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December 18, 2024 | Issue 161 (View newsletter as webpage) Para leer este boletín en Español, haga clic aquí

Important News

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The Use of Restraint or Seclusion Should Never Be Included in an IEP or Behavior Intervention Plan


Under NJ law, school districts can use restraint or seclusion in cases of emergency where the student’s behavior places the student or others in immediate physical danger - without these emergency procedures being included in the IEP. 


If restraint and seclusion are listed in the IEP, they are no longer considered as emergency procedures and may be used in non-crisis situations. Restraint and seclusion are ineffective at behavior modification and, in fact, inflict physical and emotional trauma on children


The U.S. Dept. of Education stated that OSEP (Office of Special Education Programs) "is not aware of any evidence-based support for the view that the use of restraint or seclusion is an effective strategy in modifying a child’s behaviors that are related to their disability." See pg. 12 here. 


The National Alliance on Mental Illness states, "NAMI supports the elimination of restraints and seclusion in schools" found here


The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) addressed restraints in "Maltreatment of Children with Disabilities" as abusive here


If families are asked to add restraints to the IEP, please call our warmline (800) 654-SPAN for free help.

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Governor Murphy Signs Freedom to Read Act


On December 9, N.J. Governor Phil Murphy signed into law A3446/S2421, known as the Freedom to Read Act, which prevents arbitrary book banning and protects the rights of students, parents, and communities to have free access to age-appropriate books and learning materials at schools and public libraries. The Governor signed the bill at the Princeton Public Library, joined by advocates for intellectual freedom and the bill’s legislative sponsors.


“The Freedom to Read Act cements New Jersey’s role on the forefront of preventing book bans and protecting the intellectual freedom of our educators and students. Across the nation, we have seen attempts to suppress and censor the stories and experiences of others. I’m proud to amplify the voices of our past and present, as there is no better way for our children to prepare for the future than to read freely,” said Governor Murphy.


To read more, click here.

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U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights Releases New Resource Explaining Civil Rights Protections Against Retaliation


On December 10, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a new resource, “Civil Rights Protections Against Retaliation,” that explains the key elements of retaliation, outlines how OCR assesses retaliation claims, and provides examples that, depending on the facts and circumstances, could raise concerns of unlawful retaliation.


Federal civil rights laws offer protection for people, including students, siblings, parents, guardians, teachers, counselors, coaches, or third parties advocating for the rights of students, who exercise their civil rights, oppose discrimination, report discrimination, or participate in civil rights investigations or proceedings. Retaliation may take the form of intimidation, threats, coercion, or another adverse action that would deter a reasonable person from exercising civil rights protected under the laws OCR enforces, and occurs when a person is discriminated against for taking actions that are protected by civil rights laws.


To read the new resource, which includes how to file a complaint, click here.

Photo of Carolyn Hayer recognizing Ms. Shirley Johnson

SPAN Executive Director, Carolyn Hayer (right), recognizes Ms. Shirley Johnson, Project Director, Grandparents as Caregivers, on her 25th anniversary with the organization.

SPAN Celebrates Employee Milestones


During the SPAN all-staff meeting on December 9, eleven staff members were recognized for their service anniversaries, which took place in the prior quarter. Most of the individuals recognized began their relationships with SPAN as parents seeking information or services for a family member. Staff members recognized were:


1 YEAR OF SERVICE:

  • Curtis Edmonds
  • Stephanie Renart
  • Sofia Reyes
  • Khayre Tyler
  • Beth Wells

5 YEARS OF SERVICE:

  • Danica LaFortune
  • Johan Mora-Valverde

10 YEARS OF SERVICE:

  • Kasey Dudley

15 YEARS OF SERVICE:

  • Garima Jain
  • Jeannette Mejias

25 YEARS OF SERVICE:

  • Ms. Shirley Johnson

Resources

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Using Functional Behavioral Assessments to Create Supportive Learning Environments


The U.S. Department of Education (Department) is committed to supporting State educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and other partners in ensuring that schools and preschool programs have additional tools to foster safe, inclusive learning environments that increase students’ engagement and sense of well-being. The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) and the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) are jointly offering guidance on the use of functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) for all students whose behavior interferes with learning. Briefly, an FBA is a process for identifying the reasons behind, or factors contributing to, a student’s behavior. This guidance is rooted in evidence-based practices to support students and allowable activities under both the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) — both of which emphasize a collaborative approach to support our Nation’s students.


To read more about the guidance and access a copy of it, click here.

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Advocacy Guides for NJ School Residency Rights and Homeless Students' Education Now Available in Spanish


With a grant from the New Jersey State Bar Foundation, Education Law Center (ELC) has produced and released Spanish translations of two advocacy guides in 2024:



and



These publications are part of a series of ELC “Know Your Rights” guides published to provide comprehensive information and tools for advocates to use in efforts to safeguard and protect the education rights of public-school students.

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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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Listening Sessions - Direct Care Workers


Direct care workers provide vital care and daily assistance to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with behavioral health challenges. These workers, which include direct support professionals, certified home health aides, personal care attendants, and many other roles, provide important assistance that allows individuals to live, work, volunteer, and participate in their communities.

 

As part of the state’s efforts to support those engaged with the direct care workforce, the New Jersey Department of Human Services will be hosting a series of three public listening sessions. These sessions are an opportunity for individuals to speak about their needs, challenges, and successes as direct care workers and employers, or as individuals who receive direct care services. These listening sessions may help the Department develop new policies and programs to support those working in the field, as well as those who are employers and those receiving services.

 

Please note that there are three different sessions, which will take place over Zoom:

 

January 14th at 5:00PM - Direct Care Workers

January 15th at 5:00PM - Direct Care Employers

January 16th at 5:00PM - Direct Care Consumers


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
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Managing Chronic Pain


Check out our latest youth blog post, “Managing Chronic Pain" for tips and expert advice on managing life with chronic pain or fatigue and creating a healthier, balanced lifestyle.


To access the post, click here.

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