Please note that the SPAN office will be closed December 25 - 29 and January 1 so our dedicated staff can enjoy some holiday time with their families and loved ones. We will open again on Tuesday, January 2. As always, our website is available to you and is full of valuable information and resources. We hope you and your family have a safe

and joyous holiday season!

December 20, 2023 | Issue 110 (View newsletter as webpage) Para leer este boletín en Español, haga clic aquí

Important News

New Family Support Services Applications for Assistive Technology Now Being Accepted

The Children’s System of Care (CSOC) has announced the reopening of the Assistive Technology program for youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities up to age 21. Effective 12/15/2023, CSOC has resumed accepting new Family Support Services (FSS) applications for Assistive Technology requests.

Interested families may call Perform Care at 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.

Resources

Second Round of Ordering for Free COVID-19 Tests Now Open

Starting on September 25, every U.S. household had an opportunity to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests through a partnership between the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the United States Postal Service.

On November 20, a second round of ordering opened, allowing each household to place a second order to receive four more free tests. Households that have not yet placed an order can place two orders now, to receive a total of eight tests.

To order your free tests, go to COVID.gov and complete the form with your contact and shipping information.

People who are blind or have low vision can place a second order for free Ellume COVID Home Tests, which are more accessible than other options.

For more information, including ordering instructions, please click here.

Free Mental Health Resources During the Holidays

Image showing a family around the dining table during the holidays.

The holiday season can be a time of joy, community, and connection, but many people experience an increased sense of loneliness and isolation during this time of year. Whether it is in a crowded room or at home by yourself, loneliness is painful.

While you might want to reach out to friends, family, and loved ones, sometimes it feels better to talk to someone with shared experiences or someone you don’t even know. Mental Health America offers some free resources for extra support and connection this season and all year round.

To access their free resources, click here.

Upcoming Events

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

Highlighted Event This Week

Pre-College Summer Program (PCSP) Information Sessions

Sunday, January 7, 3:00 PM

Monday, January 8, 7:00 PM

The College of NJ and Georgian Court University are offering a Pre-College Summer Program (PCSP) for New Jersey high school students ages 16-18 with intellectual/developmental disabilities. This summer residential program is designed to offer eligible and accepted New Jersey students an opportunity to participate in a 10 day/9 night on-campus 2024 summer session. The program will be held on the respective TCNJ and GCU campuses.

Information sessions on the program will be held on Sunday, Jan 7 @ 3 pm and Monday, Jan 8 @ 7 pm.

Costs and funding sources for the program will be reviewed during the information call. It is anticipated that costs will be covered for all accepted students.

To register for one of the sessions, click here.