Resource Category: Policy & Legal

Organizational Summary

Inclusive Healthy Communities (IHC) grant program was established in 2021 by the Division of Disability Services, New Jersey Department of Human Services.

The program funds New Jersey communities and organizations engaged in initiatives that promote the well-being of individuals with disabilities in the communities where they live. Supporting projects that partner with the disability community to enhance accessibility, health, and equity. Initiatives supported by the IHC program serve as a model and inspiration for long-term change and focus on policy, systems, and environmental change that shape the way we live, work, and play.

Organizational Summary

The goal of the Northeast ADA Center is to educate and empower all stakeholders throughout New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands to increase their knowledge of the ADA and to support them to include people with disabilities in local communities, and to implement the ADA in their own lives, workplaces, businesses, and communities.

The Northeast ADA Center is a member of the ADA National Network, which is funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant). They provide information, guidance, and training on implementation of all aspects of the ADA. The center is located at the Yang-Tan Institute in the ILR School at Cornell University. Staff consists of individuals with and without disabilities who have extensive experience in the disability field.

Organizational Summary

Our Mission: Connecting and transforming communities through the power of trails.

We drive our mission by fostering positive change in key areas:

• Professional Development and Education: Promoting well-trained trail professionals and volunteers.
• Advocacy: Forming coalitions to shape pro-trail policies at all government levels.
• Data and Research: Cultivating support through partnerships.
• Funding and Resources: Enhancing access for under-resourced organizations and underserved communities.

Organizational Summary

Primary mission is to preserve the Pine Barrens ecosystem, promote public engagement in the preservation and enjoyment of natural resources, and advance the acquisition of land and development rights for conservation.

We seek to connect people with nature by promoting universal and equitable enjoyment of the benefits of our natural resources.

With Pinelands Adventures and The Pinelands Is for Everyone, we help people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities explore nature through health-giving recreation – and so develop a genuine devotion to environmental protection.

Through Rancocas Creek Farm, our regenerative vegetable farm, we are developing an array of projects and partnerships to increase sustainable farming and bring healthy food from local farmers to all South Jersey families.

We are dedicated to furthering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our staff and our work. Everyone should have access to recreation, clean air and water and the scenic beauty the Pinelands provides. Pinelands Preservation Alliance does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its program or activities. Read our justice, equity, diversity and inclusion vision statement.

Organizational Summary

“The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) integrates accessibility considerations into its policy-making and planning processes, ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), New Jersey’s Barrier Free Subcode, N.J.A.C. 5:23-7, and other relevant laws and guidelines. Committed to accessibility, the NJDEP works to make state parks, forests, and recreation areas accessible to people with disabilities by providing features such as accessible trails, restrooms, parking, and picnic areas, often highlighted on their websites and park maps.

Demonstrating a proactive approach, the NJDEP has initiated an evaluation of amenities to address potential barriers. As part of this inclusive effort, the State Park System is installing inclusive playgrounds in each region, allowing children of all abilities to play and interact in a shared environment. Existing playgrounds are also being upgraded to meet modern accessibility standards, ensuring equitable access to recreational opportunities. Additionally, State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites has launched a project funded by the Recreational Trails Program to assess the accessibility of significant trails they manage statewide. This project collects data on trail characteristics, such as average and maximum grade and cross slope, which will be available on their website, assisting the public in selecting trails that suit their needs and abilities.

The NJDEP is dedicated to expanding accessible and inclusive outdoor recreation, enhancing the health and well-being of communities across New Jersey. The department collaborates with organizations focused on disability rights and accessibility, such as supporting Inclusive Healthy Communities, to improve services and facilities.

Additionally, the NJDEP offers grants promoting accessibility and inclusivity in outdoor spaces. In 2023, 2024, and 2025, the Green Acres program provided Jake’s Law grants to counties and municipalities, offering 75% matching funds to develop inclusive playgrounds. By adhering to standards set by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for Completely Inclusive Playgrounds, these playgrounds are accessible to all children, regardless of abilities.”

Green Acres Program
Mail Code 401-07B
P.O. Box 420
Trenton, NJ 08625-0420

Organizational Summary

Disability Rights NJ advocates for the legal, civil, and human rights for individuals with disabilities. We provide legal and self-advocacy assistance so that individuals with disabilities have equal access to public entities and public accommodations.