NJCDD Visits Arc Mercer to Hear from Consumers and Staff

The Arc Mercer recently welcomed the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) for a special Q&A session with our consumers and staff. As part of its five-year plan development, NJCDD is gathering feedback directly from individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the people who support them. Leading the discussion were Frank Latham, NJCDD’s Youth Leadership and People First Coordinator, and Brenda Considine of Considine Communication Strategies.

Participants from Arc Mercer’s vocational, day, and residential programs filled the room with thoughtful conversation. The discussion centered on the areas that most impact their lives—employment, transportation, housing, healthcare, education, and advocacy. Consumers spoke with honesty and passion, sharing both the challenges they face and the opportunities they hope to see in the future.

Employment was a top priority. Consumers emphasized that having a job isn’t just about making money, though that is essential—it’s also about learning new skills, building friendships, and having a sense of purpose. They urged the state to partner with more employers and to make sure individuals with IDD and their families know about available opportunities.

Transportation sparked equally strong responses, as it is one of the single biggest barriers to independence. While public transportation works for some, others need more specialized and flexible options to get where they need to go. On housing, the group expressed a range of preferences—some enjoy the support and community of group homes, while others dream of living more independently and discussed the obstacles in their way.

Healthcare and education were also major themes. Consumers said medical providers need more training on how to communicate effectively with individuals with IDD and called for information to be made easier to understand. When it came to education, many expressed a desire to go to college, pursue online learning, and study subjects that match their skills and interests rather than being limited by what is currently offered.

The session closed with a conversation about advocacy. Consumers spoke about the importance of having a voice in shaping their future and asked the state to help create more opportunities for self-advocacy and community leadership.

Throughout the event, one message came through clearly: the love and respect consumers feel for the Arc Mercer and the connections they have built here. It was inspiring to see so many individuals speak up with confidence, helping NJCDD shape a vision for the next five years that reflects the needs, goals, and dreams of the IDD community.