Providing support to persons with disabilities throughout their lifespan so they can achieve their highest level of independence in their community.

Consumer News

March 2026

Click below to access our interactive calendar:

Recreation Events

March 12th - Shamrock Trivia

Get ready to go green and join us for a festive St. Paddy’s–themed evening at DAWN Center for Independent Living! Test your luck (and your knowledge!) during a spirited round of Shamrock Trivia, featuring questions on Irish culture, folklore, leprechauns, and all things St. Patrick’s Day.

March 26th - Monster Mini Golf (Fairfield, NJ)

Join us for a spooky‑fun day at Monster Mini Golf! Enjoy glow‑in‑the‑dark courses, monster‑themed obstacles, and plenty of laughs—whether you’re aiming for a hole‑in‑one or just there for the fun. Please bring the amount you plan to spend on mini golf and snacks.

Enhanced Life Skills 2026!


We’re excited to kick off a brand‑new year of Enhanced Life Skills—our hands‑on, empowering workshop series designed to help adults build confidence, independence, and everyday life skills.


Our first class of the year, Communication & Social Confidence, will take place on:


Tuesday, March 17th

6:00–8:00 PM (check-in at 5:45 PM)

66 Ford Road, Upstairs Classroom

Denville, NJ 07834


These classes are held every third Tuesday of the month and offer practical tools for strengthening self‑advocacy, communication, social interaction, and other key skills that support independent living.


Whether you're returning to continue your growth or joining us for the first time, we’d love to have you be part of this supportive and engaging series.

Click here to access the full class schedule for 2026.


To sign up for future classes, click the class title in the link above.

Catch us in the Community:

In the News

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month!

Each March, we recognize Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time dedicated to promoting inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities. This national observance highlights the importance of ensuring that people of all abilities are fully included in every aspect of community life: education, employment, housing, recreation, and civic engagement.


Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month was formally established in 1987, when President Ronald Reagan issued the first national proclamation calling on Americans to support individuals with developmental disabilities in living productive, independent, and fulfilling lives. His message emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities, shifting public perception, and working together to build communities where everyone belongs.


You can read the historical proclamation here:

Proclamation 5613 (1987)


Today, this month serves as both a celebration and a call to action. It is a reminder that people with developmental disabilities bring unique talents, perspectives, and contributions to our communities—and that continued advocacy, accessibility, and support are essential. At DAWNcil, we are committed to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through Independent Living services, Support Coordination, community programs, and ongoing education.


Throughout March, we encourage everyone to learn, reflect, and engage. Whether by attending an event, sharing information, or advocating for inclusive policies, each of us plays a part in creating a world where every person is valued and supported.

Peer EDUcation Series: Self‑Advocacy in the Transition Process


Get ready for an empowering webinar designed to help young adults and families navigate the move into adult life. Led by self‑advocates, this webinar highlights key transition topics like person‑centered planning, self-direction, and self‑determination, along with essential resources for healthcare, education, employment, and housing.


Perfect for students, families, and professionals looking for practical guidance and real‑world insight.


Speaking Up for Your Future: Self‑Advocacy in the Transition Process

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

12:30 – 2:00pm


Click here to register.

New Legislation Could Protect Health Coverage

for Adults with Disabilities


New Jersey families may soon gain stronger protections to keep their adult children with disabilities on private health insurance beyond age 26. A bipartisan bill moving through the Legislature would require insurers to continue dependent coverage even if a parent changes jobs — closing a long‑standing gap that often forces adults with disabilities to switch doctors or lose access to specialized care.


Advocates say the proposal offers critical stability, especially as potential federal Medicaid cuts threaten services many families rely on. Parents and disability organizations emphasize that continuity of care is essential, since many specialists who accept employer‑based insurance do not take Medicaid.


The measure, supported by lawmakers from both parties, could affect more than 1 million New Jersey residents. While insurance groups are reviewing the bill for potential cost impacts, they acknowledge the proposal aligns with efforts to expand access to affordable coverage. The legislation now heads to the Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee for further consideration.

Click here to read the full article.

Norwescap's 19th Annual Morris County Seniors

& Persons with Disabilities Art Show

66 Ford Road, Suite 121
Denville, NJ 07834
973-625-1940
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