Assemblywoman Aura Dunn named Legislator of the Year by Arc of Morris for disability advocacy
TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblywoman Aura Dunn has been named Legislator of the Year by The Arc of Morris during its annual awards gala on Wednesday, recognizing her commitment to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Dunn (R-Morris), cofounder and co-chair of the bipartisan New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus, was honored for her legislative achievements and ongoing advocacy. Among her key accomplishments is a law she sponsored (S761/A2369) requiring autism or other communication disorders to be indicated on driver’s licenses and state-issued ID cards.
“There has been much done, and there remains so much more to do, on behalf of those with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families in New Jersey,” Dunn said. “It has been my honor to work with The Arc to further these most noble causes.”
Dunn has also sponsored bills to address the state’s special education teacher shortage (A3244) and to establish a centralized resource hub for people with disabilities and their families (A3779).
Her advocacy goes beyond the State House. Dunn actively participates in Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month every March, a national initiative launched by President Ronald Reagan in 1987. The Arc of New Jersey and its local chapters, including Morris County, host workshops, community events and campaigns to raise awareness and promote inclusivity.
“This is a mission I hold close, not just as a lawmaker, but as someone who has stood with loved ones navigating this system,” Dunn said. “I have seen the cracks—the long waitlists, the underfunded programs, the exhausting fight for basic support—and I refuse to give up.”
According to the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities, 1,622 residents in Morris County received services in 2024, ranging in age from 10 to 99.
The Arc of Morris, which has served the community for more than 70 years, praised Dunn’s dedication to creating a more equitable and inclusive future for individuals with disabilities and their families.
