ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Maggie Drew, coordinator of Services for Individuals with Disabilities at JFS MetroWest, received the Outstanding Spectrum 360 Support Coordinator Award on Thursday, June 14. Drew oversees the JFS Support Coordination program, which provides case management services to individuals eligible through the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities. Drew and her staff work […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — Gregory Elementary School held several Autism Awareness assemblies on April 17 featuring West Orange resident and children’s author Kristy Gray and her book, “The Magically Brilliant Boy,” written about her 19-year-old son, Zachary. “My inspiration for the book was Zachary and the wonder that is his life and I wanted there […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Police Department will hold a special needs symposium on Friday, April 27, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Liberty Middle School, 1 Kelly Drive in West Orange. The WOPD recently implemented Take Me Home, a registration and tracking program that helps law enforcement locate seniors, special-needs children and […]
LIVINGSTON, NJ — “I’m finding it hard to envision the rest of my son’s life and I need to hear what other parents have to say. Maybe there’s something I haven’t thought of.” “My son needs activities so his energy can be directed. He needs a structured place where he can navigate into adulthood.” “Especially […]
MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The Autism Science Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding innovative autism research, recently announced that Marjorie Madfis, founder of Yes She Can Inc., and Jonah and Ellen Zimiles, founders of Words Bookstore in Maplewood, will receive this year’s Caryn Schwartzman Spirit Award. Both organizations were founded in order to […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — The annual Autism Awareness Carnival held at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School on May 12 celebrated district elementary, middle and high school autistic students with a ceremony, bubble-blowing, a carnival and a barbecue. The event began with comments by Mt. Pleasant Principal Julie DiGiacomo, Kelly Principal Joanne Pollara, Superintendent of Schools Jeff […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — Autism Awareness Month culminated at Redwood Elementary School on April 26 with the school’s sixth annual “Bubbles for Autism” event. “Bubbles for Autism” was begun by Families for Autistic Children, Education and Support, or FACES, eight years ago. Redwood spent the month of April raising awareness for autism, beginning with a […]
MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Words Bookstore in Maplewood recently announced that Merril Speck has joined its staff as floor manager. Speck has more than 15 years experience working in various aspects of retail. He has worked in the book business for the past seven years, beginning as a volunteer and rising to store manager at Housing […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Township Council recognizes World Autism Day at the April 25 council meeting, joined by educators from throughout West Orange.
MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Journalists John Donvan and Caren Zucker will be at Words Bookstore in Maplewood on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss and sign copies of their book, “In a Different Key: The Story of Autism,” a history of autism told by weaving together stories of human ingenuity and perseverance and offering […]