Special EDition Monthly Newsletter
News from Special Services April 2023
Did you know April is...
Cushing Disease/Syndrome Awareness Month United States
National Donate Life Month United States
Paralyzed Veterans Across America Month United States
Limb Loss Awareness Month United States
Parkinson’s Awareness Month United States
Apr 2 World Autism Awareness Day (United Nations) Global
Apr 6 Bohring-Opitz Syndrome Awareness Day Global
Apr 7 World Health Day Global
Apr 8 Cushing Disease/Syndrome Awareness Day United States
Apr 10 National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day United States
Apr 11-18 Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week United States
Apr 11 Parkinson’s Disease International Awareness Day Global
Apr 13 Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Awareness Day Global
Apr 13 Sarcoidosis Awareness Day Global
Apr 17 World Hemophilia Day (United Nations Day) Global
Apr 19-23 Porphyria Awareness Week United States
Apr 19 Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Action Day Global
Apr 22-29 World Primary Immunodeficiency (PI) Week Global
Apr 23 Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) Awareness Day Global
Apr 25 World Malaria Day (WHO) Global
Apr 25 World Meningitis Day Global
Apr 27 Show Your Mettle Day (Amputees) United States
Apr 29 World Wish Day Global
April is Autism Acceptance Month
World Autism Day is April 2nd! By focusing on acceptance, we hope to help encourage change and encourage change in support and services. As a district, we strive to promote acceptance and understanding of Autism each day because with acceptance comes to inclusion and belonging!
Occupational Therapy Month
April 5th - National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
On the first Wednesday of April, we celebrate National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day! Join us celebrating our amazing paras!
Paraprofessional Appreciation Day honors paraprofessional educators. At Florence Township School District, Paraprofessionals provide assistance to teachers and other school personnel in the delivery of quality education and support services for students in an array of classroom settings. Please join me in thanking them for all they do for our students!
Dynamic Learning Maps End of Year Testing
Annual Reviews
The Child Study Team is continuing to schedule Individual Education Plan (IEP) Annual Reviews. The annual review is conducted to review the student’s special education program at least once a year to discuss the progress they are making toward their IEP goals. During the meeting, parents of the child and staff can discuss if child has exceeded goals in some areas, met other criteria or has possibly fallen short. With this information, new goals can be set for the following school year, and the IEP can be revised accordingly. When making this schedule, many factors must be taken into consideration; Student’s accommodations, and their availability of the related services staff (Speech, TOD, BCBA), District and State testing dates, building and grade level events & meetings (MTSS), class trips, advanced meeting requirements/requests from parents, and students’ lunch periods all come into play when planning the total calendar of appointments.
Families have the option to attend the annual review in person or virtually. Please let your child's case manager know your preference when you receive notice of your child's meeting.
IEP Direct - Parent Portal
Youth Monthly Transition News
News and Resources
SPAN Virtual Workshop Series for Families: Transition to Adulthood
Co-hosted by RAFT School-Based Youth Services Program
Do you have a child with a disability who is in Middle or High School?
Join us for one or all of the sessions in a virtual series
Our series of six virtual workshops will discuss the process of transition planning at age 14 and its significance in student's lives. We will discuss how families, youth and schools must work together to achieve the best outcomes for students. Please come to learn and empower your child in the transition process.
All sessions are Wednesdays from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
All sessions will have live interpretation into Spanish. Los talleres se interpretarán simultáneamente al español.
Learn more about each topic and Register now for by clicking here
Education
Financial aid resources for college students with disabilities
Federal government signals big changes to student loan forgiveness programs for disabled borrowers
Disability and Culture
The policing of disability status
Deaf high school football team aims to make history in state championships
Independent Living
Self-advocacy skill building
Special Needs Trusts or ABLE accounts?
Services and Systems
A call for increased funding and support for 504 plans
When federal assistance for daily living doesn't include parenting
Work
Preparing for and attending virtual career fairs
Job accommodations and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Science and Technology
What does inclusive design mean?
Gamers with disabilities
NJ Transition-Related Resources & Online Events
Side by Side Transition Services between
Education and Vocational Rehabilitation
Difference between Secondary and Post-Secondary Education
Think College Search:
The only directory of its kind, features 309 colleges and universities that offer post-secondary education programs for students with intellectual disabilities
Parent Resources
William Patterson Disability HUB
Transition from School to Life: Transition Information
Scholarship & Financial Aid Opportuities for Classified Students
NJ Special Education Website
NJ Special Education Code
Parental Rights in Special Education (PRISE) and other resources
Parent Teen Connect-
Invitation to join the Florence Township Special Education Parent Advisory Group
We invite you to join the Florence Township Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG). SEPAG provides parents with the opportunity to give input and advice to the school district regarding matters pertaining to students with disabilities. Ideally, we are looking for participants to consist of parents of students with an IEP (one from each school) and a parent of a student served in an out-of-district school. Special Education staff will also be included. The newly formed SEPAG will be focused conversations and collaboration.
The main aims of the SEPAG are:
❖ To provide input on polices, programs and practices that impact services and supports for students with disabilities
❖ To give input that will improve positive outcomes for students with special needs
❖ To provide feedback on key issues that are specific to the special education department
What we would like from you as a member of the SEPAG:
❖ A willingness to collaborate with school administrators
❖ A willingness to attend four SEPAG meetings during the school year
❖ A desire to continue to improve special education services in a positive forum
❖ The ability to focus on “big picture” (systemic) issues
If you would like to be considered as a participant on the Special Education Parent Advisory Group, please complete the below survey.
As always, thank you for your support.
Thank you
Florence Township Special Services
Website: https://www.florence.k12.nj.us/special-services
Location: 201 Cedar Street, Florence, NJ, USA
Phone: 609-499-4600
Twitter: @FTSD_Sepag