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

January 8, 2025 | Issue 162 (View newsletter as webpage) Para leer este boletín en Español, haga clic aquí

Important News

Image of SPAN Policy Director, Peg Kinsel and SPAN Board President, John Morel standing beside NJ Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy

Pictured left to right: NJ Governor, Phil Murphy, SPAN Policy Director, Peg Kinsell, SPAN Board President, John Morel, and NJ First Lady, Tammy Murphy

SPAN Guests Attend Governor's Holiday Celebration


Earlier in December, SPAN guests were invited to attend the annual Holiday Party at the NJ Governor's residence at Drumthwachet in Princeton, NJ to spend some time with the Governor and First Lady.


Representing SPAN at the event and receiving thanks and recognition for the organization's work on behalf of NJ families during 2024, were SPAN Policy Director, Peg Kinsell and SPAN Board President, John Morel.

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SPAN's START Team Featured on the Worldreader Blog


Worldreader is a nonprofit organization aiming to improve literacy in underserved communities by providing digital reading experiences to children via their BookSmart app, training and resources, sponsorship programs, partnerships and more.


In their December blog, they sat down with SPAN START team members Stefanie Babits (START Project Director), Beth Cosentino (START-EPSD Project Coordinator), and Ellen Woodcock (Parent Group Specialist), to discuss reading as a right for all children and the importance of helping parents become advocates for their children's learning. SPAN's NJ Family Engagement Hub project was also highlighted in the interview.


To read their conversation, click here.

SSA logo

Simplified Online SSI Application Now Available


A simpler online application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is now available for some adults, making the application process easier. Following up on an announcement earlier this year, the simplified online application is part of the Social Security Administration's overall commitment to improving access to benefits and programs.


To read more about the revised application, eligibility, and to apply, click here.

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New Law Bans Health Insurers from Pre-Approval Demands



A new state law effective Jan. 1 will reduce insurance pre-authorization delays by requiring companies to respond within 24 hours in some urgent cases. Bill co-sponsors Senator Jon Bramnick (R-Union) and Senate President Nick Scutari (D-Union) have been pushing a more comprehensive pre-authorization ban bill for years.


To read more about the law, click here to read coverage from NJ Spotlight news.

Resources

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights logo

Education and Civil Rights in 2025

(Recorded Webinar)


Conducted by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human rights, this webinar covers what the organization expects at the federal level in 2025, how you can stay up-to-date on key developments, and how they will continue to work together to protect students from discrimination, advance equity, and ensure the future that every student deserves.


With four presenters, including Liz King, Senior Program Director, Education Equity, topics covered include:


  • Vouchers
  • Block granting
  • Exclusion of children with disabilities
  • IDEA
  • Loan forgiveness
  • Data collection and reporting
  • Immigrant students and families
  • Title VI
  • Zero tolerance discipline
  • Weaponizing civil rights enforcement
  • Gender Equity
  • DEI
  • And much more...


To access the recorded webinar, click here

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Focus Group: Share Your Experiences in Services Provided by the NJ Early Intervention System


We’re seeking input from families of young children interested in services provided by the NJ Early Intervention System. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us understand what’s working well, as well as any challenges or unmet needs you may be experiencing. Specifically, we’re looking for insights related to the family cost share. Your input will directly inform recommendations aimed at improving access to services for families across New Jersey.


See the above flyer for more. A stipend is available for participants.


To participate, 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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The Reluctant Reader: Using Their Interests to Make Reading Fun


Join us to discuss strategies for using your child’s interests to motivate them to read.


Do you have a hard time getting your child to turn off the technology and read a book? Join us to discuss strategies for using your child’s interests to motivate them to read. We will be sharing tips and answering questions for parents who want to build this skill.


Presenter: Dr. Jamie Zibulsky, co-author of Book Smart: How to Support Successful, Motivated Readers.


Date: Thursday, January 16, 7:00 PM EST


Spanish interpretation provided.


If you or someone you know would like to attend, register here.

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

Para recibir la edición en Español de este boletín semanalmente en su correo electrónico 

haga clic aquí para suscribirse
SPAN Youth Chat graphic image

Join Our Youth Chat Today!


Join us virtually TODAY, January 8th from 4:15 to 5:00 PM with Maddie Evans, Youth Engagement Coordinator from the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FSCN). Maddie is dedicated to empowering youth and families, and she leads the FSCN’s Youth Advisory Board, fostering leadership and self-advocacy among youth and young adults. For youth ages 14 and up.


To register for the chat, click here.

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