It\u2019s that time of year when high school seniors begin preparing for the transition to college. But what about families of children with special needs? <\/p>\n
For the first time, the ARC of New Jersey at the Monmouth County chapter in Tinton Falls will host a college fair this evening to help make those difficult and sometimes challenging decisions. <\/p>\n
DJ Belfer is an 18-year-old about to graduate from Rumson-Fair Haven High School. He and his mom applied for a spot in the KACH program at Brookdale Community College. <\/p>\n
The KACH program, short for Keep Achieving, is run by the ARC of New Jersey at Monmouth County\u2019s chapter \u2013 just one of 16 programs on display at the college fair from schools all over the state. <\/p>\n
His years in high school that was filled with singing, acting and drama classes will end in two months. <\/p>\n
\u201cKACH looks interesting to me, and I love to check it out,\u201d said DJ. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe opportunities here give us the tools for the next steps into adulthood,\u201d said Susan Belfer, DJ\u2019s mom. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important for people to know there are programs like ours that exist especially for those desiring to continue their education,\u201d said Jaclyn Willaims, the KACH program coordinator at Brookdale Community College. <\/p>\n
Like many teenagers, Susan says DJ grew up fast and conversations about what\u2019s next after high school happened in a hurry. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe weren\u2019t sure where we would land,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody\u2019s disabilities are different. What they can do varies from person to person. We want to make sure there\u2019s options for everybody on every level,\u201d said Annalisa Leite, the director of development and marketing at The ARC of Monmouth. <\/p>\n
Programs through the ARC cover everything from life skills to independent living to higher education. <\/p>\n