The Arc of Bergen and Passaic Counties

03/17/2026

☘️ So lucky to have Governor Sherrill and Commissioner Cha! ☘️

We're grateful to them for recognizing the devastation proposed federal budget cuts would have on those with IDD and for putting real solutions on the table to safeguard programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and other essential services. Their leadership matters — and extends into how we work with you: our allies and advocates whose expertise and advocacy strengthen The Arc and the communities we serve.

Governor Mikie Sherrill’s proposed FY 2027 budget includes $154 million in new funding for the Division of Developmental Disabilities — a major investment in supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and strengthening community‑based services.

The budget would continue previously approved wage increases for Direct Support Professionals, and the administration signaled progress toward addressing the Community Care Waiver waitlist in the coming year.

The governor’s plan also includes record investments in public education, and a shift to calculating special education aid based on actual enrollment — a change that could better align funding with the number of students with disabilities in each district.

This proposal represents meaningful steps toward strengthening supports for people with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who care for them.

03/16/2026

The Arc of New Jersey is offering these wonderful upcoming events:

March 18, at 12 pm: NJ Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund

March 18 at 5 pm: Dinner and Deets (About Transitioning to Adulthood)

March 20 at 1 pm: Virtual Tour with Us - Mercer County Community College - Dream Program

March 25, at 7 pm: Meet Us in the Middle Webinar: Grandparents and the Transitioning Individual

Register or learn more HERE:
https://www.arcnj.org/news_events/calendar.html
Be sure to

03/14/2026

Meet Us in the Middle Webinar: Grandparents and the Transitioning Individual

· Wednesday, March 18, 2026
· 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Public speaker and real-life grandparent Jennifer Kaufman will explore the perspective of a grandparent/advocate as a unique one. She'll discuss potentially becoming a guardian or supported decision-maker, the struggles grandparents face, and how being a grandparent differs from being a parent when a child has a developmental disability. Bring the whole family!

Register HERE: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aSCpIx-ZSlyPqUBl2092dg #/registration

03/14/2026

New Jersey Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund

· Wednesday, March 18, 2026
· 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Meet Amy Taklif from the New Jersey Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF) to find more about this financial assistance program for New Jersey Families whose children have an illness or condition otherwise uncovered by insurance, State or Federal programs, or other sources, such as fundraising. The Fund is intended to assist in preserving a family's ability to cope with the responsibilities which accompany a child's significant health problems. This program is for any child, any condition, and any income.

Register HERE: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/929662822564802391

03/13/2026

03/12/2026

Today we honor the anniversary of the Capitol Crawl—an unforgettable moment in disability rights history. On March 12, 1990, more than 1,000 activists marched from the White House to the Capitol, and about 60 individuals set aside their wheelchairs and mobility aids to crawl up the Capitol steps. They exposed the everyday barriers faced by people with disabilities and helped pave the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

For decades, we have fought to secure special education in public schools, Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, and countless services that support people with developmental disabilities and their families.

As federal budget cuts threaten essential supports, our commitment remains unwavering. We will continue to stand with you, speak up for you, and fight for the rights and dignity of every person with a disability.

Photo credit: Photo by Tom Olin. A group of handicapped people led by 8-year-old Jennifer Keelan crawl up the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, to draw support for a key bill pending in the House that would extend civil rights to disabled persons.

03/12/2026

The Criminal Justice Advocacy Program (CJAP) at The Arc of New Jersey invites professionals to attend an informative webinar exploring innovative therapeutic strategies for supporting justice-involved neurodivergent individuals.

After the Sentence: Reentry Realities for People with IDD
"Therapeutic Applications of Using LEGO®-Based Interventions with Justice-Involved Neurodivergent Populations"
Date: Thursday, March 19th, 2026, Time: 1:00–2:00 PM (EST)

Register HERE: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0lxi-4tqTM28ldiyqIVE_g #/registration

LEGO®-based interventions are an emerging therapeutic approach that uses structured activities with LEGO bricks to build social, cognitive, and adaptive skills among neurodivergent populations. Research has shown improvements in communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and resilience through this engaging and accessible approach.

This training will introduce participants to the application of LEGO®-based interventions for justice-involved neurodivergent populations, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other co-occurring conditions. The session will also explore the strengths, limitations, and implementation considerations of this approach, and how it can complement other therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care.

03/12/2026

As we prepare for the Disability Policy Seminar in Washington DC, it is a great time to REPLAY: Empowering Legislative Advocates Through Video

· Tuesday, March 17, 2026
· 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

**This is a recording of a previous webinar. Experience it for the first time or rewatch it to gain a better understanding of the topic. The question box will be open and we will respond to any questions 24 hours after the event.

This webinar will be presented by Sorretie Jaro, a Self-Advocate from Spokane, WA. Sorretie is a former SARTAC Fellow and current Chairperson of the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Ombuds Advisory Committee. Attendees will learn about Sorretie's Fellowship project which focuses on empowering self-advocates to connect with legislators and decision makers by creating videos to highlight different advocacy issues. Sorretie will also discuss tips for helping other self-advocates communicate with their elected representatives and understand different types of advocacy.

Sorretie Jaro is a self-advocate from Spokane, WA. Currently, Ms. Jaro is Chair Person of the DD Ombuds Advisory Committee. Sorretie is passionate about self-advocacy and believes that everyone has the right to learn how to use their skills, whether it be sticking up for yourself and fighting for change to make the world a better place for everybody to live.

Register HERE: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VtXWSFLQSMino2fXyQfe4g #/registration

03/11/2026

Speaking Up for Your Future: Self‑Advocacy in the Transition Process
Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM EDT
Don’t miss it—empower yourself or someone you love.

Register HERE: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4697043757714923864

Preparing for the Transition to Adult Life?
If you or a loved one is getting ready to navigate the journey into adulthood, here’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Join the Peer EDUcation Series for an interactive webinar led by self‑advocates who share their real-life experiences navigating New Jersey’s service system.

This webinar will guide you through:
Person-centered planning
Self-direction
Self-determination
Key community resources for healthcare, higher education, employment, and housing

Whether you’re a student, family member, or professional, this session offers practical tips to help build a more confident and independent future.

03/10/2026

Reminder! Register HERE:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Qc5HE3RER2WYAm-rSzRGOA #/registration

03/09/2026

Does My Child Qualify for ESY? Understanding the IEP Connection
By The Association for Special Children and Families (ASCF)

Wednesday, Mar 18 from 7 pm to 8 pm EDT

Join ASCF for an informative virtual training designed to help families understand Extended School Year (ESY) services.

In this session, we’ll break down:

What an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is and why it matters
The special education process—from evaluations and eligibility to IEP development
Your rights as a parent under special education law
Practical strategies to advocate effectively for your child’s needs
Whether you’re just starting your special education journey or looking to strengthen your knowledge, this training offers clear, practical guidance you can use right away.

Walk away informed, confident, and empowered—with the tools you need to ensure your child receives the supports they deserve to thrive in school and beyond. Because understanding the system is the first step toward making it work for your child.

Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/ascf-parent-trainings-4280853

03/08/2026

NJIDA, FDU and Decoding Dyslexia Parent Literacy Summit By NJIDA

FDU Florham Campus Madison, NJ
Saturday, Mar 21 from 8:30 am to 1:45 pm

Connect with fellow parents, experts, and educators who get it! Dive into literacy strategies, share stories, and find new ways to help your child thrive. Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity to empower yourself and your family!

The Keynote Speaker is Brett Tingley with Parents for Reading Justice, a parent-led advocacy leader focused on ensuring that our students and their teachers have access to evidence-based practices.

Practical tools and language for IEP, 504, NJTSS and parent-teacher meetings so you can better advocate for appropriate instruction and meaningful progress.

A panel of literacy experts and experienced attorneys who work with families and school districts explaining how literacy laws, special education law and students' rights to appropriate instruction fit together in New Jersey public schools.

Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/njida-fdu-and-decoding-dyslexia-parent-literacy-summit-tickets-1981859338632?aff=oddtdtcreator