/people-families-magazine/ to read the issue.

03/18/2026

The NJCDD would like to thank Dr. Cha, Commissioner of the NJ Department of Human Services, for attending our recent public meeting. We are grateful for his time and attention. Dr. Cha is shown here with our Executive Director Mercedes Witowsky.

Read our press release to learn more about his visit: https://bit.ly/NJCDDPressRelease

03/17/2026

Coming soon: A national portrait collection! 📸

We’ll be inviting individuals and families to share their photo and answer one question about their future—their “Always.”

Because we’re here.
Then, Now, Always.

Stay tuned.

03/17/2026

March 17: Eye on Advocacy Weekly E-newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/s7hy7wrz
Stay up to date by subscribing: https://njcdd.org/subscribe-to-the-njcdd.

03/13/2026

Stop by the NJCDD table at the New Jersey Council for Exceptional Children's Annual Spring Conference to learn more about how we support individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families.

03/10/2026

March 10: Eye on Advocacy Weekly E-newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/2w2s32w9
Stay up to date by subscribing: https://njcdd.org/subscribe-to-the-njcdd

03/09/2026

This , we’re launching a relationship-building effort.

People with developmental disabilities, families, and community members can connect with key decision-makers locally, statewide, and federally.

Your voice matters. Your story matters.

Introduce yourself to your lawmakers here:

National Association Of Councils On Developmental Disabilities

03/07/2026

People with developmental disabilities are living full lives—working, building friendships, volunteering, parenting, and contributing to their communities.

Same community. Same goals. Same future.

03/06/2026

Governor Mikie Sherrill will deliver her Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Address in the Assembly Chamber at the New Jersey State House at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. It will be livestreamed on the Governor's official Facebook, Twitter/X, and YouTube pages.

03/05/2026

There was a time when many people with developmental disabilities were hidden, segregated, or excluded from community life.

History matters. Not for nostalgia—for understanding.