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Tag: disability inclusion

  • Our Visit to I’m Possible Café in Pine Brook, NJ

    A Place Where Inclusion is Served Daily

    Family with their son who has a disability showing off the new window sign of the cafe before its grand opening on Saturday October 25, 2025.

    At Community Supports Network (CSN), we believe inclusive spaces do more than open their doors—they open possibilities. When individuals with disabilities are not just welcomed but actively empowered, communities grow stronger, perspectives shift, and the true meaning of belonging comes to life.

    Yesterday, we visited I’m Possible Café, a pop-up breakfast café operating inside Seven Scoops & Sips in Pine Brook, NJ — and what we experienced was more than just good coffee. It was community in motion.

    A Space Built on Opportunity and Dignity

    I’m Possible Café offers adults with disabilities the chance to work, connect, and gain real-world experience in a public-facing environment. From greeting customers to preparing and serving coffee and breakfast items, to actively working as the cashier, each role is filled with purpose and pride.

    These moments matter. When individuals are seen for what they can do rather than what others assume they can’t, confidence grows. Skills build. Futures expand. This is the kind of environment that changes lives. Not just for those working there, but for every customer who walks in and sees ability in action.

    Why Inclusive Community Spaces Matter

    Employment isn’t just about a paycheck — it’s about belonging, identity, and contribution. Far too often, people with disabilities are left out of public-facing workplaces. Not because they are incapable, but because opportunity is withheld.

    Spaces like I’m Possible Café flip that narrative. They don’t just provide jobs — they model what equitable employment can and should look like. When customers order a cup of Café Joyeux coffee, they’re not just starting their morning — they’re engaging with a workforce that is talented, capable, and deserving of visibility.

    A Community Experience That Feels Like Connection

    What struck us most was the energy—warm, welcoming, and filled with genuine joy. Team members weren’t just performing tasks; they were contributing to an environment that felt hopeful and human. You don’t leave this café the same way you entered. You leave more aware. More inspired. More certain that inclusion is not just possible — it’s powerful.

    Join Them for the Grand Opening (Saturday, October 25 at 8:00 AM)

    The community is invited to celebrate I’m Possible Café’s Grand Opening this Saturday, October 25, starting at 8:00 AM. It’s a perfect moment to show up, enjoy breakfast and Café Joyeux coffee, and cheer on a team making inclusion visible — and delicious.

    How to Support I’m Possible Café

    If you’re local and looking for a meaningful way to support inclusive employment, stop by, grab breakfast, and share in their mission.

    I’m Possible Café (inside Seven Scoops & Sips)
    321 Changebridge Road, Pine Brook, NJ 07528
    Open Thursday–Saturday | 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
    info@im-possiblecafe.org
    https://www.im-possiblecafe.org/

    A Shared Mission

    At CSN, our work is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to grow, contribute, and be part of something bigger than themselves. I’m Possible Café reflects that same belief—one cup, one conversation, and one opportunity at a time.

    Because inclusion shouldn’t be an exception. It should be the standard.

    If you attend the Grand Opening, tag us and I’m Possible Café so we can share your photos and keep the momentum going.

  • Words Matter: How Language Shapes Disability Inclusion

    Graphic art illustrating a person speaking words, next to bubbles representing words spoken by others in the same conversation, wherein the language used impacts disability inclusion.

    At Community Supports Network (CSN), we believe that inclusion begins with something simple but powerful — our words. The language we use to talk about disability shapes how people are perceived, included, and valued in our communities. When we speak with respect and awareness, we help build a world where everyone belongs.

    Why Language Matters

    Language does more than describe — it defines how we think. The words we choose can either reinforce stereotypes or create understanding. Over time, society’s approach to disability language has evolved — moving away from labels that isolate toward language that empowers.

    For example, phrases like “the disabled” have shifted to “people with disabilities” to emphasize the person, not the condition. This approach, known as person-first language, reflects the idea that disability is one part of who someone is — not their entire identity.

    Person-First vs. Identity-First Language

    In recent years, there’s been an important and ongoing conversation about how people prefer to be identified.

    • Person-first language (like “a person with autism” or “a person who uses a wheelchair”) focuses on individuality before disability.
    • Identity-first language (like “an autistic person” or “a Deaf person”) centers pride in disability identity and culture.

    Neither is “right” or “wrong” — the most respectful approach is to listen and use the language someone chooses for themselves.

    Common Phrases to Rethink

    We all use language out of habit, and sometimes without realizing the impact it can have. Here are a few easy shifts to make:

    Instead of…Try Saying…
    “Suffers from” or “victim of”“Lives with” or “has”
    “Wheelchair-bound”“Uses a wheelchair”
    “Normal” or “healthy”“Non-disabled”
    “Special needs”“Support needs” or “disabled” (if preferred)

    Small changes make a big difference. Inclusive language helps everyone feel seen, respected, and part of the conversation.

    How We Practice Inclusion at CSN

    At CSN, we’re committed to modeling inclusive communication in everything we do — from the way we speak with individuals and families to the language we use in our programs, newsletters, and community outreach. We know that words are one of the first ways people experience our values.

    Our mission is not only to provide exceptional support services but also to promote a culture of respect and belonging — across New Jersey and beyond.

    The Takeaway

    Language evolves, and so should we. By being mindful, open, and willing to learn, we can all help shape a more inclusive world — one word at a time.

    Want to learn more about how CSN promotes inclusion and empowerment across New Jersey? Visit our website or follow us on social media for more stories and resources.

  • October Advocacy Days: Shining a Light on Disability Awareness

    October advocacy days. Disability advocacy days.

    October is a month filled with opportunities to raise disability awareness, educate communities, and celebrate the incredible individuals and families we serve at Community Supports Network (CSN). Throughout the month, there are numerous observances dedicated to disabilities, health conditions, and inclusion — each one offering a chance to foster understanding and create positive change.

    At CSN, we believe advocacy is more than just awareness; it’s about taking action to ensure individuals with disabilities and their families feel supported, valued, and empowered.

    Month-Long Observances

    National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

    Established in 1945 and officially designated by Congress in 1988, NDEAM celebrates the many contributions of people with disabilities to the American workforce. It’s also a reminder of the importance of inclusive hiring practices and workplace accessibility.
    💡 How you can help:

    • Advocate for disability-inclusive hiring in your workplace.
    • Support businesses owned or operated by individuals with disabilities.

    Down Syndrome Awareness Month

    This month is dedicated to celebrating individuals with Down syndrome, raising awareness, and advocating for acceptance and opportunities. It’s a time to honor their talents, achievements, and the incredible value they bring to our communities.
    💛💙 How you can help:

    ADHD Awareness Month

    Focused on education and support for those living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), this month encourages understanding of ADHD as a neurodevelopmental condition, not a character flaw.
    💡 How you can help:

    • Learn about ADHD-friendly strategies for work, school, and home.
    • Share resources with families navigating ADHD.

    Dyslexia Awareness Month

    Dyslexia affects how people read, write, and process language. This month promotes early intervention and understanding, helping children and adults reach their full potential through proper support.
    💡 How you can help:

    • Advocate for early screenings in schools.
    • Encourage schools to provide accessible learning tools and resources.

    Spina Bifida Awareness Month

    Spina bifida is a birth defect affecting the spine and spinal cord. This observance is dedicated to educating communities and sharing resources to improve quality of life for those living with the condition.
    💡 How you can help:

    • Share educational materials to raise awareness.
    • Support local organizations providing resources for families.

    Key Awareness Days

    • World Cerebral Palsy Day – October 6
      Celebrating individuals with cerebral palsy while promoting advocacy and inclusion worldwide.
    • World Mental Health Day – October 10
      Raising awareness about mental health and the importance of accessible, compassionate care for all.
    • World Sight Day – October 9th
      Highlighting the importance of eye health and access to vision care globally.
    • Blind Americans Equity Day (White Cane Safety Day) – October 15
      Recognizing the independence and mobility that white canes provide to individuals with blindness or low vision.
    • Invisible Disabilities Week – Mid-October (around October 19–25)
      A week dedicated to raising awareness about disabilities that aren’t immediately visible, like chronic illnesses or neurological conditions.

    Why These Days Matter:

    Each of these observances is more than just a date on the calendar — it’s an opportunity to:

    • Advocate for inclusion and accessibility.
    • Educate others about disabilities and health conditions.
    • Celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals with disabilities.

    At CSN, we encourage everyone to take part in these important moments of awareness. Whether through sharing stories, attending local events, or simply having meaningful conversations, every action helps create a more inclusive world.

    Join the movement!

    This October, let’s come together to support individuals with disabilities and their families. By recognizing these observances, we can amplify voices, break down barriers, and make meaningful progress toward a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

    💙 Together, we can turn awareness into action.

    Want to learn more? Head to www.yourcsn.com to connect!

    Written by Jessica Quarello, Brand Communications Manager

  • Delivering Access, Advocacy & Connections Within Our Community

    The week of August 3rd though 9th is National Health Center Week, which gives us the opportunity to note a very important aspect of what we do here at CSN: improving quality of life, removing barriers to essential services, and ensuring that every person is treated with dignity and respect.

    Because this is such a central part of what we do, we felt it worthwhile to publish a post about this topic on LinkedIn, please be sure to have a look! In that post we explain how our company and team members connect our clients with the world of healthcare as part of our service portfolio, even though we are not formally a healthcare company. Rather, our services are complementary to medical care facilities, as we are a DDD-approved provider of support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

    Apart from what we published in that post, the importance of access to quality care of any type, such as individual supports, behavioral counseling, bringing clients to medical appointments, and much more, is something that we recognize as key part of our mission at CSN. Our Direct Support Professionals and management team members take this to heart in everything that we do, and our clients love our 100-percent engagement on this!

Serving Morris, Passaic, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union, Warren, Somerset, Hunterdon & Sussex Counties