Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG)

Upcoming Events:

• October 24, 2018, 6:00-7:00 pm, Union High School, 2350 North Third Street, Union, NJ 07083

*Accessing Services and ‘Natural Supports’

Presentation led by Gretchen Alonso, Transition Navigator, The Arc of NJ

Everyone has a right to be involved in their community. There are many supports for people with disabilities to help them do just that. This workshop will discuss services for accessing the community and will provide hands-on tools for helping students to obtain natural supports in the community. It will also include conversations on how to navigate some of the challenges associated with accessing services.

PLEASE NOTE: You may enter UHS through the side of the building by the “Rock” near the Gym. C101 is the first classroom on your right; you will see balloons in the classroom doorway, directing you to the correct location.

RSVP: Sarah McCulloh, Transition Coordinator/CST Case Manager,      (908) 851-4431, smcculloh@twpunionschools.org

• January 17, 2019, 7:00-8:00 pm, Hosted by Linden Public Schools, Held at the Academy of Excellence (formally known as St. Elizabeth), 170 Hussa Street, Linden, NJ 07036

  *SSI and Medicaid: How to Apply and Why You Need To Do So

  There are many different ways to initiate the Medicaid eligibility process, and it is important to make sure you have all of the necessary information. This workshop will help parents and caregivers understand how to access health care services for their loved one with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) from the current health care system. PLEASE NOTE: Medicaid is needed in order to receive any adult services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) after graduation from high school.

  RSVP: Nikki Livingston, Academy of Excellence/Linden Public Schools, (908) 587-3285, ext. 8650, alivingston@lindenps.org

Past Events:

• October 17th @ 7 pm                (Location: Media Center) - Please join a panel of financial advisors and attorneys to learn the importance of planning for your special needs family members.  We will discuss the steps needed to help insure their financial future, including structuring a financial plan and the role that insurance may play in estate planning, special needs trusts, and family law issues.

Mission Statement:

Our mission is to facilitate collaboration between students, parents, staff, the Board of Education and the community in order to promote inclusion, understanding of, respect for and support of all children with special needs in our community.

Special Education Parent Advisory Groups are required for all school districts in New Jersey. The purpose of these groups is to provide opportunities for parents and community members to offer input to the district on specific issues. New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14-1.2(h) states that:

Each Board of Education shall ensure that a special education parent advisory group is in place in the district to provide input to the district on issues concerning students with disabilities.

Watchung Hills Regional High School has established the Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) as a forum for parents to provide input to the district regarding students with disabilities. We welcome and encourage the participation of all parents.

SEPAG’s goal is to support parents whose children receive special education services, and to advise the district on matters related to special education. SEPAG does this by hosting meetings for parents, sharing information and other relevant issues. SEPAG will meet quarterly while school is in session to discuss these issues. Meetings can consist of presentations from knowledgeable speakers on a variety of topics, or simply be an informal gathering to share ideas, network, and support each other.

SEPAG’s purpose:

• To provide direct input on the policies, programs and practices that impact services and supports for students with disabilities.
• To increase the involvement of families of children with special needs.
• To advise on issues that affect the education, health and safety of students with special needs.