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.

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Advocacy with Adara on Facebook Live Update


Season Two is in full swing! Please join us on September 23rd to discuss what happens when your child turns 3 and enters the public school system. 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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Upcoming Webinars

Understanding ABLE Accounts, Special Needs Trusts, and Guardianship


Donald T. Brown, Special Needs Funding Coach presents on September 25th about how these two pillars of planning may

be used to maximize resources. They will also address frequently asked questions about the

different options for guardianship.


Link to register.

Interview with Dana Catapano, NJ-211 System Updates


Tune in on October 16th to learn about the recent accessibility updates from NJ-211, a nonprofit organization that provides referral services to the residents of New Jersey. This service connects people in need with a variety of health and human service programs.


Link to register.

Community Spotlight with The Arc of Essex County


Join us on October 28th, as presenters Laurie Best, Elisa Cohen, Christina Hernandez, and Angela LoSapio discuss everything offered for Essex County residents age 0-21. The Arc of Essex is home to Stepping Stones school, StudioArc, and Camp Hope just to name a few.


Link to register.

Children's Advocacy Virtual Office Hours:

Summer Update


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 26th 9- 11 am

October 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th 12-2 pm


Click to sign up

This College Is Launching an Academy for Adults with Autism


Brookdale Community College will open the doors to The Achievement Academy for Adults with Autism in 2025. Located in Wall, this program aims to fill in the gaps for people who are leaving high school at age 21 and losing their services and supports. This program is a way for them to stay engaged and contribute to their community. Keep reading...

Family Led Grand Rounds


Do you have a story about your experiences with your child with a disability or medical complexity in healthcare? The University of Wisconsin- Madison is offering compensation for you to tell your story. There will be virtual quarterly Family Led Academic Grand Rounds focused on ableism in pediatrics. Families will be able to tell their stories and become educators for future medical professionals. Click for more information.

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It's Not Too Late to Support The Arc of New Jersey!


Thank you to everyone who supported The Arc of New Jersey through our 75th Anniversary Gala and Ad Journal. The funds raised enable us to make tremendous progress as we continue to grow and expand our advocacy and support services for people with IDD and their families.


But the need still exists.


From now until December 31, 2024, The Arc of New Jersey's 75th Anniversary Campaign is looking to raise $75,000 to support our information, resources and advocacy for individuals with IDD and their families. Your donation, no matter the size, will contribute greatly to our

ability to help the increasing numbers of individuals and families who call upon us for assistance. Click here to donate today and thank you for your support!

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Access For Reel- Fishing Without Barriers


This Saturday, September 21st, Rutgers Center for Disability Sports and Wellness is hosting a fishing event at Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Club. No need to register ahead of time. The event runs from 1-7 pm with registration at Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Club. Following registration, participants will fish from the fully accessible pier. Everyone is invited back to the club for awards and a banquet dinner after. Fish on! More information here.

NAMI Basics Education Program


NAMI is hosting a free, 6 session program for parents and caregivers of children who have behavioral and emotional difficulties. This program is run by teachers with children that have experienced these difficulties with onset prior to age 13. This course is offered virtually starting October 10th at 6:30 pm. Click to register.

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Weekend Adventures by Jill's House


Jill’s House provides overnight camp for kids ages 6-17 with a diagnosed intellectual disability.  While their diagnosis might keep them from a typical camp experience, Jill’s House tailors weekend adventures just for them.  As the kids enjoy camp, their families enjoy some much-needed rest.  Adventure for incredible kids and a rhythm of rest for their families – it’s a win-win! Check out their website.

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The Pinelands is for Everyone!


Despite being the most crowded state in the nation, New Jersey has a large amount of preserved open space. The forests, streams and ponds found here are a vital resource for the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors. In 2021, Pinelands Preservation Alliance launched The Pinelands is For Everyone project. They are allying with individuals with disabilities, organizations dedicated to the welfare of those with disabilities, and public and private landowning agencies so everyone can enjoy the benefits of time in nature. This includes visiting the parks, forests and preserves which our state and communities have protected. Check out their website here.