Providing support to persons with disabilities throughout their lifespan so they can achieve their highest level of independence in their community.

 

Consumer News

November 2026

Click below to access our interactive calendar:

November Recreation Event

Dinner & Bingo Night


Join DAWN for an evening of food, fun, and friendly competition at our Dinner & Bingo Night on Monday, November 16, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Elevengreen, formerly known as The Barn (11 Green Pond Road, Rockaway). Enjoy dinner with friends while playing bingo for a chance to win prizes. Attendees are asked to bring the amount they wish to spend on dinner and tip. We look forward to seeing you for a night of laughter, connection, and community!

Register Now: Annual Holiday Gala

Join us on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM for DAWN's Annual Holiday Gala. This festive afternoon will feature delicious food, dancing, singing, and holiday fun with friends and family. Thanks to the generosity of our partner, Holiday Express, all registered attendees will receive a gift bag to help spread a little extra holiday cheer.


The event will be held at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church in Randolph. Tickets are $10 per person ($5 for DAWN paid members) and include lunch, dessert, and soft drinks.


Registration must be submitted by November 30, 2026. All completed forms can be emailed to events@dawncil.org.

Enhanced Life Skills 2026

Gratitude & Giving Back


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 Gratitude & Giving Back ELS Class will take place on:

Tuesday, November 17th

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.

In the News

National Epilepsy Awareness Month


November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and show support for the millions of individuals and families affected by epilepsy. Approximately 3.4 million Americans, including more than 456,000 children, live with epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological conditions in the United States.


This year's theme, "Where Community Sparks Hope," highlights the power of connection, understanding, and support. By learning more about epilepsy and seizure first aid, we can help create more inclusive and informed communities. Epilepsy affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, and an estimated 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy during their lifetime.


During November, we encourage everyone to take a moment to learn more about epilepsy and how to support those who live with it. Something as simple as wearing purple, learning seizure first aid, or sharing information can help raise awareness and foster understanding. By working together, we can help create a community where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered.

National Epilepsy Awareness Month Kick-Off Webinar


Join ESNJ for the National Epilepsy Awareness Month Kick-Off Webinar! On Monday, November 9, from 12:00-1:00 PM EST, participants will learn about this year's National Epilepsy Awareness Month initiatives and ways to get involved throughout November. The webinar will also include a live seizure recognition and response training, providing valuable information on how to recognize seizures and respond safely and effectively. This is a great opportunity to build awareness, gain practical skills, and support individuals living with epilepsy.

 

Project Self Sufficiency's Season of Hope


Season of Hope helps families in Sussex and Northern Warren counties provide holiday gifts for their children during the holiday season. Through this annual program, eligible families can register to receive assistance and shop for free holiday gifts for their children.


Families interested in participating must register in person at Project Self-Sufficiency and provide proof of residence and child verification documents for each child they wish to register. Registration information is kept strictly confidential.


By connecting local families with holiday resources, the Season of Hope Program helps ensure that children throughout our community can experience the joy of the holiday season while easing some of the financial burden many families face this time of year.

Medicaid Changes Could Impact New Jersey Residents


Significant changes to Medicaid eligibility and enrollment requirements are scheduled to take effect over the next several years following the passage of H.R. 1. Advocates estimate that 350,000 or more New Jersey residents could lose health care coverage as a result of these changes.


Beginning in January 2027, some adults receiving Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act Expansion will be subject to new work and eligibility verification requirements. Additional changes, including copay requirements for certain enrollees, are planned for future years.


Individuals who receive Medicaid are encouraged to keep their contact information up to date, check their mail regularly, and carefully review any notices regarding their benefits. Missing important deadlines or paperwork could affect coverage.


For more information and resources on these upcoming changes, visit Disability Rights New Jersey.

National Survey on Health and Disability Seeks Participants


The National Survey on Health and Disability (NSHD) is now seeking responses from adults with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or other physical, mental, or emotional health conditions. Conducted by researchers at the University of Kansas, the survey gathers information on topics such as health care access, housing, transportation, health insurance, and community participation.


The data collected helps ensure the experiences and perspectives of people with disabilities are represented in national research and policy discussions. Participation is open to anyone age 18 or older, including individuals who may not identify as having a disability.

The survey has also partnered with 360 Direct Access to provide Deaf participants with access to ASL support for survey completion and questions.

Sussex County Transit Questionnaire


Sussex County is currently reviewing and updating its transit service plans to better meet the transportation needs of older adults, individuals with disabilities, residents with low or fixed incomes, and others who may be underserved by public transportation.

If you live in Sussex County, we encourage you to take a few minutes to complete a brief survey. Your feedback will help identify community transportation needs and guide future improvements to transit services throughout the county.

 
66 Ford Road, Suite 121
Denville, NJ 07834
973-625-1940
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