Rowan to host Sept. 24 conference on expanding congregate housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and acute needs

Top state officials, providers and advocates will convene at Rowan University on Tuesday, Sept. 24, for a major conference on expanding congregate housing opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the most acute needs. The conference is sponsored by Rowan’s Sweeney Center for Public Policy.

“Innovative Models, Unmet Needs: Expanding Congregate Housing Options for the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled” will be held in the Chamberlain Student Center on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The conference is free. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m.; breakfast and lunch are included. Virtual attendees can register here.

Those wishing to attend in-person should email magyarm@rowan.edu.

“I’m thrilled that so many key leaders are coming together to tackle the critical gaps in housing for individuals with acute intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald (D-Camden, Burlington). “As co-chair of the Disability Caucus, I’ve witnessed the stress families endure while a loved one waits years to find suitable housing. A one-size-fits-all approach isn’t sufficient. We need diverse options to meet the diverse needs. I’m confident that together, we can transform IDD housing in New Jersey and ensure every resident gets the tailored, inclusive, and supportive living environment they deserve."

Sweeney Center Director Mark Magyar noted that the idea for a first-ever conference focused on developing congregate housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have the most severe disabilities and medical challenges arose out of discussions last spring by the Legislative Disability Caucus and follow-up meetings with providers and advocates.

In addition to Greenwald, speakers and moderators will include:

• Jonathan Seifried, Assistant Commissioner, New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities;
• Melanie Walter, Executive Director, New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency;
• Paul Aronsohn, NJ Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Their Families; 
• Chad Bruner, Rowan University Board Chair and Gloucester County Administrator;
• Guy Davidson, Chair, Academy for Neurodiversity, and Dean, Academic Achievement & Special Services, Rowan College of South Jersey
• Eric Eberman, Executive Director, Devereaux Advanced Behavioral Health New Jersey;
• Amanda Duva Gannon, Director of Community-Based Behavioral Health Stabilization Homes, YAI, Inc.;
• Cyndy Hayes, Founder and CEO, Autism Wellbeing;
• Mary Finnegan-Hurley, Medford parent advocate;
• Frederick Keating, President, Rowan College of South Jersey;
• Christopher Manente, Executive Director, Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services;
• Lisa McCauley Parles, Special Education Attorney, Parles Rekem LLP;
• Steve Sweeney, former NJ Senate President;
• Tom Toronto, President, Bergen County United Way;
• Linda Zani Thomas, Ringwood parent advocate.

“We are honored to be able to bring together such a distinguished group of experts to launch a serious public policy discussion on how to address the housing needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who face the most complex medical and behavioral challenges,” said Magyar.

The Sweeney Center for Public Policy is an independent bipartisan public policy center formed to conduct research and develop pragmatic solutions to complex policy issues based on data-driven analysis, rigorous academic research, and convening working groups that bring together policy experts, stakeholders and advocates to reach consensus. The policy center is part of Rowan University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences.