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National Parent Center Conference Takes Place in Denver, CO
Supported and attended by numerous SPAN staff members, the National Parent Center Conference took place last week, April 8-10, in Denver, CO. Co-facilitated by the Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) at SPAN and the Regional Parent Technical Assistance Centers (RPTACs), the Conference brought together over 300 leaders and support staff from nearly 100 Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) from across the country and US territories. The Conference was followed immediately on Thursday afternoon, April 10, by the RAISE Summit, focused on developing and strengthening relationships with key partners to improve transition outcomes.
Attendees experienced professional development sessions, interactive workshops, training, inspiring speakers and panels, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.
The numerous session and workshop topics presented included:
- Outreach and service delivery to diverse populations of families and youth/young adults
- Increasing knowledge of early intervention, special education, and transition to adult life
- Non-profit management and staff development
- Using technology in outreach, service delivery and managing your Center
- Youth engagement and services
Attendance was fantastic and feedback thus far on the information shared has been extremely positive.
Thank you to all who attended, participated, and made the event such a tremendous success!
| Pictured left to right are SPAN's own Jeannette Mejias with NJ First Lady, Tammy Murphy. |
SPAN Participates in NJ First Lady's Family Festival
SPAN proudly participated in First Lady, Tammy Murphy’s 23rd Family Festival on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Plainfield High School. This impactful event series focuses on addressing the high rates of Black and Hispanic infant mortality in targeted cities.
With over 100 community organizations and over 1,000 families, the festival was a vital hub, connecting families to essential state, county, and local resources—a one-stop shop for care, support, and relief.
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Mental Health America Releases Mental Health Month Planning Guide
Mental Health Awareness Month is coming up in May. To help community organizations, workplaces, educators, and advocacy groups prepare for the month, Mental Health America (MHA) has released their 2025 Planning Guide to equip these constituents with the tools to make a meaningful impact on mental wellness.
The guide includes:
- Innovative outreach ideas to spark engagement
- Ready-to-use communication templates to save time
- Activity examples to inspire your planning
- Partnership opportunities to amplify your reach
To access and download the guide, click here.
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Empowering Families: Strategies for a Family-Friendly Learning Environment
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
11:00 - 12:00 PM
Online
Struggling to create engaging learning spaces?
Join SPAN's NJ Family Engagement Hub webinar, Creating Family-Friendly Learning Environments, where we will share practical strategies to transform any space - home, classroom, or community center - into a vibrant learning hub. Learn how to design diverse learning zones, maximize resources for education, and foster creativity through fun, collaborative activities. Discover ways to strengthen family involvement to boost student success at any age
Don't miss this chance to enhance learning wherever children are.
To register, click here.
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EP Magazine Autism Acceptance Month Issue Is Out
EP (Exceptional Parent) Magazine recognizes the talents, contributions, and diversity within the Autism community as part of their Autism Acceptance Issue out now.
The issue also includes a United States Military section.
To read the new issue, click here.
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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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Empower Tomorrow:
Youth Advocacy Summit 2025
Saturday, April 26, 2025
8:30 - 3:30 PM ET
Mercer County College
Conference Center
In-person
Breakfast & lunch provided
Keynote Speaker: Paul Aronsohn – New Jersey’s Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).
This FREE conference is for youth and their parents/caregivers and brings together young changemakers, community leaders, and advocates to drive social change. This inspiring event equips youth with the knowledge, skills, and resources to amplify their voices and take meaningful action on issues that matter most. Join us in person as we build a future to empower young leaders and make a difference in their transition to adulthood.
The Summit will help families and youth/young adults to gain strategies and resources to navigate:
- Transition Planning: Understanding the transition process, developing self-advocacy skills, and preparing for education, employment, and independent living.
- Healthcare Access: Learning the importance of self-care, mental wellness, navigating health insurance, and transitioning to adult healthcare
To learn more and register, click here.
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