Resources For Special Needs Kids in Jersey City
Each year JCFamilies aspires to connect its community through events and activities, that can engage, inform, and inspire at all times. We try to create as many helpful guides for all families. Therefore, we wanted to create a guide for families looking for resources for children with special needs and disabilities.
If you’re a parent of a child with special needs, here are some resources you might find helpful:
Cerebral Palsy Family Network – A compassionate community that provides resources for loved ones with cerebral palsy.
Jersey City and Hoboken Resources For Special Needs Kids
Whole Spectrum Autism
Founded by a local mom, Whole Spectrum Autism was founded to raise awareness about Autism.
Founded by Sherry Singh- autism mom. WSA was created to drive awareness, acceptance and inclusion for people on the autism spectrum and their families. WSA creates events for families to attend to encourage community involvement and support, something severely lacking for many families. WSA also works with local government to create awareness and inclusion events for people on the spectrum, their families and caregivers.
Whole Spectrum has started Whole Spectrum Care, which provides compassion-driven tutoring services with a whole learner approach for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whole Spectrum is located at 344 Grove Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302. Phone -551-343-6031. You can contact Sherry Singh at 862.215.2570.
St. Joseph’s School for the Blind
Since 1891, St. Joseph’s School for the Blind has been providing specialized services to individuals with visual impairments across New Jersey. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, the school is comprised of several programs, such as Early Intervention, In-District Support Services, School for the Blind, and Adult Services. Students have access to sensory learning and skill developmental tools such as technology enrichment centers, speech therapy rooms, music and art facilities, a full gym and cafeteria, and more. To learn more about the school, you can take their virtual tour or contact them for more details. If you are looking for ways to support them, click here.
New Jersey Work Incentive Network Support (NJWINS)
The NJWINS is a member of the Family Resource Network. NJWINS program assists Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries to start, continue, or increase work efforts while maintaining benefits for as long as they are needed.
Family Resource Network (FRN)
The Family Resource Network (FRN) provides services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in NJ. FRN services include Advocacy, FRN Mobility, Employment, Support services, and more. Learn more about their service here.
With more than 50 programs and services available for New Jersey residents living with epilepsy, autism, intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities, and chronic illness, The Family Resource Network (FRN) and its affiliates have been affecting the lives of thousands of families across New Jersey for the past 49 years. To learn more about the programs and services available, visit their site.
Sensory Kids & Social Minds, LLC
At Sensory Kids & Social Minds, they value the cultivation of the brain. Originally it was founded as a pediatric Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology clinic, they are fueled by research supporting neuroplasticity and social cognition. They believe that their children thrive with routines and that the supportiveness of their environments can either support or hinder their development. The services they offer include Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy. Additionally, Sensory Kids & Social Minds’ mission is to assist children in being able to participate and enjoy the different types of roles they have; such as…being loving members of their families; active learners at home, in daycares, and in their schools; comfortable, social playmates with their peers; self-confidence in their adaptive self-care, gross and fine motor needs; and productive in their use of independent playtime.
Hudson Milestones
Hudson Milestones seeks to build and maintain a Hudson County-based organization dedicated to the care, support, and advancement of people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families towards achieving, to the maximum extent possible, the individual’s life goals and establishing self-sufficiency in the community. Hudson Milestones has been providing EI services since 1983, working with approximately 200 families throughout Hudson County over the course of a year. In 2004, this program went to the Department of Health Division of Family Health System FFS reimbursement system.
Hudson Community Enterprises
Hudson Community Enterprises offers an array of training services and employment opportunities to persons with disabilities.
Through their social enterprise businesses, including building maintenance, document shredding and scanning, digital printing and packaging, they provide quality services to the public and private sectors throughout the tri-state area. Learn more about the businesses they operate and the job options and specialized training offered to persons with disabilities for more than 60 years.
Autism Learning Partners
A full-service provider, Autism Learning Partners specializes in autism treatment and other developmental disabilities. The services they offer are proven, scientific therapies that are customized for each child and your family. Services may differ by region and clinician.
Their expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy can empower your family’s journey. Starting autism therapy services early, when a child’s brain is rapidly developing, is crucial. Early ABA therapy can help children develop social, language, and learning skills that will set them up for long-term success.
The law offices of Johanna G. Burke, Esq.
Johanna is a lawyer who advocates for children with disabilities and their families. She has extensive experience and has developed and maintained collaborative relationships with DDD, DCF, DHS, CSOC, the NJ Office of Advocacy, Perform Care, and CMOs in the State of NJ.
Johanna’s practice areas include Special Education Law, Residential Placement, Navigating care in NJ, and Guardianship.
NJ Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
DDD is the Trenton-based information and resources for NJ residents with disabilities, caregivers, parents, and advocates. Their Mission Statement states that ‘The Division of Developmental Disabilities assures the opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities to receive quality services and supports, participate meaningfully in their communities and exercise their right to make choices.’
Available services include assistive technology, behavioral supports, day programming, a variety of employment options, various therapies, transportation, and the option to self-direct both employees and support services, including classes in the community. Individuals access these services through one of two Medicaid waiver programs.
Gerald R Dynes Regional Day School for Autism
The Gerard J. Dynes New Jersey Regional Day School at Jersey City services children with autism and children displaying autistic-like characteristics. Their mission is to provide a comprehensive educational program, which will provide the student with the skills necessary to become and remain a productive member of society.
CDC information on Autism in NJ
For a snapshot of Autism Spectrum Disorder in New Jersey, click here.
Jersey City Department of Recreation and Youth Development
Jersey City Department of Recreation runs Special Needs Programs for residents with special needs, including soccer, golf, swimming lessons, and the Project GLAD Summer Camp, which features activities like arts and crafts, dance classes, and field trips.
Jersey City Schools Special Education Department
The district offers specialized programs and services for students with special needs.
The Mission of the Jersey City Schools Special Education Department is to improve the quality of life for students with disabilities and their families by providing comprehensive expertise, education, support and tools for students with special needs.
Jersey City and the adjoining areas have these organizations providing services and programs for families and caregivers of individuals with disabilities. If you know of any more such organizations or institutions, let us know, and we would love to incorporate them into our list since we want to make as comprehensive a list as possible for our families.
Updated December 4, 2024
