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.
Recognizing National Family Caregivers Month
On November 30, family caregivers from The Arc of New Jersey spoke to dignitaries and decision-makers about the challenges they face and their priorities for the service delivery system and policy that will impact their loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The virtual event included Department of Human Services Assistant Commissioner Jon Seifried, Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Assemblyman Dan Benson (pictured above). Families discussed a wide range of issues including employment, the Direct Support Professional workforce, funding needs for next year's budget and access to behavioral supports. We thank all of our honored guests who helped us acknowledge this important occasion. If you are a family caregiver in need of support or assistance navigating the service delivery system, please visit The Arc of NJ's Family Institute website here or email the director at Lford@arcnj.org. To read our Family Caregivers Month special edition newsletter,click here.
FI's Fireside Chat

Introducing FI's Fireside Chat Series. A series of chats with experts in their field as it relates to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our first chat is on Wednesday, December 15th at 6pm with Beverly Roberts, the Director of Mainstreaming Medical Care.


Yes! Your Child Can Work
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute is pleased to host this webinar presented by Project HIRE which will discuss reasons to work, entitlement programs vs. eligibility, who can help and what services are available.

Yes! Your Child Can Work
Tuesday, December 14th
6 to 7pm
Winter Zoom With Us Series
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute invites you to Zoom With Us. Join us each month to discuss a topic that affects children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Our next topic will be:

My Student Just Turned 18- What Do I Need to Do!
January 11th from 6-7pm
2021-2022 Special Education Webinar Series
Our Special Education Webinar Series provides students, parents, and professionals with valuable information about trending topics in special education. Each webinar will be 45 minutes in length, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A with our guest presenters. Our January webinar is entitled:

Supporting Students with ADHD
Thursday, January 13th from 6-7pm
Kids Corner
Therapeutic horseback riding is a form of recreational horseback riding adapted to meet the needs of individuals with varying levels of physical and cognitive abilities. Horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait. As a result, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength. For individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem.
Navigating the System
The National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC), a program of CHADD, was established to be the national clearinghouse for the latest evidence-based information on ADHD.  It is primarily funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD). The NRC serves as a National Public Health Practice and Resource Center with the mission to provide:

Information
Education and;
Consultation about assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and issues of health and well-being for children with ADHD and their families.

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LACE Learning At College Experience
The LACE program located is intended to assist students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in an educational and social setting.
Emphasis is placed on maintaining and increasing social and academic skills, specifically in the following areas:

  • Life skills
  • Social skills
  • Language arts literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Social studies
  • Health
  • Independent living skills

Students are assigned to different sections for academic purposes and join together at various times for group interaction and guest presenters. Electives are woven into the curriculum.
From Our Local Chapters of The Arc

SCARC- Sussex County Arc

SCARC Guardianship Services, Inc. accepts the appointment of Guardian for adults with developmental disabilities who need a readily available guardian to act on their behalf. The organization serves as the sole guardian, co-guardian, or personal advocate for the individual.

SCARC accepts the appointment of a successor guardian for families who plan ahead to ensure that their loved one always has a Guardian even when they are no longer able or are here to serve in that capacity. Parents express tremendous relief and peace of mind when they have successfully planned for the organization to serve as the successor guardian for their child. SCARC Guardianship Services, Inc. makes a lifelong commitment and promise to the people for whom we serve and the families who have entrusted us with this important role.
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thefamilyinstitute@arcnj.org