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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DHS Leaders Celebrate DSP Recognition Week in Essex

The Arc of New Jersey thanks Department of Human Services Deputy Commissioner Kaylee McGuire, Assistant Commissioner Jon Seifried, and Policy Advisor Jack Teters for helping us celebrate Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. Hosted by The Arc of Essex County, Department leaders visited the Opportunity Zone in Maplewood, toured the facility, met DSPs and individuals who attend the program, and presented a proclamation from Governor Murphy to a very deserving group of Direct Support Professionals.

31 Education Resources for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Download The October Calendar Here

In-Person College Tour

Join us on Friday, October 20th from 10:00am-12:00pm for an in-person college tour of The Achievement Center at Raritan Valley Community College. Meet at The Achievement Center Building!

The Achievement Center at Raritan Valley Community College is a Three-Year Certificate-based, post-secondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities interested in developing their education and continuing to gain skills to enter the workforce or expand on their educational pursuits.

Fireside Chats

Fireside Chat with Dianna Maurone

October 11, 2023 at 6:00pm

Dianna is the Administrator of Information and Referral Services at the Department of Human Services - Division of Disability Services.

We will chat about how the Division of Disability Services (DDS) can help families navigate the system of care, Workability, The Personal Assistance Service Program (PASP) and the DDS Resource guide.

Fireside Chat with David Helfand

October 17, 2023 at 1:00pm

David is the Assistant Division Director of the Office of Community Services at the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).

Join us as we chat about what DMHAS offers and how David can assist a family when needed.

New Webinar

Turning 18: What Every Parent of a Child with Disabilities Needs to Know (Guardianship, Entitlements & Waiting Lists)

Monday, October 30, 2023 (NEW DATE)

6:00pm - 7:00pm

As children age, parents will be faced with decisions about guardianship and surrogate decision-making. In addition, the service delivery system changes dramatically as children exit the school system. Often, there are waiting lists for services. And federal entitlement programs, such as SSI and Medicaid can be confusing and hard to access. In this presentation, participants will learn about what to expect from the service system as a child transitions to adulthood and how to avoid common problems. This 90-minute presentation includes time for a Q&A session at the end.

Kids Corner

Special Dragons adaptive karate uses special education teachers and black-belts as instructors.

The adaptive karate lessons focus on improving coordination, motor control, sensory integration, attention span, conditioning and behavior management.

The goal is for your child to take the skills learned in class into the real world, and improve the quality if his/her life.

Learn More Here

Navigating the System

The 39th Annual NJSSAN Fall Conference

Saturday, October 14, 2023

9:30am - 12:30pm

Each year, the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project (NJSAP) and the New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network (NJSSAN) work together to host the annual Fall Conference. The event is an opportunity for Disability Advocates to network, learn about current advocacy issues, and attend professional development workshops. The theme of our 2023 conference is “Open Your Heart To Self-Advocacy''. The NJSSAN will take this opportunity to highlight the skills and experience of its current members. For the second time, NJSSAN Board members will serve as the event’s Keynote Speakers. Register to watch virtually for FREE. You will receive a Zoom link to watch online.

From Our Local Chapters of The Arc

The Arc of Camden's First Annual Night Of Chance

The Arc of Camden County proudly presents their first annual night of chance: Speakeasy or Say Nothing. It takes place on Friday, October 13th from 6:00pm - 10:00pm at Collingswood Grand Ballroom.

Ticket price includes:

Dinner, cocktails, casino games with professional dealers & a $50.00 chip to start your night.

Learn More Here

STAY CONNECTED

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

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