Celebrating National #SELweek!

(Social and Emotional Learning Week)

This year’s National SEL Week kicked off with International SEL Day this past Monday, March 3, 2025. As we work to prepare students for a successful future, we know that "social and emotional learning" helps provide a foundation of durable skills – skills help them thrive in their careers, communities, and lives. Those skills are the foundation for National SEL Week 2025’s theme: Skills for Success, Ready for the Future. 

Decades of research and classroom experience tells us that students thrive with supportive relationships, healthy environments, rigorous and engaging instruction, and the skills to navigate and meet the challenges and demands of academic goals.

Social and emotional learning sets students on a path to a bright future with the skills that will help them succeed in life and attain their limitless potential.

To learn more, click here.

N.J. Dept. of Human Services Announces Driver's License/State ID for Individuals with Autism

On February 21, the Department of Human Services, in partnership with the Motor Vehicle Commission and the Office of the Attorney General, announced it has launched a driver’s license/State ID designation for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and/or a communication disorder and accompanying law enforcement guidance.

To read their announcement on the designation, click here.

To access information on applying for the designation directly, click here.

Dr. Felicia Hopson Appointed as Director of the N.J. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS)

SPAN is thrilled to pass on the announcement information below from the N.J. Department of Labor and Workforce Development. We look forward to continued collaboration with Dr. Hopson in the future.

"Dr. Hopson transitions to this new role from serving as the Assistant Director of Administrative Services for DVRS. In this capacity, Dr. Hopson was responsible for the agency’s operating budget, overseeing federal awards as well as state appropriated funds, state-funded contracts, and various specialized programs to enhance innovation in service delivery for people with disabilities. Dr. Hopson has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing processes, services, and collaboration with system partners to promote successful outcomes for those seeking services. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Hopson brings a wealth of administrative expertise to her role and has demonstrated her leadership in her oversight of the DVRS Community Rehabilitation Programs, Contract Management, Information Technology, and Programs units."

Congratulations Dr. Hopson!