The Future Years

05/07/2025

🌟 May 2025 Events for the I/DD Community in New Jersey

🎨 Art Fair 14C – Jersey City
🗓️ May 8–11
📍 157B 1st Street, Jersey City, NJ
Experience the vibrant works of artists with disabilities at New Jersey’s premier art fair. The Matheny Arts Access Program will showcase unique pieces, highlighting the talents of artists with disabilities.
🔗 More Info https://artsaccessprogram.org/events/artists-with-disabilities-head-to-jersey-city-for-prestigious-art-fair/

🎉 Disability Pride Parade and Community Inclusion Fair
🗓️ May 18
📍 [Location details to be confirmed]
Celebrate diversity and inclusion at this free event featuring a parade, resource fair, and entertainment for all ages.
🔗 Event Information https://artsaccessprogram.org/events/artists-with-disabilities-head-to-jersey-city-for-prestigious-art-fair/

🎓 DDD Transition to Adult Services Webinar
🗓️ May 8, 6–7 PM
📍 Online
Learn about the transition process to adult services through New Jersey’s Division of Developmental Disabilities.
🔗 Register Here https://nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/individuals/transition/transitionevents.shtml

🧭 Navigating the DDD Service System Webinar
🗓️ May 15, 12–1 PM
📍 Online
Gain insights into effectively navigating the DDD service system in New Jersey.
🔗 Register Here https://nj.gov/humanservices/ddd/individuals/transition/transitionevents.shtml

🤝 Somerset County Aging & Disability Resource Expo
🗓️ May 10
📍 Bridgewater, NJ
Explore resources and services available for individuals with disabilities and their families in Somerset County.

📚 BIANJ 43rd Annual Seminar for Professionals
🗓️ May 14
📍 Somerset, NJ
Attend seminars and workshops focused on brain injury awareness and support services.

🏅 Adaptive Sports & Recreation

🧗‍♂️ Abilities Expo – Edison, NJ
🗓️ May 2–4
📍 New Jersey Convention & Expo Center, Edison, NJ
Experience adaptive sports, an accessible climbing wall, dance workshops, and more. The expo showcases cutting-edge disability products and resources.

⚾ Adaptive Bocce Ball – Cherry Hill, NJ
🗓️ May 1, 8, 22, & 29
📍 Camden County Environmental Center, Cherry Hill, NJ
Join for fun-filled evenings of adaptive bocce ball.

🎳 Easterseals NJ Topgolf Fundraiser – Edison, NJ
🗓️ May 1
📍 Topgolf, Edison, NJ
Enjoy an evening of golf, networking, and supporting Easter seals' programs.

🏃‍♂️ Tri-State Wheelchair & Ambulatory Games – Rahway, NJ
🗓️ May 23–25
📍 Rahway, NJ
Athletes of all ages compete in track and field events.

🏃‍♀️ Children's Specialized Hospital Invitational – Rahway, NJ
🗓️ May 3
📍 Rahway, NJ
A Level 1 adaptive track and field meet for youth athletes.

🧠 Support Groups & Educational Events

🧘‍♀️ Autism NJ Wellness Support Group (Virtual)
🗓️ May 14, 12:00–1:00 PM
Join a virtual session focusing on wellness strategies for individuals with autism and their families.

🧑‍⚖️ NJ Law Against Discrimination Webinar
🗓️ May 20, 9:30 AM
Learn about workplace rights and protections under NJ law.

🧑‍🏫 NJCDD Public Meeting
🗓️ May 8, 9:30 AM–1:30 PM
📍 [Location details to be confirmed]
Engage with the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities to discuss policies and initiatives.

🎉 Community Events & Social Gatherings

🎉 disABILITIES Dance – Magnolia, NJ
🗓️ May 15, 6:30–8:30 PM
📍 Magnolia Community Center, Magnolia, NJ
Enjoy a Hawaiian Luau-themed dance night.

🚶‍♂️ Step Up for The Arc – Ocean County
🗓️ May 17
📍 ShoreTown Ballpark, Lakewood, NJ
Participate in a 5K race and 1-mile walk to support individuals with I/DD.

🚶‍♀️ Step Up for The Arc – Middlesex County
🗓️ May 17
📍 Woodlot Park, Monmouth Junction, NJ
Join a community walk to raise awareness and funds for services supporting individuals with I/DD.

Stay Connected with The Future Years

At The Future Years, we’re committed to supporting individuals with I/DD and their families. If you have questions about services, need guidance, or just want to connect, we’re here for you.

📞Stay Connected with The Future Years

At The Future Years, we’re committed to supporting individuals with I/DD and their families. If you have questions about services, need guidance, or just want to connect, we’re here for you.

📞 973-453-5969
📧 Lynndonato@tfynj.com
🌐 www.tfynj.com

05/05/2025

💡 Did You Know?
If you’re caring for an adult child with I/DD, you may be eligible to become their paid Direct Support Professional (DSP) through New Jersey’s DDD program.

➡️ You can provide support at home or in the community
➡️ You’ll receive training, paid time off, and access to backup staff
➡️ We handle the paperwork so you can focus on what matters most—being there

At The Future Years, we help families navigate this process step by step. Whether you’re new to DDD or already enrolled and overwhelmed—we're here to make it easier.

✨ You don’t have to do it alone—and you don’t have to do it unpaid.

📲 Reach out to learn how to get started or tell your Support Coordinator you want services with The Future Years.

05/05/2025

📣Important Update for Families Using Self-Directed Services
In 2025, the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is transitioning its fiscal intermediary for the Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent (VF/EA) Self-Directed Employee Model from Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) to Acumen Fiscal Agent. This change will affect individuals and families who utilize self-directed services, including those with Self-Directed Employees (SDEs) and vendors currently paid through PPL.​

What You Need to Know:

➡️The transition to Acumen is being implemented in phases throughout 2025.
➡️An Acumen Transition Update webinar was held on April 10, 2025, providing essential details about the next steps and enrollment processes.
➡️It's crucial for Support Coordinators, Supports Brokers, individuals/families with SDEs, and vendors to stay informed about this transition.​

For more information and to access resources related to the transition

🔗 Visit: https://lnkd.in/ejw35VHh

At The Future Years, we are committed to supporting our community through these changes. If you have questions or need assistance navigating this transition, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.​

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