Welcome to the Table Talk newsletter from The Arc of New Jersey's Children's Advocacy Program. Our December 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! Don't forget to view our archived episodes on Facebook. Next episode will be January 12th.
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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Lost in Transition: Understanding Failure to Thrive in Teens and Young Adults with IDD
Join us on January 21st, 2026 at 12:00 PM for an empowering webinar featuring Lisa Ford, the Senior Director of the Family Institute at The Arc of New Jersey. Sometimes it feels like a teen or young adult with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) just... stops moving forward. Maybe they’ve lost interest in things they used to enjoy, struggle with motivation, or seem stuck in routines that no longer work for them. We’ll look at why this happens, how to spot the signs early, and ways families, educators, and support teams can help young people re-engage, build confidence, and find new paths forward.
Register Here
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Let’s Talk About It: Disability, Sexuality, and Supporting Teens
and Young Adults
Join us for this informative webinar on Friday February 6, 2026 at 12:00 PM featuring Kristyn White from Creative Options Regina and Natalya Mason from the Division of Social Accountability of the University of Saskatchewan. They will show a presentation on disability, sexuality, talking with families and caregivers about sexual identity, pronouns, and gender, as well as supporting teens and young adults with comprehensive sexual health education.
Sign Up Here
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NJ Mom Shocked and Distressed about How School...
A Salem County mother alleges that her 5-year-old daughter was assaulted by a teacher’s aide at John Fenwick Academy and says the school failed to handle the incident appropriately. She reports discovering bruises on her child and describes feeling shocked and distressed upon learning what had happened. Continue reading here.
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We Can Do That! Challenge
Join our social media campaign with Community Access Unlimited (CAU) with a 5 to 10 second video featuring teachers, parents, guardians, and especially people with intellectual or developmental disabilities showing off their talents and showing what you can do!
Send your video to helpdesk@planningforadultlife.org
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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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50 Years After the Birth of Special Education, Some Fear For Its Future
Fifty years after President Gerald Ford signed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act guaranteeing students with disabilities a free appropriate public education, advocates warn that special education is in crisis. Hundreds of disability, civil rights, and education groups say the law’s core infrastructure is being dismantled, threatening students’ ability to reach their full potential. Keep reading here.
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Winter Holiday Activities from TeamUP Counseling
TeamUP Counseling is spreading holiday cheer this winter with fun, supportive activities for children and families in Cliffside Park, NJ. These seasonal programs focus on connection, creativity, and emotional wellness during the holiday season. To join the fun, call
(201) 917-3048 or email: rvalera@teamupcounseling.com
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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 :
December 18th 12-2 pm
January 8th, 15th, 22nd, & 29th 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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The Fun Starts Here with Cope Autism Center
Unwind is a welcoming after-school program where teens with autism can relax, socialize, and engage in activities they enjoy in a supportive environment. The program offers a full week of flexible, structured options—from art and coding to Lego robotics and yoga—in a spacious, well-equipped center designed for comfort and creativity. Click here to join.
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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 influencing 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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