The Alliance of Private Special Education Schools of North Jersey - 2021-22 Parent Advocacy Virtual Conference
The Alliance of Private Special Education Schools of North Jersey offers virtual ZOOM presentations for 2021-22. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email directly from the Alliance of Private Special Education Schools containing information about joining the meeting. Programs are offered free of charge.
FALL 2021
Monday, October 18, 2021 from 7-8:15 PM
When the Local Public School is Not Enough: Exploring the Need For An Out-of-District Placement
featuring Hillary Freeman, Esq.
What happens when the local public school cannot meet a child’s academic, behavioral or social/emotional needs? Join us as Hillary Freeman, Esq. discusses topics including least restrictive environment, accommodations, modifications and supports in public schools, the full range of placement options, demonstrating the need for out of district services, researching schools, writing the IEP, and planning the eventual return to the district.
Tuesday, November 9, 2021 from 7:00-8:15 PM
Transition Made Easy: A Person-Centered Step-by-Step Guide to Transition into Adult Services
featuring Trisha Bailey, Caregivers Inc.
Parents will learn the step-by-step process of accessing services with New Jersey’s Division of Developmental Disabilities and learn about Person-Centered Planning and why it is so important.
Tuesday, December 14, 2021 from 7:00-8:15 PM
Out of Harm’s Way: Safety Tools and Resources for Students with Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs
featuring Adrienne Robertiello, Children's Specialized Hospital
There are hidden safety hazards in every home, school, workplace and community: fire, water, transportation, school, public spaces and now - COVID-19. Adrienne will provide tips and tools to support safety education, describe how to connect with local emergency responders, teach how to include safety goals in the IEP, and provide practical preventive measures to keep your child out of harm’s way.
2022
Tuesday, January 11, 2022 from 7:00-8:15 PM
College Options for Students with Disabilities: Changing Expectations & Increasing Opportunities
featuring Dr. Maria Paiewonsky, Think College
Increasingly, parents, students and schools are recognizing that higher education is an option for a wide range of students with disabilities. Whether fully matriculated, part-time, or engaging in a campus-based college experience, students with disabilities are “thinking college.” Join us as Maria describes ways in which college IS possible, why it may be a good choice, how to prepare, how to apply, how to pay for it; how to find the right program and the differences between college and HS.
Tuesday, February 8, 2022 from 7:00-8:15 PM
Compensatory Education and the Pandemic: Rights and Considerations
featuring Rebecca Spar, Esq.
Many parents and school districts are recognizing the effects of interrupted learning on students with disabilities and asking about whether compensatory education is needed. How is the need for compensatory education determined? Is it a matter of grade retention? What services are needed to make up the losses? In this program, learn from one of New Jersey’s leading legal experts about the rights of students with disabilities to 'comp ed'.
Tuesday, March 8, 2022 from 7:00-8:15 PM
Gender Identify and Sexuality in Students with Autism and Other Disabilities
featuring Cori Fraser, LCSW, Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy
Tuesday, April 12, 2022 from 7:00-8:15 PM
Assistive Technology (AT) in Schools: Opening Doors to Learning and Independence
featuring Kristen Russell, OT, ATP
AT is any device, software, or equipment that helps people with disabilities learn, communicate, or function better. AT can be as high-tech as a computer, or as low-tech as a weighted pencil. In this program, learn about a student’s right to AT, and how it can increase learning and independence.
Tuesday, May 10, 2022 from 7:00-8:15 PM
Securing the Future for Your Child with Special Needs: Financial and Estate Planning
Featuring Paul Prior, Esq., and Don Brown, ChFC, CASL
Sometimes it feels like there are more questions than answers: Who will make decisions for my child when I am gone? Where will my child live? Who will make sure he is happy and safe? How much money is needed for a secure future? Do I really need an ‘estate plan’? Join us as Paul and Don answer these -and other tough questions. They will offer a reassuring step-by-step plan to make sure your child’s future is secure.