NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. October 7, 2026 - Easterseals New Jersey and Garden State Esports will host Level Up! A Unified Gaming Event on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Easterseals New Jersey, 9 Terminal Road, New Brunswick. The free event brings together students ages 14 and up, with and without disabilities, for an inclusive Mario Kart tournament.
While students compete, parents and caregivers can talk one-on-one with Easterseals New Jersey program staff, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), and area service providers about what happens when school-based services end. For families of students ages 14 to 21, that change can arrive faster than expected.
"Momentum should not stop at graduation," said Bill Peters, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Advocacy at Easterseals New Jersey. "Families spend years building supports around their child. Then school ends, and the rules change. We want parents to meet us before that day, not after it. A morning spent at an event like this is an easy way to start."
Easterseals couldn't have found a better partner to create this type of event than the Garden State Esports. Built by New Jersey educators, Garden State Esports has created an ecosystem that brings all students of all abilities together. “This event is about opening doors, connecting students and families to support systems that can truly change their future,” said Jim McKowen, Vice President of Programs and Partnerships at Garden State Esports. “By using esports as a bridge, we can engage students and parents in a way that feels natural and meaningful, while also increasing awareness of the critical resources Easterseals New Jersey provides."
The first Level Up event, held in April 2026, drew more community engagement than expected. Several parents who attended left with answers to their questions and have since started the transition process with their children. The November event moves to a Saturday morning and a larger space.
New this time:
- A true tournament bracket, plus an open free-play area for anyone who would rather just pick up a controller
- A live broadcast on Easterseals' Twitch channel, produced by Easterseals' national office and co-streamed by Garden State Esports
- More vendor tables staffed by area service providers
- A quiet room for anyone who needs a break from the noise
Neighborhood Pharmacy LTC is supporting the event.
Garden State Esports invites its Unified Esports programs from high schools across New Jersey. Students from any school are welcome. Players are encouraged to bring their own controller if they have one.
Level Up! A Unified Gaming
When: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 9:00 a.m. to noon
Where: Easterseals New Jersey, 9 Terminal Road, New Brunswick
Cost: Free. Registration is required at go.eastersealsnj.org/level-up
About Easterseals New Jersey
For more than 75 years, Easterseals New Jersey has helped individuals with disabilities and their loved ones live more independently in their communities and achieve milestones with equality, dignity, and independence. Annually, nearly 4,000 people in New Jersey with developmental disabilities and mental illness receive services in programs designed to help them achieve independence and full community integration.
For more information on Easterseals New Jersey and its statewide disability services, visit the Easterseals New Jersey website
About Garden State Esports
Garden State Esports provides inclusive esports programming for students across New Jersey, creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities to connect, compete, and build community through gaming. For more information, visit the Garden State Esports website.
