May the 4th be with EVERY body! From every planet, every ability—belonging matters. Let’s build a more inclusive galaxy together. ✨ | | Leveling the Field: Accessible World Cup Experiences for all New Jersey Fans | | |
World Cup 2026 is coming! The games start on June 11 and run through July 19. It takes place every four years, and for soccer fans, the World Cup is always a big deal. This year, the World Cup is an especially big deal for fans in the New York/New Jersey area because New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium will be hosting eight matches, including the much-anticipated final game on Sunday, July 19.
So no one is left out of the excitement, we put together this guide to help fans with disabilities in New Jersey get the most out of their World Cup 2026 experience.
| | Preparing for Life After Graduation? Steps to Take During the Spring Months | | |
Turning 21 can be a big milestone for people with disabilities because it signals the end of school-based services and the transition to adult services. Now with graduation on the horizon, there are important things to do so you’re well-prepared for graduation and life afterward.
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Join us on social media and see how we’re building more inclusive communities every day.
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Using Conversations and Tools to Build a Person-Centered Life
Together with New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities, the Community Living Education Project is hosting a workshop called "Using Conversations and Tools to Build a Person-Centered Life."
This workshop is for self-advocates, families/caregivers, support coordinators, and provider agencies who support individuals moving out of a family home, a nursing facility or other congregate setting and into a home or apartment in the community.
You'll walk away with practical tools and skills to support choice, community inclusion, and person-centered supports. We'll also share helpful resources to build a life of choice in the community.
Choose to attend either on Wednesday, June 10 in Middlesex County or Tuesday, June 16 in Burlington County. Participation is FREE.
Wednesday, June 10
8:30am - 3:45pm
Professional Conference Center at ESNJ
1690 Stelton Road, Piscataway (Middlesex County)
OR
Tuesday, June 16
8:30am - 3:45pm
In-Person: Burlington County Emergency Services Training Center
53 Academy Drive, Westampton (Burlington County)
| | Upcoming Events From Our Partners | | | | |
Domestic Violence and People With Disabilities: What We Can Do (Part 3)
Join The Arc of New Jersey's Self-Advocacy Program for a 4-part series on Domestic Violence and People with Disabilities. This third webinar will be about What We Can Do.
Ember Maselli, MSW is a social worker, researcher, and trainer with over a decade of experience working at the intersections of domestic violence, mental health, and substance use. Ember has conducted and supported mixed-methods research, evaluation, and training initiatives to inform healthcare, social services, education, and public policy. Ember leads with survivor-centered, peer-led approaches, with a focus on equity and accessibility. They have a special interest in disability justice, traumatic brain injury, and people with lived experience working in the DV movement. Ember holds a MSW from Florida State University, and lives in Chicago, IL with her daughter and two dogs.
Tuesday, May 5
2:00pm EST
Virtual
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Alternatives to Guardianship for People with Developmental Disabilities
Medical providers, families, and schools often treat guardianship as the default for adults with developmental disabilities, viewing it as harmless and inevitable. There are risks and downsides to guardianship, even when the guardian is acting in good faith. There are numerous formal and informal alternatives to guardianship that allow people with developmental disabilities to communicate preferences and direct their own lives, while still receiving support from family, friends, and professionals. This presentation will discuss alternatives to guardianship, why alternatives are important, what the alternatives are, and practical tools for implementing these tools in professional and family settings.
Friday, May 8
10:00 AM EST
Virtual
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Adventure Aquarium Sensory Sundays
Adventure Aquarium is committed to creating an inclusive, entertaining, and educational experience for all guests, including those with autism and other sensory sensitivities, for whom a typical trip to the Aquarium can be much more challenging.
As part of an ongoing effort to create an inclusive experience for those with sensory challenges, Adventure Aquarium hosts special sensory-inclusive hours called Sensory Sundays, presented by Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, which take place on the second Sunday of every month from 9:30-10:30 a.m. (the Aquarium’s first hour of operation).
During the Sensory Sunday hour, the Aquarium will lower the music, soften the lights, and reduce the crowds, all in an effort to create the most enjoyable experience for guests with autism or other sensory needs and their families.
Sunday, May 10
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EST
In-Person: 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ
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New Jersey Youth Transition Collective Webinar on ABLE Accounts
Values Into Action's Youth Transition Collective is hosting a webinar with Ursula Baker from the Division of Disability Services. She'll share what her office does as the one-stop shop for disability resources in New Jersey. She'll also touch on ABLE accounts and the benefits they can bring while planning for a secure financial future.
Wednesday, May 13
5:00pm - 6:00pm EST
Virtual
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Let's Dance! Adults with Disabilities Dance Party
Join the Monroe Township Community Affairs for a night of fun, dancing, and friendship. Come enjoy an evening of great music with our DJ, light refreshments, and an opportunity to connect with new friends.
This event is open to anyone over 18 with disabilities in the local area and it's completely free for all attendees.
Friday, May 15
6:30pm - 8:30pm EST
In-Person: Pfeiffer Community Center, 301 Blue Bell Road, Williamstown, NJ
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Restore Funding to NJ Centers for Independent Living Rally
Join the Centers for Independent Living (CIL) for a rally to help restore $3 million in funding!
New Jersey's proposed state budget eliminates $3 million in funding for CILs…reducing it to $0.
CILs help people with disabilities:
- Live independently
- Avoid institutionalization
- Access jobs and community life
- Build skills for everyday living
Stand with advocates, families, and community members to demand:
- Restore the $3 million
- Protect community-based services
- Support independence and dignity
Monday, May 18
10:00am - 12:30pm EST
In-person: NJ State House Annex, 145 West State Street, Trenton
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4th Annual NJ Integrated Mental Health Conference
Explore how a unified approach to mental wellness can support individuals through every life stage-from early development to aging. This conference will emphasize the importance of continuity, community collaboration, and adaptive strategies that meet evolving psychological needs over time, fostering resilience and quality of life throughout the human experience.
Wednesday, May 27
9:00am - 4:30pm EST
In-Person: Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, Asbury Park
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Bergen County Inclusion Day
Join the Bergen County Board of Commissioners for an inclusive day of fun at the Bergen County Zoo for Bergen County residents of all ages and abilities. Registration is required.
Friday, May 29
11:00am - 4:00pm EST
In-Person: Bergen County Zoo, Van Saun County Park
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6th Annual Disability Pride Parade and Community Inclusion Fair
A free, fun, family day with performances, presentations, resource tables, family activities, and more! Special guest speaker Patrice Jetter and Steve Way.
Starts at the corner of Church Street and Bloomfield Avenue. Culminates at the Wellmont Arts Plaza, 5 Seymour St.
Saturday, May 30 (Rain Date: Sunday, May 31)
12:00pm - 3:00pm EST
In-Person: Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
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Domestic Violence and People With Disabilities: Building Connections (Part 4)
Join The Arc of New Jersey's Self-Advocacy Program for a 4-part series on Domestic Violence and People with Disabilities. This third webinar will be about What We Can Do.
Ember Maselli, MSW is a social worker, researcher, and trainer with over a decade of experience working at the intersections of domestic violence, mental health, and substance use. Ember has conducted and supported mixed-methods research, evaluation, and training initiatives to inform healthcare, social services, education, and public policy. Ember leads with survivor-centered, peer-led approaches, with a focus on equity and accessibility. They have a special interest in disability justice, traumatic brain injury, and people with lived experience working in the DV movement. Ember holds a MSW from Florida State University, and lives in Chicago, IL with her daughter and two dogs.
Tuesday, June 2
2:00pm EST
Virtual
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Save the Date! National Caregivers Conference
The National Caregivers Conference brings together family caregivers, professional caregivers, healthcare leaders, and advocates to explore emerging trends, best practices, and real-world solutions that strengthen caregiving nationwide.
Through expert-led sessions and meaningful discussion, attendees gain practical insight into healthcare policy, caregiver support systems, workforce challenges, disability services, and aging services. The conference serves as a trusted national platform for education, advocacy, and collaboration across sectors.
November 1-2, 2026
In-Person: Hyatt Regency Princeton
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New Jersey Partners in Policymaking - Applications Now Open!
New Jersey Partners in Policymaking is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 program!
New Jersey Partners in Policymaking is a leadership development and advocacy education program for adults with developmental disabilities (over age 21) and family members of children and transition age youth available through collaboration between New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities, The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development, and Disability Rights New Jersey.
Application Deadline: June 26, 2026
| | If you missed these recent live webinar discussions, we invite you to watch them and our other recordings on the Community Living Education Project's Youtube Channel. | | | | |
Understanding Sibling Guardianship: Preparing for Your New Role as Your Parents Age
Presented by presented by Hillary Freeman, Esq.
Webinar Date: February 11, 2025
Watch now
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When Everyone Depends on You: The Legal Roadmap to Supporting Aging Parents & Siblings with Disabilities
Presented by presented by Hillary Freeman, Esq.
Webinar Date: January 21, 2026
Watch now
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If you or someone you know have an intellectual and/or developmental disability and live in New Jersey, we can help -- FREE! We work one-on-one with individuals and families as mentors and guides to navigating all the different services, programs, and options available to you. From where to live to setting up services, to pursuing hobbies and interests, we'll help you make informed decisions that will allow you to live as integrated members of your community.
Please get in touch if we can help you! Email us at clep@sph.rutgers.edu or call (732) 235-3277.
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Please forward this email to your friends, colleagues, and families, and encourage them to subscribe and visit our website. Together we can make New Jersey a vibrant place for people with disabilities to live, work, and thrive!
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