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

April 30, 2025 | Issue 178 (View newsletter as webpage) Para leer este boletín en Español, haga clic aquí

Important News

HHS logo

Understanding the HHS Draft Budget and It's Potential Impact on People with Disabilities


On April 16, 2025, the Washington Post shared news about a budget plan from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Budgets from the President and government agencies can be hard to understand, especially when Congress is also working on laws. The link below, from the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), explains in simple words what this draft budget could mean. It also highlights a few plans that could have a big effect on people with disabilities.


To read the AAPD's explanation of the draft budget, how it might impact people with disabilities, and how individuals can take action based on this information, click here.

NJAIJ logo

Share Your Language Access Story!


Community Members, Organizations, and Professionals, as part of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJAIJ) member coalition supporting the implementation of New Jersey’s Language Access Law, we’re helping to collect stories to help advocate for improvements to the law. Your experience can show why language access is so important for our communities.


NJAIJ invites both individuals and organizations to participate. Community members can fill out the form linked below directly and identify themselves as the organizer sharing the story or organizers and staff can submit stories on behalf of those they serve.


What NJAIJ needs for a powerful story:

  • Your name (or alias)
  • A brief description or photo (optional)
  • Details that personalize your experience


If you'd prefer not to share personal contact info, please provide the contact information of an organizer or staff member instead.


Note: All information shared will be used only for this campaign with your consent.


As a member of the NJAIJ coalition, SPAN is here to support you. If you need assistance completing the form, contact Johan Mora Valverde at jmora-valverde@spanadvocacy.org.

For more info or questions, contact Madison at mlinton@njimmigrantjustice.org or Erik at ecruzmorales@njimmigrantjustice.org.


To submit your story on the NJAIJ Language Access Implementation Story Bank, click here.


Thank you for helping us raise our voices for language access!

State Rehabilitation Council Public Forums flyer image

State Rehabilitation Council Public Forums:

Share Your Feedback!


Once a year, the NJ State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) in collaboration with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) hosts public forums to provide information on available services for individuals with disabilities and receive input from the community. This year, they are holding three virtual sessions:

  • TODAY, April 30, 2025 from 12pm - 1:30pm
  • May 20, 2025 from 6pm - 7:30pm
  • June 5, 2025 from 3pm - 4:30pm


These listening sessions are a way for the SRC and DVRS to hear directly from you. During these sessions you can:

  • Share your experience with accessing &/or receiving DVRS services.
  • Suggestions for improving awareness of & access to DVRS, and how services are delivered.
  • Thoughts on Pre-ETS &/or transition services.
  • ...and more.


To learn more and register to participate, click here.

Resources

Positive Solutions for Families webinars flyer image

NJ Inclusive Childcare Project Presents: Positive Solutions for Families


Positive Solutions for Families is a multi-session, evidence-based program, designed to help families support the social-emotional needs of their children birth to 5 years while also gaining resources to navigate behavior that challenges us. The training materials are based on the pyramid model utilized in Early Childhood Education Centers. Participants are encouraged to register and attend all 7 sessions as the content builds on previous weeks. Positive Solutions for Families will occur weekly on Wednesdays from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM weekly. Sessions will occur on the following dates:


Wednesday, May 7: Session 1- Making a Connection

Wednesday, May 14: Session 2- Keeping it Positive

Wednesday, May 21: Session 3- Behavior has Meaning

Wednesday, May 28: Session 4- The Power of Routines

Wednesday, June 4: Session 5- Teach Me What to Do

Wednesday, June 11: Session 6- Responding with Purpose

Wednesday, June 18: Session 7- Putting it all together with a plan


To learn more and register to participate, click here.

RAISE logo

Have You Read the April Edition of RAISE The Standard?


The focus for the April newsletter is Financial Planning.


Financial planning for people with disabilities is a challenge because so many vital public benefits (SSI and Medicaid) are “means-tested”—meaning they are linked to lower incomes. How can a person get ahead and save for the future? Special financial tools like ABLE accounts and special needs trusts can be confusing, and mistakes can be costly.


This issue of RAISE The Standard explores how to help youth with disabilities achieve greater financial literacy.


To access the issue, click here.

Upcoming Events


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


Highlighted Event This Week

Inclusion: From Impact to Action webinar flyer image

Input to Action: SEPAGs as Catalysts for Inclusive Districts & Communities


Wednesday, May 14, 2025

7:00 - 8:00 PM ET

Online


When parents understand the benefits of inclusion, get involved with their Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG), develop collaborative communication skills and share their goals for their children, they can extend change beyond the classroom.


Attendees will:


  • Review barriers to inclusion
  • Learn how SEPAGs can use data and reports to start conversations
  • Develop strategies to expand your SEPAG to the community
  • ...and more!


To register, click 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 Hub graphic image

Left Outside: How Some Businesses Fail to Comply

with the ADA


Check out our latest youth blog post, "Left Outside: How Some Businesses Fail to Comply with the ADA," to explore why many businesses still fall short of meeting ADA requirements.


To access the post, click here.

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Share your SPAN testimonial story! CLICK HERE

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