Welcome to the Table Talk newsletter from The Arc of New Jersey's Children's Advocacy Program. Our May 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 underway! 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 Panel with the New Jersey Self Advocacy Program
Join us on Friday, 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.
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.
| | | | Join Us for the Music Mixer! | |
Come join on Saturday June 13 in Mt. Holly or Saturday July 18 in Blackwood for a free hands-on studio session for youth and adults all skill levels and abilities. There are two sessions for each date from 2:00pm-4:00pm or 5:00pm-7:00pm. Hosted in partnership with Blue Light's professional recording studios in Mount Holly or Blackwood, NJ. Play pro instruments, record vocals, write songs, leave with a track of your own...and maybe a new friend or two!
Register Here.
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Disabilities Support Day on May 23rd!
The South Brunswick Police Department's first annual Developmental Disabilities Support Day is on Saturday, May 23rd from 10am to 1pm at the South Brunswick Senior Center. The South Brunswick Police Department is inviting township residents with developmental disabilities to this supportive, informative, and interactive event.
You can pre register here.
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Save the Date, on June 6th at 9:30am. Neal Student Support Advocacy & Disability are hosting a new event and would love to see parents there for a Due Process Masterclass. They are offering in person and virtual options. Register soon because space is limited.
Register here.
| | | The American Society for Deaf Children Inc has many events this week and are beginning to have events in the summer to register for. These include family ASL classes, kids ASL classes, art classes, book clubs, and more! On Saturday, May 23, they have aSL classes for kids 0-5, 6-9, and their Deaf History workshop. Register here. | | | |
Sesame Workshop
Please Visit Sesame Workshop, they have many resources that can help understand about Autism. You can explore our free, bilingual resources to help support the autistic children in your life. They have resources that help recognize and appreciate some of the many amazing ways an autistic child can have a positive impact within a classroom or friend group. Parents, caregivers, and providers can keep the learning going! You can find more topics and resources to help children build skills that lay the foundation for success in school and in life.
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Project SMILE New Jersey
On June 3rd at 6:30pm to 8:00pm at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, there will be a free educational session to learn strategies to support healthy teeth and oral hygiene in children with special needs.
Topics will include sensory friendly care approach, parent and caregiver partnership, behavioral strategies, building independence, parent/caregiver resource guide, and making oral hygiene fun.
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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The Arc Digital Literacy
The Arc and AT&T have joined forces on a nationwide program that is bringing digital skills training to people with disabilities and their families.
Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, people with disabilities are three times more likely to not go online than people without disabilities.
For more information, right here.
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New Jersey's Care Management Organizations
When a family has a child struggling with behavioral health challenges, academic setbacks, or a developmental disability, they often feel fragmented, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn. At those moments, Wraparound Care, delivered via CMOs, becomes more than a service: it becomes a lifeline.
Wraparound Care is not a single therapy or program. It’s a philosophy, a process, and a commitment to keep the child and family at the heart of decision-making.
For more information, 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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'Top NBA Pick Fights for Rights'
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Top NBA pick has stuttered all his life. Now, he's taking on Capitol Hill for speech therapy rights. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist walked away from basketball when he was 26. He knew there was a lot more out there for himself. He was ready to go into the next phase of his life. The retired star now set his sights on a national bill that would ensure speech therapy programs are covered in 50 states.
Read full article here.
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May is Williams Syndrome Awareness Month
Williams Syndrome is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone. This distinct condition encompasses both medical and cognitive challenges, such as cardiovascular issues, developmental delays, and learning disabilities.
Affecting 1 in 10,000 people globally, around 25,000 to 30,000 individuals in the United States are touched by Williams syndrome. It manifests equally in both males and females, transcending cultural boundaries.
The Arc of NJ's Gianna Morello talks about Williams syndrome, her lived experiences, and the link to music in this special webinar event! You can watch here.
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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:
May 28th- 12-2 pm
June 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th- 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!
Teen Advisory Council (ages 13-17): Tuesday June 9th at 6:00 pm
Young Adult Council I: Tuesday June 9th at 7:00 pm
Young Adult Council II: Wednesday June 10th at 1:30 pm*
*ideal for transition classes!
To join our Youth Advisory Board, please click here.
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