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October 30, 2024 | Issue 154 (View newsletter as webpage) Para leer este boletín en Español, haga clic aquí

Important News

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November is National Family Caregivers Month


National Family Caregivers Month – celebrated each November — is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country.


Each year has a theme and the 2024 theme is, "I care..."


Celebrating Family Caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month enables all of us to:



  • Raise awareness of family caregiver issues
  • Celebrate the efforts of family caregivers
  • Educate family caregivers about self-identification
  • Increase support for family caregivers
  • Reduce feelings of isolation


For more on how to recognize and celebrate Family Caregivers, and provide them with important mental health resources, click here.


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Living a Life of Choice: The Power of Inclusive Policies and Practices


Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Blog


In her most recent OSERS Blog, U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Director, Valerie C. Williams catches up with a young student with Down Syndrome named Drew and his mom, Becky, after having met them four years ago.


Valerie wanted to see how school has been going for Drew, and Becky shared that her son has had amazing inclusive experiences in two different schools in two different districts. In fact, Drew made national headlines a few years ago when he became a UPS driver for a day.


Valerie shares the full conversation she had with Becky on the blog, which you can access by clicking here, including discussion of the powerful inclusion policy statement at Drew's school.

Resources

RAISE logo

RAISE Guide on Disability, Mental Illness and Transition


RAISE Center has posted an informative guide on the Intersection of mental illness and disability during transition.


Students with disabilities can also experience co-occurring mental health issues. This is particularly true of children with developmental disabilities with ranges from almost 34% to 59% prevalence. According to a recent Psychology in the Schools article, the “rate of college students with disabilities and co-occurring mental health disorders (D/MH) is steadily increasing across the U.S. However, despite available services and supports, the outcomes of these students lag behind their peers without D/MH.”


To read more on what the research found, what barriers exist for students, what makes transition easier, and for resources to help students with mental illness/disability during transition, 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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Equitable Discipline Forum


Mercer County College

Conference Center

November 14, 2024

9:00AM - 2:45PM


The Equitable Discipline Forum will explore strategies for reducing disparities in disciplinary actions and promoting inclusive approaches that prioritize fairness, respect, and the well-being of all students. In addition, the Forum will present data related

to disciplinary disparities, restraint &

seclusion, and details on how to file a

complaint related to discipline. This will be an opportunity for stakeholders, advocates, families, and caregivers to exchange ideas,

share best practices, and address

challenges related to ensuring discipline that is unbiased, equitable, and supportive of positive outcomes for all students.


Special keynote from NJ Division on Civil Rights.


For the agenda and to register, click here.

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

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haga clic aquí para suscribirse
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Facing Change


Explore our latest youth blog post, Facing Change, where you'll find simple techniques to uplift your mood and manage daily challenges.


To access the post, click here.

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