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Welcome to our first annual conference where we will celebrate, frontline staff of all of the Arcs of New Jersey. This promises to be an exciting event while supporting frontline staff in all they do.
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Thursday, September 17
 

9:00am EDT

Registration
Thursday September 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

9:45am EDT

Welcome
Thursday September 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:00am EDT

Thursday September 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:00am EDT
Ballroom

10:00am EDT

Proclamation Presentation
Thursday September 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:15am EDT
Dr. Stephen Cha, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services, will join us during the opening session on Thursday, September 17, 2026, to present a proclamation recognizing Direct Support Professional Recognition Week.
 
Commissioner Cha’s participation is an incredible honor and provides a powerful statewide acknowledgment of the essential work performed every day by Direct Support Professionals throughout New Jersey.
 
Thursday September 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:15am EDT
Ballroom

10:15am EDT

"You Are the Standard: Owning Excellence in Direct Support"
Thursday September 17, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Thursday September 17, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Ballroom

11:30am EDT

Let's Get moving
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT

Exhibitors
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Hatteras

11:30am EDT

10 Principles of Success – Building Excellence in Everyday Practice
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
This dynamic session equips frontline professionals in the I/DD field with practical, real-world principles to elevate performance, strengthen impact, and build a culture of excellence in daily service. Participants will explore how to intentionally enlarge their capacity to learn and manage—recognizing that growth is not optional in a field that demands adaptability and compassion.

The session emphasizes emotional intelligence, teaching staff to lead with sound reasoning rather than reactive emotions, especially in high-pressure situations. Attendees will reconnect with their purpose and the deeper meaning behind their work, reinforcing the critical role they play in the lives of those they support.

Through engaging discussion, participants will be challenged to act differently if they desire different outcomes—learning how to break overwhelming responsibilities into manageable steps and develop the discipline to “purge” distractions, inefficiencies, and unproductive habits.

The session also highlights accountability and perspective: recognizing that individuals, families, and communities depend on their success. Staff will learn to align preparation with opportunity, act decisively in critical moments, and maximize their potential in the present.

Ultimately, this session empowers staff to think bigger, act better, and lead themselves with excellence every day.
Speakers
FA

Frank Adu

CEO, The Arc Middlesex County
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Biscane

11:30am EDT

Strengths-Based Transition Planning: Honoring Differences, Reframing Deficits
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
This is a session description
Speakers
Thursday September 17, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Newport

12:15pm EDT

Lunch
Thursday September 17, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT

Thursday September 17, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm EDT
Ballroom

1:30pm EDT

Self-Management – Leading Yourself Before Leading Others
Thursday September 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Speakers
Thursday September 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Biscane

1:30pm EDT

Connecting with People of All Abilities Through the Power of Music
Thursday September 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Sponsors
avatar for Derrick Ludvickson-Luna

Derrick Ludvickson-Luna

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, Blue Light Music

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Hatteras

1:30pm EDT

From Direct Support to Dynamic Leadership: Translating DSP Skills into Leadership Strengths
Thursday September 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Speakers
avatar for Matt Brady

Matt Brady

Assistant Executive Director of Vocational Services, The Arc, Ocean County Chapter
New Jersey
JS

Jessica Scott

Director, Employment Services, Arc of Camden

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Newport

2:30pm EDT

Beyond the Boxes: Turning Data Into the Stories of Those We Support
Thursday September 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT

Speakers
avatar for Nichole

Nichole

Business Development Territory Manager, Therap Services

Thursday September 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
Newport

2:30pm EDT

2:30pm EDT

Empowering Excellence from Where You Stand Why it Matters to Lead
Thursday September 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT

Speakers
FA

Frank Adu

CEO, The Arc Middlesex County
Thursday September 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
Biscane

3:30pm EDT

4:45pm EDT

LUNIQUEBINGO
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:45pm - 6:45pm EDT
LUNIQUEBINGO: Recharge, Connect & Play!

Turn up the music, grab your bingo card, and get ready for an unforgettable, high-energy experience! LUNIQUEBINGO combines great music, friendly competition, laughter, and plenty of surprises to create the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and connect with others.

Frontline professionals spend every day caring for and supporting others—but caregivers need care, too. This interactive music bingo event is a reminder that taking time for yourself is not selfish; it is essential. Step away from your daily responsibilities, strengthen relationships with colleagues, enjoy some well-deserved downtime, and rediscover the power of simply having fun.

Come ready to sing along, cheer each other on, and celebrate the people who make a difference every day—you!
Thursday September 17, 2026 4:45pm - 6:45pm EDT
Ballroom
 
Empowering Excellence 2026
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