JESPY House, Inc.

03/06/2026

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT: Chloe O.

“This month is about embracing who I am. I’m not hiding any part of my story, and reminding people that everyone deserves respect, support, and the chance to succeed.”

In honor of NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH, we’re proud to spotlight Chloe. A participant in JESPY House, Inc.’s Engagement & Enrichment Program and the JESPY Theatre Group, Chloe loves performing show tunes and volunteering with children at the Weekday School in South Orange, which she has done for the past two years.

“This month feels very personal to me. JESPY is such an important part of my life. I’ve made so many friends and feel accepted, supported, and understood.”

“I have ADHD, and I’m not ashamed of it. I am proud to say that it’s just a part of who I am. The challenges I’ve faced have helped me become stronger and more self-aware.”

This month, we celebrate the voices and experiences of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

03/05/2026

Athletics and fitness play a powerful role in improving the health, independence, and quality of life for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The same is true for JESPY client Amir I. As an athlete on several JESPY teams, he is thriving beyond measure. The Go Big for JESPY campaign and the expanded fitness center that will be part of The JESPY Center will grow opportunities for Amir and other JESPY athletes. Support clients like Amir by helping us reach The Cooperman Match. To learn more, visit https://www.jespyhouse.org/GoBig.

03/05/2026

Doing the work every day is the JESPY House, Inc. way! We love to see Social Media content that is positive and just makes you SMILE!! Thank you New Jersey Association of Community Providers -

03/05/2026

A sportscaster with cerebral palsy will be the voice of play-by-play coverage for Major League Baseball games airing in primetime on NBC and Peacock.

03/05/2026

March is Women’s History Month.

Disabled women have shaped history, advanced civil rights, challenged artistic norms and transformed how we understand disability.

From Judy Heumann’s leadership in the disability rights movement to Harriet Tubman’s abolitionist legacy, from Frida Kahlo’s groundbreaking art to Alice Wong’s impact on disability storytelling and advocacy, their contributions continue to influence generations.

Representation matters. History includes disabled women. Who else would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments.

Image description: Graphic titled “Disabled Women Who Shaped History” with NDI logo in the top right corner. The slide features four women with brief biographies and photos: Judy Heumann (1947–2023), disability rights activist and wheelchair user who helped lead the 504 Sit-in and advance the Americans with Disabilities Act; Harriet Tubman (c. 1822–1913), abolitionist and political activist who sustained a traumatic brain injury and likely lived with epilepsy; Frida Kahlo (1907–1954), Mexican painter who lived with chronic pain and mobility impairments; and Alice Wong (1974–2025), disability rights activist with spinal muscular atrophy and founder of the Disability Visibility Project. Portrait images of each woman appear below their biographies.

03/04/2026

Today’s Crossing Guard Appreciation Breakfast was a wonderful success! Hosted by Walk Bike Ride South OrangeWalk Bike Ride in partnership with JESPY House, Inc. and the Maplewood Police Department and South Orange Police Departments, the event brought our communities together to celebrate the dedicated crossing guards who keep our children and community members safe. Crossing guards from both towns enjoyed a morning of connection and well-deserved recognition. They were joined by JESPY House, Inc. clients, local officials, police leadership (South Orange Sergeant Jose Albino and officers; and Maplewood Police Chief Albert Sally and officers), and Board of Education members — all showing strong support from across Maplewood and South Orange.

As a special thank you, crossing guards received gift cards. The event was spearheaded by JESPY Community Relations and Outreach Supervisor Tara Roberts. Delicious refreshments were generously provided by Sonny's Bagels, Whole Foods Market,The Able Baker, Bakes by Izzy, and Gencarelli's Bakery.

03/04/2026

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/02/us/colleges-see-spike-in-students-with-disabilities-including-elite-schools.html

Universities from Harvard to Hampshire have admitted significantly more students with disabilities over the last decade, as diagnoses for A.D.H.D. and anxiety increase.

03/04/2026

A team of neurodiverse individuals is launching what they're billing as a first-of-its-kind advertising agency.

03/03/2026

Go Big for Fitness at JESPY!
JESPY’s Athletics and Fitness Program is empowering clients to build strength, confidence, and healthy routines that last a lifetime. As part of our Go Big Campaign, we’re taking fitness to the next level! The new gym at our upcoming The JESPY Center will feature expanded space and modern, adaptive equipment that will service clients of varying ages and abilities. Here, JESPY Athletics Supervisor Kevin Barton shares his thoughts on the new facility.
JESPY needs your help to complete this overall project. Thanks to the generosity of philanthropists Toby and Leon Cooperman, every gift can make a greater impact through the Cooperman Match. Learn how you can help us Meet the Match and Go Big for JESPY clients! Lend your support today: https://www.jespyhouse.org/GoBig.

03/02/2026

Governor Mikie Sherrill has officially declared March to be in NJ!
This month seeks to raise awareness and celebrate people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers, throughout New Jersey.

The Arc of New Jersey

03/02/2026

Read a more in-depth view about JESPY client Heather S.' experience during her recent visit to Washington, D.C. to help advocate for additional funding for Special Olympics New Jersey as she (and other NJ athletes) joined Special Olympics athletes from across the country in the endeavor.

From JESPY House: SOUTH ORANGE – During Special Olympics’ Capitol Hill Day, held February…

03/02/2026

March is developmental disability awareness month!
This month, choose empathy.
Choose inclusion.
Choose to be the safe place, not the judgment.
Because awareness is about how we treat people every single day.
JESPY House, Inc. Inclusion in Action Every day of the Year!

South Orange-based JESPY House is a non-profit organization that has supported adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for more than 40 years. Clients, age 18 and up, are guided in various areas along their journey to independence and leading fulfilling lives. JESPY’s philosophy is...