May 18, 2022 | Issue 29 (View newsletter as webpage)

Important News

Steps to Address Infant Formula Shortage

A voluntary recall of powdered infant formula by Abbott Nutrition on February 17, 2022 has caused a shortage of infant formula. The federal government is working to address the shortfall of infant formula taking steps such as:

working with other manufacturers to increase production,
expediting the import of infant formula, and
asking retailers to establish purchasing limits to prevent hoarding.

As a result of these actions, more infant formula has been produced in the last four weeks than in the four weeks before the recall.

Additional steps are being taken to get more formula to store shelves quicker. Some families continue to encounter challenges obtaining infant formula—especially families of about 5,000 infants as well as some older children and adults with rare metabolic diseases that depend on specialty formulas.

Read the Press Release Here

View resources that may be able to assist with finding formula here

Resources

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a new benefit that helps individuals and families to afford the Wi-Fi they need for school, tele-medicine appointments and more.

It provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households AND a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

Eligible families in NJ might already participate in NJ SNAP, Medicaid or WIC.

Review the income chart and more information on the program

Enroll in the program by visiting ACPBenefit.org (Link) or GetInternet.gov (Link)

An Outreach Toolkit which includes information in various formats and languages can be viewed here

Helpline for Caregivers of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Image of one mountain hiker helping another.

Caregivers can call 833-NJ-ADULT (833-652-3858) from 8:30 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. to get support. A messaging system monitors for caregiver crisis-level calls that may need an after-hours response.

“When an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities is transitioning to adulthood, navigating those changes can sometimes feel like starting over. Caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities should know they are not alone. We are excited to offer a place for parents to call to speak with other parents who have navigated the transition to adulthood with their own children and have shared similar worries and pressures.” - Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman

In addition to the new help line, the Department of Human Services offers a wide array of services to support adults with disabilities and their families, including assistive technology, behavioral supports and employment assistance.

For more information about DDD services, click here.

Upcoming Events

See what's happening

SPAN offers a variety of learning opportunities for families and the professionals who work with them. Check out our Event Calendar here for details and registration links.

Upcoming Events include:

More events

A Researcher, Disability Rights Advocate and Parent Speaks About What Inclusive Education Has Meant

June 7, 2022 7:00 p.m.

Join FamilyLink, the New Jersey Early Intervention System and SPAN to hear Dr. Priya Lalvania's presentation.

Learn about the research findings on inclusive education, the importance and value of inclusive education and Dr. Lavani's journey with her daughter with Down syndrome and how she was included in general education throughout her educational career. career.

Share your SPAN testimonial story! CLICK HERE

Join the SPAN Team - View Open Positions here

SPAN Parent Advocacy Network | spanadvocacy.org

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