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

July 12, 2023 | Issue 87 (View newsletter as webpage) Para leer este boletín en Español, haga clic aquí

Important News

Disability Pride Flag image

July is Disability Pride Month


Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July and is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community.


Why July? July marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark legislation that broke down barriers to inclusion in society. But barriers still exist, which is why we need to honor disabilities, the people who identify with them, and the wide range of supports they need to thrive.


Disability is a part of the rich tapestry of human diversity and something that most of us will experience at one point in our lives. It’s also a significant identity that defines how individuals experience the world. People with disabilities have been marginalized

and misunderstood for generations. People with disabilities and their intersecting identities should be acknowledged, valued, and respected during Disability Pride Month.


For more on the history of Disability Pride Month and the story behind the Disability Pride Flag, click here.


(Thanks to The Arc for the source content above.)

Resources

Seal logo for the State of New Jersey

New Resource: LGBTQIA+ Workers Rights

LGBTQIA+ workers may be eligible for benefits and protections that can support them. The NJ Department of Labor has compiled information and resources related to these benefits and protections on their website. The page includes information about rights related to:


  • Bonding with newborn, foster, or adopted child
  • Caring for chosen family
  • Gender-affirming care
  • Mental health
  • Domestic/sexual violence
  • Reporting discrimination at work
  • Reporting sexual harassment at the workplace


It also includes social media graphics that can be used to “spread the word” and get the information to those people who may need it. SPAN collaborates with New Jersey Citizen Action to educate and empower all NJ workers about their rights.


Visit the website here.

The Impact of Paid Leave on the Disability Community

NJ Paid Leave Outreach Collaborative event graphic

Tuesday, July 18 10:00-11:30AM ET

Online


Join us from 10am-11:30am on July 18 to discuss the intersection of paid leave for the disability community, as well as celebrate Disability Pride and the anniversary of the ADA!


Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July and is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. We will focus our conversation on disabled workers' need to take leave and on caregivers of disabled individuals and their need to take leave. Paid leave can help support those workers, but barriers still exist. Join this dynamic convening to learn more and to be part of the discussion.


To register, click here.

Upcoming Events


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


Highlighted Event This Week

Transitions Trilogy Sessions flyer

NJICCP Transition Trilogy Sessions


The New Jersey Inclusive Child Care Project (NJICCP) is proud to announce a new virtual summer series to help all families with young children as they prepare for the school year ahead. 


The Transition Trilogy series includes three sessions offered in English and Spanish for families of toddlers and young children who are:

  • Receiving Early Intervention services
  • Transitioning out of Early Intervention
  • Entering Kindergarten and early elementary grades.

Strategies, tips, and resources for families to help prepare children for successful transitions at these important stages will be shared. There will also be a bonus session on Before/After School Programs (Date to be determined).


To learn more and register for these virtual sessions, click here.


To learn more about the NJ Inclusive Child Care Project, click here.

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

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SPAN Youth Hub image

SPAN Parent Advocacy Network's Amplify Advocacy


Read our latest blog post, "SPAN Parent Advocacy Network's Amplify Advocacy," to find stories featuring youth and young adults with disabilities speaking on how advocating positively impacts their professional and personal lives.



Click Here



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