Welcome to the Table Talk newsletter from The Arc of New Jersey's Children's Advocacy Program. Our September 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 has begun! 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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Fix Your Face! A Discussion
About the Importance of Body Language
Join us on Wednesday, September 23rd, for an informative session with Bianca Najera from The New Jersey Self Advocacy Program with the Arc of New Jersey. In this webinar, Bianca will be talking about the significance of body language in teens and young adults.
Register Here
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Understanding ABLE Accounts & Special Trusts
Join us on Wednesday, October 14, at 6pm for an informative presentation by Donald Brown, a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of Equity Services. You will learn about how ABLE Accounts & Special Needs Trusts may be used to maximize resources.
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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NJSSAN 42nd Annual Fall Conference
The New Jersey Self-Advocacy Program (NJSAP) and the New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network (NJSSAN) are excited to host the annual Fall Conference. This event provides an opportunity for disability advocates to connect, learn about current advocacy issues, and participate in professional development workshops. We hope you will join us for the Fall Conference on October 2, 2026, at Pines Manor in Edison. The deadline to register is September 18th.
For more information and to register, click here.
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Special Education Mini Conference
On Saturday, October 24th, Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) will be hosting a free conference for families, individuals, and professionals. At the conference, you can learn about the special education process, develop leadership skills, and much more. The conference is from 8:00am-2:00pm and will be held at TCNJ.
Register here.
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Hikeabilities Hike and Roll
On October 4th, Hikeabilities invites children who use mobility devices to enjoy a day of outdoor exploration and adaptive recreation. Participants will have the opportunity to explore nature, participate in fun, accessible challenges, and learn about adaptive hiking.Throughout the day, kids will complete activities and collect stamps in their very own Adventure Pass.
Register here.
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month is observed throughout September, with International FASD Awareness Day taking place on September 9. The 2026 theme, “Everyone Plays a Part: It Takes a Community,” emphasizes that supporting individuals and families affected by FASD is a shared responsibility. Creating awareness, understanding, and meaningful support takes all of us. Families, friends, educators, employers, healthcare professionals, and communities each have an important role to play in helping individuals and families affected by FASD thrive. Above is the New Jersey Proclamation declaring September 9th as Awareness Day.
To learn more about FASD click here.
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Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Every September, SAMHSA and other organizations observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. SAMHSA has produced a toolkit which includes key messages, weekly themes, digital stickers, social media shareables, virtual backgrounds, and hashtags. Central themes include everyone playing a role in prevention and talking openly about suicide.
Click here to learn more.
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NJ Students Head Back to School With New Mandate
Students are returning to classes with their phones put away during the school day as a result of a new statewide law aimed at limiting cell phone use in schools. However, the way the ban is enforced varies from district to district. Some schools require students to place their phones in magnetic pouches that remain locked until dismissal, while others require students to turn their phones off and keep them put away for the entire school day.
Click here to read the full article.
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Culturally Diverse Perspectives on Disability
The University of Maryland, College Park, is seeking Punjabi caregivers, parents, and guardians of children with disabilities who have been offered special education services, such as an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP). Melody Mann invites you to participate in a research study exploring families’ experiences navigating early intervention and special education in the U.S.
Register here.
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New Jersey Youth Corps
The New Jersey Youth Corps of Jersey City is now accepting applications. The NJ Youth Corps program provides young adults ages 16-25 with education, job training, and community service opportunities. You can earn your GED or HSE and gain work experience. You can prepare today for tomorrow! Apply by September 25th to be considered for the November Cohort. All applicants must be 16-25 years old and not have earned a high school diploma.
Register here.
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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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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:
September 24th- 12-2 pm
October 1st & 15th- 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!
Young Adult Council I (ages 18-21): Thursday October 8th at 7:00 pm
Young Adult Council II (ages 18-21): Tuesday October 13th at 8:45 am
Teen Advisory Council (ages 13-17): Tuesday October 13th at 6:00 pm
To join our Youth Advisory Board, please click here.
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