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
Inclusive Ceramic Painting
March 5 and 19 7pm to 8pm
Free
Pre-registration required
Autism Acceptance Celebration- Super Hero
Saturday, April 20 10am to Noon
Free
Pre-registration required
Rain Date: April 27th
Inclusive Splash Nights Program for Children 12 years and under
Thursdays 6:30pm to 7:45pm
July 11th, 18th, 25th
August 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th
Free
Pre-registration required
Summer Festival
Sunday, July 28 11am to 1pm
Free
Pre-registration required
Rain Date: August 4th
Art for All Abilities – Family Canvas
Multiple Locations
Free
Westfield
- Municipal Building Community Room
- 425 E. Broad Street, Westfield
- Friday, April 12th
- 5:30 pm – 7 pm
Elizabeth
- PROCEED Family Success Center
- 1122 East Grand Street, Elizabeth
- Tuesday April 16th
- 5:30 pm – 7 pm
Plainfield
- Updated
- Plainfield Public Library, Meeting Room #2
- 800 Park Avenue, Plainfield, NJ 07060
- Tuesday April 23rd
- 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Paint in the Park
Warinanco Park in Elizabeth
Free
Saturday, May 18th
11am -1pm
Registration for 2024 Sensory Friendly Summer Camp
Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside
Free
452 New Providence Road
August 19th – 23rd
9am – 2pm
Registration will open on April 1st
How We Help
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
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 Jasmine Whitous, Program Coordinator at 908-527-4781 or jwhitous@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
Advisory Board on the Disabled
5:00 PM via Zoom & 5:30 PM in Person
- March 14 – (Virtual Meeting via Zoom)
- May 9 – (In-person)
- June 13 – (In-person)
- September 12 – (In-person)
- October 10 – (Virtual Meeting via Zoom)
- December 12 – (Virtual Meeting via Zoom)
Please note that all meetings of the Advisory Board on the Disabled 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.
For more information, contact Leighton Heisey 908-527-4840.
The Union County Advisory Board for the Disabled (ABD) plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with physical and developmental disabilities in the local community. The ABD serves as a trusted advisor and consultant to the Union County Board of County Commissioners, providing valuable insights and recommendations on matters related to disability services, policies, and programs.
Through its work, the ABD is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities in Union County have access to the resources and support they need to live fulfilling and independent lives. The ABD is made up of dedicated members who are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of those with disabilities, and who work tirelessly to promote equality, inclusion, and accessibility in the community.
Become a Member of the Union County Advisory Board for the Disabled
A Unique Opportunity to Make a Meaningful Contribution to the Disability Community
Becoming a member of the Union County Advisory Board for the Disabled (ABD) provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the disability community in the local area. By joining the ABD, 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 ABD 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 ABD, 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 ABD 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.
ABD meetings are on the 4th Wednesday of every alternate month at 5:30pm, starting in March. Please note that ABD 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.