Special Message
SPAN is Here for Families
During Federal Education Changes
Dear SPAN Families,
The U.S. Department of Education recently announced an interagency agreement to transfer the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) to the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to the Department of Justice.
We know this news may raise questions and concerns for parents, caregivers, youth, and advocates. SPAN wants families to know this: We are here for you.
Even when federal agencies change and responsibilities shift, your child’s rights have not disappeared. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, commonly known as IDEA, remains in effect. Students with disabilities continue to have rights to appropriate services, supports, accommodations, and protections from discrimination. Parents and caregivers continue to have the right to participate in decisions about their child’s education, ask questions, request evaluations, seek services, raise concerns, and advocate for what their child needs.
SPAN is closely monitoring these developments. We will continue to provide information, support, training, trusted guidance, resources, and clear, reliable information to help families understand their rights, and navigate schools, services, and systems.
We know change can create confusion. SPAN is here to help families sort through what is happening, understand what it may mean, and take next steps when concerns arise.
For now, families should continue to:
- Stay engaged in IEP, 504, and school-based decision-making.
- Keep copies of evaluations, plans, emails, notices, and meeting notes.
- Ask questions when information is unclear.
- Reach out for support when concerns arise.
- Remember that the parent voice remains powerful and necessary.
Changes at the federal level may create uncertainty, but SPAN’s commitment to families remains solid. We are here. We are watching closely. We will continue to support, inform, and advocate with families every step of the way.
If you need help or have questions, call us at 800-654-SPAN (7726) or visit www.spanadvocacy.org.
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What Disability-Related Issues Are Most Important to You and Your Family?
Take the Disability Rights New Jersey 2027 Public Opinion Survey.
THROUGH TOMORROW ONLY!
As New Jersey's designated Protection and Advocacy system for people with disabilities, Disability Rights NJ is federally required to conduct a Public Input Survey. The purpose of this survey is to gather information and opinions that will help their organization’s leadership set 2027 priorities, goals, and objectives for the protection and advocacy of individuals with disabilities.
The survey collects feedback from a wide range of people about disability issues, and this valuable input helps them make decisions about the work they will do, including the cases they will accept.
Who do they want to hear from?
- People with disabilities
- Family and friends of individuals with disabilities
- Stakeholders and advocates
- State agency representatives
- Court, criminal justice, and law enforcement personnel
- Disability service providers, caregivers, and support personnel
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Other individuals and agencies involved in disability advocacy and service provision
TAKE THE SURVEY HERE.
To learn more about Disability Rights New Jersey, click here.
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June is PTSD
Awareness Month
June is National PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) Awareness Month, dedicated to raising public understanding about trauma, reducing stigma, and emphasizing that highly effective treatments are available.
It's also a time to highlight disability-related mental health needs, as PTSD can significantly impact people with disabilities.
PTSD can affect anyone—civilians, veterans, children, and adults—after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as combat, sexual or physical violence, natural disasters, or severe accidents.
PTSD can intersect with disability in several ways:
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Physical disabilities may limit access to mental health services or increase vulnerability to trauma.
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Mental health disabilities (e.g., anxiety, depression) can co-occur with PTSD, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
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Sensory or cognitive disabilities may affect how trauma is perceived and processed.
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Social barriers—such as stigma, lack of accommodations, or inaccessible services—can delay or prevent help-seeking.
To learn more, click here.
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One Family's Story: A Medically Complex Child
In the May issue of EP Magazine, SPAN's own Lauren Agoratus shares her remarkable journey raising her daughter, Stephanie, a child born with medical complexity - leaving her nonverbal, homebound and medically fragile until age 6 1/2.
From early intervention to transition, Lauren and Stephanie's story is a remarkable testament to strength, perseverance, and advocacy.
Read the story by clicking here.
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Girls Who Code Free Pathways Program
for Fall
Girls Who Code’s free virtual Pathways program is now accepting applications from high school girls and non-binary students for this fall! In this virtual self-paced program, you can explore topics like AI, Game Design, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Web Development all at your own pace.
Key Dates:
- Early Deadline: July 8, 2026
- General Deadline: August 26, 2026
- Program Dates: October 19- December 4, 2026
Ready to apply? Submit the brief application by clicking here.
Apply by June 26th and you’ll be entered for a chance to win headphones. See official rules.
Curious to learn more? Join an upcoming webinar or reach out to pathways@girlswhocode.com
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Read the Latest Buzz from the Hub Newsletter
Each month, the Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) at SPAN shares news and resources with the Parent Center network and the interested public via their e-newsletter the Buzz from the Hub.
Each Buzz spotlights an issue of importance to Parent Centers, identifies resources on the network’s priority topics, and includes resources Parent Centers can share with the families they serve and parent readers can use right away.
To read the June issue, click here.
To subscribe, click here.
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Practical Guides to Understanding
Brain Injury
The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) has created two practical guides for families designed to answer a caregiver's most pressing and common questions after their loved one sustains a brain injury.
The first, Understanding the Brain Injury Journey: A Practical Guide for Families is the core publication of the Center. Designed for individuals and family caregivers who are navigating the days, weeks, and months following a brain injury, their Practical Guide can be an invaluable tool for those looking for answers about treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery.
Download Understanding the Brain Injury Journey here.
The second, Understanding a Child's Brain Injury Journey: A Practical Guide for Families, helps answer your questions if your child sustains a brain injury, such as diagnosis implications, what symptoms they might be experiencing, what can be done to make them feel better and much more.
Download Understanding a Child's Brain Injury Journey here.
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SAVE THE DATE: SPAN's 2026 End of Summer Soiree is on
September 18!
Support, Partner,
Advocate, Navigate
Because families shouldn't have to figure things out alone
Join us on September 18 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal for an evening together for stronger families.
Parent leaders, supporters, advocates, community partners and SPAN staff will all be in attendance as we present three awards, share experiences, and enjoy each other's company with some great food and drinks. All to benefit SPAN and our mission!
Look for more details coming soon.
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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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Lunchtime Learning: Employment Success for Young Adults - The Secret is Families
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Online
- Explore what families partnering with career services or vocational rehabilitation counselors can look like.
- Learn how including families is part of person-centered planning.
- Offer ready-to-use tools and practices to prepare young adults, caregivers, and professionals to work together.
To register, click here.
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Digital Literacy
Our friends at the Arc and AT&T have joined forces on a nationwide program that is bringing digital skills training to people with disabilities and their families. Digital literacy is critical in today’s world to learn, apply for jobs, be socially connected, and more.
To read the post, click here.
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