'Discriminatory human rights issue': Families tell NJ to reopen day programs for disabled UP NEXT New Jersey residents with the most severe disabilities are regressing physically and mentally because the therapy, socialization and training programs they depend on have been closed for over a year. Many are depressed and stuck at home with families at their breaking points while the state is unfairly barring them from needed services, said families, advocates and some lawmakers. These services, which come bundled under the catchall title of day programs, offer therapy, social activities, job training and classes. Except six weeks last fall, they’ve been shuttered since March 2020 in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. But the state’s unilateral decision to do so has resulted in hardship for many individuals and their caretakers.