Coming Full Circle: The Story Behind The Connection Collective

Sometimes, unexpected challenges invite us to reconnect with our deepest values and rediscover what brought us together.

Recent changes to New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Goods & Services policies have brought uncertainty to the virtual programs we've nurtured through Circles of Communication. Our hearts are with the individuals and families facing new barriers to services they love, or feeling pressured into community settings that may not honor their needs and preferences.

True inclusion means having choices. Virtual spaces are real community spaces, too, offering accessibility, comfort, and meaningful connection that can be difficult to find elsewhere.

And as we often hope to impart to those we support, even in challenging moments, there is light to be found. For us, this feels like an unexpected full-circle moment.

When Leah and Amy co-created Inclusion Festival in 2017, we envisioned a welcoming space where people of all abilities and backgrounds could come together through music, creativity, and connection. That vision blossomed into something magical.

Then, in 2020, we pivoted online and discovered just how accessible and meaningful virtual spaces could be. That discovery grew into a thriving community of virtual classes and special interest groups for neurodivergent teens and adults, led by wonderful instructors, many from our original festival family.

Now, as we rethink how to sustain these programs, we're returning to the heart of our original vision: If we believe in inclusion, why not invite everyone?

We're excited to introduce The Connection Collective, a new chapter of Circles of Communication offering virtual classes in creativity, wellness, movement, music, special interests, and more, welcoming adults of all abilities and backgrounds.

Our programs have always embraced a sliding-scale, pay-what-you-can philosophy, and that commitment continues. We hope our broader community will join us, get to know our wonderful members, build friendships, and help grow a space where everyone belongs.

And perhaps this new beginning can bring something else full circle: the return of Inclusion Festival! We envision dedicating a portion of proceeds from The Connection Collective toward bringing our beloved festival back to life.

Whether you join a class, contribute what you can, or simply spread the word, you're helping sustain meaningful connections while planting seeds for something bigger.

We remain committed to advocating for accessible, person-centered services and supporting families through these changes. We don't have all the answers, but we believe deeply in the power of community and creative possibility.

Inclusion was never meant to be a separate space for some of us. It was always meant to be a community for all of us.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Sometimes what feels like an ending is really an invitation to begin again.

Explore Our Classes & Join the Community here.