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

  • “Ahmed has made great progress, and once he was cleared by his physician, he could participate in running, jumping, and sport-specific activities necessary to get him back on the court.”

    Ahmed
    Read More
  • “Everybody from the doctors to the nurses to the transporters treated me so well, like I was family,”

    Sara
    Read More
  • “I enjoyed working with these nurses so much, that after I graduated Phase II, I elected to rejoin Cardiac Rehab, Phase III or Maintenance Program,” explains Tom. “I increased my stamina and heart rate levels and enjoy a great workout, three times per ...

    Tom
    Read More

Patient Stories

  • Watch Testimonial
  • Watch Testimonial
  • Watch Testimonial