April is Autism Acceptance Month | |
Opening Doors:
New Jersey's Newest Medicaid Waiver Program for Children with IDD
Tuesday, April 21, 7:00 PM
Virtual Meeting
Could your child be eligible for Medicaid as a secondary insurance under the CSSP?
Join Disability Rights New Jersey for a free webinar designed for families of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This session will help families better understand the Children’s Support Services Program for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (CSSP IDD), a new Medicaid program through New Jersey’s Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services.
To register, click here.
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The Great College Fair
On April 22nd at 5:30 PM, please join The Arc of New Jersey's Planning for Adult Life (PFAL) program and The Arc of Monmouth at this wonderful in person event. Dinner will be provided. Representatives and current students from NJ college transition programs will be available to answer all of your questions about postsecondary education. Click here to register.
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Free Emergency Preparedness Training for People with Disabilities and Seniors
May 07, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
PCIL Mercer Office, Suite 40
3635 Quakerbridge Rd
Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
In-Person Only
The Progressive Center for Independent Living (PCIL) invites people with disabilities, seniors, families, and community members in Mercer County and Hunterdon County to attend their free Pathways to Preparedness Training.
This interactive 90-minute workshop is designed specifically for people with disabilities in NJ who want to strengthen their independence and feel confident during emergencies. Whether facing severe weather, power outages, medical emergencies, or community disasters, having a plan in place can make all the difference. For more information and to register, click here.
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Advancing Dementia-Capable Primary Care:
Supporting Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
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This three-part educational series supports primary care clinicians participating in the CMS GUIDE Model and others serving adults with IDD, including Down syndrome. The series provides a practical, step-by-step framework spanning early identification, diagnostic evaluation, medical management, and post-diagnosis care planning.
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Making Medical Procedures Easier to Understand for People with Autism
Boston Medical Center has an autism friendly initiative to make medical procedures easier which you can access by clicking here.
A great resource for neurodiverse children is their medical social stories. These include getting a shot, MRIs, Xrays, CT scans, riding in an ambulance, getting an IV, and more. Social stories can help prepare children who are neurodiverse by letting them know what to expect when they have an appointment coming up. This helps the child, family, and the medical providers. Social stories for medical procedures can be found by clicking here.
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VCU Survey for Medical Professionals
VCU is currently exploring the development of a concise printed resource designed for medical providers. This resource will provide practical guidance on screening and assessing oral health in patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as offering initial management strategies and appropriate counseling for common dental trauma.
They would greatly appreciate your time in completing this brief form. Your input will help guide the development of this resource to ensure it meets the needs of medical professionals and supports interdisciplinary patient care.
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NY ABC-DS Research Study
Adults with Down syndrome are far more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease in middle age compared with most other people.
This research study aims to understand why some adults with Down syndrome are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than others and why some adults with Down syndrome age far more successfully.
Adults with Down syndrome who are 25 years or older are highly encouraged to join the Alzheimer Biomarker Consortium - Down Syndrome (ABC-DS) study.
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Cohen Children’s Medical Center named First Autism Friendly Hospital in U.S.
Northwell's Cohen Children’s Medical Center is the first hospital in the country to receive the Autism Friendly Designation from Autism Speaks, the largest organization in the U.S. advocating for people with autism.
The Autism Friendly Designation reflects a commitment to providing autism-friendly services and building stronger connections with autistic people and their families. Being Autism Friendly means that the hospital is a safe and welcoming place for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To earn the designation, at least 80% of staff must complete specialized training.
Organizations also work with Autism Speaks to review the care environment and implement meaningful accommodations to better support patients with autism. At Cohen Children’s Medical Center, both clinical and nonclinical staff have completed this training, helping improve the experience for patients, families, and visitors across the hospital. Read more.
| | EP Magazine Annual Autism Issue | |
Andrea Robertson, her daughter Lexie, and recreational therapist Tiana Garcia pet a mini highland cow at Lexie’s Ranch, a therapeutic and community-centered space. Andrea discusses how community environments and experiences can help individuals with autism learn important skills, develop independence and build confidence.
www.epmagazine.com
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What's at Stake for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
The Medicare Rights Center released What’s at Stake for Older Adults and People With Disabilities, an educational series examining how proposed and ongoing changes to Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act affect health coverage and costs for older adults and people with disabilities.
These educational resources are designed to help the public, advocates, and policymakers better understand the changing health policy landscape and what is at stake in their coverage as national conversations on health care continue.
This series includes:
- Ten fact sheets containing expert analysis of a health policy area, regulatory idea, or piece of legislation.
- A two-part video explaining the direct impacts on coverage and costs.
- An infographic summarizing key points from all ten policy topics.
The second part of the video and an additional infographic will be released this summer. Each month, the Medicare Rights Center will spotlight one fact sheet with a plain-language article outlining the policies’ real-life impacts on coverage and costs. Today, you can read about the Affordable Care Act’s protections for older adults—and ways they may be changing in the coming months.
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Catching Up with Connor
The Catching Up with Connor Facebook Live series is in full swing for 2026!
Join us every other Thursday at 2:30pm for these livestream videos, featuring 10-15 minute educational talks on health care issues, news, and other key topics for individuals with IDD and their families.
No registration is required, but please leave a like and comment what topics you would like to see in the future!
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Virtual Office Hours
The Health Care Advocacy Program offers virtual office hours on Mondays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
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Meet with the Director of Health Care Advocacy to discuss healthcare questions or concerns, for example, regarding Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security, as they affect your family member or loved one with IDD.
Appointments are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and may be limited to 20 minutes, as needed. Please be patient, as the Director will meet with everyone who registers and joins the virtual meeting.
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