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 3 has ended. We will be back with season 4 in mid August. 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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Understanding Consent, Emotions, and Safe Boundaries for Students
Join us on Wednesday, September 16, at 12:00pm for an informative webinar led by Robyn Holt, Director of the Criminal Justice Advocacy Program, focused on supporting students with IDD in understanding consent, emotions, and safe boundaries. Designed for educators, caregivers, and service providers, the webinar offers actionable tools you can apply immediately in educational and community settings.
Register Here
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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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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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Parent Advocate of the Month
Meet Sheyenne Brown! After many months of researching and attending IEP meetings, Sheyenne realized that her son was not making progress. Through her continued advocacy and use of AI she has been able to get Cullen back on track with his education.
To read more about her advocacy journey, click 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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Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month is observed every July to celebrate disability identity and community, mark the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and push for inclusion in everyday life. The 2026 theme is The World Works Better With Us. The theme is selected by the Arc's National Council of Self-Advocates (NCSA).
Click here for more information.
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What is a 504 Plan?
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is meant to level the playing field of all students. Many parents might now be aware that their child can qualify for a 504 Plan. Parents are often unclear how to bring up the issue of a 504 Plan with their child's school. 504 Plans provide students with accommodations so they can learn alongside their peers in the classroom.
Read the full article here.
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New Publication From the Link Center
The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services is announcing the release of a new publication, Cross-System Strategies to Support children with Complex Behavioral Health Conditions. This resource responds directly to one of the most urgent challenges facing states and families: how to better support children with behavioral needs who are served across behavioral health, child welfare, Medicaid, developmental disabilities, acquired brain injury, education and juvenile justice systems.
To learn more, read 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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Fathers want to be involved:
Why do our systems leave them out?
While fathers' voices are essential to understanding the challenges they face, service providers working closely with fathers across the state can also provide valuable insight. Providers often serve as the bridge between fathers and systems that are difficult to navigate, offering a broader view of how policies, practices, and program design shape fathers' ability to access support. Michael Cupeles, father of four and Male Initiative Coordinator for Gateway Community Action Program, shared his thoughts on the subject.
Read Michael's blog here.
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Jack Scura Fund
Scholarship
The Jack Scura Fund awards a $10,000 scholarship to support students with disabilities in pursuing higher education. This scholarship recognizes students with special needs who have demonstrated academic achievement and made positive contributions to their schools and communities. To be eligible, applicants must have an intellectual, severe physical, or psychiatric disability and be enrolled at a college or university in New Jersey. The application deadline is August 15, 2026.
For more information click here.
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5 Signs Your Child May Be Struggling This Summer
While children often enjoy more freedom during the summer months, the lack of school routines can make it harder for adults to recognize signs of bullying. Because these warning signs may appear in more subtle ways outside of the school setting, it is important for parents and caregivers to remain aware. According to StopBullying.gov, there are five signs that a child may need support this summer.
Read the full article here.
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Using ABA Everyday Situations Training
RWJ Barnabas Health is hosting an online training on July 21st at 10:ooam until 11:30am. The training shows how to use simple techniques of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in everyday situations. This training can be extremely valuable for parents, teachers, and other educators.
Online Registration is here.
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Summer Activities
Summer can be a tough time for children with IDD. We have put together a list of activities from across the state. Some are summer camps and recreational activities, but 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:
July 30th- 12-2 pm
August 13th- 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: Tuesday August 11th at 7:00 pm
Teen Advisory Council (ages 13-17): Tuesday September 8th at 6:00 pm
Young Adult Council II: Wednesday September 9th at 1:30 pm
*ideal for transition classes!
To join our Youth Advisory Board, please click here.
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