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 & Support Program

• 201-336-6504
• TTY 201-336-6505

The Caregiver Education and Support Program provides in-home professional instruction and support to caregivers entrusted with the responsibilities of caring for someone with a chronic illness, disability, or disease. As there are no income guidelines to qualify, the caregiver must be unpaid and 18 years of age or older. Among the services available are: 

• Nutritionists
• Occupational, physical, and speech therapists
• Registered nurse
• Social worker

Read more about the Caregiver Education & Support Program. 

Meals on Wheels 

• 201-336-6501
• TTY 201-336-6505

Provides one daily nutritious meal, Monday through Friday, to adults (age 59 and younger) by reason of a severe permanent or temporary disability, are housebound and incapable of seeing to their own basic meal preparation needs. Individuals served through this program 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

This free program sponsors four support groups for adults aged 60 and older and/or disabled adults aged 18 and older. Groups meet in the following municipalities: 

• Englewood
• Maywood
• Midland Park

Program functions include: 

Read more about the All Abilities Adult Support Group Program

Respite Care

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

This program provides relief services to caregivers who need an occasional break from the stressful regimen and time commitment that is part of caring for individuals with a severe and perhaps chronic disorder. Caregivers with emergency respite needs should petition the Respite Care Program for immediate service. Program participants may be required to pay a contributory fee.

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