Welcome to the Table Talk newsletter from The Arc of New Jersey's Children's Advocacy Program. Our July 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 has finished up and we are busy preparing for Season 3 which will start next month! 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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Self Advocacy Presentation
Monday August 18th at 12:00 pm please join Tim Rohrer as he shares his inspiring journey toward becoming a self-advocate. Tim is a passionate voice for inclusion and has created a variety of educational tools and resources to promote understanding and acceptance of individuals with disabilities. He is the author of both a teaching guide and a children’s book, and has developed a website and YouTube channel dedicated to inclusion awareness. Tim has presented at schools, conferences, and workshops, and has even shared his message at the state level. He has been recognized for his advocacy efforts and plays a leadership role in a youth-led nonprofit organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Tim’s experience and dedication to making a difference.
Sign up here
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Understanding Early Intervention: Empowering Families From the Start
Thursday, September 18th at 6:00 pm 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.
Sign up here.
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Specialized Healthcare for Children and Adults with IDD
Founded in 2019, the Rowan-Virtua Regional Integrated Special Needs (RISN) Center is South Jersey's first primary care practice dedicated to individuals with complex special needs, offering integrated, patient-centered care. RISN provides comprehensive services—including behavioral health, care coordination, and preventative care—to both patients and their caregivers, supporting wellness across all areas of life. The center is also committed to education and advocacy, helping patients, families, and professionals understand and navigate the impact of disabilities on daily living. Click here for more information.
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How Trump Plans to
Dismantle the Federal
Department of Education
The Supreme Court's decision has cleared the way for Education Secretary Linda McMahon and President Trump to proceed with dismantling the Department of Education, including nearly 1,400 layoffs. McMahon plans to transfer the department's responsibilities to other federal agencies, fulfilling Trump’s campaign promise to shift education control to the states.
Click here for full article.
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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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My Health Coach Study Looking for Adult Participants with FASD
Mt. Hope Family Center at the University of Rochester has officially launched their study of the My Health Coach app, which has been designed for adults with FASD in partnership with the International Adult Leadership Collaborative of FASD Changemakers. They are looking to recruit 120 adults with FASD from around the world to participate by completing online surveys and using the app.
Click here to sign up.
To watch an introduction video, click here.
Please email Dr. Christie L.M. Petrenko at myhealthcoach@urmc.rochester.edu with any questions.
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Build and Brew Cafe
A new 10,000-square-foot community center has been leased in Red Bank to serve as a hub for employment, education, and social opportunities. The center will feature a Design and Build Workshop, café, retail store, and an Experiential Learning Program focused on inclusive education. The café, retail store, and gaming lounge will be open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with classes held weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and expanded hours coming soon. View the website 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 :
July 31st, 12-2 pm
August 7th & 21st 12-2 pm
Click to sign up
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Marijuana to Treat Autism
As marijuana becomes more accessible in many states, a growing number of parents of children with autism are exploring its use, often sharing tips and experiences in online and support groups. While most doctors don’t recommend cannabis due to limited scientific evidence, some, like Dr. Mohsin Maqbool, report rising demand and prescribe carefully balanced THC and CBD treatments for select patients. Read more here.
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Black Dads Become More Outspoken in the Autism Community
A growing number of Black fathers are becoming more visible in the autism community, sharing their experiences through podcasts, support groups, and advocacy efforts. Many, like Tyrone Green, say they’re seeking connection, understanding, and a space to talk openly about the unique challenges they face. Their goal is to support one another, shift perceptions, and encourage other Black dads to engage early and fully in their children’s autism journeys. Click here for full article.
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NJ Heat Wave and Your Mental Health
As extreme heat becomes more frequent and intense in New Jersey, it poses serious health risks—especially for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and those with mental health conditions, who may have difficulty recognizing or communicating symptoms of heat-related illness. These populations are particularly vulnerable and may require additional support to stay safe during heat events. Resources like Heat Hub NJ offer vital information to help individuals, families, and caregivers prepare for and respond to rising temperatures.
Click here to read more.
Watch PSA video here.
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