Click below to access our interactive calendar:

*Special Event: DAWNcil's Annual Meeting*

Date: November 19, 2025

Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm

Location: Vasa Park, 93 Wolfe Road, Budd Lake NJ

    The agenda includes:

       Buffet Dinner

       Introduction of new Board Members

       Reappointment of existing Board Members

       Presentation of the Christine Crawn Schnorr Advocacy Award

       The Year in Review & a glimpse of next year’s goals

       An opportunity for members to share their ideas

Support AKTION Club & Enjoy a Delicious Pie!

AKTION Club is the only service club for adults with disabilities, with over 12,000 members worldwide. To continue their mission of community service and engagement, AKTION Club is hosting its annual Ashley Farms Pie Fundraiser!

Purchase a $20 voucher and redeem it for one of Ashley Farms’ fresh-baked pies anytime through December 31, 2025. These pies are absolutely delicious—don’t miss out!

Browse the selection here: Ashley Farms Pie Menu

Please contact Daniel Berek at dberek@dawncil.org or 973-625-1940, ext. 219 to purchase a voucher!

Catch us in the Community:

In the News

Make Your Plan to Vote – General Election is Almost Here!

The General Election is less than a month away! Be ready to cast your vote on or before Tuesday, November 4th by checking out the Voting: It’s Your Right! guide and e-learning course.

The 7th edition of this guide, available in English and Spanish, covers everything you need to know:

• How to register and prepare to vote
• Options for voting by mail or in-person, including early voting
• Your voting rights and accessibility information
• How to contact election officials

Developed by The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development in collaboration with Disability Rights NJ and the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities, this resource ensures you’re informed and empowered.

📖 Access the guide and course here: Voting: It’s Your Right!

Action Alert: Share Your ACA Story!

Premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace enrollees are set to expire on December 31, which could mean over $1,000 in annual premium increases for many consumers. Nearly 450,000 New Jerseyans rely on ACA coverage—how will this change affect you?

Senator Cory Booker wants to hear from those impacted. Has ACA helped your family? Will you still afford healthcare after December 31?

📩 Send your story to:

Bianca_Markovski@booker.senate.gov

lkoppisch@adacil.org

Questions? Contact Luke Koppisch at lkoppisch@adacil.org.

Your voice matters—share your story today!

Participate in a Research Study on Disability & Transportation

The University of Illinois at Chicago is conducting a study to improve inclusion by addressing gaps in how disability is measured in transportation data systems. Your input will help shape a guidebook for transit professionals to better understand travel barriers faced by people with disabilities.

Who can participate?

• Adults (18+) with a disability
• U.S. residents who use public transportation
• Able to speak and understand English

Participation involves completing a short screener and, if eligible, a survey about your travel experiences and opinions. Those who complete the study will be entered into a lottery for a $20 Target gift card (1 in 10 chance to win).

👉 Start here: Take the Screener

Questions? Contact Kevin Hans Waitkuweit at kwaitk2@uic.edu.

Help make transportation more inclusive—share your voice today!

New Biography Celebrates Disability Rights Pioneer

Ed Roberts

Exciting news for advocates and readers alike! A brand-new biography, An Independent Man: Ed Roberts and the Fight for Disability Rights, by disability scholar Scot Danforth, explores the life and legacy of Ed Roberts—the father of the independent living movement.

Want to learn more? Check out Julia Métraux’s thoughtful review: Read the Review

Ready to grab your copy? Purchase the book here: Buy on Bookshop

Learn About CCM’s Opportunity Programs:

Join Their Info Session!

County College of Morris (CCM) is excited to host an in-person Information Session for their Opportunity Programs on Wednesday, November 12 at 5:00 PM right on CCM's campus.

This session is a great chance for students, families, and professionals to learn more about the programs offered and explore the courses available for the upcoming spring semester. Whether you’re looking for academic support, career guidance, or ways to enhance your educational journey, this event will provide valuable insights and resources.

Reserve your spot today: Register Here

For more details about CCM’s Opportunity Programs, visit: www.ccm.edu/programs/opportunity-programs

Just Announced! Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2026

Starting January 2026, Social Security benefits will rise by 2.8%. SSI payments will also increase beginning December 31, 2025. Want to see your new benefit amount early? Log in to your my Social Security account by November 19 to view your COLA notice online.

This annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) helps benefits keep pace with inflation and economic changes. Ave. Morristown, NJ 07962.

Click here to read the full blog post.