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

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

August is National Wellness Month

This month is all about prioritizing self-care, managing stress, and building healthy habits that support your overall well-being. Practicing self-care can help reduce stress and boost happiness. Small, consistent steps can make a difference. A few ways to start can be increasing water intake, walking, and biking, and meditating.

Click here for more information.

NJCA Launches Healthcare Database

The New Jersey Citizen Action and NJ for Health Care Coalition launched a new statewide Healthcare Access Database. If you or a loved one have lost health coverage, you can browse clinics and health centers serving uninsured New Jerseyans.

Search the database here.

The Arc and Lids

This August, The Arc is teaming up with Lids stores nationwide to share the story of The Arc and the mission that drives us forward. When you shop at Lids, you can support our work in simple, impactful ways: round up your purchase at checkout to donate directly to The Arc, or customize any Lids hat with our logo—$7 from every embroidered hat purchase will go toward advancing our mission. At The Arc, we’re committed to building a world where every person and family living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has access to the resources, advocacy, and skills they need to thrive, be included, and fully participate in their communities throughout their lives.

To learn more, click here.

Suicide Prevention Resources for Back-to-School Season

Addressing suicide prevention in K–12 schools is one of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's (AFSP) highest priorities. Data shows that suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 19. AFSP offers a variety of suicide prevention programs and resources designed specifically for school communities.

Click here for more resources.

Embrace All Minds

Join Interactive Kids for a free community event filled with fun, laughter, and activities for the whole family! Everyone is invited to play, connect, and enjoy an afternoon together in Cherry Hill on Saturday, September 12. Activities will include a bounce house, face painting, water play, sensory tables, giant Lego bricks, and much more.

You can reserve a spot here.

The Impact of Social Media on Children's Behavioral Health

Social media, smartphones, and AI, among other technologies have become such an integral part of children's lives. Over the last 15 years, researchers have documented significant increases in anxiety, depression, loneliness, and self harm among young people, ages 13-17. Click here to read more about how parents can support healthy child development in a digital world.

Special Needs Youth & Adult Social Ministry

St. Mary's Church of Pompton Lakes designed a ministry for individuals ages 14 and up with developmental, intellectual, or physical disabilities who are seeking friendship, fun, and a faith-filled community. They offer monthly Friday night activities and four dinner dances each year, as well as other special outings and gatherings.

For more information click here.

Unseen Neglect, Silent Victims: The Battle Over Special Ed Cameras

Several states now require classroom video to help protect children and school staff. In New Jersey, comparable legislation has failed to gain traction. Opinion remains divided, even among parents of children with disabilities. They worry about privacy and what could happen if sensitive classroom moments are leaked online or shared on social media. They also fear the footage could shape how future teachers view their child or influence decisions about where that child is placed.



To read the full article, click here.

9 Year Old Left Asleep on School Bus, Found Wandering Bus Yard

In Blackwood, a mother says her 9 year old son was found in a bus yard after falling asleep on his way to summer school. About two and a half hours after the student boarded the bus, the school district informed the mother that her son did not arrive for the final day of summer school. After falling asleep on the bus, the boy woke up and said he had to figure out how to open the bus door before getting off and searching for help. The mother said a district employee found her son walking in the parking lot.

To read the full article, click here.