Table Talk: A Special Education Update

The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute provides caregivers with the necessary resources and education to access the appropriate supports and services for their loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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New Episodes of Mondays with Michael

Our weekly Facebook Live Series Mondays with Michael began its third season earlier this month with episodes about back-to-school tips and making special education referrals. This season will include 42 episodes scheduled throughout the '23/'24 school year, featuring special guests, informational resources, and current events. As always, every episode will be recorded and saved in our Mondays with Michael Archive for your convenience. Click the button below to visit the archive.

Make sure to tune in for our upcoming episodes in October when we will be discussing the initial evaluation process, different types of placement, and a parent's first IEP meeting. We will also be joined on October 16th by special guest Sharon Levine, Senior Director of Governmental Affairs & Communications at The Arc of New Jersey. Sharon will discuss The Arc of New Jersey's 2023 Get Out the Vote Guide in an episode you won't want to miss!

If you're new to the series, each episode is a 10-15 minute discussion about a topic related to special education or services for children with IDD and their families. Episodes take place every Monday at 10am on our Facebook page. No registration is required, just visit our page on Mondays at 10am to attend, and remember to leave a comment!

Archived Recordings

Honoring Family Advocates

As an organization founded by families, The Arc of New Jersey is always proud to honor individuals who support a loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD). Family members play a vital role in the lives of children with IDD, often becoming advocates for education, inclusion, and services. Every month, we will feature a parent or family member who has shown incredible advocacy skills related to special education. Our September Education Advocate of the Month is Ashley Glover! We asked Ashley to share her experience as an advocate for her sons and included some of her responses below.

In The News

House Panel Advances Bill Clarifying Parents' Rights at IEP Meetings

"The bill would require schools to notify parents before their child’s first IEP meeting each academic year of their right to include experts and other third parties in such meetings. That could mean inviting a lawyer, a therapist or other subject-matter expert or even a family member with knowledge of the child." Read more here.

Ed. Department Offers Up Nearly $199 Million to Improve Outcomes for Students with Disabilities

"The U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration said that it will spend nearly $199 million to fund model demonstration projects in 20 states designed to prepare young people with disabilities for independent living, competitive integrated employment and community integration." Read more here.

Virtually Awesome

FCC Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. This new benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application.

You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling 877-384-2575.

Learn More Here

Mission to Transition

Free Planning for After High School Conference

Saturday, October 14th, 2023

9am - 1pm

Clifton High School

333 Colfax Ave.

Clifton, NJ

This free, in-person conference will include workshops (45-60 minutes) on specific topics including support coordination, the continuum of community services, understanding SSI & Medicaid, service eligibility requirements, and where to find help.

Reality Tech

Assistive Technology Basics from Understood

This peer-reviewed article from Understood.org provides a great overview of assistive technology (AT), and how it can benefit students with disabilities in the classroom and everyday life. It includes examples of different devices and services for specific settings, addresses common myths about AT, and shares guidance on when a school district must provide it. Click the button below to read the article.

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The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute | 732.828.2022 | thearcfamilyinstitute.org

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