Special Education

September 29

The ARC of NJ: My Student Just Turned 18. What Do I Need to Do?!

7:00pm - Virtual - Zoom (link will be provided)

Presenter: Lisa Ford

This program will give an overview of what a family should do when their loved one turns 18. We will cover topics like, DDD, guardianship, transition, college programs etc. and then discuss how to navigate through each of these systems and many more. Lisa Ford is the Director of The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute. Lisa’s vision for the Family Institute has resulted in the program becoming the “Go To Place” for information for families caring for a loved one with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

October 20

Special Education Series: Support Coordination 

7:00pm - Virtual - Zoom (link will be provided)

Presenter: Justine Brancato 

During this session, Justine will provide an overview of Support Coordination, explain the role of the Support Coordinator, and help families better understand how to navigate New Jersey's adult service system. Justine Brancato, MAT, BCBA, is the Co-Founder and Support Coordinator Supervisor of NJ Support Services, an agency established in 2018 to help bridge the gap between school-aged services and adult supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

November 17

Special Education Series: Guardianship 

7:00pm - Ridge High School Media Center

Presenter: Stan Layton 

The presentation is going to be a review of the court process to obtain guardianship of an adult individual, with a focus on parents with students who have recently turned, or will soon turn, 18. We will also cover what happens after a guardianship is granted. Stan Layton graduated from New York Law School in 1983; worked in private practice until 1995 at which point he accepted the position of Deputy Surrogate in Somerset County where he has remained since. 

December 16

Special Education Series: Special Needs Funding  

7:00pm - Virtual - Zoom (link will be provided)

Presenter: Donald Brown 

Don Brown has been in the financial services industry for more than 30 years. He has been recognized as an industry leader in both personal production and management. Educating individuals and families on how to properly plan for dependents with special needs is a primary focus of Don’s practice. He has volunteered for more than 20 years with Camp Fatima of New Jersey, an all-volunteer camp for individuals with developmental challenges. Don is a graduate of Rutgers University and has earned the Chartered Financial Consultant, Chartered Special Needs Consultant, and Chartered Advisor for Senior Living designations. 

January 21

Special Education Series: Day Program 

6:30pm - Ridge High School Media Center

Presenter: LeeAnn Gattorno  

During this session, LeeAnn will provide an overview of day program options and help families better understand what to consider when planning for life after high school. LeeAnn Gattorno is the Owner of Lifting Adults with Guidance, a New Jersey Day Habilitation program dedicated to empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through individualized supports, community engagement, and meaningful life experiences. She began her career as a Direct Support Professional before advancing to leadership roles as a Day Program Coordinator, Program Director, and State Director. 

March 2

Special Education Transition Fair

6:00pm-8:00pm - Ridge High School Old Gym

This will be an opportunity for service providers, agencies, and organizations to highlight the services they offer for teens and young adults with disabilities. This event will be free and open to anyone including: students, parents, clinicians, case managers and others looking to explore transition options for their student(s). Attendees are guaranteed a wealth of information and knowledge about post-high school options for young adults with disabilities.