SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, Inc.

10/10/2026

10/09/2026

🎓 College Admissions: One Step at a Time!

From campus visits to applications and early decisions, planning for college can feel overwhelming. But families can make the journey easier by taking a few simple steps together.

🏫 Visit campuses early and let your teen take the lead.

📝 Explore college options together, while encouraging your teen to own their applications and decisions.

💬 Keep talking! Focus on progress, not perfection.

📅 Make a plan. Break the process into manageable steps to reduce stress.

Remember, it's your teen's journey! Your encouragement and support can help them make confident decisions about their future.

💚 Save this post to revisit these tips as your family navigates the college admissions process!

10/07/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! 💼

Every worker brings unique skills, perspectives, and talents to the workplace. This month, we celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and the importance of creating workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

This year's theme, "Celebrate Value and Talent," reminds us that inclusive employment benefits everyone.

📅 Join the NJ Department of Human Services for its NDEAM 2026 Webinar Series, October 8–29, to explore important topics related to disability employment.

🔗 Learn more and register: https://tinyurl.com/2r4xkbjw

10/07/2026

Talent comes in many forms. Opportunity should, too.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to celebrate the talents, skills, and contributions of workers with disabilities.

For young people with disabilities, the path to employment begins with opportunities to explore careers, build skills, gain experience, and make decisions about their futures.

Employers, educators, and community partners all have a role to play in opening doors and creating workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

🎥 Watch this short video to learn more about NDEAM and why inclusive employment matters:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdrG4kItOKs

10/06/2026

: October brings visible changes, and transition planning is also about preparing for what comes next.

Young people do not need to have every answer right away. Transition planning is a process, and goals can change as youth learn more about their strengths, interests, preferences, needs, and options. I’m Determined offers resources to help youth take an active role in planning for life after high school and building self-advocacy skills.

Learn more here: https://imdetermined.org/youth/

10/05/2026

This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week. This year’s theme, “Turning Science Into Hope,” highlights how science, research, and lived experience can strengthen understanding of mental health conditions and help connect people and families with meaningful support.

NAMI also emphasizes the importance of sharing experiences, reducing stigma, and making trusted mental health information and resources easier to find.

Learn more: https://www.nami.org/stay-connected/events/awareness-events/mental-illness-awareness-week/

10/05/2026

Basic Rights in Special Education, conducted by SPAN Policy Director, Peg Kinsell.
In-person training this coming Thursday, October 8, 2026
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Pemberton Township Schools
Brotherhood Building, Conference Room B
1 Egbert Street
Pemberton, NJ

To register, visit: https://tinyurl.com/49asynf5

10/03/2026

What helps you grow? 🌱

Think about three things you’re grateful for that have helped you become who you are—or are helping you become who you want to be.

Maybe it’s:
💚 Someone who believes in you
📍 A place where you feel inspired or supported
✨ An experience that taught you something important

What would be on your list? Drop one—or all three—in the comments! 👇

10/02/2026

☀️ Busy school mornings don’t have to mean skipping breakfast—or family connection.

Even a few minutes together over breakfast can be a simple way for families to connect before the day begins. And breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated! Fruit-and-yogurt parfaits, breakfast burritos, waffles, smoothies, and other quick options can make busy mornings a little easier.

🥞🍓 Explore 21 quick breakfast ideas and choose a few for your family to try together.

Read the full article here: https://tinyurl.com/39m8fvfr

10/02/2026

Make your voice heard on NJ school funding! Regional Forums upcoming.

As part of New Jersey’s School Funding Outreach Project, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) is offering multiple opportunities for New Jerseyans to learn about school funding and share their perspectives. Families, educators, students, school leaders, and community members are invited ...