SPF SEPAG WEEKLY RESOURCE NEWSLETTER: FEBRUARY 15 – FEBRUARY 21, 2026




SPF SEPAG WEEKLY RESOURCE NEWSLETTER: FEBRUARY 15 – FEBRUARY 21, 2026


📣 UPCOMING SPF-SEPAG MEETING: THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026

Please mark your calendars for our next SPF-SEPAG meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This will be a "Parent and Caregiver Only" session, providing a dedicated space for community support and discussion. While the physical location is still to be determined, you can join us virtually via the Google Meet link at https://meet.google.com/eib-xzbd-ufa


🏛️ MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2026: PRESIDENT'S DAY ADVOCACY WORKSHOP

While school is out for the holiday, use this time to master the art of the IEP meeting. The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network is hosting a virtual "IEP Bootcamp" at 10:00 AM specifically for New Jersey families. This session focuses on understanding your rights under NJ Administrative Code Title 6A:14 and how to effectively communicate your child's needs during the upcoming spring review season. Registration is required via the SPAN event portal at https://spanadvocacy.org/events/


📅 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2026: EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING STRATEGIES FOR THE HOME

Join a webinar at 7:00 PM hosted by the Learning Disabilities Association of New Jersey (LDANJ) focusing on practical tools for students who struggle with organization and time management. This session is designed to bridge the gap between classroom accommodations and home routines, providing parents with visual schedule templates and task-initiation scripts. Access the registration link and parent resource library at https://ldanj.org/


🏀 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026: ADAPTIVE RECREATION IN UNION COUNTY

The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites families to an Adaptive Open Gym night at the Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. This inclusive program allows children of all abilities to engage in physical activity in a supportive, low-pressure environment with trained staff on hand to assist with modifications. For more information on the county's full schedule of inclusive activities, visit the Union County Office for People with Disabilities and Special Needs at https://ucnj.org/opsn/


🎓 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2026: NAVIGATING THE DDD ELIGIBILITY PROCESS

For parents of transition-age students (14-21), understanding the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is essential. A virtual information session held at 12:00 PM by The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute will walk caregivers through the application process and the importance of the New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool (NJCAT). Review the steps for eligibility and sign up for the session at https://www.thearcfamilyinstitute.org/


🌟 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2026: SENSORY-FRIENDLY MUSEUM MORNING

The Liberty Science Center in nearby Jersey City is holding a special "Special Needs Day" starting at 9:00 AM. During this time, the museum limits crowds, softens lighting, and reduces noise levels to provide a comfortable exploration experience for neurodivergent guests. Pre-purchase tickets and view the sensory map of the exhibits at https://lsc.org/visit/accessibility


🎨 ONGOING RESOURCE: SPF-SEPAG FAMILY TOOLKIT

We encourage all caregivers to explore our dedicated family resource page which contains updated links to local support groups, emergency planning guides, and the SPF-SEPAG Virtual Art Gallery. Access these localized tools anytime at https://spf-sepag.blogspot.com/p/more-spf-sepag-family-resources.html