The Family Advocate Newsletter

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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Wings for All Event Gives Children and Adults with IDD the Chance to Practice Navigating Air Travel

The Arc of New Jersey and The Arc of Essex County hosted a Wings for All Event at Newark Liberty International Airport on December 2. The event was supported by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, United Airlines, and the Transportation Security Administration. Parents and guardians had the chance to take their loved ones through the airport check-in and receive boarding passes (in this case, to the “North Pole”), visit Terminal A’s new Sensory Room, go through the security checkpoint, navigate the airport terminal, wait at the gate, board an aircraft, and find their seats. A big thank you to everyone who made this event such a success. To read more, c lick her e.

Pictured below, center, is Tom Baffuto, The Arc of New Jersey's Executive Director, and staff of The Arc of NJ who volunteered to assist with the Wings for All event.

31 Resources for Scheduling and Time Management

Download The January Calendar Here

CSOC Summer Camp Services 2024

For 2024, the Children's System of Care (CSOC) will be providing Summer Camp Services to eligible children, youth, and young adults under 21 years of age. These services include Financial Support toward Summer Camp Tuition and One-to-One Aide Services for Summer Camp.

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) and CSOC are offering Alternative Recreational Sessions (ARS) as an additional component of Summer Camp. ARS provides youth an opportunity to engage in a recreational activity with peers within the community, on a per session basis, rather than a full day of camp. This shorter time frame will increase camp access for youth who may benefit from a brief structured period compared to a longer traditional camp day.

Completed applications for CSOC Summer Camp Services (Financial Support toward Summer Camp Tuition and One-to-One Aide Services for Summer Camp) must be postmarked or received by PerformCare no later than June 30th, 2024. Your application must be complete for the services requested for it to be considered.

Parents and Guardians can now apply online for CSOC Summer Camp Services through the PerformCare Family Portal https://apps.performcarenj.org/CYBERPortal/Production/Default.aspx

The Arc of New Jersey Fa mily Institute developed a checklist and guide to help you with CSOC's camp application process. Links, dates and other important information can be found in the materials below.

Click Here to Download the 2024 Guide

Click Here to Download the 2024 Checklist

New Webinar

When Parents Collect Social Security: How Parents' Social Security Benefits Impact Adult Children with IDD

Presenter: Connor Griffin

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Are you planning to collect your Social Security benefits and wondering how this will affect your adult child with disabilities?

Questions and concerns often arise when parents are planning to collect their own Social Security and they have a son/daughter with disabilities who receives SSI and Medicaid. This presentation will discuss how to navigate those changes that may affect your adult child as you consider retirement.

Kids Corner

YMCA Diverse Abilities Programs

The Hamilton area YMCA hosts Diverse Abilities Programs focused on personal goals and individual achievement. These programs promote peer and family interaction in a fun, healthy, and safe environment. Participants ages 5 and up can enjoy a variety of instructional, social, and sports programs ranging from Aquatics to Zumba, each designed to meet their individual needs, interests and capabilities.

Learn More Here

Navigating the System

Reopening of the Assistive Technology Program

The Children’s System of Care (CSOC) is pleased to announce the reopening of the Assistive Technology program for youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities up to age 21. Effective 12/15/2023, CSOC will resume accepting new Family Support Services (FSS) applications for Assistive Technology requests.

Interested families may call Perform Care (1-877-652-7624) to request Assistive Technology services and complete the FSS application over the phone.

Learn More Here

From Our Local Chapters of The Arc

The Arc of Monmouth - New Day Habilitation Center

The Arc of Monmouth has completed construction of its new Day Habilitation Center.

It will provide healthcare services as well as supported housing, case management, support for caregivers and families, life skills training, social and emotional support, and independent living programs.

The project, slated to open in February 2024, houses a variety of individualized areas including sensory and quiet rooms, a computer area, gym, and three kitchens.

Learn More Here

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

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