Good evening SEPAG Families and Caregivers,
As many of you are aware, the SPF Community has been greatly affected by the death of an 8th grade Nettingham Middle School student this week. Our thoughts and hearts go out to his family and friends. If you feel your child or children are in need of any additional support right now, please reach out to your school principal or case manager.
On Behalf of the SEPAG Executive Board
Important SEPAG Meeting Announcement
Please mark your calendars for the next Scotch Plains-Fanwood SEPAG meeting. We hope to see you there in person or virtually.
Next SPF-SEPAG Meeting
Date & Time: Monday, October 6, 2025, from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET
Location: Terrill Middle School (and Virtual)
Link for Details: SPF SEPAG October 2025 Meeting
Monday, October 6
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/pqn-ywsh-xhp
A Message to Our Community
We want to highlight key opportunities for parents and caregivers to connect, learn, and advocate for their children with special education needs during this week. Please take advantage of these local and virtual resources!
Upcoming Training & Education (Week of Sept 29)
Understanding IEPs: A Parent's Guide to Supports, Accommodations, and Modifications
Date: Monday, September 29, 2025
Focus: A virtual workshop to break down the key components of the IEP process, goals, accommodations, and modifications.
Link for Registration: View Event Details and Google Meet Link
How to Speak With Pre-Teens & Teens Session
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Host: FSO (Family Support Organization)
Focus: Communication strategies for parents struggling to connect with pre-teens and teenagers.
Link for Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfeA1pUTzzxm1gXHcEtCszyZGUyWuNjl7FuhyKvAZCkmEYDrA/viewform
Local Support & Advocacy (Union County, NJ)
Talking Together Dad Support Group
Date & Time: Monday, September 29, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Host: FSO of Union County
Focus: A virtual bi-weekly support group specifically for fathers navigating the challenges of raising children with special needs.
Link for Details: https://fso-hsw.org/events/
Early Intervention Information Session
Date & Time: Monday, September 29, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Host: FSO of Union County
Focus: A virtual session providing critical information about the NJ Early Intervention System (EIS) for families of young children (birth to three) with developmental delays.
Link for Details: https://fso-hsw.org/events/
NAMI Union County Family Support Group (Monthly)
Next Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Focus: Virtual peer-led support for caregivers of loved ones with mental health conditions.
Link for Details: Details & Registration Info
JCARES through the JCC
Date & Time: Sunday, October 26, 2025, 10 AM – 11:30 AM
Focus: "new program for K-8th graders with disabilities for higher needs and their families, including siblings."
Link for Details: https://www.jccnj.org/jcares/
Statewide Resources & Future Save the Date
Alliance Resource Fair & Family Fun Day
Date & Time: Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ
Focus: A major resource fair with 50+ vendors (schools, therapies, legal, financial) and family activities.
Link for Registration: Free Family Registration Required
The NJ Disability Information Hub
Focus:"Here, families can find information on available food, income, or employment assistance programs; caregivers can find information on support programs and services to assist them in caring for their loved ones; and individuals with disabilities can find information on various services, including in-home supports, vocational rehabilitation, personal care assistance, and education."
Link for Details: https://www.nj.gov/disabilities
Ongoing Local Resources
The Family Support Organization (FSO) of Union County: Offers peer-to-peer support and education
The Arc of Union County: Provides programs and services for individuals with IDD and their families
Statewide Arc: Provides information and training on special education rights
SPAN Parent Advocacy Network: https://spanadvocacy.org/
.jpg)
.jpg)
