Current Press Release

TOMS RIVER – As part of its Autism Resources Fair 2021, the Ocean County Library will present a workshop about the impacts of mental health in mainstream society at 6:30 PM Thursday, April 29.

“Autism, Mental Health and Cultural Competency” will be delivered by retired New Jersey Family Court Judge Lawrence R. Jones and Joni Jones, a registered nurse with board certification in psychiatric and mental health nursing.

The program will address impacts on affected individuals and caregivers. Topics will include potential challenges in expanded social settings such as college or the workplace, and cultural competency issues involving employers, educators, and others who seek a greater understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The Joneses were instrumental in creating Autism Awareness Day as an annual event throughout Major League Baseball, resulting from their young son’s aspirations to play Little League ball in 2002.

Judge Jones served on the New Jersey Council of Developmental Disabilities and the Governor’s Adults with Autism Task Force. He helped to create the state’s Office of Autism Services, and continues to lecture extensively on autism-related legal matters.

Joni Jones, winner of an Elizabeth Kellogg Award for excellence in nursing, co-founded Parents of Autistic Children (POAC). She has published numerous mental health-related articles and is board certified in crisis intervention.

Registration is required for this free event. Everyone who registers at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/events will receive a link to the program by email.

See the full schedule of the Fair’s online discussions and workshops throughout April at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/autism.

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