As caregivers, we rely on the support of other caregivers to:

• Help us learn how to navigate a complex system
• Share our stories and
• Discuss our challenges.

Caregiving is a lifelong journey that no one understands, unless they have experienced it. This program offers education, support, and socialization for caregivers caring for a loved one with a disability. 

There is a focus on those caring for a loved one with a developmental disability, but all are welcome.



We hope you will consider joining us.

April 2026

Caregiver Recreation, Education & Support Group Sessions

Caregiver Recreation Activity: Spring Craft



Join us for our informal support group for caregivers. Connect with other caregivers, discuss your journey, the challenges encountered, and learn from each other all while engaged in a fun, seasonal craft activity! This month we’ll be making spring wreath (not identical to photo).

Facilitated by: Carmela Slivinski, CEO of DAWN Center for Independent Living

and Julie Ferguson, Caregiver Support Coordinator

 Supplies will be provided by DAWN.                 

Caregivers will need to come to DAWN to pick up their supply bag.

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

 Register in advance for this meeting:

Caregiver Education Sessions

** PLEASE READ **

DAWN’s Caregiver Connection & Support Program, which brings you this caregiver education series, is funded by a grant from the Morris County Office on Aging, Disabilities, and Community Programming. The funding that DAWN receives to provide this program is directly tied to how many caregivers attend our Zoom sessions live. We will ensure that you receive the available information regardless of your attendance, but please help support us by joining the Zoom sessions live whenever you are able to do so.

Maximizing Services Under the NJCAT    

Presenter: S. Paul Prior, Esq., Partner at Hinkle, Prior, Fischer & Oberweis

The NJCAT is a tool used by DDD to determine eligibility for adult services. It is also used to determine the intensity of an individual’s needs and their annual budget amount. The tier also determines the provider reimbursement rate for that individual for many DDD services. Through the NJCAT, DDD assigns each individual to a level of “acuity.” The greater the level of acuity, the higher the budget for services. In this workshop, parents will learn about the NJCAT and the vital importance of completing it in a way that accurately reflects an individual’s true level of independence.

At the end of the presentation, caregivers will have an opportunity to ask questions.

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Register in advance for this meeting:

Navigating the Transition from School Entitlements to Adult Services: How DAWN Center for Independent Living Supports Youth and Families

Presenters: 

Laura Dicker, Pre-ETS & IL Coordinator

Anthony Camuso, Care Management Independent Living Supervisor

Brianne Boyd & Kelly Mahoney, DDD Support Coordination Supervisors

DAWN Center for Independent Living

Transitioning from School Entitlements to Adult Services can feel overwhelming, and we can help! The first part of this presentation will cover the key components of the transition process, as well as the ways in which DAWN can support your journey, so parents can be proactive in navigating this shift in services. 

Since the Adult Service System is complex, the second part of this presentation will provide an overview of how DAWN assists individuals and families across the lifespan. The coordinators of DAWN’s Independent Living and DDD Support Coordination Programs will share the supports available to your loved one with a disability and the processes by which you can access them.  

   At the end of the presentation, caregivers will have an opportunity to ask questions.

   We hope you’ll join us!

Thursday, April 23, 2026

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Register in advance for this meeting:

Disabled Adult Child Status

 Presenter: Connor Griffin, Director of Health Care Advocacy,

The Arc of New Jersey

If you have questions or concerns about what will happen to your disabled adult child’s SSI benefits and Medicaid coverage when one parent retires, becomes disabled, or passes away, this educational session will help you understand the process and what you can do to ensure that your child’s benefits will continue. The presentation will cover qualifications for DAC, (Disabled Adult Child), when to start the process of preparing to transition to DAC, how to avoid gaps in Medicaid coverage during this transition, and the application process (including the sometimes confusing “Household Letter”) as well as corresponding waiting periods.

At the end of the session, caregivers will be able to ask questions.

Thursday, April 30, 2026

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm *

Register in advance for this meeting:

* Please note that this session will be starting one hour earlier than usual.

Caregiver Support Group Session

 Join us for our facilitated support group for caregivers. This month will be an “open topic” session. Come share your thoughts about your caregiving journey and bring any questions or concerns you have to the group. This is a time for you, the caregiver, to talk with other caregivers to receive support and learn from one another. 

** The Caregiver Support Group sessions are intended only for caregivers. **

Facilitated by: Carmela Slivinski, CEO of DAWN Center for Independent Living

and Julie Ferguson, Caregiver Support Coordinator

* Please note: this session is for providing connection and support, not legal or professional recommendations.

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Register in advance for this meeting:

***Caregiver News Corner***

Community Blueprint Workgroups for Safe, High Quality Licensed Residences for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities: Phase 4 Sign Ups

The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Regional Family Support Planning Councils, and the Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Their Families have worked together to gather input from the community to create The Community Blueprint for Safe, High Quality Licensed Residences. Based on all the input, they created 7 different workgroups to address the priorities listed in the blueprint. These work groups have been launching in phases and Phase 4 sign ups are happening now for “Policy Reform & Legislative Action” and “Systems Transformation & Technology Integration”. They are hoping to build workgroups that include individuals with disabilities, family members, guardians, state representatives, provider agency representatives, frontline staff, and support coordinators.  



 To learn more about this effort and sign up for a workgroup, click here.

Justice in Aging released an new fact sheet last week titled:

How H.R.1 Impacts People Dually Eligible for Medicaid and Medicare

written by Natalie Kean & Gelila Selassie

This article shares the impacts of the law’s changes specifically on individuals who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. Click here to read the article.

The 2026 Abilities Expo

When: May 1-3, 2026

Friday: 11am-5pm, Saturday: 11am-5pm, Sunday: 11am-4pm

Where: New Jersey Convention & Expo Center in Edison, NJ

    Per their website:

Explore Solutions at Abilities Expo: Three days. One roof. Endless possibilities.

“Abilities Expos are your free, all access passes to empowerment. Buckle up for cool gadgets, cutting-edge tech, info-packed workshops, adaptive activities, and so much more!”

Click here to visit the website for more information.

 The Statewide Independent Living Council will host a table for Independent Living– we hope you’ll stop by and visit our table while exploring the Expo! 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC)’s Lifeline Program

This federal initiative is designed to make phone and internet services more affordable for low-income households, ensuring that more individuals have the connectivity needed to access important resources and services online. Eligible consumers can receive a monthly discount of up to $9.25. Consumers living on Tribal lands are eligible for an enhanced discount of up to $34.25 per month, making it even easier to stay connected and access essential services.

Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid, and other Federal Assistance programs, as well as households with income of 135 percent or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines are eligible. 

   Individuals can visit Home - Universal Service Administrative Company to check their eligibility and submit an application.