Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs

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.

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Upcoming Events

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.

Sensory Friendly Summer Camp Group A (Ages 12-16) and Group B (Ages 17-21)

Spend a week investigating the natural world using your senses of sight, sound, smell and touch. Experience the Sensory Friendly Trail and enjoy learning about the plants and animals that live in the Watchung Reservation, Union County’s largest park. Develop an appreciation for the natural world through nature walks, hands-on activities, interactive games, scavenger hunts, arts & crafts, and stories. Meet live animals, spend time outside each day and experience all the beauty that nature has to offer.

Yoga
For all ages

This program focuses on gentle movement to support strength, flexibility, and relaxation. Participants will learn simple breathing techniques to calm the nervous system, with each session ending in guided deep relaxation to promote overall well-being.

Art for All Abilities
For all ages

An inclusive art program where individuals of all abilities can enjoy creative hands-on activities, self-expression, and social interaction in a welcoming environment.

Sensory Safari Show
For all ages

Spend a week investigating the natural world using your senses of sight, sound, smell and touch. Experience the Sensory Friendly Trail and enjoy learning about the plants and animals that live in the Watchung Reservation, Union County’s largest park. Develop an appreciation for the natural world through nature walks, hands-on activities, interactive games, scavenger hunts, arts & crafts, and stories. Meet live animals, spend time outside each day and experience all the beauty that nature has to offer.

Interactive Guided Hiking
For all ages

A guided nature hike designed for individuals of all abilities to explore trails, learn about nature, and enjoy outdoor wellness activities.

How We Help

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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.

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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

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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.