Welcome to the Table Talk newsletter from The Arc of New Jersey's Children's Advocacy Program. Our January 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 is in full swing! 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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Educational Impact of Brain Injuries
On January 22nd at 6:00 pm, join Rachel Ishak from Brain Injury Alliance to learn more about the impact of brain injuries on education as well as helpful suggestions for your child's IEP or 504 Plan. Rachel is a licensed social worker, receiving her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Rachel has experience as a support coordinator through the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), working to connect adults with developmental disabilities to state and community resources. She now serves as a Community Outreach Specialist and the Director of Camp TREK at the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey, where she is responsible for engaging and educating the community about brain injury and overseeing a camp respite program for brain injury survivors. Sign up here.
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Panel Discussion with New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy
Network Members
On February 28th at 3 pm please join members of The New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network (NJSSAN) for a special panel discussion about the NJSSAN council meetings, why it is important to advocate, how to get involved in advocacy, and how to join the network! There will also be a short Q&A session afterwards. This is a wonderful opportunity for emerging and young adults and their families to learn more about self-advocacy Click here to register.
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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 :
January 16th, 23rd, & 30th 12-2 pm
February 6th, 13th, & 20th 12-2 pm
Click to sign up
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New Jersey's First Hospital ABA Partnership
Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH) and RWJBarnabas Health have launched the state's first Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy program for children, teens, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The program, which will begin in early 2025, combines ABA therapy with complementary services like speech, occupational, and behavioral health to provide a holistic, integrated approach that supports the physical, emotional, and social well-being of patients. By expanding access to innovative care, the program aims to help children thrive and reach their full potential. Click here to read the full article.
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Wings For All Event at Newark Airport
Last month's Wings for All event was co-sponsored by The Arc of New Jersey and The Arc of Essex County at Newark Airport. This event provided 160 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to experience the airport process, including security screenings and boarding. Families were also able to visit the new sensory room in Terminal A,whic a calming space designed for neurodivergent travelers. This initiative, part of a larger effort to make air travel more inclusive, also includes the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard program and staff training to better support passengers with special needs. Continue reading here.
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Parental Technology Use Survey
New Jersey Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) Office of Resilience and Office of Applied Research and Evaluation (ARE) have developed a survey to gain insight into how parents and caregivers use technology while with their children. These insights will help us gain a better understanding of the role technology plays in modern parenting and family dynamics. Participation is completely voluntary. All responses are identified and will be used solely for research purposes. Individuals completing the survey will have the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Five winners will be randomly selected using a lottery. Participation in the lottery will require sharing an email address, which will in no way be linked to or associated with survey responses. Link to survey here.
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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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School Bus Aide Beat Non-Verbal Child, Lawsuit Says
The parents of an 8-year-old non-verbal child with autism are suing the Howell School District after a bus aide allegedly beat their child with a grabber-reacher tool during an incident on March 13, 2024. The aide was arrested and charged with assault, while the driver, who witnessed the abuse, failed to intervene or report it. The parents also claim the district retaliated by transferring their child to a different school and never provided therapy or support, leaving the family traumatized by the incident. Read full article here.
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Share Your Voice
Help improve New Jersey's Early Intervention System (NJEIS) by sharing your experiences with family cost share. Your feedback is invaluable in helping to understand what's working well, as well as any challenges or unmet needs you may be experiencing. Your input will directly inform recommendations aimed at improving access to services for families in NJ. Click here.
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Every Student Benefits from Inclusion
This article from NPR shares the story of two students with Down Syndrome in Oklahoma. One child is in an inclusion classroom while the other is in a self contained classroom. Research shows that there are greater risks from segregation than inclusion. Read full article here.
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Federal Guidance on Restraint and Seclusion
The U.S. Department of Education emphasizes the importance of implementing positive, proactive strategies and evidence-based interventions to support students' behavioral needs instead of relying on harmful methods. The Department has committed to providing resources and funding to help schools adopt safer, more inclusive practices that foster student well-being and prevent the use of restraint and seclusion
Read full letter here.
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