SPF Parents and Caregivers!
May is finally here! As we move further into the spring season, our focus is on building practical skills for home life, exploring inclusive recreational opportunities in Union County, and preparing for upcoming educational transitions which will be covered in this month's SPF SEPAG meeting.
📢 Recap: SPF Autism Acceptance Month Event
Thank you to all who attended the SPF SEPAG Autism Acceptance Month wonderful virtual event on April 22 with two local occupational therapists. The presentation will soon be available on our blog soon for those who could not attend.
📢 Local SPF District Announcements
Staff Appreciation Week May 4 – May 8, 2026 This week, the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools celebrate the dedication of our educators and support staff. We encourage families to reach out to the teachers, paraprofessionals, and therapists who make a daily difference in the lives of our students.
SPF-SEPAG General Meeting Monday, May 11, 2026 Please join us at Terrill Middle School for our scheduled SEPAG meeting. This is an opportunity to connect with the executive board and discuss ongoing initiatives within the district. See information regarding the meeting below:
SPF SEPAG May 2026 Meeting- SEPAG Executive Board election results and transitions
Monday, May 11 · 7:00 – 8:00pm
Google Meet joining link: https://meet.google.com/dgc-dyog-zyx
⚖️ Special Education Advocacy and Workshops
All Kids Belong: The Importance of LRE and Inclusion Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network is hosting a virtual session regarding Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and the benefits of inclusive education for students with disabilities. https://spanadvocacy.org/event/all-kids-belong-the-importance-of-lre-inclusion/2026-05-05/
The SPAN Youth Chat (Ages 14-26) Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM A dedicated virtual space for neurodiverse youth and young adults to connect, share experiences, and discuss self-advocacy. https://spanadvocacy.org/event/the-span-youth-chat-for-ages-14-26-2/2026-05-06/
Basic Rights in Special Education Friday, May 8, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM An essential workshop for parents navigating the IEP process. This session covers federal and state laws, parental rights, and effective communication strategies with school teams https://spanadvocacy.org/event/basic-rights-6/
🩺 Clinical and Family Support
Medical Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders Thursday, May 7, 2026 Presented by Children’s Specialized Hospital, this session provides a comprehensive look at medical considerations and supportive care for individuals on the spectrum. https://www.rwjbh.org/events/event/?event=50072
Behavioral Feeding Parent Workshop Thursday, May 7, 2026 A specialized workshop for caregivers dealing with feeding challenges, offering strategies from the clinical team at Children's Specialized Hospital. https://www.rwjbh.org/events/event/?event=43134
🎈 Community and Sensory-Friendly Events
Big Bubble Bonanza: Sensory-Friendly Performance Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 2:00 PM Located in Union County, this interactive bubble performance is specially adapted for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities, featuring adjusted lighting and sound levels. https://ucpac.org/event/jeff-boyers-big-bubble-bonanza-2026-sft/
Spring Scavenger Hunt May 2 & Amazing Moms Event May 7 or May 9, 2026 | 10:00 AM Union County offers inclusive seasonal activities designed to engage children of all abilities in a nature-based setting. Union County Parks and Recreation Calendar
Cranford Theater: Free Movie Screening Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 12:00 PM A local screening of "To Kill a Mockingbird," presented as part of the community's accessible cinema initiatives. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/downtown-cranford-senior-citizen-film-series-to-kill-a-mockingbird-tickets-1984672886028
We hope these resources help your family have a successful and inclusive week! As always, please check our website for additional resources and more general information about these organizations and others! Hope to see you at the May meeting!
On Behalf of the SPF SEPAG Executive Board
https://spf-sepag.blogspot.com/
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