Special Needs Archives - Opportunity Outreach Newsletter

How A Child With Down Syndrome Can Qualify For Social Security Disability

May 12, 2023 by Amanda Ruggiero

title of article and down syndrome awareness ribbon

Written by: Elizabeth Van Arsdall

Parents who have a child born with Down Syndrome and are having trouble making ends meet because of the additional expenses related to their child’s illness can apply for Social Security disability benefits for their child. The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a type of disability benefit, to the parents of children with serious medical conditions. The money from SSI can be used to pay for any of the child’s living or medical expenses, but the parents must keep records showing that the money is spent on the child’s expenses.

Megan Tells Us What Camp Means to Her

February 6, 2020January 23, 2020 by Burt Brooks

Photo of Mary and TEXT: What does camp mean to you?

Megan came to Camp Merry Heart as a camper and had a fantastic time. So much so, that she couldn’t stay away. She came back as a volunteer because she wanted to help make sure other campers were able to experience camp the way she did. We ask her what makes her feel so strongly about the camp experience.

Disability / Sensory Friendly Santa is Coming to New Jersey!

December 3, 2018December 3, 2018 by Burt Brooks

Disability / Sensory Friendly Santa is Coming to Town!

We recently highlighted a story on DisabilityScoop.com about sensory friendly Santas holding events that are designed to be accessible for young persons and adults with disabilities. If you have ever attended a traditional gathering of jolly ole’ Saint Nick at your local mall or community center, you will remember the long lines, loud noises, and Santas that might not be exposed to the special needs population. This is usually NOT a sensory/communication friendly experience, but these Santas are looking to change all that.

Raising a Child With a Disability – 8 Vital Reminders For Parents

July 30, 2018July 26, 2018 by Zach Galati

Raising a Child With a Disability

When you’re about to have a child, you prepare for everything. You paint the nursery, you buy the crib and you do a million other things. And no matter how much you prepare, you will never be ready for a child, but you do your best. One thing many parents don’t consider though, is raising a child with a disability. If you aren’t exposed to the world of disability, you might feel lost and unsure what to do next. So, we compiled a list of eight important reminders

9 Critical Questions to Ask When Applying to a Special Needs Camp

May 24, 2018May 21, 2018 by Burt Brooks

The flowers have bloomed, the trees are green, and the sun has melted away the last remnants of a brutal winter. The time is ripe, for camp. Now, if you are a person with a disability or a parent/guardian of a person with a disability or special need, you might be a little hesitant to sign up for a special needs camp. You might think the over-night camp experience isn’t “for” you. Well, let’s dispel that myth right now

I’m 19 and I’m Spending My Third Summer at a Camp for People with Special Needs: Here’s Why

July 19, 2018January 31, 2018 by Beth Sargeson

Summer Camp, Special Needs, and a Reason to Return

If you’ve ever attended a summer camp, Easterseals Camp Merry Heart will be a familiar sight. You’ll find it has all the same amenities: cabins, a dining hall, forest trails, a lake… but if you take a closer look, you’ll spot some differences.

Employment First In New Jersey – What’s It Mean and How Can It Help You?

October 30, 2017October 29, 2017 by Burt Brooks

Employment First - New Jersey Gets to Work

First Employment – Disability Second

In April of 2012, Governor Chris Christie declared New Jersey an Employment First state. With this simple declaration, New Jersey became a part of a national movement that is “centered on the premise that all citizens, including individuals with significant disabilities, are capable of full participation in integrated employment and community life.” (Via Departement of Labor) This urges local publicly-financed systems to adjust their programs and policies to promote integrated, competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities and special needs.

Phew. That was a lot of three-syllable-words.

In plain-speak though, what does it all mean? It means

Where Does Your NJ Candidate Stand on Disability Issues?

May 17, 2017May 15, 2017 by Burt Brooks

The New Jersey gubernatorial race is in full swing and voting will take place this November 7th. We reached out to all the current candidates (as of May 12, 2017) to find out their stances on issues that are important to people with disabilities and special needs and their families, living in New Jersey. We wanted to share these statements with you, our readers, to ensure you know each candidate’s stance on the issues facing the disability community.

With the federal government proposing sweeping changes to public policies that could have a direct impact on state services for people with disabilities and special needs, it has never been more important to elect a strong leader for New Jersey. Easterseals has advocated for and provided services to people with disabilities and their families for nearly 100 years, helping them to live, learn, work, and play in their communities. That’s why we have gathered these statements for your careful review, as they will help you make an informed decision when entering the voting booth this November.

Click on the photos of your candidate to read the statement they provided. (DISCLAIMER: This does not represent every NJ gubernatorial candidate currently running, as not all gave statements in response to our call.)

Candidates are presented in alphabetical order as not to show any preferential treatment towards any one candidate.

Bill Brennan NJ Governor Candidate — Bill Brennan (D)

Jim Johnson governor candidate — Jim Johnson (D)

Raymond Lesniak Governor NJ — Raymond Lesniak (D)

Phil Murphy Governor Candidate — Phil Murphy (D)

Steven Rogers NJ governor candidate — Steven Rogers (R)

Joseph Rudy Rullo governor candidate — Joseph Rudy Rullo (R)

Hirsh Signh NJ Governor candidate — Hirsh Singh (R)

John Wisniewski governor candidate — John Wisniewski (D)

Mark Zinna governor candidate — Mark Zinna (D)

A Big Win for Students With Disabilities at the Supreme Court!

April 24, 2017April 20, 2017 by Burt Brooks

Our latest blog topic comes to us from Hinkle, Fingles, Prior, & Fischer, a Jersey-based law firm that represents people with disabilities and their families in the tri-state area. They detailed a landmark decision handed down by the Supreme Court that affects how Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) are deemed “appropriate.”

As IEP’s begin to be set, we want to make sure you stay up-to-date on all the important issues so you’re able to effectively advocate for your loved ones.

Terrific Thanksgiving Tips – Safety, Gratitude, & Inclusion

November 23, 2016November 21, 2016 by Burt Brooks

Thanksgiving is here and we want to share a few holiday safety tips so you can enjoy a safe and fun holiday. It is also a time to reflect on the things you are grateful for and ensure that all can partake in this family-themed holiday. Read on to hear from our staff and a parent of one of our program participants.