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Special Education Transportation: Your Voice Matters!
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) is inviting families, advocates, educators, and community members to share their experiences and recommendations with the Special Education Transportation Task Force.
The Task Force is studying ways to improve transportation for students receiving special education services, including how to respond to medical and behavioral emergencies.
Three virtual public listening sessions are scheduled:
- October 29: 10:00–11:00 AM
- November 3: 12:00–1:00 PM
Participants may speak for up to five minutes. Advance registration is required and closes 24 hours before each session.
Unable to attend? Written comments are also welcome! Comments may be emailed to oseinfo@doe.nj.gov. Please avoid including information that identifies individual students, staff, schools, or transportation providers.
Families' experiences and perspectives are essential to improving transportation services for students with disabilities.
Learn more and find registration information in the NJDOE announcement by clicking here.
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October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about breast cancer, encourage early detection, and support individuals and families affected by the disease.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States, although men can develop it too. Regular screening can help detect breast cancer early, when treatment is often more successful. Knowing your family history, understanding your personal risk factors, and talking with your healthcare provider about when to begin screening are important steps toward protecting your health.
While Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time of education and hope, it can also bring difficult emotions for those living with breast cancer or grieving a loved one.
For information about breast cancer awareness, screening, and the different ways people experience this month, visit Breastcancer.org's Breast Cancer Awareness Month resource page by clicking here.
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NJ FamilyCare: 10,000+ Residents Urged to Respond to Coverage Notices
As new Medicaid cuts for non-citizens take effect, New Jersey Human Services is urging approximately 10,400 individuals who may still qualify for NJ FamilyCare coverage to respond promptly to notices they received by mail. Those who have not yet responded should submit the requested information as soon as possible. The information will allow NJ FamilyCare to determine whether the individual can regain coverage under the new federal requirements that took effect Thursday, October 1, 2026. The Department emphasized that eligibility depends on each individual’s circumstances, and only NJ FamilyCare can make a final determination. Individuals who receive a notice should follow the instructions included with the notice and submit the requested documentation. Individuals can find additional information about the federal changes, eligibility categories and required documentation here.
Individuals who have questions about a notice they received should follow the instructions in their notice or contact the NJ FamilyCare/HMS hotline at 1-833-635-7060 (TTY: 711). Individuals who are no longer eligible for NJ FamilyCare may still qualify for coverage under Get Covered New Jersey, or may receive care at clinics across New Jersey that accept patients without insurance and regardless of immigration status.
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Voting for People with Disabilities
A person with a disability has the right to vote, even if they are not their own guardian.
A voter with a disability has the right to:
- Vote privately and independently
- Have an accessible polling place and accessible voting machines
- Ask for and get help from workers at the polling place who have been trained to use the accessible voting machines
- Bring someone to help them vote
Learn about the three ways you can vote in New Jersey, check out the resources below, and make a plan to vote (or support a loved one to vote) in 2026!
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Strengths-Based Approach: Seeing the Strengths in Every Child
Tuesday, November 17, 2027
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Online
Learn how focusing on children's strengths can build confidence, motivation, connection, and a greater sense of belonging - even when they are struggling. Participants will explore simple ways to notice what children do well and use those strengths to help them grow.
Key Takeaways:
- Recognize and name the strengths children bring to learning, relationships, and everyday life.
- Use children's strengths to help them work through challenges and build new skills.
- Use language and everyday interactions that help children feel capable, valued, and understood.
Brought to you through a partnership between the New Jersey Family Engagement Hub and SEL4NJ, supporting the success of all students.
To register: click here.
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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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Deepening Male Engagement: Practical Strategies for Fathers and Male Caregivers
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Online
Fathers and male caregivers play a vital role in a child’s development and school success.
This session is designed to support and empower men with practical strategies to become more actively engaged at home, in school, and within the community.
Participants will explore ways to strengthen connections with their children, build confidence in communicating with educators, and create consistent, positive involvement in learning and daily routines.
The workshop also addresses common barriers to engagement and offers realistic, actionable approaches to overcome them.
Through shared experiences and guided discussion, attendees will gain tools to show up with purpose, build stronger relationships, and make a lasting impact in their child’s educational journey.
To register, click here.
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