TRENTON—Department of Human Services Acting Commissioner Elizabeth Connolly welcomed approximately 35 guests to the 30th anniversary celebration of the Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP).
PASP provides personal assistants for routine, non-medical assistance to New Jersey residents with permanent physical disabilities, ages 18 to 70, who need support to maintain their independence while working, going to school, or volunteering in the community.
PASP began as a 10-county pilot program in 1985 and is offered through the Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Disability Services. The program provides personal assistants to help with tasks such as housekeeping, bathing, dressing, preparing meals, shopping, driving or using public transportation.
“The participants in the PASP program are the heart of this program’s success,” said Connolly. “Over the years, this program has been shaped by its participants who, through their own personal journeys in gaining and maintaining personal independence, have helped countless others to be able to live at home, contribute to their communities, and achieve their goals.”
Acting Commissioner Connolly spoke with the group of honorees and the 19 members of the PASP Advisory Council, 18 of whom are public members appointed by the DHS Commissioner. Most of the council members have disabilities and advise Connolly on matters related to the PASP program. Other guests included some of the honorees’ family or friends and current and former PASP program administrators. The celebration was held at the New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center in Trenton.
“With the input of the council, along with the people who are honored today and those who utilize this program, PASP has become more flexible in its ability to meet individual needs,” said DDS Director Joseph Amoroso. “Today, program participants can hire directly for the hours that they need assistance and they have the ability to hire whomever they choose.”
The Cash Management Plan provides a monthly budget that participants may use to manage their services. Since participants do their own hiring, which makes them an employer, a fiscal organization serves as a business agent to handle each participant’s payroll, deductions and tax filing.
PASP is administered in each county by an agency, designated by the county freeholders or the ccounty executive, to provide intake, eligibility determinations and assessments. The total number of hours of assistance a person can receive is determined based on individual need, up to a maximum of 40 hours a week. The average hours utilized is usually 25 hours per week. There are approximately 660 individuals who are currently partake in this program, which is funded with a combination of state aid and Casino Revenue funds. PASP has a sliding fee scale and is able to serve individuals who do not meet the financial eligibility requirements for Medicaid and similar government programs.
Disability-related information is available from the DDS’ toll free hotline, 1-888-285-3036. Information and Referral Services offers Certified Information and Referral Specialists, who confidentially discuss issues, provide information, assist with problem solving, and to refer individuals to appropriate agencies or services. DDS responds to as many as 15,000 requests each year.
William A. B. Ditto Founder’s Award
PASP Program Founder William Ditto retired from DHS in 2010. He presented the Founder’s Award to seven PASP program participants, who represent the original enrollment into the PASP program, from 1985 to 1986, and who currently remain active in PASP:
Thomas Spadaro, Toms River, sustained a gunshot wound at age 11, which injured his spinal cord and left him paralyzed from the neck down. Tom earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Georgian Court College. In 1985, Tom became a PASP consumer and today, is the only consumer who has been on the program for 31 years. Currently, Tom works with the Disability Awareness Through Education program (DATE) to educate students and increase awareness about individuals with disabilities.
Shirley Parkin of Clifton is a Polio survivor. While attending Ramapo College, obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Shirley was assigned to field work at the United Association for the Handicap Citizen of Passaic County. Former Director, Sally Tennenbaum, introduced her to Ditto, who was just developing PASP at that time. As a participant, PASP has allowed Shirley to attain a Master’s Degree in Social Work, live independently in her apartment, and be employed in a nursing home as the Director of Social Services for over 25 years.
Gail Camuso, Scotch Plains, was 25-years old when she was is paralyzed from her shoulders down as a result of a motorcycle accident. Her social worker informed her about a pilot project, which was seeking five individuals with severe disabilities, who could remain at home with assistance from a home health aide. Gail became one of the original five trial PASP consumers. Today, Gail enjoys the flexibility of scheduling assistants through PASP to attend medical appointments and therapies. Gail said being able to run her own household gives her great pride.
Christopher Koster, Scotch Plains, developed a disability as a result of an accident when he was 16-years old. He is a graduate of Kean University and New York University. The PASP program provided Chris with the confidence to live independently in his own home. Largely due to the care and support provided by his assistants, Chris was able to have a 24-year career with AT&T, followed by 10 years working as a consultant. His ongoing participation in the PASP has allowed him to remain independent and to continue to volunteer for several community and national organizations.
Robert Ciavaglia, Hasbrouck Heights, was born with Progressive Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Bob is a graduate of Hasbrouck Heights High. After working for 15 years as an office assistant, Bob was accepted into the Goodwill Industries training course in computer programming for people with disabilities. Upon graduation in 1983, Bob secured an IT position at PSE&G for 23 years, until his retirement. Bob also has a lifelong commitment to disability rights and attended the signing of the ADA in Washington, D.C. in 1990. Bob worked with DIAL, an independent living center, eventually becoming Board President. Bob also is very involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, of which his parents were N.J. chapter founding members. Both Bob and his sister Anne Ciavaglia McMahon have been PASP consumers since 1986.
Anne Ciavaglia McMahon, also from Hasbrouck Heights, is a graduate of Ramapo College of New Jersey where she earned a degree in Social Work. Anne, like her brother Robert, was born with Progressive Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Dedicated to serving the community, Anne served as a Board of Education Trustee to the Bergen County Special Services School District for nine years, is a lifetime volunteer of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, member of the Hasbrouck Heights Community Access for All committee and a former Board of Trustees member of Heightened Independence and Progress. In 2007, Anne chose to retire due to health issues. Today, Anne runs a non-profit from her bed to assist people who are newly disabled or have an increased level of disability.
Henry Connahey of Galloway, lives with his parents who are senior citizens. Henry sustained a Spinal Cord Injury at a young age and has been a PASP consumer since 1986. Henry has been a trained volunteer with Literacy Volunteers Association Cape Atlantic, Inc. since 2009. These non-profits match volunteers with adults who may not be able to read, write or understand English. Henry also volunteers with the Villa Maria Council of his local Knights of Columbus helping with the Council’s meetings and arrangements for fund raisers and events.
Michael Nuskey Chairman’s Award
Retired in 2014, after serving for 12 years as the PASP Administrator, Michael Nuskey joined the event to present this award, given in recognition to a PASP Advisory Council member whose contribution demonstrates “above and beyond” commitment to the work of the PASP Advisory Council:
The recipient was John Fig of Parlin, who has been a PASP member since 1988. He works full-time as a computer programmer for a large corporation. John sustained a spinal cord injury in a diving accident. John served on the Middlesex County PASP Advisory Council for fifteen years and was its Chair for many years. Under his leadership, the council developed a Consumer Guidebook, offered numerous social and informational programs and provided direction and guidance to the county on the operation of the PASP program. John donated his time and talent to assist with developing an automated Cash Management Plan, which is used by PASP consultants statewide. John is a computer whiz and never fails to provide guidance and support. As a result of his many contributions, he has greatly enhanced the delivery of services to many individuals with disabilities.
Pam Ronan, MPA, Public Information Officer NJ Department of Human Services 609-292-3703 email pam.ronan@dhs.state.nj.us
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