Welcome to the Table Talk newsletter from The Arc of New Jersey's Children's Advocacy Program. Our October 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 4 is underway! Don't forget to view our archived episodes on our website under "Archives".
New to the series? Each episode offers a friendly 10-15 minute chat on special education and 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 need to sign up, 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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How to Use Medicaid Once your Child has SSI
Join us on Thursday, October 22, at 12pm for an extremely informative discussion about SSI and Medicaid benefits. Our guest speaker will be Connor Griffin, Director of Health Care Advocacy at The Arc of New Jersey. Connor will talk about how to use SSI, what to spend payments on, and the Do's and Don'ts on how to maximize your SSI benefit.
Register Here
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Understanding Transportation Options in New Jersey
Join us on Tuesday, November 3rd, at 12:00pm for an informative webinar with Jackie NG, from Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers University. It is a great webinar to learn more about the various transportation systems in our state and how to get connected.
Register Here
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Special Education Resources
To learn more about the special education process and current issues, take some time to explore the resources below. Gaining a deeper understanding of the process can help us better support students with disabilities. Click the links for helpful information and guidance.
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The 3rd Annual Beverly Roberts Memorial Healthcare Symposium
Join us on Wednesday, November 4th for a half-day event hosted by The Arc of New Jersey’s Health Care Advocacy Program. The event will focus on advancing healthcare and promoting optimal health outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There will be experts across medical, behavioral health, mental health, disability services, education, and social services. The deadline to register is October 30, 2026.
For more information click here.
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Down Syndrome Awareness Month
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the many abilities of people with Down syndrome and promote inclusion. The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) works to break barriers and advocate for people with Down syndrome. Each year, NDSS celebrates the month in a different way and encourages everyone to get involved and spread awareness. Share your support on social media using #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth, and tag NDSS so they can share your post!
Click here for more information.
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Rett Syndrome Awareness Month
In October, the Rett community comes together to help raise awareness, build understanding, and help more people know Rett Syndrome. Connection comes from knowing the people behind the diagnosis, their personalities, interests, relationships, accomplishments, stories, and more. Throughout October, join the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) in helping more people know Rett and celebrating the people who make up the community.
Click here to explore resources.
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Meet Lisa Montalbano, NJ Ombudsperson
Wayne Township Mayor and Special Needs Commission invite families of loved ones with IDD to meet Lisa Montalbano. The Ombudsperson serves as a resource for individuals with IDD and their families by providing information, education, and neutral, objective support in resolving disputes and navigating available services. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 28 at 7:00pm at the Wayne Community Center.
Click here for more information.
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Human Services Announces EBT Chip Cards
Human services announced that Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) chip cards have been distributed statewide to residents participating in either the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) program. SNAP and WFNJ benefits will be automatically transferred to the new cards and can be used as soon as they are activated. Cardholders will have 90 days from that day to activate it.
Click here for more information.
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Mind Crafters
Montclair State University presents Mind Crafters, an activity based counseling group for children ages 7 to 12 years old. The group is facilitated through The Center for Clinical Services. Children can improve skills in self-regulation, coping strategies, self-esteem, and increase self-awareness. Most importantly, participants can establish group unity and have fun!
Click here to learn more.
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Mental Health and IDD
Crisis Card
A Mental Health Crisis Card is a tool for communication when words fail. The cards provided critical information about the person's disability and mental health conditions. There are actionable steps to help de-escalate stressful situations. Below you can click to access cards provided by the Arc.
Click here to access the cards.
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All In Poster Contest
The ALL IN Poster Contest is open to U.S. students in grades 1–12 from October 2, 2026, to February 5, 2027. Students can enter in four grade-level categories, with each category winner receiving $50. A Grand Prize winner will receive $250, have their poster distributed to schools nationwide, and be featured at the Inclusion Leadership Conference. Winning and honorable mention artwork will also be displayed online.
Click here for more information.
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Fall Activities
Fall is a great time to get outside with the whole family. Check out our statewide list of inclusive activities. These are some recreational events that everyone can enjoy!
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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:
October 22nd- 10am-12pm
November 5th & 19th- 12-2pm
Click to sign up
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Missed our kick off meeting? No worries- we still have room!
Are you a teen or young adult with a disability who’s passionate about making a difference? We invite you to become part of our Youth Advisory Board — this is a space where your voice matters!
Our board will meet monthly, with our first information sessions kicking off in the new year. Together, we’ll focus on building advocacy and leadership skills, and influencing systems that truly support youth with disabilities.
By joining, you will:
- Gain confidence in self-advocacy and community leadership.
- Collaborate with other motivated peers.
- Provide valuable input to improve resources and initiatives for youth with disabilities.
Come learn, lead, and make your voice heard. Your perspective can help create real change!
Teen Advisory Council (ages 13-17): Tuesday November 10th at 6:00 pm
Young Adult Council II (ages 18-21): Wednesday, November 11th at 1:30 pm- Hybrid Session: Great for Transition Classes
Young Adult Council I (ages 18-21): Thursday November 12th at 7:00pm
To join our Youth Advisory Board, please click here.
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