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The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute provides caregivers with the necessary resources and education to access the appropriate supports and services for their loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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Honoring Family Advocates
As an organization founded by families, The Arc of New Jersey is always proud to honor individuals who support a loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD). Family members play a vital role in the lives of children with IDD, often becoming advocates for education, inclusion, and services. Every month, we will feature a parent or family member who has shown incredible advocacy skills related to special education. Our May Education Advocate of the Month is Michelle Irizarry! We asked Michelle to share her experience as an advocate for her sons and included some of her responses below.
In The News
East Brunswick Special Ed Teacher Receives Outstanding Educator Award
"Lindsay Grossman Liguori, a special education teacher at Frost Elementary School in East Brunswick, recently received one of the highest honors for her work. The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) selected Liguori to receive the 2023 Outstanding Special Education Teacher Award. This award is given on special education teachers across the U.S. who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and excellence in the field of special education.” Read more here.
How a First-Grader with Cerebral Palsy Helped Make His Playground more Inclusive
"While his classmates run and climb on Robinson Elementary School’s brand-new playground, 7-year-old Finn Hall has to stay on the sidelines. He can’t get on the equipment because Finn, who has cerebral palsy, is in a wheelchair. There are no ramps — only stairs — and on the ground level, there’s little Finn can do but navigate the bright green poles supporting the play structure." Read more here.
Virtually Awesome
Special Guest on Mondays with Michael
Self-Advocacy Skills for Students with IDD | Erin...

15 views, 1 likes, 1 loves, 1 comments, 0 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute: Erin Smithers, Director of the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project, joins us for a...

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Our Facebook Live series continued this month with episodes about summer planning, college options, and the Family Institute's 2023 Camp Guide. Our most recent episode featured special guest Erin Smithers, Director of the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project. Michael and Erin discussed the importance of self-advocacy and the different ways that students can practice these skills. Watch the video above to learn about how self-advocacy can be beneficial for the student and their family.
Mission to Transition
New Intake Form for Help with DDD
Are you a caregiver, individual or professional who needs help navigating the DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities) Application? The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute can assist you with questions or concerns. Please include as much information as you can when filling out the form. After you submit the information, a member of The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute staff will contact you.
Reality Tech
Assistive Technology for Auditory Processing
Understood.org recently published a new guide on assistive technology (AT) devices that help with auditory processing. This guide provides explanations about personal listening devices, sound field systems, text-to-speech software, and other AT tools. It also includes information about how to obtain and access these devices. Click the button to view the guide.
2023 Camp Guide from The Family Institute
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute has developed a checklist and guide to help families navigate the Children's System of Care (CSOC) camp application process. Completed applications must be postmarked or received by PerformCare by June 30th.
CSOC provides Summer Camp Services to eligible youth with IDD under the age of 21. These services include financial support for summer camp and one-to-one aide services for camp. For more information, visit the Family Institute's summer camp webpage by clicking the button below.
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The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thearcfamilyinstitute.org
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