Exciting Updates for Children and Families Inside

Welcome to the Table Talk newsletter from The Arc of New Jersey's Children's Advocacy Program. Our August 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 Three is back on August 25th! 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!

Upcoming Webinars

Introducing the New Jersey Disability Information Hub: Empowering Access, Supporting Communities

On September 8th at 1:00 pm, join Elizabeth Williams, Program Coordinator of the NJ Disability Information Hub (DIH), for an informative webinar to explore the New Jersey DIH — a comprehensive, user-friendly online resource designed to support individuals with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and professionals across the state. During this session, we’ll walk through the features and tools available on the Hub, including Quick Start Guides that simplify access to essential information on housing, employment, education, healthcare, and more. Whether you're a service provider, advocate, or someone directly impacted by disability, the DIH is built to connect you with the right supports and resources. Discover how the Hub can enhance your organization’s impact, streamline access to services, and empower New Jersey’s disability community.

Understanding Early Intervention: Empowering Families From the Start

Thursday September 18th at 6:00 pm please 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.

Upcoming Events

New NJ Law Requires Public Schools to Provide Parents with More information about IEP Meetings

Governor Phil Murphy signed a new law requiring New Jersey public schools to give parents of students with disabilities more detailed information at least two business days before an annual IEP meeting. The written summary must include the child’s current academic and functional performance, note any missing team members with their input, and invite parent feedback on proposed services. The law aims to give families more time to prepare and will take effect in the upcoming school year. Click here for more information.

One Last Chance for an

Inclusive Splash Night

Don't miss the last inclusive splash night at Wheeler Spray Park in Linden on August 28th at 6:30 pm. This event is free and open to children age 12 and under.

Click here for Union County schedule.

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.

Adaptive Girl Scout Troop

Receives Donation

Troop 60561 in Hillsborough, founded by longtime troop leaders Karen Briegs and Kathy Kafka, is an adaptive Girl Scout troop designed for girls with significant disabilities. By modifying the traditional curriculum, the troop ensures that every girl can take part in badge work, community service, field trips, and the Cookie Program in ways that suit their abilities. The troop has fostered confidence, leadership, and new opportunities for its members, earning recognition for their service and impact. This donation will allow the troop to purchase mobility equipment so that all members can enjoy their groups outings.

Click here to read the full article.

Effects of Social Media on Mental Health

The mental health crisis among youth is escalating, with CDC data showing that 40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and more than 18,000 suicide prevention cases were opened last year through Navigate360’s platform. Many of these students had already attempted or planned suicide, underscoring the urgency for proactive support. Schools and families must work together to set healthy boundaries—both online and offline—to protect student well-being. Click here for booklet.

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 :

August 21st 12-2 pm

September 4th, 18th, 25th 12-2 pm

Click to sign up

Bancroft and Cooper Partner on a Mobile Clinic for those

with Autism

Bancroft and Cooper University Health Care have launched a mobile clinic to improve access to medical care for adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The clinic brings Cooper nurse practitioners and medical staff directly to Bancroft group homes and day programs, providing routine and specialized exams in familiar settings. Currently serving over 50 people, the program aims to expand to reach more than 150 individuals. Read more here.

Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Expand Access to Early Childhood Education

Governor Phil Murphy signed three bills to expand early childhood education in New Jersey, advancing the state toward universal free preschool and full-day kindergarten by 2030. The legislation codifies preschool funding, streamlines partnerships with childcare providers, and strengthens support for families by making early education more accessible and equitable. With these measures, New Jersey continues its multi-year effort to give every child a strong educational foundation. Click here for full article.

Major Autism Study Uncovers Biologically Distinct Subtypes

Researchers at Princeton University and the Simons Foundation identified four distinct subtypes of autism, linking each to unique genetic profiles and developmental trajectories. Using data from over 5,000 children in the SPARK study, they applied a person-centered model analyzing more than 230 traits to uncover clinically relevant subgroups. Published in Nature Genetics, the findings mark a major step toward earlier diagnosis and more personalized care for individuals with autism.

Click here to read more.

The 41st Annual NJSSAN Conference

is Back In Person

Please join us at this in person conference on October 3rd. This years theme is "Play Your Part" to bring awareness that every person is a vital part of advocacy as a whole. Advocacy is stronger when we all speak up together and everyone plays their part! There is a lineup of wonderful speakers, including Patrice Jetter, star of Patrice: The Movie; a panel led by NJSSAN and ending with a dance party and networking session.