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

June 26, 2024 | Issue 136 (View newsletter as webpage) Para leer este boletín en Español, haga clic aquí

Important News

US DOE Logo

U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights Releases New Resources on Protecting Students with Disabilities in K12 and Higher Education


On June 20, The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released three new resources with information for students, parents and families, and schools addressing the civil rights of students with sickle cell disease, epilepsy, and cancer. OCR issued these resources during a month that marks both World Sickle Cell Day and National Black Family Cancer Awareness Week.


The resources inform students with disabilities, and their families and schools, about relevant legal rights under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities by institutions that accept federal financial assistance, which includes almost all public schools and public and private institutions of higher education.


To read the Department's full release on the new resources, which also include educational institution responsibilities, and to access them on the OCR website, click here.

Photo of SEVA graduates

Pictured from front left to right - Elaine Hill, Kim Desmond, Megan Gutierrez, Marissa Giberson, Courtney Richardson, Danielle Ward, Tiffany Molina, Karen Blumenthal, Ileana Neagu -Fritschie and Victoria Alizo.

SPAN Proudly Announces Our Latest SEVA Program Parent Leadership Graduates


SPAN proudly announces that eleven new Special Education Volunteer Advocates (SEVA) graduates completed their training on May 23, 2024. This was the first in-person SEVA training held in Burlington County since the beginning of the pandemic.


SEVA graduates will offer parents assistance and support in preparation for and at IEP meetings while building leadership capacity for the families they serve. 


Congratulations graduates!


To learn more about the SEVA program, click here.

Resources

RAISE logo

Join the 10th Annual RAISE Youth Transition Summit


Nothing about us without us!


July 25th, 2024

9:00AM - 4:00 PM Central Time

(10:00AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time)


The National RAISE Center will be hosting its 10th Summit in St. Louis, Missouri. It will be a time for leadership development, networking and team building. We have enabled a virtual option, so if you are not attending in person, you can still participate virtually.


This summit will focus on developing and strengthening relationships with key partners to improve transition outcomes.


For more agenda information and to register as a virtual attendee, click here.

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Recognizing the 25th Anniversary of the Olmstead Decision


To properly recognize the anniversary, NJ Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities, Paul Aronsohn, penned and excellent op-ed appearing in northjersey.com on June 11. It begins:


"This month marks the 25th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s “Olmstead” decision — a case that was a watershed moment in the lives of Americans with disabilities.


To some, the 6-3 decision meant an end to the forced, “unjustified institutionalization” of people with disabilities. To some, it meant that and a whole lot more. It was about dignity. It was about civil and human rights. It was about personal choice – about acknowledging that people with disabilities — like all people everywhere — should be able to choose “where” and “how” to live their lives.


Taken together, the Olmstead decision was a long-overdue affirmation by the nation’s highest court that people with disabilities matter. What they need matters. What they want matters. What they say matters."


To read all of Mr. Aronsohn's impactful op-ed, click here.

Rendering image of the SPAN Tree of Gratitude

Make a Lasting Impression - The SPAN Tree of Gratitude


The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network invites our friends, parents, partners, and affiliated organizations to take part in a unique opportunity to be featured on our stunning Tree of Gratitude, which will grace the entryway of our new office. By participating, you will establish a tangible connection with us and play a vital role in shaping the future of our organization.


We encourage you, along with your friends and colleagues, to consider this special opportunity to make a lasting and impactful contribution. Your placement on our beautiful tree will serve as a symbol of your involvement in the SPAN community.

Furthermore, your generous donation to our campaign will enable us to

continue offering invaluable resources to parents and professionals across

New Jersey and beyond. Join us in celebrating your support and commitment to our mission.


Our tree will be unveiled during a scheduled Open House on September 18, which you will hear more about shortly.


To learn more about the SPAN Tree of Gratitude and how you can take part, click here.


Upcoming Events


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


Highlighted Event This Week

PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support) logo

Using PBIS In School


Tuesday, July 2, 7 - 8PM

Online


Children do not lose their constitutional rights when they walk through the schoolhouse door. This workshop summarizes the rights of children with and without disabilities in the area of discipline. What can administrators do? What are the limits on their authority? What are some alternatives to out-of-school suspension? When and before whom must a suspension or expulsion hearing be held?


This workshop provides an overview of a cycle of failure that often results for students with behavioral challenges. The focus is on intervention with students who exhibit challenging behaviors (e.g. aggression, self-injury, tantrums). An emphasis on educational strategies helps students learn alternate behaviors that can lead to long-term change. Information on due process rights of children in the discipline process is also provided.


To register, click here.

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

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Honoring Juneteenth: A Journey Through History


Read our latest youth blog post, "Honoring Juneteenth: A Journey Through History," to explore the rich history and enduring legacy of the Juneteenth holiday.


To access the post, click here.

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