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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.
Free
Online
Workshops
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute offers FREE virtual presentations for families and professional staff looking to learn more about developmental disabilities and available supports and services. All of our presentations are customizable to fit your group's needs.
Virtually Awesome
Person-Centered Approaches in Schools and Transition
Thursday, January 7th, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Michael Steinbruck, MA
The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities

The PCAST project provides training and long-term assistance in schools that introduces a more collaborative and person-centered approach to planning and supports. It provides specific thinking skills and tools that are built around a highly collaborative process. One that values and respects all participants. In this overview presentation, participants will learn in a casual and comfortable online environment about these approaches and efforts which have been in practice in New Jersey schools over the past decade.
CLICK HERE for all of our 2021 special education webinars.
Basic Rights in Special Education
Wednesday, January 13th, 12:00pm - 1:15pm

Join SPAN for this presentation which provides families with an introduction to their rights and responsibilities as parents of children with special needs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the New Jersey Code, and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act.
In The News
Their son had autism. Mom didn't speak English well. COVID-19 put school online: One family's fight for special ed services
Ever since Carlos Tejada was diagnosed with autism at 13 months old, his parents have struggled to find him the right services. It was not for lack of trying. His mother, Adelaida Checo, attended more than a dozen meetings to discuss his special education plan at the Jersey City elementary school the boy started at age 3. Read the full article here.
Need someone to watch your kids during remote learning? N.J. extends child care funding through Jan. 31.
New Jersey families who need help paying for child care for kids who are home remote learning will get at least another month of state subsidies, state officials announced Monday. Read the full article here.
Mission to Transition
Zoom With Us:
College Options for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Thursday, February 18th, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

College can be a great option for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). A growing number of programs offer varied opportunities to learn academic, career, and independent living skills as they prepare for employment. Join The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute as we discuss different programs offered in New Jersey and possible ways to pay for college. Additionally, we will discuss how to write IEP goals for post-secondary options when working with the Child Study Team.

This is an online event. After you register, you will receive the link to join the meeting a few days before the event.
Project SEARCH Class of 2022 Applications Now Open
Applications are now available for students interested in being a part of the Project SEARCH program at Overlook Medical Center's class of 2022. Interested candidates must apply to be considered for acceptance into the program. Students are referred by their school district and apply in the spring of the year before entering the program. Space is limited to approximately 8-10 students, per site, each year. The selection is carried out by members of the Project SEARCH Advisory Committee.
Prep 4 Success
IEP Go Bag
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute's IEP Go Bag is a one-stop-shop for parents preparing for their child's IEP meeting. It is a compilation of information, resources, and tips which will help parents become more confident advocates for their child's education.


Reality Tech
Using Alexa to Assist with Special Education
Virtual assistants like Amazon’s Alexa are becoming more and more prevalent. The Arc of the United States teamed up with the education team at Amazon to explore ways to better communicate how these devices can help with at-home learning for children with special needs – including a new infographic (which you can view by clicking the image of the left). With Alexa Blueprints and Alexa Routines, students can now track upcoming events on their calendar, create study resources, or even make appointments – all without needing to open their computer. Teachers can use Alexa to prepare for upcoming lessons, create quizzes and offer Q&A resources to students. With feedback from parents and educators, Alexa Blueprints now offers a feature that focuses on helping students regulate their emotions. Parents, educators, support professionals, and students themselves can access breathing and meditation exercises, calming music and even a “glow” that changes in color and intensity, all ways to help with self-regulation. It also features the capacity to build “social stories” that model desired routines and good behaviors. Check out this User Guide for more information.
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The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thefamilyinstitute@arcnj.org
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