The New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project began in 1983. It began out of a need that people with disabilities had to speak up for themselves. These individuals wanted to advocate for themselves, so they became self-advocates. The New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project helps the advocates to form groups in their areas. To date, there are over 110 self-advocacy groups in the state!

The New Jersey United Self-Advocates (NJ/USA) is an independent group composed of and led by people with disabilities. NJUSA advocates and organizes efforts on the county and statewide levels to fight for the rights and freedoms of people with disabilities.