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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Mondays with Michael

Our weekly Facebook Live Series Mondays with Michael continued with episodes about the initial evaluation process and tips for your first IEP meeting. We were also joined by Sharon Levine, our Senior Director of Governmental Affairs and Communications, for an episode about The Arc of New Jersey's Get Out the Vote guide. As always, every episode is recorded and saved in our Mondays with Michael Archive for your convenience. Click the button below to visit the archive.

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 October Education Advocate of the Month is Britney Diebold! We asked Britney to share her experience as an advocate for her sons and included some of her responses below.

In The News

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Hillsborough Schools First in NJ to Roll Out Autism Education Program

"According to a news release from the district, Hillsborough schools implemented the 'Kits for Kids' peer education program created by the Virginia-based Organization for Autism Research. The program's goal is to 'promote empathy and autism acceptance among today's youth,' the release stated." Read more here.

Feds Aim to Ease Shortage of Special Educators

"With schools facing persistent shortages of special education staff, federal officials are investing millions to attract and retain personnel to support kids with disabilities.

The U.S. Department of Education said it is awarding over $35 million to bolster the workforce of special education teachers and administrators, related services providers, those at early intervention programs and university faculty preparing these specialists." Read more here.

Upcoming Panel Discussion on Restraint and Seclusion

Mission to Transition

New Jersey Special Education Administrators Association (NJSEAA) Transition Fair

November 16th, 6 - 8pm

Paramus High School

99 E Century Rd.

Paramus, NJ

Attend the New Jersey Special Education Administrators Association transition fair! You can attend as a young adult with a disability, a caregiver, or as a professional.

Obtain information about:

Transition to adult services
College programs for adults with disabilities
Social/Recreational programs for adults with disabilities
Support Coordination Organizations
Transportation Vendors

Reality Tech

Tech Spotlight Series

The Richard West Assistive Technology Advocacy Center (ATAC) will be hosting a webinar series featuring individual assistive technology (AT) devices. The goal of this project is to raise awareness about potential AT solutions that match an individual's specific needs.

Inclusion in the series does not necessarily constitute or imply endorsement, or recommendation of a product by ATAC or Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ).

Learn More

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