Content Type: News

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

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

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has is seeking to spread the word about the FY27 Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

The draft FY2027 PA TIP–the Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program–which was recently released by the DVRPC, includes the highest amount of funds programmed toward the Circuit and Circuit adjacent projects that will connect to the network. This investment is funded with a mix of local and federal funds, including CRP/CRPU, and CMAQ, which has been a primary funding source for trails over the years. When it is adopted, a record number of Circuit Trails Coalition Priority Projects in each of the five Pennsylvania counties in the Circuit Trails footprint will be funded.

  1. We’re thrilled to see the draft FY2027 Transportation Improvement Program for Pennsylvania includes a record number of priority projects across the Circuit Trails network and the highest amount of funds programmed toward the Circuit Trails and adjacent 🚲👟projects. To help get all the @thecircuittrails proposed projects included in the final Transportation Improvement Program, go to circuittrails.org/get-involved/ to send a letter of support.
  2. Making it safer and easier to walk and bike in the Greater Philadelphia region is closer to becoming a reality, thanks to the inclusion of @thecircuittrails projects in the draft Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program. To help ensure the proposed projects are included in the final Transportation Improvement Program, go to circuittrails.org/get-involved/ to send a letter of support.
  3. Act now: Help ensure @thecircuittrails are prioritized in the Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program. Go to circuittrails.org/get-involved/ to send a letter of support.
  4. The draft FY2027 PA Transportation Improvement Program includes the  highest amount of funds programmed toward 👟🚲projects adjacent to and #OnTheCircuit. To help get all the @thecircuittrails proposed projects included in the final plan, go to circuittrails.org/get-involved/ to send a letter of support.
  5. Act now to help move forward the Circuit Trails network! Let @DVRPC know you want them to prioritize projects #OnTheCircuit by including them in PA’s Transportation Improvement Program.
  6. Speak out to fund more trails! Circuit Trails projects were included in the draft Transportation Improvement Program, which could mean major funding for trail projects #OnTheCircuit. Send a letter to show support for trails in our region: circuittrails.org/get-involved/ 

Individuals and organizations will have an opportunity to register public comments with DVRPC through 5 p.m. June 22.

Link to take action – Here