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.

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
• Community Medical Center, Toms River
• 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.