About the Office
Mission
Union County’s Annual Walk for Autism Awareness Spring Carnival The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Office for People with Special Needs, City of Elizabeth, Elizabeth Public Schools and Elizabeth Parent Support Group present Union County’s Annual Walk for Autism Awareness Spring Carnival Saturday. April 28, 2018 at Mattano Park 360-484 Fifth Ave in Elizabeth Registration 11 am Walk 12 pm (rain or shine) 
Mondays, 5pm – 6pm Learn yoga techniques. Benefits of yoga include body strengthening, increased flexibility and relaxation. Yoga mats will be provided. Participants are asked to refrain from eating for 2 hours prior. Session 1: Dates: Jan. 22 – Feb. 26 | Session 2: Dates: March 5 – April 9 Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Road Mountainside; Registration Fee: $12
Yoga*
Saturdays, 9:30am – 11:00am Create a complete meal, from beverage to dessert, then enjoy the delicious meal! Master chefs lead the way. Group homes limited to 2 participants. Session 1: February 24 | Session 2: March 31; Classic Thymes, 710 South Avenue Westfield; Registration Fee: $8
Culinary Delights*
Tuesdays, 7pm – 8pm Enjoy time with friends while creating a beautiful ceramic keepsake to bring home. Group homes limited to 2 participants. Program runs in conjunction with the City of Linden’s Dept. of Recreation. Session 1: Dates: Feb. 6 & 13 | Session 2: Dates: March 5 & 12 John T. Gregorio Center, 330 Helen Street. Linden; Registration Fee: $8
Ceramics*
Saturday, March 10 Free ice skating session will be held. Skate guards are on duty throughout the events. Skate-walkers are available for those needing assistance. Food and beverages are provided. 1:45pm – 3:45pm; Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive, Roselle; Registration Fee: Free
Lace Up Your Skates**
Tuesdays Jan. 2 – March 27, 7pm – 8pm Enjoy our FREE swim sessions. Sign in on arrival. People requiring assistance in the water or locker room must make their own arrangements for an aide. (One aide per person admitted.) Organizations are limited to 5 participants, and must provide a chaperone in the water and locker room (both locker rooms for co-ed groups). YMCA of Fanwood – Scotch Plains, 1340 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains; Registration Fee: Free
Recreational Swim
Thursdays, April 5 – May 3, 7pm – 8pm Get your game on for 5 weeks of fun! Volleyball basics, stretches and games. Volleyball will be held at Union County College at the Cranford Campus in the Gymnasium. Please wear sneakers. Chaperones are required to stay on premises when class is in session. Union County College, 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford. Fee: $12
Volleyball*
Sunday, April 29 Youngsters can climb aboard dump trucks, bulldozers, police cars, HAZMAT response units and “The Bear” used by the Union County SWAT team in serious emergencies.Sensory Friendly Hour will be 11am – 12pm. Trailside Nature & Science Center. 452 New Providence Road Mountainside. Fee: $4/person, ages 6 and under FREE
Touch A Truck
Saturday, May 12 The East Central District Elks will provide another day of fabulous fishing fun including contests and a hot dog lunch! Enjoy fishing with your own pole, or use one provided. Echo Lake Park, Springfield Avenue, Mountainside
Spring Fishing Derby**
The Department of Human Service’s Office for the Disabled provides information and referral on a wide variety of topics, including: Accessibility, ADA, Education, Employment, Housing, Transportation, Rehabilitation and more.
* 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.
