Exciting Updates for Children and Families Inside

Welcome to the Table Talk newsletter from The Arc of New Jersey's Children's Advocacy Department. Our June 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

Please join us every other Monday at 12:00 pm for the latest installment of our Facebook Live event.

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 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

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Sesame Place Celebrates Autism Acceptance Month with Low-Sensory Days

Features include modified dinner and show experiences that limit audio and visual effects. Julia, a character with Autism that debuted in 2017, will be available for meet and greets. Low sensory rooms are available throughout the park. Sesame Place also has a ride accessibility program and noise cancelling headphones available for guests. Read more.

Heading to Disney? Undercover Tourist Outlines Changes Effective May 20, 2024

Changes include an updated registration process for Disability Access Services (DAS), virtual instead of physical wait times, Disney app DAS updates, and FAQ. For full article click here.

Children's Advocacy Virtual Office Hours

Virtual office hours are here to stay! Join Adara Heilmann, Director of Children's Advocacy, every Thursday from 12-2 pm for open office hours. 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.

Click to sign up

Acting on the Spectrum

Montclair native William Fitzgerald made his acting debut unconventionally, starring as Ezra, the son of a divorced stand-up comedian, in the film Ezra. He joins a star-studded cast including Robert De Niro, Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Whoopi Goldberg, and Rainn Wilson in this touching story about a family coming to terms with their child's autism diagnosis. Watch the trailer here.

Read more about William and his journey in this article from Montclair Local.

Is My Child With a Disability Ready for College?

Exceptional Lives discusses this new phase in life for your student in a 2 minute video from Fred Johnson of Collegiate Academies in New Orleans. A transcript is also available. Watch or read here.

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Exceptional Parent Magazine Features Story About the Benefits of Equine Therapy for a toddler with Spina Bifida

Dani was diagnosed with Spina Bifida while still in utero. By one week of age, she had already endured 6 emergency surgeries. By age 21, she had undergone 30 total surgeries. When her doctor recommended physical therapy, Dani's parents looked for an alternative outside of the hospital's walls. Read more

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Teen Art Class at

The Arc of Essex County

Looking for a fun Saturday class for your teen? Look no further! Screen printing is coming to Studio Arc on Saturday, June 22. Space is limited, please register in advance. For more information and to register, click here.

Staying Home and Watching a Movie?

Choose from these films that portray the real-life experiences of people with disabilities. Easter Seals Canada has compiled a list of 10 movies about disabilities, accessibility, and inclusion. Bookmark this page for your next movie night.

Sensory Sundays at Montclair

Art Museum

The first Sunday of each month between 12-1 pm, MAM hosts a special drop-in session designed for families with neurodivergence. There is a different project available each month inspired by the current exhibits. Read more here.