NJ Special Needs Guide Spring 2024

Being Proactive! GOT KIDS?

WHY NOT ADVERTISE?

The demands of caregiving for a child with a disability can be overwhelming. The prolonged and excessive stress can lead to burnout and exhaustion. You may find yourself disengaged, unmotivated and helplessly trapped. Being proactive about your child’s diagnosis is key. Here are steps you can take to manage stress and cut down on burnout.

Knowledge is everything. Educating yourself and learning as much as possible about your child’s disability or impairment can lead you to feeling more confident in caring for them.You’ll also be more understanding of your child and can articulate their needs to others.

Seek recommendations from your pediatrician, friends and experts, be a fact gatherer, attend online forums and blogs, and participate in support groups. Consult with the professionals in this handy little guide and find valuable resources. Don’t forget to share your knowledge.

Obtain an accurate diagnosis of your child’s disability. Having a diagnosis now gives you an opportunity to gather useful resources. Then you can look ahead and focus on your child.

Know your child’s strengths and build on them. Don’t just dwell on limitations. Perhaps they have a mobility issue but excel at STEM. Or maybe they’re hearing impaired but have many creative talents. Encourage those skills, and ensure your child has opportunities to put their strengths to use.

Learn to adapt. You’ll find that people often find ways to adapt the activity to their condition. Make it work, even though it seems impossible.

Remember to self-care. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to be your’ child’s best advocate. There is respite care agencies that can help. Team Care is one; see ad on pg 16.

Believe that your child can live a happy, meaningful life. With the right guidance and support, they will have the opportunity to overcome challenges, enhance their quality of life and even thrive.

Young Athletes focuses on the following skills: Come play with us!

Young Athletes is a unique sports play program for children ages 2 through 7 with and without intellectual disabilities. This program helps develop and improve gross motor, social, and basic sports skills.

• Foundational Skills

Strength, flexibility, and body awareness.

• Walking & Running

• Balance & Jumping

• Trapping & Catching

• Throwing

• Striking

• Kicking

Register your child today to meet other Young Athletes and families in your area through Community Programming.

For over 55 years, Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) has provided year-round sports training and athletic competition to thousands of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, free of charge. Athletes can participate in 24 Olympic-type sports, receive free health screenings, and get involved with leadership opportunities. Athletes develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience pure joy. This inclusive community allows athletes to share their gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, fellow Special Olympics athletes, and the greater community.

SONJ truly has something for everyone, from Young Athletes, a unique sports play program for children ages 2 through 7 with and without intellectual disabilities, to training and competition for athletes 8 and over, plus thousands of volunteer opportunities at 250+ events annually. With sports as the foundation, Unified Champion Schools offer a unique combination of sports, education, and leadership creating school climates of acceptance and inclusion. Health programs, such as Healthy Communities and Healthy Athletes, are working to address the severe health disparities faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities by increasing access to quality health care, prevention practices, and free health screenings.

Get involved and learn more at www.sonj.org

Explore these Sensory Friendly Day Trips

Here are 16 sensory friendly and fun attractions that welcome special needs visitors and have set aside a special day with accommodations. Please use your judgment since each individual child has specific needs. Our goal is to help fill your days and months with fun filled excitement. Add some of these to your bucket list.

1. GO TO A SENSORY OR AUTISM FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE

Buy your tickets in advance. We’ve found some upcoming sensory friendly shows:

• Bluey’s Big Play - Sat, Apr 13, 5pm, Mayo PAC

• Milk & Cookies: Flor Bromley, Sat, Apr 13, 12pm, State Theatre NJ

• Dinosaur World Live - Sat, Apr 27, 5pm Mayo PAC

• Aladdin - Sun, May 5, 1pm, New Amsterdam Theatre (buy tickets via tdf.org)

• Charlotte’s Web - Thurs, May 9, 4pm, Mayo PAC

• Milk & Cookies: Amelia Robinson of Mil’s TrillsSat, May 18, 12pm, State Theatre NJ

• Seussical - Sun, June 16, 10am Papermill Playhouse

2. GO TO A SENSORY FRIENDLY MOVIE

AMC Theaters in partnership with the Autism Society offer sensory friendly movies scheduled on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays for family

friendly films and on Wednesday evenings for mature films. Audience members can get up, dance, walk, or sing. Check your local theatre. amctheatres.com

3. VISIT A MUSEUM

Museums are open and welcoming to the special needs community.

The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia’s Sensory Guide alerts you to experiences that may have high levels of stimulation, with helpful tips. Sensory Backpacks are stocked with helpful tools like noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, fidgets, and weighted toys to help reduce sensory stimulation. fi.edu

Intrepid Museum in NYC offers sensory friendly early morning (ages 3-18) and evenings (14+). Participants can experience the Museum in a sensory-friendly environment. In the morning, educators lead short, interactive tours designed for all learners. In the evening, specific areas of the Museum are open for self-exploration.

THINGS TO DO

Upcoming special access programs on Apr 7, Apr 16, May 4, June 23, July 20. intrepidmuseum.

4. VISIT THE ZOO

Spend a day at the Bronx Zoo, home to an incredible 4,000 animals. The zoo’s Accessibility Map contains information on zoo exhibits and grounds. The Zoo has quiet zones and headphone zones to help visitors with sensory processing needs. Sensory bags available to guests. bronxzoo.com

Other zoos to explore: Bergen County Van Saun Zoo, Cape May County Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Turtle Back Zoo, Philadelphia Zoo.

5. PLANETARIUM FUN

The Raritan Valley College Planetarium features “The Sky Above”, a show about planets, moon, and constellations synced to music and laser lights. Doors are open, lights are dimmed, and audio is lowered. Saturday May 4 @ 5PM. Check out many of the other shows which may be suitable. Branchburg, raritanval.edu/planetarium

6. WITNESS AMAZING BUBBLES

Bubbles have a magical effect on young and old. The Gazillion Bubble Show allows all ages to enjoy unique bubble artistry. Mind-blowing bubble magic, spectacular laser lighting effects, and soapy masterpieces. New York, NY, 212.239.6200, gazillionbubbleshow.com

7. MAKE ART

Montclair Art Museum Access Program includes Sensory Sunday Studio, designed for families with members on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory sensitivities. Each month features a different project designed by MAM Teaching Artists that is accessible to artists of all ages and abilities. Held on the

first Sunday of the month from noon to 1pm. montclairartmuseum.org

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC offers workshops for individuals with Autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Upcoming events: Discoveries Woven Wonders (separate ages groups 5-13 and 14-22) - Sun, Apr 14 at 11am-12:30pm; for ages 23+ on Sun, Apr 14, 2-3:30pm. metmuseum.org

Museum of Modern Art hosts a monthly Create Ability Program. MoMA provides needed access to creative art experiences for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other special needs. Upcoming events: Crafting Design Apr 7, Making Moves May 5, Celebrating Community June 23. moma.org

Whitney Museum of American Art offers sensory-friendly programs including gallery tours and artmaking workshops on select Saturdays before the Museum opens to the general public. This program is intended for kids ages six and up. They also have Verbal Description and Touch Tours for the blind or visual impaired. Image below of artmaking workshop.

For more things to do, go to www.njkidsonline.com

THINGS TO DO

7. RIDE HORSES

Therapeutic horseback riding are offered at Seaton Hackney Stables in Morristown. They work with riders of all abilities and have all types of horses to accommodate riders’ needs. Individuals of all abilities participate in mounted and unmounted therapeutic lessons. Other programs can be found at Equine Tranquility Wellness Center in Andover, or Pony Power Therapies in Mahwah, NJ.

8. PARTICIPATE IN SPORTS

Special Olympics NJ offers year-round sports training and athletic competition to thousands of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, free of charge. Walking, running, jumping, trapping, throwing, kicking, striking and competition! 24 Olympic type sports, plus over 250 volunteer opportunities. sonj.org

9. GET PHYSICAL WITH KARATE BASED THERAPY

Special Dragons Karate provides fun classes and programs for the special needs population. Karate-based therapy uses karate techniques to improve issues like hand/eye coordination, motor control, balance, focus and other challenges that children with special needs face on a day to day basis. Sign up for a free trial for your child. specialdragonskarate.org

10. TAKE A WALK ALONG THE OCEAN

Go on a scavenger hunt on the beach. The great outdoors, and the sound of waves is usually calming to most.

11. EXPERIENCE A THEME PARK

Sesame Place is the first theme park designated as a Certified Autism Center. Extensive sensory guide of services, rides, & shows, low sensory area, noise canceling headphones, quiet dining and more! Meet & take photo with Julia, a 4 year old muppet with Autism. Langhorne, PA, sesameplace.com

Six Flags Great Adventure is designated a Certified Autism Center. Attraction Access Program is designed to accommodate guests with disabilities and matches the individual abilities to the ride criteria for each attraction. Individuals can apply for IBCCES Individual Accessibility Card for accommodations. Jackson, NJ, sixflags.com/greatadventure

12. EXPLORE UNIVERSAL PLAYGROUNDS

Also known as playgrounds for everyone, barrier free playgrounds or all access playgrounds. Central Park of Morris County in Parsippany, Jake’s Place in Cherry Hill, Challenger Place in Colts Neck, Votee Park in Teaneck, NJ, Tony’s Place in Long Branch (image below), are a few.

THINGS TO DO

tag, mini golf, games and prizes. Welcoming

13. EXPLORE AQUATIC LIFE

Adventure Aquarium in partnership with KultureCity offers accessible viewing areas, sensory bags, weighted lap pad, headphone zones, designated quiet area. A behind the scenes Shark Shack tour also offered. Sensory Sundays take place on the third Sunday of every month from 9:30-10:30am. Upcoming dates: April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, Aug 18, Sept 15, Oct 20, Nov 16, Dec 15. Camden, NJ, adventureaquarium.com

14. GO PLAY!

Imagine That!!! Autism Awareness Event on Fri Apr 19, 3:30pm-6:30pm. Enjoy a fun afternoon with low lights, low music & less people for all kids on the spectrum & their families. Facility that specializes in pre-school age and young school children with educational fun. Buy tickets for child in advance. imaginethatmuseum.com

Monster Mini Golf lets you be among monsters as you glow in the dark. Play the arcade, laser

special needs families at Edison, Paramus, and Fairfield. monsterminigolf.com

Crayola Experience has dozens of hands-on, creative activities. They serve guests with special needs and is designed for everyone to enjoy. Easton, PA. crayolaexperience.com

14. GO ON A NATURE TRAIL

Nature trails are full of sensory activities. This Spring, explore gardens, walk the trails and enjoy nature. Check out the events at your local arboretum.

16. WALK THROUGH BATTLESHIP NJ

Interactive floating museum where you will walk through an actual Navy Battleship requiring ascending and descending its steep steps. Group tours can be arranged for special needs. 100 Clinton St. Camden. www. battleshipnewjersey.org

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At St. Joseph's School for the Blind

• FREE to all families!

• Day & evening sessions

• Play, music, infant massage & aqua therapies

• World-class Multi-Sensory Environment

• Social interaction & communication

• Increased strength & flexibility

• Improved fine & gross motor skills

• Parents & children interact & bond

• Parents receive support from one another

The school’s FREE, on-campus Early Intervention Enrichment Program is designed specifically for children from birth to age 3 who are blind or visually impaired, including those with additional disabilities and their families. The program provides opportunities to increase cognitive, social and physical development and communication under the guidance of a professional staff. CALL TO REGISTER!

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY (advertising section)

EDUCATION

Alpine Learning Group

777 Paramus Road, Paramus

201.612.7800 | www.alpinelearninggroup.org

For over 30 years, Alpine Learning Group has been a pioneer in the autism community—providing innovative, comprehensive, and scientifically validated services through collaborative and compassionate relationships nurtured with each learner and their family. Alpine offers a full range of diagnostic (including ADOS) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)-based educational and clinical services to individuals of all ages. We bring science and compassion together to create new possibilities for children and adults with autism.

The Calais School

45 Highland Ave, Whippany

973.884.2030 | www.thecalaisschool.org

The Calais School is a state-approved, private special education school in North Jersey serving students in grades K – 12+ with multiple learning disabilities as well as anxiety, mood, behavior and autism spectrum disorders. We believe every child has the ability to exceed their possibilities and are committed to cultivating this potential in all of our students. We provide innovative programs and a flexible curriculum.

Chapel Hill Academy

31 Chapel Hill Rd., Lincoln Park

973.686.0004 | www.chapelhillacademy.net

Chapel Hill Academy is a New Jersey Approved Private School for students with learning, social, emotional and behavioral issues in Kindergarten through 12th grade.

CTC Academy

Fair Lawn Campus (18 months - 7 years) 29-01

Berkshire Road, Fair Lawn 201.797.7440

Oakland Campus (7–21 years)

125 Bauer Drive, Oakland 201.612-5677

www.ctcacademy.org

CTC Academy is enhancing the lives of children and young adults with special needs, and their families, by providing an enriched educational, therapeutic and supportive environment. NJ State approved pre-school through 12th grade. The Fair Lawn campus serves children ages 18 months through 7 years and offers an Early Enrichment Program (EEP) designed to enhance and build upon early Intervention services received in the home for ages 18 months - 3 years (open enrollment). The Oakland campus serves 1st through 12th Grade (ages 7–18), and STEP Program, ages 18 – 21 years (including children who are medically fragile). Support groups are available for families and siblings of children at both locations.

PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Honor Ridge Academy

342 Madison Hill Rd, Clark

732.827.5885 | www.honorridge.org

(advertising section)

Honor Ridge Academy is a New Jersey stateapproved private school for students with disabilities who have a combination of behavioral, social, emotional, and learning disabilities for ages 5-21. HRA is an emotionally supportive therapeutic day school where students learn at their own pace and build self-esteem and confidence.

Sage Alliance Schools

Boonton (Grades 9-12) 973-402-0600

Mahwah (Grades 4-8) 201-818-8873

Paramus (Grades 8-12) 201-225-0046

Rochelle Park (Grades 9-12) 201-843-3800

www.sagealliance.com

Our schools support students within an integrated academic and therapeutic environment, providing a mix of scholastic engagement, emotional support and medical consultation. Education is a partnership that involves student and family. Psychiatrists, therapists, learning strategists and certified educational staff, the student’s school district and our community partnerships, surround the student in an ongoing, student-centered process. Accredited by The Middle States Association, all campuses offer unique, personalized scheduling to accommodate student needs, a competitive academic program which includes elective classes, extracurricular clubs and activities, continuous social opportunities, and post-secondary planning. We teach valuable life skills that foster confidence and independence, which is a reason 100% of our students have a specific plan after graduation, and 80% choose to attend a 2- or 4-year college.

The Forum School

107 Wyckoff Avenue, Waldwick

201.445.5882 | www.theforumschool.com

The Forum School is a NJ state-approved private, non-profit school serving children with

autism and related challenges aged 5-21. We believe in the dignity, worth and capacity for selfrealization of every child. With over 6 decades of success, our hopeful community of educators and therapists foster each student’s individuality, allowing them to grow and blossom.

Windsor Bergen Academy

56 Passaic St., Ridgewood

201.857.4785 | www.windsorbergen.com Windsor Bergen Academy (WBA) provides a quality education for children from Pre-K through 8th grade allowing students to overcome academic and social/emotional challenges through innovative programs focusing on academic success and high school readiness.

Windsor Prep High School

60 West Midland Ave, Paramus

201.523.9533 | www.windsorprephs.com Windsor Prep is a state-approved, nonprofit private high school for students with special needs who exhibit learning, behavioral and attention disorders. In addition, many are diagnosed with anxiety, depression and Autism Spectrum Disorder. We provide a therapeutic environment to address students’ social, emotional, behavioral and academic needs. Our primary goal is to improve academic achievement and social functioning for successful reintegration into the public schools. Students are provided guidance to enter post-secondary programs. Many have successfully graduated college or are currently enrolled.

CAMP

Camp Kipanga, Six Week Summer Day Camp Ramapo College Campus Mahwah, NJ (summer) RJFS, 450 W Nyack Rd, W Nyack, NY (winter) 845.354.2121 x141 | cwww.ampkipanga.com

Camp Kipanga is a summer camp for children and teens who want to improve their social skills and interpersonal connections, regardless of diagnosis or background. Whether facing social skills deficits, ADHD, ASD, or simply not yet successful in other summer programs, campers will find activities to choose from that are open-ended, noncompetitive, and full of variety. Our summer camp counselors and vendors are experienced and trained in working with diverse and exceptional learners, and they will provide a safe and supportive environment for campers ages 5 to 18. Come and join us for a fun summer that celebrates your camper’s uniqueness and potential!

DENTISTRY

Carter Smile

180 Main Street, Madison

973.540.1666 | www.cartersmilellc.com Committed to providing comprehensive dental care and orthodontics for infants through teens, including those with special needs, striving to create a funfilled environment where children feel at home!

Early dental care can promote a lifetime of healthy smiles for your child. Dr. Carter and her nurturing team will help equip your child with the knowledge necessary for good oral hygiene. Finding new ways to provide exceptional pediatric and orthodontic dental care is their priority.

LEGAL SERVICES

Karen Edler, Jackie Lasher & Michelle Krone Education Law Group

Price, Meese, Shulman & D’Arminio, P.C.

50 Tice Boulevard, Woodcliff Lake

201.391.3737 | www.pricemeese.com

Our attorneys have personal experience with special needs family members and friends. They provide parents with tools to be effective advocates and to obtain a free, appropriate public education. Services include: reviewing Individualized Education Plans, Section 504 Plans, Health Care Plans, and Intervention & Referral Service Plans; explaining evaluations; attending IEP & 504 meetings; negotiating resolutions of programming and placement disputes; filing mediation and due process petitions; handling school disciplinary charges, hearings & appeals; providing guidance to college students regarding rights under Section 504; and assisting with applications for public benefits.

Schenck Price Smith & King, LLP

115 Century Road, Ste 100, Paramus

201.262.1600 | www.spsk.com

Founded in 1912, Schenck Price Smith & King is a full-service law firm with offices in northern New Jersey. As one of NJ’s leading law firms, they are proud sponsors of the Step Up for the Arc of Bergen & Passaic Walks. Their attorneys are members of the Special Needs Alliance. They assist individuals with special needs and their families to find legal solutions and secure resources to provide lifetime care and peace of mind. They prepare Special Needs Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, Guardianship applications, DDD and Medicaid applications.

SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY (advertising section continued)

RECREATION

MarbleJam Kids

214 State St., Suite 204

Hackensack, NJ 07601

201.497.6512 Fax 201-942-4450 www.marblejam.org

MarbleJam Kids is a NJ DDD and NJ DCF Authorized Provider promoting creativity in the community. MarbleJam provides programs for children, teens and adults with autism, ADHD, developmental disabilities and other special needs.

Special Dragons Karate

Locations: Union, Bellevue, Jersey City Info@SpecialDragonsKarate.org

973.667.8525 | www.SpecialDragonsKarate.org

WE GET RESULTS. Special Dragons is the karate program for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. We have exclusively taught special needs students for over 12 years. Basic karate techniques are used to address eye/ hand coordination, motor control, conditioning, balance, sensory integration, time on task and focus. The program also helps students with cognitive processing speed and encourages neuroplasticity. The Special Dragons Karate program is designed by special education teachers and black-belts. Along with our instructors parents are allowed to participate together with their children for a true learning and bonding experience. We also have an on-location program where we come to you. New locations coming soon (Paterson and Phillipsburg).

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE

Good Talking People, LLC

111 Galway Place, Suite 201, Teaneck

31 Sheridan Ave, Suite 1, Ho Ho Kus

201.837.8371 | www.goodtalkingpeople.com

GTP is a private practice in Speech Language Pathology staffed with licensed & certified clinicians. For over 25 years, GTP has been providing diagnostic & intervention services for

toddlers through adults with speech, language, learning & social challenges. Services include: Speech Language Evaluations, Individual Speech Language Therapy, Individual & Group Social Thinking Programs. We offer cutting edge programs to increase literacy and treatment for executive functioning. GTP has staff to provide treatment for Adults with neurological disorders and is an approved agency by NJ State Dept of Education. GTP is an approved provider for DDD for Adults 21+.

THERAPY SERVICES

True Abilities, LLC

862.223.8076 | www.trueabilities.com

True Abilities provides exceptional occupational therapy services in your home, school or daycare. We focus on individualized goals, building a solid foundation for new skills & higher levels of achievement. In addition to therapy sessions, we provide tips, strategies and techniques you can use to improve everyday skills in a variety of settings. With 15+ years of pediatric OT experience in NJ schools (and many years with adults), we help people of all ages achieve their full potential. For children, we enhance school-based OT by providing more intensive individual attention with sensory processing and self-regulation needed to learn higher level skills. Learn more at TrueAbilities.com. Complimentary consultations are available.

TRANSITIONING TO EMPLOYMENT

Inroads to Opportunities

301 Cox Street, Roselle

908.241.7200 | www.inroadsto.org

Provides vocational preparation, transition from school to work, job placement and mental health services to individuals with a variety of disabilities from ages 16 through retirement and beyond. Inroads provides benefits counseling, supported employment and follow along, day habitation, training, education and certification, and more.