Kean Introduces Bill to Connect Individuals to Disability Services
(November 2, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) introduced the Disability Benefits Guidance Act, a bill to establish an Ombudsman Office for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families. This legislation would provide states money to establish a state office for an Ombudsman for Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families.
“Everyone in the country deserves to have access to the guidance and protection that New Jersey families have,” said Congressman Kean. “Millions of Americans have disabilities and this legislation would ensure that they and their loved ones have the guidance they need to access and receive the services available to them. I am pleased to introduce this legislation and connect people with the help they need.
“At the Child Advocacy Network of Miriam’s Heart, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are passionate about championing our most vulnerable children and families,” said Miriam’s Heart. "Particularly given the prevalence of individuals with disabilities within the adoption and foster care community, we are encouraged by legislation that seeks to establish an independent Ombudsman, ensuring a trusted voice when the systems responsible for their care and support fall short. This effort, first spearheaded in NJ, will extend protections nationwide. We are hopeful that this meaningful step will open the door to broader, independent oversight and stronger protections so every child can experience the safety, stability, and permanency they deserve.”
Background:
While in the New Jersey Senate, Congressman Kean championed legislation, signed into law by Governor Murphy, establishing an Ombudsman Office to assist individuals with disabilities and their families and help individuals navigate the state’s system of care and work with individuals to identify ways to improve that system of care.
States, localities, and non-profit organizations already offer support to these individuals through a variety of programs. However, the decentralized nature of these programs can make it difficult for individuals and their families to know the full extent of services available to them. This Ombudsman would use their expertise to help these individuals and families learn about and access these important services in their state and would be tasked with:
Serving as a resource for individuals with disabilities and their families, the public, and the media on laws relevant to individuals with disabilities.
Providing information to individuals with disabilities and their families to help them navigate, understand, and obtain services from relevant state agencies.
Ensuring a fair process is followed when individuals with disabilities and their families are resolving disputes with state agencies.
Preparing an annual report that identifies patterns of complaints from individuals with disabilities and recommends changes to state agencies to ensure individuals with disabilities receive appropriate services.
Read the text of the bill HERE.
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