See Special Needs Recreation & Sports, Health Services and Education for additional programs.
Bethel Ridge Learning Center
175 S. Maple Ave., Basking Ridge, 908-221-0801. Non-profit organization servicing the developmentally disabled population ages 14 and older in Somerset, Morris and Union Counties offers job placement and coaching, support and education services. Internet courses; homework club available for 14-21 yr. old students in school.
The Children's Dyslexia Center
301 Forest Ave., Scotch Plains, 908-322-6241. A national program supported by the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry to combat dyslexia provides Orton-Gillingham tutoring to children from kindergarten through high school free of charge. Open to all children regardless of economic status, race, religion or Masonic affiliation. Professional tutor training is also provided at no cost to those who qualify. Individual and business sponsorships accepted. www.learningbear.org, http://childrensdyslexiacenters.org
Creative Kinections, LLC
732-953-6291, email: CreativeKinections@gmail.com. Brooke Campbell, MA, RDT-BCT, LCAT uses creative arts and drama therapy techniques to achieve goals, solve problems, facilitate the expression of emotions and build social skills. Servicing children, adolescents, adults, families, couples, schools and organizations. Individual and groups offered. Specializing in autism spectrum disorders, trauma, chronic pain, and mental illness. Locations in Livingston, NJ and New York, NY.
EPOCH (Educational Program of Children Handicapped)
Madison Area YMCA, 1 Ralph Stoddard Drive, Madison. Afterschool recreational program for special needs children and teens meets at the Madison YMCA twice a week and offers a variety of enrichment and social opportunities. For more information or to volunteer, write to PO Box 231, Madison, NJ 07940.
Jubilation Creations, Inc.
713 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, 856-240-1558. Craft classes are offered 7 days a week for developmentally disabled/special needs, ages 7 to adult, by appointment. Private to small group, private pay or DDD funding accepted. Group field trips welcome. Special needs yoga is offered Wed. afternoons and/or Sat. mornings. Call for info or visit website.
LearningRx
Chester: 350 Main St., 908-834-0606
Email: chester.nj@LearningRx.net
Florham Park: 195 Columbia Turnpike, 908-834-0606
Email: florhampark.nj@LearningRx.net
Short Hills: 636 Morris Ave., Suite 1B, 973-376-4646
Email: shorthills.nj@LearningRx.net
Warren: 34 Mountain Blvd., 908-22-BRAIN
Email: warren.nj@LearningRx.net
Learning Rx helps parents identify and correct underlying cognitive weaknesses that keep kids from achieving their full potential in school and life. It's not a tutoring program, but rather a one-on-one brain training program that enhances or corrects the underlying causes of learning, reading and behavior difficulties. See discount offer on inside back cover of print Kids Guide.
Music Connection
New Jersey Workshop for the Arts, 150-152 E. Broad St., Westfield, 908-789-9696. Reduced-fee instrumental program for special needs children ages 6 and above and partner to study a musical instrument together.
Music Therapy for All Ages
Sheri Kandel, MT-BC, MCAT, Westfield, 908-789-9621. Music Therapy builds strengths and provides the support to succeed. An individualized approach allows for setting and achieving therapeutic goals. Developmental, psychological, social, and/or physical difficulties are assessed and addressed with music interventions. See display ad on page 165. www.musictherapyforallages.com
Paper Mill Playhouse Sensory-Friendly Performances 2011-2012
Brookside Drive, Millburn, 973-376-4343; 973-379-3636. Planned in cooperation with Autism NJ and The Douglass Development Disabilities Center at Rutgers, the theater environment will be altered to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space for all families. Online resource materials are available and free "Meet Your Seat" Open House for children new to the theater experience is offered the day before each performance.
Apr 21
Red Riding Hood & Other Stories, Pushcart Players. 10am.
32nd Degree Masonic Learning Centers for Dyslexic Children
301 Forest Ave., Scotch Plains, 908-322-6241. A national program to combat dyslexia provides Orton-Gillingham tutoring to children from kindergarten through high school free of charge. Open to all children regardless of economic status, race, religion or Masonic affiliation. Professional tutor training is also provided at no cost to those who qualify. Individual and business sponsorships accepted.
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68 Elm St., Summit, 908-273-9121 x13. Art outreach program of weekly classes serves special needs students, ages 7-12, from Union, Essex and Morris Counties.
VSA Arts of New Jersey
703 Jersey Ave., New Brunswick, 732-745-3885. Part of an international network, VSA/NJ provides arts programming throughout New Jersey for children and adults with disabilities and resource and referral services for information or assistance with arts issues.