Register for our Virtual Health Care Conference! | | We are pleased to announce this half day conference, intended for parents, caregivers, family members, direct support staff, and professionals who support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Join us virtually on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 9:30am to 1:15pm. | Or click the flyer below for more information! | | Join our Virtual Medicaid Monday Events | |
New Guide from the IEC!
The new Environment of Care (EOC) Resource Guide was created to help hospitals and Emergency Department (ED) teams make their spaces more welcoming, calming, and supportive for people with IDD.
Includes:
- Practical suggestions for simple changes to lighting, furniture, and physical space
- Low-cost tools to reduce sensory overload
- Staff training tips that can be built into daily routines
- Ideas for hospital practices that improve patient comfort and safety
This guide is designed for hospital leaders, administrators, and ED teams who want to improve care for people with IDD, their caregivers, and staff alike.
Click here to access the guide.
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The 2025 State of Mental Health in America Report
Mental Health America (MHA) released their 2025 State of Mental Health in America Report, which highlights the latest national data and state-level rankings on mental health and well-being in the U.S.
Each year, Mental Health America uses the most recent publicly available federal data to rank all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In this year's report, New York, Hawaii, and New Jersey ranked highest in the nation for mental health – reflecting lower rates of mental illness and higher access to care – while Nevada, Arizona and Alabama ranked lowest.
To learn their key findings and find out where each state ranked, click here for the full report.
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October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month
In the 1980s, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) participated in the effort to have October proclaimed “Down Syndrome Awareness Month,” or “DSAM,” and this designation continues today. It’s a month to raise awareness and celebrate the many abilities of loved ones with Down syndrome. DSAM seeks to break down barriers and focus on promoting advocacy for people with Down syndrome.
To learn more, including how to get involved, click here.
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Special Olympics New Jersey
Healthy Athletes Free Health Screenings
Date: October 25, 2025
Location: SONJ Sports Complex
1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Way
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Special Olympics New Jersey will be offering its Healthy Athletes disciplines: Healthy Hearing, Opening Eyes, and Special Smiles:
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Healthy Hearing is the audiological screening designed to assess the prevalence of possible hearing loss. These screenings will identify athletes who need audiological evaluations to determine if a hearing loss exists and requires treatment. Special Olympics New Jersey will be offering FREE hearing assessments.
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Special Smiles provides comprehensive oral health care information and instructions on correct brushing and flossing techniques. Additionally, Special Olympics New Jersey and local dentists, will be offering FREE CLEANINGS and care (if necessary) to pre-registered athletes. Please read the form carefully and entirely as there is a necessary waiver to receive cleanings and treatment.
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Opening Eyes screenings provide comprehensive eye assessments and FREE prescription eyewear, sunglasses and sports goggles to their athletes.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Please note: Due to popularity of the event, space may be limited.
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Parents, guardians, and caregivers - Brandeis University wants to hear from you
Are you a parent, guardian, or caregiver of a young person with a disability?
Brandeis University is doing a research study to learn about parents’ and caregivers’ opinions on the barriers that young people with disabilities ages 15-25 years old face in getting sexual and reproductive health information and services.
You can do an interview if:
- You are the parent, grandparent, sibling, or other family member, legal guardian, or caregiver of a young person with a disability who is between 15 and 25 years old
- You are 18 years of age or older
- You live in the United States
- You are able to complete an interview in English, Spanish, or American Sign Language over Zoom or complete the interview using text-based chat
Contact the research team if you want to do an interview
📞 Call 781-736-3928
✉️ Email ParentCaregiverStudy@Brandeis.edu
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Proposed Social Security Rule Could Limit Social Security Eligibility for Many Americans
Social Security is preparing a proposed rule that could reshape how disability eligibility is determined for two major programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Social Security is considering changes to how age, education, and past work experience influence disability determinations. These changes would disproportionately affect older workers and impact people with disabilities.
Possible Estimated Impacts:
- Reduce eligibility for new applicants to the SSDI program by 20% overall, and up to 30% among older workers.
- A 10% reduction in SSDI eligibility could result in 500,000 people losing access over 10 years, including 80,000 widows and children.
Read the Urban Institute brief.
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Increasing the Personal Needs Allowance for Nursing Home Residents
Bill A3908/S3319, drafted and championed by nursing home residents, would raise the personal needs allowance (PNA) for Medicaid-eligible nursing home residents to $140 per month and establish yearly cost-of-living adjustments.
The current $50-a-month PNA is the only income that nursing home residents on Medicaid have to spend on goods and services not provided by the nursing home — for example, hair care, supplements, clothing, shoes, takeout food, and crafting supplies.
This legislation needs Senate and Assembly approval, along with Governor Murphy’s signature, before the legislative session ends on January 13, 2026.
The NJ Legislature is in recess but will return to Trenton in early November.
Read more about these bills.
| | Youth Engagement and Leadership Opportunities at the Center for Transition to Adult Health Care for Youth with Disabilities | | |
This virtual center is for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). It provides healthcare transition training and resources to youth and young adults with ID/DD, ages 12-26, their families, and the professionals who serve them. All aspects of the center are created with the support and guidance from the youth.
Youth Development Initiative (YDI) Group Mentor:
A YDI Group Mentor is a 17-26 year old advocate member of the Youth Steering Committee who has been through this program and can help a younger person. They will guide the younger youth as they are learning new skills related to transition to adulthood. You will be required to attend meetings virtually.
Eligibility: 17-26 years old and have intellectual and/or developmental disability
Youth Development Initiative Committee Member (Learning Opportunity):
Youth ages 12-17 will learn from young adult leaders with IDD about transitioning into adult healthcare and preparing to lead a good adult life. Training will include information on advocacy, health care, and transition into adult care.
Eligibility: 12 -17 years of age and have an intellectual and/or developmental disability.
For more information or to apply, click here.
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Keeping Up-to-Date by Catching Up with Connor!
Live on Facebook every other Thursday at 2:30pm, this series features 10-15 minute educational presentations on specific health care issues, news, and 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!
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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.
Appointment slots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and may be limited to 20 minutes, as needed, to accommodate more people.
Sign up here!
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