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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)!

Each October, we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to recognize the valuable contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce and to promote inclusive employment opportunities for all. What began in 1945 as a weeklong observance honoring workers with physical disabilities has evolved into a nationwide celebration of the talents, skills, and achievements of people with all types of disabilities.

This year's NDEAM theme, "Celebrating Value and Talent," continues the spirit of recognizing the unique strengths and contributions that people with disabilities bring to our workplaces, communities, and economy. The 2026 observance also aligns with the nation's Freedom 250 celebration, highlighting the important role that workers with disabilities have played, and continue to play, in shaping our country's success.

At DAWN, we are proud to support employment opportunities that promote independence, inclusion, and equal access. Throughout the month, we encourage everyone to celebrate the value, talent, and accomplishments of workers with disabilities and to help build workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

October Events

Annual Halloween Dance

Put on your favorite costume and join us for a spooktacular evening of music, dancing, and Halloween fun at DAWN’s annual Halloween Dance! The event will take place at the Church of the Saviour Parish Hall in Denville, where guests can enjoy a festive atmosphere and light refreshments. Costumes are encouraged (but not required), so come ready to celebrate, socialize, and dance the night away with friends old and new!

When? Friday, October 23rd

from 6-9:00pm

Enhanced Life Skills 2026

Understanding Community Employment Supports

Join us for our Enhanced Life Skills class on Understanding Community Employment Supports. In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, this in-person workshop will give participants the opportunity to learn about employment resources in our local community.

Our Understanding Community Employment Supports ELS Class will take place on:

Tuesday, October 20

6:00–8:00 PM (check-in at 5:45 PM)

66 Ford Road, Upstairs Classroom

Denville, NJ 07834

Enhanced Life Skills classes are held every third Tuesday of the month and offer practical, real‑world tools for communication, self‑advocacy, social confidence, and independent living.

Click here to access the full class schedule for 2026.

To sign up for future classes, click the class title in the link above.

Thank You for Joining Us at Our Annual Picnic!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended DAWN’s Annual Picnic! It was wonderful to see so many individuals, families, staff, and community members come together for a day filled with food, fun, laughter, and connection. Your enthusiasm and participation helped make the event a great success, and we are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our community together. We look forward to seeing you at future DAWN events!

In the News

New Special Education Self-Advocacy Guide Available

Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ) has released a new resource, Navigating Your Rights to Special Education in New Jersey: A Self-Advocacy Guide, designed to help parents, guardians, students with disabilities, and advocates better understand the special education process. The guide covers common topics related to obtaining appropriate special education services and supports, while providing practical tips, important timelines, and references to state and federal laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This easy-to-use resource aims to empower families and students to advocate for a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and ensure meaningful participation in educational decision-making. Families interested in learning more are encouraged to download and review the guide below.

New Parkinson’s Disease Support Resources Available

The West Morris Area YMCA, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, continues to offer a free monthly Parkinson’s Disease Support Group for individuals living with Parkinson’s and their care partners. The group provides a welcoming space to connect with others, share experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive support while navigating the challenges of Parkinson’s disease. Meetings are held at the West Morris Area YMCA in Randolph and are open to anyone diagnosed with Parkinson’s as well as family caregivers.

In addition, the West Morris Area YMCA and Jewish Family Service of MetroWest NJ offer a monthly Caregiver Support Group for adults caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease or an older adult. This free program is designed to help caregivers build coping skills, reduce stress, and become more effective care partners while connecting with others facing similar experiences. Pre-registration is required.

DDD & Rutgers Offer Person-Centered Planning Workshop

The New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), in partnership with Rutgers University's Community Living Education Project (CLEP), is offering an in-person workshop titled "Using Conversations & Tools to Build a Person-Centered Life." This training is designed for self-advocates, family members, caregivers, support coordinators, and service providers who support individuals transitioning from family homes, nursing facilities, or other congregate settings into community living.

Participants will learn practical tools and strategies that promote self-direction, informed choice, and meaningful community inclusion. The workshop focuses on person-centered planning techniques that help individuals identify their goals, preferences, and supports needed for successful community living.

The workshop will be offered on two dates and locations:

• October 20, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM in Paramus (Bergen County)
• October 29, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM in Hamilton (Mercer County)

Those interested are encouraged to register for the location and date that works best for them. This is a valuable opportunity to gain skills and resources that support greater independence, choice, and inclusion in community life.