We’re pleased to recognize Kearny Bank as a sponsor of this year’s STAR Conference, and we’re grateful for their support. Kearny Bank is a community-focused financial institution offering a range of personal and business banking services, including deposit accounts and lending solutions. Their commitment to serving customers and supporting the communities they operate in helps strengthen local individuals, families, and organizations.

We’re grateful to recognize Trinity Asset Protection as a sponsor of this year’s STAR Conference and appreciate their generous support. Trinity Asset Protection provides professional protection services designed to help organizations safeguard their people, property, and operations through reliable, service-focused coverage.

We’re pleased to recognize E3 IT Services as a networking sponsor of this year’s STAR Conference, and we truly appreciate their support! E3IT is an IT services provider that helps organizations plan, implement, and maintain the technology they rely on every day. Their team supports clients by strengthening infrastructure, improving reliability and security, and helping teams stay productive through responsive technical support.

We’re grateful to recognize Inspiritec as a conference sponsor of this year’s STAR Conference and appreciate their generous support. Inspiritec is a mission-driven organization focused on helping people build skills and connect to employment opportunities through training, coaching, and supportive services. Their work strengthens individuals, businesses, and communities by expanding access to meaningful careers.

We’re proud to recognize Spectrum Designs as a Networking Sponsor of this year’s STAR Conference and sincerely appreciate their generous support! Spectrum Designs is a mission-driven custom apparel and promotional products company that creates meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. Through high-quality branded merchandise and a strong commitment to inclusion, they help businesses meet their promotional needs while making a lasting impact in the community. @SpecDesigns #STAR2026 #ACCSESNJ #InclusiveHiring #DisabilityEmployment #NewJersey #MissionandImpact

We’re honored to recognize CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) as a sponsor of this year’s STAR Conference and grateful for their generous support. CLA is a national professional services firm that provides audit, tax, consulting, outsourcing, digital, and wealth advisory services to a wide range of organizations, including businesses, nonprofits, and government entities. With a strong commitment to client service and industry expertise, CLA helps organizations navigate challenges, plan for the future, and achieve their goals. Learn More and Register for the conference at hubs.la/Q04xhjq70

STAR Conference Keynote Speaker Announced: Tanner Gers! ACCSES NJ is excited to announce that Paralympian, entrepreneur, and disability employment advocate Tanner Gers will deliver this year's STAR Conference keynote address. In his presentation, Transformational or Artificial Leadership?, Tanner will explore how artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technologies are reshaping the workplace and what leaders can do to ensure individuals with disabilities remain connected to meaningful employment opportunities.   A U.S. Paralympian, Hall of Fame athlete, business leader, and nationally recognized speaker, Tanner brings a unique combination of lived experience, innovation, and leadership to the conference stage. As CEO of AccessAbility Officer, he has demonstrated that inclusive hiring practices can succeed in the competitive marketplace, building a company where more than 80% of employees are individuals with significant disabilities. His powerful message challenges audiences to think differently about leadership, opportunity, and the future of employment while exploring how organizations can embrace change without losing sight of their mission. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic keynote that will spark meaningful conversations about innovation, inclusion, and the evolving world of work long after the conference concludes.   Learn More at: About • AccessAbility Officer's Mission to Empower Accessibility • AccessAbility Officer hubs.la/Q04xhhYQ0 Ready to join us at STAR Conference 2026? Register Today hubs.la/Q04xhhZP0 #STAR2026 #ACCSESNJ #DisabilityEmployment #StateProcurement #NewJersey #Accessibility

We’re grateful to recognize CVR as a sponsor of this year’s STAR Conference and appreciate their generous support! CVR, the Center for Vocational Rehabilitation, is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities and special needs achieve greater independence and reach their vocational potential. Through services such as vocational training, employment support, and behavioral health programs, CVR empowers people to build skills, find meaningful work, and thrive in their communities. #STAR2026 #ACCSESNJ #DisabilityEmployment #InclusiveHiring #StateProcurement #NewJersey

We’re pleased to recognize Benefit Concepts as a Conference Sponsor of this year’s STAR Conference, and we sincerely appreciate their generous support! Benefit Concepts provides financial and benefits guidance that begins with an in-depth review of each client’s current financial situation and goals. Their services include group employee benefits (medical, dental, life, and disability), 401(k) retirement plans and services, life insurance, investment products and services, annuities, and long-term care insurance. Benefit Concepts (hubs.la/Q04syC2x0) #STAR2026 #ACCSESNJ #NewJersey #MissionandImpact

We are deeply grateful to Bestwork Industries for the Blind for their generous contribution as a Premium Sponsor of this year’s STAR Conference! Bestwork Industries for the Blind, Inc. is an organization that addresses the high unemployment rate among visually impaired individuals by offering meaningful employment, training, and career development opportunities. Through their manufacturing and business services, they support customers including federal, state, and local government, producing items such as U.S. Navy apparel and accessories. Bestwork Industries for the Blind | Non-Profit Organization (hubs.la/Q04sBhcQ0) #STAR2026 #ACCSESNJ #DisabilityEmployment #InclusiveHiring #StateProcurement #NewJersey #MissionandImpact

Congratulations to Lisa Montalbano on her appointment as New Jersey's Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their Families. Throughout her career, Lisa has been a dedicated advocate and leader within New Jersey's disability community. Through her leadership she has worked to expand opportunities and strengthen supports for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her experience as a provider leader gives her a valuable understanding of the challenges, needs, and opportunities facing the individuals, families, and organizations she will serve in this role. We look forward to working with Lisa in her new capacity and are confident her experience, insight, and commitment will positively impact individuals and families throughout New Jersey. New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman hubs.la/Q04sB73y0 #NewJersey #MissionandImpact #DisabilityEmployment #InclusiveHiring #EmploymentHorizons

Congratulations to Cyndy Walsh-Rintzler on her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Employment Horizons! Cyndy has long been a respected leader, advocate, and trusted voice within New Jersey's disability community. Through her service on the State Rehabilitation Council, leadership within the Union County Workforce Development Board Disabilities Committee, and strong support of advocacy efforts across our field, she has consistently worked to expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Her collaborative approach and commitment to service have made a meaningful impact throughout New Jersey. We congratulate Cyndy on this well-deserved achievement and wish her every success as she begins this exciting new chapter at Employment Horizons. Employment Horizons - Providing Jobs for People with Disabilities (hubs.la/Q04snWn90) #NewJersey #MissionandImpact #DisabilityEmployment #InclusiveHiring #Leadership

Today marks 36 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law — a landmark moment that changed lives and opened doors for millions of Americans. 🎉 The ADA reminds us that equality isn't a privilege; it's a right. Here's to continuing the work of building a more accessible, inclusive world. #ADA36 #ADAanniversary #DisabilityRights

📢 Registration is Open — ACCSES NJ STAR Conference 2026 Secure your spot for this year's STAR Conference at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ this October! Beyond the networking, the connections, and an unforgettable evening at the Plum Lounge, this year's conference is packed with valuable, CEU-eligible sessions for government professionals. This year's lineup includes: ✅ COOP Purchasing using DepCor, DSS and DPP ✅ Overview of New Laws and Local Finance Notices in Local Public Contract Law ✅ The Intersection of Records Management and IT ✅ NEW: Records Management and Law Enforcement Records ✅ A brand-new session on AI in Government, because the future is here, and it's shaping how we work ✅ And more to be added! FREE admission for state & local government attendees Discounted hotel room block available (limited — book now!) 👉 Register today: hubs.la/Q04pfnfF0 See you in Atlantic City! 🎰✨ #ACCSESNJ #STARConference2026 #DisabilityServices #ContinuingEducation #GovernmentProfessionals #AtlanticCity #Networking #NewJersey

Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of ordinary people staked everything on an extraordinary idea: that liberty belongs to everyone. Today, we celebrate not just a nation's birthday, but the enduring promise of that idea. Here's to the next 250 years. 🇺🇸 #America250 #FourthOfJuly #Freedom #IndependenceDay #USA250

🌬️ Clean Air Shouldn't Be Complicated. And With Us, It Isn't. From the classrooms where our kids learn to the bases where our soldiers serve, the air people breathe matters. That's why we're proud to supply Brookaire air filters to local schools, military installations, and government offices across the state. While allergy season ramps up and HVAC systems work overtime, don't let outdated filters become an afterthought. Poor indoor air quality affects focus, health, and productivity, in offices, schools, and facilities alike. Here's why agencies choose us: ✅ On New Jersey State Contract — skip the bid, get the deal ✅ Exclusive pricing on Brookaire filters ✅ American-made & Buy American Act compliant ✅ Every order creates meaningful employment for people with disabilities Protecting the air for our kids, troops, and citizens that's not just business, that's a mission. 📩 Ready to get a quote? Reach out today: [email protected] hubs.la/Q04ngzPH0

💼 Good procurement isn't just good ethics, it's good business. North NJ's 19 ACCSES NJ member agencies are employing 975 people, paying $13.8M in wages & benefits, and generating $30M in total economic output — all while building a more inclusive workforce. This is what mission-driven business looks like in action. 📞 888-236-5834 | 📧 [email protected] #PurchasingWithAPurpose #ACCSESNJ #NorthJersey #InclusiveEconomy #DisabilityEmployment #NewJersey

Member Spotlight: Career Opportunity Development, Inc. (@CODI) 🌟 For over 50 years, CODI has been dedicated to enriching the lives of differently-abled individuals through meaningful employment and economic independence. Based in Egg Harbor City, NJ and proudly CARF-accredited, CODI pairs each person with the right opportunities, tools, and ongoing support to thrive in the workplace. Their services include: 💼 Supported Employment Employment Specialists work one-on-one with individuals to identify strengths, set career goals, and secure community-based jobs, with job coaching and long-term follow-along support to ensure lasting success. In FY2024, 19 out of 22 referrals successfully transitioned to community employment! 🏭 The Outsource Center CODI's production facility creates genuine employment opportunities in auto detailing, cleaning, commercial printing, secure document shredding, and light assembly, giving individuals real, skill-building work experience in a supportive environment. The results speak for themselves. CODI participants are earning paychecks, advancing in their careers, and proving what's possible when the right support meets real opportunity." Learn more at: hubs.la/Q04m12Yj0 #ProfessionalDevelopment #DisabilityEmployment #ACCSESNJ #InclusiveHiring

🌱 Real People. Real Impact. Real New Jersey. In Central NJ, 13 ACCSES NJ member agencies are proving that purposeful procurement changes lives — employing 521 people and driving $http://37.8M in total economic output for our communities. This is what it looks like when business and mission align. 📞 888-236-5834 | 📧 [email protected] #PurchasingWithAPurpose #ACCSESNJ #CentralNJ #DisabilityEmployment #SocialImpact #NewJersey

✨ Member Success Story Spotlight: InspiriTec Behind everything our association stands for are the remarkable individuals who pour themselves into this work each and every day, and we're thrilled to shine a light on one of their stories. We invited our member organizations to help us honor the outstanding team members who elevate this field and make it what it is. Each story is a powerful testament to the purpose that drives this work and the talented, compassionate people who bring it to life. Meet: Robert Mata Customer Service Representative New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Contact Center "Most people attend postsecondary education, and/or enter the workforce, to prepare themselves to advance in a career. That didn’t happen for me. I completed a trade school program – in post-production editing for videos, TV shows, and movies – but it took me multiple tries to pass the exam. I also did some temporary jobs. My fortunes changed when I completed a computer training program through the NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. An instructor in the course mentioned InspiriTec. I applied and aced both interviews. On December 27, 2021, I started work as a Customer Service Representative on the DCA project. As a CSR for DCA, I support the application process for professionals seeking/maintaining licenses in New Jersey. I currently serve Home Improvement Contractors. InspiriTec is a friendly environment where I would like to continue my career. I feel welcomed, and I am recognized for the work I do. I won Rookie of the Year during Customer Service Week 2022. I believe I won, because I showed I was a quick learner. I am bilingual in English and Spanish, so I can serve our Spanish-speaking callers without a translator. Outside of work, I do karate. I tried different types, and did it on-and-off at first, because of COVID and financial issues. Since working at InspiriTec, I’ve had the money to continuously practice Shotokan. Watching 1990s Ninja Turtles movies sparked my interest in martial arts, but a psychologist I saw (I have ASD) convinced me to pursue it. It’s challenging, but very fun and rewarding. InspiriTec is fun and rewarding, too. I am proud of myself now. I know my mom, who died in January 2021 from COVID, would also be proud that I got a good job."