HELP IS A PHONE CALL AWAY

Mid-August 2024 NEWSLETTER

Dear Parents and Friends,

We hope you are enjoying the rest of the summer and getting ready for back to school.

This is my last newsletter. Happily we will have some new parents involved with ASCF who will write them going forward. I have been asked to prepare a brief history of our activities of the past 46 years... Although it was hard work designing the programs and preparing grants to fund them it was all worth it. We had wonderful staff and volunteers who helped make them successful. So here are just the facts, but behind them are the thank yous, tears and smiles of many parents and children. I wish ASCF and all the parents great success. And always remember, you are never alone because you are there for each other.

Love, Angela Abdul and

ASCF Staff

ASCF's Recognitions

-Whitney Landon Friend of Children award for outstanding contribution children of New Jersey (2000)

-Salute Champions of Disability 2013 award from Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders and Advisory Council on Disability

-Learning Disabilities Association of America Proud Project Awards for 10 years for Project ABLE, Project READ Tutoring, Supporting Special Parents, Social Skills Program, Rest-A-Bit respite program, Conference, and Buddy Youth Mentoring

-SPAN's Diana Cuthbertson Parent-Professional Collaboration award to 4 of ASCFs advocates

-LDA of America Patti Richards Advocacy award

-NJ Developmental Disabilities Council Median award for newsletter column, Kids Korner

-Appointed Passaic County Learning Disabilities Charter (1989)

-Designated SPAN Resource Center for Northern Passaic County

JOIN ASCF'S DADS ONLY GROUP

A virtual Dad Chat group is on Monday September 9 and 23, 2024 at 8:00 pm. This is not counseling. This is a facilitated discussion of fathers sharing their joys and frustrations. ASCF welcomes other male caregivers who are raising their special needs child(ren). No legal, medical advice or recommendations are given at any time. The Zoom link will be emailed the morning of the group. Please call us at 973-728-8744 with your email address and phone number to register.

FREE VIRTUAL PRESENTATIONS

BASIC RIGHTS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

Monday, August 26, at 7:00 PM

This FREE Virtual overview will help parents understand and ask questions about Special Education Services for their child(ren). Presented by Tammi Kaminiski and Meredith Brooks, Parent Trainers for ASCF. REGISTER by calling:

973 728 8744 with your email address and phone number.

SOCIAL SECURITY

Monday, September 16, 2024 @ 12:00pm

A representative of the Social Security Administration will present information that will help with any confusing questions that you may have to guide you through their system. They will inform you of any requirements that need to be met. REGISTER by calling 973-728-8744 with your email and phone number.

BACK TO SCHOOL ARTICLE

Going back to school can be a stressful time for kids and families. There may be big changes like switching to a new school or having more than one teacher. Kids who learn and think differently can be particularly anxious about keeping up or fitting in. If your child is anxious or worried leading up to the start of school, these tips can help. Check out :

https://www.understood.org/en/articles/back-to-school-anxiety-tips

DISCLAIMER:

The Association for Special Children and Families does not provide or give legal or medical advice.

DESCARGO DE RESPONSABILIDAD:

La Asociación para Niños y Familias Especiales no proporciona ni brinda asesoramiento legal o médico.

The contents of this newsletter was developed under a grant from the US Department of Education, H328C10009. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the the policy of the US Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Project Officer Yolanda Lusane.

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