Monica Schneider-Brewer

Written by Chris Guida Imagine planning a trip to Hawaii, where the language is familiar, and the atmosphere is heavenly only to get off the plane and discover you are in Mongolia. When my son Kevin was born 37 years ago, I had a totally different idea of what his life would be like.  I imagined small joyful milestones like babbling his first words, taking his first steps, riding a bike.  I pictured sports awards, academic accolades, maybe even a scholarship to a fine college.   That never happened.  You see, Kevin was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, Distal 18Q.  He is on the Autistic Spectrum.  This disorder affects his speech and language skills, gross and fine motor skills, weakens […]

William Placek, PFLAG Chapter president, will speak at the April 19 LGBTQ+ WAE group’s virtual meeting, starting at 7pm. LGBTQ+ WAE provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ adults with developmental disabilities to interact with others who share similar experiences. New members are welcome. The LGBTQ+ WAE group will host a special presenter from PFLAG at their April 19 Zoom meeting from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Speaker William Placek MSW, LSW (he/him) is the President of PFLAG Jersey Shore & the Regional Director supporting PFLAG Chapters in NY, NJ, & PA. William will educate the group about the history, mission and services of PFLAG and will lead an interactive discussion about PFLAG in New Jersey, including how the organization has […]

      March is Women’s History Month. Every woman has a history. Each woman comes into this world with skills and ideas, hopes and dreams. This month I will be paying attention to the histories of the women I know. I will spend time learning about women I don’t know and try to understand their stories. I know that those histories will affect my own. I am honored to share a little of my story here. As most women do, I wear many hats. I am an artist, a wife, a daughter, and a mother of two very wonderful people. I am also the art studio coordinator at JSDD’s WAE Center. When my son was 2 years old, he […]

Big Changes – Passing the Baton to Harry Klein, Acting Director Thursday March 3rd, the WAE Center gathered to bid farewell to Aubrie George in her role as Director. Aubrie is taking a step back from the directorship and will remain connected to the WAE Center, both professionally and personally. Members, staff, and families gathered in the WAE Center tradition of presenting work, thoughts, and words about Aubrie and her 8-year tenure with the WAE. Stepping into the void, is Harry Klein who is the Acting Director, WAE Center. Harry began his work at the WAE Center ten years ago as the Art Studio Manager. He has become fully versed in the philosophy and methodologies that help each member to […]

Written by: Ellen and Sam Weinstock for Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month.  February is Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) when Jewish organizations join to raise awareness and foster acceptance and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. In recognition of JDAIM, we want to spotlight how JSDD’s WAE Center fulfills this mission and has opened many doors for our son, Steven. Think back to the early days of the COVID pandemic when you were socially isolated. These were tough times, and they give one an opportunity to understand what life is like for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.   People with special needs are often physically and socially isolated from their communities. We had long been searching for […]