SPAN The Bridge Newsletter pictorial graphic.  Your weekly access to SPAN news, resources and events.

October 25, 2023 | Issue 102 (View newsletter as webpage) Para leer este boletín en Español, haga clic aquí

Important News

NJ Children's System of Care logo

NJ Children's System of Care Temporarily Halting New Assistive Technology Application Requests


The NJ Children's System of Care (CSOC) is temporarily halting new applications for Assistive Technology (AT) requests. They have received a historically large number of applications in the last several months, and currently all resources are allocated to support those requests. They will resume accepting applications when resources are available to fulfill new requests.


Please continue to check this site for updates regarding the program. CSOC has compiled a list of links to other resources you may find helpful:



You may also find these other AT resources helpful:



As always, you can also call SPAN's Warm Line toll-free at (800) 654-SPAN (7726) on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM to receive AT information from one of our parent professionals.

Resources

NJ DDS logo

Resources for Working Without Losing Disability Benefits

The NJ Division of Disability Services (DDS) recently reminded stakeholders of the State and Federal programs that support individuals with disabilities in achieving their employment goals, including work incentives and benefits resources that allow them to work without losing benefits, including:


The Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work program and other Work Incentives allow SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare beneficiaries keep their benefits while exploring employment, receiving vocational rehabilitation services, and gaining work experience.

 

Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) services, available for free to SSI and SSDI beneficiaries, can help individuals make informed decisions about employment and create a plan to help them maintain access to necessary benefits. To find out more, or to be referred to a WIPA provider in your area, call 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY).

 

NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services can also provide benefits counseling for DVRS consumers who receive SSI or SSDI benefits.

 

Disability Benefits 101 – New Jersey: Another resource for understanding work incentives and benefits, funded by the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities, Disability Benefits 101 provides information, resources, and personalized estimators to help you plan and set goals for work.

 

NJ WorkAbility offers full New Jersey Medicaid health coverage to working individuals with disabilities whose income would otherwise make them ineligible.

 

NJ ABLE, administered through the NJ Division of Disability Services, is a tax-advantaged savings account intended to encourage and assist individuals with disabilities and their families to save private funds for disability related expenses while still maintaining eligibility for means tested Federal benefit programs.


Talking to Children About Terrorism, War and Conflict

Montclair State University logo

The Montclair State University, Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health has released three sets of tips linked below that parents, caregivers, educators and professionals alike might find helpful, considering the events taking place right now in the Middle East.


Ten Tips for Talking with Children About a Traumatic Event


Talking to Children About War (from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network)


Talking with Children About Conflict and War (from Unicef)

Upcoming Events


SPAN offers a variety of learning opportunities for families and the professionals who work with them.


Highlighted Event This Week

State of SEPAG in NJ Event Flyer image

Statewide Special Education Parent Leader Roundtable


State of the SEPAG In New Jersey


Monday, November 13, 7:00 PM ET

or

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 10:00 AM ET

Online


Connect with fellow parent and school district leaders from across the state to discuss issues impacting Special Education Parent Advisory Groups (SEPAGS).

 

Resources to be shared will include:

 

  • Communication tools for group development
  • Best practices for family-school partnerships
  • Creative strategies for addressing challenges

 

Two sessions are available as noted above, each lasting about two hours.


Simultaneous Spanish interpretation available.


If you have any questions, contact Stefanie Babits at sbabits@spanadvocacy.org.


To attend, register here.


See all of SPAN's upcoming events with details and registration links here 

Para recibir la edición en Español de este boletín semanalmente en su correo electrónico 

haga clic aquí para suscribirse
Decorative image

Have You Seen the Youth Advocates for Change (YAFC) Podcast Series?


In late 2022, the RAISE Center Youth Advocates for Change (YAFC) began recording video podcasts on topics important to them as youth with disabilities to highlight the youth voice and support parent centers as they engage with youth and their families. For November's podcast (#7), watch as the guests discuss navigating the working world and interacting with coworkers.


To access the series and watch episode #7,

click here.

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