Table Talk: A Special Education Update

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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Mondays with Michael

Our weekly Facebook Live Series Mondays with Michael began its mini-series on transition services this month. Our first two episodes were about student entitlements in transition and how to make college a reality. Join us next week for an overview of transition assessments and services. You can also click the button below to visit the archive and view previous episodes.

If you're new to the series, each episode is a 10-15 minute discussion about a topic related to special education or services for children with IDD and their families. Episodes take place every Monday at 10am on our Facebook page. No registration is required, just visit our page on Mondays at 10am to attend, and remember to leave a comment!

Archived Recordings

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 November Education Advocate of the Month is Stephanie Gellenthin! We asked Stephanie to share her experience as an advocate for her son and included some of her responses below.

In The News

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Santa Arrives at Bridgewater Commons for 2023 Season

"For guests with special needs including and beyond that of autism, Bridgewater Commons will host Santa Cares on Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (International Day of Persons with Disabilities).

In partnership with The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute and Parents With a Plan, the center will welcome children and adults within all spectrums of special needs and their families to their sensory-friendly event to experience the time-honored tradition of a visit and photos with Santa." Read more here.

This Parsippany Gym is Helping Students with Disabilities Find a "Sense of Purpose"

"For now, Frances Vargas is getting experience at Crunch as part of a new work-based learning partnership with the Calais School, a private school in Whippany for students with disabilities. Five of them work at Crunch three days a week, for a couple of hours each day.

Students at the high school and its 12 Plus program for those ages 18 to 21 can also intern in interior design, child care, and fashion and food retail, among other fields." Read more here.

Mission to Transition

2023 Hudson County Transition Conference and Resource Fair

The Hudson County Transition Conference and Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm at County Prep High School, 525 Montgomery Street, Jersey City, New Jersey.

Students, parents, caregivers, and professionals are all welcome to attend the event which will include guest speakers covering topics such as:

Guardianship
Transportation
DDD Services
DVRS Services

Reality Tech

NJDOE's Assistive Technology Resources

The New Jersey Department of Education has created an assistive technology(AT) resource page to inform students and families about the right to assistive technology in IEPs and 504 plans. The page includes federal and state regulations for AT, organizations to contact for support, and training for how to use specific devices.

Learn More

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The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thearcfamilyinstitute.org

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