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

August 31, 2022 | Issue 43 (View newsletter as webpage) Para leer este boletín en Español, haga clic aquí

Important News


Social and Emotional Supports for the New School Year


2022 Back-To-School

Outreach Toolkit  

Mental Health America (MHA)


MHA created these resources for both the adult – parent, caregiver, teacher, coach, school administrator – and the child. 


The Toolkit includes: 

  • Key Messages
  • Social Media posts and graphics
  • Virtual Events listing
  • Resource list
  • Fact Sheets for Adults
  • Fact Sheets for Kids/Teens
  • Worksheet for Kids/Teens
  • Posters and Infographic


Pyramid Model Consortium Resources - Ages Birth - 8 years


A children’s book list includes diverse examples of books that can promote social-emotional skills such as feelings and emotions, friendships, kindness, and problem-solving. You can search for books by: 

  • Feelings
  • Category
  • Age Group


Review the Children's booklist here


Scripted Stories for Social Situations help children understand social interactions, situations, expectations, social cues, the script of unfamiliar activities, and social rules. 


Learn more about Scripted Stories and see examples in many languages here


Check out I go to Preschool here


Resources



Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in the

New School Year

 

Being supported at home, in school and in the community is important for all children and youth – especially LGBTQ+ youth. From creating an inclusive learning environment for students — whether a student is in the process of transitioning, or she has two moms — to understanding the challenges and resiliency of LGBTQ+ youth.

 

Welcoming Schools and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation provide a comprehensive bias-based bullying prevention package: 

Review the Welcoming Schools Back-to-School Toolkit 

 

Schools In Transition: A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 Schools from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation provides a blueprint for safe, supportive and inclusive school environments for transgender youth.

Check out the Guide here

 

The NEA provides educators with LGBTQ+ information, tools, and resources they need to support transgender and non-binary students, to be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ history in their classrooms, and to stop LGBTQ+ bias and intolerance in our public schools.


Review this NEA resource page

NEA Ed Justice Resources

NEA Pride Wins: LGBTQ Rights and Resources

 

Proposed amendments to Title IX reflect the US Department of Education's continued commitment to ensuring that federally-funded education programs and activities are free from all forms of sex discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of:

  • sex stereotypes,
  • sex characteristics,
  • pregnancy or related conditions,
  • sexual orientation, and
  • gender identity.

 

Review a Summary of Major Provisions of the proposed amendments here

 

Submit your comments before September 12, 2022 through the Federal eRulemaking Portal here


Doing Better Where It Counts:

Expanding Access to Rare Disease Care  

Decorative photo showing online webinar.

There are over 8,000 rare diseases in the world that affect 350 million people. Only half of rare disease patients ever receive an accurate diagnosis, and one in four patients with a rare disease waits over 4 years for an accurate diagnosis. There is an urgent need to better understand the barriers to shortening the time it takes to get a diagnosis. 


Diagnosing and treating rare diseases often necessitates: 


  • specialized medical teams,
  • high-tech diagnostic equipment, and uncommon, expensive therapies.


Lack of access to health care for patients with rare diseases is yet another barrier to diagnosis.  


We are close to new solutions that include: 


  • accessing care through telemedicine,
  • diagnosis through mail-in specimens, and
  • computer-aided remote phenotyping.


This recorded webinar discusses how new systems and technologies can close the gap so that those living in underserved countries and communities can get care.


Register to view the recording here


SPAN is a partner in the National Genetics Education and Family Support Center - Learn more here


Resources for navigating a diagnosis and leading within your family here

 

Upcoming Events

See what's happening


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


Highlighted Event this week

SPAN Youth Chat decorative image

SPAN Youth Blog and Youth Chat

for Ages 14 - 26


Wednesdays

Starting September 7, 2022


As summer ends, we look forward to welcoming familiar and new faces for the Fall. Schedules may change, the school year starts, and other responsibilities crop up. 


We want youth and young adults ages 14-26 to take some time and click on the poll to pick the best time for them to join us on the SPAN Youth


Chat and engage in youth-empowering conversations and resources.


Families are encouraged to help them answer the poll. The SPAN Youth Chat is starting Sept 7, weekly, on Wednesdays.


Click here to let us know your preference for the time  


Avoiding School Stress -

Youth Blog Excerpt

When handling stress, it doesn't need to be just you taking it, but your family may help! Parents, siblings, and guardians tend to look out for their family members and notice signs of someone feeling upset or worried.


Read more on the SPAN Youth Hub's Blog "Avoiding School Stress"


Subscribe to the Youth Hub Blog

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

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haga clic aquí para suscribirse

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