Essex County, NJ & Quick-Reference Guide

KultureCity Sensory Inclusive certified. Hosts annual Sensory-Friendly Mornings (limited capacity, muted attractions, no carousel music, train without whistle). Free KultureCity Sensory Bags (fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones) at Guest Services year-round. Quiet zones marked throughout.

Founded 2002 by a mother seeking a physical outlet for her child with autism. Based at Codey Arena in West Orange. 50–70 players ages 5 to adult; about 90% have autism. USA Hockey-certified coaches with high staff-to-player ratios.

Two NHL-sized rinks with public skating and learn-to-skate classes from toddlers through adults.

36-acre facility featuring Turtle Back Zoo, Codey Arena, MiniGolf Safari, Treetop Adventure Course, Regatta Playground, paddleboating, and a 1.75-mile reservoir walkway adjacent to 2,000 acres of nature reserve.

Full universal-access playground with rubber ground cover, sensory-friendly design, and equipment for all ability levels. Located at 20 Edgemont Rd, Montclair.

Rubber surface, handicap-accessible equipment, and shaded toddler areas. Located at 26 Monmouth Court, Livingston.

Hands-on educational programs for children and families.

Largest chapter of The Arc of NJ, founded 1948. Serves nearly 1,500 individuals with an annual budget over $39 million. Services across Essex and six additional North Jersey counties include: Early Intervention (birth–3), Stepping Stones School (preschool/primary, Fairfield), Day Programs, Residential Programs (group homes and supervised apartments), Respite Care (after-work program, Saturday SPARC in Orange, overnight, crisis respite in Newark), Camp Hope summer day camp, Entrepreneurship Club, Wings for All airport practice programs with United Airlines at Newark Airport, and system navigation/Medicaid/housing transition guidance.

Peer support, education, and advocacy for parents/caregivers of children with emotional, behavioral, intellectual, and developmental challenges including autism. Part of the NJ Children's System of Care network.

Essex County's Care Management Organization within NJ's Children's System of Care. Wraparound model for youth up to age 21 with complex needs. Co-sponsors Sensory-Friendly Morning at Turtle Back Zoo.

IEP advocacy, health insurance navigation, Parent-to-Parent matching, and transition support in multiple languages for Essex County families.

Runs the Out 'N About (ONA) program bringing adults together through social events and community outings across Morris, Essex, and Union Counties.

Online directory specifically for Essex County children and families, with autism spectrum disorder resource listings.

Specialized school for students with autism ages 3–21 using an ABA model. Curriculum covers communication, socialization, functional academics, motor development, daily living, career readiness, and recreation.

FREE autism evaluations for children under 5 in East Orange, Newark, Irvington, and Orange — funded by The Healthcare Foundation of NJ. Available in English and Spanish. Private evaluations can cost $2,000–$5,000+.

Preschool and primary education for children with IDD at a new facility in Fairfield, NJ.

Operates four public school programs including Essex Junior Academy (K–8) and Essex Campus Academy (9–12).

NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid enrollment assistance, SNAP, TANF, General Assistance, and emergency services. Address: 320 University Avenue, 2nd Floor, Newark, NJ 07102. Hours: M–F 8 AM–5 PM.

In-person enrollment help. Address: 60 Park Place, Suite 605, Newark, NJ 07102.

Handles eligibility determination and service access for adults 18+ with developmental disabilities. Address: 153 Halsey Street, 2nd Floor, Newark, NJ 07101.

Connects people to health and human services including financial assistance, food, housing, and disability services. Available 24/7.