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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Governmental Affairs Update
The Arc of New Jersey has continued to advocate on behalf of people with I/DD and their families and weigh in with legislators via virtual committee hearings throughout the pandemic. In recent weeks, we appeared before the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, the Senate Labor Committee, the Assembly Human Services Committee and the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee. READ MORE HERE.
The Arc of New Jersey Hosts Family Caregiver Event
Events in 2020 have looked much different than in years past, and our November 20th National Family Caregiver event was no exception. Although the annual event was moved online this year, it may have been our most successful to date. Members of the New Jersey Legislature and Administration stopped by (virtually) to celebrate National Family Caregivers Month and to discuss the challenges facing people with I/DD, DSPs, and family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Family members shared their experiences supporting loved ones with I/DD, and talked about the importance of DSPs, much needed COVID vaccinations, and the shift to virtual services. Honored guests included Senate President Steve Sweeney, DHS Commissioner Carole Johnson, Assembly Transportation Chairman Dan Benson, and Assembly Human Services Chairwoman Joann Downey.
New Jersey's United Healthcare Community Plan Ends Contract with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
In past years, there was talk of UHCCP ending its affiliation with CHOP, but, luckily, the contract between these two organizations remained intact in the past. However, this year is different, and as of December 1st, the contract has been terminated. Many families of children with I/DD and other significant healthcare needs are very concerned about this change in access to CHOP. CLICK HERE for some frequently asked questions about the termination of the contract between UHCCP and CHOP.
Use Amazon Smile to Support The Arc of New Jersey
Make a difference this holiday season. Do your shopping this year at smile.amazon.com/ch/22-1665355 to generate donations for The Arc of New Jersey at no extra cost to you! Find more instructions here.
EdgeUcation
Kids Corner
Schools Have Struggled To Fulfill IEPs Amid Pandemic, Government Report Finds
report out this month from the Government Accountability Office dives into how schools managed special education and services for English learners during the switch to distance learning in the spring of the 2019-2020 academic year, finding that by and large, they struggled.
The Family Institute Sponsors 'Santa Cares' Event
The December 3rd Santa Cares event at Bridgewater Commons welcomed people of all ages for socially-distanced visits with Santa. The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute was happy to be in attendance and offer guests information about the different programs at The Arc of New Jersey. This sensory-friendly event allowed visitors to have their picture taken with Santa before the holiday shopping crowds arrived. See us featured on mycentraljersey.com.
2021 Special Education Webinar Series
The Family Institute is proud to announce a new webinar series focusing on special education, beginning in January 2021. Each one-hour webinar will be presented by a different professional in the field and will explore topics such as assistive technology, inclusive classrooms, postsecondary preparation, and anti-bullying initiatives. Register for the first webinar below:

Thursday, January 7th at 1:00 pm: Person-Centered Planning in Schools, presented by Michael Steinbruck, MA.
Michael is a Senior Training & Consultation Specialist at The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities. Mr. Steinbruck’s programmatic focus is on developing the Person-Centered Approaches in Schools and Transition (PCAST) project. He provides training and technical assistance related to the development and delivery of person-centered thinking and planning, and works with schools on implementation of person-centered approaches and related organizational improvement efforts.
Please Consider Donations as Holiday Gifts This Year
2020 has been a year like no other. As we have all struggled through the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals with I/DD and their families have faced even greater challenges.
The Arc of New Jersey has been working tirelessly to connect individuals with I/DD and their families to services and to make sure no one is forgotten. We have also advocated tirelessly to ensure that people with I/DD are safe and have access to ways to reduce their social isolation.
As we continue to face this pandemic, please consider a donation to The Arc of New Jersey. Your gift will ensure that we are here to help many more individuals and their families in the future.
Mission to Transition
Kean and County College of Morris (CCM) College Steps VIRTUAL Tour
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Register below to attend this virtual tour of the College Steps program. The mission of College Steps is to provide supplemental support for students living with social, communication and learning disabilities. The primary goal of College Steps is to support the unique needs of students while preparing them for meaningful careers and increased autonomy after college.
Navigating the System
Funding Environmental Modifications Through DDD
Our newest fact sheet gives examples of environmental modifications and explains how the need for them is identified. This 2-page sheet also clarifies the steps for accessing environmental modifications and provides resources to fund items that an individual may need.
Early Intervention Podcast
Sharing Perspectives is an interview-style podcast featuring Early Intervention practitioners, parents, provider agencies, and other professionals in the EI field. Each interview will consist of questions submitted by parents and professionals with the goal of providing clarity and awareness to Early Intervention services in New Jersey. This podcast provides the listener with a new way to obtain information surrounding EI, and encourages constructive conversations about particular topics. Check out our newest episode:

  • Interview with Eileen Mastricova, Senior Director of Children's Services, The Arc of Union County
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thefamilyinstitute@arcnj.org