Law and Disability Conference

The Law and Disability Conference is held each year at the New Jersey Law Center and is cosponsored with the Community Health Law Project.  This year’s conference will cover key issues including housing, immigration, as well as education and oversight for children with disabilities.  

This free and informative event addresses issues related to people who have a disability and their caregivers. 

Exhibitor List ~ view and download here. 

AGENDA:
9 a.m. ~ Registration and refreshments
9:30 a.m. ~ Welcome and introduction: Speaker: Erika Kerber, Esq., President/Executive Director, Community Health Law Project

9:30-11:15 a.m. ~ OPENING SESSION: H.R.I. – Changes to Medicaid and SNAP Benefits 
In July 2025, Congress passed the Budget Reconciliation Act (H.R.I.) which made significant modifications to Medicaid and SNAP benefits for certain populations. This session will explain those changes and provide guidance on ways to mitigate any harm due to these changes.

Moderator: Erika Kerber, Esq., President/Executive Director, Community Health Law Project
Speakers:

• • • Kristine Byrnes, Esq., Assistant Division Director, Eligibility and Enrollment, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, NJ Department of Human Services
    • Alecia Eubanks, MSW, LSW¸ Assistant Division Director, Division of Family Development, NJ Department of Human Services
    • Natalie Kotkin, Senior Advisor, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, NJ Department of Human Services

11:15 – 11:30 a.m. ~ BREAK

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. ~ BREAKOUT SESSIONS  (attendees will select one to attend)
Housing ~ Policy Updates and New Initiatives
This workshop will explore how policy changes at the federal level may impact New Jersey tenants in finding and maintaining affordable housing, as well as updates on new initiatives and programs in the state to help tenants address these issues.

Moderator: Sean Benoit, Esq., Director of Litigation, Community Health Law Project
Speakers:

• • • Michael J. Callahan, Chief Operating Officer, Bridges Outreach
    • Dean Dafis, Esq., Deputy Chief of Staff, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
    • Michael G. Perez, Esq., Senior Attorney, Community Health Law Project

Challenges Facing New Jersey School-Age Students
This workshop will explore the challenges school-age students may be facing due to changes at the federal level, such as cuts to Medicaid, federal policy changes, and the elimination of departments and staff at oversight agencies.

Moderator: Sarah Webb, Esq., Managing Attorney, Community Health Law Project
Speakers:

• • • Nina Peckman, Esq., Staff Attorney, Advocates for Children & Youth of New Jersey
    • Lisa Quartarolo, Esq., Managing Attorney, Disability Rights New Jersey
    • Sherri Ruggieri, Esq., Senior Attorney, Community Health Law Project

Immigration Issues
This workshop will explore recent changes to immigration policies, including the escalation in enforcement efforts, and the impact on New Jersey residents.

Moderator: Josue Serrano, Senior Manager, Contracts and Development, Community Health Law Project
Speaker: Lauren Herman, Esq., Legal Director, Make the Road New Jersey

Click on the toggles below for more information about the opening sessions and concurrent breakout sessions.