The Arc of NJ Advocates on State & Federal Issues

The Arc of New Jersey was at the State House throughout the month of January, advocating for legislative proposals that will impact people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. This includes providing testimony before the Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee on legislation that would give families more flexibility on how they utilize respite services. We are also keeping a close watch on State Budget conversations. Thank you to everyone who participated in our action alert last month. We will continue to call on you in the weeks and months ahead as we work to protect critical funding that supports people with IDD, as well as promoting important priorities for this community. On the federal level, we are concerned about potential cuts or changes to the Medicaid program. If you haven't done so already, be sure to contact your member of Congress via The Arc US action alert, by clicking here.

The Arc Visits CTC Academy to Meet with Families, Tour Program

The Arc of New Jersey's Executive Director Tom Baffuto had the opportunity to visit the CTC Academy and speak to families about the services and supports their children need. CTC Academy is a non-profit organization that provides educational and therapeutic services for students with IDD. They have locations in Fair Lawn and Oakland. Tom toured the programs and spoke to families about a number of important issues, including transition from school to adult life. Also attending the visit was Paul Aronsohn, the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Save the Date for Upcoming Spring Celebrations!

As you plan for the spring, don't forget to mark your calendar for these upcoming celebrations hosted by The Arc of New Jersey. In May, we will hold our Annual Awards Dinner at the Imperia in Somerset. And in June, The Arc of New Jersey will celebrate our Executive Director Tom Baffuto and his years of service to our organization, at his retirement party which is also being held at the Imperia in Somerset. Questions? Contact Celine Fortin at cfortin@arcnj.org.

New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project Hosts Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Contest

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is an opportunity to promote respect for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and to educate others about the abilities people with IDD possess. Each year, The New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project hosts a Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month contest. The theme of this year’s contest is “Plan for Tomorrow, Act Today!" From February 1, through February 28, participants are invited to submit a short 3-5 minute video that incorporates the theme of this year’s campaign. The videos will be placed on NJSAP’s social media platforms (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and Twitter/X). Everyone is then invited to share their video and gather likes during the month of March. The top 3 posts with the highest amount of ‘likes’ on March 28, will be selected as the winners of this campaign. Winners will be announced and celebrated publicly at our Spring Luncheon on April 4, 2025. For additional details, click here.

Mark Your Calendar for Step Up Walks Starting Soon

Spring is on its way and Chapters are gearing up for their annual Step Up for The Arc Walks. Check out the listing of upcoming Step Up events and find one near you. Step Up For The Arc is an annual statewide initiative of The Arc of New Jersey, with walkathons held locally by many county chapters. It's a fun, healthy and easy way to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Pictured right is Associate Executive Director Celine Fortin at the 26th Annual Building Tomorrows 5k Run and Family Walk hosted by The Arc of Essex County.

Upcoming Webinars with the

NJ Self-Advocacy Project

Stay Healthy at Home webinars and Healthy Lifestyles Project LIVE! events are hosted throughout the month by the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project. Registration links for Stay Healthy at Home can be found here. This webinar series covers a variety of topics related to advocacy, life skills, employment, and civic engagement. Sessions are designed to be accessible to self-advocates, parents, and support staff. Live viewers can share comments, ask questions, and access resources. Live transcription is available. Healthy Lifestyles Project LIVE! events can be found here. This interactive series of events is hosted by the NJ Self-Advocacy Project and focuses on activities to promote health and wellness education for students and adults with IDD. Live viewers will be able to share comments, ask questions, and participate in activities led by professionals in real time.

Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events

Check out what's happening this month or visit our calendar to see upcoming virtual and in-person events.

Thursday, February 6 at 2 pm - Special Smiles - Comprehensive Dental Care for Persons with Special Needs

Tuesday, February 11 at 1 pm - An Overview of SHA and their Updated Housing Guide

Wednesday, February 19, at 6 pm - Navigating Community-Based Instruction (CBI) for Students with Disabilities

Thursday, February 27, at 1 pm - Interdisciplinary Treatment Approaches for Youth with IDD and Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions

Friday, February 28 at 3 pm - NJ Statewide Self-Advocacy Network Panel

Share This Email