Special Needs Ambassador Program

Our Special Needs Ambassador Program was created to raise awareness about development disorders and to assist individuals with special needs and their families in navigating their hospital experience – whether during an inpatient stay or an outpatient procedure. The goal of the program is to support the patient and family through listening and advocacy.Special Needs Ambassador Program logo

Our special needs ambassadors receive training on the spectrum of developmental disorders, along with strategies to assist individuals and their families throughout their stay based on an individual plan. They also act as patient and family advocates with health care providers to make the accommodations necessary to make treatment less stressful.

The Special Needs Ambassador Program is currently available in the following facilities:

  • Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville
  • Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston
  • Jersey City Medical Center, Jersey City
  • Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch

Families can request an ambassador upon arrival to the Medical Center by asking any staff member to access the Special Needs Ambassador team. You may also request an Ambassador upon registration.

Patient Stories

  • “I could not believe it when I received the call on a Sunday afternoon,” said Ian. “The nurses and doctors that took care of me before, during and post-surgery are unbelievable."

    Ian
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  • I am also grateful to all the CBMC staff. I am grateful to the doctors who sat on my bed and let me cry because I was separated from my newborn baby. Thank you to the L&D nurses that asked how the baby was every time I came back to my hospital room.

    Jordyn
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  • “Dr. Gilder is amazing because he’s not only good at what he does, but he’s also compassionate.”

    Maria
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Patient Stories

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