Communications and Outreach Archives - Page 3 of 11

Your voice matters. Your experiences matter. At the Spina Bifida Resource Network (SBRN), they believe that advocacy is one of the most powerful ways to improve the lives of individuals with Spina Bifida and other disabilities. Yet many people aren’t sure what advocacy really means, how public policy affects their daily lives, or how they can become involved.

That’s why SBRN is launching a new program, Advocacy in Action. Designed to educate, empower, and inspire members of our community to become effective advocates.
Beginning in mid-August, they’ll offer a series of four weekly educational sessions designed to provide a strong foundation in advocacy. Sessions are expected to be held in the early evening and will be offered both in person and virtually. Final dates and locations will be announced soon.
Whether you’ve never contacted an elected official or have years of experience sharing your story, these sessions are for you.

Sessions explore topics such as:
– The basics of government. Our first session will include an introduction to basics of government and how decisions are made. Including the roles of local, state, and federal officials, and how advocacy efforts can help influence policies that impact our community.
– How to effectively communicate with legislators and decision-makers.
– The power of sharing your personal story
– Ways to get involved with SBRN’s advocacy efforts throughout the year.
You don’t need prior experience, just a willingness to learn and a desire to help create positive change.
By participating, you’ll become part of a growing network of advocates working to ensure that the voices of individuals with Spina Bifida and their families are heard. Every conversation, every email, every meeting, and every story shared has the potential to make a lasting impact.
If you’re interested in learning more or participating in this exciting new initiative please complete the attached interest form here and email back to SBRN at info@thesbrn.org Questions? Email them at info@thesbrn.org or call the office at 908-782-7475

Atlantic County is making efforts to provide a resource for individuals with disabilities looking for opportunities to enjoy the summer fun at the beach with their guide to accessing Beaches & Surf Chairs for People with Disabilities

Please note that information in this guide is subject to change. It is recommended to check the municipality’s website or call before you visit to verify the information.

View the county website for more information – Beach Accessibility | Atlantic County, NJ

The Cape May County Division of Aging and Disability Services provides a great resource for individuals with disabilities looking for opportunities to enjoy the summer fun at the beach with their guide to accessing Cape May County’s Beaches & Surf Chairs for People with Disabilities

In this guide, information on accessible beaches, walkways, ramps, parking, and surf chair availability, as well as beach fees, lifeguard hours, and amenities, is readily available.

The guide is organized alphabetically by town and provides municipal phone numbers and websites for updated information. Please note that information in this guide is subject to change. It is recommended to check the municipality’s website or call before you visit to verify the information.

View the brochure here – Cape-May-County-Beach-Accessibility-Guide-PDF

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 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 5:30-8:30 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 Ali Stroker will receive the Nature Accessible for All Inspiring Individual Award at this event. Stroker is unable to attend the event due to a scheduling conflict, but a special video will be shown.

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.”

Tickets are $250 each and include music, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, entrée stations, fine wine, craft beer, and a dessert and coffee bar. Enjoy lively conversation and inspiration as we work together to make nature more accessible for all people! Your ticket is tax deductible minus the fair market value of $193.

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.

BUY TICKETS

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.

DONATE

Sponsorship Opportunities

Join the movement to make parks and natural 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!

LEARN MORE

You can download the Sponsorship form here.