Welcome to the Table Talk newsletter from The Arc of New Jersey's Children's Advocacy Program. Our November edition is filled with valuable advocacy resources as well as exciting opportunities and experiences for your family. For more information, please visit our webpage. | |
The Arc of New Jersey Appoints Céline Fortin as new Executive Director
The Arc of New Jersey, the state's leading organization advocating for and serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families, announced that Céline R. Fortin, MSW, LSW and Associate Executive Director, has been elevated to the role of Executive Director effective October 1st. Fortin has been with The Arc of New Jersey for more than 30 years and takes the reins of the organization from previous Executive Director, Tom Baffuto, who retired earlier this year. To read more, click here. click here.
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Advocacy with Adara on Facebook Live Update
Season Three is back! 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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Making the Future More Secure
Join us on December 3rd at 6:00 PM for an engaging webinar featuring Donald T. Brown, the Special Needs Funding Coach about gaining more peace of mind regarding what will happen when parents are gone by learning how to most effectively support your loved ones.
Register Here
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Empowering Transitions: Post Secondary Options for Students with Disabilities
Join us on December 10 at 6:00 PM for a special webinar, hosted by West Morris Regional High School SEPAG. This informative webinar will guide students, families, and educators through a range of post-secondary pathways, including college, vocational training, employment programs, and independent living supports. We'll explore how to access accommodations, navigate disability services, and make informed decisions based on each student's strengths, goals, and needs. Join us to learn about the resources, rights, and opportunities available to support a successful transition to adulthood.
Sign Up Here
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ABA Matata
Cope Autism Center's new blog post includes a worry-free guide for parents to approach and implement ABA strategies in your home. Click here for more information.
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Arc of Warren Adaptive Play Survey
Please take a moment to complete this brief Parent/Child Adaptive Recreation Programs Interest Survey. Your feedback will help The Arc of Warren County create adaptive play and social opportunities that best support families across our community. Your input will guide the development of new opportunities for children with IDD.
Click here to learn more or register!
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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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No Hate in the Garden State Youth Competitio
The “No Hate in the Garden State” Youth Competition invites middle and high school students to help combat bias and discrimination by creating community-based projects that promote inclusion and celebrate New Jersey’s diversity. Building on the statewide campaign launched by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, this initiative empowers young people to raise their voices as advocates for civil rights and social justice. Through creative projects aligned with the campaign’s themes, participating youth can make a meaningful impact in fostering safer, more inclusive communities. For more information, click here.
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Sensory Santa
JDK Social Station, LLC in Secaucus will have a sensory Santa experience on December 13th. Families will have the opportunity to take pictures with Santa, enjoy a craft station, light snacks, and socialization. Click here for more information.
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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 :
November 20th 12-2 pm
December 4th, 11th, & 18th 12-2 pm
Click to sign up
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Transition Survey
We'd love to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to participate in The Arc of New Jersey's transition survey to help us better understand the challenges and experiences during the transition to adulthood. Your insights will guide us in improving support and resources for others going through this important stage. Click here for the survey.
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Concerns Raised as Teachers Increasingly Use AI to Write IEPs
A growing number of teachers are turning to AI to help develop individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities, raising new questions about how the technology should be used. According to a recent report from the Center for Democracy & Technology, 57% of licensed special education teachers used AI for IEPs or 504 plans in the 2024–2025 school year—an 18% increase from the previous year. Educators reported using AI to analyze student progress, select accommodations, summarize or draft portions of plans, and in some cases, generate entire IEPs. Click here to read more.
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Take Action! Cuts to Special Education
are Happening NOW
The rights of students with disabilities are at serious risk following cuts to the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), which enforces IDEA and supports youth with disabilities. Without proper enforcement, states may neglect their responsibilities, putting millions of students in jeopardy. Tell Congress to protect OSERS—students with disabilities can't afford to lose these critical services.
Click here to email your lawmakers!
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Starting in January 2026
Join Our Youth Advisory Board!
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 influence systems that truly support youth with disabilities.
By joining, you’ll:
- 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!
To join our Youth Advisory Board, please fill out this form.
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