Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG)
If you have any questions or concerns please contact:
Jonathan Bedi
Parent Liaison Transition Coordinator (Ext. 6807)
jbedi@whrhs.org
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.
Student Transition Webinar:
This webinar will provide valuable information to better prepare individuals and their families for their transition into adult services. Topics will include the step-by-step transition process, Medicaid eligibility, support coordination, choosing the right support coordination agency, and much more!
January 13, 2021 - 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Join on Zoom: http://zoom.us, hit "Join Meeting"
Meeting ID: 895 5990 7638
Passcode: 057313
February 18th at 7:30pm
Zoom Info to be distributed after you register. You can register by emailing ssiebelts@bhpsnj.org or https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/
*Accessing Services and ‘Natural Supports’
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.
March 11th 7:30 pm
Zoom Info to be distributed after you register. You can register by emailing ksullivan@kean.edu or https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/
*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 required to receive any adult services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) after graduation from high school.
April 8th 7:30pm
Zoom Info to be distributed after you register. You can register by emailing jbornstein@ucesc.org or https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/
*Guardianship and Supported Decision Making: Just the Basics
Guardianship can be a valuable tool that can be used to protect individuals who don’t or no longer possess the ability to make appropriate personal or financial decisions for themselves. This workshop will help parents and caregivers understand the guardianship process, levels of guardianship, and alternatives to guardianship.
May 13 7:30pm
Zoom Info to be distributed after you register. You can register by emailing jbedi@whrhs.org or https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/
*Yes, Your Child Can Work! Working Toward Employment for People With I/DD
For many people, a job is something that helps define who they are. It gives us a meaningful place to go every day, a way to explore our interests, a means of earning money, and a way to be a part of our community. This workshop will discuss different employment options available to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and hands-on tools for preparing students for employment.
June 10th, 7:30pm (TENTATIVE)
Preparing to Get the Most out of your Student’s High School Experience
As a parent, you want to help your child make choices that are best for his or her needs. This workshop will explore the role your school district will play in the transition process and how you can prepare your child for adult life
RSVP: Sarah McCulloh, Transition Coordinator, (908) 851-4431, smcculloh@twpunionschools.org or https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/