Welcome to the Table Talk newsletter from The Arc of New Jersey's Children's Advocacy Program. Our June edition is filled with valuable advocacy resources as well as exciting opportunities and experiences for your family. For more information, please visit our webpage. | |
Advocacy with Adara on Facebook Live Update
Season Two has finished up and we are busy preparing for Season 3 which will start in September! Don't forget to view our archived episodes on Facebook.
New to the series? Each episode offers a friendly 10-15 minute chat on special education or services for children with IDD and their families. Tune in every other Monday during the school year at 12 pm on our Facebook page. No sign-ups needed, just drop by, watch, and don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments. We look forward to having you join us!
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Self Advocacy Presentation
Monday August 18th at 12:00 pm please join Tim Rohrer as he shares his inspiring journey toward becoming a self-advocate. Tim is a passionate voice for inclusion and has created a variety of educational tools and resources to promote understanding and acceptance of individuals with disabilities. He is the author of both a teaching guide and a children’s book, and has developed a website and YouTube channel dedicated to inclusion awareness. Tim has presented at schools, conferences, and workshops, and has even shared his message at the state level. He has been recognized for his advocacy efforts and plays a leadership role in a youth-led nonprofit organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Tim’s experience and dedication to making a difference.
Sign up here
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Understanding Early Intervention: Empowering Families From the Start
Thursday, September 18th at 6:00 pm join Karen Lozaiza, Family Support Coordinator, for an informative session led by the Family Link Regional Early Intervention Collaborative, part of the New Jersey Department of Health. This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the New Jersey Early Intervention System (NJEIS), which supports children from birth to age three who have developmental delays or disabilities.
Sign up here.
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Summer Camp for Children With Autism and their Families!
This is a weekend retreat for children with Autism and their families. In a sensory-friendly environment, you will enjoy swimming, sports, crafts, and other fun activities for the whole family. Our favorite guest speaker, "The Ausome Dad", Jamiel Owens, from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Center for Autism Research, will be back to touch on topics such as education, advocacy, and awareness. Click here for more information.
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Supreme Court Win for Girl with Epilepsy
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of a teenage girl with a rare form of epilepsy, making it easier for families of children with disabilities to sue schools for failing to provide proper accommodations. The decision rejects a stricter legal standard used by lower courts and affirms that students with disabilities should not face a higher burden of proof than other plaintiffs in discrimination cases.
Click here for full article.
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How Many N.J. Kids with
Disabilities Learn in General
Education Classrooms?
Fewer than half of New Jersey students with disabilities spend most of their day in general education classrooms, according to a new analysis with The Hechinger Report. A recent investigation highlights the state's ongoing struggles with inclusion, citing a lack of resources and systemic failures reported by parents and experts. Click the links below for recent news articles highlighting the educational disparity in New Jersey.
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Port Authority to Start Implementation of Reduced Fares for PATH Riders with Disabilities
Starting June 16, riders with qualifying disabilities can apply for PATH’s new reduced fare, which offers 50% off a one-way fare, matching the discount already available to seniors. Applications can be submitted by mail with required documents or in person at any PATH station or the new Reduced Fare Application Center at Journal Square. Approved riders will receive a SmartLink card or can use their preferred contactless payment method through PATH’s TAPP system.
Applications are available on PATH's TAPP website.
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Kicks for a Cause: Inclusive Summer Camp & Lunch
Kayleigh Daley, a junior at Gateway Regional High School and founder of the nonprofit Shine Together – Unified Social Inclusion, is hosting her first adaptive soccer camp, “Kicks for Cause,” on Saturday, July 12th at Gateway High School in South Jersey. The free event, open to individuals with special needs of all ages, will run from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM followed by lunch, with all proceeds benefiting a local South Jersey special needs center. Volunteers and participants can sign up through the Shine Together website under the “events” tab. Sign up here.
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Children's Advocacy Virtual Office Hours
Virtual office hours are here to stay! Due to anticipated volume, sessions will be limited to 20 minutes and given on a first come, first served basis to ensure that we can accommodate as many families as possible.
Upcoming Virtual Office Hours :
June 19th, 12-2 pm
July 10th & 31st, 12-2 pm
Click to sign up
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Summer Camp Sign Ups
Start Now
In 2025, the Children's System of Care (CSOC) will offer Summer Camp Services to eligible youth and young adults under 21, including financial support for tuition and one-to-one aide services. Additionally, CSOC will provide Alternative Recreational Sessions (ARS), allowing youth to engage in shorter, community-based activities with peers. Eligibility based meeting criteria outlined by CSOC. Applications must be received by June 30th, 2025. Read more here.
The Arc of New Jersey's Family Institute has a CSOC Summer Camp Services Guide and a Summer Camp Check List. Check them out!
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Last Call for the NCI-IDD
Family Survey
The National Core Indicators®–Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (NCI®-IDD) is a nationwide effort to improve outcomes for individuals in public human service systems. In New Jersey, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) conducts annual surveys with individuals with IDD, their families, caregivers, and service providers to gather feedback and improve service quality. Families are encouraged to complete the current Family Survey by June 30, 2025. If you have not completed your survey or have questions, please reach out to DDD.NCI@dhs.nj.gov
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Sensory Friendly Morning Movie: Inside Out 2
Join Family Based Services on Saturday June 21st at 10 am at the Long Branch Public Library. Accommodations will include lower sound and dimmed lights, freedom to move around, a calm and inclusive space, fidgets and giveaways plus refreshments. Click here to register.
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