We are very fortunate to host Paul Aronsohn, New Jersey Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families. Paul serves a unique role not seen in any other state. The Ombudsman is an independent position working to assist families, a large portion of which are affected by severe autism, and improve systems of care. The position was created by an act of the NJ legislature in 2017 after a strong push by parents and advocates. In conversation with NCSA President Jill Escher they discuss:
—His unique role in the state; his immersion in the field, seeing what families are facing first-hand
—Data about increasing autism prevalence in New Jersey (1 in 35 8 year-olds, and 20,000 estimated severe autism cases)
—His office's Annual Reports which do not mince words about the crises facing families and the state
—The disconnect between those making decisions and the families affected by them
—Issues he hears about from families every day: access to treatment, housing, Direct Support Professional crisis, shortage of residential options
—Efforts to address issues on a systems level, via interagency groups
—Speaking truth to power, on state letterhead
—And much more
Links:
Ombudsman office: https://nj.gov/treasury/njombudsman/
2021 Annual Report: https://nj.gov/treasury/njombudsman/documents/2021-Annual-Report.pdf
Paul's contact info: Disability.Ombudsman@treas.nj.gov