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

March 15, 2023 | Issue 69 (View newsletter as webpage) Para leer este boletín en Español, haga clic aquí

Important News

Photo of Community Health Workers

Community Health Workers and Emerging Leaders Professional Training Program


Community Health Workers (CHWs) are a critical and growing workforce that is committed to the health and well-being of their neighbors and addressing barriers to care head on.


SPAN team members have participated in the CHW training and certification program. Congratulations to the recent CHW graduates!


  • Mita Bhattacharaya
  • Tammi Kaminski
  • Tara Szymanek
  • Cindy Weber


We also want to give a shout out to SPAN Team members who have previously completed the CHW course: Monique Dujue Wilson, Sakina Garrett-Corcoran, Garima Jain, Danica LaFortune, Rhea Malone, Donna Milanowycz, Kim Rivers, Yvonne Robles, Erin Seigh, Khayre Tyler, and Paulina Vargas


Additional congratulations to Cindy Weber and Mita Bhattacharaya, who were selected via a competitive application process, as two of 15 Emerging Leaders by the New Jersey Department of Health.


This program creates opportunities for Emerging Leaders to acquire leadership and management skills. It includes a "Personal Stretch Project" to build confidence and personal growth with a peer group and develop an understanding of their own leadership style.

Resources

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Center on Youth Voice Youth Choice - Parent Speaker Series

Supporting Youth and Young Adults with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) with Decision-Making:

What Every Parent Needs to Know


Kick-off webinar

March 27, 2023

3:00 - 4:00 PM

Register Here


Topics to be covered in future workshops in the series include:

  • Preparing for when your child turns 18
  • Taking a Closer Look at Supported Decision-Making
  • Supporting Healthcare-Related Decision-Making


Download and share the flyer with your networks


Learn more about the Center on Youth Voice Youth Choice New Jersey State Team here - SPAN is a member!


Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month 2023 Logo

Artwork by Jamila Rahimi/Art Enables


March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. It's a nationwide event to raise awareness about:

  • Inclusion of people with disabilities in all facets of community life, and
  • Barriers that people with disabilities may face in connecting to the communities where they live.


This year's theme is "Beyond the Conversation." The focus is on taking action -- what are communities doing to create change??


The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and its partners have created a social media campaign.


Go to the NACDD website here to:

  • Download the artwork/logo in multiple languages
  • View the archived resource guide in English and Spanish
  • Register for a live podcast about partnerships between state Councils on Developmental Disabilities and Tribal Nations

Upcoming Events


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


Highlighted Event This Week

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SPAN Resource Parent In-Person Training Spring 2023


Participants learn about:

  • Laws and regulations
  • Special education processes 
  • Strategies for working effectively with the school team 
  • Dynamics of systems that serve children with disabilities and special health care needs



Parents/caregivers and professionals are welcome to participate. The course is available at no charge if the participant agrees to volunteer for 30 hours upon completion. There is a $350 fee for participants who do not wish to or are unable to volunteer.


Weekly on Thursdays

April 20 - May 25, 2023

9:30 AM – 2:30 PM (lunch provided)



Location: 

Hackensack University Meridian Health & Wellness Center

87 Route 17, Maywood, NJ 07607


Register Here

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

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haga clic aquí para suscribirse
SPAN Youth Hub image

New Jersey Legislative

Youth Council


Check out the newest blog post, "NJ Legislative Youth Council," to learn about an exciting opportunity for ages 15-23 to serve on New Jersey's first-ever youth council to participate in the democratic process.



Click here to read the blog

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