In a video that was developed, written, and performed by Opportunity Zone day program participants, The Arc of Essex County won first place with its entry in The Arc of New Jersey’s Developmental Disability Awareness Month video contest. Following the theme “Welcome to Self-Advocacy,” a group of six performers acted out two scenarios where they advocated for themselves. The first scene was a doctor’s office, where the doctor addressed the residential staff member instead of the patient herself. The second scene was at a restaurant, where the waitress asked the residential staff member what the individual wanted to eat instead of [...]

It was a day filled with music, play, and fun when Studio Arc held its first Communi-Play interactive communication party on Saturday, March 25. Eight children, whose ages ranged from 3 to 5, attended the event with their parents. Led by speech therapist Jaquetta Perry-Boyd, both children and parents learned skills for better communication while singing and playing together. Jaquetta presented parents with innovative techniques to teach their neuro-divergent children new ways to express themselves. Children and parents formed new friendships, and families were enthusiastic about attending future Communi-Play parties. Upcoming dates include April 22, May 6, May 20, June 3, [...]

West Caldwell Hub Day Program participants visited Studio Arc on March 28 to celebrate their completion of a global curriculum that has included an array of lessons and activities spanning the last several months. After watching a slideshow with images from their lessons about China, India, Australia, Mexico, Africa, and Canada, the group learned more about Ghana with Adult Services Assistant Director Dacia King-Sarkodie. They then completed their “final exam,” matching images to the countries they corresponded with. Finally, each graduate was presented with a diploma from Studio Arc Manager Evelyn Gallik and Activities Supervisor Christa DeMaio before celebrating with lunch [...]

In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, the students at Stepping Stones School and their families were treated to a dance party by Matt Mazur of Turtle Dance Music, who joined virtually and led a series of live songs personalized for the students. With silly dance moves and lots of laughter, the students enjoyed singing and dancing with their classmates, teachers, and families while wearing special blue and yellow outfits and mismatched socks, hallmarks of Down Syndrome awareness. It was a fun and festive day for all! The Arc of Essex County's Stepping Stones School is a Department [...]

March was a busy month for participants in The Arc of Essex County’s Community Inclusion recreation program as they traveled to the Liberty Science Center, Mount Airy Casino, and SeaQuest Aquarium, and also took part in a Zumba class at Studio Arc. On March 5, the group visited the Liberty Science Center, where they explored a variety of interactive exhibits, such as Pixel Art, the “Dream Machine” sensory adventure, Energy Quest, Skyscrapers, and more. The following weekend, participants headed to the Poconos on March 12, where they visited Mount Airy Casino for a trip that is always a crowd favorite. The group [...]

Participants in all of The Arc of Essex County’s Day Programs marked Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2 with a variety of Read Across America Day activities. At the Opportunity Zone in Maplewood, festivities included reading Dr. Seuss books together, playing a game of “musical hat” with a Cat-in-the-Hat striped top hat, and a celebratory dance party. At SYA in Nutley, the day featured Dr. Seuss bingo, Truffala tree crafts from “The Lorax,” hat making, and Thing 1 and Thing 2 Jell-O. At West Caldwell Hub, participants made Cat-in-the-Hat fruit kebabs and "The Big Foot" Rice Krispie treats, and planted trees [...]

The Arc of Essex County has openings for paid Camp Hope staff and volunteer “counselors in training” for the summer of 2023. Located on six acres in East Hanover, Camp Hope is a summer day camp for children and adults with autism, Down syndrome, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Paid positions include lifeguards, camp counselors, 1:1 behavioral counselors, and activity specialists, and require a full seven-week commitment. Volunteer “counselor in training” positions participate in all activities involving campers. CITs must be age 14 or older, and must commit to a minimum of one week. The 2023 camp season will run from July [...]