July 2022 Special Connection
Dear Families and Friends,
We hope you are well and enjoying the summer. Take a few minutes to review this newsletter to check out the trainings and articles for you, whether you have babies, school-age youngsters or teens. It may be summer but we are still here for you. Have a safe, happy 4th of July.
ASCF Staff and Board
PS. We are hiring new parent consultants. If you would like to assist other parents please call Julie at the office at 973-728-8744. Let us know if you have attended SPAN's Resource Parent Training or other trainings.
HELPFUL ARTICLES
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Basic Steps of the Early Intervention Process    
 
There are 8 basic steps to the IEP process: Learn more about the process from the initial evaluation to the exit of early intervention.
Parental Rights under IDEA: 
Procedural Safeguards

The federal regulations for IDEA 2004 include a section called Procedural Safeguards. These safeguards are designed to protect the rights of parents and their child with a disability and, at the same time, give families and school systems several mechanisms by which to resolve their disputes.
15 Ways to Be Happier  
We're all looking for a bit more happiness in our lives. Here are 15 different ways to encourage happiness in yourself!
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
New Jersey Transition Toolkit 
  • The first listed purpose for the Federal law known as The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is “to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.”
The NJ Department of Education created a toolkit to assist teams, students, and families in preparing students with disabilities for a successful life after high school.  
It includes helpful information and resources, such as: ideas for activities; transition planning in the IEP;
information about education, employment and independent living after high school.
One important resource provides information about alternatives to guardianship and supported decision-making. Many families and educators are not familiar with this information that can make a big difference in the young person's life. 
SCIENCE CLUB FOR ALL KIDS
Kids, if you are interested in joining our next Science Club meeting on Saturday, 11 am on July 23 give a call to 973-506-6675. We will meet virtually and in person at Highlands Family Success Center, 1801 Greenwood Lake Turnpike in Hewitt. Scientist Andy and teacher Lori will share some fun activities with you.
Virtual Trainings
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Basic Rights in Special Education
Wed, July 6, 2022. 12-1:00
SPAN training will provide you knowledge on Basic Rights in Special Education to those who are new to special education or have been involved for a while. Families will get an introduction to their rights and responsibilities as parents of children with special needs under IDEA, the New Jersey Code and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act.
For more Information: Tammi Kaminski at [email protected]
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IEP III: Student-Led IEPs: A Path to Success
Wed, July 20, 2022, 10– 11 AM
Young people are experts in their lives. Encouraging students to use their voice early helps to build self advocacy skills. When students are involved in their IEP meetings they engage in self determination and can practice different decision-making methods in a safe environment. Presented by: Dawn Monaco.
For more Information: Tammi Kaminski [email protected]
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REAL Transition Partners: What Does Independence Mean to Me?
Thu, July 21, 2022, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Too often we discuss independence without involving young adults in the conversation. Let's hear from a group of young adults with disabilities about what independence means to them and what skills helped them towards that goal.
Go to SPAN website to find information on this and register
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/span-parent-advocacy-network-313399547
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Paperwork for Families: Getting Organized
Wed, July 13, 2022. 12- 1 pm
Are you overwhelmed by the mountains of paperwork created by your child's school records? Not sure what to keep, what to toss? Get better prepared for that next meeting at school to effectively advocate for your child.  Presented by: Julie Rikon
 Contact for more information - Tammi Kaminski [email protected]
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ASCF Training:
Understanding Disabilities
Wed, July 20, 2022. 6:30-8 PM
This ASCF training will give you the basics of different disabilities to help you better understand your child.
Register by calling ASCF at 973-728-8744 or emailing [email protected] The link will be sent to you.
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ASCF Advocacy Training:
Working with your School
Wed, July 27, 6:30-8 pm
ASCF shares ways to work with your school system in a non-adversarial way to better help your child.
Register by calling ASCF at 973-728-8744 or emailing [email protected]. The link will be sent to to you.
PARENTING GUIDANCE
Parent Tips: How to Get Your Teen Reading
1. Be a positive role model for reading
2. Make sure you have lots of reading materials at home for your teen
3. Give your teen a lot of opportunities to read
4. Take your teen to the local library
5. Allow your teen to choose her books
6. Look for reading materials related to your family history or culture
7. If your teen is bilingual, encourage reading in both languages
8. Talk to your teen's teachers about reading
9. If your teen has difficulty reading, talk to his teachers immediately
10. Don't worry if your teen isn't always interested in pleasure reading
For complete article go to
 https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/parent-tips-how-get-your-teen-reading
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Resources
ImDetermined.org features resources to build independence in youth and young adults. They are focused on teaching the skills to become self-reliant individuals.
Click the link to subscribe to the SPAN Youth Hub: https://thespanyouthhub.blogspot.com/ 
Support, Training and Informational Groups
Mom Squad Virtual Support Group.
Join this amazing group with ASCF and Family Partners on Thursdays,
July 7, 14, 21 , 28 from 6-7:30 pm.
Diane Varga: [email protected]  
cell: 862-273-5046
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Family Support Organization of Passaic County and ASCF offer these sessions on Tuesdays, July 5, 12, 19, 26 from 6:30 to 8 pm. July 26 will be in person at the Highlands Family Success Center. Register with Nina Reams:
[email protected] 973 979- 0508 
Thoughts to ponder
The way you handle your child's disability affects his/her self-image. Remember he/she is not his/her disability. He/she is a child who has a disability as well as other characteristics. Accept your entire child, with challenges, strengths, dreams and potential. And enjoy your child for the unique child he/she is.
Please think about supporting ASCF
DISCLAIMER:
The Association for Special Children and Families does not provide or give legal or medical advice.
DESCARGO DE RESPONSABILIDAD:
La Asociación para Niños y Familias Especiales no proporciona ni brinda asesoramiento legal o médico.
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Mental Health Resources
Mental Health America www.mhanational.org
(NAMI) National Alliance on Mental Illness nami.org