SPAN Parent Advocacy Network

Postsecondary Systems Change: Lessons from the Learn and Earn to Achieve Potential (LEAP) Initiative. This report explores strategies for transforming postsecondary education systems to better support underserved, system-involved youth funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which aims to address systemic barriers that limit access and success for young people facing adversity. https://lnkd.in/enRDztg8 #WorkforceWednesday #YETI-RAISE @RAISECenter

#TransitionTuesday: Not all disabilities are visible. Many people face barriers and stigma simply because their disability isn’t immediately apparent. Challenging assumptions is key to building a more inclusive world. "Stop Assuming I’m Not Disabled Just Because I Don’t Look Disabled" is an article that explores these misconceptions: https://lnkd.in/eM3Q_YR #DisabilityAwareness #InvisibleDisability #SelfAdvocacy #DisabilityInclusion #DisabilityVisibility

#MilestoneMonday… Does My Child Have Physical Developmental Delays? Physical developmental delays, also known as gross motor delays, can affect how children move. But if you’re concerned, you don’t have to wait until your child's next checkup with their pediatrician. Acting early on motor delays can make a big difference. If you have a child between 2 months and 5 years old and suspect they may have a developmental delay: - Complete a milestone checklist: https://lnkd.in/eXRix2E - Learn more about physical developmental delays and related conditions: https://lnkd.in/gcZyaA_m #ActEarly #MilestonesMatter #BeInformed #DevelopmentalMilestone #AAPMotorDelayToo

March is National Reading Month! SPAN and its NJ Family Engagement Hub want to support our community of parents, caregivers, educators, administrators and family organization partners this month to engage and motivate the readers in our lives. This month is an important opportunity to encourage reading every day and to foster a love of books for children and youth across our great state! #FamilyEngagementFriday #StudentSuccess #ReadWithRIF

The US DOE is responsible for enforcing state compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates that all public schools provide children with disabilities a free education that is tailored to their individual needs. It also provides significant funding to the states for this purpose. In 2024, the Education Department allocated an estimated $7.9 million for early intervention programs, $420 million for preschools and $14.2 billion for students up to the age of 21. This funding supports 7.3 million children with physical, mental, sensory and learning disabilities nationally via accommodations providing them with an equal education.* #SpecialEducation #DisabilityRights #DidYouKnowThursday *Source: Hechinger Report, March 11, 2025

This guide, from NTACT The Collabortive, is designed to help Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) to become better versed in Pre-ETS, to engage students earlier in vocational rehabilitation, and to develop effective processes to collaborate with multiple partners. To learn more and download the guide, visit https://lnkd.in/eNh4Wa7k #WorkforceWednesday #Transition #DisabilityEducation

#TransitionTuesday…Mental health is a critical issue for everyone, but people with disabilities often face additional challenges—like barriers to care, stigma, and a lack of accessible resources. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward meaningful support and change. Learn more about how the mental health crisis impacts the disability community in this video. https://lnkd.in/gPr2s32S #MentalHealth #YouthEmpowerment #Advocate #KeepTalkingMH #MentalHealthAwareness

March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, and March 25 is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. This month, we recognize and support the millions of individuals across the U.S. living with Cerebral Palsy (CP). The goal of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month is to raise awareness, promote fair treatment, and ensure that children and adults with CP have the same opportunities as others in their communities. Join us in advocating for a world where everyone has the support they need to thrive. To learn more, visit cerebralpalsyguidance.com. #CerebralPalsy #CerebralPalsyAwareness #CerebralPalsyAwarenessMonth #CerebralPalsyDay #SPAN #Advocacy #Empower #SupportingFamilies #SupportSystem

#MilestoneMonday... Early relationships and positive experiences play a crucial role in a child’s healthy development. As they grow, young children should reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move. This timeline outlines key behaviors children should demonstrate from 2 months to 5 years of age. Use this tool to track your child’s development and learn how to take action early if you have concerns: https://lnkd.in/ewEVwybZ #ActEarly #ChildDevelopment #EarlyChildhood #DevelopmentalMilestone #YouthDevelopment

In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women's Day, we look back on some of women’s greatest accomplishments and celebrate our achievements. This year’s theme is #AccelerateAction. Collectively, together we can forge gender equality. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dGX7T8X #WomensHistory #WomensHistoryMonth #WomensDay #InternationalWomensDay