April 2017

In This Issue
Quick Links
DOE
TLC
CEC
SIDE ARTICLE
SIDE ARTICLE TEXT
Save the Date
Spring workshops offered by
Educational Enterprises on April 26th, May 19th, and June 2nd

May 3: SPAN Conference

May 13: LDANJ Life After High School Conference and Post-Secondary Resource Expo

May 26: Autism Scholarship Program.....
Newsl etter E-Blast Editor
Amanda Swanson

Newsletter Editor
NJCEC Copy Editor
Dr. Anne DeGroot 

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National Council for Exceptional Children Special Education Convention & Expo  
ARTICLE 1 TEXT
To be added after attending....
New Jersey State Department of Education
NJDOE ARTICLE
The New Jersey Department of Education text
(from CEC policy insider, there are more articles)

In conjunction with World Autism Day earlier this month many recognizable locations went blue including Niagara Falls, the Empire State Building, the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt and the White House. The White House participated in "Light It Up Blue" by displaying blue lights on the exterior walls of the White House. President Trump stated "My administration is committed to promoting greater knowledge of ASDs and encouraging innovation that will lead to new treatments and cures for autism." Trump's comments in reference to curing autism noticeably upset self-advocates and the disability community in general, including the Council for Exceptional Children, due to his focus on a cure and not awareness and solutions to foster better outcomes for individuals with ASD.
This year's United Nations theme for World Autism Awareness is: "Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination." For the month of April, advocates for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from around the globe will be working hard to increase awareness about ASD and promoting this theme. CEC works all year long to bring the latest research and the most cutting-edge strategies to special educators striving to improve educational and life outcomes for students with ASD.
Our Prism Collection, which was developed specifically for this purpose by CEC's Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities, offers evidence-based, research-to practice strategies for use in the classroom, home, and community. Individual resources will help teachers:
  • Promote inclusion
  • Differentiate instruction
  • Improve behavior
  • Teach social skills
  • Deliver a real-world curriculum
With the Prism Collection, you'll have what you need to build the academic, social, and life skills students with ASD need to live autonomous and self-determined lives.
Autism Scholarship Program
The 2017 Autism Family Services of New Jersey Scholarship Program is open to New Jersey residents with a diagnosis of Autism. This year, in partnership with the Hinkle, Fingles, Prior and Fischer, Attorneys at Law, Autism Family Services of New Jersey will be selecting two recipients; each receiving a $1,000 scholarship. To be eligible, candidates must be a New Jersey resident, graduating high school in 2017, have an established diagnosis of Autism, Asperger Syndrome, or PDD-NOS and plan on pursuing a post- secondary education.
 
This scholarship is unique since it allows 2017 graduates pursuing a college, university, technical, trade, or vocational school level education to apply. This scholarship is not solely based on academic achievement. Meaningful community volunteerism, participation in extra-curricular activities and essay response will all be considered when choosing recipients for these scholarships. Candidates do not need to be near the top of their class to be considered. All who are eligible are encouraged to apply. 
 
 
Autism Family Services of New Jersey 35 Beaverson Blvd.
Building 11
Brick, NJ 08723
Attn: Melanie McGackin 
 
Scholarship Applications and supporting documents are due by May 26, 2017.  
Should you have any questions, please contact Melanie McGackin at (800) 372-6510 or by email.
Conferences Coming Up 
 
This information is provided as a courtesy by NJCEC.
NJCEC does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the information.
Save the Date! 
 
Educational Enterprises (EE)  

Educational Enterprises provides services for adaptive equipment, assistive technology,  augmentative/ alternative communication, behavior analysis, inclusion strategies, transition, diverse therapies, and more. Workshops are being offered this spring.   
 
For more information, please visit www.bergen.org and select   Educational Enterprises. You can register online here for upcoming workshops.


Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) Conference of Change
When: Wednesday, May 3rd 
from 830am to 330pm
Where: Holiday Inn East Windsor/Conference Center
399 Monmouth Street East, Windsor, NJ 08520

This year's theme is "Speak Up! Take Action! Create Change!" This conference is about creating change by creating strong parents, strong families, and stronger communities.  Every two years, we gather parent leaders from New Jersey's diverse communities concerned about early childhood, education, health, mental health, family support, human services, and child welfare systems for this Statewide Parent Leadership Conference. We know that when parent-led organizations work together, the possibilities for impacting the outcomes of children and families are powerful.

For more information, please visit  http://www.spanadvocacy.org/.
You can register online here.  
 

Learning Disabilities Association of New Jersey (LDANJ) Life After High School Conference & Post-Secondary Resource Expo
When: Saturday, May 13th  
Where: NJHA Conference & Events Center
760 Alexander Road, Princeton, NJ 

This year's conference focuses on a transitional period for teenagers and what happens after high school.  Keynote speaker Lerick Horne, will discuss empowering students with disabilities. Sessions will feature networking and empowering our exceptional teenagers to help plan ahead for the transition after high school.  Talks range from technology and other supports to exams and employment in order to navigate a path to success.

For more information, please visit www.ldanj.org or email questions to [email protected]. You can register online here.