DDD Services

NJ Steps to Success is an approved provider with the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). We offer person-centered, community-based activities designed to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in building independence, confidence, and meaningful connections within their communities.

Our approach focuses on the individual — their goals, strengths, interests, and support needs — while promoting dignity, choice, and self-determination.

Who We Support

Our DDD-approved activities are available to eligible adults (21+) with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are enrolled in New Jersey DDD services. Supports are tailored to individuals with varying levels of need and acuity, and are delivered in community and home-based settings.

We work collaboratively with individuals, families, care managers, and support coordinators to ensure services align with each person’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP).

Our DDD-Approved Activities

Current Events

🧩 Community-Based Support

Community-Based Support focuses on helping individuals build practical daily living and independence skills. Activities are personalized and may include:

  • Developing self-care and personal responsibility skills
  • Building routines for daily living
  • Practicing decision-making and problem-solving
  • Learning to navigate community settings safely and confidently
  • Strengthening communication and social interaction skills
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🧠 Behavior Management

Behavior Management activities provide individualized strategies to support emotional regulation and positive behaviors. These activities are designed to help individuals better understand and manage their responses to everyday situations.

Support may include:

  • Implementing behavior support strategies outlined in the ISP
  • Teaching coping and self-regulation skills
  • Reducing behaviors that interfere with daily life or community participation
  • Reinforcing positive behaviors through consistent support

All Behavior Management activities are delivered in accordance with DDD guidelines and coordinated with the individual’s care team.

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🌍 Community Inclusion

Community Inclusion activities support individuals in becoming active, engaged members of their communities. These activities encourage social connection, confidence, and participation in meaningful experiences.

Examples include:

  • Participating in recreational, social, and cultural activities
  • Building friendships and peer connections
  • Practicing appropriate social skills in real-world settings
  • Exploring hobbies and personal interests
  • Increasing comfort and independence in community environments
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🛠️ Prevocational Training

Prevocational Training activities are designed to prepare individuals for future employment or vocational opportunities. The focus is on developing foundational skills rather than placing individuals directly into jobs.

Activities may include:

  • Developing workplace readiness skills
  • Learning task completion and time management
  • Practicing following instructions and routines
  • Building communication and teamwork skills
  • Exploring vocational interests and strengths
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⏸️ Respite

Respite activities provide temporary relief and support for families and caregivers while ensuring individuals continue to receive quality care and supervision.

Respite may be provided:

  • In the individual’s home or community
  • On a short-term or scheduled basis
  • To support caregiver well-being and sustainability

Our respite activities prioritize safety, consistency, and respectful care.

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👤 Individual Supports

Individual Supports offer personalized, one-on-one assistance to help individuals maintain daily routines and work toward independent living goals.

Support may include:

  • Assistance with daily routines and life skills
  • Support with organization and planning
  • Encouragement of independence and self-advocacy
  • Reinforcement of skills learned through other activities
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👪 Family Hire

NJ Steps to Success offers a Family Hire option that allows eligible family members or trusted individuals to become paid Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) for someone receiving services through the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).

Family Hire allows support to be provided by someone who already knows the individual well, helping promote comfort, consistency, and meaningful progress. Eligible family members may include parents, brothers, sisters, other relatives, or trusted adults, as permitted by DDD guidelines.

As a Family Hire DSP, you may support your loved one with daily routines, developing independent living skills, and participating in meaningful community activities. Our goal is to help individuals grow, build confidence, and stay connected while receiving support from someone they trust.

NJ Steps to Success supports families throughout the process by assisting with onboarding, required training, documentation, and ongoing guidance. All Family Hire DSPs must meet the employment and training requirements established by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, including background checks, fingerprinting, drug screening, and completion of required College of Direct Support (CDS) training.

Getting Started with DDD Services

If you or your loved one is enrolled with New Jersey DDD and interested in receiving services through NJ Steps to Success, we’re here to help.

Next steps may include:
  1. Confirming DDD eligibility and enrollment
  2. Speaking with your Support Coordinator
  3. Adding NJ Steps to Success to your Individualized Service Plan (ISP)
  4. Scheduling an intake and service start
  5. Becoming a parental DSP
We’re here to make the process easy and simple for you.