Author: Sean Kane-Holland
Did you know that Blindness Awareness Month started in October 2009, here in New Jersey?
Blindness Awareness Month seeks to accomplish many things. Among them are:
Education, Inspiration, and Advocacy.
CBVI’s Annual Blindness Awareness Month (BAM) event is held every October in recognition of Blindness Awareness Month and is CBVI’s own Community Resource Fair.
At this Resource Fair, people of all ages can come and learn about the services provided by CBVI through conversations and interactive demonstrations with CBVI employees.
In addition, organizations that assist in providing services and resources are featured at the event and ready to share information on how they too provide support to the blind, deafblind, and visually impaired community.
If you would like more information about BAM, please e-mail: Bryan.McClain@dhs.nj.gov
Location:
Cheesequake State Park
Hooks Creek Lake Pavilion
300 Gordon Rd., Matawan, NJ 07747
Date: October 8, 2026
Time: 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Join the United Spinal Active Project Live, a vibrant and inclusive discussion group focused on adaptive sports and recreational activities. Hosted by the Kelly Brush Foundation in collaboration with United Spinal Association, this group provides a platform for adaptive sports enthusiasts to engage in lively discussions about various recreational activities. Held virtually every other Tuesday at 5:30pm EST. Get ready to engage, share experiences, and discover new possibilities in adaptive sports and recreation.
Those interested in participating in can use this link to register – Active Project Live- Recreation Discussion – United Spinal Association
United Spinal offers numerous community engagement opportunities, this group is a safe and supportive space for individuals who are navigating life after a new spinal cord injury—within the first three years of their journey. Here, you can connect with others who truly understand the early stages of adjustment, share your experiences, ask questions, and find encouragement.
Conversations cover the emotional, physical, and day-to-day challenges that come with a new injury, helping you build confidence, learn from others, and feel part of a caring community.
This group meets every 3rd Monday of the month, 6pm ET.
Those interested can use this link to register – Newly Injured Spinal Cord Injury Support Group – United Spinal Association
Join United Spinal for this discussion group series on aging with a disability. This series will be held every 4th Wednesday of the month from 7-8pm ET.
Participation is free but those interested must register for the group talks.
Those interested can register using this link – Rolling Through Life: Aging with a Disability – United Spinal Association
WHEN: September 19, 2026, from 6:00-10:00 P.M.
WHERE: Highlawn Pavilion, West Orange, NJ (Rain or Shine)
Join us for an evening under the stars as we celebrate the people and organizations behind New Jersey’s Nature Accessible for All initiative.
We’re building a movement of people and organizations committed to making parks and natural areas accessible for people with disabilities and mobility challenges. Launched in 2021 by the Pinelands Alliance, this initiative is now a statewide initiative supported by nonprofit organizations throughout the state.
Learn more about Nature Accessible for All during a very special evening at the Highlawn Pavilion and join the movement.
We are excited to announce that Broadway and television star Ali Stroker will give a special performance during the event. Stroker made history as the first actor in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway in Deaf West’s 2015 revival of Spring Awakening. Stroker won the 2019 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as ‘Ado Annie’ in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Her mission to improve the lives of others through the arts, disabled or not, is captured in her motto: “Turning Your Limitations into Your Opportunities.”
The evening will feature gourmet hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, entrée stations, fine wine, craft beer, and then a dessert and coffee bar following the awards ceremony. Enjoy lively conversation and inspiration as we work together to make nature more accessible for all people!
Cocktail Attire requested.
The event will be held in a tented venue that is wheelchair accessible. For questions, contact Sean Kane-Holland at sean@pinelandsalliance.org or by phone at (609) 859-8860 ext. 117
Make a Donation
Funds raised from this event benefit Nature Accessible for All, a collaboration of people and organizations determined to improve access to nature for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. If you can’t attend please consider making a donation.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Join the movement to make parks and nature areas in New Jersey accessible to people with disabilities and movement challenges. Become a sponsor and celebrate the people and organizations working to improve nature access in New Jersey!
You can download the Sponsorship form here.
Thank You to our Sponsors
Bronze Sponsor
Children’s Specialized Hospital
Food & Beverage
Friends
Parnter’s for Health Foundation
Thank you to our Nature: Accessible for All partners! The entire list of partners can be found on our website.
The General Assembly Needs to Hear From You Now – Pass Bill A5321!
The New Jersey School of Conservation (NJSOC) existence is entirely on the line. We are in the very final hours of state budget negotiations in Trenton the School of Conservation is calling all nature advocates to call and ask the General Assembly to pass bill A5321. This bill is critical for the restoration of their campus, to serve and educate the thousands of students and teachers that visit NJSOC annually.
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and the General Assembly need to hear from you RIGHT NOW! Please call the General Assembly’s office at 609-847-3500, and ask them to pass bill A5321 in tonight’s vote.
Thank you for you continued support, standing up for our kids, our environment, and our future.
Check out the Bill – NJ Legislature