Welcome to the Table Talk newsletter from The Arc of New Jersey's Children's Advocacy Program. Our April 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.
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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From School Districts to Start Ups: Empowering Families
Join us on April 15th at 6:00 pm- What happens when professional expertise meets personal experience? In this inspiring and practical webinar, a former LDTC and school district case manager, Kate Panfile, shares her powerful journey from working inside the system to navigating it as the mother of a child with higher needs — and ultimately building a business dedicated to supporting and empowering parents of children with autism. Drawing from both her professional background and lived experience, she offers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on special education, IEP advocacy, and what truly makes a difference for families. Attendees will hear one family's story and how their struggles manifested into the creation of a business whose mission is to redefine autism and to support and educate families. Whether you’re new to the autism journey or looking to strengthen your advocacy skills, this session will leave you informed, encouraged, and empowered with practical tools you can use right away.
Register Here
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Self Advocacy Panel with the New Jersey Self Advocacy Program
May 22nd at 11:00 am- Join Erin Smithers, Director of the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project, and a panel of self advocates for an empowering session on the importance of speaking up, getting involved, and making your voice heard. Erin will share an overview of the NJ Self-Advocacy Project and how it supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in becoming confident self-advocates. Learn how taking an active role in your own life and in your community can lead to greater independence, stronger connections, and lasting impact. Whether you're just starting your advocacy journey or looking to take it to the next level, this session will inspire and inform.
Sign Up Here
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Family Advocacy Opportunity
In conjunction with The Arc of the United States, we are looking for families who have filed Federal Office of Civil Rights complaints and have experienced significant wait times. If you would like to share your experience, please fill out this survey.
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Paterson Fire Dept. to Host Austism Acceptance Touch-A-Truck Event and Carnival
The Paterson Fire Department, in partnership with the Binder Autism Center, will host an Autism Acceptance Touch-A-Truck Event and Carnival at Pennington Park later this month, offering families hands-on experiences with fire trucks, equipment, and a variety of activities.The event will take place April 23 and 24 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and April 25 from noon to 10 p.m. A special Touch-A-Truck event at Fire Headquarters, 300 McBride Ave., is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.
Read full article 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 individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities teachers, parents and guardians showing off their talents and showing what they can do!
Click here to send us your video!
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PALS Summer Camp
PALS Programs mission is to create inclusive camp experience for people with an without Down Syndrome. Their volunteer-led program changes attitudes, transforms lives, and inspires a world of belonging. Learn more here.
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The Great College Fair
April 22nd at 5:30 PM- Please join The Arc of New Jersey's Planning for Adult Life (PFAL) and The Arc of Monmouth at this wonderful in person event. Dinner will be provided. Representatives and current students from NJ college transition programs will be available to answer all of your questions about postsecondary education. Click here to register.
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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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CSOC Summer Camp Application & Information
Are you looking for an inclusive summer camp experience for your child? The Children's System of Care (CSOC) summer camp application is open!
CSOC application click here.
Please check out these resources from The Arc of New Jersey's Family Institute:
A Guide for Families
CSOC Summer Camp Services Checklist
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Summer EBT is Back!
Summer EBT is a federal child nutrition program that provides qualifying families with a one time $120 EBT card per eligible child to help purchase groceries during the summer. Eligible students will receive a new card each year. Learn more 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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'Perfect Storm of Awful'
Families have made almost 3,000 requests for information about an agency that's supposed to help students. Parents and some legislators are saying that the state Office of Special Education doesn't function as it should. Many families don't know that the office even exists and when they do, they say their investigation requests are brushed off. Read full article here.
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In Honor of Autism Awareness Month
Autism Awareness Month, observed each April, is dedicated to increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It highlights the importance of inclusion, support, and celebrating neurodiversity in our communities. The month also encourages education and advocacy to help create a more accessible and accepting world for everyone. Here's an article from Kids Included Together highlighting the importance of understanding and celebrating invisible disabilities.
In this article by Behavioral Innovations, you can read about 20 famous people with Autism.
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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:
April 16th, 23rd, & 30th 12-2 pm
May 7th, 14th, & 28th 12-2 pm
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! Our March Meetings are scheduled for:
Teen Advisory Council (ages 14-17): Tuesday May 12th at 6:00 pm
Young Adult Council I: Tuesday May 12th at 7:00 pm
Young Adult Council II: Wednesday May 13th at 1:30 pm*
*ideal for transition classes!
To join our Youth Advisory Board, please fill out this form.
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