The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute provides caregivers with the necessary resources and education to access the appropriate supports and services for their loved one with an intellectual and developmental disability.
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Governmental Affairs Update
Governor Murphy recently took action on two pieces of legislation that impact people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The first, S2517, establishes a program to adopt paratransit best practices, requiring greater coordination among paratransit service providers, and establishing regional paratransit coordinating councils. The Arc of New Jersey supported this legislation at multiple committee meetings throughout the process and we applaud the Governor for signing it into law. Accessible and reliable transportation is essential for people with I/DD to participate in employment, access social opportunities and engage with peers. We believe this legislation will help to remove current transportation hurdles. 
November is National Family Caregivers Month
National Family Caregivers Month – celebrated each November -- is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. Celebrating Family Caregivers during NFC month enables all of us to:
  • Raise awareness of family caregiver issues
  • Celebrate the efforts of family caregivers
  • Educate family caregivers about self-identification
  • Increase support for family caregivers

Governor Murphy and the Department of Human Services have issued a proclamation in honor of the outstanding family caregivers across New Jersey. Click Here to View the Proclamation.
Use Amazon Smile to Support The Arc of New Jersey
Make a difference this holiday season. Do your shopping this year at smile.amazon.com/ch/22-1665355 to generate donations for The Arc of New Jersey at no extra cost to you! Find more instructions here.
EdgeUcation
Kids Corner
Special Education Teacher Wants to be Called 'Accessibility Specialist'
"What I do every day is work to make the school environment accessible for my students, whether that's adapting the curriculum, building in sensory stimming time, providing visual supports, supporting communication development, teaching self-regulation and coping skills, or collaborating with other educators to brainstorm ways to make their own classrooms more accessible."
Safe Santa at Bridgewater Commons
The Safe Santa Celebration will welcome children of all ages for socially-distanced visits with Santa Claus. Masks are required.
The event is sponsored by The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute and will take place November 16th through December 24th. The Family Institute will also have an information table at the event on December 3rd.
Electronic Monitoring Device Survey
The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) needs your input on the use of electronic monitoring devices (video cameras) in licensed congregate settings (group home or supervised apartment) for individuals receiving services from the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). This survey is designed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. 
DD Training Resources is an online database, funded by a grant from The NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities and run by The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute. It provides a wide range of information about trainings and support resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout the State of New Jersey.
We welcome your feedback on our new DD Training Resources website!
Mission to Transition
Planning for Transition: Why it is Vital for Your Students' Future
This webinar is part of the 'How Series' from the Planning for Adult Life program, and provides hands-on tools to create a transition plan.
Navigating the System
Video Guide for Self-Directed Services

This video accompanies our fact sheet comparing self-directed services through the Personal Preference Program and the Division of Developmental Disabilities. It also defines the key terms and acronyms that families may encounter when registering for services.
New Podcast from The Family Institute
Sharing Perspectives is an interview-style podcast featuring Early Intervention practitioners, parents, provider agencies, and other professionals in the EI field. Each interview will consist of questions submitted by parents and professionals with the goal of providing clarity and awareness to Early Intervention services in New Jersey. This podcast provides the listener with a new way to obtain information surrounding EI, and encourages constructive conversations about particular topics. If you would like to submit a question to be asked on the podcast, feel free to contact Michael Pearson Jr. at mpearson@arcnj.org. 

Upcoming Episodes

  • November 9th - Interview with Dr. Susan Evans, Acting State Coordinator for the New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS)

  • December 14th - Interview with Eileen Mastricova, Senior Director of Children's Services, The Arc of Union County
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The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thefamilyinstitute@arcnj.org