Holidays and Important Dates

Every day, Direct Service Professionals (DSPs) make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During Direct Service Professionals Appreciation Week, we want to recognize and celebrate the dedication, compassion, and expertise they bring to their work.

Although this week recognizes DSPs, we must not forget that SDEs (Self-Direction Employees) provide the same essential supports for individuals who self-direct their supports and services. DSPs and SDEs are the same in the direct support services they provide to individuals. The difference is primarily in how the employee is hired or managed, rather than in the nature of the support they deliver.

DSPs and SDEs provide support that helps people live, work, learn, and participate in their communities. This week is an opportunity to say thank you to the thousands of DSPs and SDEs whose work strengthens individuals, families, and communities. 

July is Disability Pride Month. But with community living protections being challenged by the Department of Justice, increased concern about a reduced commitment to home and community based services (HCBS), and shifting oversight on special education, many people in the disability community are feeling less-than-celebratory.  Mustering enthusiasm for Disability Pride Month may feel hard this year, and people may be wondering what there is to celebrate.

However, Disability Pride Month has never been about pretending everything is fine. Disability Pride Month exists because disability rights took decades of organizing, protest, and persistence—even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. 

World Cup 2026 is coming! The games start on June 11 and run through July 19. It takes place every four years, and for soccer fans, the World Cup is always a big deal. This year, the World Cup is an especially big deal for fans in the New York/New Jersey area because New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium will be hosting eight matches, including the much-anticipated final game on Sunday, July 19. 

For fans in Central and Southern New Jersey, Philadelphia is hosting six matches at Lincoln Financial Field. With games fourteen games being played in or near the State, fans across New Jersey truly have lots of reason to be excited during World Cup 2026.

So no one is left out of the excitement, we put together this guide to help fans with disabilities in New Jersey get the most out of their World Cup 2026 experience. 

NOTE: This list will grow as the games get closer. If you have a recommendation to share with the community, please email laura.warne@rutgers.edu. It is being compiled as a helpful guide only, and we encourage you to independently verify all information.
 

After 15 years of service, our dear friend and colleague Ann Martinelli is stepping down from her role as a Training and Consultation Specialist. She has left a lasting impact on the Community Living Education Project and will be sorely missed. 

From Diwali to Halloween, October has it's fair share of holidays. It's also National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the value and talent American workers with disabilities add to our workplaces and economy.

Today is World Emoji Day, and a good time to think about the power of symbols and what they tell us about our biases and assumptions about what disability is and looks like.