At 50% Capacity, Fate of Many Individuals Left to the Flip of a Coin

Senator Holly Schepisi said updated requirements issued by the Murphy Administration for congregate day programs that serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities will continue to leave many vulnerable people without access to the support programs they require.

Sen. Holly Schepisi said updated requirements issued by the Murphy Administration for congregate day programs that serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities will continue to leave many vulnerable people without access to the support programs they require. (SenateNJ.com)

“Families have been begging Governor Murphy for months to reopen the adult day care programs that their loved ones with disabilities depend upon to build skills and socialize,” said Schepisi (R-39). “Unfortunately, his long overdue response is so timid that half of the vulnerable population previously served by congregate day programs will continued to be denied access.”

The community-based programs give individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities the tools to learn new skills, build long-lasting friendships, and become caring, responsible adults.

Under the Congregate Day Program Re-Opening Requirements issued today by the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities, programs can reopen with capacity tied to the COVID-19 Activity Level Index (CALI) in each region of the state.

Programs in regions designated as “Moderate” or “Very High,” which currently applies to the entire state, are limited to operating at 50% capacity.

“We’ve heard from desperate families that loved ones who once thrived in adult day care programs are now regressing in ways that are absolutely heartbreaking after being home for so long,” added Schepisi. “At 50% capacity, Governor Murphy is essentially telling those families that their fate is being left to the flip of a coin. They deserve better.”