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

May 21, 2025 | Issue 181 (View newsletter as webpage) Para leer este boletín en Español, haga clic aquí

Important News

NJ Dept. of Children and Families logo

CSOC Has Reopened Its Assistive Technology Program


The N.J. Department of Children & Families, Children’s System of Care (CSOC) is pleased to announce the reopening of the Assistive Technology program for youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities up to age 21. 


Effective 5/13/2025, CSOC has resumed accepting new Family Support Services (FSS) applications for Assistive Technology requests. 


Interested families may call Perform Care (1-877-652-7624) to request Assistive Technology services and complete the FSS application over the phone. For more information about CSOC’s Family Support Services programs including Assistive Technology, please click here.

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NJ Community of Care Consortium Taking Place on June 5


DATE: Thursday, June 5, 2025

TIME: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

East Brunswick Public Library

2 Jean Walling, East Brunswick, Civic Center Drive East Brunswick, NJ 08816 

In-Person Only


About the CoCC

The NJ Community of Care Consortium (CoCC) brings together state agencies; family, health, advocacy, and disability organizations; and parents, youth, and professionals, to advocate to improve systems of care for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN) and their families, and for diverse families who face disproportionate disparities in health outcomes. The CoCC consists of 4 workgroups, each co-chaired by a parent and a professional:


  • Medical Home and Community Resources
  • Early and Continuous Screening
  • Transition to Adulthood
  • Adequate Public and Private Insurance


On June 5, learn about:


  • Family Connects NJ: Nurse home visits for any family caring for a newborn baby.
  • Updates on Affordable Healthcare and NJ Paid Family Leave
  • Discussion on responding to threats to health care and social services and their impact on NJ families.


To register to attend, click here.

Mental health Awareness Month  Integrated Care graphic

This 4th Week of Mental Health Awareness Month, We Focus on Integrated Care


People with both mental health and substance use disorders benefit from comprehensive support. Integrated care enhances outcomes and fosters a sense of community and belonging.


To learn more about integrated care models from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), click here.

2025 SPAN Conference sponsorship graphic

Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor Supporting the 2025 SPAN Parent Leadership & Advocacy Conference


The 2025 SPAN Parent Leadership & Advocacy Conference brings together parent leaders, advocates, and community partners from across New Jersey for a day dedicated to skill-building, networking, and celebrating our vital advocacy work together. This year’s conference will feature thought-provoking speakers, dynamic breakout sessions, and powerful personal stories from youth leaders developing self-advocacy skills.


We invite you to support this impactful event in a meaningful and visible way. With a variety of sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities available, you can showcase your commitment to families, advocacy, and SPAN’s statewide initiatives. Your support enables us to provide scholarships for families in need, ensure multilingual access, and create an inclusive, enriching experience for all participants.


To learn more, access our Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities Guide by clicking here.

Resources

NJ Regional Family Support Planning Councils logo image

NJCDD/NJ RFSPC 

Hosting Developmental Disabilities Education Day on May 31


Saturday, May 31, 2025

9:30 AM - 3:30 PM ET

Hilton Garden Inn

Hamilton Township, NJ 08690

In-Person or Online


The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) and its Regional Family Support Planning Councils (RFSPC) are hosting a Developmental Disability Education Day on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., titled Passing the Baton: Future Planning for Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families.


In addition to opening remarks by Jonathan Selfried, Assistant Commissioner, Division of Developmental Disabilities, N.J. Dept. of Human Services, there will be sessions on:


  • Guardianship, Supported Decision-Making, financing and legal considerations
  • Healthcare
  • Services and Supports, Community Living, and Transition
  • Housing options
  • Care Guide


Participants can attend in person at the Hamilton Garden Inn in Hamilton Township or virtually via Zoom.


For more information and to register, click here.

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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Special Education Parent Leader Roundtable: Year In Review on May 29


Thursday, May 29, 2025

7:00PM ET

Online


As we approach the final days of the school year, join fellow parent leaders for a discussion of your SEPAG successes and challenges and how you can finish the school year strong.


  • Complete a self-assessment to identify successes & gaps
  • Network with fellow parent leaders from around the state
  • Get ideas for recharging over the summer
  • Receive the tools you need to plan ahead for next year


All SEPAGs are welcome - Established, Reboot, Revamp, and Emerging.


Any questions, contact Stefanie Babits at: sbabits@spanadvocacy.org.


To register, click here.

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

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SPAN Youth Hub graphic image

Building Resilience: A Guide to Overcoming Challenges


Check out our latest youth blog post, Building Resilience: A Guide to Overcoming Challenges, and discover how to bounce back stronger when life gets tough.


To access the post, click here.

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