On June 18, 2022, the Union County Department of Human Services, Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs (OPDSN)’s Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs (OPDSN) held their Annual Summer Carnival at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.
“The Annual Summer Carnival provided a fun and inclusive environment for individuals and families of all ages and abilities,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “We were thrilled to see approximately 100 attendees enjoy carnival games, inflatable rides, a balloon artist, a juggler, and a magician.
The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is the first such office in New Jersey. It was established in 2018 as part of Commissioner Sergio Granados’ 2018 Moving Union County Forward Chairman initiatives for individual empowerment, education, diversity and inclusion.
“Union County is committed to creating more opportunities geared towards friends, neighbors and families of all ages,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “The Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs builds on our existing programs with activities and events that include more residents in enriching social experiences, helping us forge more bonds with community partners and residents.”
Along with the aforementioned activities for those who attended the Summer Carnival, Trailside Nature & Science Center and Kaleidoscope ABA Therapy Services also provided giveaways and brochures about their services. Carnival treats such as popcorn, warm pretzels, Italian ice and ice cream were available to attendees.
For more details on any program offered through the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs visit online at https://ucnj.org/dhs/office-for-persons-with-disabilities-and-special-needs/ or contact the Program Coordinator, Jasmine Doughty-Whitous at Jwhitous@ucnj.org or call 908-527-4781.
For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.