🗓️ SPF SEPAG Weekly Newsletter – April 13 to April 20, 2026
Welcome to a new week! This week is anchored by our monthly SPF SEPAG meeting tomorrow, where we invite the community to engage directly with district-level topics. Along with our local gatherings detailed below, we have included several advocacy and inclusion opportunities available throughout New Jersey.
📣 Next Upcoming SPF SEPAG Meeting
REMINDER: The April Scotch Plains-Fanwood SEPAG meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This meeting will be held in a hybrid format and focus on Autism Acceptance Month. You are welcome to join us in person at Terrill Middle School or participate remotely via Google Meet. This is an essential platform for parents and caregivers to share feedback and help shape the daily experience of students with special needs in our district. Join the meeting virtually at https://meet.google.com/dvi-zzrv-dyd.
📣 Upcoming SPF SEPAG Event for Autism Acceptance Month
📢 Advocacy and Educational Workshops
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, the Special Education Alliance of NJ is hosting a webinar on "Effective Communication in IEP Meetings." This session focuses on collaborative strategies for parents to work with school teams, ensuring the student's goals are clearly defined and measurable. Registration and details are available at https://specialeducationalliancenj.org/events/
The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network is offering a virtual training titled "Section 504 vs. IEP: Knowing the Difference" on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. This workshop is ideal for families looking to understand which legal protections best fit their child's educational needs. Access the registration link at https://spanadvocacy.org/event/504-vs-iep-training/
On Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 7:00 PM, the Learning Disabilities Association of New Jersey (LDANJ) will host an online resource group for parents of children with ADHD and Dyslexia. This session provides a space to discuss executive functioning strategies and assistive technology tools. Visit the event calendar at https://ldanj.org/events/
🎈 Community Events and Inclusion
The Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs is hosting "Inclusive Yoga" on Monday, April 13 and Monday, April 20, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM at the Trailside Nature and Science Center in Mountainside. This program focuses on mindfulness and gentle movement tailored for all ability levels. Registration is required via the Union County portal at https://ucnj.org/opsn-reg/
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Adventure Aquarium in Camden is holding a "Sensory-Friendly Sunday" from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. During these hours, the aquarium features lowered music, softened lighting, and limited capacity to provide a calmer experience for guests with sensory sensitivities. Tickets can be reserved at https://www.adventureaquarium.com/experience/accessibility/
The "Saturday Sunshine" program in Fanwood will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Forest Road Park. This local inclusive playgroup allows children of all abilities to engage in supervised recreational games and arts and crafts. For more information, visit the borough recreation page at https://www.fanwoodrecreation.org/
On Sunday, April 19, 2026, AMC Theatres (including local Union County locations) will host a sensory-friendly screening of a family-friendly film. The "Lights Up, Sound Down" format ensures a comfortable environment where guests are free to move, dance, and sing. Check local showtimes at https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-film
💙 Support and Mental Health Resources
The Family Support Organization (FSO) of Union County is hosting a "Youth Partnership" evening for teens and young adults (ages 13–21) on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Elizabeth. These meetings focus on leadership, social skills, and peer-to-peer connection. Details can be found at https://www.fso-union.org/youth-partnership
If you are a caregiver seeking one-on-one peer support or assistance with navigating local mental health resources, the FSO Warmline remains available at 908-755-0090. Visit their website for additional resources at https://www.fso-union.org/
We look forward to seeing many of you at our Monday evening meeting!
On Behalf of the SPF SEPAG
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