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.

Statement from Katy Neas, CEO of The Arc US on ADA Anniversary

The Americans with Disabilities Act reshaped this country for the better. For the first time, people with disabilities had legal protections against discrimination and exclusion. It created a framework for access and sent a clear message: disabled people belong in every part of community life. I was a young Senate staffer in 1990 and had the opportunity to work on the ADA. I’ve spent the last 35 years working to uphold its promise. And I’ve never seen a more urgent moment than this one.


In the same month we mark this milestone, the federal government passed a budget that cuts nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid, a program that is the very foundation for inclusion. To continue reading, click here.

View this new video above from The Arc US which highlights the need for respect, support and high expectations to create equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

31 Summer Activities for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Upcoming Webinar

Planning for a Loved One with Special Needs: Planning for Two Lifetimes

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm


Every family is different, and each of us must create financial strategies with our circumstances in mind. This is especially true for families that care for children with special needs. Parents often need to consider the present as well as the future for their special needs child, including a future where parents are no longer managing their child's day-day needs and agenda. During this presentation, you will learn:


  • Why a special needs trust in a "must have" and how to fund it effectively,
  • How to save money for your retirement AND fund your special needs plan,
  • Discover what is an ABLE account and why you may want to open one.

Project Backpack

Project Backpack is a student-led initiative based in the Bergen County Academies, dedicated to ensuring every student has access to essential school supplies. They are proud to partner with Bergen’s Promise to launch a donation drive that equips underserved students with the tools they need to succeed, both in and out of the classroom. By working together, they hope to ease educational barriers and empower students to thrive in their learning environments. Scan the QR code or visit https://tinyurl.com/5e6zjtbn to learn more about how you can support their mission and help make a difference🎒

 
Kids Corner

21st Annual Autism Beach Bash Hosted by Autism Family Services of New Jersey

Sunday, September 7, 2025

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

14th Ave Beach, Belmar, NJ


The Annual Autism Beach Bash is our favorite day of the year—and for many families, the best day of theirs.


This free event brings together more than 3,000 attendees for a one-of-a-kind day of community and connection. Last year, 150 individuals with autism rode the waves with Surfers Healing, building confidence and creating lasting memories with every ride.


Join us for a full day of surf, music, sunshine, and good vibes at New Jersey’s largest autism-friendly event. It’s a rare chance to be among thousands of others who get what it means to live with autism, who share your experiences, and who welcome you just as you are. That’s more than community. That’s what belonging feels like. And that’s what this day is built to deliver.

 
Navigating the System

DMHAS Presents a Free Webinar: Behavioral Health Services for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and Behavioral Challenges

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Julie Gentile, MD is a Professor of Psychiatry at the Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University who specializes in treating individuals with I/DD and co-occurring mental illness.


She directs the Coordinating Center of Excellence in Mental Illness/Intellectual Disability in Ohio. The MI/ID CCOE is a partnership between the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS), the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), and Wright State University.


She will describe their telepsychiatry project and other services they provide to support practitioners

treating Individuals with I/DD, as well as how they coordinate systems to provide treatment and collaboration among service providers statewide.


The program will also include a presentation about the NJ START (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment,

Resources, and Treatment) programs, which aim to coordinate with existing services to offer a new level of person-centered crisis prevention and intervention for individuals with I/DD.

Maya Hu-Morabito, National Center for START Services Stephanie Farris, program Director, YAI- NJ START.

From Our Local Chapters of The Arc

The Arc Ocean - 70th Anniversary - Celebrate Casino Night


We’re elated to be hosting our 70th Anniversary Celebrate The Arc Casino Night again this year on Friday, October 3rd, 2025 in the Atlantis Ballroom at the Days Hotel by Wyndham in Toms River from 6:00 to 10:00pm to celebrate our momentous milestone.


Join us for a lively, upscale evening of good luck and good fortune, all for a great cause!


When: Friday, October 3, 2025 from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Where: Atlantis Ballroom at the Days Hotel by Wyndham in Toms River 

STAY CONNECTED

The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thefamilyinstitute@arcnj.org

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