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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 28, 2025 | The Indian Eye 28

SKN Foundation’s SCOPE Program to Celebrate

International Day of Persons with Disabilities on

December 3rd at The Imperia by Dhaba

OUR BUREAU · Disability Champion For Medical Excel-
lence- Matthew McDonald, MD. President and
Somerset, NJ CEO of Children’s Specialized Hospital, RWJ
he SKN Foundation proudly announces Inter- Barnabas which serves over 45,000 patients
national Day of Persons with Disabilities Cele- with unique health challenges annually across
Tbration, by its SCOPE (Special Needs Commu- 14 New Jersey locations brings a commitment
nity Outreach Program for Empowerment) program to innovative care delivery with an unwavering
to take place on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at dedication to children with special healthcare
6:00 PM at The Imperia in Somerset, New Jersey. needs embodying the values of service, inclusion,
The evening hosted by Award winning Pro- and compassion.
ducer and TV Host Nisha Mathur will shine a Heartfelt performances and personal sto-
spotlight on individuals, community champions, ries from the disability community along with
and organizations making extraordinary con- Dinner and networking with leaders and sup-
tributions toward improving the lives of people porters dedicated to equity and empowerment
with disabilities. According to the U.S. Census The SCOPE program, an initiative of the
Bureau’s 2019 data, about 4.3% of U.S. children SKN Foundation, focuses on supporting South
under age 18 have a disability. Through this cel- Asian families who navigate the challenges of
ebration, SKN Foundation continues its mission raising children with special needs. Through
to promote inclusion, advocacy, and culturally workshops, the SCOPE Helpline, and advocacy
sensitive support for children and families with partnerships, the program bridges cultural and
disabilities across the region. systemic gaps to ensure access to vital services
“This event is more than an awards night,” and understanding.
said Dr. Naveen Mehrotra, SKN Foundation screening tool for Autism Spectrum Disorder , “We believe that when we celebrate abil-
Founder. “It’s a celebration of human poten- the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, ities—not disabilities—we move closer to a
tial, compassion, and community. Every honor- or M-CHAT. world where every child and adult is valued for
ee, family, and partner play a role in creating a · Disability Champion For Community Sup- who they are,” said Tripti Bhaskaran, Director
more inclusive tomorrow.” port-Venus Majeski Director of Development & of the SCOPE program.
Guests will enjoy an inspiring program featuring: Community Relations New Jersey Institute For
Recognition of distinguished honorees for Disabilities (NJID) - Venus Majeski spearheads EVENT DETAILS
their advocacy and leadership. the advocacy, public relations and funding initia- • Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2025, 6:00 PM
· Disability Champion For Employment and tives of the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities, • Location: The Imperia, 1714 Easton Avenue,
Career Development-Céline Guillemot & Eric one of the largest not-for-profit agencies of its Somerset, NJ
Guillemot of The Blue Bears Special Meals- kind, serving more than 1500 infants, children • Tickets and Sponsorships: Available at https://
The Blue Bears Special Meals was created to and adults with disabilities throughout the state. sknfoundation.org/disability-day/
provide meaningful training and employment · Disability Champion For Advocacy and
opportunities for individuals with intellectual Rights -Sarah M. Adelman Commissioner of the ABOUT SKN FOUNDATION
and developmental disabilities alongside their New Jersey Department of Human Services- As The SKN Foundation is a nonprofit organization ded-
neurotypical peers, fostering confidence, inde- the Commissioner of the New Jersey Depart- icated to promoting total wellness—physical, mental,
pendence, and joy through shared work, food, ment of Human Services, which serves half of and emotional—among South Asians and the broader
and friendship. New Jersey’s children and one in four adults, community. Through programs like SCOPE (Special
· Disability Champion For Research and Inno- providing healthcare, food and child care assis- Needs Community Outreach program for Empower-
vation-Diana Robins, PhD -Director A.J. Drexel tance, mental health and addiction services, ag- ment), Sanatan Vidyalay, and the South Asian Center
Autism Institute- Dr. Robins is best known inter- ing and disability services, she oversees the state’s for Diabetes and Heart Health, SKN addresses press-
nationally for her work centered around devel- largest cabinet-level agency with a staff of nearly ing health and community needs with compassion and
oping, validating, and refining a widely-used 8,000 and a budget of approximately $29 billion. cultural competence.

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