Direct Support Professional Recognition Week | | |
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DSP Recognition Week:
September 13-19
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week highlights the dedication and hard work that DSPs engage in daily to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This incredible workforce is the backbone of both disability services and supports, and directly contributes to a more inclusive and compassionate society. Thank you to all DSPs who help empower and advocate for people with IDD to live, work, and thrive in their communities.
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Pictured:
Assemblyman Mike Inganamort (R-24) with staff from ArcMorris and The Arc of New Jersey.
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Assemblyman Mike Inganamort Visits Paradise Farm at ArcMorris
On August 11th, our Executive Director, Céline Fortin and Senior Director of Governmental Affairs, Michael Pearson Jr. joined Assemblyman Mike Inganamort during his visit to Paradise Farm at ArcMorris. The program offers year-round social and recreational experiences for youth and adults with IDD, including summer camp.We are grateful for the incredible work that ArcMorris does and the opportunity to visit Paradise Farm.
| | Thank you to Assemblyman Inganamort for his continued support to the IDD community. We hope to continue working with Asm. Inganamort's office in the future to support people with IDD and their families. | | |
Assemblyman Alex Sauickie Visits The Arc, Ocean County Chapter
On August 13th, Assemblyman Alex Sauickie visited The Arc, Ocean County Chapter's Arc Employment Center in Lakewood, NJ, alongside our Executive Director, Céline Fortin and our Senior Director of Governmental Affairs, Michael Pearson Jr. We are so thankful to Assembly Sauickie for meeting with staff and participants from The Arc, Ocean County Chapter and for his continued support of people with IDD and their families.
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Pictured:
Assemblyman Alex Sauickie (R-12) with staff from The Arc, Ocean County Chapter and The Arc of New Jersey.
| | During the visit, Assemblyman Sauickie and the group received a tour of the facility led by Jennifer, a program participant and member of the New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network. The group discussed the many employment skills that individuals learn in the program, and Jennifer showcased examples of the products made by participants. Thank you to The Arc, Ocean County Chapter for hosting the visit and advocating for people with IDD and their families. | | |
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Non-Citizen Eligibility
Changes to Medicaid
Beginning October 1st, 2026, some non-citizen immigrants may no longer qualify for NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid. New federal rules are changing who qualifies for NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid based on immigration status. Most non-citizen immigrants with NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid coverage will not be affected, including children under 19, lawfully present people under 21, pregnant people, and many green card holders.
Please review the factsheet from the Health Care Advocacy program here.
For more information about non-citizen eligibility changes to Medicaid, please visit the NJ DHS website here.
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Photo from ArcMorris Walktoberfest '25 | For more information, please visit our Step Up For The Arc page. | | |
Step Up For The Arc
The Step Up For The Arc walkathons are continuing this fall. Step Up For The Arc is an annual statewide initiative of The Arc of New Jersey, with walkathons held locally by many county chapters. It is a fun, healthy and easy way to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
On September 13th, The Arc of Cumberland County will host their 22nd Annual Walkathon starting at 10am. Then, on September 26th from 10am - 1pm, ArcMorris will host their Walktoberfest '26 event.
| | Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Events | | |
Make sure to visit our calendar for the most up to date
virtual and in-person events.
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Caring For Our Community Event:
An Autism Discussion
with Dr. Temple Grandin
September 16 | 6pm - 9:30pm
Park Avenue Club, Florham Park, NJ
Join Trinitas Regional Medical Center's Caring For Our Community event: An Autism Discussion with
Dr. Temple Grandin.
Dr. Grandin is a world-famous animal scientist, autism advocate and author. This event will take place on September 16th at 6:00pm at Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, NJ. For more information and tickets, please visit the registration page here.
| | | For more information, please visit their website here. | | |
The 42nd Annual NJSSAN Fall Conference
October 2 | 9am - 2pm | $75 Registration
Each year, the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Program (NJSAP) and the New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network (NJSSAN) work together to host the annual Fall Conference. This event is an opportunity for Disability Advocates to network, learn about current advocacy issues, and attend professional development workshops.
The theme of the 2026, in-person, conference is "Rise Up For Self-Advocacy." The Advisory Board members of the NJSSAN picked this topic to bring awareness that every person is a vital part of advocacy as a whole. Advocacy is stronger when we all speak up together!
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The 3rd Annual Beverly Roberts Memorial Health Care Symposium
November 4 | 8am - 1:30pm
$30 Registration | NJ Law Center
Join us for a half day event dedicated to advancing healthcare and achieving optimal health for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This symposium will gather multidisciplinary experts across medical, behavioral health, mental health, disability services, education, and social services. Together, these experts will discuss how we can deliver better outcomes for people with IDD across the state through effective cross-collaboration and innovative solutions.
| | | For more information, please visit the Health Care Advocacy website here. | | Upcoming Programming (Virtual Webinars and In-Person Events) | | |
September 1, at 2pm
September 2, at 11am
September 8, at 6pm
September 9, at 1:30pm
September 10, at 7pm
September 16, at 12pm
September 23, at 12pm
September 14, at 1pm
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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.
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.
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For information on this month's open Training and Consultation webinars, please visit the Training and Consultation Services website here.
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