March 8, 2023 | Issue 68 (View newsletter as webpage) Para leer este boletín en Español, haga clic aquí

In Remembrance

Judy Heumann, International Disability Rights Activist

With a heavy heart, we share the sad news of the passing of Judy Heumann. Known to the world as

"the Mother" of the disability rights movement, she was a friend and fierce supporter of SPAN.

Judy's story was featured in the documentary Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, which was nominated for an Oscar in 2020

Over the years she presented at SPAN events, initiated and facilitated national and international partnerships and collaborations with SPAN, and most recently, presented at a congressional briefing

Celebrating International Day of Disability and the International Children with Disabilities Protection Act with our own Diana Autin.

We invite you to take some time to learn more about the amazing life and incredible work of Judy Heumann and to reflect upon the legacy she leaves.

View a video message that Judy shared with SPAN here

Learn more about her life and impact on her website here

Link to view the livestream of a Memorial Service Honoring Judith Heumann on March 8, 2023 at 10:00 AM

Resources

Candid Conversations: Handing Over the Reins

"Candid Conversations: Handing Over the Reins" is a full-feature film that aims to address many questions and concerns parents and self-advocates may have around the transition from high school and into adulthood. You may even see some familiar names & faces!

The NY Collaborative partnered with colleagues from CIDA NY, Chinese-American Planning Council, and the New York DeafBlind Collaborative to proudly present a labor of love, a film supporting New York families supporting youth with disabilities in their endeavor to accomplish no small feat--transitioning to adulthood and understanding the importance of self-advocacy skills.

The entire film is 1 hour and 17 minutes, however, it is also divided into three smaller parts to facilitate viewing:

Part I: Hopes and Dreams

Part 2: Independence & Advocacy

Part 3: A Few Words of Advice

View the film here

Ms. Shirley Johnson Honored

Decorative image with Ms. Shirley and others

The Greater Newark Women's Assembly Honors Banquet Luncheon was held to celebrate Women's History Month and women's achievements. Community members, and civic and faith leaders choose women who serve as role models and provide service to the community as honorees. SPAN's own Ms. Shirley Johnson was selected as an honoree.

The event was an opportunity to highlight personal achievements, talents and contributions that benefit families' health and vitality and the community's greater good.

Congratulations to Ms. Shirley for this acknowledgment of her commitment to families!

Upcoming Events

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

Highlighted Event This Week

Families, Schools and the Power of "We"

March 13, 2023 - 7:00 PM

March 15, 2023 - 10:00 AM

Effective family-school partnerships are essential for achieving the best outcomes for students with disabilities, but what does that look like??

Join us to:

Understand the meaning of "Family and Community Engagement" and why it matters to both families and schools
Listen to a panel of parent leaders, school board members, administrators and student self-advocates discuss the benefits of collaborative relationships
Discuss the meaning of "interdependence" and how it relates to effective partnerships
Identify barriers to collaboration and strategies to overcome them

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

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The Health Benefits of Pets

Check out the latest blog post, "The Health Benefits of Pets," and read about pet ownership's serotonin-boosting or happy effects. These furry, scaly, or several-legged friendships can lower stress and provide emotional support.

Click here to read the blog

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