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
Upcoming Special Events and Programs
Apply for the 2025 Sensory Friendly Summer Camp
For individuals 12 to 21
The Sensory Friendly Summer Camp will run from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. during the week of August 18th through August 22nd, and will be held at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.
Learn more
Prospective campers must be Union County residents with a documented disability, demonstrating independence in basic self-care tasks, such as using the toilet and feeding themselves. While the camp warmly welcomes individuals who may require occasional prompting or redirection, it is not suitable for those with a history of fleeing, aggressive, or threatening behavior, who require restraints to manage or stop behaviors, or who require 1:1 staffing.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN and space is limited. The application does not guarantee enrollment. In order to ensure compatibility and accommodate individual needs, the camp administration will conduct interviews prior to admission. The administration reserves the right to determine whether they can adequately meet the needs of the applicants.
Inclusive Zumba
For individuals 13 and up
Fred Erxleben Recreation Center – Main Gym, Elizabeth
513 Richmond St, Elizabeth, NJ
Thursday, May 1st, 15th and 29th
6:15pm – 7:00pm
Yoga for Adults
For individuals 15 and up
Wednesday, May 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
June 4th
5:15 – 6:00pm
Trailside Nature and Science Center, Mountainside
Art for all Abilities
All ages
Register online All 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Creative Canvas Night
Wednesday, April 3rd
Public Library – Room 2, Plainfield
Paint Fun Night
Friday, April 11th
Community Room, Westfield
Brush and Bond Night
Wednesday, April 16th
Public Library – Zisman Room, Hillside
Artsy Bunch Night
Wednesday, April 23rd
Peterstown Community Center – Large Meeting Room, Elizabeth
Golf Sessions
For children and adults (different sessions)
For Children (ages 5-14)
Saturday, April 26th (Rain Date: May 3rd) 9 – 10 am
The Learning Center at Galloping Hill Golf Course, Kenilworth
For Adults (age 15 & up)
Saturday, April 26th (Rain Date: May 3rd) Time: 10 – 11 am
Ashbrook Golf Course, Scotch Plains
Inclusive Sensory Safari Show
For all ages
Tuesday, May 6th
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Trailside Nature and Science Center, Mountainside
Paint in the Park
All ages
Saturday, May 17th
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Warinanco Park, (Skating center turnaround) (next to the Sports Ctr), Roselle
Rain Location: Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Dr., Roselle
Inclusive Ceramics Painting
For those aged 15 and up
May 13th, 2025
6:00pm -7:30pm
Congressman Donald Payne Vauxhall Meeting Center in Union
Check our website periodically as we announce new programs and special events
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
- March 13 – (Virtual Meeting via Zoom)
- May 8 – (In-person)
- June 12 – (In-person)
- September 11 – (Virtual Meeting via Zoom)
- October 09 – (Virtual Meeting via Zoom)
- December 11 – (Virtual Meeting via Zoom)
Please note that all meetings of the Disabilities Advisory Board are scheduled for the second Thursday of the month.
Additional meetings, as needed, may be scheduled to address pressing business that may occur between regular scheduled meetings.
Meeting on March, October and December will be held virtually, while meetings in May, June and September meeting which 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.