Welcome to The Boggs Center
About The CenterNew Jersey's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service
New Jersey's Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program
Our Mission
The Boggs Center values uniqueness and individuality and promotes the self-determination and full participation of people with disabilities and their families in all aspects of community life. As a catalyst and resource, The Boggs Center, through partnerships and collaborations, builds capacity in organizations, systems, and communities in a culturally competent manner. The Boggs Center prepares students through interdisciplinary programs, provides community training and technical assistance, conducts research, and disseminates information and educational materials.
News
Margaret Gilbride, JD, CT, Honored with the Rebecca McDonald Award for APSE Chapter Leader
Margaret Gilbride, JD, CT, Director of Transition, Employment, and Aging & Disability at The Boggs Center, was honored with the Rebecca McDonald Award for Chapter Leader at 2026 National APSE Conference on Thursday, June 11th in Dallas, TX. The award is presented to an APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First) Chapter Leader who demonstrates exceptional leadership, tireless volunteerism, and extraordinary commitment to the mission and vision of APSE within their state chapter. Read more about the award
In Memoriam: Ellie Byra, Founding Chair of The Boggs Center’s Consumer Advisory Council
Eleanor K. Byra, “Ellie,” passed away at home earlier this Spring, surrounded by her husband Peter and loving daughter Tian. Her son, Matthew, “Matt,” predeceased her. Ellie was the founding Chair of The Boggs Center’s Consumer Advisory Council and one of the original founders of family support in New Jersey. The Boggs Center extends our condolences to the Byra family and shares our appreciation for her many years of advocacy. Read more about Ellie Byra
The Boggs Center Celebrates New Jersey Partners in Policymaking 2026 Graduates
The Boggs Center celebrated the graduation of its 9th Partners in Policymaking class on Saturday, May 16th, 2026, in New Brunswick. This year’s class of 25 graduates — including 8 people with disabilities, 15 parents, and 2 siblings, will join more than 30,000 graduates across the country ready to collaborate with policymakers to increase the inclusion, self-determination, and well-being of people with disabilities. Read more about Partners graduation
Episode 46 of BoggsCast Now Available: Elevating Direct Support with Amy Hewitt & Susan O’Nell
In our season finale, Amy Hewitt, PhD, Director, and Susan O’Nell, BA, Director of Curriculum Development, from the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota discuss the evolution, challenges, and progress of the direct support profession. The conversation highlights gains in professional identity, research, and training amidst persistent issues that contribute to the direct support workforce crisis. Listeners will learn practical strategies to improve recruitment, retention, and community inclusion, and the importance of collective action to strengthen and elevate the workforce. Read more about Episode 46 of BoggsCast
The Boggs Center Celebrates Graduation of Inaugural FLS Training Program
The Boggs Center is pleased to congratulate the graduating class of New Jersey's inaugural Frontline Supervisor Training (FLS) Program. This cohort of more than 25 FLS, working across multiple DDD provider agencies, completed a 9-month competency-based training program offered through a collaboration between The Boggs Center and Direct Support Workforce Solutions at the University of Minnesota's Institute on Community Integration. Read more about the FLS Training Program Graduation
The Boggs Center Celebrates Graduation of 2025-2026 NJLEND Fellows
The Boggs Center celebrated the graduation of the 2025-2026 NJLEND Fellows during the New Jersey Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NJLEND) program’s 10th annual Maternal and Child Health Leadership Symposium held on May 1, 2026, in New Brunswick. Read more about the event
Publications
Voting: It's Your Right is a guide about voting rights and the voting process in New Jersey written in clear language for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The 7th Edition, available electronically in English and Spanish, provides readers with information on registering and preparing to vote, options for voting by mail and in-person, voting rights and accessibility, and contacting election officials with questions. Read More About Voting: It’s Your Right
Selecting a Service Provider: Making Choices, Becoming Empowered
The Boggs Center is excited to share the latest version of Selecting a Service Provider: Making Choices, Becoming Empowered. People receiving support through New Jersey’s Division of Developmental Disabilities can choose the service provider that best meets their needs. Available in English and Spanish, this guide offers people with disabilities and their families ideas that can help them select a service provider that will support them to live the lives they want. Read more about Selecting a Service Provider.
The Next Steps: Addressing Concerns about Your Child’s Development
Are you concerned about your child’s development? Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Gujarati, Portuguese, and Tagalog, this quick guide provides information to connect families of young children in New Jersey with resources for developmental evaluation, services, and support. Read More About The Next Steps: Addressing Concerns about Your Child’s Development
Deciding to Self-Direct: Making Choices, Becoming Empowered
The Boggs Center developed Deciding to Self-Direct, the latest guide in the Making Choices, Becoming Empowered series for people with developmental disabilities. People receiving support through NJ’s Division of Developmental Disabilities can choose to self-direct some or all of their services. Available in English and Spanish, this guide helps readers to think about their lives and whether self-directed services are right for them. Read More About Deciding to Self-Direct
Transition to Adulthood for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities: A Timeline for Parents
Transition to Adulthood for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities: A Timeline for Parents provides parents of young adults with developmental disabilities with a one-page overview of considerations in planning for the transition to adult life; national resources on transition topics; and New Jersey’s state agencies and the services they offer. Read more about Transition to Adulthood for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities: A Timeline for Parents
Selecting a Support Coordination Agency: Making Choices, Becoming Empowered
People receiving support through New Jersey’s Division of Developmental Disabilities are able to choose the agency they receive support coordination services from. Selecting a Support Coordination Agency: Making Choices, Becoming Empowered provides information and ideas that can help in the selection process. Available in English and Spanish. Read More About Selecting a Support Coordination Agency
