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 inclusive programming that caters 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 promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and independence for individuals with disabilities, and to helping 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 ensure inclusion and accessibility in all aspects of community life.
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.
Zumba
12 years and up
Get moving and have fun with this Zumba class for individuals with disabilities and special needs. Participants will enjoy upbeat music and adaptive dance movements in a relaxed setting where everyone can move at their own pace.
- Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
- Time: 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm
- Location: Rahway Recreation Center 275 E Milton Ave, Rahway
- Registration Link: Click here
Canvas Paint Night
All ages
Join us for a fun and creative paint night for individuals of all abilities. Participants will create their own canvas artwork with guided instruction in a welcoming environment that encourages creativity and social interaction.
- Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
- Time: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- Location: Warinanco Sport Center, 1 Park Dr, Roselle
- Registration Link: Click here
Art for All Abilities
All ages
Explore creativity in this hands-on art program for individuals with disabilities and special needs. Activities focus on self-expression, imagination, and social connection in a supportive setting.
- Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
- Time: 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
- Location: Peterstown Community Center; 418 Palmer St, Elizabeth
- Registration Link: Click here
Zumba
12 years and up
Get moving and have fun with this Zumba class for individuals with disabilities and special needs. Participants will enjoy upbeat music and adaptive dance movements in a relaxed setting where everyone can move at their own pace.
- Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
- Time: 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm
- Location: Cranford Community Center, 220 Walnut Ave, Cranford
- Registration Link: Click here
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 greater inclusivity, accessibility, and equality 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.
DAB meetings are on the 2nd Thursday of the month. Please note that DAB does not meet during the months of January, February, April, July, August, and November.
For any questions about the board or schedule, please contact Leighton Heisey, Advisory Board/Information & Referral: 908-527-4840 or leighton.heisey@ucnj.org.