The Power of Connection
March 2019
Autism New Jersey E-Newsletter
Stakeholders’ Voices Heard on Severe Challenging Behavior
On Monday, March 11th, the Assembly Human Services Committee Chair Assemblywoman Joann Downey (D-11) invited guests to provide testimony regarding the challenges faced by individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health conditions, including those with severe challenging behavior within this population. Read more>>
Least Restrictive Environment Requirements and Educational Placement Decisions
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that school districts educate students with disabilities in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). In issuing guidance to local educational agencies, the U.S. Department of Education has been clear that although it is not a mandate, it strongly prefers that students with disabilities are educated in the regular education environment among students without disabilities.
However, the Department acknowledges that for some students, placement in the regular education environment would not be appropriate and requires that school districts provide a range of alternative placements to meet students’ individual needs. Read more>>
Start Preparing for Summer Camp
PerformCare is now accepting requests from families for financial assistance toward the 2019 summer camp session. Requests MUST be postmarked or received by PerformCare no later than April 30, 2019.

Families can request financial support toward summer camp tuition and one-to-one aide services for summer camp. Read more>>
Did You Miss These Stories?
Upcoming Autism New Jersey Events
Autism Ambassador Program
April 2019
April is just around the corner. Register for our Ambassador Program and order your free supplies while they last. Don't miss out! Register and browse our free supply catalog>>
Ride for Autism
June 8, 2019 | Lincroft, NJ
A one-day charity bicycle tour, opened to all levels of cyclists. Participants choose from five routes ranging in length from 10 to 100 miles in scenic Central NJ. Early registration discounts are available>>
37th Annual Conference
Oct. 17 & 18, 2019
Atlantic City, NJ
We are booking advertising space for the highly publicized registration brochure, targeting thousands in NJ’s autism community. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Space is limited Reserve by April 10>>
Upcoming Free Workshops
March 25, 2019
Fair Lawn, NJ
April 30, 2019
East Orange, NJ
April 30, 2019
East Orange, NJ
Supporter of the Month
CorFigo
Thank you CorFigo for being the first sponsor to sign on for our upcoming Ride for Autism, scheduled for June 8, 2019, at Brookdale Community College. CorFigo is a sponsor for one of our five volunteer-run rest stops. Learn how you can support the Ride for Autism and New Jersey’s autism community.
Referral Database
Autism New Jersey maintains a free referral database of autism service professionals in many different categories. Please consider recommending a professional>>

New changes! We've made some changes to our referral system to make it even easier to find the resources you need!
We remain dedicated to serving the needs of New Jersey's autism community. Our services and outreach activities are only possible with the support of our members and generous donors. 
As always, if you require support or information, please contact us at 800.4.AUTISM, 609.588.8200 or visit www.autismnj.org.

Your Friends at Autism New Jersey