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Transition Services Remain at Top of Priority Advocacy List | |
 |  | As the cold weather begins to ebb away and spring warmth is on the horizon, we know the end of the school year will be here soon. And that makes now a perfect time for families to think about transition for their child with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Children with IDD are allowed to stay in the school system until the age of 21. However, planning can and should take place starting at age 14. When executed and implemented correctly, transition services can set a child on the right path for the future. These services help a child and their family think about what an adult life will look like, including immersing oneself in community resources, pursuing potential competitive employment, and accessing important federal entitlement programs and state services through Medicaid and the Department of Human Services. For 75 years, The Arc of New Jersey has advocated on behalf of individuals and families and we continue to spend tremendous time advocating for quality transition services. This includes working with state departments, lawmakers and stakeholders in the education community. We believe strongly that all school districts must live up to the transition requirements of New Jersey law and we will continue to fight for every student entitled to these supports. I also want to note how thrilled I am by our incredible Planning for Adult Life program that can help students and families create a plan for the future and can make that transition out of school as smooth as possible. If you need assistance with transition, contact the program’s Director, Jerisa Maseko at Jmaseko@arcnj.org. You can also contact Children's Advocacy Director Adara Heilmann at Aheilmann@arcnj.org for assistance with education advocacy.
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The Arc of NJ Advocates for FY25 Budget Funding | |
Pictured Above, Self-Advocate Barbara Coppens testifies before the Assembly Budget Committee. Top right: The Arc of NJ's Senior Director Sharon Levine testifies before the Assembly Budget Committee. | |
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The Arc of New Jersey focused on Budget advocacy throughout the month of March. This included testifying before both the Senate and Assembly Budget Committees and meeting one-on-one with legislative members of both those committees. Members of the New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network also testified during these sessions, urging lawmakers to increase funds for the issues they care about.
Want to receive future action alerts about the Budget? Make sure to sign up here.
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The Arc Celebrates DD Awareness Month at The Arc Morris | |
To celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the NJ Self-Advocacy Project and The Arc of NJ held a wonderful event, hosted by The Arc Morris, on Monday, March 11. Department of Human Services Deputy Commissioner McGuire and Assistant Commissioner Seifried were on hand and presented a proclamation to individuals served by the Chapter. In addition, a representative from Assemblywoman Dunn’s office presented the group with a ceremonial resolution. In addition to speeches, the dignitaries from the Department participated in a tour of the grounds to learn more about the great services and supports offered by the Chapter. | |
Pictured top left: Individuals served by The Arc Morris, representatives from The Arc of NJ and The Arc Morris all pose with dignitaries from the Department of Human Services. Pictured top right: The Arc of NJ's Bianca Najera, Sharon Levine and Erin Smithers, Self-Advocate Bill Byrne, Assemblywoman Dunn's legislative aide James Castanza, The Arc Morris Executive Director Sal Moran, DHS Assistant Commissioner Jon Seifried, DHS Deputy Commissioner Kaylee McGuire, and The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Tom Baffuto. | |
The Arc of NJ Celebrates 75th Anniversary with Awards Gala | |
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In honor of our 75th Anniversary, The Arc of New Jersey will host a celebration honor our past and recognize incredible leaders and advocates who have done so much to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The event will take place on Thursday, June 13th, at The Imperia in Somerset. Information is now available at https://bit.ly/TheArcNJ75th or scan the QR code below.
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Congratulations to our 75th Anniversary honorees
Pam Corrigan
Legacy of Volunteerism Award
Barbara Coppens
Legacy of Self-Advocacy Award
Leone Murphy
Beverly Roberts Memorial Healthcare Advocacy Award
Hinkle Prior & Fischer
Legacy of Community Service Award
Laura Williams
Legacy of Leadership Award
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NJ Self-Advocacy Network to Host Spring Luncheon | |
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Registration is now open for the New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network's 18th Annual NJ Self-Advocacy Network Spring Luncheon. This year's theme is A World of Opportunities and the event will take place via Zoom on Saturday, April 13. The Spring Luncheon is an opportunity for Self-Advocates and allies to network, learn about current advocacy issues, and celebrate the accomplishments of Self-Advocates over the past year. To register for this free event, click here. To nominate someone to receive an award at the Luncheon, click here.
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SCARC Foundation Hosts Leadership Awards Gala | Congratulations to The SCARC Foundation on the Leadership Awards Gala which was held on March 27, at Perona Farms in Andover. The event included a cocktail reception, dinner and awards, and live entertainment. The Arc of NJ's Executive Director Tom Baffuto had a wonderful time celebrating with the Chapter. And congrats to Andy & Alice Sharick who received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the event. | |  |
The Arc Mercer Recognizes DSPs at March Gala | Congratulations to all the hardworking Direct Support Professionals who were celebrated at The Arc Mercer's Constellation Gala held on March 2. The Arc of New Jersey's Executive Director Tom Baffuto, pictured below, was on hand for this wonderful event. | | |
Upcoming Webinars with the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project | |
Stay Healthy at Home webinars and Healthy Lifestyles Project LIVE! events are hosted throughout the month by the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project. Registration links for Stay Healthy at Home can be found here. This webinar series covers a variety of topics related to advocacy, life skills, employment, and civic engagement. Sessions are designed to be accessible to self-advocates, parents, and support staff. Live viewers can share comments, ask questions, and access resources. Live transcription is available. Healthy Lifestyles Project LIVE! events can be found here. This interactive series of events is hosted by the NJ Self-Advocacy Project and focuses on activities to promote health and wellness education for students and adults with IDD. Live viewers will be able to share comments, ask questions, and participate in activities led by professionals in real time.
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Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events | |
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Check out our calendar for future events.
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