Down Syndrome Association of Central New Jersey

10/20/2026

Beta Readers Wanted – The Billy Club

An author has reached out to our organization seeking beta readers for his completed novel, The Billy Club, a multigenerational family drama about family, caregiving, aging, and the ways we care for the people we love.

At the center of the story is Billy Schroeder, a man with Down syndrome. The author is particularly interested in hearing from individuals with Down syndrome, their families, friends, and others with personal connections to the Down syndrome community.

His goal is to ensure that Billy is portrayed authentically, with dignity, respect, and humanity. He's looking for honest feedback about what resonates, what feels realistic, and anything that may not ring true.

The manuscript is approximately 110,000 words and is available electronically (PDF or Kindle).

Interested in being a beta reader? Complete this brief form, and the author will contact you directly:

https://forms.gle/ysaAx1SEmQEnKj3r6 [forms.gle]

Thank you for helping bring authentic stories and characters to life!

Thank you for your interest in being a beta reader for The Billy Club. Please provide your contact information below, and I'll follow up with you by email.

10/20/2026

We are sharing the following on behalf of the Elks Club.
Do you love me It’s time for the 2027 Camp Moore application process to begin. If you are interested in having your special needs child attend a week at Camp Moore, please email to [email protected] and Holly will send you the information on how to apply. Eligible campers are individuals that are between the ages of 7 and 18 at the time of the camp in 2027. Individuals between 18-21 at the date of the camp week are also eligible to attend the adult week of camp. Hamilton Elks sponsors the cost of attendance for the campers so there is no out-of-pocket costs to you and your family. If your child has never been and you want to learn more about Camp Moore and what your child will experience, please reach out and I’ll connect you with an experienced camper family. Attached is the list of camp dates for reference.

10/17/2026

10/13/2026

It is Down Syndrome Awareness month so let’s increase awareness of the latest Healthcare guidelines for the care of people with Down Syndrome. Please share with your loved one’s healthcare provider and stay up to date yourself. The GLOBAL Medical Care Guideline for Adults with Down Syndrome and the American Academy Of Pediatrics Health Supervision for Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome are evidence based medical recommendations developed to support clinicians, improve care, and prevent missed or delays in diagnosis and treatment that could occur if providers are following general healthcare guidelines for people without Down syndrome.
Below are the provider checklists from the care guidelines which are useful tools to assure best practices are being followed.

10/09/2026

Please help support this important research on Family Quality of Life among parents of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Parents of children of all ages may fill it out.

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMFkYUQSZCc7xVcNbU5fPxDv7F2fVjbYoGeDEMR8a4EHX_rw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103594658045089191300__;!!HPapS1s!_Q2QoJkWgxKgWiOBQ1cd2x5A_-fzl8K5ZtRGXwVxXcB2x07-fc1cflQzfk-GT49crQwoLhKvX5HDTs8$

10/02/2026

Consider participating in this upcoming research study looking to evaluate a strength-based intervention in improving job interview skills in young adults with Down syndrome.

09/18/2026

Good afternoon.

Were you wondering if and how AI can support you and your Village?

For those interest, below is my signup for a Webinar Sept 22 pertaining to AI and it’s uses for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
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Tuesday, September 22
1:00 - 2:30 PM EST

AI for Inclusion and Independence: Practical Tools for School
Hosted by: Sean Smith, PhD

This webinar for families and educators will explore how AI can personalize learning, support instruction, and improve student engagement and outcomes. It will also highlight responsible AI use and the importance of educator and family judgment.

https://u3654895.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.LPU4mfr3hoQmZG8Ga-2FdghOROl98GDw9pCk-2FaPqgE116qL1soH3X4yvVQcoj73YqkoABHfdajUpeyPx258zitLuIX8g1UIHmf1HgG-2BtOeYegTUP5UwZ2FQPBI9psRzjy5DhYqOXPUS9uXDh99DpB7iA-3D-3DKzGs_27bnzO2vHbBSNOMC7744oVGggXd55pACnxxwxb2o9f-2BgWwH1bs-2Flg5bGUIf2VUdfgPr12HdDG7gi7YNGBudt7DmbCifayq4J8ilD4OPgYh3vb-2Fp5hlHv0o4MbAnrfstc9t7uX9tiLT2VNZKBAyn18d1lTMQWjkTemIoMCdCQNvRU-2FzN0Wmwv-2F7eYC2I-2FqsyCFnXINhczv09NpmZn6ktDigJsIF2Bt2Mcg4DQ8kGG1FGe6-2BHCvlmCuYOW9fN6n8pcwRhaYo1PjytgFHcgyP08i9HxDZF-2Bcib5idLAxjSwFqJ6cbZL4AM6WfVv86yemDN-2FILPOJ8s2z1vM4DGLgca3pnBLFvMGW0TbyHmByiqj0ffSx4Jz2DP7FlA7PKXwic8-2BvZ5vn4abLeZz2aw1QbqevA-3D-3D

Have a wonderful day.

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09/16/2026

Down Syndrome Regression Disorder is becoming better recognized and understood. Check out this upcoming webinar for the latest updates!

This Global Down Syndrome Foundation webinar 2026 on Tuesday Oct. 13th at 12pm (MT) will feature Dr. Joaquin Espinosa’s presentation on “Promising Results from First Down Syndrome Regression Disorder Clinical Trial and Upcoming Trial Opportunities”.

Admission is free for Global Members, $10 for non-members.

Here is the link to register - https://bit.ly/47pc2IO

09/11/2026

Mass general is recruiting for a new study (NIH-funded, on speech acquisition in Down syndrome, led by Angie Thurman at UCDavis MIND Institute) for children with Down syndrome age 1.5-4.5 years of age.

Check out further information below and reach out to [email protected] if interested.