{"id":3134,"date":"2023-04-03T15:41:25","date_gmt":"2023-04-03T15:41:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/?page_id=3134"},"modified":"2026-09-02T13:49:03","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T13:49:03","slug":"opdsn","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ucnj.org\/dhs\/opdsn\/","title":{"rendered":"Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Learn more<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Upcoming Events<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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About<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OPDSN\u2019s main goal is to advocate for persons with disabilities of all ages, as well as  support  community engagement for everyone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Contact:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Diana Calle<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Director<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phone: 908-527-4807<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Email: dcalle@ucnj.org<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Free Upcoming Special Events and Programs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Caregivers are welcome to attend and provide support or participate as needed.<\/strong> Space is limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Fall Fishing Derby for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us for a fun day of fishing and outdoor recreation in partnership with the Newark Bait and Fly Casting Club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a FREE event, but pre-registration is required. To register, call 908-527-4781 or visit ucnj.org\/opdsn-reg<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Yoga ( All Ages)<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participants are asked not to eat for 2 hours before the program.<\/em> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n