SEPAG Update:
The next SEPAG meeting will be on Monday, May 8th at 7pm at the BOE offices. There is also the option to join the meeting via Google Meet.
SPF Highlight:
Brunner Students Celebrate Neurodiversity
Here's a List of Special Education related resources, events and updates going on this week:
Monday, Apr. 24th
- 10am-The ARC of NJ, Out of District Placement Pros and Cons. Join every Monday at 10am on Facebook Live for a brief chat with Michael Pearson Jr., Director of Children's Advocacy at The Arc of New Jersey. Each week, Michael will discuss a topic related to special education and share helpful tips and resources for families. No registration is necessary, just visit the link above every Monday at 10am.
- 2pm-Center for Parent Information & Resources, Supporting Families to Focus on Student Self-Determination. "Family involvement and student self-determination can coexist. By helping families see the value in self-determination we can support students to build confidence and take charge of their futures."
Tuesday, Apr. 25th
- 2pm- The ARC of NJ, Creating a Culture of Inclusion: Anti-Bullying Strategies for Self-Advocates and Supporters. This interactive webinar will focus on strategies for identifying and addressing bullying in school and beyond.
- 6pm-The ARC of NJ, HOW Series: Guardianship And Supported Decision Making: Just The Basics. This workshop will help parents and caregivers understand the guardianship process, levels of guardianship and alternatives to guardianship.
Wednesday, Apr. 26th
- 12pm-SPAN, From Measurable Goals to Making Progress. Strategies to create IEPs with measurable annual goals as well as the required information regarding student progress.
- 6pm-Center for Creativity at the Rialto, In A Different key Autism Awareness Month Art show, film Screening and Talks
- 6:30pm -SPAN, Section 504 and the American Disabilities Act. This workshop focuses on the right to services and accommodations for students with disabilities and special health/emotional needs who may not be eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for special education.
Thursday, Apr. 27th
- 1pm-Center for Parent Information & Resources-Resolving Disputes Through the Special Education Process. This webinar with a Q&A, will help increase your awareness of dispute resolution options in the special education process.
- 1pm-Center for Parent Information & Resources Webinar: Dream Bigger, Aim Higher. Learn skills and strategies beyond advocacy that help empower you from your child's infancy to adulthood.
- 7pm- SPAN, Using PBIS in School (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support). This workshop provides an overview of educational strategies helps students learn alternate behaviors that can lead to long-term change
Friday, Apr. 28th
Upcoming:
- NJSLA Spring Testing Schedule
- Monday, May 1st, 10am-The ARC of NJ, College Programs in New Jersey
- Tuesday, May 2nd, 2pm-The ARC of NJ, Webinar: Financial Literacy
- Wednesday, May 3rd, 4pm- RAFT School Based Youth Services- Pediatric Mental Health post COVID
- May 5th-7th- New York Metro Abilities Expo
- Sunday, May 7th-Turtle Back Zoo, SPARK for Autism Free day at the Zoo
- May 9th, 7pm-ASAH, Securing the Future for Your Child with special Needs: Financial and Estate Planning
- May 10th, 1pm-Center for Parent Information & Resources, Expect, Engage, Empower: Successful Transitions for All!
- May 11th, 10am-12:30pm- RWJBH Children's Specialized Hospital, Navigating the Journey: A Medical Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Later Events
- May 14th-20th-Special Education Week in New Jersey
- May 18th, 6pm-8pm- RWJBH Children's Specialized Hospital, Parent Workshop on positive Behavior Change
- May 18th, 6:30pm-The ARC of NJ, Presentation: "I Used to Be Bullied for Having Autism: Here is When it Stopped," Autism advocate and internationally renowned speaker Dr. Kerry Magro will present "I Used to Be Bullied for Having Autism: Here is When it Stopped," at Warren Hills High School Auditorium
- May 24th, 6:30pm-Children's Specialized Hospital, Parent Workshop on Health and Wellness
- June 9th, NJCIE Inclusion Leadership Conference
- Tuesday, June 20, 2023, 12:00 PM-AAC in the Cloud 2023: The Power of One
Monthly Themes:
April is Autism Acceptance Month
As the month of April closes out we continue to communicate information on events, and resources that raise awareness of Autism and highlight Autism Acceptance Month.
Here are a few:
- The Center for Creativity at the Rialto (Westfield) is hosting an Autism Awareness Month Art Show, Film Screenings, and Talks. Details can be seen here
- See the Reading Nook Section for books featured by the Fanwood and Scotch Plains Libraries on Autism and Neurodiversity
- NJ.Gov Autism Family Guide
- SPF YMCA-Fostering Inclusivity and Celebrating Differences During Autism Acceptance Month
May
7th-13th-Children's Mental Health Week- See resources from Parent Professional Advocacy League, as shared by SPAN.
14th -20th-Special Education Week in New Jersey. Governor’s Special Education Week Proclamation (Pending)
In the News, Broadcasts and other updates:
- Scotch Plains recognizes Autism Acceptance Month
- The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship: Cranford Theater Teams Up with Union County ESC to Help Special Needs Students
- NJDOE Special Education In Action Newsletter
Tools you can use:
New Jersey Assessment Resources Center-NJSLA practice Tests. A practice test for each grade and subject is available below for you to yourself with the kinds of items, tools and format used for the tests.
At your Leisure:
The Inclusion Think Tank-Episode 24: The Evolvement of Inclusive Education
Reading Nook:
- Scotch Plains Library recognizes Autism and Neurodiversity Awareness Month by sharing books “featuring characters with minds of all kinds”
- The Fanwood Library shares Resources on Autism and Neurodiversity here
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