About Disability Services

The Bergen County Division of Disability Services was established by the Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1978 as the first such office in New Jersey to address and serve the needs of persons with disabilities. The division assists Bergen County residents with disabilities to achieve their full potential, to realize their full involvement and/or inclusion in all aspects of everyday living, and to promote community-based living options. 

In light of this mission, the division provides an array of programs and services that offer support to persons with disabilities and their families.

Programs and Resources:

Information & Assistance Service / Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)

• 201-336-6504
• TTY 201-336-6505

The division’s ADRC information and assistance unit is the primary access point to the many services and facilities available to residents with disabilities. The division maintains comprehensive resources and listings for purposes of responding to both inquiries about disability-related matters, and requests for program / agency referrals. This service is available to private and public sector entities and the community-at-large.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information & Assistance

• 201-336-6500
• TTY: 201-336-6605

This project makes available an ADA-related information and assistance service at no cost to private and public sector entities and the general public.

Caregiver Education and Support Program

• 201-336-6504
• TTY 201-336-6505

The Caregiver Education and Support Program is a free service that offers personalized, in‑home instruction and guidance for individuals caring for someone with a chronic illness, disability, or disease. The program is open to unpaid caregivers ages 18 and older, with no income requirements.

Available disciplines include:

• Physical Therapist
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Therapist
• Registered Dietician
• Licensed or Certified Social Worker (for Stress Management Counseling)

Read more about the Caregiver Education & Support Program. 

Meals on Wheels 

• 201-336-7383
• TTY 201-336-6505

Provides one nutritious daily meal, Monday through Friday, to adults ages 18–59 who have a severe permanent or temporary disability that leaves them homebound and unable to prepare their own meals. All participants must be on a regular diet. Weekend and Kosher meals are also available.

Read more about the Meals-on-Wheels program.

 Personal Assistance Services Program (PASP)

• 201-336-6502 or 6508
• TTY 201-336-6505

PASP is a self-directed, non-medical model program that provides up to 40 hours of personal assistance a week to qualifying individuals who are 18 years of age or older that have a permanent physical disability.

In order to qualify for services under the PASP a consumer must be:

• A New Jersey resident
• 18 years or age or older
• Actively engaged in a program activity: either working, going to school, or volunteering in the community for a minimum of 20-hours/month
• Capable of self-directing and supervising your own services
• Residing in the community
• Have a documented permanent, physical disability

**Please note: Individuals who have Medicaid or who may qualify for Medicaid are not eligible for the PASP program.

Get additional information on the Personal Assistance Services Program

All Abilities Adult Support Group Program

• 201-336-6504
• TTY 201-336-6505

All Abilities Support Group Program offer free in person and virtual support for adults 60+ with disabilities. Join peers for stress relief and support, resources, and wellness activities.

Groups meet in-person and virtually. There is no fee to participate.

Program offerings include:

• Arts and crafts
• Ceramics and creative workshops
• Music therapy
• Gentle exercise and movement sessions
• Trivia and social games
• Peer discussion and stress relief activities
• Resource sharing and educational mini sessions

Learn more about the All Abilities Adult Support Group Program

Respite Care

• 201-336-6511 ext. 6503 / 6506
• TTY 201-336-6505

This statewide Respite Care Program provides much needed relief for caregivers who shoulder the demanding responsibilities of supporting loved ones with severe or chronic conditions. For urgent situations, caregivers may request immediate assistance through the program. A contributory fee may apply.

Read more about the Respite Care Program

 Public Information Awareness

•  201-336-6500
• TTY 201-336-6505

Through a speakers bureau, this program aims to create a more positive work environment and level of social interchange for employers / employees with and without disabilities. The Bergen County Division of Disability Services also coordinates educational activities that address issues pertaining to prevention, transition, and disability.

Disability Resource Center & Clearinghouse

• 201-336-6500
• TTY 201-336-6505

This program makes available a host of disability related publications – such as pamphlets, periodicals, catalogs, study write-ups, and reference-based collections – that convey information on a wide range of subjects, including, but not limited to: 

• Accessible fine arts venues in the New York / New Jersey metropolitan area
• Activities of local and statewide disability service organizations / agencies and disability rights advocacy groups
• Assistive technology
• Basic data and research updates on specific disabilities
• Demographics
• Federal and state civil rights laws
• Legislative updates