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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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Zoom With Us
IEP Meetings Don't Have to Be Scary
Wednesday, March 9th, 2022
6 to 7pm

You read that title right! This discussion will help parents feel prepared and confident when attending their child's IEP meeting. Join Michael Pearson Jr., Assistant Director of Children's Advocacy, as he shares strategies for a productive IEP meeting and gives specific examples of what parents can ask for and how to effectively voice any concerns. Parents are an important part of the IEP Team, and we're here to make sure that you're equipped for success.
In The News
NJ Kids Who Lost Special Ed. Services Due to COVID Can Get More Help, But Deadline is Looming
"Under the current rules, most parents have until around March 18 — the second anniversary of the day most New Jersey schools switched to remote learning at the start of the pandemic — to file a claim for a hearing in the state Office of Administrative Law covering the full time schools were closed.
Under a new state law being considered in Trenton, that deadline would be expended to Sept. 1, 2023."
College Plans to Open Residence Hall for Students with Autism
"Gatta said Kinney officials have heard from parents and students who wanted a residential option that was 'autism-friendly' and would allow them to build community without all the noise and 'sensory overload' of a large dorm with hundreds of students and shared bathrooms." Read more here.
Virtually Awesome
New Series: Mondays with Michael
Join us every Monday at 10am on Facebook Live for a brief update from Michael Pearson Jr., Assistant Director of Children's Advocacy at The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute. Each week, Michael will share new information about special education in New Jersey or feature a helpful resource from The Family Institute. Some topics include:
  • IEPs vs. 504 Plans
  • Compensatory Education
  • Extended School Year
  • DDD Services for Students Who are 21
  • Many More!

No need to register, just visit our Facebook page every Monday at 10am. You can also turn on notifications so you don't miss any events!
Mission to Transition
Planning for Transition: Why It's Vital for Your Student's Future
Tuesday, March 8th
6:00 - 7:30pm

The transition planning process includes evaluating the student’s skills, abilities, strengths, challenges, and preferences to envision their life after leaving school. Planning involves setting goals for the student to strive toward and identifying the need for supports. Carrying out the transition plan can begin and should be a part of the student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). Students and families must be actively involved in the transition planning process as early as possible and keep it moving forward. This presentation discusses the importance of planning, the steps necessary to plan, and provides hands–on tools to put a plan in place.
Reality Tech
Assistive Technology (AT) Town Halls with ATAC

The Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) has developed a virtual Community of Practice to share information, resources, and strategies for AT during the COVID pandemic. The group began as weekly town hall meetings related to AT, but has attracted professionals from across the country with the goal of improving accessibility to AT and meeting the needs of students who require it. Click the button below to learn more, and to register for upcoming sessions.
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The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thearcfamilyinstitute.org
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