Law and Disability Conference
The Law and Disability Conference is held each year at the New Jersey Law Center and is cosponsored with the Community Health Law Project.
This free and informative event addresses issues related to the disabled community and their caregivers.
- When: May 2, 2024
- Where: In-Person at the NJ Law Center at 1 Constitution Square in New Brunswick, New Jersey
- A Virtual Option to attend remotely via Zoom is available (links will be provided)
- Free & Open to the Public
- Questions? Please contact Ashley Emerson at aemerson@njsbf.org.
Conference Agenda
- 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. – Registration and Breakfast
- 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. – Introduction and Opening Session
- 11:30 – 11:40 a.m. – Break
- 11:40 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Concurrent Workshops – Select your first choice and alternate choice when registering. Click on the buttons below for workshop description.
Speaker Bios
- View/download more information about the conference moderators and panelists HERE.
Exhibitors
- Learn more about support and services available from local organizations.
- View/download the list of exhibitors HERE.
Opening Session: HOUSING: A SOCIAL DETERMINANT OF HEALTH
Housing is a well-established social determinant of health. Housing stability, quality, safety, and affordability all affect health outcomes. This session will discuss initiatives that are being implemented to improve housing opportunities for the most vulnerable residents of our state.
MODERATOR
Diane Riley, Executive Director, Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey
PANEL
Joe Bongiovanni, Director, Managed Long Term Services & Supports, NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services
Erika Kerber, Esq., President/Executive Director, Community Health Law Project
Jonathan Tew, Policy Director, NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services
Melanie R. Walter, Esq., Executive Director, NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency
Janel Winter, Assistant Commissioner & Director, Division of Housing & Community Resources, NJ Department of Community Affairs
Workshop 1: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: RECENT INITIATIVES AND SERVICES
This workshop will discuss state initiatives and supportive services for individuals with behavioral health challenges.
MODERATOR
Rebecca Kolas, Esq., Managing Attorney, Community Health Law Project
PANEL
Carolyn Beauchamp, President and CEO, Mental Health Association in New Jersey
David Helfand, MS, Assistant Division Director, Office of Community Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, NJ Department of Human Services
Harry Reyes, DHSc, LPC, LCADC, Assistant Division Director, Office of Treatment and Recovery Supports, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, NJ Department of Human Services
Kimberly Veith, MBA, MSW, LCSW, LCADC, CEO, Bright Harbor Healthcare
Workshop 2: DDD SERVICES, GUARDIANSHIP AND ALTERNATIVES TO GUARDIANSHIP
This workshop will discuss services provided by the NJ Division of Development Disabilities (DDD) to individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. This workshop will also discuss the guardianship process, as well as alternatives to guardianship in appropriate circumstances.
MODERATOR
Kimberly E. Devinney, M.A., Director of Administration, Community Health Law Project
PANEL
James F. Anderson, Esq., Senior Attorney, Community Health Law Project
Carolyn M. Caputi, Esq., Assistant Deputy Public Defender, NJ Office of the Public Defender
Tina McDuffie, Statewide Director, Intake & Intensive Case Management, Division of Developmental Disabilities, NJ Department of Human Services
Nkechi Okoli, Statewide Director, Transition to Adult Services and Employment, Division of Developmental Disabilities, NJ Department of Human Services
Workshop 3: SPECIAL EDUCATION
This workshop will discuss the rights of children with special education needs and the process to obtain such services.
MODERATOR
Stacy Noonan, Esq., Managing Attorney, Community Health Law Project
PANEL
Kristin Bricketto, Esq., Managing Attorney, Community Health Law Project
David R. Giles, Esq., Law Offices of David R. Giles
Jennifer N. Rosen Valverde, Esq./MSW, Distinguished Clinical Professor of Law and Nadine Taub Scholar, Education and Health Law Clinic, Rutgers University School of Law
Did you know?
You may download a free copy of the New Jersey State Bar Foundation’s “Disability Law: A Legal Primer” by clicking on the image to the right or HERE.
This publication is one of many law-related publications available from the Foundation. Other publications include Law Points for Senior Citizens, a Consumers Guide to the Law and Avoiding Notario Fraud. Click HERE to view all publications (there are more than 30!)
Please note that some publications can be ordered, some are available to download only, and some are also in Spanish, Braille and audio CD.
