Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs
The Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs offers a range of social and recreational opportunities to help individuals with disabilities connect with others and engage in meaningful activities.
About
The Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs (OPDSN) is a valuable resource for individuals of all abilities and ages in the local community. The office offers a range of social and recreational opportunities to help individuals with disabilities connect with others and engage in meaningful activities.
From elementary school children to senior adults, the office provides programs and events that cater to the unique needs and interests of each individual. In addition to these activities, the office offers information and referral services to connect individuals and families with community resources such as rental and utility assistance, entitlements, accessibility issues, and transition services. The office is committed to promote accessibility, independence, and community integration for individuals with disabilities, and to help them achieve their full potential in all aspects of life.
OPDSN’s main goal is to advocate for persons with disabilities of all ages, as well as support community engagement for everyone.
Contact:
Diana Calle
Director
Phone: 908-527-4807
Email: dcalle@ucnj.org
Free Upcoming Special Events and Programs
Caregivers are welcome to attend and provide support or participate as needed. Space is limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fall Fishing Derby for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the Fall Fishing Derby for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, taking place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.
Join us for a fun day of fishing and outdoor recreation in partnership with the Newark Bait and Fly Casting Club.
This is a FREE event, but pre-registration is required. To register, call 908-527-4781 or visit ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.
This event is hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, under the Division of Individual and Family Support Services of the Union County Department of Human Services.
For more information about the Fall Fishing Derby and other programs and events offered by the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, call 908-527-4781.
Yoga ( All Ages)
Participants will have the opportunity to learn yoga techniques which provide a variety of physical benefits, including body strengthening, flexibility and relaxation. Breath work will be taught as a tool to help calm the nervous system and clear the mind. During each session, participants will be guided into deep relaxation.
Participants are asked not to eat for 2 hours before the program.
- Dates: September 9th , 16th, 23rd, 30th & October 7th
- Location: Trailside Nature & Science Center; 452 New Providence Rd, Mountainside
- Time: 5:30 pm – 6:15 pm
Interactive Guided Hike (All Ages)
Enjoy a guided hike through the beautiful natural surroundings of Watchung Reservation, Union County’s largest park. This experience offers a relaxing walk, fresh air, and the opportunity to learn about the environment while connecting with others.
- Dates: September 12th and 26
- Location: Trailside Nature & Science Center, 452 New Providence Rd, Mountainside
- Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Important Notes:
- Nature Walks: Walking paths and trails are uneven and may include rocks, roots, and slight inclines. Participants will need to walk independently.
- This is not a respite program. Each attendee must be accompanied by a supervising adult at all times. Individuals who arrive unaccompanied will not be permitted to participate.
- Dress: Make sure to dress comfortably for outdoor conditions and closed-toed shoes that can get dirty (hiking shoes, boots, or sneakers; no flip flops please). Please prepare appropriately for the weather: hats, sun block, bug spray, etc.
- Remember to bring water
- Restrooms available before and after the hike
- Caregiver supervision is required at all times.
Fall Festival & Resource Fair for All Abilities (All Ages)
Fall Festival & Resource Fair for All Abilities! 🍂. Join us for a fun-filled day celebrating inclusion, community, and connection! Enjoy games, activities, food, vendors, community resources, and more for individuals and families of all abilities. 🎃🍁 Come out, have fun, connect with local organizations, and enjoy everything our Fall Festival has to offer. There’s something for everyone!
- Date : Sunday, October 11
- Location: Homestead Farm Oak Ridge, 136 Oak Ridge Rd, Clark
- Time: 10:00 am -12:00 pm
Karate (Ages 5-12)
This Karate class offers a fun, beginner-level introduction to karate for individuals with disabilities and special needs. This supportive program focuses on basic techniques while enhancing balance, coordination, and self-confidence. No prior experience needed—just bring your energy and enthusiasm!
Don’t forget your water bottle and a small towel!
- Dates: Mondays, October 19th and October 26th
- Location: Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Ave, Cranford
- Time: 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm
Karate (Ages 13 and up)
This Karate class offers a fun, beginner-level introduction to karate for individuals with disabilities and special needs. This supportive program focuses on basic techniques while enhancing balance, coordination, and self-confidence. No prior experience needed—just bring your energy and enthusiasm!
Don’t forget your water bottle and a small towel!
- Dates: Mondays, October 19 and October 26
- Location: Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Ave, Cranford
- Time: 8:00 pm – 8:45 pm
How We Help
Social & Recreational Programs
Throughout the year, OPDSN offers a variety of social and recreational programs and activities for those living with disabilities & special needs in Union County. To learn more about the programs and to sign up, please visit: ucnj.org/opdsn-reg
For more information, please contact Eva Altidor, Program Coordinator at 908-527-4781 or Eva.Altidor@ucnj.org.
Personal Assistance Service Program (PASP)
The PASP helps program participants pursue vocational goals and live independently. The PASP can assist people with disabilities who are working, going to college, attending a vocational training program or involved in volunteer activities (minimum of 20 volunteer hours per month). To be eligible, PASP applicants must have a permanent physical disability, be age 18 and older, be capable of self-direction, able to supervise a personal assistant and live in a community-based residence in New Jersey.
For more information, please contact Diane Granada, PASP Coordinator at 908-527-4845 or diane.granada@ucnj.org
Information & Referral Service
OPDSN provides information and referral resources to those living in Union County on issues such as housing, entitlements, transition services, and employment resources. Please see the list below of County, State, and Federal resources.
For more information, please contact Leighton Heisey, Advisory Board/Information & Referral: 908-527-4840 or leighton.heisey@ucnj.org
Disabilities Advisory Board
5:00 pm via Zoom & 5:30 pm in Person. 2026 Dates:
- March 12 – Virtual Meeting via Zoom
- May 14 – In-person
- September 10 – Virtual Meeting via Zoom
- October 8 – Virtual Meeting via Zoom
- December 3 – In-person
Please note that all meetings of the Disabilities Advisory Board are scheduled for the second Thursday of the month.
The December meeting will be an exception and will take place on the first Thursday of the month.
Additional meetings, as needed, may be scheduled to address pressing business that may occur between regular scheduled meetings.
Meetings in March, September and October will be held virtually, while meetings in May and December will be in person
Become a Member of the Union County Disabilities Advisory Board – A Unique Opportunity to Make a Meaningful Contribution to the Disability Community
Becoming a member of the Union County Disabilities Advisory Board (DAB) provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the disability community in the local area. By joining the DAB, individuals have the chance to be a part of a team of dedicated advocates who are committed to improving the lives of those with disabilities. Members of the DAB have the opportunity to share their experiences, knowledge, and expertise on disability-related issues and to work collaboratively with other members to develop recommendations for the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
By becoming a member of the DAB, individuals have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities in the community, and to help promote independence and accessibility for all. The DAB convenes regularly throughout the year to analyze and assess issues that impact the well-being of Union County residents with disabilities, and offer invaluable advice and guidance to the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
For any questions about the board or schedule, please contact Leighton Heisey, Advisory Board/Information & Referral: 908-527-4840 or leighton.heisey@ucnj.org.