Children with Special Needs, need Parents with Special Skills!
February 2020

Happy Friday AJE Families!  
 
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So many opportunities have come across our desks this week, we just had to get an email out to parents!

From a parent focus group on youth mental health services on Tuesday to a chance to provide feedback to researchers on school choice and several scholarship opportunities, there is a lot to share! 

And it is budget season too!  You can join AJE's friends and allies in  the Under 3 Coalition at the Mayor's Budget Engagement Forum  tomorrow, Saturday, February 22nd at 11 am at the Kenilworth Recreation Center to make sure DC gives every child a strong start and a fair shot!

Finally, we have a movie screening and youth events to share!  
PArentalMH

Transition
Funding available for Transition Age youth - apply NOW!
 
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AJE is once again partnering with the HSC Foundation to provide LEAP Awards to AJE's eligible youth with disabilities who are  transition-age (14 to 26 years old).   

The Life Enrichment Awards Program (LEAP) provides goods and services that are directly linked to youth transition planning and implementation that are usually not available from public service and government agencies  not covered by Medicaid or private insurance and are goods and services not considered "medically necessary."
 
Previously we have awarded youth in transition with laptops, scrubs for a mortician internship, graphic designing software, business clothing for interviewing, soft skills training and more.
 
Please see attached the detailed eligibility criteria and apply for an award right away!  There are three documents an applicant must complete to be considered for an award: ( 1) an application form;  (2) the certificate of acknowledgment form;  and  (3) HSCN's media release form. 

If you need help completing the forms, we are happy to support you, just call or email us!  Please apply immediately! 

AJE is also happy to share information about the  Microsoft disAbility Scholarship, the  Organization for Autism Research (OAR) Scholarship, and EduSaveDC on our website!   
Transition

Transition

Webinars
Great New Webinars!  
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We know not everyone can make it to one of our trainings, so we have webinars you can watch anywhere, at any time!

We recently added new webinars to the Special Education Thursday library, including three webinars that address important health care issues for families. As always, Special Education Thursday host, Molly Whalen, keeps it practical, parent-friendly and positive.  

MEDICAL AND LEGAL FACTS ABOUT VACCINES  Guests: Maria Blaeuer, AJE and Leah Shoval, Mary's Center.  Don't forget that school vaccination requirements in DC recently changed! 


We also have a webinar with a guest from the  Public Charter School Board, Patrick Pope.  Host and AJE board chair Molly, talked with Patrick about what happens when a parent calls the PCSB with a complaint or concern.


We also have a new webinar K NOW YOUR RIGHTS IN THE WORKPLACE AS A PARENT OF A CHILD WITH A DISABILITY.  This webinar features   Laura Brown, Executive Director, First Shift Justice Project and it is available here.  Additional information and resources from First Shift are here!


We are talking about parents' rights at work because of feedback we received from DC parents!   So, if there is something you think we should cover, please let us know at 202-678-8060 or information@aje-dc.org!
Transition

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Do you wish you received our emails like more often?  

Well, while you wait for the next edition, did you know that AJE has a blog? We are on Twitter and Facebook too!   Following us on social media is a great way to get our latest news and make sure you don't miss a thing.  

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Stay informed about upcoming events in the community, Council hearings, important news and parent trainings.  Follow us today! 

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About AJE:
Advocates for Justice and Education is the federally designated  Parent Training and Information Center and the Health Information Center for DC. AJE seeks to empower families, youth, and the community to be effective advocates to ensure that children and youth, particularly those who have special needs, receive access to appropriate education and health services.
 
Our passion is empowering families by equipping parents and students with disabilities with the tools they need to be their own advocates.

Have questions?  We are here to educate, advocate and empower. Contact us today!
Advocates for Justice and Education, Inc.| (P) 202.678.8060  | (F) 202.678.8062 |

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