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
In this episode, Sara Woods, PhD, Clinical Psychologist at the University of Washington Autism Center and Discover Psychology Services, shares a neurodiversity-affirming approach to understanding autism. Listeners will learn about the importance of identifying and valuing autistic strengths and experiences across the lifespan, as well as strategies for fostering acceptance and supporting people to thrive on their own terms. Read more about Episode 41 of BoggsCast
Bethany Chase, DSW, LSW, CESP, Interviewed for The Special Needs Voice Podcast
Bethany Chase, DSW, LSW, CESP, a Senior Training and Consultation Specialist at The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development, was interviewed for The Special Needs Voice podcast hosted by Oak Wealth Advisors. In this episode, Bethany shares her insights on how to best support individuals with disabilities as they navigate grief and loss. Read more about the article
Carrie Coffield, PhD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Co-Director of The Boggs Center and Director of NJLEND, and Melissa Cheplic, MPH, NADD-CC, Senior Training and Consultation Specialist, authored “Guiding Principles From Designing Disability-Inclusive Public Health Curricula,” a practice brief report published in the Journal of Public Health Management & Practice alongside affiliated NJLEND faculty and alumni.
Carrie Coffield, PhD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Co-Director of The Boggs Center and Director of NJLEND, contributed to a recent news article by northjersey.com on training to improve healthcare for people with disabilities.
Bethany Chase, DSW, LSW, CESP, Authors Article on Grief & Loss in Frontline Initiative
An article on grief and loss by Bethany Chase, DSW, LSW, CESP, Senior Training and Consultation Specialist at The Boggs Center, appears in the latest edition of Frontline Initiative, a biannual publication developed by the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration and the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). Read more about the article
The Boggs Center and NJ APSE Host Facing the Future 2025 Conference
The Boggs Center and NJ APSE hosted their annual Facing the Future Conference, highlighting best practices in supporting people with disabilities in career planning, supported and customized employment, and transition from school to work, on Friday, October 10th, in New Brunswick. This year’s conference, “Uncharted Waters: Navigation Strategies for Competitive Integrated Employment,” featured 12 workshops, a luncheon to honor NJ APSE Award Winners, and a keynote by Duncan Winburn, 3rd year law student at Joseph F. Rice School of Law, University of South Carolina and disability rights advocate.
Carrie Coffield, PhD, Co-Authors Article with Recommendations for Disability Competent Healthcare
Carrie Coffield, PhD, Co-Director of The Boggs Center and Director of NJLEND, co-authored, “National Goals on Health Equity’s Recommendations for Disability Competent Healthcare,” appearing in the September 2025 issue of Inclusion, a peer-reviewed journal published by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
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.
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.
Sharing Your Story: A Guide to Medicaid Advocacy
Medicaid provides funding for services that help millions of people with disabilities and their families across the country. “Sharing Your Story: A Guide to Medicaid Advocacy” has information to help you share your lived experience with policymakers so they understand the importance of Medicaid and the services it provides to people with disabilities. Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Gujarati, Japanese, Portuguese, and Tagalog, this guide explains how Medicaid works and commonly proposed threats, and offers tips for sharing your story along with a worksheet to help you plan your advocacy message. Read More About Sharing Your Story: A Guide to Medicaid Advocacy
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.
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.
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.
