AUGUST 2026 NEWSLETTER


Welcome, Families, Friends, and Colleagues of ASCF, to Our August 2026 Newsletter!

🌷


We are asking our families, friends, colleagues, and supporters to help us continue our important work.

Please consider supporting ASCF through Round-Up!

You will find a link below that will take you to the Round-Up site, where you can learn how the spare change from your purchases can be donated to ASCF. Every little bit can make a difference, and we would be so grateful if you would consider including ASCF in your everyday purchases.

Your support helps us remain here for the families who depend on us.

We believe that no family should have to navigate this process alone, and we will continue to do all we can to help children and families understand their rights, find resources, and feel supported along the way.

We invite you to explore the upcoming workshops and new resources featured below. We hope they provide you and your family with valuable information, helpful tools, and the encouragement you need.



Thank you for thinking of ASCF, for believing in our mission, and for helping us continue this important work. We truly appreciate your continued support!


Sincerely,


The ASCF Staff


Julie, Tammi, Terry, Meredith, Dennis, Sean, Phoebe, Corie and Matthew


FREE VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS


Our FREE workshops are open to all families and caregivers!


For more information about our workshops, please visit our website by clicking the link below.



TRANSITION

HIGH SCHOOL TO "WHAT'S NEXT"


Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m.



Location: Online (A zoom link will be emailed to the email on your registration, the morning of the event.)



RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN SPECIAL EDUCATION


ASCF is sponsoring a FREE Zoom meeting from the Law Firm of Hinkle, Prior, Fischer and Oberweis on: Rights and Responsibilities in Special Education. 


You must register at the registration link below. Have your questions ready! We look forward to your participation. 


When: September 9, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time (US & Canada)


After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.



Please visit our website for more information.


Register in advance for this meeting by clicking the button below:


SAVE THE DATE!!


All workshops below are presented by an Attorney at the Law Firm of Hinkle, Prior, Fischer & Oberweis. More information & links will be forthcoming.


Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 6:30 pm/via Zoom

Topic: Advocating for an Appropriate School Placement and Related Services"


Wednesday November 18, 2026 at 6:30 pm/via Zoom

Topic: Turning 18: What Every Parent of a Child with Disabilities Needs to Know



VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS FOR PARENTS


DAD CHAT


Join this virtual Dad's group on the second Monday of each month at 8:00 pm


Please email Dennis at dennis@ascfamily.org or call us at

973-728-8744

with your email address and phone number to register.


Click the button above for more information on our website.



ACTIVITIES

To register for the Gaming Club, please click on the button below the flyer.

RESOURCES

JUNE 2026 EDITION OF PRISE

Parental Rights In Special Education


Click on the button below to view the new edition of PRISE:


Find Free & Low-Cost Health Care in NJ: 


https://njforhealthcare.org/NJHealthAccess.html



THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH


The author of this 12 page booklet is Dr. Scott Poland, Ed.D., Professor & Director of the Suicide and Violence Prevention Office, NSU Florida




GONG TO COLLEGE WITH AUTISM


Article is written by: Beth Arky

Clinical Expert: Ron J. Steingard, MD


MY STRENGTHS & NEEDS

Use this worksheet after viewing the self advocacy and goal setting webinar below.

SELF-ADVOCACY & GOAL SETTING


By: RAISE Center


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.

The contents of this newsletter was developed under a grant from the US Department of Education, H328C10009. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the the policy of the US Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.