Office for People with Special Needs

office on speical needs ice skating header

About the Office

Manuel Ramirez, Director

E-mail mramirez@ucnj.org

Phone: 908-527-4781

Organizationally under the Department of Human Services

Mission

To provide recreational and social opportunities for residents living with special needs including physical, cognitive and developmental challenges;
To provide outreach to community groups and organizations to identify needs and interests of persons and families living with special needs as an opportunity to design effective programs;
To develop additional resources to fund programs targeting engagement of persons living with special needs;
To identify and implement an effective means of communication to educate community residents on programs and social events available such as yoga, ceramics, zumba, cooking, golf, swimming, sensory friendly theatre shows, a carnival and a barn dance.

Survey

We always welcome your input and suggestions. Please fill out our survey.

Recreation Programs

Register online these programs

Ceramics for Adults*
Gregorio Center
330 Helen Street, Linden
Session 1 Tuesdays, February 5th and 12th 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Session 2 Tuesdays, March 5th and 12th 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Culinary Delights*
Classic Thyme
710 South Avenue, Westfield
Session 1 Saturday, February 16th, 9:30am – 11:00 am
Session 2 Saturday, March 30th, 9:30 am – 11:00 am

Recreation Swim
YMCA of Fanwood – Scotch Plains
1340 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains
Update coming soon

Yoga for Teens and Young Adults*
Trailside Nature and Science Center
452 New Providence Road, Mountainside
Session 1 – Mondays January 21st – February 25th 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Session 2 – Mondays March 11th – April 15th 5:00pm – 6:00pm

Special Events

Register online these events

* Program (if marked *) is made possible by funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant Program.

** Program (if marked **) is made possible by funding from the NJ Department of Community Affairs, through a Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Grant.