Exciting Updates for Children and Families Inside

Welcome to the Table Talk newsletter from The Arc of New Jersey's Children's Advocacy Program. Our November 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 Two is in full swing! 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!

View Archived Facebook Live

How to Address the Special Education Teacher Shortage

USA Today spoke with experts in the field of special education to find out how this crisis can be rectified by school districts. These experts believe that the special education teacher shortage can be solved by implementing these three changes. Keep Reading.

New PBS Series Features Characters with Autism

Carl the Collector, a new PBS animated series features animals who work together to solve problems. This series is designed for children age 10 and under. In addition to being captivating and educational; this series is groundbreaking as it is the first main character from PBS Kids to have autism. The series creator, Zachariah OHora, states that an inclusive series gives children, "more exposure to the full spectrum of humanity." Continue Reading.

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 :

November 21 & 27 12-2 pm

December 5, 12, 19 12-2 pm

Click to sign up

Special Needs Aftercare

Encouraging Kids Family Resource Center serves 5 counties in southern New Jersey. They are offering after school respite funded by PerformCare. This organization is also piloting a self-hired transportation program for eligible youth. For more information on this program, please email info@encouragingkids.org or call (609) 848-1400.

Complete Online Enrollment

Complete Transportation Request

Focus Group Research Study

Dr. Emily Gregori, Director of the CARES Clinic at the University of Illinois at Chicago wants to hear from you! This voluntary opportunity is for parents with children ages 12-26 with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The focus groups will be held via Zoom to discuss barriers to accessing services, and various services that families need or want. Dr. Gregori can be reached at egregori@uic.edu or (312) 413-8745. Click for flyer.

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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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Nurture Through Nature

Allaire Community Farm in Wall Township is home to an animal rescue and a working farm. Since 2013, the Burney family's mission has been to provide healing and educational programs based on their animal-centered approach for specific populations, including children and adults with IDD, at-risk teens, and veterans with PTSD. Additionally, fresh produce supports local families battling cancer. For more information and to visit, click here.

Check out Sensory Sundays at Chuck E. Cheese

On the first Sunday of every month, multiple locations in New Jersey will open two hours early for children with higher sensory needs. There will be reduced lighting and sounds, a sensory friendly arcade, food, games, and staff trained to work with children with IDD. This program was created in conjunction with the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), whose mission is to empower people with autism and their families. Find a location near you here.

Dive Into Inclusion at the American Dream

DreamWorks Waterpark is hosting a sensory friendly event for neurodivergent individuals. This will take place on December 15th from 9-11:30 am. Characters will be available for meet and greets. Sensory friendly accommodations include limited admissions, dedicated quiet rooms, no music, and increased support staff. Tickets for this event are discounted to $35. Purchase Tickets.