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 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

Thank you for tuning in to Season One of Advocacy with Adara. Season Two will return in September. Please 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

Looking for an Inclusive Playground? Check out this Top 10 List

Swing into sunny days with a playground adventure! Here’s a list of 10 must-visit playgrounds in New Jersey that are perfect for all children. These playgrounds include splash pads, doublewide ramps, safety surfacing, and many sensory panels and instruments. Let the fun begin! Read more.

Indoor Fun for a Rainy Day

Located in Camden, the Adventure Aquarium is not just an underwater attraction, but also a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venue! This means the staff is specially trained to make visits more comfortable for guests with higher sensory needs. Additionally, guests have access to sensory bags, weighted lap pads, signage alerting them to noisy areas, designated quiet areas, provisions for wagons, as well as Personal Care Attendants during their visit. Click here.

Children's Advocacy Virtual Office Hours:

Summer Update

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.

Summer Virtual Office Hours :

July 11 & 25

August 8 & 22

Click to sign up

Barnegat Day on the Bay

Sunday July 28 11 am- 2 pm

Join the Barnegat Recreation Disability Advisory Board for the 25th annual Day on the Bay. This event allows children and adults with special needs the opportunity to experience a boat ride for free. There will also be entertainment and refreshments at Sherer's Boat Basin. Click here for more information and to register.

Interested in donating your time or boat? Volunteers and boat captains

can click to register.

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Teen Wins National Recognition for Autism Coding Program

High school junior Sreenidi Bala, age 16, created a coding program for neurodivergent youth called Code for All Minds. She also received a $10,000 grant to expand her program. Four years ago, this project was inspired by Bala's childhood best friend who has autism. Read more here.

Special Education Families win Lawsuit Against the State Education Department

A class action lawsuit between the New Jersey Department of Education and 5,000 families of New Jersey Special Education students has been approved for settlement. This settlement agreement includes the appointment of a Compliance Monitor to oversee the NJDOE's efforts to reduce family's wait times at the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) during due process. Currently, the Administrative Law Judges (ALJ) have 45 days to render a decision, however a report from 2018 shows that on average families were waiting 212-312 days for a decision. Continue reading...

Are you NJ Register Ready?

Register Ready is a voluntary database that is free and secure. It assists first responders plan for supporting those with special needs and others that may require special assistance in the event of a disaster. To register dial 2-1-1 from your phone. View flyer here.

FREE Virtual Developmental Screenings

Children's Specialized Hospital is offering these screenings as a tool to learn more about your child's development and to get linked with services if your child exhibits a delay or is at risk. All families are encouraged to register. These screenings are offered in English or Spanish, and are open to children ages 1- 5 1/2 years old. Visit their webpage for information on how to register.

Federal Accessible Public Schools Webinar

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights have released a webinar titled "Accessible Public Schools," aimed at helping school districts improve accessibility for students and teachers with disabilities. This initiative responds to a 2020 GAO report highlighting significant accessibility barriers in K-12 public schools and recommends providing additional resources to address these issues. The webinar provides guidance on common accessibility challenges in schools and offers solutions to ensure compliance with the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act. Watch Webinar

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Legislation Signed to Increase Respite Care Service Hours

Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation to increase the number of respite care service hours funded by New Jersey's Division of the Children’s System of Care from 60 to 90 hours per 90-day period. This move aims to support caregivers of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, offering them more opportunities for rest and respite. The Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget includes $7.3 million to expand funding for these essential services. Full article here.

Questions About Child Development?

Child Mind Institute's Family Resource Center has answers! Explore topics from ADHD to Trauma. Find information to help support your child in the areas of behavior, mental health, and learning challenges. CMI also includes a symptom checker and resource guide. Explore Topics.

Nationwide Special Education Enrollment Hits All Time High

A record 7.5 million U.S. students received special education services in 2022-2023, reflecting a significant increase over the past decade. This surge, driven partly by pandemic-related challenges and decreasing stigma regarding special education, has led to funding and staffing issues for schools. As schools strive to meet federal requirements to provide a "free, appropriate public education" for students with disabilities, they are grappling with the expiration of COVID relief aid and the need for more resources. Full article here.

Advocacy with Adara on Facebook Live Update

Children's Advocacy Virtual Office Hours:

﻿Summer Update

Federal Accessible Public Schools Webinar

Legislation Signed to Increase Respite Care Service Hours

Summer Update