Elephants For Autism

Today is the anniversary of Olmstead v. L.C., the Supreme Court decision that affirmed the right of people with disabilities to live in their communities. And today, that right is at risk.

A new Department of Justice opinion says the federal government may stop enforcing one of the strongest protections people with disabilities have against institutionalization.

This opinion doesn’t erase Olmstead or take away the regulations that protect community living. But it’s dangerous because rights mean less when the federal government refuses to enforce them.

Our Senior Executive Officer Shira Wakschlag, told NPR: “This opinion is a direct threat to decades of progress toward community living for people with disabilities. People with disabilities shouldn't be forced into institutions because a state refuses to provide services in the community.”

Olmstead has helped millions be a part of their communities and live the lives they choose. We cannot go backward.

Read the NPR article: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/20/nx-s1-5865100/doj-memo-trump-disability-civil-rights-institutionalization

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If you have ever wondered what it looks like when one person decides to make a difference and simply does not stop, meet Isabelle Mosca. Twenty-four years ago, she started a small parent support group in South Jersey for families navigating an autism diagnosis.

https://shorelocalnews.com/from-support-group-to-regional-impact-isabelle-moscas-24-year-mission-for-autism-acceptance/

On land, Clay Marzo struggled. Eye contact was hard. Small talk was harder. People thought he was rude, distant, difficult.

In the water, he was untouchable.

By fifteen he had landed the first two perfect 10s in national surfing history. Coaches could not explain how he read a wave before it formed.

At eighteen, Clay was diagnosed with Asperger’s. Suddenly it all made sense. The intense focus, the obsession with the ocean, the way his brain locked onto patterns no one else could see. The thing that made him “different” on land was the exact thing that made him a genius on water.

He now surfs and volunteers with Surfers Healing, taking autistic kids out on the waves.

Source: ESPN The Magazine / “Clay Marzo: Just Add Water”

🫐💙 Join the fun for a great cause! 💙🫐

Heart of Surfing and Johnny Boy Blues Blueberry Farm are teaming up for the 5th Annual U Pick Event supporting the local autism community!

📅 July 8th (Rain Date: July 9th)
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Egg Harbor City, NJ

Enjoy:
🫐 Blueberry picking
🎶 Music & bubbles
🍕 Pizza and beverages (including gluten-free options)
🛍️ Local vendors
🇺🇸 The Star Spangled Banner performed by Annabella Hunter
👮 Meet & greet with NJ State Police & Galloway Township Police

This is a wonderful family-friendly event supporting inclusive opportunities and special needs families in our community.

Registration is required through the Heart of Surfing website:
Heart of Surfing

Please share and help spread the word! 💙🧩

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🔗: bit.ly/49z57kt

Twelve students with disabilities were left out of their high school yearbook.

📷️: Google

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Native kids with disabilities were held in wooden boxes. Sweeping reforms are coming State officials in New York say the Salmon River district's special education program confined young children with disabilities in wooden boxes. Parents weren't notified.