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Looking Ahead to Election Day 2024 | |
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With the summer behind us, we look ahead to what's on tap for the fall. And we know it is going to be a busy season as we get ready for Election Day 2024. The country will elect a new President and New Jersey will select a new US Senator for the first time since 2013. In addition, members of the House of Representatives are on the ballot and so each district will determine who they want representing them in Washington, DC.
For the past 75 years, The Arc of NJ has worked to ensure the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and that includes the ability to make your voice heard by voting. Voting is an essential way to participate in our democracy and so I encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote on Tuesday, November 5. That's because, the people we elect will make policy and funding decisions that will impact everything from health care, and entitlement programs, to special education, transportation and more.
At The Arc of New NJ, we are hard at work on our annual Get Out the Vote Guide which outlines the voting process, highlights important dates in the coming weeks, and provides non-partisan perspectives from families and self-advocates about why voting matters. Keep an eye out as we plan to debut the Guide and the accompanying website in the coming days.
Thomas Baffuto
Executive Director
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The Arc to Host Healthcare Symposium in October | | |
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The Arc of New Jersey is excited to announce a one-day conference focusing on training and education for current and future healthcare professionals to better understand and meet the health and medical needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The 2024 Beverly Roberts Memorial Healthcare Symposium will take place on Tuesday, October 15 at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick. The event will be offered in a hybrid format, allowing attendees to participate in person or virtually. For additional details, please click the flyer. If you have questions related to event, email Connor Griffin, Director of Health Care Advocacy, at healthcareadvocacy@arcnj.org.
To register for the event, click here.
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Registration Open for October Self-Advocacy Conference | |
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Each year, the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project (NJSAP) and the New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network (NJSSAN) work together to host the annual Fall Conference. The event is an opportunity for Disability Advocates to network, learn about current advocacy issues, and attend professional development workshops. This year is extra special as NJSAP And NJSSAN host The 40th Annual NJ Statewide Self-Advocacy Network Fall Conference is on Saturday, October 05, 2024 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. The conference will be a virtual event on Zoom with the option to join a watch party at select locations. For additional details, including to register for the event, visit the Conference web site.
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Thank You to The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey for Continuing to Fund the Healthy Lifestyles Project | |
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The Arc of New Jersey would like to express our big thanks to The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey for another year of funding for our Healthy Lifestyles Project (HLP). January will begin our 11th HLP grant cycle and we are greatly looking forward to continuing to help people with IDD live healthier lives! Under the umbrella of our Healthy Lifestyles Project (HLP), we offer health and wellness activities such as webinars, interactive Zoom events, on-demand trainings, games, and a virtual movement club. Topics include healthy recipes, arts and crafts, fitness, music, stress management and so much more. A grand total of 50 webinars and 458 virtual HLP trainings were held in our last completed grant cycle, reaching a total of 19,754 people! We are very grateful for this grant which helps so many people with IDD living across New Jersey. To learn more about HLP, visit the website here.
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Criminal Justice Advocacy Program Rolls Out New Crisis Training | |
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Last month, the Criminal Justice Advocacy Program (CJAP) Director Robyn Holt, along with the CJAP team, initiated the rollout of the first national curriculum for Crisis Response and Intervention Training (CRIT). This training program is part of a collaborative grant involving the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), and the Department of Corrections. The CRIT curriculum is designed to enhance the ability of correctional staff to respond effectively to crisis situations for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as mental illness, ensuring safer and more supportive environments within correctional facilities across the state of NJ. For more information about CJAP and the work they do, click here.
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Webinar to Focus on Transitioning from Public Education to Services offered by DDD | |
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This month, The Arc of New Jersey's Planning for Adult Life program will hosted representatives from the Division of Developmental Disabilities who will present on important things a person with IDD and their family should know as they prepare to transition from public education to services offered by the Division. Key topics will include how eligible individuals aged 18 to 21 who meet necessary criteria, may access DDD services for higher education or competitive integrated employment before turning 21. The webinar will also talk about how individuals and families can connect with a DDD representative for personalized support and planning to ensure a smooth transition. To register for this webinar, click here.
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It's Not Too Late to Support The Arc of New Jersey | |
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Thank you to everyone who supported The Arc of New Jersey through our 75th Anniversary Gala and Ad Journal. The funds raised enable us to make tremendous progress as we continue to grow and expand our advocacy and support services for people with IDD and their families.
But the need still exists. From now until December 31, 2024, The Arc of New Jersey's 75th Anniversary Campaign is looking to raise $75,000 to support our information, resources and advocacy for individuals with IDD and their families. Your donation, no matter the size, will contribute greatly to our ability to help the increasing numbers of individuals and families who call upon us for assistance. Click here to donate today and thank you for your support!
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Upcoming Webinars with the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project | |
Stay Healthy at Home webinars and Healthy Lifestyles Project LIVE! events are hosted throughout the month by the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project. Registration links for Stay Healthy at Home can be found here. This webinar series covers a variety of topics related to advocacy, life skills, employment, and civic engagement. Sessions are designed to be accessible to self-advocates, parents, and support staff. Live viewers can share comments, ask questions, and access resources. Live transcription is available. Healthy Lifestyles Project LIVE! events can be found here. This interactive series of events is hosted by the NJ Self-Advocacy Project and focuses on activities to promote health and wellness education for students and adults with IDD. Live viewers will be able to share comments, ask questions, and participate in activities led by professionals in real time.
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Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events
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Turn Your Wheels Into Wins! | |
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Are you ready to begin a new adventure? Donate your vehicle to The Arc of New Jersey and embark on a journey of giving back!
Your unwanted car, truck, motorcycle, RV or boat can help us continue our mission of supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Donating your vehicle is a simple way to make a big impact and an opportunity to clear space in your driveway. Plus, it's completely free and tax-deductible, giving you double the reasons to give back. Ready to drive change? Give us a call at 732-733-6013 or click here to learn more about how you can make a difference today!
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